Dog training and teaching are microcosms of life...just like life there are ups and downs. Life has a way of throwing you at lot of negatives. It is easy to remember the things you didn't do well...the dog and handler that dropped out of class...the person you weren't as patient with as you wanted to be...the dog you just couldn't get a handle on. It sometimes makes you wonder how much you are doing right.
Then, about the time you might be getting really discouraged, you receive a very special call from a student or former student. The first time this happened was at least 3 years ago. A former student had moved to Las Vegas. I had known this lady and her grand daughter for almost 10 years, and worked with them and their dogs over that time. I hadn't spoken tho either of them in long time, and came home to find a message from the grandmother. Her message told me that she was in the hospital, and wanted to get my advice on caring for the dogs when she returned home. I called her back immediately. I can't tell you the depth of my sadness when I learned she was dying; her cervical cancer had returned. And I was deeply honored to be one of the few people she reached out to at the untimely end of her life.
More recently, I received a call from a student that had trained their lab,, Daisy with me, thirteen years ago.
They lost Daisy 6 months ago, and have a new puppy. She said they had such a positive experience with me before, that they wanted to train their new dog with me also.
Today I came home from work and found a message from a former obedience and agility student, who just called, he said, to find out what I was doing, because he hadn't talked to me in a long time. I called him back tonight, and found out he is having open heart surgery tomorrow. I am honored that I was someone he reached out to the night before his surgery. He said he wanted to be sure I was teaching, as he plans on getting a new dog, and wants to come back and train with me.
Tonight I am thankful to know that I have had a positive effect on these people's lives. I makes it all worthwhile.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Agility-Daisy Mae Style
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Because I teach agility, obedience and agility, I started working with Daisy Mae in all in all three. I had no idea what events, if any, Daisy Mae would excel at. The three dogs I trained before her had all had tons of drive, so this is what I was used to. I do not find it enjoyable to "cheerlead" my dog round the course. When I watch someone else run a dog like that I always wonder why they bother, as the dog certainly does not appear to be having fun...so it must be just about the handler. But, I have also seen dogs who are unsure at the beginning, but pick up speed and enthusiasm as they gain experience. Which dog did I have?
Finally, I decided that Daisy Mae had all of the basics, and was very controllable, and entered her in her first CPE Trial...only two classes...so I could evaluate how her training was going to hold up in the ring. Anyone who has trained multiple agility dogs will tell you that it takes time to develop that partnership with each dog. Daisy Mae started slowly but stayed with me...until she went thru the tunnel...which acted like a "particle accelerator." She almost took me out at the knees!
Next I decided to try Daisy Mae in NADAC agility, since I was doing it with Saber. I spent the next year trying to gain control of crazy Daisy Mae. From the time she took off...she was gone. She did not just run around the ring...she ran courses...her courses...her way...with great enthusiasm! How could I gain control but not lose that enthusiasm! The best was Tunnelers...she did the first tunnel I asked for...and then took off for tunnels unlimited! Every time I asked to come, she did several more tunnels...all I could do was laugh:>)
Daisy has continued to go from insanity to worried and quiet. I like the crazy Daisy! But it is easier to qualify with quiet Daisy. Attached is a video from CPE in January 2013. The control is coming along. My handling needs work...I am still thinking Saber. But wait for the tunnel A-frame sequence and her first A-frame. she came across the top and was airborne...and I am praying she hits some part of the contact on the way down. I yelled "touch"...and somehow...she brings herself down with a 4-point landing on the contact, before she is off for the tunnel again!
Next weekend we will do more CPE. Daisy Mae is now in Excellent in AKC, Elite in NADAC, and Level 3 & 4 in CPE. Patience & perseverance are paying off...
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Daisy Mae - No Longer Spare Emergency Back-up Shepherd
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As much as I love my student dogs, sometimes I like to share things on my own dogs. My youngest dog is Daisy Mae, a rescue German Shepherd.. During the years I was showing Saber, Daisy Mae only received training time in bits and pieces...Saber was definitely in my number one position. I referred to her as "Spare Emergency Back-up Shepherd" Since Saber's spinal surgery and retirement, she is now in the number one position for training and showing.
Obviously I didn't expect her to be ready instantly. However, the question of how to ramp up her training has given me great pause for thought. As I have said hundreds of times, "She is not Saber." Saber and the two dogs I trained before him, were all very high drive dogs, who came "hard-wired" to work. This included my German Shepherd, Ajax, and my Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Star. Daisy Mae is definitely a "beta" in my household; she has minimal work ethic...and lots of play ethic. She loves to sun bathe! The work ethic I have had to build into her.The question became, "How do I make training fun and interesting for her?"
Several years ago, we attended an excellent seminar on drive and motivation, with Denise Fenzi. One of the many focuses of this seminar was teaching your dog to tug. Daisy Mae did not know how to tug, and showed no interest in learning. She was not into toys at all, and didn't know how to play retrieve, or even particularly want to chase toys or balls. I has tried a variety of textures and types...to no avail. using Denise's techniques, Daisy showed her first interest in tugging! this is one skill we have worked on continuously, and is key to the behaviors we have built.
As I tried to build a working relationship with Daisy Mae, I realized that, while she loved me on a personal relationship basis, she didn't really need me. She is quite independent. I provided for all of her needs, including the physical, as well as love and affection, without asking anything in return. Now it wwas time to ask for more, and make her realize that she is really dependent on me. One behavior we started with was "tethering". Daisy Mae was not a "hang with me" dog, so I tethered her to me with a leash, so she had to go everywhere I went. This started a change in her attitude. she started to understand that I was definitely a part of her picture.
Since this was during the winter months, I took advantage of Daisy Mae's love of being in her crate in the car, and took her to work with me every day. Now she was totally dependent on me for everything, including pottying, walking, feeding, playing and training. this continued for at least 6 months, and our relationship improved by leaps and bounds. She seemed more eager to spend time with me, and I gained a better understanding of her personality. everyday included several short training sessions on my breaks.
Fast-forward to the current time...
The only time I have to train Daisy Mae is after work. She has reached the point that she would rather go out and train with me than eat her dinner. She prances back and forth from the kitchen to the front door, waitng for me to finish feeding Saber and Star, so I will put her in the car, and go out to train. Since she also assists me on the classes I teach, she goes with me at least 4 nights a week.
Training has become her special one-on-one time with me. At home, she is still number three on the totem pole. Senior dogs Star and Saber really need a lot of special help. Daisy seems to sense that, and understands where she stands. She is now excited to work!!!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
What do You Want From Your Dog Trainer?
I always consider it a privilege to be invited into someone's home to help with their dog. During our initial conversation, I try to get as much information as possible, about the person or family, the dog, the problem(s) they are having, what they have tried so far and any training, class or private, they have done. I have found ta\hat most people give pretty good information, within the scope of their knowledge. I always have some basic ideas of how I plan to approach the situation; I am also prepared to throw them out and start over when I assess the situation, if necessary. I always assume that people who take the time to call and set up an appointment and pay me to come really want to solve a problem or problems.
Recently I worked with a family who had a 3-4 year old dog, medium sized, of a breed with which I was not familiar. When we spoke on the phone, the woman told me that if she couldn't get the dog under control, she would be finding it a new home, even though the thought made her sad.
We had a good lesson. The whole family took turns, one at a time, working on the "come" command as well as walking on a leash without pulling. I did not see the extreme energy level that she spoke of on the phone. She took a few notes and got the family's buy-in on working daily with the dog.
When we spoke in my follow-up call, she said they were doing well.
A few weeks later she called to talk about the dog. She said the dog was still too hyper for her, and that she didn't have the time to run the dog several miles every morning, and was thinking she needed to give the dog to the breeder...what did I think? I told her that if the dog was not a good fit for her and her family, that was the best option, and certainly better than a shelter. She seemed very pleased with my answer, and wanted it affirmed several more times. At the end, she thanked me so much for all of my help!
Hindsight being what it is, I can't help but wonder if this was not what she wanted to do all along. Perhaps she didn't realize it, but she needed to work through a process to feel that she had done all that she could...I have no problem with that. In this case, that is what they needed from a dog trainer.
Recently I worked with a family who had a 3-4 year old dog, medium sized, of a breed with which I was not familiar. When we spoke on the phone, the woman told me that if she couldn't get the dog under control, she would be finding it a new home, even though the thought made her sad.
We had a good lesson. The whole family took turns, one at a time, working on the "come" command as well as walking on a leash without pulling. I did not see the extreme energy level that she spoke of on the phone. She took a few notes and got the family's buy-in on working daily with the dog.
When we spoke in my follow-up call, she said they were doing well.
A few weeks later she called to talk about the dog. She said the dog was still too hyper for her, and that she didn't have the time to run the dog several miles every morning, and was thinking she needed to give the dog to the breeder...what did I think? I told her that if the dog was not a good fit for her and her family, that was the best option, and certainly better than a shelter. She seemed very pleased with my answer, and wanted it affirmed several more times. At the end, she thanked me so much for all of my help!
Hindsight being what it is, I can't help but wonder if this was not what she wanted to do all along. Perhaps she didn't realize it, but she needed to work through a process to feel that she had done all that she could...I have no problem with that. In this case, that is what they needed from a dog trainer.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Terry Hawkins and Her Mixed Breed Stars!
When I sent out an email on the article I had just posted - Basketball vs Dog Training, I received the following comment back from my friend Terry Hawkins. She competes...VERY SUCCESSFULLY, in CPE Agility with her 2 mixed breed dogs, Lucky (now retired) and Chewie. Lucky has also earned her Mixed Breed Utility Dog Title (Obedience)
"I love this comparison. It's funny when you go back to foundation work with
a new dog how much of it becomes a type of dance with moves that feel
natural especially when you watch the newbies who are struggling to
understand how to do a front cross. I would have to say none of my dogs
would be considered "sexy" and Sharon can attest she did not expect a lot
out of my first agility dog Lucky but lots of practice and praise and she
retires a well titled canine with a lot of attitude. That repetition in
practice so it comes naturally under pressure is what it is all about. "
Several years ago, Terry and her dogs were featured in Clean Run Magazine. Here is a link to the article-click on Preview.
View the digital version here:
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/cleanrun/1108/index.php?startpage=82
<http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/cleanrun/1108/index.php?startpage=82&drml=g081103690775&drmp=ce7d4cd9>
Chewie and Lucky and Terry
Titles and Ribbons:
TACh C-ATE2 CT-ATE C-ATCH Chewie ExSN ExST ExWC ExJU ExFH ExCL EXJP TExST TExWC
MB-CD CGC MB-RAE2 MB-VX6, TAM, TMAG
C-ATE CT-ATE CS-ATE C-ATCH CT-ATCH CS-ATCH Lucky ExSN ExJP ExFH ExWC ExCL ExJU TExST
TExWC TExJU MB-UD CGC MB-RAE3 MB-VX6, TBAD, TG2
"I love this comparison. It's funny when you go back to foundation work with
a new dog how much of it becomes a type of dance with moves that feel
natural especially when you watch the newbies who are struggling to
understand how to do a front cross. I would have to say none of my dogs
would be considered "sexy" and Sharon can attest she did not expect a lot
out of my first agility dog Lucky but lots of practice and praise and she
retires a well titled canine with a lot of attitude. That repetition in
practice so it comes naturally under pressure is what it is all about. "
Several years ago, Terry and her dogs were featured in Clean Run Magazine. Here is a link to the article-click on Preview.
View the digital version here:
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/cleanrun/1108/index.php?startpage=82
<http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/cleanrun/1108/index.php?startpage=82&drml=g081103690775&drmp=ce7d4cd9>
Chewie and Lucky and Terry
Titles and Ribbons:
MB-CD CGC MB-RAE2 MB-VX6, TAM, TMAG
C-ATE CT-ATE CS-ATE C-ATCH CT-ATCH CS-ATCH Lucky ExSN ExJP ExFH ExWC ExCL ExJU TExST
TExWC TExJU MB-UD CGC MB-RAE3 MB-VX6, TBAD, TG2
Friday, March 29, 2013
Basketball and Dog Training-What Do They have In Common
Below is an article I found today. I am not really a big basketball fan. I didn't watch this game. I have never even seen a photo of the coach. So why did I print this in my blog? Because the concepts embraced by this coach are the same ones that apply to agility or obedience training and competition. Many times people think they must have a specific breed of dog or special skills or be a super athelete to be successful. While some of these dogs are showy (or, maybe as the basketball article states, "sexy"), it is not a guarentee for success. What will make you successful in the dog sport of your choice is working with your dog, practicing skills, like front and rear crosses and weave poles and contacts for agility, or straight fronts and finishes and polished heeling and handling for
obedience and rally. I have had students who didn't have expensive dogs...most of my students have rescue dogs...and they have gone on to be successful, in part because of their hard work, but also because I told them they could do it! It just takes showing up every day and ringing the bell!
Enjoy.
The perception making the rounds lately is that college basketball needs more sexy. The game’s too boring; the coaches are too controlling; the best players never hang around for more than a year or two.
In this view, a team like Florida Gulf Coast, with its Dunk City meme and its historic Sweet 16 run, is the antidote to un-sexy basketball. So is a team like Indiana (the resurgence of a blueblood, the emergence of a charismatic and athletic star like Victor Oladipo). So is a team like Michigan (another blueblood’s resurgence, and the emergence of a preternaturally mature point guard in Trey Burke). And so is a team like Miami (the South Beach allure, the toss-it-off-the-glass alley oop, the sighting of LeBron and D-Wade in the stands).
At least, so was a team like Miami, until Thursday night, when the sexy Hurricanes fell flat on their faces in the school’s second-ever Sweet 16 appearance, falling to Marquette 71-61.
Buzz Williams is not sexy. The Marquette coach might be the exact opposite of sexy. Look up “sexy” in the dictionary and there’s an excellent chance, right next to where it says “antonym of sexy,” you’ll see Williams’ pasty, round mug and shaved head.
Buzz Williams has been known to coach games wearing plaid blazers that look as if they were sheared off your grandmother’s couch. Buzz Williams dips pouches of chewing tobacco in a sport that, unlike baseball, doesn’t exactly have a dipping culture. Buzz Williams looks as if he’s more fit to play Curly Howard in a “Three Stooges” remake than play the suave coaching genius. A video of Buzz Williams dancing near the bench after a dunk by his team was seen by 1.8 million people when it was posted on YouTube. This was not because Buzz Williams knows how to dance — not in any way, shape or form.
Buzz Williams’ teams do not play sexy basketball. Instead, they grind. They shove. They out-tough. They work hard for a layup in the paint instead of launching the 3 with 20 seconds left on the shot clock.
They also happen to win.
The utter lack of sexy basketball that Williams preaches was on display Thursday night, when his team took on the heretofore sexy and exciting Hurricanes and beat all the sexy out of them for 40 minutes straight. Marquette had four players in double-digits but no one with more than 16 points. Marquette shot a total of six 3-pointers all game, which is no surprise, since Marquette ranks 333rd of Division I’s 347 teams in percentage of points that comes from 3-pointers. Miami, on the other hand, shot 26 3-pointers, and its eight makes were the only reason the final score was close in a game that was never anywhere near that close.
“All the things we wanted to do — keep them out of the paint with their drives, keep them off the offensive boards, find the open man on our end and make some 3’s — we weren’t able to do any of those things,” Miami coach Jim Larranaga said after the game. “You ever have days where you’re just out of sync? Where things don’t run along smoothly? Almost like our trip over here. Our hotel is a mile and a half away; it took us 45 minutes to get here. We had to go on nine different streets, weaving our way in and out, traffic and everything. That’s kind of how it seemed on the court. We were trying to find our way and never could.”
You could listen to Larranaga’s explanation and think, hey, Miami just didn’t have it tonight. The ’Canes kept taking good shots that nearly went in before popping back out. They were missing their leading rebounder, Reggie Johnson, their mountain of a center. Their point guard, Shane Larkin, had been throwing up the night before with an illness.
Or you could look at what really happened on the court: Marquette imposed its toughness upon a more talented, more hyped, more sexy team. This has been Marquette all season. The Golden Eagles haven’t done anything particularly well. They’re not the best shooting team, not the best defensive team, not the best team at penetrating the defense. They are pretty good at offensive rebounding, the ultimate statistic of toughness.
No, the only thing this team has done especially well is win.
“Toughness means to us getting up and showing up every day,” said forward Jamil Wilson, who had a team-high 16 points and eight rebounds. “Buzz’s favorite quote is, ‘Get up and ring the bell every day.’ We build toughness by going every day into practice and practicing hard. Trying not to give a day away, a shot away, a rep away. Because in the end of the day you’re gonna need that rep.”
They didn’t really need that rep on Thursday, because this game was won by halftime. It was won in the image of their short, sort-of pudgy, occasionally irascible, never-sexy coach. They didn’t look the part of an Elite Eight team in any way except their grit and grind, but through that grit and grind, they became an Elite Eight team.
The character of this team was formed before a game was played this season; not because it signed a bevy of five-star recruits, but instead because of something Williams calls his boot camp.
Click here to check on the status of your bracket.
“It’s not really something you can explain in words,” Wilson said. “A whole lot of shoes squeaking, a whole lot of yelling, some guys falling out, a lot of barfing. But in the end of the day it’s well worth it. Coach says it, before boot camp starts, ‘It’s where we’re going to be made as a team. It’s where you guys are going to show your true colors.’ ”
Marquette showed its true colors on Thursday night, as did Williams. He knows his team isn’t a sexy team. He says he doesn’t want to be known as a coaching genius, doesn’t want his team known for being a tactical team, but would rather just be known as the toughest team out there. After the game, Williams talked about his rough edge. He’s not always kind to reporters. On game days, he pointed out, he’s not even kind to his family, because he’s so focused on winning that game.
He doesn’t really care if you think he’s isn’t refined enough, or question whether his team plays pretty enough.
“Regardless of the perception of me, of our team, whether we’re supposed to win, whether it’s supposed to be an ugly game — in the end none of those things matter,” Williams said after the game, having changed from his suit into a dumpy white polo. “What matters is the trust that was involved by most of those single-parent moms that said, ‘Buzz, I trust ya. Take care of my boy. ‘Cause he’s all I got.’ So regardless of my attitude toward you guys, I have to be accountable to those mothers. And in the end, that’s how I’m going to be judged.”
No, it really isn’t sexy, not at all. Instead, Buzz Williams and his Marquette team are something far more powerful, far more lasting, and far more meaningful, too.
Follow Reid Forgrave on Twitter @ReidForgrave or email him at ReidForgrave@gmail.com.
obedience and rally. I have had students who didn't have expensive dogs...most of my students have rescue dogs...and they have gone on to be successful, in part because of their hard work, but also because I told them they could do it! It just takes showing up every day and ringing the bell!
Enjoy.
The perception making the rounds lately is that college basketball needs more sexy. The game’s too boring; the coaches are too controlling; the best players never hang around for more than a year or two.
BEAT THE EXPERT
Check out FOXSports.com college basketball writer Reid Forgrave's bracket and see how yours stacks up.In this view, a team like Florida Gulf Coast, with its Dunk City meme and its historic Sweet 16 run, is the antidote to un-sexy basketball. So is a team like Indiana (the resurgence of a blueblood, the emergence of a charismatic and athletic star like Victor Oladipo). So is a team like Michigan (another blueblood’s resurgence, and the emergence of a preternaturally mature point guard in Trey Burke). And so is a team like Miami (the South Beach allure, the toss-it-off-the-glass alley oop, the sighting of LeBron and D-Wade in the stands).
At least, so was a team like Miami, until Thursday night, when the sexy Hurricanes fell flat on their faces in the school’s second-ever Sweet 16 appearance, falling to Marquette 71-61.
Buzz Williams is not sexy. The Marquette coach might be the exact opposite of sexy. Look up “sexy” in the dictionary and there’s an excellent chance, right next to where it says “antonym of sexy,” you’ll see Williams’ pasty, round mug and shaved head.
Buzz Williams has been known to coach games wearing plaid blazers that look as if they were sheared off your grandmother’s couch. Buzz Williams dips pouches of chewing tobacco in a sport that, unlike baseball, doesn’t exactly have a dipping culture. Buzz Williams looks as if he’s more fit to play Curly Howard in a “Three Stooges” remake than play the suave coaching genius. A video of Buzz Williams dancing near the bench after a dunk by his team was seen by 1.8 million people when it was posted on YouTube. This was not because Buzz Williams knows how to dance — not in any way, shape or form.
Buzz Williams’ teams do not play sexy basketball. Instead, they grind. They shove. They out-tough. They work hard for a layup in the paint instead of launching the 3 with 20 seconds left on the shot clock.
They also happen to win.
The utter lack of sexy basketball that Williams preaches was on display Thursday night, when his team took on the heretofore sexy and exciting Hurricanes and beat all the sexy out of them for 40 minutes straight. Marquette had four players in double-digits but no one with more than 16 points. Marquette shot a total of six 3-pointers all game, which is no surprise, since Marquette ranks 333rd of Division I’s 347 teams in percentage of points that comes from 3-pointers. Miami, on the other hand, shot 26 3-pointers, and its eight makes were the only reason the final score was close in a game that was never anywhere near that close.
“All the things we wanted to do — keep them out of the paint with their drives, keep them off the offensive boards, find the open man on our end and make some 3’s — we weren’t able to do any of those things,” Miami coach Jim Larranaga said after the game. “You ever have days where you’re just out of sync? Where things don’t run along smoothly? Almost like our trip over here. Our hotel is a mile and a half away; it took us 45 minutes to get here. We had to go on nine different streets, weaving our way in and out, traffic and everything. That’s kind of how it seemed on the court. We were trying to find our way and never could.”
You could listen to Larranaga’s explanation and think, hey, Miami just didn’t have it tonight. The ’Canes kept taking good shots that nearly went in before popping back out. They were missing their leading rebounder, Reggie Johnson, their mountain of a center. Their point guard, Shane Larkin, had been throwing up the night before with an illness.
Or you could look at what really happened on the court: Marquette imposed its toughness upon a more talented, more hyped, more sexy team. This has been Marquette all season. The Golden Eagles haven’t done anything particularly well. They’re not the best shooting team, not the best defensive team, not the best team at penetrating the defense. They are pretty good at offensive rebounding, the ultimate statistic of toughness.
No, the only thing this team has done especially well is win.
“Toughness means to us getting up and showing up every day,” said forward Jamil Wilson, who had a team-high 16 points and eight rebounds. “Buzz’s favorite quote is, ‘Get up and ring the bell every day.’ We build toughness by going every day into practice and practicing hard. Trying not to give a day away, a shot away, a rep away. Because in the end of the day you’re gonna need that rep.”
They didn’t really need that rep on Thursday, because this game was won by halftime. It was won in the image of their short, sort-of pudgy, occasionally irascible, never-sexy coach. They didn’t look the part of an Elite Eight team in any way except their grit and grind, but through that grit and grind, they became an Elite Eight team.
The character of this team was formed before a game was played this season; not because it signed a bevy of five-star recruits, but instead because of something Williams calls his boot camp.
FOX BRACKET CHALLENGE
The tournament has kicked off.Click here to check on the status of your bracket.
“It’s not really something you can explain in words,” Wilson said. “A whole lot of shoes squeaking, a whole lot of yelling, some guys falling out, a lot of barfing. But in the end of the day it’s well worth it. Coach says it, before boot camp starts, ‘It’s where we’re going to be made as a team. It’s where you guys are going to show your true colors.’ ”
Marquette showed its true colors on Thursday night, as did Williams. He knows his team isn’t a sexy team. He says he doesn’t want to be known as a coaching genius, doesn’t want his team known for being a tactical team, but would rather just be known as the toughest team out there. After the game, Williams talked about his rough edge. He’s not always kind to reporters. On game days, he pointed out, he’s not even kind to his family, because he’s so focused on winning that game.
He doesn’t really care if you think he’s isn’t refined enough, or question whether his team plays pretty enough.
“Regardless of the perception of me, of our team, whether we’re supposed to win, whether it’s supposed to be an ugly game — in the end none of those things matter,” Williams said after the game, having changed from his suit into a dumpy white polo. “What matters is the trust that was involved by most of those single-parent moms that said, ‘Buzz, I trust ya. Take care of my boy. ‘Cause he’s all I got.’ So regardless of my attitude toward you guys, I have to be accountable to those mothers. And in the end, that’s how I’m going to be judged.”
No, it really isn’t sexy, not at all. Instead, Buzz Williams and his Marquette team are something far more powerful, far more lasting, and far more meaningful, too.
Follow Reid Forgrave on Twitter @ReidForgrave or email him at ReidForgrave@gmail.com.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Patches-A Puppy Story
When Patches first joined puppy class in late 2012, he was afraid of everything...especially dogs and people. he screamed and barked for several of his first classes. His tail was clamped tightly against his body as he hid behind his Mom, Jessica. He was so scared that he wouldn't eat...not even the tastiest of treats. Any attempt at socialization with other puppies impossible!
In his second session, things finally started to turn around. Each victory,no matter how small, was a celebration...less barking, tail up, able to focus and work...and eat treats, and finally able to be near other pups without growling, barking or carrying on.
At home his progress was equally dramatic, like the week Jessica came in and told me that the vet was able to touch Patches and carry him into the back room. or, the fact that he escaped into the neighbor's back yard but came the first time he was called!!
We provided the structure for Jessica and Patches to work and grow, but it was their hard work that made the difference.He is a lucky little dog to have such a wonderful home! And now on to try some agility!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Puppies Visit The Park
Please visit our website: www.tailswagg.com to hear their story and see their photos.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Doing "The Wrap"
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| Pictured L to R - Ron & Scout, Cindy & Star and Sarah & Bella all practice "the wrap" Not pictured (due to operator error) are Korie and Roen and Kim & Maggie..I'll get you guys tonight! |
Agility Drills In The Park
In attempt to take advantage of our beautiful spring weather...and all the distracting smells it provides to our canines, we decided to do some agility drills in the park. It's a good thing everyone brought good treats! And I brought my new toy, an iPad Mini, to take some lovely photos. I hope to get better with practice! Today we worked on some core skills, including wrapping the jump, stays, and the Turn command!
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| Korie and Roen looking very stylish as they wait to see what we will do next! |
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| Sarah and Bella relaxing before their work session as Ron and Scout enjoy the smells of spring...well at least Scout was! |
Friday, March 8, 2013
Daisy Mae's New Harness
Several weeks ago, when I was away from home for agility trials, I thought Daisy Mae had a bladder infection. Concerned about having problems in the middle of the night, while staying at a hotel, I took her to a local vet emergency clinic. Daisy Mae is a very sweet shepherd, who loves other dogs and people, and can be challenging to control in exciting situations. so, I entered with Daisy Mae on a prong collar. She was a good girl and I didn't have to correct her, so I was very happy.
I am a believer in prong collars, for certain dogs, in certain situations. When I walk both of my shepherds, they are both in prong collars. I have had surgery on both of my shoulders...and don't want a repeat. 150 pounds of GSD could easily pull me over if they both went after a cat at the same time!
Back to the vet's office...as we were waiting our turn, I heard someone from accross the room make a comment about people who use cruel collars and don't bother to train their dogs. (Yep, it was aimed at me) If you know me, you will know that it took extreme restraint to keep from responding...!
So, when I saw these harnesses, I thought I would give it a shot. This is by Cesar Milan "The Dog Whisperer". I am not a fan, and never watch his show. To be honest, it was the color that attracted me at first! But, I really like the fabric; it is strong but pliable, and doesn't restrict her movement. It also has not caused any chaffing under her arms. I have found I can give one "pop" on the leash and she listens and stops pulling. This harness is easy to put on the dog, once fitted. Put it on the ground and put each front foot in it's loop, pull up and snap.
Now, Saber says he wants one too!!!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
The Challenges of Giving Saber "A Tubby"
Late sunday afternoon, I went back to Unleashed by PetCo...to wash Saber. I should do him first...but he is the hardest...so I put it off.
One of the best things about washing my dog there, is that they have "tie-downs"...you see...Saber has issues with water. He wants to bite it!!! Several times he has gotten my hand...not intentionally...but because it got in between him and the water...he never even saw it.
He is so obcessed with running water, that he blew a Novice Jumpers leg (AKC), because, at the end of his run, he took off out of the ring to the swimming pool 25 feet away...they were spraying water from a hose!
So, I came prepared - they had one tie-down, and I brought an extra old leash to use on the other side. I also brought a mesh muzzle, which I put on him. This was a big improvement. However, he started talking loudly when he got into the tub!
This would not have been so bad, except...another German Shepherd ended up in the tub next to us! I explained to the nice young lady that my dog was water-crazy...hence the get-up and the noise. At one point, Saber had his head so far under his belly that I thought he was going to summersault...and turned off the water. The only way I could control him was hold him up against the wall with one hand, as I held the hose and rinsed with the other.
Finally the lady said..."Is it that he doesn't have a bath very often???"
How embarassing! And I was finished and drying him when a third German Shepherd walked in (with owner) to use the third tub! No one told me it was a breed exclusive time!
As a trainer I have tried to think of various ways to combat this behavior. I know Saber is not trying to be bad...it is basically an "out-of-body" experience for him! Maybe if someone fed him a steak while I washed??? However, given his level of arousal, even that would be a challenge.
So, maybe I will tie him a little shorter next time. It is not hard to understand why I don't wash him more thatn every other week...I just to have the energy and stamina!
One of the best things about washing my dog there, is that they have "tie-downs"...you see...Saber has issues with water. He wants to bite it!!! Several times he has gotten my hand...not intentionally...but because it got in between him and the water...he never even saw it.
He is so obcessed with running water, that he blew a Novice Jumpers leg (AKC), because, at the end of his run, he took off out of the ring to the swimming pool 25 feet away...they were spraying water from a hose!
So, I came prepared - they had one tie-down, and I brought an extra old leash to use on the other side. I also brought a mesh muzzle, which I put on him. This was a big improvement. However, he started talking loudly when he got into the tub!
This would not have been so bad, except...another German Shepherd ended up in the tub next to us! I explained to the nice young lady that my dog was water-crazy...hence the get-up and the noise. At one point, Saber had his head so far under his belly that I thought he was going to summersault...and turned off the water. The only way I could control him was hold him up against the wall with one hand, as I held the hose and rinsed with the other.
Finally the lady said..."Is it that he doesn't have a bath very often???"
How embarassing! And I was finished and drying him when a third German Shepherd walked in (with owner) to use the third tub! No one told me it was a breed exclusive time!
As a trainer I have tried to think of various ways to combat this behavior. I know Saber is not trying to be bad...it is basically an "out-of-body" experience for him! Maybe if someone fed him a steak while I washed??? However, given his level of arousal, even that would be a challenge.
So, maybe I will tie him a little shorter next time. It is not hard to understand why I don't wash him more thatn every other week...I just to have the energy and stamina!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Sunday Dog Wash
Yesterday morning I took Star, my little Corgi to Unleashed by Petco, on Yulupa, for a wash. At almost 14 years of age, Star is a veteran, and very well-behaved...even for baths. This was a Sunday where Rescue dogs were on parade, looking for their new "Forever homes". The group is called California Animal Rescue. These were all small dogs, and I must admit to being tempted to stick a couple in my pocket on the way out.
At the tub next to me was a young lady named Bailey. She had appointed herself the task of washing all the little rescue dogs, so they would have a better chnace of finding a home. As a dog-washer, Bailey put me to shame. In the time it took me to wash Star, she washed and dried three little rescue dogs.
Evidentally they live at her house, as she know them by name. She was gentle but efficient at her washing, and used a technique I have never tried. She rubbed soap on the dogs, then added water, so the washing and rinsing happened almost simultaneously! She even got in a little conditioner at the end.
What an amazing young person...and what great parents! Bailey told me she does this "pretty much every Sunday". As the owner of 2 rescue German Shepherds, I am foreve in awe of and grateful to all those folks who have the dedication to rescue and foster animals. I know that when their time comes, those people will have a special place at the Rainbow Bridge.
At the tub next to me was a young lady named Bailey. She had appointed herself the task of washing all the little rescue dogs, so they would have a better chnace of finding a home. As a dog-washer, Bailey put me to shame. In the time it took me to wash Star, she washed and dried three little rescue dogs.
Evidentally they live at her house, as she know them by name. She was gentle but efficient at her washing, and used a technique I have never tried. She rubbed soap on the dogs, then added water, so the washing and rinsing happened almost simultaneously! She even got in a little conditioner at the end.
What an amazing young person...and what great parents! Bailey told me she does this "pretty much every Sunday". As the owner of 2 rescue German Shepherds, I am foreve in awe of and grateful to all those folks who have the dedication to rescue and foster animals. I know that when their time comes, those people will have a special place at the Rainbow Bridge.
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