Monthly Archives: February 2010

Here is an amazing article with some surprising information…

by Kathy Sdao, MA, CAAB
All Rights Reserved – Used with permission

In their recent book “Made to Stick,” Chip and Dan Heath detail the characteristics that make an idea or explanation “sticky.” According to their analysis, stories that are simple, unexpected, and concrete capture our imagination and get lodged in our brains. Many urban myths, they point out, are ideal examples of this phenomenon.

One perfect example of a “sticky” story is the ever-popular notion that dogs are essentially domesticated wolves who view their human companions as members of their hierarchical pack. (more…)

Here is a poem you don’t have to be educated to enjoy! This poem was printed in Clark Fork’s own River Journal in October 2009.

By Scott Clawson
Used with permission.

You lock me up and go away
and don’t come home ’til the end of the day.
Leavin’ me here to sit and stare,
their ain’t no way you can call this fair!
I ain’t no ‘watch dog,’ I’m a do-dog, see;
this pen don’t cut it, I’ve gotta be free.
I’ve got all day to work myself through it
in hopes that someday you’ll say, “Aw, screw it!”
(more…)

At the Antique Boat Show in July, I visited the Search Dog North Idaho booth and was impressed that they gave free weekly classes in search, obedience and agility skills. What an opportunity for our 12 month old pup, a Nova Scotia Duck Toller, Pikka.  She had just finished 2 obedience classes but still need more training, social skills and challenges! We needed more education and this sounded fun!

In October we attended our first Saturday training session, and it was rewarding for both of us. There were two other pups her age, and we began learning how to bond, meet other dogs, more obedience and agility. The Saturday sessions are so productive and fun for both the dog and owner.

The Search Dog North Idaho Incorporation is a definite plus to the Sandpoint community. Weekly Search & Rescue training for both canine and humans provide and prepare a valuable resource. In the winter months we train on Saturday afternoons; in spring and fall we train in the evenings.

The “Little city with a big future” has its own dog park! If you live in Sandpoint you may not even be aware that there is a fully fenced dog park within ten minutes. All you have to do is go north out of Sandpoint on 95 until you hit Kootenai Cutoff (Walmart) and turn right. Go past Walmart until you see Pend Orielle Veterinary Services and park in their parking lot. The park is set back from the road and has a few trees where you will see everyone standing in the summers. If your hoping to meet other dogs and you have a dog that does well with others try going around 2:30 – 3:00 on a weekday and your bound to meet some other devoted dog owners.

Let us know what your experience was like at Pend Orielle Dog Park and post your photos.