Comments on: 9 Things I Learned at BlogPaws (that have nothing to do with blogging or social media)

By: Christina Lee

Christina Lee — Mon, 27 May 2013 00:58:31 +0000

Pamela,
Thank you so much for speaking so highly of Nitro. Although I am not a professional trainer one of the benefits of having and raising a deaf dog is I highly advocate training and advise people before they adopt a deaf dog to consider committing to putting their deaf dog through training for the first 12 months. Nitro has been though the CGC, Therapy Dog Training, Agility Training and also Trick Training. Since he is deaf he does have an advantage over all the animals at BlogPaws because he could not hear the chaos which is a a huge advantage. I also kept Nitro my number one priority by not going to the last sessions of the day and making him take a nap before any evening events. We also asked the staff when we checked into the hotel to show us how to get around on the back stairs so we only took the elevator twice our whole visit.

Nitro loved the outdoor dog park and we went there as many as four times a day but he is also used to going to a dog park daily since he was a puppy. I like you would never ever leave Nitro with anyone. He is special and I protect him at all costs. Part of my puppy training was taking him out every single day to be socialized and trained in stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Gander Mountain, Tractor Supply, Petsmart and Southern States. He goes with me everywhere (that will allow dogs) but I was still very worried how he would do at this conference since it was his first. It was almost like he knew all the training he went through was all leading up to times like BlogPaws and I can honestly say with all the hard work we have done together his foundation training has paid off big time. We are touched by your kind words. Nitro’s favorite dogs in the world to play with are Goldens and Goldendoodles! I wish Nitro and Honey would have gotten to play together but I totally understand your concerns. We had a great time this year and although I am excited about Vegas I will be sad Nitro won’t be with me.

Thanks again, Christina and Nitro Lee – Deaf Dogs Rock

By: Teri and the cats of Curlz and Swirlz

Teri and the cats of Curlz and Swirlz — Sat, 25 May 2013 22:06:08 +0000

As always…I knew I would find both a humorous and an informative post on your blog, and I am so glad we briefly bumped into each other a few times at BlogPaws and I think Honey looked very relaxed and both of you less nervous than the first time we met (can’t even remember if that was OH or in Tyson’s 2 years ago). I am sorry to hear of the situation at the outdoor play area (I thought how nice it was outdoors this year…til I read your post). Makes me kinda glad I have cats and can control their exposure with their stroller. And as to the hotel rules, yes after cat showing for many years and knowing that the majority of hotels have the same ‘can’t leave pets unattended’ I always travel with a large Sturdi Tent but truth be told, never use it…I just skip maid service and bring my own tiny sweeper and cleaning supplies, lol. I tried to be aware of dogs and other pets around me and steer away if I saw body language that made me nervous for the cats, as many of their owners were either distracted or just not cognizant (and I’m no genius really, just years of being a vet tech and observing). And yes, the Pibbles were serene, weren’t they?! I only gave one a wide berth due to a scary experience last year (and her owner responding “Oh, she’s never been around cats, I didn’t think she’d lunge at yours…’).

By: RumpyDog!

RumpyDog! — Sat, 25 May 2013 16:34:51 +0000

If you want a cat, I can make that happen today! Just send me your address and June Buggie is on his way!

Seriously though, the thing about the “pro” doggie handlers made me sad. If this the best they can drum up at a conference for dog bloggers, what does that say about the quality of care out there for the rest of us?

By: Jobi and Fisher

Jobi and Fisher — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:21:32 +0000

I was lucky enought to meet Honey. She is adorable, sweet, and very well behaved! Getting a cat for her is a very nice gesture. Cats and dogs together make perfect sense to me.

By: Yvonne DiVita

Yvonne DiVita — Fri, 24 May 2013 18:29:28 +0000

This was a great post about the conference. This year we are learning so much… especially about how to improve our dog park, how to be more inclusive of cats (although, we work hard on that every year and still have a ways to go… and we hope our cat folk will help us with suggestions!)…

I’m reading a lot of posts about the conference and the insight is amazing! The good, the bad and the rest of it… is all important for us to hear. Learning doesn’t happen in a vacuum!

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Honey is so delightful – and we want her to come again, if possible… so, we are brainstorming ways to make sure Honey and other pets are able to enjoy the weekend and be comfortable , too! Suggestions on that front are welcomed! Do share!

By: Max's Ma

Max's Ma — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:07:26 +0000

I know I wouldn’t even try to bring Max just because I don’t think he’d really enjoy himself but also he isn’t trained sufficiently to cope with all that although he’d probably be just fine if he was in my lap the whole time!

By: SUGAR: Golden Woofs

SUGAR: Golden Woofs — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:25:23 +0000

Every time I see you and Honey it makes me SMILE and reminds me of Sugar. Golden Thanks for that. I’ve been told by many that I am an over protective dog owner (especially because my dog is a Golden). It hurts but at the same time I feel proud particularly going through an intensive training process with her. In a way, I am glad she did not go with me. I’m not surprised with your observation as I observe the same thing. Absolutely there’s nothing wrong being a protective dog owner. Golden LOVE n Woofs, Sugar’s mom Rosalyn

By: Jessica@YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner

Jessica@YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner — Fri, 24 May 2013 05:50:58 +0000

Great observations so I apologize for being so trivial but…where did the term “Pibbles” come from? I am curious because my friend has been raising Pitt Bulls for 10 years and has never heard that term for one before. I hadn’t either until about 6 months ago.

By: Jen

Jen — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:13:59 +0000

In reply to Pamela.

I do agree that walking several dogs on leash in the city is a major skill! I don’t think I could do it (at least not without some schooling and practice!)

For what it’s worth, I think you seem to be moving in the right direction 😉 I also love the picture I’ve seen of Honey at Blogpaws. She just looks so totally confident and laid back.

By: Colby

Colby — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:38:06 +0000

In reply to Pamela. Apache was a big Golden Retriever. He was close to a hundred pounds and could easily have gained another 10-15 lbs and not been overweight. He was long and tall and did have some difficulty getting under tables and chairs. I couldn't imagine him riding a plane, but he must have done fine on his plane ride home after he started working as a PTSD dog.