Logan's Idea of A Good Time

Logan demonstrates the joys of shoes....



Does your dog need training? Call Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at Mannerly Mutts Dog Training 207-361-4395 or e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com.

Daycare and Boarding Photos

Dog on Sidecar of Motorcycle

My husband took this picture on the road one day:

Group Photos

Me and Bri's Performance Saccarappa Obedience Trial

Day 1 with Bri, we qualified before the sit stays. However, our performance was sloppy. It had been since June 21st that we had stepped foot into a ring, and I had confused Bri by spending a lot of time on fronts the day before. So she was giving me auto fronts for auto sits LOL, I am not sure if I made out in points than if she did the other option, and not sit at all. Bri lagged a lot during the figure eight, but still we didn't get the "I am sorry" from the judge before we left the ring. In fact she wanted to pet and admire Bri before we left:)

On the stays, I don't know whether Bri decided I was asking for a front yet again (I could kill myself) or she was spooked by the utility jumps going on right beside her (she was on the end) but she got up and came to me for both sit and down, effectively disqualifying us. I knew that was bad news, because if she was confused on that on day 1 (thanks to her brilliant handler who has now learned her lesson), I probably wasn't going to fix it for day two.

So we went home, had a long nap, and then did some quick full run thrus ending with the stay. She did that well at home, of course, but things and environment change in the ring. Plus I can't communicate to her in any way if she gets the look "oh, you want me to come front now?"
So Day 2. Much more put together performance by both of us. Both judges at this trial I had before. I like them both. Susan M King was on day 1. She is very nice and easy going. James M Ashton was on day two. He is very quick and all business. I appreciate this because either way your performance is going, it's over fast. He is very concise too, easy to hear, and treats everyone the exact same way. I was so proud of Bri's recall (even though this would ultimately loose it for us again) she ran forward, and bounced to a stop straight in front of me. Then she finished perfectly. Her figure eight was beautiful this time as well. I could taste it at this point. I wanted to finish up with this performance as I thought we would get a pretty good score, though perhaps less than under Susan King as Mr Ashton is pretty tough. So a score that might be higher under a different judge would probably be more on the mark with him . You would have earned every point though.

Unfortunately during the stays, Bri did it again, though she waited longer this time. sigh. I was hoping this would be our last trial for the year before we start doing open in the spring. Well, that's the way it goes sometimes. Now I have to search for another trial so we can seal up her Companion Dog. It was worth a try, I have had days where I thought the dog would completely flop due to the trials going way behind, thunder storms, rings falling down around us, and they pulled through and did it. So to give up a try even if you are pretty sure they are way confused is a mistake IMO. She improved on everything else, so if nothing else it was a reminder and a practice run, and pointing to where I had confused her.

Saccarappa Dog Obedience Trial Venue

Pictures to follow later on today.

I will talk about me and Bri's performances later on today or tomorrow (after our final run). For now, I want to talk about the venue.

One plus in this trial is that the classes seem to be spot on as far as being on time. As someone who once waited until 6:00 pm for their scheduled 10:00 am trial, I can tell you this is a great thing!!! Of course, it does normally depend on the judge or I guess the management of the obedience club to notice if things are going off course, and what they had assigned a judge to do. For instance at the trial that went waaaayyyy behind, they had the judge bouncing between conformation and obedience rather than being at one station.

It's in the Riverton Middle School gym (or Riverton Community Center) with three large rings set up, a raffle table and a check in station. So it's incredibly crowded, which is great experience for your dog, but very uncomfortable while you are waiting your turn. And if you are like me and show up about 40 minutes before you are scheduled to go on, you will become seated in the backrow. Not everyone up front is considerate of not standing to have personal conversations, and blocking your already limited view of the trials going on. It's hard for people in such cramped quarters to keep dogs from encroaching upon space as well. Like I said though, while I enjoy the comfort of a spread out trial, these trials are really great experience for your dog to get used to really up close distractions and having to chill.

There is a playground outside where families go during the weekend. When the families see that their is a dog event going on there, they bring their kids in who think it's a petting zoo, where they run from one dog to the next yelling "I like this one". Or they approach you and your dog right as you are stepping into the ring LOL. That's when I like at least a second of concentrated silence and thought. While I appreciate well mannered dog people's children at the trials, I don't appreciate people who let their kids run around unsupervised to the dogs at a dog trial. It didn't seem like anyone was watching this.

Their are nice open areas to walk, practice, or let your dog do their business quite spread out outside the school. Oh, and also a huge plus, an actual bathroom not an outhouse!!! That is a luxury that one doesn't get at most dog trials LOL.

Day two, although I had the fastest judge in the West , not surprisingly the trial still went behind. Why do I say not surprisingly? I had an 11:30 time, so if anything goes the slightest bit over, and maybe not even, a lunch break will be had......sigh. I don't even know why they bother to schedule in 11:30 or 12:00 trials. It just about always happens like this. No fault of the judge, however, this one is very fast.

Sort of Like a Seating Chart at A Wedding Today!!

Here is the situation for the day.

Daycare: Logan (Rottie), Gunner (BlackLab, Green Collar), Chloe (Yellow Lab), and Pluto (Black Lab).

Boarding: Bri (white am staff), Roxy (Great Dane Large Black and White), Harley (Great Dane that looks like a Dalmation), Gigi (Black American Pit Bull Terrier), Pearly (English Springer in Cowboy Outfit), Kate and Hannah (Kate is the Black and White Springer on top of the rock, and Hannah is the Brown and White Springer)

My Dogs: Jack, Leon and Jazz respectively

So Roxy can't be trusted (ie unsupervised) with Bri, Gigi, Pearly, Kate or Hannah.

Bri doesn't so much like Hannah or Pearly or Gigi. (Everyone likes Kate). Actually as the day has gone on, Bri seems okay with Hannah and Pearly but not so much Gigi still. Or Gigi her.

Gigi knows everyone but Pearly, and while she is more trustworthy than Roxy or Bri, I don't leave her unsupervised with anyone but my Leon and Jazz. Jack gets along with her, but may bully her while I am not around.

So I need to know how to divide my house up today, while I can not supervise (showers, grocery shopping et). And I will most likely take everyone out it in shifts.

Hannah and Kate are Springer sisters that used to get into it, and no longer do. However, Hannah is not left alone with Kate just in case something should occur.

Makes it a bit complicated. Jack will most likely sleep in the white room tonight, although if it's just Kate and Hannah in the master with me, he would be fine there too.

Roxy and Harley have the family rom.

Gigi has been sleeping in the sun room in a crate.

Most likely Bri will sleep in the red room.

Kate Hannah, and Pearly will most likely sleep with me and my dogs in the master bedroom. They like the cushy chairs in there.

Daycare will stay alone in the family room during the daytime of Gunner, Chloe, Pluto, and Logan. That's a safe combination. Harley could stay there too, but most likely Roxy is going to be a bit lonely today.

Oona's Last Lesson But Not Visit

I don't know how I didn't get any Oona pictures during this time. We were doing a lot of work in these lessons, and so I don't think I ever got any downtime to think about it. I rectified this in our last lesson. She is a beautiful dog, and she comes from these breeders in Springfield New Hampshire:

http://www.selectshepherds.com/

I think they would be very pleased in the home that they selected for Oona. On her last lesson we were working on her abilities not only come in with the ball, but drop it in her owner's hand. That is coming. She is pleased enough to bring the ball to your feet for now.

Her "place" command is really starting to come along awesome (switching up locations and different things that are places), and we started directing her between two places. I also showed the owners how to start a jump, and then incorporate that into the exercise. Oona was beat after the lesson longing for those long stay exercises we used to do LOL. She has a very active lifestyle at home, so training is not the only time she gets out and uses her legs. It was very cool that we got to do some different stuff once the obedience was on it's way. Great job guys and gals!! I love when my clients are this into their dog.

Oona became very attached to Gigi when she boarded here for a few days. It was as if she was her long lost mother. Gigi endured the adolescent adoration for her, and she couldn't shake Oona LOL.

Preston, Could You Eat Him With a Spoon or What?

This little pup will start his training soon.

Two issues of interest 1) jumping on everything with muddy paws and 2) a disturbing liking for motor vehicles that is life threatening!!

He's a cute one though, as you can see, and well liked by everyone canine and human.

Need your do trained? Call Mannerly Mutts at 207-361-4395 or e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com.

Gigi Update

Well we had the bump that I had talked about in Gigi's home return. Owner is more experienced in some important areas due to practice, practice, and more practice. The detail work of leash handling et is hard to get owners to get used to as if it is second nature. Timing and consistency are so key in a case like this. Actually for any dog, but when you have an unstable dog due to neglect and lack of education, you want to move forward at a good pace. Or at least move forward .

Dogs who have a dominant streak like Gigi are not bad, they have no idea that they should not be in charge. This is especially true if there life was very limited early on. It's a great recipe for disaster in a dog like this.Gigi's owner has started his private lessons after the follow ups now. The understanding that things need to go in steps and at a certain pace for Gigi are being acted upon now. The owner is also now being able to read Gigi much better. Between that and the better handling, we should start to see some results in Gigi's biggest problem.That is walking by a dog on a city street without reacting at all. We want her to start to become comfortable with that, and sure that she is safe when she walks past a dog. She still does not feel that way. And it would be great if her relaxed tail would start to show up in the city. That day will be a major victory. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

Gigi has been able to walk with the owner's dad's dog, and lie about three feet from him without being out of control. The other nice victory would be for her to start to accept the dogs her owner knows as acceptable to her.

Oops and one more thing, and a warning about anyone letting their dog deflect or bite on the leash. This can turn into something else entirely once you are doing close work with a dog like this. In Gigi's four to five years she has learned that lunging gets her out of what she does not want to do (or away from a dog), chasing, and deflecting (not due to her current owners, but due to her past owners). Once that work becomes close up, in her mind, legs and hands are fair game too. Part of getting this to extinct is just getting her more comfortable with situations that put her into a panic. Gigi does not think of doing these things unless she is panicking. The other part is handling the leash and her correctly to stop her panicks before they start. This also eliminates the likely hood of deflecting. Yelling at her more excites her to increase the confrontation, so with a dog like this you want to be very business like and calm. When she does the right thing, and especially if she does not try and deflect, you want to point that out to her with much praise. Gigi just was never taught that it's not okay to do these things.

It's not that she can't learn. She is a difficult personality in a dog with her stubborness combined with cuteness. She is also dominant and bossy by nature.She is a tough balancing act for a novice training owner. You need to push her towards the distractions, but not too fast or too much before she can handle what she was doing before. You need A LOT of practice around things that will cause her to not want to perform well. And you need to be able to read her well. It's a tuff job for the owner. Gigi, however, is well worth it. And if we can all stick this out, will be a great dog in the end both in the house and in public. Again cross your fingers for us.

Velour, Not a Great Choice for Rainy Day Dog Walking

The day started threatening a storm. A bit of gray clouds started to darken the sky, but no water had fallen from the heavens as yet. Dogs in daycare got to play for an hour or two, although they seemed ready for a quiet stormy day already.

My dog walking clients, they get walked in any weather. So a bit of dampness did not stop me, and my faithful companion, Jack, from setting forth into the oncoming storm. An umbrella was required, and Jack was unsure about the advisability of staying in his sit as I opened it. Ahhh, a training opportunity during an otherwise routine walk.

Jack started off dutifully enough, aware that the rain would be a deterrent to auto sits, and the thunder would make for an unsure heel. These are things he has become more and more accustomed to as our training regime towards CDX, UD and finally UDX continues. Nature does not stop for dog trials. Nor do accidents and oopsies. Days that are different are great days for training to become prepared.

Additionally, Jack serves as a companion towards those dogs we walk. His job, however, requires that he not get in the way. This is done by remaining calm and steady during the walks, no matter what dogs, vehicles, or small animals we may encounter along the way. This is now old hat for Jack, and he does his job reliably, and looks forward to it.

Although the sky promised a down pour, we took the long way around so that I could get my exercise in as well. This is a great time to empty your mind out, admire the passing gardens and woods that are around you. Jack enjoys the smells and seeing all the same dogs we pass everyday.

Finally we arrive at Manny's house and to his excited barks of welcome. The rain hasn't started yet, but Manny would be ready to go even if it had. He looks forward to his daily walk. Although he has a big yard all to himself, what he really enjoys is a bit of company and new stuff to smell and pee on. He also gets to see his big friend Jack, sometimes Leon, and sometimes Roxy and Harley join us on Wednesdays and Fridays.

There are about four or five different routes that we can take during the days. I try and mix it up for Manny. Today we took the loop up
Spruce, all the way to the end and turn down to Trafton, back to Gingerbread, down Spruce, and then down Beacon St extenstion, finishing up to Hemlock towards Trafton and to Manny's street. Manny was quite fiesty today. He sprinted forward on his flexi and back. Chipmunk sounds made him bounce up and down with glee, his cute little ears perked forward. We saw Woody, our neighbors lab to say hello.

Just as we turned onto Manny's street, the skies opened up big time. Even with the umbrella we all got drenched as I got Manny safely squared away at his house. Poor Jack was very loyal and obedient the whole way home, with a "why did I ask to go out today?" look on his face. Dobermans are not huge fans of water EVER.

I realized, walking back as my velour jogging outfit soaked in the dampness from the air never mind the raindrops, there are some materials that are just not rain friendly. Good to know.

Hunting Season Started in York Maine!!!

It's on in York Maine right now. The start of hunting season. Depending on what side of route 1 you live on, the rules are different. On my side hunters are only SUPPOSED to use bows. However, in previous years I have heard the distinct sounds of rifle shots, and then there was the dead deer parts my dog discovered. He actually proudly brought us the leg.

Here are the signs of a dead deer in your area. Your dogs are suddenly very interested in what's behind the hill to distraction. That skunk smell that you think is a skunk, um well, it isn't. Lessons hard learned by a former city girl.

We in fact have a deer stand near our border provided by the Bracy's in our area. It makes us feel very off put, but it's legal as long as they have permission by the person who owns the land, and are bow hunting. (and it's the season for whatever they are hunting) Be sure that you and your dogs are wearing the orange when you go out into the woods.

On a horrifying note, I have a friend that is a very responsible hunter. He was hunting the correct distance away with equipment that was correct. Unfortunately, the projectile ricocheted off a tree and ended up through the window where a family was enjoying their breakfast!!! Be aware of your surroundings and what is going on around them.

And for my dog friends who have the greatest job on earth as hunting dogs, be sure your human companions are responsible and wise.

BOTH HUMANS AND DOGS SHOULD WEAR ORANGE DURING THIS SEASON!!!

Links for hunting information in Maine can be found on my website.

Ain't She Sweet

Here is Chloe, a sort of new daycare client. She was raised around Gus and Logan (above), our resident daycare misfits.

Every new client inevitably gets their own nickname and song if they are in my house enough with me. Chloe turned into Cloverfield for me. And her song is "Ain't She Sweet", of course.

Chloe loves the kiddie pool of course. And people. Other strange dogs, she is getting used to them:)

Need to train your dog in Maine. Call Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at Mannerly Mutts for your Maine Dog Training needs at 207-361-4395. If you are not ready for training but need a question answered, please e-mail at mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com. Most of your questions can be answered by visiting our site at http://www.mannerlymutts.com.

Training-Riding Bike with Dog

E-Mail Question: I like to run my dog with me while I ride my bike. I have her on a leash tied to my waist. I use a pinch collar. She likes to run ahead of me pulling me. But I would like her right next to me without tension on the leash. How do I get her to run at my pace?
She also wines before we ride. She is a Plott hound mix. She makes that screeching noise like she's treed a bear. How can I control this excitement because it sounds like I'm torturing her?

Mannerly Mutts Dog Training Answer: First let me warn you about the dangers of having the leash attached firmly to anything. If I am riding with a leash, I accordion it up in my hand, so I can drop it if needed.

That being said, I would not do this without an 1) excellent heel command, 2) stop in place and sit (or auto sit) and 3) an excellent recall command in case I do need to drop the leash in an emergency. Please find a trainer in your area to help with both of these things. I recommend that you go to dogpro.org to find the listing of professional dog trainers in your state or area.

Dog training is for more than just an "obedient dog" it gives your dogs the skills to make fun activities more fun AND safe. It also provides a way to communicate what is needed to your dog for those same reasons in a language now familiar to both of you.

If you are in my area, you will need to fill out my client interview form, submit it, and then sign a contract for the training provided.

Looking to train your canine companion? Please refer to our website for information about us, services, and frequently asked questions at http://www.mannerlymutts.com. You can e-mail Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com for information about Maine Dog Training. If you are ready to go, please call 207-361-4395.

Greatest American Dog????

Did anyone see the last episode? And if so, can someone explain to me how leaning forward at your dog is more threatening and dangerous than placing them in the path of an elephant?

Man. Between that and the SAR (search and rescue) exercises they are making non conditioned dogs perform, with little instruction!! Good golly miss molly.