Life lessons are sometimes ambiguous. Yes, my failed foray into bells-and-whistles SEO/SEM technology taught me that there’s no substitute for solid writing and communication with readers. A blog is only as good as its content and its bond with a like-minded audience. But it also made me aware that it’s tough to reach that like-minded…
Holiday stress? Some music to soothe the savage breast
First things first: I don’t think dogs are savages. I often look to Frankie for wisdom, as my last post attests. But every time I’ve used the phrase “soothe the savage breast” in the past, an editor has changed “breast” to “beast”; one even accused me of having my mind in the gutter. Also, the…
WWFD: What would Frankie do?
During my failed blog revamp these last weeks, I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster, one minute frustrated with my web guru, the next hopeful he could accomplish what was promised. I alternated between the personae of six of the seven Disney dwarfs, especially Grumpy and Dopey (I exclude Sleepy because I get insomnia when…
Five Nonfiction Dog Books I Love
[originally posted November 28, 2009] After yesterday’s shameless self-promotion post for Am I Boring My Dog, I thought it only fair to talk about some of the books that influenced, inspired, or otherwise gave me great reading pleasure while I was doing my research. Full disclosure: I started putting this list together for Flashlight Worthy…
I’m the answer to Cesar Millan? Why, thanks!
[originally posted November 27th, 2009] It’s Black Friday, and in the spirit of unbridled commerce, I figured I’d shamelessly promote my new book, Am I Boring My Dog? Why buy a copy, you ask? Because you will be showing your advocacy for positive, dog friendly training and learning how to keep adopted dogs from being…
Virtually family
[originally posted November 26, 2009] People who don’t blog on a topic that’s close to their hearts and who don’t have a Twitter community that provides important information as well as consolation and celebration might not understand this post. Then again, they likely won’t read it. This is for those who do understand, who feel…
Thanksgiving in the land of the alpha dogs
[originally posted November 25, 2009] After Sunday’s Make Fun of Dog Dominance Theory fest on this blog, I figured that topic was pretty much played out. Then, later that day, I discovered an article in the New York Times fashion pages — an apt place for this kind of facile faddism — that suggests Cesar…
It’s “Make Fun of Dog Dominance Theory” Day
[originally posted November 22, 2009] In case you’ve noticed that my blog has been a bit wonky — and my blogging a bit erratic — lately, it’s because the platform is being moved from WordPress to Joomla. Note the passive tense. I am not doing the moving and if I tried to explain why it…
Five training tips for traveling with your dog
[originally posted November 19, 2009] I was looking for something clever to title this guest post by Mary-Alice Pomputius and then realized I had one of those gems that doesn’t need a flashy setting. This interesting, informative article does exactly what the title says: gives five great training tips to help you travel successfully with…
So your kid wants a dog…
[originally posted November 16, 2009] Forget violence and lewd language. In many households, it’s films like Hotel for Dogs, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, and 101 Dalmatians (in any version) that require parental controls. All are dangerous viewing for families unwilling, or unable, to get their offspring a dog. But even parents who are considering a furry…