Hi

[prolibertate]

Hi,

My name is MaryAnn and I've had and loved dogs my entire life. I've gone from tiny to huge when it comes to animals, from a 5lb Chihuahua to a 120 lb Great Pyrenees, and everything in between. I currently have an almost 6 month old Shih-Tzu named Riley Saoirse Ó Coileáin (which means valiant warrior, freedom, and Collins - for Michael Collins).

Riley's currently in training and doing excellent! I'm also learning to become a dog trainer and behaviorist, through working with an excellent positive methods trainer; doing tons of reading, seminars, courses; working with dogs; and getting my degree in behavioral psychology.

I look forward to discussing our wonderful companions with you all.

[tina16mcd]

Hi My name is Tina. On saturday, our new dog arrived. She is nearly 6 months and is a black lab called Pepsi. I have 2 boys aged 14 and 11. She is very lively and when she first arrived was constantly jumping up. This behaviour has improved in only a few days by asking her to sit. If she carried on jumping you have to turn your back on her and ignore her, then ask her to sit again and praise her when she does it correctly. As she is our first dog I would like to think that we are trying to do things right. If you tell her off for something she sometimes will bark back at you, what does this mean and what is the correct response? She also tries to nibble our ears and face - I am very mindful of the fact that she will become bigger with sharper teeth! She loves to play ball games and I am sure will become a fantastic member of the family - any advice would be welcome as this is a new experience for us!