Reisa Stone: The Ongoing Saga of the Lake

The Ongoing Saga 

Trying to swim in the lake

 . 

BC summers are short, and you have to make the most of them. Two weeks of rain now. Ah, heck with it. During a momentary sunny break, I left for the beach.

A sudden downpour, just as I got in the water. Did you know that when it's pelting rain, the drops bounce off the surface and fly in your eyes?

I persisted for an hour. A little girl, fully clothed and fishing off the dock, yelled, "Is it warm?" I yelled back, "NO!" She laughed hysterically.

The rain lightened, but everyone else had fled the area. Suddenly, I was completely alone, a crazy lady swimming in a cold rainy lake. Even the triathlete-looking guy only lasted three minutes. Good thing I have a decent layer of fat.

The birds came out. I swam alongside a flock of Canadian geese, then a Mallard couple. A Kingfisher noisily flew from tree to tree, enjoying the crazy lady enjoying his territory. 
 
He followed me, all along the shoreline. I swam east. He flew east. I turned around and swam west. He flew west. He told me to, "Keep it up!" and cackle-laughed. Two seagulls (we're 70 miles from the ocean), flew over me, calling.

Not what I expected, and magical.

Raisa Stone
 
PS I looked up the symbolism of the Kingfisher on several sources, and here is my favorite: 
http://www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/kingfisher.htm 

Mythologically, they're beloved of sea nymphs. I suppose I was of mythic proportions today ;-D

To receive the complimentary Animal Soul Newsletter, with informative articles about animal care, communication and training, visit my website.


Copyright 2013 Raisa Stone. All rights reserved. If you wish to reprint material from this blog, contact Raisa Stone. Must be reprinted in entirety with all links and credit intact.

Raisa Stone: In Praise of Small Dogs

Years ago, I didn't really like small dogs. Yep, I was a dog snob. And because I avoided them, I didn't listen to them. 

When I was a veterinary assistant, I even landed in a clinic where the groomer despised small dogs. She had special mean names for them. We all laughed. Looking back, it wasn't funny.

Thankfully, I was well on the road to small dog appreciation before I went professional as an Animal Communicator. When you make the transition from "picking and choosing" your rescues to cooperating with big rescues, you work with who's in front of you.

To my surprise and delight (and some self-recrimination), I found a world of brilliant personalities.

Here's what I now know about small dogs:

-Small dogs have the same needs and desires as big dogs. They want to: run, play, socialize, scratch, eat yummy things, roll in stinky stuff, have sex, be part of a pack, sleep in your bed, protect you, have a job, know their place is the home, chew bones, and be with you.

-Though every small dog has the heart of their wolf ancestors, they feel extremely vulnerable due to their size. They can be afraid of: too many feet (on sidewalks and at festivals), people and other dogs approaching too quickly, being picked up without permission, children, loud noises, tall objects, cars, bicycles.

Part of what I do as an AC is actually "go inside" the animal's body and experience the world through their senses. It is quite frustrating and frightening to be a small creature in a world of large ones.

Small dog advice:

-Don't carry them around when they can walk. They find this embarrassing. It subjects them to razzing from larger dogs. Carrying them in your pink purse, is, well, like dressing kids in frou frou clothing. Pick them up only in unfamiliar or crowded situations. As well, lack of weight bearing exercise can cause osteoporosis;

-Housetrain them as rigorously as any large dog. Pee pads and ignoring "accidents" because they're small, is a subversion of their strong natural instincts to potty outdoors. It eats into their self esteem and makes them anxious. Is it acceptable to go in your pants when you only have to go "a little bit"? You'll also find yourself more welcome, socially. No matter how nice your friends are, believe me, they talk about the pee pads and newspapers behind your back;

-Adult large breeds make the best pets for children. Small dogs, especially puppies, are easily injured;

-Give your dog stature. Whenever you can, put them up on a (safe) chair or bench beside you. A small dog likes to view her surroundings. The other day I facilitated this for a mini Poodle at a powwow. She had been cowering under a chair, fine with the drums but terrified of dancing feet. I suggested her Mom put her bed on a chair. The little sprite stopped shaking, looked me warmly in the eye, and in a wee, high voice, said, "Thank you!";

If you leave them during the day, give them a safe perch that lets them watch the world outside. As a dog ages, they may need steps to reach their perch. Don't mistake their gameness to jump and please you, as unlimited ability to do so;

-Don't for one moment think of them as a "toy." They have the same feelings and needs as anyone. Give them big beefy bones they can growl over. Let them socialize with other dogs;

-Use your good sense and compassion when choosing accessories. Many small dogs are mortified by the costumes they're forced to wear, and act this out with misbehaviour and anxiety. I'll say it again, "Dogs make fun of each other, just like we do!" Don't work out your own fashion issues on your pet.

I deal with clothing/collar/blanket/dish/tack preferences all the time in my practice. Yes, they do see colour. Yes, they care about texture. Think about how very simple animals' possessions are, and that they don't have the ability to change these. If you sense discomfort, leave it off, or ask an Animal Communicator;

-Give them a job, whether it's fetching one slipper at a time or an agility routine;

-Recognize that much of the time, the "yapping" other people complain about is a combination of being treated as though they're not dogs, and their desire to protect you---along with the knowledge they can't really do the job. Build their self esteem in other ways;

-Small dog breeds have some special health needs. Read up on your breed. Many have poor teeth, and need extra dental care. White dogs can tend towards deafness.

And please: if you're thinking of acquiring a small dog, look to local rescues and shelters first. Such genuinely nice dogs get dumped. The Spaniel in the photo was an unclaimed stray, with not a thing wrong with him physically or behaviourally. The main reason people get rid of pets, is because they don't realize how much responsibility they are. In BC, we have a double problem: low vacancies at exorbitant rates, with landlords who don't allow pets.

If you're thinking of adopting, please feel free to consult with me. I can look at rescues' photos and give you an idea of their personalities. A session with me can save you much time and effort.

Here's to small dogs, and the people who love them!

Kind regards,
Raisa Stone
Expert Animal Communicator
www.reisastone.com

Join me on Facebook

To receive the complimentary Animal Soul Newsletter, with informative articles about animal care, communication and training, visit my website.


Copyright 2013 Raisa Stone. All rights reserved. If you wish to reprint material from this blog, contact Raisa Stone. Must be reprinted in entirety with all links and credit intact.

Reisa Stone: Communicate With Your Pet, Part 3

Less than 48 hours till my Talking With Animals seminar at Vancouver Pet Expo! Details at the bottom of this post. If you can make it, we'll be doing a fun and profound exercise to help you connect with a pet. Here is one I won't be covering in a hectic atmosphere like an expo, as it can be quite time consuming. I walk you through this in private workshops. 

You can do this on your own, or take turns guiding a friend.

Sit or lie down. Breath deeply. Let your limbs relax, and your jaw drop open. 

Imagine yourself at the top of a flight of stairs. Start walking down, still breathing deeply. Count the stairs: 1, 2, 3....

You'll know when you've reached the bottom.

At the bottom of the stairs is a door. Open the door, and you will find yourself in a particular landscape. It may be a forest, a desert, or a completely unfamiliar setting.

Take your time acclimating to this place. Breath in its scents, feel the air temperature, the surface beneath your feet.

As you walk forward, you sense an animal presence. Invite him or her to come forward. This is the pet that most needs to communicate with you. He or she may be alive or in the spirit world, they may be temporarily elsewhere or permanently rehomed. 

You may be surprised by which pet it turns out to be. Accept their presence. This is who you are to connect with at this time. 

This pet has something to tell you. Your job is to simply listen. Invite them to speak with you whenever they feel the need. Ask them questions. Do not scold. 

If you feel you need forgiveness for a misunderstanding, ask them and wait for a response. As most of us have muddled through life not hearing animals when they speak (I'm not perfect, either), I've found this to be powerful and vital part of the exercise. 

When their message has been delivered, thank them for the communication.

This is one way to establish and maintain connections with spirit animals, and also create a closer bond with one in the physical. If you connect with a pet in the spirit world, don't be surprised if they visit you again, even unbidden. I'll discuss this phenomena further in future.

When your pet indicates its time for them to leave, thank them. Walk towards the door, and walk up the staircase. Let yourself come gradually out of your very relaxed state.

To solidify your experience, journal it. 

This exercise may seem quite short in reading. In a workshop, I would talk you through it in a way that gives everyone ample time for each section. We would further share what we had experienced. In total, this exercise done conscientiously and thoroughly, takes anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. 

Read the first post in the Communicate With Your Pet series.

Animal Communication learning materials are available on my website. 

Kind regards,

Raisa Stone

Animal Communicator

www.reisastone.com

Painting: Quite a Deal, Thoroughbred stallion by Reisa Stone. You can buy Dealer on products at my Zazzle.ca store, SpiritHorses.

                                All posts on the Animal Nation blog are copyright Raisa Stone. They may be Shared in entirety using social media buttons. Otherwise, contact Raisa for reprint permission.

Reisa Stone: Are You Housebroken?

Chant at Sundown & Karma Harmonica

A common problem I hear about during Animal Communication sessions is around house breaking. 

AC sessions are from your pet's point of view. I'd like to tell you a story that may change your own point of view about your pets' "problem" behavior.

My two Dobermans, Chant and Karma, were perfectly house trained. True to Dobe nature, to a degree that was even harmful. I was once trapped away from home in a blizzard, and Chant "held it" for over 16 hours, until my fearless neighbour managed to kick in my door. Also true to Dobe nature, his caring deed earned him kisses.

If you have a German personal protection dog, you'll know what I mean when I say they're like an extra set of limbs, or a Siamese twin. They go everywhere with you. You cannot use the bathroom without being subjected to a piercing, protective glare. You either enjoy this, or you do not. 

On forest runs, the girls crashed through the underbrush, within ear shot but only intermittently in sight. One day, Nature called. I found some bushes and...you get the picture.

The Dobes appeared, side by side. They were three or four years old at this point. The stared intently at me. Their stubby tails began to wag. Then their whole bodies vibrated with joy. One turned to the other and said, "She's gotten it! She's finally gotten it! Maybe she'll stop doing it in the house!"

They nodded solicitously. All this time, they'd been dutifully washrooming outside in even the worst Manitoba weather, and keeping their thoughts to themselves. While their backward Mom plowed on with her filthy indoor habits. I certainly did not show this kind of patience in training them.

My same day relapse was met with head shakes and tolerant, amused remarks in their dry German style. At least I cleaned up after myself. They conceded this was fair exchange for poop scooping and a clean, spacious yard.

We're role models by our physical actions, not our words. The next time your puppy/bunny/kitty has an accident, please consider what you model to them daily. It's a big leap to watch the big hairless animal upon whom you rely, practice contradictory behaviors. 

Our pets are extremely patient with us.

Explaining can help. Though my pets never have understood why I have an issue with the neighbours seeing me use the yard. From an animal's point of view, washrooming outdoors is a point of pride. 

Animal Communication can help your understand why your pet persists in a behavior. Acknowledging their patience and our own awkwardness, assists the change process. The rest is up to you. 

In a future blog post, I'll discuss tips that can make house breaking easier. Also, toilet training cats.

Raisa Stone

Expert Animal Communicator

www.reisastone.com

To receive the complimentary Animal Soul newsletter, visit my website. 

Copyright 2012 Raisa Stone. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint, contact Raisa. Reprints must be in full, with credit and links intact.

What About Cesar?

Almost every time I speak to someone who's concerned about their dog's behavior, they ask me, "What do you think of The Dog Whisperer?"

My answer: "I'd love to see Animal Communication added to the format."  

As for Mr. Millan's training methods: I'd have to spend weeks or months with him on a regular basis, and see his work without the media editing. Hang out, watch, ask questions.

The format of The Dog Whisperer has many believing they can undo years of poor or no training, with two tugs on a slip knot and a "psssssst!" More troubling still, that a rescue animal can be liberated from post-traumatic stress disorder overnight. And that establishing your dominance is the key to solving every behavioral problem. It doesn't work that way. But TV makes it seem so.

Having now had approximately 300 media appearances myself, I can tell you it's a double edged sword. You answer a question with a complete paragraph, to discover only two words were published---out of context. Sometimes, not even two words you actually uttered. 

As a stunning 20 year old singer, I spent hours doing my hair and makeup and smiled brilliantly, only to find myself retouched in a full page article to look like a bad tempered old drag queen. The whole city laughed.

I'd love to see TV trainers filmed as they work with only one or two dogs over 6-8 months. Then a follow up the next year. That would make a fair comparison to trainers who work privately.

Unfortunately, TV is about excitement. It's about quick fixes. The long, slow process of animal training would not bring in millions of dollars of ad revenue. You can't train a dog in half an hour, but far fewer people would watch if you didn't.

How do I know?

Millions of people watch the show, yet sometimes the only audience at even major horse, dog obedience and agility shows are family members. I live around the corner from a venue that hosts several national animal shows. I can arrive at the last minute and get a front row seat, every time.

I'm quite certain Mr. Millan spends at least 30 minutes just showing each family member how to put on a collar and hold a leash. It takes time and patience. Lots of both. How many people would continue watching the show, at that pace? 

Not many. I've met several people who claim to be training their dogs "from The Dog Whisperer's show." They seem puzzled at their lack of positive results. I'm not puzzled in the least. 

The horse world has a similar dilemma. Horse trainers who normally spend many hours gentling young or wild horses, compete in "Trainer Challenges." A ranch pulls virtually unhandled colts off the range and shoves them in a trailer. They're offloaded into a strange arena with thousands of spectators. In one hour, they're pushed to show what normally takes three months.The stress on their minds and bodies is considerable. 

Many of the trainers don't like it much, either. They do it because the competition will attract multiple clients whose colts will be started gently. Is it worth putting the demo horses through the stress?

It's hard to watch. I send comforting vibes when I see the eye rolling and sweating. I tell myself that at least people will learn there's a better way than snubbing to a post, slapping on a saddle and let the horse buck itself into broken spirited exhaustion, the old school way. 

Just as many will go home and try to break their horses in an hour. They'll fail to study the precise art and science of body language, and chase frightened, confused horses around, demanding a Join Up that never comes. 

In the end, it's up to us, how much effort we make, what we will and won't buy.  

I was stunned that the final day of K9 competition of the 2009 World Police & Fire Games attracted only 200 spectators. They didn't even charge admission to some of the finest tracking, obedience and protection work in the world. 

I was allowed to walk onto the infield and touch the magnificent Czech Shepherd with 4 gold medals around his neck, and chat with his trainer.  

What can you do to take responsibility for how you train your pet?

-Engage local trainers whose sessions you can first observe. There are competent animal trainers everywhere. 

-Attend dog and other animal shows, and see them compete in obedience or agility classes. There are Pet Expos in many cities, too.

-Join animal networks. Certain trainers' names will come up repeatedly. If you don't yet have a pet, I'd advise starting this process well before you get one. Breed clubs are all on the Internet in your state or province. These folks get together. www.Meetup.com, for example, has dog lovers' gatherings in most cities, big and small. There are many pet lovers' online forums.

-Volunteer in rescue or at shelters. Again, trainers' names will come up.

-Watch trainers' full length DVDs and read their books. Again, these are tools for helping you choose a trainer. You can't learn from generic instructions if you're a beginner. Animals are unique individuals. Just determining the best training motivator for your pet, is a challenging task in itself. 

-Audit weekend horse clinics. Most are only $25 for a full day of learning. This is a great way to check out trainers before committing to one.

-Ask horse expos to focus on trainers who demo their own horses. This works very well for greats like Jonathan Field. I don't think it's coincidence that spectator numbers seem to be greater for these gentle demos with happy horses who even play to the audience. In most peoples' hearts, we prefer to witness harmony.

Before you ask me to discuss a particular Dog Whisperer episode, I should let you know I've only seen a hand full of episodes. The unreality and "formula" is too troublesome for me. I'm one of those boring people who gets excited when a dog sits .5 seconds faster than the week before.

Reality TV and breaking a horse in one hour---is not reality.

Kind regards,

Raisa Stone

Animal Communicator

www.reisastone.com

All posts on the Animal Nation blog are copyright Raisa Stone. They may be Shared in entirety using social media buttons. For permission to reprint, contact Raisa.