Friday, October 29, 2010

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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Thursday, October 28, 2010

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.


Monday, October 25, 2010

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!!

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Sunday, October 24, 2010

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!



Friday, October 22, 2010

Fall and Halloween Events for Humans and Canines

The following events are not geared purely towards canines.   Dogs that are prepared, trained or training, and well mannered are welcomed at many family events (by most people, and our furry family companions benefit mentally and physically by spending this time with us.   If you compete with your pet dogs, these kinds of events get your dogs read for busy and different atmospheres.

As far as competitive dog obedience events in this area, there are practically none until March 4, 2011 Collie Club event after this weekend's Amherst New Hampshire's trials on October 23rd and October 24th.   If you have never seen dog's participating in obedience, these are great shows to check out this weekend.

Now is a great, yet cold and chilly time, to begin preparing for March 2011 trail season to begin in the area.   Whether you are training or proofing your training, public festivals and shows will greatly enhance the team's skills.   Just think of the things canines need to get used to in the ring from electric wheelchair beeping, chairs moving, people making noises, to unplanned for weather noises.   When you combine this with the more static (many of the same people and dogs there each session) group classes and obedience run thrus, then you have a powerful way to round out the team's participation.  

These are the types of things that continue to improve the confidence and socialization of pet dogs as well.   Too many people assume their dogs are going to enjoy vacations or activities, when they were never exposed to these previously.  Instead this can become a scary time for pet dogs unless they have been prepared for their lifetime of adventures with their human companions.  Here are some events that trained, in training, or well-behaved dogs can tag along to:

  • October 22nd to October 24th 2010 Ogunquitfest (you need to scroll down to the end and click "read more" for the full schedule) launches. Haunted House (probably not for canines), corn maze, bed race to the beach, cookie decorating, pumpkin decorating, parade on Sunday (specifically invites canines to attend with their owners of course) and a goods bazaar are just some of the activities that are available for viewing and participation.   If family members can rotate to watch the dogs, the Haunted House can probably be braved.
  • October 23rd 2010 will find classic auto shows in both Ogunquit (you need to scroll down to the end and click "read more" for the full schedule) 10 am to 2 pm and York Maine from 9:00 am to 10:30 am.
  • October 23rd 2010 (October 30th rain date) Bucksport Maine becomes Ghostport Maine. Coffin race to the grave, pumpkin launches, and a chili cook off are just some events scheduled for the day.

Mannerly Mutts and gang will be attending Ogunquitfest and the auto shows this year.   Pictures and blog to follow of these events will follow this weekend.   Leon and Boris have also been attendees of the flea market, art in the park, Harvestfest, Marketfest, other craft shows, and the auto show this summer.   In order to socialize both our own dogs and our canine clients, training is also done in Kittery, Portsmouth, and York locations in public.   Recently, Marginal Way in Ogunquit also opened up to well behaved and trained canine companions.

Prepare dogs well so that they can join the family on as many adventures as possible.   After all, that is the greatest joy of having a dog in the first place.  

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Harvestfest and Marketfest 2010 York Maine

Robert says hello to cart horses.

Hope you did not miss out on York Maine's Harvestfest and Marketplace events, which ran from October 12th to October 16th.  Go to Harvestfest for more information, if you missed it this year and want to go next year.  


One event was in the Short Sands area, and did not allow dogs.   We did see some dogs that were there, and have the photos to prove it LOL.  We, however, did not bring our dogs to this event, as we do try and obey the rules.   I usually boycott outdoor events that do not allow dogs, but York Maine has had many events this year that did allow dogs, which had not in the past.   So I did not take it out on the one event that did not allow dogs.

Dobermans are harder to sneak in:)

 
Marketfest was in the Village of York Maine.   This event did allow dogs (in the past they had signs out too).   We were going to bring our dogs the next day, but they had staggered their days so that only one overlapped with Harvestfest, and the other one that we missed was the day before.   However, we did find vendors in the parking lot (towards Short Sands) of York Animal farm, and got to walk Leon and Boris through there.


Marketfest's food vendors were giving out an impressive amount of food samples.   Both the lobster bisque and kettle corn that were being distributed were very good.   I saw my favorite jewelers that I always look for, and fell in love with a necklace that I cannot afford at this time, but want desperately.

Loved these purses and pocketbooks at Marketfest.


These frogs were pretty adorable as well.

People were able to enjoy this event with their dogs.
On day two, Harvestfest was still going on, but we instead walked our dogs through the shops around Short Sands.   Boris saw his first horse there, and I only wish I had taken my camera out to get the expression on his face.  Boris was like "Jeez look at the size of that dog!!"  Leon and Boris got a lot of attention as usual.  They both ate it up, of course.
Leon and Boris outside of Sheldons wtih dad, Robert.
Boris and I walk away into the crowd for some shopping.
Boris and I pose near a carved bear.

This is a great time for humans to have with other human companions.   If you have a well-behaved dog or dog in training that is ready, this is a great place to socialize your dog and proof some training.  Please remember to bring bags and pick up after your dogs.   Also remember that there are badly behaved humans at these things, so you want to bring a canine that is prepared to deal.   Also there are horses, goats, bunnies, and other dogs at these events.





Keep going on adventures with your well-behaved and trained dogs.   They will love you for it.