Etiquette and Daycare on Long Sands Beach

Long Sands Beach in York Maine is a great spot to take your dogs for long walks.   There is at least two miles of beach there at low tide.   Most of the day, there is plenty of room for your dog to run and play. Very often Mannerly Mutts of York Beach Maine takes their client's daycare, boarding, and training dog to this beach.   All dogs need to be exceptionally well trained and responsive, however, before we can manage this.   Many of our dogs are electronic collar trained, just in case an emergency situation pops up.   You never know when you might find something the dogs are not used to on the beach, like a moose or a horse.   Our current crew, however, is pretty used to the horses at least.  None of us got to view the moose that came to cool off in the ocean this summer. In addition to emergencies, there are some rules at the beach, as long as just plain proper etiquette, when bringing dogs out and about around the public.   Official off summer season rules are that dogs, which are under voice control, may be off leash.   By under voice control, this means you should be able to recall your dog before they get under 10 feet from someone or something.   Additionally, your dog may not go up to a human or another dog unless specifically invited.  Furthermore, owners must be carrying poop bags, clean up after their dogs, and be carrying leashes in case they are not obeying. Personally, I know there are a lot of people in York Maine that would like to ban dogs off the beaches altogether.  This year, there has already been a restriction to eliminate walking off your property without your dog on a leash, whereas before dogs were allowed under voice control only.   Apparently, a lot of people were not following that rule.   I, personally, feel that the new law is not feasible to be enforced either.   Dogs were not allowed "at large" ever before, and voice control would be preventing the "at large" part.   Dogs were still at large a plenty around York Maine, which is an enforceable offense that comes with a penalty.    As usual, those people who were abiding the law will be restricted, while those that were not will stay as they were.  There has been a wide spread trend of un-friendly dog legislation nationally and internationally. This got off track a little bit, but my point is that I try to be an example to the extreme of what responsible care and training is when out in public.  One of my protocols (which is pictured) is to put the dogs in a stationary position whenever approached by another person or if they walk closely by.   There are way too many people that will exaggerate the slightest infraction, or become scared easily by dogs as they are not used to them.   At Mannerly Mutts, we try to show the public the example of dogs that can and should be on the beach around people. Please be thoughtful that the freedoms responsible dog owners have to bring their unleashed dogs in public is a privilege.   The best way to keep our privileges in tact is to demonstrate responsible dog ownership, handling, and training. MANNERLY MUTTS DOG TRAINING WEBSITE MAINE DOG TRAINING BLOG E-MAIL MAINE DOG TRAINER).

The Working Retrieve-The Beginning

This is a command a started with Jackie CD before he passed away last year.   Jackie and I were planning on competing at AKC Open trials this year.   Life and death are unpredictable fellows though, and they stepped in and ruined our plans.

I just finished Magoo's Companion Dog title.   Although we do not NEED to do any more Novice trials, I will probably keep him in the game until we are pointing in the low 190s.   In the meantime, I will start training the exercises for the Open trials.

Many dog trainers prefer to train their dog to Utility and then start the trials.   I am very new in the competition game, and Magoo is not my dog.   So I don't really know how long I will have complete access to Magoo.   Also, judging by the MANY mistakes I made in preparing for Novice my first times out, I would rather not carry forward such beginner mistakes into the more advanced levels of competing.  Once I finish a dog in Utility, I will most likely move towards training a dog all the way through before even competing at the Novice levels.   Time will tell, and experience sometimes changes the way you do things.  

Leon, a dog that I do not compete with due to his knees, is also going to learn the working retrieve.   He has an auto stand, however, and we will be working from that position instead of the auto sit stay.   Leon has  a play retrieve and loves it, and I would just like to firm up our work.   He will stop when he is "not in the mood" or treats aren't flowing freely.   A working dog, like a working human, needs to understand that it is a job.   Luckily, most dogs enjoy having a job, and just need to learn the rules of that job.   There is a lot of pride and partnership that goes into getting a working level out of a dog.   I am really not close to there yet, compared to other trainers who have been in the business 30-40 years, and were even perhaps reared in a family familiar with the dog profession.   Even us "old dogs" can learn new tricks though.  

The first thing that I will train for (beyond firming up my Novice performance) is the working retrieve.   Sadly, I did not find my own notes on this exercise.  So the first thing I will do is plan out exactly how the first week will go.

I recommend for clients and myself to go through the crating procedures, and then do a fifteen minute warm up on the old stuff before beginning the new exercises for the dog.  Once those are done, you are ready to begin. 

FIRST WEEK:


STEP 1: Warm up on Novice exercises until the dog is focused and attentive.


STEP 2: Leash should be on the dog to prevent fumbling for a stay correction,

if needed, and failing to begin the exercise properly.


STEP 3: Come to a halt in the heel position.


STEP 4: Give the dog the stay command


STEP 5: The left hand is positioned on top of the dog's muzzle at the mid

point. Done correctly the thumb will be pointed towards the trainer, and the

fingers will be on the far side opposite.


STEP 6: Center the dumbell in the palm of your right hand, and bring it against

the dog's mouth.


STEP 7: Say the command "[Dogs' Name] fetch", tighten your fingers and thumb

along the dog's mouth so that it opens, and allow the dumbell to roll into the

mouth so that it is right behind the canine's teeth. Don't allow the dumbbell

to roll to the back of the mouth, as that is something you will need to retrain

later, if you do.


STEP 8: The thumb and fingers of your right hand now gently hold the muzzle

closed around the dumbell, while your left hand moves from the top of the muzzle

to scratch places on the dog's head that they enjoy (ie right behind the ears).

Praise your dog as you do this "[Dogs' Name] Good [Boy or Girl]" for instance.


STEP 9: Move your right hand from the muzzle as you say "[Dog's Name] give",

and take the dumbell gently from them.


STEP 10: Release your dog with an okay.


STEP 11: Repeat ten times each session by going back to the beginning. Change

the location each time you come to a halt. Do this for at least two sessions

during the day. Seperate the sessions by the hours that you find convenient.



Should have video of a practice to follow.   NOTE:   IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU HAVE NOVICE SKILLS DOWN ADEQUATELY FIRST BEFORE GOING TO A WORKING RETRIEVE.


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Tri-Tronics Tracer Light Review

Tracer light fits in the
middle of the receiverTri

Recently, an old customer wanted to update their electronic collar to the expandable series. They have two dogs, and the Tri-Tronics Sport G3 is expandable to three dogs. They have two very old model non-expandable Tri-Tronics and need to use two separate transmitters.


Generally, I prefer the Dogtra collars, and here is why by importance to me:

1. Dogtra has 100 or more levels of stim that start lower than Tri-Tronics but are also seem to go as high as Tri-Tronics if you need that.

2. Dogtra’s distance between stims is more universal, where Tri-Tronic’s stim takes big leaps at about level 3 (out of six or seven now). Many times you are up the dial not be adverse to the dog, but because they work at a higher level naturally. Therefore you would want a more standard jump in levels than to suddenly be very high.

3. The metal on the Dogtra collar is less likely to cause an allergic reaction or irritation on your dog’s neck.

4. You don’t need to change a separate toggle button from dog to dog, there are just two separate buttons on the Dogtra collar.

5. Dogtra has a pager or vibrate only to alert your dog that you are looking for them. Very helpful if you have a deaf dog OR a dog later goes deaf due to old age. Tri-Tronics has a beeper, which obviously won’t be heard if your dog goes or is deaf.

6. Except for the more expensive long distance or digital screen Dogtra collars, the receiver and transmitter units are more compact.

Tri-Tronics does have some benefits however:

1. They have a six-dog model, which I find very helpful for use with daycare and boarding clients.

2. The cheaper Sports series has a two-hour charge vs. an eight-hour charge.

3. They tend to hold their charge longer than Dogtra does.



However, now they have another benefit that I love, albeit quite expensive to purchase. The Tri-Tronics Dog Collars now have an accessory called a Tracer Light. My customer wanted to buy the collar with these. Alone they cost about 44.00 without shipping. These lights attach to the receiver with the removal of two screws between the battery and receiver guts of the collar. This allows you to see your dogs out in the dark. My client lives right next door to me, so I get to see his dogs with the collars on. These work fantastic! I was dubious as to how they might be able to be seen, but they are quite visible while they are on their property in the pitch black.

I have other collars that go around dogs’ necks, and the lights are very weak and the collars do not last long. My customer reported that turning the lights on and off with the remote is very easy as well. Tri-Tronics advertise they should be visible for one half mile, though my dogs nor my clients’ dogs are ever that far away to test!

This is a product that gets thumbs up from me!

NOTE: Mannerly Mutts in York Beach Maine never sells electronic collars to the general public. We only sell to training clients who train with us. They must prove that they can train with basic equipment first, and then that they can understand and implement the concepts of electronic collars before being allowed to purchase from us.


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Mandy October 5th Update

Mandy is coming soon for an overnight. It's always exciting when we see our previous training clients from FAR AND AWAY (in this case Canada) come back so we can see how they have been progressing at home. In the meantime, I wanted to share the latest update on Mandy where her owner was excited that she had retrieved, and seems now confident enough to keep Mandy. She was actually considering doing the expensive training here so that it would be possible to re home Mandy later, but instead found the right partnership. Mandy is in the field a lot with her owner overseeing parks and such, and so it would have been impossible for her owner to be able to properly care for a dog that could not come along with her often. It is also an ideal life for a dog to be able to do this.

So here is Mandy's owner's update:

"We had a big 'first' this evening.

Until now, Mandy hasn't had any retrieving interests from either her Golden or Lab sides...unfortunate for me, as that's a prime way to exercise her four legs without wearing out my two.

This morning she had a dog walk/romp with a friend's Nova Scotia Tolling Retriever. We found a tennis ball in the local school yard and the toller retrieved with GREAT enthusiasm, Mandy taking note and somewhat joining in.

Tonight, after a few tosses, she caught on and retrieved admirably a number of times all on her own. What a thrill!

The toller will get treats in the morning. And I now have a new way to exercise my dog.

Just wanted to let you know.

Phyl, I'll be sending a one-year adoption update on Mandy on October 16. This year has been a learning experience for both of us, with some work still ahead, but we are now definitely a bonded pair.

Robin, this wouldn't have happened without your expertise and interest.

Mandy now wags and grins all the time, as she should.

Lee"


These are the results that keep me at it:)   Also these results CAN NOT happen without a committed owner.   It's a lot harder than you think, because it involves an owner learning to mask their own insecurities when working their dog.   The owner needs to behaviorally modify themselves in order to behaviorally modify their dog, and it's no easy task especially when they live so far away from me.   It's not like I can personally swing by if they are having a problem.

Congrats to my human and canine students!!   Thank you for making my business my dream job.

To see more about Mandy, just click on her name on our blog.

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Picture and Video Client Updates

Sorry guys, with Thanksgiving slamming into us, and a bevvy of canine guests to entertain, I have slacked off on blogging.   Many of my clients are no doubt wondering what their canines have been up to while they were here:)   So first some photos of our Thanksgiving day guests.




Bella is the sweetest English Mastiff girl.  She is very timid though, despite her large size.

"That's right, I really do sleep on the bed at home.  Er, yeah, that's my story and I am sticking to it"

Magoo hangs out on bed with friends Leon and Boris.  My poor bed, I don't know how it is able to deal with all this weight on it all of the time.

Where oh where did Tommy go?

Friends Tommy and Leon getting ready for a good nights sleep (on the bed of course).

Jake at the left is a dog who recently trained here.   Jake moved to an assisted living community with his owner.  It was great to see Jake on Thanksgiving, and to know he and his owner are happily comfortable in their new home.  Gus is in the middle.   Tommy is at the far right.

Gus Goo came here because he is a bit anxious around other dogs.   He trained here awhile ago, and it's nice to visit with him on Thanksgiving.

Tommy and Buddy become fast friends.  Buddy is Lola's "brother" in that he lives with her.  They both spent Thanksgiving with us.

Tommy is playing with Lola here, who is the lovely black and white girl.   Lola came here because she did not get along well with dogs.   She is doing much better now as you can see.

Tommy arrived from Switzerland a few months ago.   Switzerland has some BSL legislation, and don't know what a fine dog they are missing.   His owners will be visiting him soon, and are excited to see him for Christmas.



 This is a now old video of Tommy at the end of his third training week here.   He was just learning about being outside without the leash and on the e-collar so he could get MUCH needed exercise.    Tommy really appreciates this, and he has a lot of fun everyday with his canine companions now, especially out in the woods or chasing the ball.




Finally our most recent daycare video.   This isn't the whole day, but some introductions and a woodsy walk that is typically done during the day.

NOTE:   AT LEAST IN THE WOODSY PORTION THE DOGS USUALLY HAVE ON ORANGE VESTS, BUT I FORGOT WHEN I WAS VIDEOING THIS, AS I WAS ORGINALLY JUST GOING TO DO THE INTROS IN THE FRONT YARD.   MY APOLOGIES TO MY DAYCARE CLIENTS, I WILL BE MORE CAREFUL, AND USUALLY AM...SORRY ABOUT THAT.   LUCKILY NO ONE HERE ALLOWS HUNTERS ON THEIR PROPERTY, BUT THAT DOES NOT PROTECT US FROM SOMEONE WHO IS NOT OBEYING THE RULES.  



The below picture is just to show that the dogs do indeed relax during the day once we are done with our walkies.   There is snoring and everything.   Hogan is not in this picture, but on Thursday he was where my dog Leon is on the couch in the middle and fast asleep.

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Dear York Maine Public Library

Three Great Dane Culpits

Dear Caretakers of York Public Library:

I am deeply sorry for the loss of your book, Tragic Magic. An unfortunate incident occurred here, when some long time day care canines got creative in their understanding of what is and what is not a dog toy.

Recently, my husband called to inform you of the loss of the book. I understand that you requested that the remains be returned in the book slot. I am enclosing pictures of why that will not be possible.



You can see what is left of the cover here.



Magoo, Roxy, and Harley really had a field day with this. I can't imagine how it ended up in so many tiny pieces, but the pictures show the evidence. Before letting me know of your request my husband had thrown away the garbage that contained the remains of the book.

My husband also informed me of another book lost that day in the same fashion. Your employee, whose dog also ate her book, was kind enough to share that information with us. I am not sure if it is true or not, but we appreciate the effort to make us feel better about this unfortunate incident.


I would like to believe that the book went peacefully. Again, I am so sorry, and am happy to pay for a replacement book to your library. Er, do you think I could take it out again? I was right in the middle.


Sincerely,

Robin

PS York Maine Public Library gives out so much more than books.

Article 5 in York Maine November 2010 Elections Passed

The articles and candidates are so easy to preview in this new age of the Internet.   Networking is still important, and on asking the animal control officer of York Maine what local laws might be coming up the pike, heads up was given on the article to amend the existing animal control laws regarding dogs.   I quickly found the wording of what was being voted on in our local government's site (see Article 5).   Why might you ask, is this the first that I am mentioning this, and after the election to boot?   To tell you the truth, while it's my general goal and mission to keep freedoms of responsible dog owners open, the head told me that many in York Maine have no business being out off leash.   While this law could negatively impact my ability to train my competition dogs, truthfully, the advantage and opportunity has not been exercised too much.  So it came down to three things:   The majority of dog owners here have not business having their dogs off leash.   I have no illusions that the dog owners of York Maine are going to instantly become more responsible (never mind the tourists who visit during May to October). While I do enjoy the privilege of having voice controlled off leash dogs on my back dirt roads, it's something I do not take advantage of enough. In politics and our communities, we have some bigger fish to fry at the moment. By the time it came up, there was no time to argue for an animal ordinance law more like a few other areas for dog owners to earn off leash rights (by proof of that obedience).    That being said, I am still torn on my decision to not campaign against the Article 5 in York Maine.   There are valid reasons to have campaigned against the legislation:   Once legislation like this is on the books, it is incredibly hard to amend or have taken off. I firmly believe that responsible dog owners, who have taken the time to train their dogs to be off leash, should have the opportunities and rights to keep that training up, current, and have use of that training. York Maine already had laws that no unattended not voice controlled dog should be off leash ANYWHERE in York Maine.   Clearly, these standing laws that have a minor difference now, were already close to impossible to enforce.  I don't understand what we would be different, except the time and money to change the law. York Maine's council members are known to be anti dog, and so I hate giving them an inch on any matters concerning dog owner rights.  In other words, it's a constant fear that this is just the beginning, as every election season we have canine amendments to animal ordinance laws coming up. I am not in favor of the hunting dog exemption, as these dogs are no more likely to be obedient and under voice control than anyone else's.  This type of legislation, instead of promoting dog training and reliability, instead gives dog owners more excuses and less opportunity to train their dogs.   In the future, I may try to call attention to other animal control ordinances that take responsible and tested dog ownership as a factor in rights and privileges granted.   The good news is, that I did not see long lines disallowed.   Therefore, much of my "off leash" training can still largely be done in these areas in the traditional way (that is before new fangled remote gadgets).  Of course, I also luckily own a good chunk of land in York Maine, where my dogs and my clients (trained to be off leash) dogs are free to play and run on.   Did you know of the animal control legislation questions or articles on your local ballot?   What are your thoughts on responsible dog owner rights to be able to exercise off leash rights?   MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE DOG TRAINING MANNERLY MUTTS MAINE DOG TRAINING BLOG E-MAIL MANNERLY MUTTS MAINE DOG TRAINER

Tommy Turbo, Tommy Knockers, Thomas...

Like many other dogs that come here, Tommy is racking up his share of nicknames.   Here are some photos and a video of Tommy's stay here:

Tommy makes a good bike companion (in the yard anyway) from the start on leash.

Close up of Tomm having a good time with pals and me on the bike.

Buddies, Boris and Tommy, after bike ride.

Shot of some of the group on the bike ride.

Boris and Tommy hanging out on the porch, as Tommy is getting to learn about being off leash (leash dragging here) in the yard.

Tommy in a backpack before we go to train on the beach.  It's easier when they lug the equipment for me .

Tommy practicing long sit stay at the Long Sands Beach.

Longer shot of Tommy practicing long sit stay on Long Sands Beach.

Tommy and Boris sharing a ringy nylabone toy.

More sharing or pulling of the nylabone ringy toy.

Robert is Tommy's BFF.

Tommy usually brings Robert a present.

Practicing at Short Sands Beach.

Boris and Tommy share toys well.

More sharing and companionship between Boris and Tommy.

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New England Seminars Found

The very worst time to scrounge up seminars is the fall, winter, and early spring season.   For some reason the most seminars put on for professional dog trainers are during what is always my historically busiest times.   For the right trainer, I have blocked out business so I can attend an important seminar, and I can keep my husband in charge of our regulars. I have the free time now, however, and am usually bringing along competition dogs in the training process.  I am not recommending any of the following nor do I personally know any of the presenters to recommend them.   However, this is what I have found in the New England area are available (including some that seem really questionable to me, but I did not want to not include them) in the upcoming days and months.  Dog training organizations are very much in the dark ages about information sharing on the internet, so many of these are bulletin board style lists, that you must scroll down to find the information. Please feel free to share your opinions, if you know the presenters, on the quality or lack thereof of the following presenters work or seminars. October 30th 2010 AKC seminar "Hunt Test Know How" Hollis, NH November 5th to 7th 2010 Sylvia Bishop at American Canine Country Amherst NH. (Working with dog participants) November 6th 2010 Carolyn Ross "Ttouch Bodywork Workshop" in Fryeburg Maine (Working with dog participants) November 6th to 8th 2010 Brenda Aloff "Emotions and The Training Process" in Hamden CT November 6th to 7th 2010 Trisha Stall "Foundation Training: Begin with the Basics" and "Handling A-B-Cs" in Shatford Park New Lebanon New York (reports this is one mile outside of the Mass border) November 7th 2010 Bob Bailey "Elevate Your Training" in Worcester Massachusetts November 7th 2010 Michelle Douglas (President of the APDT) "Round Table Forum on Aggression" Orange CT November 13th 2010 Sara Moore "Energy Work" in Fryeburg Maine November 14th 2010 Jeff Gellman of Solid K9 Training "What Would Jeff Do?" in Providence RI (only human attendees) November 18th to 22nd 2010 Elicia Calhoun "Agility Workshops" in Swanzey or Peterborough New Hampshire November 26th 2010 AKC seminar "Juniors Clinic" Springfield, MA December 4th 2010 AKC seminar "Basic Small Pack/Large Pack Judge Seminar" West Buxton, Maine December 5th 2010 AKC seminar "Advanced Large Pack Judge Seminar" West Buxton, Maine December 11th 2010 AKC seminar "Institute for Aspiring and Newly Approved Judges" Providence, Rhode Island December 11th 2010 AKC seminar "Judging Junior Showmanship" Providence, Rhode Island December 12th 2010 AKC seminar "The Cane Corso" Providence, Rhode Island December 12th 2010 AKC seminar "The Pharaoh Hound" Providence, Rhode Island December 12th 2010 AKC seminar "Coonhound Comparison" Providence, Rhode Island December 31st 2010 Lo Baker "Not Ready for Prime Time" in Nashua New Hampshire January 15th to 16th 2011 Connie Cleveland "Theory and Problem Solving Workshop" in Franklin MA (Working with dog participants but deadline was 9/15/2010, so you would need a cancellation I would assume) January 22nd 2011 AKC seminar "George Alston Two Day Handling Seminar for Beginners" Hamden, Connecticut January 22nd and 23rd 2011 Seminar Claudia Orlandi and Myra Savant "The ABC's of Dog Breeding and Canine Reproduction & Whelping" in Essex Fairgrounds Essex Junction Vermont January 22nd and 23rd 2011 Chris Zink "Canine Athlete Academy" in Franklin Massachusetts May 21th and 22nd (reported date change that may be different on the link provided) 2011 Pamela Dennison "Competition Obedience and Rally" in Franklin MA (Working with dog participants) June 22nd to 26th 2011 Pia Sylvani and Carolyn Barney "ITC:  Consulting and Problem Solving" in Methuen Massachusetts MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE DOG TRAINER MANNERLY MUTTS MAINE DOG TRAINING BLOG E-MAIL MANNERLY MUTTS MAINE DOG TRAINER

Ogunquit Maine Halloween for the family two legged and four legged

Some witch has my Boris pumpkin!! What wonderful weekends we have been having this October in the York Maine area!!  There has been so much to do.  Part of the absolute joy of having a well behaved, trained, or dog in training (and prepared for more distraction work) are the events that human owners are able to enjoy with their canine companions.  Ogunquit's festival of Halloween activities provided great opportunities for family enjoyment this weekend, of both the canine and human kind. Doing things with your dogs where they can perform or obey commands under distraction is a step towards making the holiday times enjoyable for all, rather than a stressful time for your canine companion.   If you have not prepared your dog in advance for the holidays, this is not the time to suddenly spring them into the thick of things, unless they are one of those rock solid bombproof dogs no matter what (rare but out there). One of Mannerly Mutts family dogs is Boris, who was purchased from Doberman Rescue Unlimited in Sandown New Hampshire.   Boris is still a puppy at 1 year old, and needs exposure to these sorts of things.   I plan on trialling him in the spring of 2011, if I can find some United Kennel Club trials in the area.   Boris is missing a leg due to a birth defect.  Doberman Rescue was kind enough to have it removed for him, so he would not stumble over it for the rest of his life.   Boris gets around great, is smart, desperately needs more of a job, and would do well in competitions.   Here are some shots of Sunday or our second day there (day one pictures to follow later), and then I will tell you some of the things that Boris has been getting used to in the month of October, that normal everyday activity does not provide. Walking past some of my favorite shops of chocolate, baked goods, and bubble bath.  Lucky I didn't get distracted!! Do not pee on the pumpkins! Robert was talking to a crowd to his right about the dogs when I came out.   Here our dogs are being good ambassadors for the breed and for dogs in general! Scoping out a spot for the bed race. Nice person took this shot of our family.  Isn't Robert scary in his costume? That is Miss Muffet's seat right there under the spider.  Bed races had only three teams this year.  I still loved watching it, and hope they keep putting it on despite lack of competitors this year. We were near Cruella De Ville.   Frightening for our dogs to say the least, but we kept them from her evil clutches.  The vampire bed.  The vampire bed coming back. The wizard of Oz bed. So Boris got used to or at least experienced these new things: An older lady walking towards us, who had a different walk due to getting old or a disability of some sort.   People don't think how the posture, canes, or unusually timid person can affect their dog's attitude or create fear if they are not used to it.  It's the dog owners' responsibility to teach their dogs those different gaits and implements are okay. Boris had his fourth encounter with the horses pulling carts and people.   This time he was not panicked or fearful but interested and calm.   Should have seen his face the first time he saw these giant creatures. Lots of people were taking pictures.   Boris is used to digital cameras with small lenses, but a nice gentleman next to us had a tricked out camera with a very good lens on it.   This made Boris very jumpy all of a sudden.   Nothing a little food treats could not cure, however. More well needed experience walking around children and adults holding treats of one sort or another. Lots more experience on being petted by children, and not getting upset (like he used to) when they walk away and leave him. Experience wearing something, and not trying to eat it off of him. Both our dogs, as Leon had never been in a parade before, got to experience walking in a costume parade.  Boris got claps:) Don't pee on the decorations or anything else training. Don't eat or pull on the decorations training. In addition to all of the above, it was a cheap and fun family day.   I got to spend some quality time with my husband, and we got to chat with many nice people. This is a win win situation for everyone involved, plus fun!! MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE DOG TRAINING MANNERLY MUTTS MAINE DOG TRAINING BLOG E-MAIL MANNERLY MUTTS MAINE DOG TRAINER

Canine Training Helpers Past and Present

(From left to right) Ursa, Robert, Leon

The dog that has helped out the most years, has been Leon. He was purchased from a breeder for his position as demo dog and competition dog. His ACL tears in his knees have knocked out competition for him, but Leon has been my demo dog since puppy hood. In Worcester Mass, he used to travel from lesson to lesson, when we used to need to be on the road all the time. Hence my car is where he instantly sleeps and relaxes. It was kind of like his puppy crate when he was young, bringing him from one adventure to the next. The very first aggressive dog Leon helped with was Ursa, a Great Pyrenees in Paxton Mass, who was going to be euthanized. Because the previous trainer could not get through to her through food alone and was also the animal control officer in the area (no bite history by the way, so I hesitate to call Ursa a truly aggressive dog), it was recommended that Ursa be put to sleep.

Ruby and Leon

Boomer and Leon

Leon can charm the birds out of the trees, and later on when Ursa came to board here in ME, they were very good friends. Ursa was trained in 2003 or 2004, and we moved here in 2005. Our customers with dogs of unusual temperaments would bring their dogs here to board, even though we had moved so far away. Since then, Ursa has moved with her family to PA, and is an old lady enjoying her golden years with her family. Ursa was also my first "aggressive" dog client outside of the shelter system.

Leon has since helped with many aggressive dogs since. He gives me the cues on when and if he is ready to meet them. Leon's instincts are very reliable, as well as his training for these situations. Leon's last client with a small bite history to other dog's ears, is Zoey a young German Shepherd girl. Just last week, Leon finally allowed her a sniff since she is no longer a lunging maniac at the end of the leash.

Leon and Devon

Leon's strengths are his playfulness and friendliness. However, that does not mean that he can't be aloof and directional to a new dog. Once the relationship rules have started, that is when Leon loosens up and allows the play and games to continue. Until then, he expects good behavior and is a model for the dog that is participating with us in training.



Leon and Cerber

 Leon has spent his whole life not only as our beloved family pet, but as my business partner.  It was a luxury to be able to begin from puppy hood with him, instead of after his adulthood or adolescence had begun.

I am also able to demonstrate with Leon, and have experience in, working with dogs that have a physical problem of some sort.   My time at Doberman Rescue was also spent time working with dogs with all sorts of physical problems, which gave me some insight of how to train Leon.   I have Leon do an auto stand while heeling instead of an auto sit.   It's too bad that I can't find a venue that would allow me to compete with him having this modification to a command.  However, Leon and I enjoy training together anyway, and he is an excellent example of what can be done with one's dog.

Jazz and I

Next in years of service came Jazz.   Jazz was actually here way before Leon.   Leon came to us when Jazz was 11, and we were not operating training or a daycare service out of our tiny Worcester Mass home.   Through most of Jazz's life, I knew very little about training.   Jazz came to us well mannered and trained at 3 years old from a breeder, who did not want to breed her anymore.

Since Jazzabelle did have the manners of a lady and a fair disciplinarian, she has been good role model to many other dogs that have come here unbalanced.   Up until the day before she died, she was also a beloved resource in daycare that enjoyed playing with the other dogs.   When Jackie CD came to live with us, it was Jazz who regularly stayed on top of him, and made sure he did not overstep his boundaries.  Jackie CD respected and loved Jazz, as did Leon.  Often our female canine clients would follow her around and cuddle with her.  

Jazz was a calming, peaceful influence on all dogs.   I can't think of a single canine that did not adore and respect Jazz.  Jazz left us in her sleep on the morning of 12/31/2008.  She played with daycare the morning before, and was 16 at that time.

Wackie Jackie CD with his mail Packie

Wackie Jackie CD came to us three months after we moved to Maine.   He was meant to be a foster dog to fill in the time while I was getting my business up and running here.   He had kennelling issues at Doberman Rescue.   This usually means that a dog is so unhappy in a situation, they are in danger of not doing well or showing well to an adopter.

Jackie CD was filled with too much energy.   He already had three surgeries to take out foreign objects in his stomach (before we adopted him).   He possessed zero manners.   He peed everywhere for any reason (excitement, submission, just cause he had to).   It was readily apparent when he first came here that he was also loyal, loving, and smart as a whip.  So in six months, as my birthday present, Jackie CD became our dog.

Jackie CD was part of daycare in certain configurations.   He did not love all dogs.   In fact, it became quite apparent that there were some dogs that he could not stand for very long.   Jackie CD became my demo dog and competition dog.   He was a very good example of what could be done with a behaviorally challenged, potentially dog aggressive dog.   Jackie CD gave many customers hope for their own dogs, and was beloved by many people.

Jackie CD succumbed to an internal intestinal or stomach problem on 12/24/2009.   For all the issues that Jackie came with, he was well worth the trouble.  We miss our handsome exuberant big guy.

Big Guy Neptune and Me

Neptune died many years ago at age 9 (I believe in 2003 12/21).   He was purchased from Doberman Rescue about one year after we got Jazzabelle.   Neptune acted very dog aggressive when we first adopted him.   Although he never helped out in the training business, he is the dog that got me interested in training and how it can help modify behavior.   Neppy had a great life filled with adventures and vacations with us due to the training that we learned about.   He succumbed to his heart condition at age 9, but I know he loved his life and his family (and the dog friends he was able to make).   Had I not worked with him, I don't know that I have become convinced that life changes could have been made for so many families with their dogs.




B is for Boris



Our newest team member is Boris.   Although he is still a largely untrained puppy of 8 months (on June 4th), he has been a help with many of our newest clients posing as the tempting distraction.  Also he and Leon can play yet stay away from a training dog to be a distraction.   Recently, they helped me with a client and her German Shepherd female puppy, Zoey, to become more comfortable with off leash control of their dog on Short Sands beach.

Like our Leon, he has a physical disability with only three legs.   This also helps me to relate and develop ways to train other mobility challenged dogs and their owners.  I did find that we actually can NOT compete in the AKC, as they consider an amputee to be lame (Boris = Lame NOT!!)   So Boris will need to compete in the UKC instead.

Many of my clients' dogs become helpers due to their continued boarding and daycare with me as well.   Both the well balanced and formerly unbalanced dogs greet newcomers with compassion and understanding.   The dogs here learn to tolerate other canines that have learned to socialize and communicate in unfamiliar (or very familiar) ways.  

Bridget CD

Brujo

Roxy and Harley

Logan and Hannah

Gigi

Katie and Hannah Again

Manny or Minnie Man

Magoo CD

So they say it takes a village to raise a child.   Apparently canines also benefit from a pack or a team that are ready and willing to help.   Thank you to all my canine helpers.   My dogs past and present are the loves of my life, and also have each brought very special gifts to the mix!

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