I Almost Lost Annea

I almost lost Annea on Friday. Annea is what is known as a fearful dog. Fearful dogs will try to avoid situations, objects or people that scare them. They will shake, tremble, or cower. Their tails held low or in between their legs; their heads are low, or they have a crouched body posture. They will also have inappropriate panting with possible submissive urination. Annea will shake and tremble with her tail between her legs, she will crouch with her head down low and pant. I have been working with Annea; however, some dogs do not ever overcome their fear. On Friday, the day I was to leave West Virginia for home, there had been snow overnight. Jason came over to pack up my car, however he was not able to get the car up the hill. He drove Annea and I over to Anna’s mother house. Anna’s uncle and cousin were unable to drive up Nora’s driveway. Calls were made to tow all three vehicles, but back to Annea. When we were at the cabin I stayed at, Annea was afraid to get into Jason’s car, but I was able to get in the car first and then she followed me into it. Once at Nora’s, she did not want to go into the house and as I was trying to coach her, she came out of her harness and took off running. At first, I panicked and screamed for Jason to come help me. As she was running away, I thought I would never see her again. No one would be able to catch her. No one would be able to get near her. Not only because of her fear but dogs that go missing for period of time can be hard to catch. Then the dog trainer in me kicked in and I stooped down to the ground. I called her name, she stopped and turned to look at me. Her black shiny coat against the white snow, she looked so beautiful. I called again, “Annea, come here” and she raced toward me. God had blessed me the day before on my birthday and He blessed and showed me grace at that moment. I was so thankful!

Do You Own The Fastest Dog Breed In The World?

Do you own the fastest dog breed in the world? According to WorldAtlas.com the number one fastest dog in the world is the Greyhound. They clock in at 45 miles per hour! These dogs are bred primarily for coursing game and racing. They are not aggressive, although some believe that they are due to the muzzles worn during racing. The muzzles are worn for their protection as their skin is very thin. Greyhounds do not need extended periods of daily exercise. They are very loyal to their families and always show love to their family members and they are not a barking breed.

The next fastest breed is the Saluki at 42 miles per hour. The Saluki is one of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dog. They were considered the "Royal Dog of Egypt." These dogs are active, gentle, affectionate, and loyal. They are very interested in hunting and need to be controlled when out on walks as they may let their hunting instincts take over. They are good with other dogs but do not get along with other animals.

Third on the list of the fastest dog breed is the Vizsla at 40 miles per hour. Vizsla were companion dogs of the early warlords and barons. They are very high energy, gentle-mannered, loyal, caring and highly affectionate. They are sometimes called "Velcro" dogs because of their loyalty and affection. They are quiet dogs, only barking if necessary or provoked. These dogs want to be close to their owner as much as possible and will cry if they feel neglected or want something.

Check out the remaining line up of breeds that are fast at WorldAtlas.com.

First Walk in a Good While

 Annea and I had a nice walk this morning. It's the first walk in a good while. I have been having problems with my lower back for over a year. It's been longer than that, however a year ago it became much worse. My last training was in December, and I seriously thought of giving up training altogether and possibly going in a different direction with dogs. In July I had two days of very minimal pain; I was able to get in and out of my car, I was able to get into my bed, I was able to walk upright at the end of the day. It was wonderful! I have had a couple of setbacks since then which were my own fault. I lifted things that I should not have lifted. So, it was glorious to get out for a walk with Annea today and I look forward to many more. I'm slowly going to get back to training, please be patient with me as I don't want to overdo it.

Annea is not sure of people she doesn't know, and noise startles her. Our walk was basically just to get her reintroduced to walking where there are people who were walking, running, and riding bikes. She was concerned a couple of times with strange noises but recovered. The only problem she had was crossing a wooden bridge especially when a bike went across it. I didn't focus on commands. We were just out for a walk so she could get use to the smells, sounds, and people. I was proud of her; she did well.