DogStar's DogBiz Blog

Based on what happened to me!

A  picture is worth a thousand words:

Click on picture for larger image.

How NOT to be a Pro Dog Trainer:

Eric make s a fool of himself
at a preferred local area park, in front of MANY people at some distance from the action

This late morning I was doing a lesson at a local park with a young couple and their 1+ year old female Great Dane.

We were going to start off leash (but I have dog on long line) come commands with a sit as the dog gets to owner.

About 20 feet apart I have dog on a 48 foot long line at appx the 25 foot point. Owner calls the dogs to "come", the Dane takes off at full sprinting flying gallop, the owner is WAY late with the sit for the speed this dog is moving (and the dog ignored it anyway) and it did catch me a bit (to say the least) off guard.

I went absolutely horizontal and hit the dirt full force face first. Why I am not about 15 years younger than I am? (REAL glad it wasn't in the parking lot.) As I am airborne I am swearing to myself and saying don't let go of the dog (long line). I did not, and I am big enough even with her size and momentum, I was not pulled on the ground so she pretty much hit the end of 25 feet like it was tied to an oak tree.

It was 100% my own fault for not being 100% on my toes and aware etc, any smaller (even a big dog) but smaller and not nearly so light of foot for the size it would not have taken me down. No real harm done, we continued the lesson did lots of "comes" etc and made real improvement.

Oh well, I sort of wish a picture was taken in mid air because I was immediately 100% horizontal (I did seem to float for a brief moment a bit slow motion like, life passing by) and a bit over 4 feet off the ground then gravity took over.

Think Wiley Coyote and the Road Runner stuff.

I could put the picture on my blog as a lesson of,
Eric demonstrates: What NOT to do.
(Better yet a video would be seriously viral on You Tube!)

I then had two more sessions almost back to back, I rarely schedule that tightly.

When I got home I did realize I sprained or at least sort of wrenched my left hand when I hit Terra Firm. The line was held in my right hand. Laugh (at me) while you can...

Later,
Eric/DogStar

Animal paintings in oil or pastels:

A good friend of mine, Harriet Livathinos,  is  professional artist.
She works in oils as well as pastels.

She has just launched her website offering animal portraits in your choice of mediums.

Please take a look at her site and help me to spread the word about her great work.
Here is one sample of Harriet's work, click on the picture to see a larger version:

Maxxi, the King Charles Cavalier is also one of my training clients!

Back Pack on Braveheart

Kelty "Chuck Wagon" being modeled by the one and only Braveheart
(AKA The world's cutest Pittie type.)

Pug-Speak at Google:

Always trying to stay up on the most current events and developments in the world of dogs...

Pug-Speak

Braveheart as a Model:

Braveheart modeling her new Kelty Back Pack. Click on the picture to see it in larger format.

Playing around with our new camera and software. Pictures will be coming soon and often!

Better Pic of Logo in Glass:

Click on picture to see it in a larger format.
Braveheart thanks you for your interest.




You too can get animal stained glass artwork done,
visit: Pets In Glass
Please let her now Eric from DogStar sent ya!

Your dog (animal) in stained glass:

I recently met (online) a nice, interesting and talented woman. Joan Macaluso. She works in Stained Glass and does lots of work interpreting people's animals. The first piece I had her do for me was of my business logo which most of you know is based on my dog Braveheart.

Here is small photo of the final piece, (the full size is 14 x 18 inches, Braveheart is just about life size in it) doesn't do it justice, but you can get an idea of what it looks like: When I have a chance to get another picture of it and save it in a larger size I will post that here as well.

Her website has many examples of her work it is located at Pets In Glass. (And yes she has this piece listed under "Dogs" then "Custom Dog Portraits") From the site you can contact her by email to discuss the piece you want done. If you get something made please tell her,

"That DogStar guy sent ya!"

Her fees are very reasonable, based on size and 50% of that goes to Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs, a non-profit organization where she volunteers. Can you tell how pleased I am with getting this done? I am going to have her do another one of Braveheart, this time from a photo of Braveheart and not from an illustration interpretation of her. Probably just a head study with the final piece round in shape.

Enjoy your day everyone,
Eric (and Braveheart of course, Blog Mascot)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

CLICK ON THE LINK:

Merry Christmas to one and all.

Sincerely,
Eric and his sidekick Braveheart
(DogStar's logo model.)