Man you said it. 2011 would shape up to be what 2010 should have been only possibly with one more new WC in the field. Gives me goosebumps.
Awesome pic! Love the bike He's a cool dog.... you'd like him! When I first got him I let him know who the pack leader is (recommended for all dogs, but ESSENTIAL for pits) and I'm consistent with him. He knows what he can and can't do and I'm firm on that (must be from me being in the Army, I'm not gonna let someone run over me or give me attitude, long as he gets with the program, everything's cool)... Frank
Always make sure your dog(s) know that you're the Alpha dog in the pack. The best way I've found to train dogs is to emulate the pack dynamic. The best source I've found in this area was a book entitled "Mother Knows Best" by Carol Lea Benjamin.
+100. I agree 100 per cent. Lots of little things as well... I make him set and then give him his food and water (I never just leave it always sitting out), always make him enter a room AFTER me, make him sit before I give him any chew toys or any treats, AND I don't tolerate ANY growling, playful biting or leg humping (in fact a good trick I picked up is to tuck his rear legs and front legs, get on top of him and wedge my head to the side of his so he can't move and hold it for 2 minutes- if he struggles I just keep holding it until he stops and then add another 15 seconds- let's him know you're in the dominant position- it's an animal thing...), I had to do that frequently when I first got him and never have to do it now, somehow enforced "mounting" is a dominance thing and when you can establish that over a dog, they will submit more readily to your leadership. Weird, but it works! Frank
Sounds like you know dogs. Control of the leash is also crucial. It is YOUR tool not his. A dog should never be allowed to take it in his mouth. The Monks of New Skeet also have a couple of excellent books of dog training.
Excellent suggestions. Did a lot of reading to see how raising methods have changed as well as internet research as well. Before I got Bubba I got a kennel and was always there to monitor him inside the house as well as out in the yard and didn't just give him free rein of the house when I brought him home. He's had to earn it bit by bit... also, I made him go outside first thing to "go potty and go poop" when I let him out of the kennel. Got him into the swing of things from the get go. Also, never let him chew on ANYTHING, but kept a chew toy on hand or clapped to distract him. He tried to play tug-of-war on some things, but I NEVER let him win. Lots of little things you have to do, but it's all worth it in the end. Nothing like coming home to a dog that puts his paws on your shoulders and licks your face non-stop! Cheers me up like nothing else! We always had 2 or more dogs when I was growing up. I have always been a dog person. I love the way dogs are loving and affectionate. Cats don't need anyone and I never really bonded to a cat they way I do with dogs... Frank
Just for T12...James Allen says... "German GQ magazine has Voted Schumacher "Man of the Year" in Sport category."
and..... "bonded with Mercedes engineers on flight: they insist Schu is a great guy but agreed he needs a slower teammate for 2011"
Big respect to any 40+ year old who can climb Mt Everest without oxygen (several 40-50 y/o people have), run a marathon, compete in an iron man competition, climb K2, be an astronaut, or drive an F1 car at full tilt.
Fangio was not only driving an F1 car at full tilt, not just winning races, but winning several WDCs past the age of 40!!! Frank