Randy Bauman of Spokane was the first to email the correct answer to the trivia quiz about the movie/book reference to digging to China and finding chipmunks with pigtails. (Original post was May 5.) The paraphrase my husband had used when speaking to our hole-digging dog had been from the movie/book "Lonesome Dove."
Jan Manning's dog blog
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DOGTALK is Jan Manning's collection of information, observations, advice, and experiences as a dog behaviorist and trainer of dog owners. Welcome!!
How to locate an article
All posts are categorized in sections below. If you have questions about housebreaking, for example, check the list of "Training and Behavior" posts. When you find a post you want to read, just click on the title. To return to the main list, use your "back" button.
You can also note the date of the post you want to read, find the same DATE in the "Archives" box, and click on that.
You can also note the date of the post you want to read, find the same DATE in the "Archives" box, and click on that.
Training and Behavior
Fighting Females (May 23, 2012
Dogs don't "get even" (Dec. 26, 2011)
Miracle Drug for Dogs (Nov. 2, 2011)
Dog humps husband's ear
He peed on me!!!
No Excuses for your dog's behavior (Jan. 28, 2011)
True Confession (Jan. 9, 2011)
Dog wakes up too early (Nov. 7, 2010)
Autism in dogs (Oct. 30, 2010)
Stubborn Dog? Not Hardly (Oct. 23, 2010
Hands-Free Praise (Sept. 30, 2010)
Head Halters for Difficult Dogs (June 15, 2010)
Playing or Fighting: Know the Difference (June 11, 2010)
How do you teach a dog to ask to go out? March 4, 2010)
Before you can do THAT, you must do THIS
Consistency: Is it humanly possible? (Oct. 17, 2009)
Crippling with kindness (Oct. 17, 2009)
Consistency: Is it humanly possible? (Oct. 17, 2009)
Dog behavior ruins vacation (Oct. 9, 2009)
Barksolver might work for you (Oct. 9, 2009)
More barking problems (Sept. 20, 2009)
"Inseparable" is not healthy (Sept. 20, 2009)
Dog jumps on sliding glass door (Sept. 14, 2009)
"Randomize" your dog's life (Aug. 28, 2009)
When other dogs ruin your walk (July 19, 2009)
"Exorcising" the Killer Chihuahua (June 29, 2009)
Teach your dog to negotiate stairs (May 25, 2009)
A case for surgical de-barking (May 24, 2009)
Fighting Females Under One Roof (May 11, 2009)
24-Hour Dog School (April 28, 2009)
Stop feeling guilty! (March 31, 2009)
Overcoming Fears and Phobias (March 19, 2009)
You've Got 12 Weeks to Get It Right! (March 15, 2009)
Slow to Sit (March 5, 2009)
Dogs and Trampolines Don't Mix (Feb. 25, 2009)
When can kids walk dogs? (Feb. 16, 2009
What to do till Dog School starts (Feb. 9, 2009)
Stop the Digging! (Feb. 5, 2009)
Drag Leash Works Magic! (Jan. 27, 2009)
Teach Hand Signals (Jan. 13, 2009)
The dog ate a razor! (Jan. 6, 2009)
Fireworks Woes (Jan. 5, 2009
Morning Coughing (Jan. 5, 2009)
Son Brings Out Worst in Beagle (Jan. 5, 2009)
Dog Won't Come When Called (Jan. 5, 2009)
Twelve bad-weather boredom relievers (Dec. 26, 2008)
How to impress a dog (Dec. 6, 2008)
De-Stress Your Dog's Holiday (Dec. 6, 2008)
Remedial Housebreaking (Nov. 30, 2008)
Wagging Tails Don't Always Show Happiness (Nov. 9, 2008)
Sharing Your Dog with Former Owners (Nov. 8, 2008)
Rate Your Dog's WTP (Oct. 25, 2008)
The Miracle Exercise (Oct. 10, 2008)
Is the husband trainable? (Oct. 6, 2008)
Off the Furniture! (Sept. 30, 2008)
Recipe for a Calmer Dog (Sept. 22, 2008)
Scared of Traffic (Sept. 8, 2008)
Quit apologizing to your dog! (Aug. 11, 2008)
How to stop the fight before it starts (Aug. 11, 2008)
Oh yes, your dog CAN do that! (Aug. 11, 2008)
A Great Dog in Five Minutes a Day (Aug. 3, 2008)
"They said he was housebroken!" (July 6, 2008)
Obsessed!! (June 30, 2008)
So Excited He Wet His Pants(June 30, 2008)
Fourth of July Warning (June 22, 2008)
Shadow-chasing Springer (June 22, 2008)
Does Your Dog Need a TV Tray? (June 22, 2008)
Prong Collars Can Save the Day (June 9, 2008)
A Tale of Two Teachers (May 23, 2008)
Stop the Howling (May 19, 2008)
Coming When Called: Get the Attention First (May 19, 2008)
Hey Mom, Cut the Apron Strings! (May 10, 2008)
"ScatMat" Trains When You're Not Around (May 5, 2008)
How to Introduce a Visiting Dog (May 5, 2008)
Food-Obsessed Dachshund (May 5, 2008)
Crate-Training a Rescue (May 5, 2008)
When You're On the Phone... (May 5, 2008)
When You Need Physical Control (April 23, 2008)
Leadership Starts in Your Mind (April 20, 2008)
When You Want to Shoot Your Dog... (April 16, 2008)
New Plug for an Old Book (April 14, 2008)
Husband Says "Not Tough Enough" (April 14, 2008)
Don't Overlook Local Talent (April 14, 2008)
The Dog Still Jumps on Visitors! (April 7, 2008)
Horses Speak for Dogs Too (March 31, 2008)
Why Sammy Ate His Blanket (March 31, 2008)
Why Sammy Ate His Blanket (March 31, 2008)
Aggressive Chocolate Lab (March 31, 2008)
Barking Dogs, Inconsiderate Neighbors (March 10, 2008)
Pup Terrorizes Older Dog (March 2, 2008)
Crate-Training An Older Dog (Feb. 18, 2008)
Bolting Through the Door (Feb. 10, 2008)
Housebroken Dog Pees on the Bed (Feb. 7, 2008)
Keep Your Hands to Yourself (Feb. 4, 2008)
How to Avoid "Leash Aggression" (Jan. 29, 2008)
The "Calming Cap" Is Working! (Jan. 27, 2008)
Speak More S-L-O-W-L-Y, Please! (Jan. 11, 2008)
Barking in the Car (Jan. 10, 2008)
Down-Stay: An Indispensable Command (Jan. 10, 2008)
Not As Tough As You Think (Jan. 6, 2008)
Overprotective Mastiff (Jan. 2, 2008)
Still Pooping in the House (Jan. 2, 2008)
Electronic Collars (Dec. 28, 2007)
Reforming a Rescued Schnauzer (Dec. 28, 2007)
Housebreaking Problem (Dec. 23, 2007)
Kitchen Counter Surfing (Dec. 15, 2007)
Growling at strangers (Nov. 29, 2007)
Little-Dog Barking Problems (Nov. 29, 2007)
Separation Anxiety (Nov. 16, 2007)
Dogs don't "get even" (Dec. 26, 2011)
Miracle Drug for Dogs (Nov. 2, 2011)
Dog humps husband's ear
He peed on me!!!
No Excuses for your dog's behavior (Jan. 28, 2011)
True Confession (Jan. 9, 2011)
Dog wakes up too early (Nov. 7, 2010)
Autism in dogs (Oct. 30, 2010)
Stubborn Dog? Not Hardly (Oct. 23, 2010
Hands-Free Praise (Sept. 30, 2010)
Head Halters for Difficult Dogs (June 15, 2010)
Playing or Fighting: Know the Difference (June 11, 2010)
How do you teach a dog to ask to go out? March 4, 2010)
Before you can do THAT, you must do THIS
Consistency: Is it humanly possible? (Oct. 17, 2009)
Crippling with kindness (Oct. 17, 2009)
Consistency: Is it humanly possible? (Oct. 17, 2009)
Dog behavior ruins vacation (Oct. 9, 2009)
Barksolver might work for you (Oct. 9, 2009)
More barking problems (Sept. 20, 2009)
"Inseparable" is not healthy (Sept. 20, 2009)
Dog jumps on sliding glass door (Sept. 14, 2009)
"Randomize" your dog's life (Aug. 28, 2009)
When other dogs ruin your walk (July 19, 2009)
"Exorcising" the Killer Chihuahua (June 29, 2009)
Teach your dog to negotiate stairs (May 25, 2009)
A case for surgical de-barking (May 24, 2009)
Fighting Females Under One Roof (May 11, 2009)
24-Hour Dog School (April 28, 2009)
Stop feeling guilty! (March 31, 2009)
Overcoming Fears and Phobias (March 19, 2009)
You've Got 12 Weeks to Get It Right! (March 15, 2009)
Slow to Sit (March 5, 2009)
Dogs and Trampolines Don't Mix (Feb. 25, 2009)
When can kids walk dogs? (Feb. 16, 2009
What to do till Dog School starts (Feb. 9, 2009)
Stop the Digging! (Feb. 5, 2009)
Drag Leash Works Magic! (Jan. 27, 2009)
Teach Hand Signals (Jan. 13, 2009)
The dog ate a razor! (Jan. 6, 2009)
Fireworks Woes (Jan. 5, 2009
Morning Coughing (Jan. 5, 2009)
Son Brings Out Worst in Beagle (Jan. 5, 2009)
Dog Won't Come When Called (Jan. 5, 2009)
Twelve bad-weather boredom relievers (Dec. 26, 2008)
How to impress a dog (Dec. 6, 2008)
De-Stress Your Dog's Holiday (Dec. 6, 2008)
Remedial Housebreaking (Nov. 30, 2008)
Wagging Tails Don't Always Show Happiness (Nov. 9, 2008)
Sharing Your Dog with Former Owners (Nov. 8, 2008)
Rate Your Dog's WTP (Oct. 25, 2008)
The Miracle Exercise (Oct. 10, 2008)
Is the husband trainable? (Oct. 6, 2008)
Off the Furniture! (Sept. 30, 2008)
Recipe for a Calmer Dog (Sept. 22, 2008)
Scared of Traffic (Sept. 8, 2008)
Quit apologizing to your dog! (Aug. 11, 2008)
How to stop the fight before it starts (Aug. 11, 2008)
Oh yes, your dog CAN do that! (Aug. 11, 2008)
A Great Dog in Five Minutes a Day (Aug. 3, 2008)
"They said he was housebroken!" (July 6, 2008)
Obsessed!! (June 30, 2008)
So Excited He Wet His Pants(June 30, 2008)
Fourth of July Warning (June 22, 2008)
Shadow-chasing Springer (June 22, 2008)
Does Your Dog Need a TV Tray? (June 22, 2008)
Prong Collars Can Save the Day (June 9, 2008)
A Tale of Two Teachers (May 23, 2008)
Stop the Howling (May 19, 2008)
Coming When Called: Get the Attention First (May 19, 2008)
Hey Mom, Cut the Apron Strings! (May 10, 2008)
"ScatMat" Trains When You're Not Around (May 5, 2008)
How to Introduce a Visiting Dog (May 5, 2008)
Food-Obsessed Dachshund (May 5, 2008)
Crate-Training a Rescue (May 5, 2008)
When You're On the Phone... (May 5, 2008)
When You Need Physical Control (April 23, 2008)
Leadership Starts in Your Mind (April 20, 2008)
When You Want to Shoot Your Dog... (April 16, 2008)
New Plug for an Old Book (April 14, 2008)
Husband Says "Not Tough Enough" (April 14, 2008)
Don't Overlook Local Talent (April 14, 2008)
The Dog Still Jumps on Visitors! (April 7, 2008)
Horses Speak for Dogs Too (March 31, 2008)
Why Sammy Ate His Blanket (March 31, 2008)
Why Sammy Ate His Blanket (March 31, 2008)
Aggressive Chocolate Lab (March 31, 2008)
Barking Dogs, Inconsiderate Neighbors (March 10, 2008)
Pup Terrorizes Older Dog (March 2, 2008)
Crate-Training An Older Dog (Feb. 18, 2008)
Bolting Through the Door (Feb. 10, 2008)
Housebroken Dog Pees on the Bed (Feb. 7, 2008)
Keep Your Hands to Yourself (Feb. 4, 2008)
How to Avoid "Leash Aggression" (Jan. 29, 2008)
The "Calming Cap" Is Working! (Jan. 27, 2008)
Speak More S-L-O-W-L-Y, Please! (Jan. 11, 2008)
Barking in the Car (Jan. 10, 2008)
Down-Stay: An Indispensable Command (Jan. 10, 2008)
Not As Tough As You Think (Jan. 6, 2008)
Overprotective Mastiff (Jan. 2, 2008)
Still Pooping in the House (Jan. 2, 2008)
Electronic Collars (Dec. 28, 2007)
Reforming a Rescued Schnauzer (Dec. 28, 2007)
Housebreaking Problem (Dec. 23, 2007)
Kitchen Counter Surfing (Dec. 15, 2007)
Growling at strangers (Nov. 29, 2007)
Little-Dog Barking Problems (Nov. 29, 2007)
Separation Anxiety (Nov. 16, 2007)
Health & Nutrition
How often should I bathe my dog? (Oct. 23, 2011)
Her itching has stopped! (Feb. 22, 2011)
Fish Oil for All of Us (Jan. 14, 2011
First Aid Kit for Travel (Oct. 18, 2010)
Prophylactic Gastropexy (Oct. 10, 2010)
Icky-poo or Okay? (June 9, 2010)
Help for easily traumatized dog (March 4, 2010)
Slow Poisoning (Nov. 8, 2009)
Tarter Buildup in Small Dogs (Oct. 27, 2009)
Achy Joints: Try this (Oct. 18, 2009)
Crippling with kindness (Oct. 17, 2009)
Don't buy Costco dog jerky (Sept. 14, 2009)
Your dog sheds too much (Aug. 28, 2009)
Food that tastes like TREATS (July 19, 2009)
No Substitute for Teeth-Brushing (April 11, 2009)
Which formula of dog food (March 31, 2009)
Home-made Dog Shampoo (Feb. 16, 2009)
Bloat Kills (Feb. 9, 2009)
Why Oven-Baked Dog Food? (Jan. 20, 2009)
Nail Trimming Problems (Jan. 16, 2009)
Fish & Chips (Jan. 14, 2009)
When is it too cold for dogs? (Jan. 5, 2009)
Warning: Canidae & Nutro Health Concerns (Dec. 16, 2008)
Thanks for coming back! (Dec. 7, 2008)
Achy Joints in Cold Weather (Nov. 8, 2008)
Raw Food Diet (Oct. 28, 2008)
Pedi-Paws (Oct. 27, 2008)
"F" List of Dog Foods (Oct. 20, 2008)
"D" List of Dry Dog Foods (Oct. 20, 2008)
"B" List of Dry Dog Foods (Oct. 20, 2008)
"A" List of Dry Dog Foods (Oct. 20, 2008)
Flint River Is Still Your Best Buy (Oct. 14, 2008)
Avoid Edible Chew Toys (Sept. 27, 2008)
Excessive Shedding Stopped! (Sept. 30, 2008)
Holistic Vets (Sept. 7, 2008)
Shedding Problem (Aug. 24, 2008)
Bugs in the Food Sack (Aug. 18, 2008)
Cures for Runny Poop (Aug. 3, 2008)
De-Skunking Remedy (Aug. 2, 2008)
Make Your Own Flea/Tick Bandana (July 20, 2008)
Leaky Females (July 19, 2008)
Did ReLiv Save Kosmo's Life? (July 13, 2008)
How to Administer Liquid Meds (July 13, 2008)
Heat Injury Warning Signs (July 7, 2008)
Beware the Cheat Grass! (July 6, 2008)
Salmon Poisoning Clarification (June 30, 2008)
Salmon Poisoning: 99% Deadly!! (June 16, 2008)
Dogs Who Eat Poop (May 23, 2008)
A Close Call with Antifreeze (May 11, 2008)
How to Save Your Dog from Choking (April 20, 2008)
Can You Say This About Your Dog's Food? (April 7, 2008)
Our Dogs' Medicine Cabinet (Feb. 10, 2008)
Fourteen Good Dog Foods (Feb. 4, 2008)
Home-Made Anti-Itch Remedy (Jan. 11, 2008)
How to Collect a Urine Sample (Jan. 10, 2008)
Bloody Pee (Jan. 7, 2008)
Her itching has stopped! (Feb. 22, 2011)
Fish Oil for All of Us (Jan. 14, 2011
First Aid Kit for Travel (Oct. 18, 2010)
Prophylactic Gastropexy (Oct. 10, 2010)
Icky-poo or Okay? (June 9, 2010)
Help for easily traumatized dog (March 4, 2010)
Slow Poisoning (Nov. 8, 2009)
Tarter Buildup in Small Dogs (Oct. 27, 2009)
Achy Joints: Try this (Oct. 18, 2009)
Crippling with kindness (Oct. 17, 2009)
Don't buy Costco dog jerky (Sept. 14, 2009)
Your dog sheds too much (Aug. 28, 2009)
Food that tastes like TREATS (July 19, 2009)
No Substitute for Teeth-Brushing (April 11, 2009)
Which formula of dog food (March 31, 2009)
Home-made Dog Shampoo (Feb. 16, 2009)
Bloat Kills (Feb. 9, 2009)
Why Oven-Baked Dog Food? (Jan. 20, 2009)
Nail Trimming Problems (Jan. 16, 2009)
Fish & Chips (Jan. 14, 2009)
When is it too cold for dogs? (Jan. 5, 2009)
Warning: Canidae & Nutro Health Concerns (Dec. 16, 2008)
Thanks for coming back! (Dec. 7, 2008)
Achy Joints in Cold Weather (Nov. 8, 2008)
Raw Food Diet (Oct. 28, 2008)
Pedi-Paws (Oct. 27, 2008)
"F" List of Dog Foods (Oct. 20, 2008)
"D" List of Dry Dog Foods (Oct. 20, 2008)
"B" List of Dry Dog Foods (Oct. 20, 2008)
"A" List of Dry Dog Foods (Oct. 20, 2008)
Flint River Is Still Your Best Buy (Oct. 14, 2008)
Avoid Edible Chew Toys (Sept. 27, 2008)
Excessive Shedding Stopped! (Sept. 30, 2008)
Holistic Vets (Sept. 7, 2008)
Shedding Problem (Aug. 24, 2008)
Bugs in the Food Sack (Aug. 18, 2008)
Cures for Runny Poop (Aug. 3, 2008)
De-Skunking Remedy (Aug. 2, 2008)
Make Your Own Flea/Tick Bandana (July 20, 2008)
Leaky Females (July 19, 2008)
Did ReLiv Save Kosmo's Life? (July 13, 2008)
How to Administer Liquid Meds (July 13, 2008)
Heat Injury Warning Signs (July 7, 2008)
Beware the Cheat Grass! (July 6, 2008)
Salmon Poisoning Clarification (June 30, 2008)
Salmon Poisoning: 99% Deadly!! (June 16, 2008)
Dogs Who Eat Poop (May 23, 2008)
A Close Call with Antifreeze (May 11, 2008)
How to Save Your Dog from Choking (April 20, 2008)
Can You Say This About Your Dog's Food? (April 7, 2008)
Our Dogs' Medicine Cabinet (Feb. 10, 2008)
Fourteen Good Dog Foods (Feb. 4, 2008)
Home-Made Anti-Itch Remedy (Jan. 11, 2008)
How to Collect a Urine Sample (Jan. 10, 2008)
Bloody Pee (Jan. 7, 2008)
Lessons from the Dogs
The Best Day of His Life (April 11, 2012)
Your dog, the mind reader (Feb. 15, 2010
Dogs teach us to age gracefully (Aug. 3, 2009)
Sam has a friend with cancer (July 19, 2009)
You gave good moments! (April 29, 2009)
Loathe the people, not the dogs (April 11, 2009)
Emotional Outbursts Have Shotgun Effect (Feb. 26, 2009)
Face-to-face magic (Feb. 6, 2009)
What rescued pets give that's special (Jan. 5, 2009)
You made ripples today (Dec. 7, 2008)
I rescued a human today (Nov. 30, 2008)
My life as a dog (Nov. 1, 2008)
Leap of Faith (Oct. 12, 2008)
Need a Social Life? Get a Dog! (Aug. 31, 2008)
Life Happens Between the Sneezes (June 16, 2008)
Horror Stories with Happy Endings (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Money-Eating Dog (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Ed Ate the Guest Room (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: She Prefers to Chew Antiques (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: The Lace Eater (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Got Drywall? (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Headless Teddy Bear (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: If It Doesn't Move, Chew It (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Melissa says... (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: The Chewed-up Gun Stock (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: The Landscaper (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Does Medicare Cover This? (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Damage in the Thousands (April 28, 2008)
12 Good Years / 4 Bad Hours (March 22, 2008)
Remissions...Reprieves (March 17, 2008)
The Divine Lesson (Feb. 5, 2008)
Like Mother, Like Son (Jan. 29, 2007)
How do YOU want to be remembered? (Dec. 5, 2007)
The Dog Bite, Three Years Later (Nov. 28, 2007)
Thirty-Second Blessings (Nov. 16, 2007)
Your dog, the mind reader (Feb. 15, 2010
Dogs teach us to age gracefully (Aug. 3, 2009)
Sam has a friend with cancer (July 19, 2009)
You gave good moments! (April 29, 2009)
Loathe the people, not the dogs (April 11, 2009)
Emotional Outbursts Have Shotgun Effect (Feb. 26, 2009)
Face-to-face magic (Feb. 6, 2009)
What rescued pets give that's special (Jan. 5, 2009)
You made ripples today (Dec. 7, 2008)
I rescued a human today (Nov. 30, 2008)
My life as a dog (Nov. 1, 2008)
Leap of Faith (Oct. 12, 2008)
Need a Social Life? Get a Dog! (Aug. 31, 2008)
Life Happens Between the Sneezes (June 16, 2008)
Horror Stories with Happy Endings (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Money-Eating Dog (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Ed Ate the Guest Room (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: She Prefers to Chew Antiques (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: The Lace Eater (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Got Drywall? (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Headless Teddy Bear (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: If It Doesn't Move, Chew It (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Melissa says... (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: The Chewed-up Gun Stock (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: The Landscaper (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Does Medicare Cover This? (April 28, 2008)
Horror Story: Damage in the Thousands (April 28, 2008)
12 Good Years / 4 Bad Hours (March 22, 2008)
Remissions...Reprieves (March 17, 2008)
The Divine Lesson (Feb. 5, 2008)
Like Mother, Like Son (Jan. 29, 2007)
How do YOU want to be remembered? (Dec. 5, 2007)
The Dog Bite, Three Years Later (Nov. 28, 2007)
Thirty-Second Blessings (Nov. 16, 2007)
Breed Profiles
Pit Bull (April 11, 2009)
Boxer (Oct. 6, 2008)
Miniature Pinscher (June 8, 2008)
Rottweiler (June 2, 2008)
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (March 10, 2008)
Pug (March 2, 2008)
Great Pyrenees (Feb. 9, 2008)
"English" Bulldog (Jan. 20, 2008)
German Shepherd Dog (Nov. 28, 2007)
Shih Tzu (Nov. 17, 2007)
Boxer (Oct. 6, 2008)
Miniature Pinscher (June 8, 2008)
Rottweiler (June 2, 2008)
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (March 10, 2008)
Pug (March 2, 2008)
Great Pyrenees (Feb. 9, 2008)
"English" Bulldog (Jan. 20, 2008)
German Shepherd Dog (Nov. 28, 2007)
Shih Tzu (Nov. 17, 2007)
Miscellaneous
Worth the risk? (May 23, 2012)
Four steps to effective animal control
Is it love or obligation? (June 6, 2011)
Time for ID check (Feb. 22, 2011)
Don't forget Mr. Brown this Christmas (Dec. 13, 2010)
Chesty's Story (Nov. 27, 2010)
Does Your Dog Really Need Clothes? (Nov. 16, 2010
Contest: Free Sweatshirt (Oct. 30, 2010)
Why I've Been Silent for 3 Months (Sept 12, 2010)
Mother Bear Rises Up (May 6, 2010)
Wanted: Your Dog for Nursing Home Visits
Hey Mutts! Welcome to AKC! (Oct. 9, 2009)
The Right Way to Buy a Christmas Toy (Dec. 9, 2007)
The "Best of" List, 2007 (Dec. 9, 2007)
Lost Registration Papers (Dec. 19, 2007)
Dog Murder in Boise (Dec. 31, 2007)
10 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog (Jan. 11, 2008)
Heartwarmer of the Day (Jan. 14, 2008)
Adopting: Take Off the Rose-Colored Glasses (Jan. 14, 2008)
Knowing When to Let Go (Jan. 23, 2008)
How to Find a Good "Dog Trainer" (Jan. 27, 2008)
A Last Wish Fulfilled (Jan. 28, 2008)
A Sad Update (Feb. 18, 2008)
The Yorkie Experiment (Feb. 25, 2008
Lost Cattle Dog in Bellevue! (Feb. 25, 28)
Update on the Flying Shih Tzu (March 2, 2008)
Isabel Is Found! (March 6, 2008)
Critically Ill Child Wants an Uno (March 10, 2008)
The Best Doggy Door Yet (March 17, 2008)
Dog Thefts in the Northwest (March 23, 2008)
Your Expertise Is Needed! (March 23, 2008)
Affordable Safety Insurance (March 31, 2008)
Thanks, Everyone (March 31, 2008)
HSUS Isn't What You Might Think (April 7, 2008)
Therapy Dog Needs Help (April 23, 2008)
Reduce Your Dog Food Bill to ZERO (May 10, 2008)
What Rescues & Immigrants REALLY Need (May 26, 2008)
Not All Things Can Be Fixed (May 31, 2008)
Grieving for Sesi (June 7, 2008)
New Rescue Group in Yakima! (June 22, 2008)
The Best Pet Tag (June 30, 2008)
Seat Belt Restraints (July 6, 2008)
Cody on The Today Show (July 13, 2008)
"Wags to Riches" Needs Dog Food (July 13, 2008)
Prevent the Gate Escape (July 19, 2008)
Chuck-It ULTRA Balls (July 19, 2008)
Help! Need Personal Protection Dog! (Aug. 2, 2008)
Calling All Walkers! (Aug. 17, 2008)
Your Dog Needs the CGC Test (Aug. 17, 2008)
As Serious a Decision as Kids (Aug. 24, 2008)
Dangerous Dog Toy! (Aug. 24, 2008)
Help Hurricane Gustav Pets (Aug. 31, 2008)
Update on Dangerous Ball (Aug. 31, 2008)
Thank you from Hurricane Country (Sept. 7, 2008)
The Joys of NOT Trialing (Sept. 7, 2008)
Bob Schneider's Contribution (Sept. 10, 2008)
Dogspeak Lesson: Breeds (Sept. 22, 2008)
Update Your Microchip Info! (Sept. 22, 2008)
More Dogspeak; More Breeds (Sept. 30, 2008)
House for Dogs: Vinyl flooring (Oct. 6, 2008)
House for Dogs: Ultimate Utility Tub (Oct. 10, 2008)
House for Dogs: Toenail-Proof Window Ledges (Oct. 20, 2008)
Do Pedi-Paws Work? (Oct. 26, 2008)
Operation Baghdad Dogs (Nov. 1, 2008)
House for Dogs: Ceramic Tile (Nov. 1, 2008)
House for Dogs: Picking the Carpet (Nov. 16, 2008)
Think Twice About Getting a Buddy for Your Dog (Nov. 17, 2008)
Seeking Help is the First Step (Nov. 30, 2008)
Fifty Years of Changes (Dec. 16, 2008)
When Intervention is Needed, Take Pics (Jan. 14, 2009)
Obama's Dog Choice (Jan. 18, 2009)
Dogs are like firewood (March 14, 2009)
More than a hunting' dog! (March 14, 2009)
Yellow Grass Stains (March 31, 2009)
This Could Be YOU!! (April 21, 2009)
Interview with Typical Agility Competitor (April 22, 2009)
Which dog owner was right? (April 29, 2009)
Could you have a therapy dog? (May 10, 2009)
Best device for disabled dogs (June 13, 2009)
In the event of your death...(June 13, 2009)
Do NOT support HSUS!! (July 9, 2009)
Deer can kill dogs...and people (Aug. 19, 2009)
Elderly Folks Shouldn't Have Puppies! (Aug. 20, 2009)
The Truth About Dog Toys
Re-naming your Dog
Four steps to effective animal control
Is it love or obligation? (June 6, 2011)
Time for ID check (Feb. 22, 2011)
Don't forget Mr. Brown this Christmas (Dec. 13, 2010)
Chesty's Story (Nov. 27, 2010)
Does Your Dog Really Need Clothes? (Nov. 16, 2010
Contest: Free Sweatshirt (Oct. 30, 2010)
Why I've Been Silent for 3 Months (Sept 12, 2010)
Mother Bear Rises Up (May 6, 2010)
Wanted: Your Dog for Nursing Home Visits
Hey Mutts! Welcome to AKC! (Oct. 9, 2009)
The Right Way to Buy a Christmas Toy (Dec. 9, 2007)
The "Best of" List, 2007 (Dec. 9, 2007)
Lost Registration Papers (Dec. 19, 2007)
Dog Murder in Boise (Dec. 31, 2007)
10 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog (Jan. 11, 2008)
Heartwarmer of the Day (Jan. 14, 2008)
Adopting: Take Off the Rose-Colored Glasses (Jan. 14, 2008)
Knowing When to Let Go (Jan. 23, 2008)
How to Find a Good "Dog Trainer" (Jan. 27, 2008)
A Last Wish Fulfilled (Jan. 28, 2008)
A Sad Update (Feb. 18, 2008)
The Yorkie Experiment (Feb. 25, 2008
Lost Cattle Dog in Bellevue! (Feb. 25, 28)
Update on the Flying Shih Tzu (March 2, 2008)
Isabel Is Found! (March 6, 2008)
Critically Ill Child Wants an Uno (March 10, 2008)
The Best Doggy Door Yet (March 17, 2008)
Dog Thefts in the Northwest (March 23, 2008)
Your Expertise Is Needed! (March 23, 2008)
Affordable Safety Insurance (March 31, 2008)
Thanks, Everyone (March 31, 2008)
HSUS Isn't What You Might Think (April 7, 2008)
Therapy Dog Needs Help (April 23, 2008)
Reduce Your Dog Food Bill to ZERO (May 10, 2008)
What Rescues & Immigrants REALLY Need (May 26, 2008)
Not All Things Can Be Fixed (May 31, 2008)
Grieving for Sesi (June 7, 2008)
New Rescue Group in Yakima! (June 22, 2008)
The Best Pet Tag (June 30, 2008)
Seat Belt Restraints (July 6, 2008)
Cody on The Today Show (July 13, 2008)
"Wags to Riches" Needs Dog Food (July 13, 2008)
Prevent the Gate Escape (July 19, 2008)
Chuck-It ULTRA Balls (July 19, 2008)
Help! Need Personal Protection Dog! (Aug. 2, 2008)
Calling All Walkers! (Aug. 17, 2008)
Your Dog Needs the CGC Test (Aug. 17, 2008)
As Serious a Decision as Kids (Aug. 24, 2008)
Dangerous Dog Toy! (Aug. 24, 2008)
Help Hurricane Gustav Pets (Aug. 31, 2008)
Update on Dangerous Ball (Aug. 31, 2008)
Thank you from Hurricane Country (Sept. 7, 2008)
The Joys of NOT Trialing (Sept. 7, 2008)
Bob Schneider's Contribution (Sept. 10, 2008)
Dogspeak Lesson: Breeds (Sept. 22, 2008)
Update Your Microchip Info! (Sept. 22, 2008)
More Dogspeak; More Breeds (Sept. 30, 2008)
House for Dogs: Vinyl flooring (Oct. 6, 2008)
House for Dogs: Ultimate Utility Tub (Oct. 10, 2008)
House for Dogs: Toenail-Proof Window Ledges (Oct. 20, 2008)
Do Pedi-Paws Work? (Oct. 26, 2008)
Operation Baghdad Dogs (Nov. 1, 2008)
House for Dogs: Ceramic Tile (Nov. 1, 2008)
House for Dogs: Picking the Carpet (Nov. 16, 2008)
Think Twice About Getting a Buddy for Your Dog (Nov. 17, 2008)
Seeking Help is the First Step (Nov. 30, 2008)
Fifty Years of Changes (Dec. 16, 2008)
When Intervention is Needed, Take Pics (Jan. 14, 2009)
Obama's Dog Choice (Jan. 18, 2009)
Dogs are like firewood (March 14, 2009)
More than a hunting' dog! (March 14, 2009)
Yellow Grass Stains (March 31, 2009)
This Could Be YOU!! (April 21, 2009)
Interview with Typical Agility Competitor (April 22, 2009)
Which dog owner was right? (April 29, 2009)
Could you have a therapy dog? (May 10, 2009)
Best device for disabled dogs (June 13, 2009)
In the event of your death...(June 13, 2009)
Do NOT support HSUS!! (July 9, 2009)
Deer can kill dogs...and people (Aug. 19, 2009)
Elderly Folks Shouldn't Have Puppies! (Aug. 20, 2009)
The Truth About Dog Toys
Re-naming your Dog
An Unforgettable Student
Betty Pace (Dec. 14, 2007)
Erline Reber (Dec. 28, 2007)
An Unsolved Murder (Jan. 2, 2008)
"Sybil" and her friends (Jan. 11, 2008)
Eloise Lusch (Jan. 14, 2008)
Richard & Linda Yanez (Jan. 23, 2008)
The Stroke Victim (June 2, 2008)
In Memory of Luke O'Grady (Aug. 5, 2008)
Crystal West (Oct. 28, 2008)
Erline Reber (Dec. 28, 2007)
An Unsolved Murder (Jan. 2, 2008)
"Sybil" and her friends (Jan. 11, 2008)
Eloise Lusch (Jan. 14, 2008)
Richard & Linda Yanez (Jan. 23, 2008)
The Stroke Victim (June 2, 2008)
In Memory of Luke O'Grady (Aug. 5, 2008)
Crystal West (Oct. 28, 2008)
Dog Humor
He's Got the Right Idea (Dec. 29, 2007)
New Veterinary Flashlight (Jan. 15, 2008)
Be Nice to Others.... (Jan. 29, 2008)
Trivia Quiz (May 5, 2008)
Your Dog's Version of Facebook (July 7, 2009)
New Veterinary Flashlight (Jan. 15, 2008)
Be Nice to Others.... (Jan. 29, 2008)
Trivia Quiz (May 5, 2008)
Your Dog's Version of Facebook (July 7, 2009)
Axiom Archive
"Dog-training" is really about teaching dog owners how to behave around their dogs.
Dogs naturally prefer to be followers, but will lead if no one else takes the job.Be consistent with what you allow your dog to do. Consistency = same thing 100% of the time. 99% is not good enough.
Before you give your dog a command, have a plan to enforce it without repeating it. If you can't enforce it without repeating, don't give the command.
Your dog can read your body language better than you can speak.
Before you can teach your dog anything, you must earn his respect.
The best trainer your dog will have ever had is its own mother.
A dog's destructive behaviors are caused by improper human management.
"Dog training" is actually about teaching people how to act around dogs.
The quality of a dog's "Sit" can tell you a lot about his state of mind.
Out of respect to your dog, learn his language.
Eye contact with your dog is like an invisible leash.
Leashes and collars are communication devices, not restraint devices.
If it would be impolite for a child to do it, it's impolite for your dog to do it.
Get your dog off unemployment and help him have some self respect.
Dogs don't love "loveable" leaders; they love strong leaders.
Your dog's behavior in your presence is a reflection of his relationship with you.
Your dog's respect for you must be earned; it can't be bought.
Never ask your dog to do frivolous or demeaning things that could cause him or her to question your judgment and fairness as a leader.
Words are a human invention; sounds are natural occurrences. Dogs respond to sounds, not words. Make sure your commands "sound" the same each time you give them.
When it comes to training, make the wrong behavior difficult and the right behavior easy (thank you, Ray Hunt!)
People who physically resemble their dogs are usually pretty well matched for each other.
Dog training is a never-ending journey. Forget the destination and enjoy the trip.
Teach your dog to think, not just react.
Training doesn't change your dog's personality; it merely brings out the best of it.
The pack leader LEADS on walks.
All dogs and kids need boundaries, rules & limitations.
Survival tips: Pay attention to your leaders, show respect to them, and learn to exercise self control.
Learning to be your dog's leader is 10 times harder than training your dog.
Any dog can be housebroken with the right training and guidance from a human.
Never use your official recall command (i.e., "Come" or "Here") to call the dog to something he doesn't like.
When you're about to issue a command, always ask the dog for the command that's easiest for him to do correctly and easiest for you to enforce. (Don't ask for a "sit" if a "down" will do. Don't ask for a "stay" if a "curb" will do.)
Your dog is more "human" than many people.
Listen to what your dog is saying to you.
Who rescued whom?
Your dog is more "human" than many people.
Listen to what your dog is saying to you.
Who rescued whom?
Without respect, there can be no obedience.
Don't excuse; understand.
Don't excuse; understand.
Good or bad, you are the reason for your dog's behavior.
Dogs thrive on routine.
Dogs thrive on routine.
To effectively lead, be a better specimen of your dog's breed than he is.
Respect can't be bribed or bought with treats; it must be earned.
All dog owners should have goals for their dogs to achieve.
Your dog's behavior is your product.
Never use your dog's name in vain.
Respect can't be bribed or bought with treats; it must be earned.
All dog owners should have goals for their dogs to achieve.
Your dog's behavior is your product.
Never use your dog's name in vain.
Blog Archive
About Jan Manning
Life takes unexpected turns and leads us into work we were each meant to do. Jan never set out to make a meaningful career out of dogs. But 8,000 dogs later, Jan has established herself as one of the best dog behaviorists in the Pacific Northwest. Her understanding of dogs, and her ability to improve the dog/owner relationship, rivals that of any specialist in the world. Her approach most closely resembles that of Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer," although she'd never heard of Cesar until a couple years ago. Jan has been "whispering" since 1993, refining her techniques over the many years and thousands of dogs.
Most of those dogs were in Yakima, Washington, where Jan established a popular training studio that hosted up to 12 classes a week. The mainstay was "Leadership Class," a phenomenal course to train owners how to better communicate with their dogs and become the pack leaders their dogs wanted them to be. "Leadership Class" was, with few exceptions, a non-food class that turned bad relationships into healthy ones within minutes. It also presented a big dose of rudimentary obedience training.
After the intensive Leadership Class, motivated students might choose to take Jan's competition classes: AKC competitive obedience, rally obedience, and agility. Over the years, hundreds of her staffs' students earned titles in all three endeavors. Manning Dog Training became (and still is) the leading producer of top-notch competition dogs in Central Washington.
Jan enjoyed competition herself, and put several dozen titles on six of her own dogs. Her highest achievement was earning a UD (Utility Dog) obedience title for her Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Atlas (Snowy Mountain Bandit). Atlas completed his "triple crown," earning "Excellent" titles in AKC agility and an "Excellent" title in AKC Rally. He was only the third Swissy in history to earn a UD, and the first Swissy to earn the "triple crown."
Jan also put numerous advanced titles on two other Swiss Mountain Dogs: Grasel (Snowy Mountain Baldy and Atlas' littermate), and Paige (Yodel's Bestseller). Her titled Rottweilers included Scout (her first competition dog, 1989) and Teddy, who went on to become a therapy dog.
Jan also put numerous advanced titles on two other Swiss Mountain Dogs: Grasel (Snowy Mountain Baldy and Atlas' littermate), and Paige (Yodel's Bestseller). Her titled Rottweilers included Scout (her first competition dog, 1989) and Teddy, who went on to become a therapy dog.
Jan and her husband now have two dogs. One is a rescued pit bull named Lizzie who has a limited AKC registration as an American Staffordshire Terrior ("AmStaff") and competes in obedience and agility trials. The other is Angus, a young black Labrador.
Jan began her career as a writer and marketing specialist, after graduating from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1974. She worked in advertising, communications, and the media for a number of years, joined the National Guard in the same capacity (public affairs officer) and spent 17 years in the service (Guard and Reserve). Concurrently, she did a lot of freelance magazine writing, and has been published in about 200 periodicals, including several articles in Cosmopolitan back in the '80s.
Jan began her career as a writer and marketing specialist, after graduating from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1974. She worked in advertising, communications, and the media for a number of years, joined the National Guard in the same capacity (public affairs officer) and spent 17 years in the service (Guard and Reserve). Concurrently, she did a lot of freelance magazine writing, and has been published in about 200 periodicals, including several articles in Cosmopolitan back in the '80s.
Dog training began around 1993 and evolved into her true "life's work."Jan and husband Don are now retired and living in an idyllic setting in northwestern Montana.
Paige Manning
Lizzie Manning
Grasel & Atlas Manning
Grasel Manning
Don Manning & Lizzie
Lizzie Manning
Pumpkin Pit
Lizzie Manning
Atlas Manning
Lizzie Manning
Lizzie Manning
Parabolic Pit
Lizzie Manning
Atlas Manning and friend
Lizzie Manning
Lizzie, My Oh My!
Lizzie's Whine Barrel
Tramp Pit
Atlas Manning and Geeves
Retiring, but not rusting
On Nov. 3, 2007, my husband Don closed the gunshop he'd owned in Yakima, Washington, for 30 years. Several months earlier, I'd sold my 15-year dog-training business. Don and I were setting our sails for RETIREMENT!
To commemorate the closing of Shooters Supply, which had been a Yakima icon for three decades, our good friend Phil Lamb presented my husband and me with a bottle of Glennfiditch Special Reserve and a few words of advice scribbled on a note card. He wrote, "Retire, but don't rust."
Wise words. Good advice. "Don't rust" is more than just a catchy phrase. I consider "not rusting" a moral obligation. None of us should ever really "retire" from using the skills, talents and gifts we've accumulated. We have a duty, a responsibility, a mission to use those skills to help others live better lives. That's a responsibility from which there is no retirement. Ever.
It took me a good 10 years to realize that I'd been led down the "dog-trainer career path" for that very reason. It's not so much about helping dogs as it is helping people to fully enjoy their dogs, which were put here on earth by God to bring us joy and pleasure. Dogs are one of God's purely fun, pleasurable gifts to us. They enrich our lives. They teach us patience and grace, self discipline and self control. They relieve our stress. They teach us to love and to accept love. They teach us humility and compassion. They make us better human beings, which is the ultimate challenge for all of us.
After many years in central Washington, Don and I are now living in a quiet, secluded Montana river valley. This blog will help me stay in touch with many of you I've met through the years, and hopefully many more I have yet to meet. Updates will happen at least every other week. Look for articles and insights on a variety of training and behavior challenges, plus some good information on nutrition and health. I'll also be reviewing new dog products, from toys to grooming devices.
In between blogging and playing outside in our Montana paradise, I plan to conduct some small group obedience classes in the local community on a strictly volunteer basis. I'll be available for professional consults (for a fee) on a VERY LIMITED basis. I would rather just "give back" to the dog community, while enjoying a bit more down-time than either my husband or I has had in the past 20-odd years.
Stay in touch. Feel free to forward this site, or refer others to it. I invite you to send me your questions on anything dog-related. If I can't answer it, I'll refer you to someone who can.
Now, let's go walk our dogs!
"Still striving to become as good a person as my dog thinks I am..."
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