About

Introductions

Roro and Lolo

I’ve been wanting to write a blog for the longest time. I actually remember starting one in 1999, long before the word ‘blog’ even existed, as an ‘online journal’. Several other short-lived attempts over the years led to nothing. But with dogMa, I feel that I’ve hit on something I care enough about – my dog and my dog-training journey – to keep the writing coming. I hope I can use dogMa to create something that people want to read.

I’m Rowan, and my dog is Arlo. I’m 29 years old, a lady with a man’s name, and I work in a university library. Arlo is about eight months old and is named after folksinger Arlo Guthrie. The two share the same gentle spirit and shaggy blond good looks.

Genesis

My beloved family of stray dogs in Bankok

Before Arlo was born, I was living in Bangkok, Thailand, and planning to return to my hometown of Melbourne and get a dog. In my impatience, I spent countless hours online, reading everything I could get my hands on. I read about choosing a breed, where to get a puppy, preparing for a puppy, bringing your puppy home, and looked at squillions of pictures of squirmy fat little grubs that would grow into gorgeous dogs.

I also started reading a lot about training philosophies, and became fascinated by the different schools of thought that exist, the research about animal psychology that informs them, and the bitter conflicts and controversies between them.

These themes will be explored in dogMa, but my intention isn’t to wade too deeply into those murky waters (I find it leads to muddy paw prints on the carpet!). I just want to share some stories about my life with Arlo and our experiences with training, and hopefully to hear yours too.

You

If you find dogs as joyful and joy-giving and hilarious and faschinating as I do, please leave a comment introducing yourself and any canines who you love.

Let the wild rumpus begin!

- Roro and Lolo

This is us.