English Setters, Blu and Jordie
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WOOF Monikers: Blu and Jordie
Canine Informant: Gay Gutman
What's your advice and suggestion for car rides with your pooch?
Gay Gutman: The key to safe and fun traveling by car with my dogs is being prepared. I like placing a big sheet on the backseat for them. You can also use a towel or blanket. Other items pre-packed in my car: paper towels, emergency dog food (remember to refresh food supplies if stored over a period of time), water and food bowls.
Blu and Jordie don't get carsick but that doesn't mean I haven't thought of the possibility. My suggestion is to carry a few plastic bags in the event that a dog doesn't feel well. As a general rule I've noticed that dogs will drool or provide some other warning indicating they are about to be sick. If you are traveling solo and can safely pull over in time, place the bag under their mouth.
The most important advice to provide other dog owners traveling by car is allotting time for breaks to walk as well as for your pet to relieve itself. If I need to run into a store to ask for directions or take my own bathroom break, then the car windows are left opened to ensure proper ventilation. Also, I am very conscious that they are left alone for only a minute or two with the car doors locked.
Is it difficult to get big dogs in a car? Blu jumps right up into the car. Jordie needs a little help or push; she can be a princess. A few weeks ago, a friend was heading to a park event and was driving an SUV. In that case Jordie did require assistance.
What we learn from our dogs? In terms of training, Setters sometimes have the attitude of "what's in it for me?" Many people say that their dog just wants to please them - setters, not so much in my opinion. Of course, it does depend on the individual dog! However, most Setter owners will tell you that the breed responds best to positive reinforcement that recognizes their sensitive nature. They don't respond well to that real tough style of training. Instead, a "softer" technique is advised. People too, often respond better to a "softer style". I knew this already, though it's reinforced to me as I continue to train and work with my dogs.
Jordie and Blu are the first dogs that I owned on my own. They each have their own unique personality, especially Jordie, my female. My male Blu is loveable but my girl is oh-so slick. Both are major chow hounds. Since they are food-motivated I worked that into our "soft" style training and it's been successful, though when Blu hits the streets, no matter how much I instruct "leave it", he responds more in the fashion of "can't resist it". Somehow there's a lesson in there but mostly these two teach me how to love. And, they make me laugh. I should add that I've also learned that dogs don't do destructive things to your home when you leave because they are angry, their behavior stems from other factors such as: stress, boredom or anxiousness.
Likely Quote from Blu and Jordie: Jordie has a person inside of her and Blu is just a big goof. It is likely Jordie might say, "Hmmm ... how can I get some of that coffee that person is drinking?" Whereas Blu would quip, "Ma, where are you going? I'm going to miss you!"
Pooch's Hobby: Blu follows me around like a shadow except for when we get outside or are in a park; then his attention turns towards chasing birds. Jordie is a cheese aficionado that loves walking city streets unless of course it is raining; then it is a no-walk attitude. Shared pooch traits: expressing their happiness via tail thumping and slight drooling.
Friends in the Hood: Blu and Jordie work the hood, identifying treat-giving-posse members such as the garage owners on 51st street and the 53rd street doorman. Annie, the owner of Bullitt, an English bulldog, is a multiple-treat giving fan of my English Setters. Their canine-street-meet-up pals are too numerous to mention and come in all sizes, shapes and breeds like Papillion, Sheltie and Grey Hounds. Then there are their dog buddies from the local dog run. Suffice it to say Blu and Jordie could open a successful dog-bar since lots of folks and pooches love hanging with these two.
Jordie's Arfstrology Sign:  Capricorn (December 27th, 2000)
Blu's Arfstrology Sign:  Taurus (May 2nd, 2001)
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