Meet the Pack

Pack Leader? Me…

Name: Maya J.

DOB: 6/20 (no year!)

Occupation: Currently working as a lawyer by necessity while working to grow Skinveda and I am an Ambit Energy consultant.

Hobbies: Can you tell…DOGS!

Background: I was born in Hawaii, but grew up in East Texas. I spent much of my 20′s traveling around the world and getting degrees I don’t use. After practicing law for 9 months, I quit. I found little satisfaction from that career and wanted to move on to something else that I could feel like I could build or create. Once free from the office grind, I got very sucked into the world of dogs. I was lucky enough to work at home with my dogs for several years until recently I had to go back to an office to make sure I could keep feeding my dogs! I hope soon to be back to having my furry friends as my office pals. If only I could take my dogs to work, I would be happy.

Dog 1: King of the Pack
Registered Name: Braylor’s Pocket Rocket

Call Name: Riyo (Ree-yo)

Nicknames: Riyo Mosquito

Breed: Papillon

DOB: 08/15/2006

Training Areas: Obedience, Rally, Agility

Issues: Extreme dislike for men, fear based aggression

Genetic Traits: Med/high energy and drive, alert, high intelligence and trainability, suspicious of strangers

Background:

I got Riyo at 10 months old and he was my first toy dog. I never thought I would get a toy dog, but for some reason it just hit me one day that maybe it would be nice to have a little guy. After some research, I decided the Papillon was the breed for me. They were described as big dogs in a little body, and are the only toy breed listed in the top 10 most intelligent breeds.

Right now, we’re doing beginning agility, and boy is that fun. It also helps him socialize with people, although he still likes a healthy space between him and a stranger. I haven’t achieved any training titles with him, but I’m going to try to do something. He should get a title for silly party tricks though.

An additional note, Riyo is a character. He is an example of a dog that had the utmost in socialization and handling from the day he was born and he is still a challenge! Every dog has its quirks and he’s got his, but I have mine too, so we fit.
Dog 2: Big Girl
Full Name: Miss Elizabeth Bennett

Call Name: Lizzie

Nickname: “Lizzie Lizard”, “The Lizard”

Breed: German Shepherd

DOB: 05/15/2010

Training Areas: AKC Obedience

Issues: Nothing major other than typical GSD traits. Some people may consider them “issues” but guess what, Shepherds bark, somewhat nervy

Genetic Traits: Medium energy, medium prey drive. Not the best hips.

Background: Lizzie is my first dog to get as a young puppy, 10 weeks old. So she is truly my first dog to raise from the very beginning. This also means that anything that goes wrong will be my fault! But she has been so much fun. Even her constant antics just make me laugh. She’s broken a window and eaten a couple of pairs of eyeglasses, but these things can happen when you are raising a rambunctious puppy! Because of her I have really progressed much further in learning about dog training than I ever would have. Really, really so much fun!

Dog 3: Cuddle Bunny Love Bug
Registered Name: Braylor’s Cowboy Cadillac of RJW

Call Name: Mr. Darcy “Darcy”

Nicknames: Peanut, Randy

Breed: Papillon

DOB: 4/27/07

Training areas: Just basic commands and cuddling.

Issues: Periodically chews holes in blankets any stuffed object he can get his teeth into and rips out all stuffing. Can be overly timid.

Genetic Traits: Very submissive in the pack order, extremely laid back and relaxed, med/high drive tempered by submissive nature. Extremely soft dog.

Background: I got little Darcy a year after Riyo, and they are two completely different dogs though best buddies. If you like a cuddly dog, Darcy is the best there is. He loves to cuddle up and snuggle any time of the day and all night. Cuddle bunny love bug is what he is. You can’t help but love this little dog. While Riyo tends to make enemies everywhere he goes, people will tolerate his presence because he’s Darcy’s friend. It’s Everbody Loves Darcy. What’s there not to love? Other than the numerous holes in my COUCH, blankets, pillows….If I could just break him of that one completely!
Dog 4: Old Lady