Hilliary & Ziggy

Hillary  & Ziggy came to me from a vet referral. They had been through several training classes and Ziggy did well in class (controlled environment) and was good at home. However, when taken out, such as to a park, he was at the end of his leash pulling constantly, and had no recall at all, even on leash.

We started with retraining the "Come" command, to help him solidify exactly where come is...to the front of the handler, rewarding each time. Then we taught him to make the decision to turn and come in. We are still working on a 6 foot leash and he is making progress.

Next we started working on getting him to walk on a leash without pulling... a huge undertaking. Since Ziggy is so excited he is not interested in treats to focus, we have been using come and turn-away, and change of direction to get him back. Since he has been doing this behavior for quite awhile, it will take some time to get him where we want. However, the owners are working with great dedication and following the criterian we set up, so I feel we will be successful!

 



Meet Barbara and Maggie

Maggie is a 4 year old German Shepherd, raised from a puppy by Barbara and her husband. Unfortunately, Barbara lost her husband several years ago. She and Maggie recently moved from the country to the city, which caused behavior problems for Maggie.

When we started working together several months ago, Barbara and Maggie were already known in their neighborhood...and not in a good way...

Barbara did not know how to be the leader...and was leaving a lot of decisions to Maggie...and she was making bad decisions...like extreme pulling and barking at dogs, cats and squirrels to name a few...

Last weekend we went hiking in Howarth Park where we had dogs walking towards us, dogs in front of us and dogs behind us...and she never reacted! She walked with Barbara with quiet confidence, making the walk pleasurable for both.

We are now working on solidifying this behavior and establishing a reliable recall. The best part for Barbara is the positive comments she is receiving from her neighbors!

Using "Tricks" To Focus Your Dog

Between privates and classes, I work with a variety of dogs with varied temperaments. Two of the most common problems I see are dogs that are impulsive and constantly pull on their leashes, and dogs that have "issues" with other dogs. There are two things these dogs have in common with each other: 1) Lack of impulse control and 2) Inability to focus on their handler. These two attributes also cause a problem with agility dogs, who are not locked in on their handler, and therefore take and run either the course of their choice or just take off and run.

So last week we started working on some tricks as a way to connect these dogs to their handlers. The tricks we started with were:

1) Touch - where the handler has a treat folded in to his hand, then offers that "fist" to the dog and says "touch". When the dogs bumps the hand with his nose, the hand opens and the dog gets the treat. Switch hands each time.

2) Spin left and right - Hold a treat in the right hand, with the dog in front of you. Use the treat to lure the dog around in a circle to the right. Switch to the treat in the left hand and use it to lure the dog in a circle to the left and feed. Repeat 2 times, alternately going left and right.

3) Sit-Down-Sit - Ask your dog to sit (dog sitting on left) with treat in your right hand. Bring treat hand down towards the ground, directly in front of dog, saying down. Use the same treat in hand, luring your dog back up into a sit the reward with treat. If the down is hard, reward in the down and also for coming back up into the sit. Repeat several times.

For very excitable dogs, teach  this in a very quiet place.

This is the story of Lady, A German Shepherd that I rescued:

Feb 19, 2017

A Day In The Life of A Dog Trainer

On Sundays I travel out into the country to work with 3 dogs...and some times with the daughter, doing agility. I was 2/3 of the way through my work today, when a neighbor of theirs showed up with a beautiful female GSD, probably 7 years old or so. She had showed up in their yard 3 days ago...he thought maybe she belonged to them.

They took her (with my help getting her collared and leashed before she came out). So sweet and a bit scared. We put her in one of their runs to see if we could introduce her to their dogs...bad idea. So I asked if I could take her home with me and get her checked for a chip. She went into Gunny's crate without a problem and rode back quietly with me. She was already leaning on me in the yard...hoping for my protection.

I took her to Pet Care to get her scanned...and they took her from me and would not give her back. They said it is their protocol in working with the SC shelter. I said I didn't want her killed! They have to keep her for 14 days before she can be made available for adoption. I will be on the phone with them tomorrow.

In tears I said, " but I didn't get her picture...I didn't get to tell her goodbye. So they let me get my cell phone and grab a snap-shot and hug her and kiss her good-bye. I left in tears, because I feel like I let her down. i hope her people are looking for her! If not, I will be back in her life in a couple of weeks...at least to get her into rescue.put her in one of their runs to see if we could introduce her to their dogs...bad idea. So I asked if I could take her home with me and get her checked for a chip. She went into Gunny's crate without a problem and rode back quietly with me. She was already leaning on me in the yard...hoping for my protection.

Feb 21, 2017

Update on found GSD

 I just spoke to the Animal Control services. Pet Care never called them and they don't have the dog! I am on my way to Pet Care right now. Also, Pet Care does not have the right to take the dog from me. I am allowed to hold the dog as long as I let them know I have her etc. Pissed does not come close to expressing how I feel!

Feb 21, 2017

Rescued GSD-Latest Update

So, I went down to Pet Care...they do still have her. They told me the dog was not well (seemed fine when I dropped her off...or they grabbed her). They claim they ran lab tests and ultra-sounded her...she has a bladder infection and is on antibiotics. I asked to see her and they brought her in for me. She was wiggly and cuddly, and flopped on her back for a belly rub, then tried to jump in my lap.

They insist they were following the protocol from Animal Care and Control. They notified SCACC on Sunday after hours, and was told their was no vet on duty for the shelter this week (God help any dogs who are in the shelter and get sick this week...), so they were leaving her at Pet Care so they could treat her. I would therefore not be allowed to take her home with me. Interestingly enough, Pet care only gets paid for the dogs they take in that have to be treated...

She is being picked up and taken to the shelter today. The hold period I was told was 14 days (in writing on Pet Care's sheet) is wrong. If the dog has a chip or a collar with tags, they will be held for 10 days. No chip or collar it is only 4 DAYS!!!! She could be available for adoption on Saturday. Even though I brought her in, they will not give me any preference for adopting...only ONE HOUR! And she still has to pass a temperament test to decide IF she is adoptable!

Feb 23, 2017

Update on Rescued GSD

Yesterday I went out to the county shelter to get an update. I much prefer to do this in person...it is easy to brush someone off on the phone. I was able to confirm that Pet Care did not have the right to take her from me...but that is now water under the bridge...

I was not allowed to visit her, but found out she will be held as a stray until Feb 28. I went out into the run area to see the other dogs, and found out a friend/vet tech works there. He said she is still peeing gross blood, so the bladder infection is still there. But other than that she is doing fine.

This morning I talked to the one vet clinic in the area she was found, and have emailed them photos and a description. They gave me the name and phone number for the rescue .in the area- Wine Country Animal Lovers. I called and talked to them, and sent them info and photos. She will go up on their website. They also work closely with Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue, and she has a friend that works at the animal shelter, that she will reach out to, to make she sure is pulled before something happens.

There are a lot of people doing good work out there...and it is fun to connect with different rescue groups. My hat is off to those who do this on a regular basis...it is very time consuming, but rewarding!

March 1, 2017

Rescue Shepherd Update

Yesterday was the last day of her "stray hold" was yesterday. i was told that it can take 2 weeks for them to do the temperament test...while the dog sits there in jail. Today I got call-back from the man with Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue. They are going there tomorrow and will look at her....and the other GSDs at the shelter.

In the meantime, I received a call from one of the folks at the shelter. They did her temperament test and feel she is dog aggressive. Anything is possible after 2 weeks in the shelter...so I called rescue again and pleaded my case for her. I offered to go and work with her for free, as well as well as publicize her...and ACTIVELY work to find her a home. Tonight I am crossing my fingers, toes, etc.

I am sure some people reading this can't figure out why I am so hung up on this dog. I can't stop all the dog neglect or cruelty. I can't save all the homeless dogs. But...maybe I can make difference for this one dog...and that will have to be enough...

March 2, 2017

Rescue Shepherd-A Bit Discouraged...

Today I was hoping to receive call that they had the shepherd, and I could get to work with training and evaluation. When I hadn't heard anything by 3:00, I picked up the phone and called my rescue contact. He said they had been there but were not allowed to see her as she is now quaranteened for kennel cough??? I am sorry but...WTH??? She didn't have it when I brought her in...so she got it there??? I am beginning to feel that this dog is being used as a pawn in some shelter political chess game! The thought is making me sick!!!

He said they should know something by Saturday...what will they come up with next???

I do know that if I ever get into a situation like this again, with a rescue that I want to do something with, I will NEVER take it to Pet Care to be scanned, nor register it with the shelter...I will just start with rescue. All I am asking is for this dog to have a chance...outside of a shelter environment...why is this so hard???

March 4, 2017

Rescue Shepherd - The Saga Continues...

After talking to the rescue contact on Thursday, who told me they didn't get to see the shepherd when they were there because she was in quarantine for kennel cough...I called the shelter. Yes, indeed she has kennel cough (or so they say). What is next...parvo...then they put her to sleep? I no longer know who to believe, including the man from rescue...

Today I made a decision...on Tuesday I will call the shelter and tell them that I will take her if rescue doesn't. I don't know what else to do. I just hope she is still alive...there are no checks and balances here. These people operate autonomously as secret society. She needs a chance...and if it can't work, i will make that decision to put her to sleep...and hold her while they do it...

I still can't wrap my head around this. Three weeks ago this dog was in her own home, well cared for and loved. Who knows how she got out...someone left a door or gate open??? And for the last three weeks she has been in isolation or quarantine...so that she could be helped??? This is so wrong!!! I am so sad for the helpless dog, and so frustrated at my inability to help her! Tomorrow I am driving to Calistoga, the closest city to where she was found, in case anyone has posted a flyer..

March 7, 2017

Rescue Shepherd-Last Sunday Activities

As promised, I drove into Calistoga after teaching my lesson...and realized I had no idea how to approach this. I stopped at a great local market "CAL Market" to get a sandwich, and ended up talking to the girls behind the counter at the Deli. Most of them were dog lovers, and one was a GSD person who had lost her dog about a year ago, and still teared up telling me about it. After telling them the story and showing her pictures, they started thinking of people they could check with. i got a call from my "main contact" saying they found a woman who had lost her dog. I am emailing her pictures.

I also stopped at the Calistoga Police Dept, and spoke to a very nice lady officer, and showed her the pictures. I just emailed to her, and she will post on their website, as well as send to Petaluma Shelter, who is contracted to do the strays for Calistoga.

If I do end up taking this dog...if rescue won't, I think I will check with the Calistoga PD to see if I can come up with the dog and a chair, sit on a street or place they designate and either find her owner...or find her a new home. Still hoping for rescue help, but trying to come up with plan B.

The wonderful folks at the county shelter still have not been bothered to take a decent photo to post. They sure are interested in finding her owners...right?

http://petharbor.com/pet.asp?uaid=SONO.A348587

This mug shot makes her look like one of the "10 most wanted"!

March 16, 2017

Rescue Shepherd - Good News!

I just spoke to my contact at GSD Rescue. My girl was finally out of quarantine so he went out to see her today. He retested her today and she was fine with other dogs...not particularly interested in them. The shelter is now going to reconsider whether they will offer her for adoption. If they won't, rescue will take her!

I am going to call the shelter tomorrow to see if I can come out and take some pictures of her. Several of you have offered to help me publicize this girl, so I will be looking for that help. Either way she will need a new home. The rescue person told the shelter I would come out and work with her...which I will be happy to do!

The rescue person also agreed with me that me representing her made sure that she would not be swept under the carpet!

 Please keep your positive thoughts coming!

March 21, 2017

Update on Rescue Shepherd-Now Named "CANDY"

I received a call back from my contact at the shelter. They re-evaluated her and decided she is very sweet and not aggressive at all...so they are going to offer her for adoption! And they have given her a "shelter name" of Candy.

Having already been treated for a bladder infection and kennel cough, they started their "veterinary protocol" and now found out she has heart worm...so she is going to be treated for that. I am assuming that after that she will be spayed. Of course she cannot have any "outside" visitors while under treatment. So I have to be patient and wait!

At least now she will have chance to find her forever family. My rescue contact said that since they have invested the time and money in her, they will definitely put her up for adoption. I will be going out to see her once she hits the adoption floor, and provide pictures and a post to help her find her home. Thanks to all of you who have encouraged me to not give up!

 Candy says thanks, too!

March 21, 2017

(Note from Bev Dodds)

Candy might get a halfway home at Lily's Legacy in Petaluma. I volunteer there and it is an astounding venue for senior large dogs, where they can be adopted or just receive hospice care. They may have an opening soon. Go on line to their site and try it. They can care for her during her heartworm time. They take dogs from any humane society, but can have only 12.

March 24, 2017

Send Your Good Thoughts For Candy! (Rescue Shepherd)

Yesterday I called my contact at the shelter to find out the schedule for Candy's heart worm treatment. He called me back today to say they had already started; she has had a shot and is on oral meds. She is due for another shot in 3 weeks. Right now they are trying to find a foster or rescue group to take her for awhile, as she has already been in the shelter for about 6 weeks and they are trying to get her out.

 So I contacted Bev Dodds, who is going to try to get her into Lily's Legacy in Petaluma, as her halfway house. Crossing my fingers that she is successful! Please send your good thoughts!

March 29, 2017

(Note from Bev Dodds)

Lily's is in touch with Travis and will look at her Friday. Sounds as if it might work.

March 29, 2017

Please Cross Your Fingers...

 With help from my friend Bev Dodds, the folks from Lily's Legacy (large dog/senior dog rescue in Petaluma) are going to see Candy on Friday to see if they can take her...at least to foster while she has heartworm treatment. Praying this works and she gets out of jail!

April 6, 2017

The Rescued Shepherd "Candy"

I have been waiting for confirmation on this so I could share. Candy, now named "Lady" is going to Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary in Petaluma. They will be picking her up at the County shelter tomorrow. (www.lilyslegacy.org).

I am indebted to my long-time friend Bev Dodds for her help on this. I had never heard of this place. Bev volunteers there and suggested them as an interim home for Candy, now Lady.

They visited her at the shelter last week and decided to take her.

Tonight my heart is light. i no longer have to wake up at 4:30 in the morning, trying to figure out what else I can do to help this dog.

I would also like to thank Travis MacDonald at the shelter, for his help in keeping track of this dog...and answering all of my phone calls.

And thanks to my friends who encouraged me to keep going...this one dog has been saved. I can't wait to visit her!

Lissa Wall

Tails-A-Waggin’             www.tailswagg.com    tailswag@sonic.net              (707)591-8831

I took her to Pet Care to get her scanned...and they took her from me and would not give her back. They said it is their protocol in working with the SC shelter. I said I didn't want her killed! They have to keep her for 14 days before she can be made available for adoption. i will be on the phone with them tomorrow.

In tears I said, " but I didn't get her picture...i didn't get to tell her goodbye. So they let me get my cell phone and grab a snap-shot and hug her and kiss her good-bye. I left in tears, because I feel like I let her down. i hope her people are looking for her! If not, i will e back in her life in a couple of weeks..at least to get her into rescue.

put her in one of their runs to see if we could introduce her to their dogs...bad idea. So I asked if I could take her home with me and get her checked for a chip. She went into Gunny's crate without a problem and rode back quietly with me. She was already leaning on me in the yard...hoping for my protection.

I took her to Pet Care to get her scanned...and they took her from me and would not give her back. They said it is their protocol in working with the SC shelter. I said I didn't want her killed! They have to keep her for 14 days before she can be made available for adoption. i will be on the phone with them tomorrow.

In tears I said, " but I didn't get her picture...i didn't get to tell her goodbye. So they let me get my cell phone and grab a snap-shot and hug her and kiss her good-bye. I left in tears, because I feel like I let her down. i hope her people are looking for her! If not, i will e back in her life in a couple of weeks..at least to get her into rescue.

put her in one of their runs to see if we could introduce her to their dogs...bad idea. So I asked if I could take her home with me and get her checked for a chip. She went into Gunny's crate without a problem and rode back quietly with me. She was already leaning on me in the yard...hoping for my protection.

I took her to Pet Care to get her scanned...and they took her from me and would not give her back. They said it is their protocol in working with the SC shelter. I said I didn't want her killed! They have to keep her for 14 days before she can be made available for adoption. i will be on the phone with them tomorrow.

In tears I said, " but I didn't get her picture...i didn't get to tell her goodbye. So they let me get my cell phone and grab a snap-shot and hug her and kiss her good-bye. I left in tears, because I feel like I let her down. i hope her people are looking for her! If not, i will e back in her life in a couple of weeks..at least to get her into rescue.

put her in one of their runs to see if we could introduce her to their dogs...bad idea. So I asked if I could take her home with me and get her checked for a chip. She went into Gunny's crate without a problem and rode back quietly with me. She was already leaning on me in the yard...hoping for my protection.

I took her to Pet Care to get her scanned...and they took her from me and would not give her back. They said it is their protocol in working with the SC shelter. I said I didn't want her killed! They have to keep her for 14 days before she can be made available for adoption. i will be on the phone with them tomorrow.

In tears I said, " but I didn't get her picture...i didn't get to tell her goodbye. So they let me get my cell phone and grab a snap-shot and hug her and kiss her good-bye. I left in tears, because I feel like I let her down. i hope her people are looking for her! If not, i will e back in her life in a couple of weeks..at least to get her into rescue.

put her in one of their runs to see if we could introduce her to their dogs...bad idea. So I asked if I could take her home with me and get her checked for a chip. She went into Gunny's crate without a problem and rode back quietly with me. She was already leaning on me in the yard...hoping for my protection.

I took her to Pet Care to get her scanned...and they took her from me and would not give her back. They said it is their protocol in working with the SC shelter. I said I didn't want her killed! They have to keep her for 14 days before she can be made available for adoption. i will be on the phone with them tomorrow.

In tears I said, " but I didn't get her picture...i didn't get to tell her goodbye. So they let me get my cell phone and grab a snap-shot and hug her and kiss her good-bye. I left in tears, because I feel like I let her down. i hope her people are looking for her! If not, i will e back in her life in a couple of weeks..at least to get her into rescue.

Pirouette's Pool Party Wrap-Up

Pirouette's Pool Party Wrap-Up

I had no idea what to expect yesterday when I took I took Miss P to a Corgi Pool and Pizza Party, hosted by Judy Neuhaus of Zephyr Corgis, and breeder of my first Corgi, Star. This is an annual event for the puppies she has bred, and their owners. It was held at the beautiful home of the Hicks in Cotati.

Pirouette likes other dogs, to the point that I have to stop her from going up to say "Hi" to dogs she doesn't know. But to be presented with 10-15 Corgis running around off leash was too much for her! It was a nice group of dogs with no fighting...just a few tiffs which owners were quickly on top of. Maybe if she had met some of them one at a time...but not as a group! And so she spent most of her time sitting on this lawn chair where I had put my things. She did investigate one other chair one time. And my little girl who has a one-jump lead out in agility, was content to occupy her chair, while I left her, walked around the pool and up onto the deck, to get food. So if I move a lawn chair into the agility ring I can get really good lead-outs!

I wanted to see if she might like to swim...so I got into the pool and put her on the first step...which is as far as she would go...and couldn't wait to get out! Later I tried getting in and putting her next to me on  pizza-slice floaty. Before I could move she leaped for the deck, kicked the floaty out, and ended up in the water! The girl at the other end of the floaty grabbed her collar and pulled up, as I got there. For awhile Pirouette did not want to come near me, being convinced that I had thrown her into the pool!

So, I have flunked that part of puppy parenthood. It is probably a good thing I did not have any human kids. Mine probably would have been the one in my lap, sucking his or her thumb, and watching all the other kids play!

Training Without Treats - Can't go "Cold Turkey"

My favorite way to start my day is doing something with my dogs. Yesterday I set up a Rally course at a nearby library parking lot,  to take turns working each of my 3 dogs, Daisy Mae (GSD), Pirouette (PWC) and Gunny (GSD). Unfortunately I forgot to check my treat supply before I left home...and found out I had one chicken jerky stick total for the three dogs.

Okay...so I would work with lots of praise...and very few treats. This, I found out, was a recipe for disaster! I started with Daisy Mae, my little female GSD who has her Novice title and is almost ready to show in Advanced. She quickly let me  know that without treats...it wasn't happening! Wow...how had she gotten so spoiled?? But then I asked myself...how much time have we spent doing Rally...as opposed to agility?

Next came tiny Pirouette, my Corgi puppy (19 months old). She was raised with a work ethic, and started training the day I got her...at 10 weeks of age.
She did the best of the 3! She worked well for few treats and lots of praise.

Next came Gunny, the newest of the 3, at 3 years of age. He had the best excuse...he was new. He is the biggest and has the attention span of a gnat! He could not do a thing without a treat stuffed in his face.

So..back to the drawing board. We will be doing a lot more Rally and obedience! And using less treats!

Pirouette-What we have to work on!

Pirouette is: Very fast, very obstacle focused, and very sensitive

These are the things I keep in mind when training her. I have found, in my last 2 trials, that she turns wide and does not refocus on the obstacle in front of her. I have to really work to bring her back in. Twice, in trials, she has missed the a-frame. At first I thought it was a-frame avoidance, is actually a lack of focus when she is running full speed and turning. That was evident in her UKI run; she was not pointed directly at the a-frame and missed it. The same thing happened at the NADAC Trial last weekend. We will try working on an RFP to see if that will bring her in.