Feeding canine athletes
I was reading an article on feeding canine athletes that was very interesting. It talked about the various types of dog athletes and the research done to determine proper percentages to feed for that kind of activity. There was a chart of the types of activity, the level of intensity used and energy requirements for that activity. Here’s what it had for “working livestock”.

The intensity level at the time of activity was low to medium. The energy requirements for exercising the dogs was rated at the high level. My dogs fell into the category of intermediate exercise intensity. That’s because they exercise hard, sometimes for hours during the weekend but many not exercise during the week. Sometimes they exercise more regularly but at moderate or low intensity. For them there are bursts of intense activity.

The article talks about how the “physical activity necessitates an increase in metabolism, which in turn increases the need for energy. Fat is the most energy dense nutrient available to fulfill this need. ... Working dogs consuming higher fat diets respond to an exercise bout by releasing more FFA (free fatty acids) than dogs fed an caloric diet of lower fat content.”

This was the suggested guide for approximate protein, fat and carbohydrate calorie levels in herding dogs...
25% Protein, 35-65% Fat, 10-40 Carbohydrate

Also interesting to note the article discusses Hydration. I think by now most dog trainers know that keeping a dog hydrated can be the most important determinant of endurance and performance. What many folks get confused by though is that unlike people, sweat isn’t the primary thermo-regulation for dogs. Therefore, they don’t benefit from electrolyte replacement drinks. I see many folks (not so much herding people but more agility people) giving their dogs electrolyte type drinks when encouraging the dog to drink more water is better for the dog.

I just got back from a herding seminar. What a hoot. I’m using both my dogs at the same time now and so was shown how each dog has a strong side and that I should think of my dogs as one being my left hand and the other being my right.

I loved it! By the time we were done I could have the dogs running opposite circles around the sheep at the same time. Also having them move the sheep with one pushing from behind and the other to the side at the eye to hold the sheep in place.

Shorty was doing some interesting things...He had decided he didn’t want to work and was wandering off so I downed him and asked Junior to walk up BUT Junior wouldn’t budge. It was pointed out to me that Shorty was telling Junior not to work. All this time I thought Junior was just getting sticky. You know all the problems with Junior sticking didn’t start till I had Shorty out in the same work area!

The minute I told Shorty, “knock it off”, Junior popped right up and started working!

This happened not once every time it was our turn to be on the sheep. At first I didn’t believe that this is what was happening but after the 3rd time it was so obvious I just had to laugh. Dogs just facinate me so much! Shorty is missing all about 5 teeth starting across with one of his small front teeth around to his first main molar. Thank god Kelpies have a lot of teeth! (a lot more then GSDs) Anyway because his missing all those teeth he is much more confortable working on the right side of the stock. I’d never have even noticed this but for the observation of my mentor doing our clinic.

At first I was trying to keep him on the left and Junior on the right. Shorty was doing all kinds of advoidant behavior, my mentor had me switch the dogs around on a hunch and Shorty started working again no problem.

Anyone else have this problem when working two or more dogs together where one dog is giving silent messages to the others not to work? At one point Junior was so upset by Shorty that he was trying to leave the work area. Each time I told Shorty to knock it off Junior would go back to work! I couldn’t see any change in Shorty and if I’d been training them on my own I would just have assumed I was having a problem with Junior and thought Shorty was being an angel just laying there and staying put.

BTW, Shorty is gradually becoming more confident and all you guys suggestions were a big help. Thanks! Jean

A Kissing History

The first boy to kiss me was the Major’s son, Major in the Salvation Army that is. It was the summer I went off to work at a Kid’s camp called Camp Allegheny run by the Salvation Army. I came from a small town in Kentucky to Pennsylvania to work and earn some money before starting college that fall. My upbringing was one where we focused on Christian ideals and reading the bible every morning at the breakfast table. My first dating experiences were those in which the boys opened doors for me and at the end of the date I gave them a peck on the lips. How was I to know that in being myself, I was soon to break loose and become a prolific and most proficient kisser.

I was actually a very good girl until I discovered I liked kissing so much that it became my number one hobby. That first kissing summer, this boy and myself were hauled in for disciplinary action due to being caught alone in the Major’s cabin necking lying on the couch late at night. Who could blame me for loosing myself in such a handsome boy. Keith was blue eyed and blonde haired. He had the proportions of a well-muscled athlete, with a wonderful summers tan as well as a quick wit. He was hot.

The next summer I came back again to the familiar setting of Camp life with kids running everywhere and the general chaos of life at camp. I was one year older and one year wiser. I was trouble.

Keith came out to see me but we’d lost that spark and both of us were ready to move on. So I set about to develop some other relationships. Arrangements were made to meet one male camp councilor in the evenings after curfew in the boat house, and another in cabin 8 after breakfast when the kids were off at Arts and Crafts. This was a mighty fine schedule in my opinion, and neither boy was the wiser. And later I added yet another guy to my list of rendezvous’. I had a very good summer indeed.

Back at College I had less success. I was going to a Christian Methodist College and the guys were less daring. Sadie Hawkins Day was an opportunity for girls to asked guys out on campus and I wasn’t about to waste time. I had invitations made up and passed out to guys I had my eye on. They were invites to meet me in one of the piano practice rooms of the music building for a little one on one. It was a disappointment, only one dear boy showed up, and he was so nervous that I ended up taking him out to the movies instead.

I was stifled in more ways then this as you can imagine at this college and soon transferred to one of Kentucky’s “party” schools. That first year I managed to stay away from drinking alcohol, but dived into an array of frat boys from which I could sample a wider kissing pool.

Shall I impart some of what I learned about kissing? Why not, right? I mean, why talk about this if I can’t pass on a few things I think help make a good kiss.

Now where to begin? Well I think a good thing to remember is that everything done while kissing should bring some sensation of touch, if not it breaks that connection you have with the other person. I have heard so many guys complain that women don’t like to French kiss them. Guys here’s the deal... The biggest mistake I find is when a guy can’t become attuned to me. He’s just kissing at me not with me. He doesn’t allow for give and take.

Whoa big boy, slow down! What pleasurable sensation is caused by a tongue darting all around anyway? Slow it down, find the girls tongue and interact, start figuring out what she likes because in the end you might just discover that you like it too.

Kissing doesn’t need to be hurried. Enter into this as if you would drink a fine wine. Swirling the liquid and filling your senses as you inhale deeply. Almost tasting the heavy burgundy before actually taking that first sip. Then the first real sip, letting it linger on your tongue, getting that peppery burst of flavor as it sits for a moment in your mouth before allowing it to slide down the back of your throat as you swallow. Let that kiss be languid and smoothly flowing as a drink savored and enjoyed.

Take your time and lightly touch the girl’s lips. The lips are incredibly sensitive that a brush with yours across theirs can be most provocative. Each thing you do should make her want more. Kiss her upper lip softly. Kiss her lower lip with a little more gusto. You should be wooing her into that first deep long kiss, willing her to open her mouth to you to taste your tongue on hers.

Give the girl a good lip lock, one in which when you open your mouth hers will too. Now don’t waste the sensation of touch here! Kissing teeth or gums does not produce any feelings what-so-ever so don’t go there or you will break the connection you are creating with her before you have even begun. Sure later you can use it as a playful tease just like when one pulls away slightly to get the other person to come in for a more deep lusty kiss. But know your partner well first or your playfulness could become very one-sided and what’s the fun in that?