I first met Su Wickersham when I was a teenager – she went to high school with my brother Robert and his wife, Beth.  They’ve stayed in touch all these years and I’ve reconnected with her through them.

Last year when I was a vendor at a pet expo and pet blessing, Su attended and told me about this new exciting path she was taking in Animal Communication.  She was just about to attend more classes to deepen her understanding and I could see that this was her true passion and wanted to help owners experience a deeper connection with their pets.

Su talks about the many applications that can be helpful for you and your pets such as finding lost animals, introducing new animals into the household and many others.  So, let’s let Su tell her journey in her own words!

I feel like I have a hard time to write down how much I feel this is the right path for me. I love to talk to the animals and be with them. Without sounding sappy, I feel their love, it radiates to me and I want to help all of them anyway I can. I think animals are here to interact with us on that deep level, to show us love and to experience life in a much deeper way. We just have to pay more attention and stop our busy-ness to get what they are trying to tell us.

Su and her dog Angus

Tell me how you got into animal communication. (introduce yourself a little – some personal stuff)

Ever since I can remember, I have loved animals. As a child I was attracted to them and hung out with them whenever I could. I drew pictures of them and always felt I had some sort of connection with them. But to me, it was a normal connection. I understood them. But it wasn’t until I was much, much older did I realize I was actually hearing them. Because I thought I was making it up.

A few years ago, after my beloved dog, Zoey passed away, a friend invited me to an animal communication class. I was so distraught, since it was only a week later, but I thought I’d go anyway and maybe I’d learn something. Well, it was an amazing class and I realized what I had previously thought I made up… was real!

In class we partnered up and communicated with each others animal. My partner was a gal I had just met and she asked me to talk to her dog. Long story short, I received validation that I was talking to the dog. Almost everything I told her, she told me, was true. I could hardly believe it. Couldn’t I just be making it up and have some lucky guesses? “Sure, that’s it”, I thought, until I told the gal that during the conversation with her dog, my head tilted to the left. I didn’t know why, of course, but our instructor told us to note anything and everything. Turns out the dog is hard of hearing in the left ear and tilts his head to the left so he can hear out of his right ear. Wow!! That blew me away. Maybe I can talk to animals after all.

Admittedly, after class I played around with the whole communication thing a little, but not seriously. It was a couple of years later that I found a book, Learning Their Language: Intuitive Communication with Animals and Nature by Marta Williams. I love Marta’s step-by-step explanation and exercises that teach us we can talk to the animals. As I was reading the book, I checked out Marta’s website and discovered she was teaching a class in my area. I was so excited and thrilled to get the chance to learn from her. Since that first class, I have taken all of Marta’s classes and we have become friends.

How can animal communication help me and my animal?

Animal Communication can be helpful for many common problems with domestic animals of all kinds and is guaranteed to improve and deepen your relationships with animals. Here are some applications:

• Deepen your relationship with your animal
• Solve behavior problems – fear, aggression, separation anxiety, unwanted behaviors
• Enhance training
• Make your animal happier
• Address quality of life issues – find out what your animal wants and needs
• Find lost animals
• Get assistance during illness and death
• Get help introducing animals to each other
• Adopting animals – find out about a rescued animal’s past

It’s been wonderful to connect with the animals and their people. Many lives have been changed for the better. And I’ve been told that after a session, the owners notice a deeper connection with their pet. It’s truly amazing. Helping animals and their people gives me great joy.

Since animals can’t talk, how are the messages transmitted to you?

I receive messages by hearing, seeing and feeling. I hear phrases or words, which is sometimes difficult because I hear them in my own voice, so, in the beginning, I had the tendency to think I was making it up. Often the animals show me pictures, like scenes in a movie, mostly from their point of view. I have also been shown pictures from what would be my point of view if I had actually been there. I often pick up how the animal is feeling about a situation; happy, playful, scared, or anxious, are just a few feelings I sometimes get. At first I thought these were feelings I was feeling and it was about me, but I have learned that if they come up quickly and for no reason, they are most likely the animal’s. And of course, when I receive validation from the animal’s people, I know I have truly connected.

Did you have special training?

I have taken many courses, am certified through Marta Williams Professional Series and have practiced a lot. And I do think I have a special gift for listening and communicating with the animals, but I believe we all have the ability to do this. I compare it to playing a musical instrument. We all can learn, as long as we stick with it and practice, and yes, some people have a natural talent, but we can all learn.

Can you communicate with pets that have passed on?

Yes, I have spoken to a number of animals that have passed on. I have been told by their people that they have received fantastic messages from their pets who have passed. Once, when I was connecting to a dog that had passed quite recently, a friend’s dog who had passed over a year ago, appeared and started to talk about his owner. He wanted me to give her his messages right away… he was very impatient. I told him I would soon, but not that day. He insisted I call her and made me promise not to wait too long. I hesitated because I knew my friend would be upset, she missed him so much, but I felt I needed to connect with her to pass on the message. My friend was willing to listen, and yes, she cried, but her tears were out of happiness that her dog wanted to talk to her. She told me later that his messages were very meaningful and came at just the right time in her life.

Animal communication is also a great help to the animal and their people when the animal is dying. We want the best for our pets and sometimes it’s very hard to let go. Talking to the animal gives us insight as to what they really want. When my dog Zoey contracted cancer and was ready to pass, I could not let her go and wanted to provide hospice for her. I spent hours of one-on-one time with her and decided it was best to let her go, it’s what she wanted. As we drove back to the vet, she gave me a feeling of calm and peace and I knew I was doing the right thing for her. Then out of the blue, I heard a very loud “THANK YOU!!” in my right ear. I knew that was her reassuring me that everything was OK and this is what she wanted.

What can someone expect if they use your services?

I offer consultations by telephone, in person, and by email for all animals. Usually I ask for a picture of the animal, their name, age and gender. I introduce myself to the animal, letting them know their person said it was OK for me to talk with them. I ask general questions about what they like and dislike. These questions establish if I’ve connected with the animal or not. Most animals are wiling and happy to talk, although I’ve had my share of personalities that can be tough nuts to crack. But once they start talking and realize I am genuinely there to help, they open up. When I communicate with your animal, I receive information directly from the animal and also get my own intuitive impressions. I relay all of this information to you during the consultation. I will also refer you to any services or experts you may need to help you with your and your animal.

Is there anything else you would like to let us know?

Yes, I also provide other services for animals and their people, including:

• Animal communication classes where you can learn to communicate with your animal for a deeper relationship.
• Equine Touch – a noninvasive, energy and connective soft tissue discipline, inducing deep relaxation, releasing traumatized muscles and reducing pain. Although I have learned this on the horse, it can also be used on other species as well as humans.
• Reiki – a Japanese healing art form that involves channeling energy for the purposes of stress reduction and healing.

Please tell us where we can get in contact with you for your services. (website, phone number, social
media, etc.)

I can be reached via phone at 530.676.4744; by email at DogListen@gmail.com and internet at www.DogListen.wordpress.com.

People get dogs for many reasons – They may want a Guard dog like the Doberman Pinscher, a hunting dog such as the German Shorthair or a lap dog like a Maltese.  However, the two dogs that I’ve found that are strictly made for love is the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle. Both are crossed with a Poodle and a Labrador or Golden Retriever.  I’ve boarded many doodle dogs and all of them have been extremely friendly, loyal, fun, non aggressive and so loving.

Sweet Charlie the Labradoodle

Labradoodles were first bred in Australia by the Australian Guide Dog Association in 1989 as an allergy friendly seeing eye dog.  The Goldendoodle was first bred in North America in the 1990’s.  Both are bred for their non or light shedding coats for people who were allergic to dogs.  They come in 3 sizes – Standard, Medium and Miniature with many different coat colors and textures.

Barkley the Chocolate Labradoodle

According to Petrix.com, all three breeds rank in the top ten for intelligence, but you’d never know it to look at a doodle dog, as I call them, (or a Dr. Seuss dog).  They can be clumsy looking and sometimes have a vacant look to them.  My husband says that those breeds should never have been crossed because it bred the smartness out of them!  I don’t agree.

Nicky, my buddy, Goldendoodle

Doodle dogs have a quiet intelligence that’s very in tune with humans.   It’s kind of hard to describe, but when they look at you, it’s as though they know what you’re thinking.  If you’re looking for that perfect companion dog that will be a true buddy to you, I highly recommend a doodle dog.  They’re the kind of dog that will be at your side though thick or thin.

Tammy Faye a mini Goldendoodle with Corinna

I few months ago, one of my boarders died at 2 years old from complications after stomach surgery.  His name was Charlie.  He was a very large white, very shy Labradoodle.   He was one of those doodle dogs that wasn’t from the high intelligence pool, but we loved him anyway and brought us much joy and laughter when he was in our home.

Bailey the Goldendoodle

So the other day, I was looking at Barkley, the Chocolate Labradoodle that I’m boarding now, and his expression was so much like Charlie’s that it sparked the idea for this blog about these wonderful dogs.

Roxie the Labradoodle

If you have a doodle dog, I’d love to hear your stories and see if you agree with my assessment.

Here it is July, and we have reached the midpoint of summer vacation season.  As pet owners, we love our dogs and hate the thought of being apart from them while the family travels.  Many families incorporate their pets needs, right along with the other family members desires, when planning a family getaway. 

Road trips can be a fantastic source of fun, recreation, and education, for the entire clan, including Rover.  Most camping facilities accommodate our four-legged family members, and more and more hotels are happy to serve your dog, as well.  If staying at a hotel or motel, you may have restrictions on the size of animal they accept.  And, be prepared to pay an extra fee, or a larger deposit.

For those of you planning to get away even further from home, you may, or may not want to bring Fido along.  Airline restrictions are…well…strict, when it comes to your pet’s travel.  Plus, there are dangers to subjecting your pet to air travel.

For dogs larger than a hamster (ok, I exaggerate a little), they are required to fly in the cargo hold.  This can be an anxiety provoking experience, for even the most well adjusted, and calm animal.  Sedatives are not recommended (and some airlines prohibit their use), because the changes in temperature and elevation, can cause your animal, when sedated, to become disoriented and disabled.   And, in the extreme, can lead to deaths.

Dogs in Cargo Hold

The ASPCA and The Human Society, do not recommend air travel for pets, and airplane travel for some breeds, can be deadly.  This is most prevalent in brachycephalic animals (short-snouted breeds).  Many carriers do not even allow these breeds to travel with them.  Please refer to Trips with pets for more information.

In addition to the stress of a cargo hold, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100.00 (JetBlue) to $250.00 (United) for your pet.  If your pet is small enough to be in the plane with you, that’ll cost you an extra $100.00 – $200.00, depending on airline.  These are base prices, and can increase with dog’s size.

Even if money is no worry, and your pet is not short-snouted, problems arise with dogs in cargo holds.  The most famous story of dog air travel gone wrong, is the escape (and permanent loss) of Vivi, the Westminster Dog Show winning Whippet.  While every airline has statistics of pets lost, Continental Airlines has, by far, the worst record for delivering your pets safely.

Rufus the Boxer

Instead of stressing your pet (and yourself), with the worry of safe air travel, your pet would most certainly be safer and happier with a professional pet sitter.  If your dog is a homebody (or agoraphobic!), you may choose to have a sitter come to your home twice a day, or opt for a live-in pet sitter while you travel.  If Fido is more of a social being, boarding, in an open environment (not caged), is ideal.  Whatever your needs, there is a pet sitter in your area that can meet your needs.

Do you have any travel adventures with the airlines?  We’d love to hear them.  Happy Traveling.

On Sunday, we had a very traumatic experience at my house.  One of my boarders attacked another dog and wouldn’t let go.  In my five years of boarding dogs, I’ve never seen a dog fight that vicious and last that long.  Let me tell you, it was very freighting.   The two dogs in question were a Yellow Lab and an American Bulldog – both females.

Cocoa Bean the American Bulldog

Guess which one was the aggressor?  The Yellow Lab.  Bailey was an otherwise sweet,  obedient lab that according to her owner has never showed aggression before.  For some reason, she didn’t like Cocoa Bean.

Needless to say, this incident was very traumatic for me and my family and of course the owners of both dogs.  It’s not easy to learn that your dog attacked a dog and it’s difficult to see your dog with puncture wounds and abrasions.  Don’t worry, I took her to the vet and she is doing just fine.

This incident drives home the point that it isn’t the breed, but how the dogs relate to each other.   Who knows why Cocoa Bean brought out this behavior in Bailey.  We all love our dogs like they were part of the family, but we must always remember that they are animals with animal instincts.

Usually when there’s a scuffle between two dogs, I can break it up with vocal commands or squirting water in their face, but this time was different.  I tried everything to get the dog off, but nothing helped, so I have to admit, I was at a loss.

So, I thought I’d do some research and find out what I could have done in this situation and pass that information along to you.

How to break up a dog fight

Of course it’s always best to avoid them getting into a fight in the first place.  Their body language plays a big part in deciphering their behavior.

According to Cherie Langlois, here’s some clues to know when a fight might break out:

“A hard, unwavering, targeted stare.
Dominance posturing, such as mounting.
Stiff body movements.
Extreme body language: the tail held stiffly up or down, lips pulled tight against the teeth”.

I can say from experience that Bailey did exhibit this kind of behavior.  I’ve seen this behavior before and nothing ever came from it.  One piece of advice –  please don’t antagonize the dogs – STAY CALM and try to diffuse the situation calmly.  They’re already on a trigger hair at this point and you don’t want to make it worse.  If a fight does break out, please do not try to pull them apart by their collars.  Don’t put your hands anywhere near their mouths.  You will most likely get bit yourself!

If they are already fighting, you can try:

Bailey the Yellow Lab

Spraying water in their faces

Some has said that Citronella Spray helps.  It’s a safer alternative to Pepper Spray.

Cattle Prods and Shock Collars, however this can put them in more of a fight mode and try to attack the prod or think that the other dog is hurting them and want to fight more.  You can condition them to the collars and prods, but not in the middle of a fight.  Work with them beforehand.

The most effective and safe way to stop a fight requires  two people:  Leerburg Training explains it this way,  “Each person grabs the back feet of one of the dogs. The dogs back feet are then picked up like a wheelbarrow. With the legs up, both dogs are then pulled apart.

Once the dog fight is broken up and the dogs pulled apart , it is critical that the people do not release the dogs or the dog fight will begin again. The two people need to start turning in a circle, or slowly swinging the dogs in a circle while they back away from the other dog. This stops the dog from curling and coming back and biting the person holding their legs.

By circling the dog has to sidestep with its front feet or it will fall on its chin. As long as you slowly continue to back and circle, the dog cannot do any damage to you. To insure that the fight will not begin all over again when you release the dogs, one of the dogs needs to be dragged into an enclosure (i.e. a kennel, the garage, another room) before the dog is released. If you do not do this, the dogs will often charge back and start fighting again or if you release the dog to quickly the dog will turn and attack the person who had his feet.”

Do you have effective ways of breaking up a dog fight?  I’d love to hear your stories.