Black Lab Painting to Support Lab Rescue

This is the first rescue dog painting in my new series of Labrador paintings of dogs that have gone through the rescue program of the non-profit organization I volunteer with (Rudy's Rescue) or that I have rescued myself. I titled this one "Passing Through" in tribute to all rescue dogs who pass through many different, sometimes difficult, situations, shelters and foster homes on their journey to finding one "forever" home. Original acrylic on panel is available for sale as well as fine art prints. 40% of profits from the sale of prints, posters and the original will be donated to Labrador Retriever rescue.

Check back for more rescued Labrador Retriever paintings and support Lab rescue with your purchase. Buy Labrador Retriever prints and have 2 good things at once!

Much Loved (or Dogs with favorite animal friends)

They are a bedraggled crew, but still much loved. They have been carried, slept on, left out in the rain and snow and mud, shaken and tugged, ripped and sewn. Pink bunny has only 1 badly torn ear left, 1 leg and no eyes. She was a post Easter sale bunny in 2008 - just in time for my Nissa puppy to join the pack and still one of Nissa's favorites. Froggy is missing an eye and poor Ducky has only 1 wing, no feet, 1 eye and a patch over her quacker. They taught our puppy mill foster puppy how to play and we all still love the ribit and quacking noises they make. Oldest of all is the mighty reindeer. He is at least 25 years old now! He was a fancy stuffed animal gift to my husband back when we were caribou biologists in Alaska. When Tallulah joined the pack as a pup in January 2006 she eyed the precious reindeer until Jim finally gave in. She was relentless in shaking him by his leg and he bears the wounds to prove it. He has no antlers left and only 1 ear, his eyes are scratched and his coat is worn, but after 3 years of "tough love" he continues to be amazingly strong. Hang in there animals - I can't bring myself to throw you away and will continue to stitch as long as you can bear it. Yes, new toys are always fun, but there are those special ones who deserve to stay around even if visitors wonder why I keep such a sorry lot. Thanks for the memories.

Black Lab Birthday - Happy Rescue Dog

Happy Birthday Butch! He is 7 yrs old today and looking better than ever. I adopted Butch last June (2008) on the spur of the moment. His life-long owner had been in a terrible accident and would never be coming home or be able to care for a dog again. None of the local rescue groups had room or were willing to take an older large black male Labrador with skin problems and hip dysplasia. Butch could not go on living alone in a house with only 2 visits each day, so I drove out and got him. Here he is almost a year later and we think he has done pretty well for himself! Before he was happy, but he rarely went for walks - or anywhere since his owner was a recluse - and he had no dog friends or spent much time with people either. Here he enjoys daily romps with 4 or more other Labs and gets to go to hunting camp with "Daddy Jim" where they have many adventures. His previous owner never gave him any discipline because he was afraid Butch would not love him -- but since living here he has learned a lot. He had been inadvertently trained to do the opposite of what anyone said because they would quickly reach for biscuits to bribe him. It has been a hard habit to break and we are not finished yet, but he has made great progress. Mostly he is very well behaved and a sweet guy to have around. For the first 2 months he chose to spend most of his time alone in the coat closet and did not know about making eye contact or really relating to people. Now he is part of the family and eye contact on cue has been one of his best lessons. He has very sweet, soft brown eyes. Along the way I discovered that he was a sucker for cuddling and kisses - I don't think he got much of that before. Now every morning he asks me for hugs, kisses, nunus and ear rubs. Butch was the name he came with, but it hardly fits such a mild-mannered boy. He still does have a naughty side and somewhere along the way earned the name "B Quad" (as in B to the 4th) which stands for Big, Black, Bad Butch. Happy Birthday B Quad -- you old sweetie pie.

Painted Chair Donated for Auction, Keuka Lake, NY

And now for something completely different! I painted this chair for the Yates County NY Chair-ish Keuka Lake auction to benefit Yates ARC (which helps people with disabilities). I call it "Sunset by the Lake". It is a very large adirondack rocking chair. As soon as I saw it I thought it would be a great place to sit with a glass of wine watching the sun set over the lake, so I painted a scene to fit the mood. All of the chairs painted by area artists will be on display at various locations and then auctioned off at a gala event at Keuka College on July 12th from 12-4:00 pm. This was a new challenge for me and nice to give my time in a new way.

Best Dog or Labrador T Shirt Designs Online (Original Dog Art)

It's time to enjoy the warm weather and what could be more fun than wearing a unique, original artist design on your T shirt? I have decided to spotlight some of my most popular dog and Labrador art clothing. Tee shirts are great and are available in many colors, but I also offer fun dog art on sweatshirts, zip front hoodies, organic shirts, caps, aprons and an assortment of gift products.

I will start this series with a favorite dog painting converted 3 ways. This is my original "Wine is Best Shared with Friends" Labrador painting modified to print on t-shirts and apparel. Inspired by my own Labrador Retrievers who are wine lovers, you can choose from my paintings of a chocolate Lab, a yellow Lab, and a black Lab drinking red wine. It is a great dog print for many dog lovers since only the nose shows, so almost any brown, golden or black dog is represented. Shirts are available in loose and fitted styles on white and a variety of colors for women, men and woman's plus sizes. This popular dog design is one of many original and unique Labrador prints from OtterTail Lab Art.

Old Black Lab Gets Adopted

It is with great pleasure that I am here to say my old foster dog, Shadow, has found himself one more wonderful home to live out his days happily ever after. Shadow is a sweet and wise old soul - the type who gives the impression this is not his first time around through life. He is now living in a loving family with another senior dog and 4 cats. It is great news, but a little bittersweet too because we have all come to love Shadow and miss him in our home. I am sure he will be happy and a good buddy to the other dog. Plus, there is already another senior black Lab waiting for a foster home, so we expect to welcome him in a few days. Live long and be happy Shadow! It was a pleasure getting to know you.

Support Lab rescue while finding fun gifts for dog lovers.

Black Lab Heart Dog Pillow

On occasion I still make quilted dog design pillows and many of the other things I have made over the years. Here is a recently completed black Lab version of my Quilted Heart Dog Pillow. It was created as a special gift from one Lab lover to her good friend in memory of her own black Labrador heart dog who crossed Rainbow Bridge. Even though I do not update my website often with new versions of all the different things that I make, please feel free to contact me about any special orders or custom creations you might want. Visit my website to see some of the variety of original Labrador Retriever Art paintings, silk scarves, wood and quilted items I offer, as well as my large selection of Labrador Retriever designs on t-shirts and gifts.

OtterTail Labrador Wins Again

Having been foolish (or senile) enough to forget to brag about my Whitsprgs OtterTail Tallulah, CD last summer when she earned her AKC Companion Dog obedience title by winning two High In Trial awards and a third place I had to post today to make amends to her. Yesterday Tallulah won her Rally Novice class with the only perfect 100 point score amoung 27 dogs entered. It was my first ever attempt at Rally-O. I knew Tallulah could do it, but was not so sure about myself and all those confusing signs! I managed and Tallulah did great - deserving her mug shot here on my blog. Tallulah is a fun Lab and a real social butterfly who is sure the world revolves around her, so she really shines when she is in the spotlight.

I am doing things backward by getting her Rally title after her Companion Dog title, but I have known how to show for a CD for 20 years. Rally is new for us. Next time I will do it in the right order and that will be starting with my chocolate Nissa later this year.

Thanks for the fun day out, Tallulah Bear!

Dog Training Tips - Feeding the pack

My own dogs learn the rules of proper etiquette at meals from the time they are young puppies. I feed them all in my kitchen at the same time, each from their own bowl. When I rescue dogs or take in fosters they all learn to follow the pack rules. It is more of a challenge for some than others, but all of them have learned to eat peacefully along side the rest of the dogs.

My feeding rules in general are - All dogs lie calmly while meals are being prepared (a struggle for some new dogs, but they learn). When food is ready they go to their spots and wait as I put the bowls down - in the same order in the same places every meal - new dog last. (New dogs have their first meals in crates or x-pens in the great room so I can assess their attitude and they feel comfortable while getting to know the rest of us.) No one is allowed to approach anyone else's bowl until that dog walks away. The first bowl down is usually finished before I put the last bowl down because I also make them each do something before getting their food (and being Labs, they eat quickly leaving no atom behind!). A new dog at first has to sit and make eye contact and not approach any other dog's bowl. Then they may have to down and wait, or let me check ears and teeth, or whatever little thing I think they need to learn - but starting easy and progressing in difficulty over time. One dog I rescued was food aggressive, so he progressed to sit and wait with his bowl on the floor and make eye contact. If he failed I simply pick the bowl up for a second and he corrected himself and we tried again. In the beginning he tried barking to boss me I turn my back on him, making eye contact impossible for a few seconds. Since he had previously learned he had to make eye contact before being rewarded, he corrected himself and tried harder when I turn to face him again. For my own dogs we do more advanced obedience stuff or silly tricks. The older they are the less they have to do.

The Labs that I bred and owned for many years were all softies and very obliging; taking pride in doing the "right thing". That's the personality I prefer; it fits my easy-going training and life style. But some of the rescue and foster dogs have more dominant attitudes and different histories, so need more discipline as well as clear step by step training rituals. If you have a dog that is food aggressive, please use caution. I have experience and a pack of well-behaved dogs setting good examples at meal time. The best way to avoid such problems is to control the food and the attitude from the beginning. I don't like the strict "no free lunch" approach to living with dogs, but you have to do what the dog needs to get your point across. I adapt my training to fit each dog and each situation and everyone eats peacefully. A few of my dogs retrieve all of the bowls for me when everyone is finished - a fun way to end each meal.

Senior Dog Comes to Lab Rescue

Meet Shadow. This old man is my new foster dog. Shadow lived with one owner his whole life, but when he had to go into a nursing home Shadow had no where to turn. He is 10 1/2 years old and, like most old dogs, thinks he knows everything! Still, being a typical Lab, he is willing to please and conform to new rules. Shadow has impressed me with his adaptability. Despite having lived with just one man and then home alone with caretakers stopping by for the past couple of months, he began melding into my pack of 5 dogs on the first day and gets along with everyone - including the cat. He lies with the rest of them as I prepare meals and eats side by side without issue and seems to like everybody. He is a smart old man who taught himself how to use the dog door on the first day and has enjoyed the freedom of taking himself out to lie on the dog deck or coming inside to a comfy bed. He has a few problems - a bum elbow that causes him to limp, he is a bit hard of hearing, his teeth are worn down to nubs, and he carries way too many extra pounds. Except for the latter none of it seems to slow him down and we are working on the weight. He is a happy dog, still full of life. Shadow has been with us for 2 weeks now and we are already getting attached. He is getting neutered today and I find myself worrying about as much as I do for my own dogs. Fostering dogs is a tough job!

Much to my surprize there is a loving woman interested in adopting Shadow and giving him one more forever home. It touches my heart and, if it works out, I think it will be because Shadow has excellent karma for having patiently lived with and loved an owner who he slowly watched lose his capacities. Send good wishes for this sweet old dog - he deserves it.

Labrador Retriever Painting to Support Lab Rescue

This painting is done in my fun, silly dog style. It was inspired by the various Labrador Retriever rescue organization with which I volunteer and donate artwork. Labs are so full of fun and love, they are there for us whenever we are in need. They love the water, whether swimming, wading, boating, fishing or just splashing around. Sometimes even a Labrador may need a little help from his friends. A special edition of this black and yellow Labrador Retriever painting will be offered to raise funds to support Lab rescue. Visit my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop to purchase a poster that says "Save A Life - Adopt A Lab" or enjoy this version to brighten your walls and your life! Click this link for products with the LifeBoat Lab painting.

Training Tips: Labradors Underfoot

Labradors love their people and are often clingy and underfoot. Wanting to be with me where ever I am is one of the things I find endearing about my Labs, but I do not want them to trip me or inhibit my movement. This picture from a few years ago shows some of my dogs "helping" us put up a fence so we can keep them out of my garden (they raid the veggies!). As you can see, they decided it was their job to hold down the dirt dug for the post hole.

Labs need to learn not to get underfoot. Do it as a training lesson. Personally I am a clicker trainer, but there are many ways to teach anything. Here is one way: Using your calm, assertive energy walk toward him - into him if necessary - and tell him "move" (or whatever cue you want to use). As he moves praise and reward him with a treat. Repeat many times. Soon he will understand what "move" means and give you your space. You can teach him "get back" = back up, "away" = move away from the area, or whatever else you think of that might be handy. The more you words you teach him the better it will be for all of you.

I teach mine to stay "out of my zone" at the stove when I am cooking - they line up along the opposite side and that's fine - it's like an invisible line. I don't tell them they have to be there. It's not a "down, stay" - they are free to go do what ever they want. But, if they want to be near me when I am cooking they must stay out of my zone and most of them choose to lie as close as is permitted which is at the invisible edge. If someone drops a glass and they run in thinking to lick whatever spilled I stop them from getting near broken glass (or whatever) with my "away" cue. And they all learn "move" so I don't stumble over them. They also know to lie out of the way when I carry in groceries -- everyone gets a piece of carrot once I am finished. They are always with me, lie on my feet or on my lap and follow me everywhere (including to the bathroom), but they are not allowed to be dangerously underfoot.

Don't wait until your need these behaviors or your dog is tripping you. Teach them as a training lesson when you have time to focus. Give your dog your undivided attention for those few minutes and make sure he gives you his. Repetition is key to getting the cue word associated with the action. Doing it this way can make it a fun game for everyone and you have some very handy cues when you need them.

For more Lab inspirations visit my OtterTail Lab Art.
Happy Training!

New Funny Labrador Retriever Drawing

I wanted to create a simple, cute, funny and appealing Labrador Retriever drawing that I could adapt repeatedly to different designs and use in multiple ways. I came up with this guy. What do you think?

I have made him in this black version as well as yellow and chocolate with 2 sets of words. One says "Lab = Love" and "Support Labrador Retriever Rescue" underneath and the other says "I Need A Home To Call My Own" with "Adopt a Labrador Retriever" underneath. I made both available on a large assortment of products in my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop. The section dedicated to Rudy's Rescue has both versions and the special section for LabMed has the latter wording. 100% of profits from all sales in both of these sections are donated to the respective non-profit Lab rescue groups.

I would like to make another version available in my general store and am wondering what wording, if any, I should include. I would love it if some of you would leave feedback regarding which you would prefer - design with no words or with words (maybe Lab = Love as shown here or something else by itself). If you have a suggestion of words you would like to see, please share that too! There is also a full painting featuring a chocolate version of this dog available on products in the Rudy's Rescue section of my shop. Look for more variations in the future.

Training Tips: Barking to order dinner

Some dogs learn to bark as a way to boss people around. This guy is a Lab I rescued from a shelter in KY. He came to me about 30 lbs overweight, had been "the man's dog" and made it clear he had no respect for women. He had learned to boss those in his previous home to giving him food (and whatever he wanted) on demand. I have dealt with a few rescue dogs who barked before dinner. I like to train with operant conditioning - which lets the dog think he is training you and is an effective, positive approach to fixing problem behaviors with bossy dogs (works great on submissive dogs too). Your timing is important in all kinds of training and is critical for dogs to get the message. You can use a clicker or not (read more about clicker training online. I like Karen Pryor's site at: www.ClickerTraining.com). Another tip I will interject here is the use of the word "Wrong" (which I learned from Gary Wilkes). It is said in a non-emotional, normal, quiet voice and it means "that behavior will not be reinforced, please try again". It is not the same as "No" - which means "Stop it!". Keep your cues and signals clear and unique if you want your dog to learn quickly.

Let's pretend you do not have a clicker, but want to start getting control of barking before the next meal. You are getting ready to feed your boisterous boy and he starts barking - perfect time to say "wrong", and go sit down and ignore him. If this is the first time you have ever used the word "wrong", do not expect him to understand it at all. It is meaningless to him right now. But, keep using it and he will learn by association so that it will become very meaningful in the future. Just remember to use it consistently and not interchangeably with "NO"! When you sit down and ignore him you should get a response to your behavior - it may not happen instantly, but the dog will stop barking. He stops, you say "good" or "good quiet" (if you want to teach the cue "quiet" you can teach it by association this way) and get up to go feed again. Barking resumes - say "wrong", go sit down again. Eventually he will stop barking more quickly and you can progress to stopping in your tracks instead of going back to sit down. When he stops barking say "good quiet" and move forward to proceed with feeding. Do not command "quiet!" while his is barking - he doesn't know what it means yet and you will just be yelling over him. Get the behavior first, then attach the cue. Continue this little dance of moving forward when he is quiet and stopping in your tracks or backing up and sitting down when he barks. Shortly your dog will learn he is controlling your actions with his behavior. You only progress toward the desired destination (dinner prep) when he is quiet. He barks-you stop, he's quiet-you proceed. He is the "operator" - that is the heart of operant conditioning. It is very powerful; we all want to feel we have some control of things that happen to us and this makes the message very clear to dogs because you are communicating in a jointly understood language. We all learn fast this way because the feedback is meaningful. As in all training, don't expect perfection the 1st time, but build on it with each session and have lots of successful sessions.

Some trainers don't like the idea of pairing the praise with the cue (e.g. "good quiet"), but it works for me. I do it both ways. Leave out the cue if you are in that camp. However, if your dog is just being quiet on his own during the day, telling him "good quiet" then will not be meaningful to him and will dilute or negate it as a cue, so remember to make your use of words relevant if you want to teach your dog to understand your language.

BTW, this guy learned quickly that he was not going to get fed when he bossed me. He is a dominant, very smart dog who gave me many challenges and taught me a lot. He still prefers men, but he respects everyone now - as long as they are a Pack Leader.

Happy Training!

Labrador Retriever Christmas Carol

BARK! The herald angels sing - everyone join the chorus! I love my Christmas houses, but a house just isn't a home for me if there is no dog and every dog deserves a loving home. So, over the years I have added a number of dogs to OtterTail Village - black Labs, yellow Labs and chocolate Labs, of course! This picture shows five of them gathering for a romp and howl. Three more dogs are off playing and I sculpted reindeer for my Santa's barn and sheep for the wool shop too. You can see some of my larger Labrador Retriever sculptures by visiting my OtterTail Lab Art website. All were inspired by my own OtterTail Labrador Retrievers. As you will have guessed by now, Labradors are a big part of my life and I am thankful for the joy they bring. Sing along with the pack. Oh Come, All Ye Faithful is another of their favorite carols - there are none more faithful than a loving Labrador!

Merry Christmas to all from Amy and the OtterTail Labs.

New Dog and Pet food bowls

Here is another great gift idea for dog lovers and cat lovers too! I now have ceramic pet bowls (large and small) available with a variety of designs or you can have one personalized. Visit the Dog Food and Water Bowls section of my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop for fun presents for your best pet pal or a pet loving friend. There is still time to order for those Dog Holiday Gifts! These would also make great dog show trophy ideas as is or customized for your club or the award won. You can commemorate any special occasion or doggy accomplishment. Contact me for special orders.

Rescue Lab Home for the Holidays

Happy news for Sally, my latest foster dog. She has been adopted by a wonderful family with a new Mom and Dad and 2 kids of her own and she moved in just in time for Thanksgiving. I think she had a lot to be thankful for indeed! And I am thrilled for her that she is settling in and beginning her new life with her best paw forward.
I wish that everyone would remember all of the animals in need this holiday season and help them in any small way you can. Every little bit makes a difference. Whether it is purchasing products that donate to dog rescue, donating directly to non-profit groups that help such as Rudy's Rescue for Labrador Retrievers, adopting or fostering dogs yourself, or donating blankets, dog products or your time to the local shelter, every little bit truly does make a difference. So many non-profit dog rescue organizations are small groups of hard-working volunteers with very low budgets. Never underestimate the value of even your tiniest donation. Everyone is thankful and you will be part of saving a life. Share your happy holiday spirit!

New Labrador Retriever Portrait Painting

This is my latest yellow Labrador Retriever portrait painting. It is a custom Christmas gift a thoughtful client commissioned for their dog lover friend. I sure hope he likes it! The owner and his dog were both described as bachelors, so the request was made for masculine background colors. I am always happy to do whatever I can to make each portrait just what the customer wants! The glow at the top is funny lighting on my photo, not on the painting. It is a cold, snowy, very gray day here at my home in NY and I didn't set up great lighting for this photo. Actually, photographing paintings well is a job in itself! If you are interested in commissioning your own custom dog portrait painting or other custom dog art, please visit my OtterTail Lab Art website and/or email me. This yellow Lab painting is 12 x 16", acrylic on canvas.

Adopt a Smiling Yellow Lab

Meet Sally! She is my latest foster Labrador that was rescued from a bad situation with her former owner. Sally is full of energy and had her own ideas about chasing the family goats at her previous home. Rather than keep her tied for life her owners decided it was best to let her go to find a new home. She is ready, willing, and able to be someone's family companion.
In addition to donating my time, training, money, and love to foster rescue Labs, I also donate a portion of profits from sales of my Labrador Retriever art. Please visit my shop to select gifts that give in more ways than one!

Labrador Retriever art website - New!

My new OtterTail Lab Art website is ready for testing. Everyone please take a moment to check it out and let me know if anything does not work. I try to test every page on several browsers before uploading, but I have a new glitch this time. My version of Internet Explorer is quite old and they no longer seem to be making a version for Macs. I am having trouble with my new Labrador Retriever paintings page. I have created links to buy fine art prints of my Dog and Lab paintings, but my IE browser version has trouble accessing the Imagekind site at all. If anyone reading this uses IE, please take a moment to test my links and let me know your results. I want to be sure everything is working so you can find the Lab prints you want as easily as possible! If you go to my Labrador Retriever paintings page and click any of the "Buy Fine Art Print" buttons that will be all the test I need. Tons of thanks in advance to anyone with a moment to help and let me know how it works!!

Just for fun I've included this October picture of my chocolate Lab puppy, Nissa, getting dried off after her daily swim. Isn't she a cutie?