Two Years Without Jackie, CD (Companion Dog)

The late and great Jackie, Companion Dog.   2003-12/24/2009
too soon to be gone.

I want to mark this two year Jackie, CD memorial with an e-mail which was stumbled upon almost two years after it was sent out:(  A very wonderful friend of our family sent out the following sentiments about our dog, Jackie.   I know many people close to us "got" how we have felt about our dogs, cats, and their parting from our lives in the most permanent of ways.   This really highlights how friends can totally get your pain, and commiserate with you.

"Gentlemen, 


It is with great regret that I need to inform you of a loss sustained by the Rubin Family at year end. Jack the Dog has passed away. On a family ski trip, on a beautiful mountain Jack succumbed to a recurring stomach illness. Having fought an admirable battle against this complication, Jack died December 24th. He faced two surgeries on this same disease and the last operation was too tough to overcome.

We all can fondly remember Jack enjoying the family friends at this past years Boobapalooza! How lucky we all were to spend time with this champion. You see, Jack was no ordinary family pooch. He was a titled champion. He brought his family great joy and honor! He represented the dog training business as a partner, frontman and roll model for all dogs who came to learn in his presence.


Take a moment this evening to remember a fallen comrade and keep the Rubin family in your prayers. Time will heal this wound as it has always done but Jack will never be forgotten. I propose a Boobapalooza Award in his name! The Jack Award to be given to that attendee who best represents loyalty, honor and the heart of a champion at the next Boobapalooza!


Rob & Robin, our hearts go out to you!


Yitzchak will be read in Jacks name.

Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ~Roger Caras


Love


The Kippa"

Thanks Chuck.   I regret that we only recently found this note.   On the other hand, it has made my day this year to find this, and be able to enjoy these memories of my Jackie CD.   He was an underdog and a wonderdog in so many ways.   Not a day goes by that I don't miss Jackie, Jazz, Neptune, Clyde and Mustache.   Jackie CD gave a lot of hope to owners with dog aggressive dogs.   I wish he could have stayed with us longer.

And now I know how to properly spell "Yortsite" (my now old spelling) LOL.

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Wonderful Memories of Neptune

Look how big Neptune
was!  Big Sweetheart
though.

December 21st, 2004 is the day that Neptune left us.   It was the day after a ski vacation he had been on with us.   My husband and I had hoped for this one last vacation with Neptune, but did not know he would literally leave us the next day.   Neptune had been diagnosed with a heart condition 4 years prior.

Ironically, it was not his heart that failed, but his tolerance of a medication given to keep him alive.   Neptune was the first dog that I HAD to train.   Jazzabelle, who came first, came largely trained and was a very good girl with no real behavioral problems anyway.

Neptune came with some dog aggression, which I was totally unfamiliar with at the time!  Thus began my education in dog training, and how it creates a partnership between you and your dog.   Neptune was the first to bring me along the dog training journey, because to not train him would have been to fail him.

Neptune is forever missed, and will never leave our hearts.   He had a will to live that was inspiring.   Despite his heart condition, he loved to have fun, and enjoyed his known dog friends and sister, Jazzabelle.   His true love was an Airedale girl named Ryan.

If you tried to ignore him, he would pretend that he was going to bite the couch.   He never actually touched the couch, but he would open his mouth and pretend to get our attention.  He also spun and twirled to indicate that he was ready for some fun.  Neptune loved our cats, Clyde and Mustache, as well.  

Miss you big boy, and bed hog!

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Part 1-Waterville Maine Thinking About Breed Specific Legislation or Size Canine Legislation-Yipes!

First dear readers, here is what is happening in Waterville Maine.  If you have a large breed dog, you may soon find your rights of dog ownership to be impeded upon depending on the size or breed of your dog.  If Waterville Maine starts limiting what breeds can be owned (without regard to any other measures), it will be sure to crop up in other cities and towns in Maine.

http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/police-chieffired-up-overdog-attacks_2011-12-02.html

http://bangordailynews.com/2011/09/12/news/waterville/waterville-police-chief-wants-bad-dogs-away-from-kids/

http://www.ohmidog.com/2011/09/13/police-chief-in-maine-suggests-breed-ban/

http://blessthebullys.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/action-alert-for-waterville-me-residents/

http://www.keepmecurrent.com/american_journal/opinion/editorials/editorial-dog-laws-should-target-owners-first/article_93e7badc-e9e4-11e0-a20d-001cc4c002e0.html

I personally find it appalling when a human adult or child is attacked by a dog.   I find it appalling when a child is put in any number of dangerous situations, quite frankly.   When I have a training situation that involves the safety of a child, I pull no punches.   I may not take on the client because they sound like they are endangering their child or family members.   I can't be involved with that sort of liability, and I make it clear to the client what I think about it.

My definition of endangering others is already having multiple incidents happen to people without any action on the part of the human to keep others safe.   Usually they are contacting me in order to have someone else say their dog is safe or wave a magic wand at the situation.   Chillingly enough, sometimes these people are calling from a daycare situation, and want their dog to be handled by their dog with a previous bite history at will despite their dog clearly not being okay with that.  

People have unrealistic expectations of dogs as some sort of stuffed animal that they take out only when they are interested in them.   Obviously, large breeds of dogs have bigger teeth and more strength than a toy breed.  It is therefore more likely that if a dog is put in an inappropriate situation or if warning signs of a bad temperament are simply ignored, the more serious injury will be given by a larger dog.   Also if a dog has not had socialization or training done, that dog can misinterpret a situation on go on the defense due to lack of experience and usually supervision.

Not all dogs have great temperaments, but treated with respect and supervised not a danger generally to the public.   Some dogs are dangerous and this always comes with having a flawed temperament (at least for living as a domesticated pet) or in very rare cases a serious medical issue has not been found.   However, it is extremely rare that a dangerous dog would be able to exit the shelter system alive or be purchased from a reputable breeder.   These dangerous temperaments are uncommon to a large degree.   They are perhaps more common in a segment of the population that values a guard dog (not talking about a trained well temperamented guard dog here) type of mentality in their dog.   There are some people that feel it  "machos" them up to have a dog that may decide to protect or guard them with their teeth.  Unfortunately, these dogs can not tell the difference from kids, domestic animals, ET that are not threats.   Often they are owned by people that have little to no interest in training these dogs to be safe and supervised, and they have in fact through neglect and lack of socialization trained them to be viscious.  People like this are prone to valuing a badly temperamented dog whether it came that way or was created to be that way. It would be better that these people had no dogs at all, never mind what kind of breed of dog it is or what temperament it began with.  If you penalize the breed by size or actual breed class, these people will find something else with which, and it may even be a smaller dog now that is more feral in nature, that they can neglect and use as a weapon against people.  Will this now become that breeds fault?   If so, hamsters will someday be an illegal pet (okay I am exaggerating there but you get the picture). 

So if people that have properly cared for their dogs are penalized and in the same boat as those that have irresponsibly cared for (and this includes ignoring dangerous situations and acting upon them to include realizing they may need to destroy a dangerous dog), what does this change?  Well it will put a large population of people that love their dogs and care for their dogs in an impossible and tragic predicament.   The irresponsible population will either hide the fact that they own these animals, put them to sleep and pick something else to neglect, or if they are interested in protection find another way to "protect" themselves in an irresponsible way.

It is real easy to pick on a breed (or minority) in an effort to feel control (humans do it to themselves all the time).   Death and serious injury are life altering events.   Humans want to be able to control death itself.   Of course we do, it effects us and the people we love.   We have a mind numbing lack of control when it comes to this.   We can not control all irresponsible human behavior or mechanical failure on inanimate objects.   When we find something we think we can control, often we wish to do this fast, now, and in very illogical and non helpful ways.  The fall out of this is controlling, often, the people who are acting responsibly, and not effecting so much the irresponsible parties as intended.

(This is Part 1-To Be Continued)

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Why A Dog At Large on My Property Irks Me





Bad picture of this dog, but the owner was able to identify as theirs.

These neighbors (who own this dog) complain about other dogs even when viewing them from 20 feet away, obeying the law and under voice control...because they are afraid of large breed dogs.   Yet they have no problem with their own large breed dog (or Jack Russel) being at large, unsupervised, on their neighbors' land.   This is not the first time either.  One year the Great Pyrenees that they had (and subsequently got rid of for aggression) was on our property with one of the Jack Russel.   Rather than admit that these were her dogs (and other trespassing infractions from her family and various ATV vehicles), I got this instead:

"As I have said from the beginning I have NEVER been on your property, even prior to you living there, so any claim of that is false and can never be proven."  Hence the necessity to carry a camera around, since if there is no documented proof, it simply did not happen.  Luckily, other neighbors reports and animal control reports proved this to be inaccurate.

"I have viewed your land lot and am now clear on where your lot is. I had no idea prior to today where you land lot was. Prior to our meeting last weekend I did not know you, although I have seen you out walking your dogs. Moving forward from today I will make a point that none of my dogs cross over the line during our walks in the woods.I do not ride the ATV's but when people do I will reiterate where they can and cannot ride and the property lines. I enjoy my dogs and walking in the woods but never intentionally have allowed them cross over into other people's property. Over the years I have had some disobey the rules from time to time and if they crossed onto your property I am sorry.I was not aware they were troubling you."  Her above words were amended only after much discussion and proof were presented.  Perhaps if she had been WITH her dogs, we could have discussed where my land lot was, and also dogs in York Maine are not allowed to be at large.  Thanks to "responsible" owners like my neighbor we lost our right to voice control and being out with our dogs without a leash.   Trust me, she could care less that her dogs were interrupting lessons or my personal dog training.

"We are all clear I will continue to walk on land I have permission to be on and will ensure none of my family 2 and 4 legged go onto your property."  Perhaps my neighbor does not know the meaning of the words that she writes.   That would mean that I would not have run into her dog today without an owner anywhere in sight.

"Hopefully it will be 5 more years before you and I or any of our 4 legged companions cross paths."   No sadly it will be in far less time than that. 

The below pictures were taken at the same time the strange dog appeared.  Here is what my dogs and my clients' dogs do on our property when a trespasser appears (whether a different species than human or not):

Very proud of two year old Boris listening without any type of training collar or lead on.

Murphy also listening and on long line only.

Leon and Tommy both being obedient.  Both do have training collars on, but not used.

Harley has no training equipment (the Great Dane), and he is not in a sit command due to his knees (but he is staying put).  And new e-collar client, Spencer, is staying put as well.

That sort of cooperation and trust from a group of dogs (to not interfere while I check out a situation) is why I do this. No drama, no pulling dogs off of dogs, ....   just go check it out.   Wish the dog had come to me so regardless of whose it was, I could have been sure it was safe.

I was a little worried for the dog, as I couldn't see if the electronic device around his/her neck was from a remote electronic collar or an invisible fence type collar (which could mean he was loose and lost).   It seemed he ran off towards a noise as if someone was calling him/her though.

Generally, I am normally not bothered when a dog is on my land.   With the "hunting accidents" lately however, and the way people will assume certain breeds of dogs are aggressive, I personally don't want a dog coming onto my land that I have to protect my dogs against (or against their owner who sees a sitting Doberman on our own land but goes into a panic getting out their gun).   This dog did not seem very social at all, and I really was not sure what his intent was.   I can't imagine having others responsible for guessing the intent of my dogs by leaving them loose and unsupervised.   I have had my dogs attacked when walking by Border Collies, Springers, Golden Retrievers, Pointers, Cairn Terriers, and it is not cool with me.   People think that since I have a Doberman or Bullie type breed attached to me (that is heeling, onlead, and minding their own business---my dogs that is not the attacking dogs) that this is okay as their dogs are not considered a "dangerous breed" of dog, as they endanger me and my dogs.

I put a lot of training on my dogs, act responsibly, supervise my dogs, and don't put client dogs in situations that they are not prepared for.  I don't do this so we can be attacked or be surrounded by people that do not take dog ownership so responsibly.  I am aware that it's not the dogs' fault, but the owners' fault in these situations.  Thankfully, some of these owners become clients, and not all of them are as uncaring and unempathetic as my neighbors regarding others.

A lot of dog owners are unaware that their dogs may make decisions (while unsupervised) that they normally would not with their owners there.   Not to mention if there has been no training in place or socialization and the dog is really scared and not perceiving the situation correctly.

Irresponsible dog owners are affecting my rights and my dogs freedoms as responsible dogs and dog owners in the community, and that is just wrong.  (and not neighborly) 

Next blog will be about why you should report these incidents to animal control when you have uncooperative neighbors.   Also, to expect your animal control department to follow their own ordinances as this actually protects your and your dogs rights in the community.  Last thing we need are more animal control legislations that take away the rights of responsible dog owners (you don't think the irresponsible ones actually adhere to the rulesdo you.   which is where the fines and civil penalties should come in)

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Boris Has Three Legs But No Disability

Now tell me, what disability is it that everyone thinks Boris has?

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Wednesday Daycare

A Wednesday daycare...ever wonder what it is your dog is doing at daycare here? You know, when they aren't training?

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Diesel and I Practicing Place In The Woods In September or October

Part of any command is practicing it in a variety of places, as dogs have trouble generalizing until they have experience in many different scenarios. Diesel in particular has been a very literal dog, and unless you show him the different ways and places it can be done, he assumes the command is the way he was shown orginally.

Diesel is an incredibly smart dog, so it's easy enough once he gets started in a new area for him to get it:)

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On the Sixth Day of Christmas

Wanted a little red (okay shades of purple) and green in the picture with Leon for Xmas.   He is not usually allowed on this family heirloom, but it seemed to lend itself to the theme.

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On the Fifth Day of Christmas

Picture came out better than I thought.   I think I would change out blanket of red for a different color to contrast with the beads.   Leon was a very good boy letting me drape these all over him.   Got this idea from Applewoods Dog Training.   Doing this gives you good practice in positioning your dog, and creating a relationship of trust when you need them to stay still for a project like this (not that this is any big deal, I am a total amateur at this).

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On The Fourth Day of Christmas



Leon and I gazing at each other.



Leon presents cheek for a kiss.



Boris models hat and skarf.




Front view of Boris with hat and skarf.




Leon on couch with hat and skarf.




Leon gives a good look towards the camera.




I like Leon with the slight sideways look.

 I like some aspects of these photos, but I need to come up with better backgrounds, I think.

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On The Third Day of Christmas...



OMG, I am glad I did not realize how cute Leon looked.   I would have bought those antlers!!  As you can see, Leon is also a ham for the camera!



Boris "Hey lady, you got treats?".   Interesting fact, this lady has a ferret rescue:)

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On The Second Day of Christmas...

Yup, more holiday pictures, using our client, Diesel, as a model as we train and tour around York Maine.



We started our training on the dirt roads in our neighborhood.   This house is more elaborately decorated than this, but I did not want to intrude into their yard while they were not home and I did not have permission.   So we practiced stand stay in front of the fence line.




Then we practiced our stays on Long Sands (no Xmas decorations sadly).   However, we do have some people proactively working off the pounds before the Christmas eating begins.   Diesel was a very good boy.




Finally, we took pictures at the Anchorage using a place, let's go and sit stay.   I was hoping no one would come out and yell at us LOL.   Diesel is a good boy.   Because of the size of the "place" he was a little confused at first, but he got it.


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And the Christmas photos begin

The lobster trap Christmas tree by the Nubble Lighthouse is so big!   I didn't even notice that Leon was sitting beside it when I first saw it.   This was taken during a nice long walk that Robert took Leon on.

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8 Day Progression to Heel Video

This is last spring with Boy. It shows an example of what can be done with what an owner thinks is an "unlikely" dog to be walked on leash calmly. Boy never wore a collar before, so he is a bit panicked the first day. More than six months later now, Boy has enjoyed many more life experiences than he was able to before, including a plane trip in first class!

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The Local Dog Events Page Updates (This is A Copy)

Mannerly Mutts Group Classes:

None scheduled at this time, and probably won't resume again until Spring 2012.

Seminars in the New England Area:

April 28-29th 2012 Bridget Carlsen Seminar at the K9 Connection  60 Minnesota Ave. Warwick, RI 02888 401-737-2870 K9.connection@verizon.net

DVDs and Educational Materials:

International Association of Canine Professionals Past Conference DVDs


Janice Gunn DVDs for Obedience Competition Training
Rental Service for Canine Training and Related Videos

Upcoming New England Area (ME, NH, MA) Obedience Trials:

(AKC) January 8, 2012 (closes 12/21/2011) Framingham District Kennel Club hosting obedience trials @ Master Peace Dog Training 264 Fisher St. Franklin, MA


(AKC) March 2, 2012 (closes 2/15/2012) Collie Club of Maine hosting obedience trials @ Clarion Hotel 1230 Congress Street
Portland, ME

(AKC) March 16, 2012 (closes 2/29/2012) Collie Club of New Hampshire hosting obedience trials @ American K9 Country 336 Route 101 Amherst, NH

(AKC) April 14 to 15, 2012 (closes 3/28/2012) Casco Bay Dog Training Club hosting obedience trials @ Mt Ararat High School Gymnasium Topsham, ME

(UKC) September 30 & October 1, 2012 For information, please contact Club President, Jen Strubinger: jstrub_shs@hotmail.com at Finish Forward 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296


Upcoming Show N Gos (or run thrus):

January 21, 2012 Essex County Dog Training Club will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at Salisbury Mass (first run starts at 9 am). training facility at the Hilton Senior Center, 43 Lafayette Road (Rte 1), Salisbury, MA, so mark your calendars,entries will be limited so sign up soon, pre entry registration forms and more info. on
events and calendar page at http://www.ecdtc.net/

January 22, 2012 Finish Foward will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296 hosted by the Pine Tree Doberman Club.

January 22, 2012 Saccarappa Obedience club will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at Westbrook Armory, Stroudwater St., Westbrook 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM Entries and trials will be from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

February 19, 2012 Saccarappa Obedience club will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at Westbrook Armory, Stroudwater St., Westbrook 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM Entries and trials will be from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
 

March 11, 2012 Saccarappa Obedience club will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at Westbrook Armory, Stroudwater St., Westbrook 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM Entries and trials will be from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
 

April 8, 2012 Saccarappa Obedience club will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at Westbrook Armory, Stroudwater St., Westbrook 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM Entries and trials will be from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
 

September 30, 2012 Finish Forward will be holding (UKC) Obedience Run Thrus after the trials for that day at 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Therapy Dog (TDI) tests:

December 28, 2011 Canine Good Citizen 7 PM pre registration is required.  at the Hilton Senior Center, 43 Lafayette Road (Rte 1), Salisbury, MA http://www.ecdtc.net/

February 26, 2012 Canine Good Citizen Falmouth, ME 04105 @
PoeticGold Farm 7 Trillium Lane Falmouth, Maine 04105 Hosted by: Ivy League Dog Training & Photography INC and CanineKinship LLC. www.poeticgoldfarm.com


Doberman Events

None known about at this time. 

Other Events to Bring Your Canine Companion To

December 3, 2011 Pictures with Santa from 11am to 3 pm at York Maine's Ann-imals Pet Supply Call 764 US RT 1 Suite 2 York, ME 03909 to schedule a time, appointments are filling up quick! 207-351-2777 

December 3, 2011 York Maine Festival of Lights and Christmas Parade.   They don't really put any specifics or times anywhere, so if you are in York Maine look around the Nubble Light area (I am guessing) and the shopping downtown area (I am guessing).  Always a good way to continue on with your training and socializing of your dogs (safely and responsibly and being aware of what they currently can and can not handle).  There are bands, floats, and sometimes costumes.  Also dress short haired or cold sensitive dogs warmly.

December 10, 2011 Animal Welfare Society Open House on Holland Road in West Kennebunk from 11 - 2. Have your pet's photo taken with Santa, buy some sweets at the bakesale get some shopping done in the Gift Shop, while celebrating a record year for adoptions at the AWS. For more information, call Animal Welfare Society (www.animalwelfaresociety.org) at 985-3244.




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Mannerly Mutt's Canine Good Citizens, Our Own Dobermans Boris and Leon

Canine Good Citizens as of 11/15/11
DRU's Boris and Leon (from Pamelot)
Both Dogs Owned by Mannerly Mutts
Leon is actually on the left, and Boris is on the right.

Mannerly Mutts' own two pumpkins managed to take and pass the Canine Good Citizen test last night at It's A Dog's World in York Maine.   For Leon this was an easy test to pass.  While I do AKC (Amercian Kennel Club) obedience, I had never taken the CGC before.   I actually had my husband, Robert, handle Leon for the test to make it more difficult for him.  It also improved Robert's skills in handling and giving him commands rather than just "expecting".   It is too easy to take Leon for granted that way.  Leon has not competed in AKC obedience trial competitions due to his knees, so it was nice to get him some recognition for the totally awesome dog he is.  Yeah team Leon and Robert!

Boris (rescued by Doberman Rescue Unlimited in Sandown NH) had a bit more work to do, being two years old, and I have been tinkering with a different method with him.   This has made my work with him go a bit slower as I figure some things out, but we are in no special rush.   Potentially the first available trial to us (since it needs to be through the UKC-United Kennel Club) won't be until October 2012.  Mainly, I wanted Boris to accept a physical exam without barking, but he managed to pass the test.   Course Boris's is just starting his career at being in public, showing, and acquiring titles.   A small step but a valuable step in getting him ready to do this on a more constant basis with advanced skills.  Yeah for Boris trusting me to handle him through the physical exam!  In the actual obedience trials, believe it or not, the examination portion is much easier for the dog (it's done during a stand and the judge only touches their head, mid back, and butt).   A Canine Good Citizen exam the judge squats to eye level (also a problem for Boris) checks the teeth, ears, feet, and does a grooming brush thing.   Boris managed to pull this off.   He was a little nervous, but he gets much better each time.   I was not expecting Boris to pass the exam.   I was very pleased with his performance no matter which way it went.    I think part of the joy of competing your dog, besides winning a title or ribbon, is the ability to enjoy what you have done with the dog in ways of improvement.

All six dogs in our class managed to pass the exam.   So it is not an exam where an enormous amount of obedience skill is required, but a good exam of the dogs social skills not in the raw (meaning there are commands they must understand, but not at the performance required for obedience trials).  Everyone had improved and done much better for the exam.   Nervous is a good motivator LOL.  Hatti and Rocky did especially well.  They are both very friendly dogs that sometimes have a hard time containing their exuberance, but at the exam both were calmer than I had ever seen them.  Great team work for those teams!  They already had friendly sociable dogs, but now they have friendly social dogs who have controlled enthusiasm.

All in all, it was a good night for the Rubin Family.   I love these outings with my dogs.

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Barking A Problem?

When I am out and about with my dogs (and someone knows I am a trainer) a common question that comes up is "how do I stop my dog from barking?".   As with just about any training question, this is not something that can be answered for their particular dog and situation in the line of a grocery store.  I realize that even though many dog owners have been living with this problem (sometimes for years), they think I know a 10 second secret that I can share.   There are no "magic wands" in any dog training (highlighted this because management and avoidance are different and separate issues) issue.   This does not mean the solution is hard, but it is a situation in which training and communication are required.   Therefore, you need to teach your dog when and how to stop barking, and what the cue is that communications the need to stop.  

I think the first place to start is to understand what barking is.   Barking is the way that dogs communicate various things, and it is completely normal.   It is not a sure sign that your dog is becoming aggressive.   That being said just because something is normal and not threatening does not mean it needs to be allowed all the time.  It is one of those things that a command can be put on like "quiet".   That being said, I don't like to take away a dog's ability to communicate, but I do like to be able to control it in appropriate situations.  Here are some great dog barking situations:

1. There is a funny odor or sound (perhaps neither of which I notice at first) in the house.
2. There is a stranger approaching.  I may want that stranger to be hesitant of my barking dog, while I find out what they are doing here.
3. You have lost electricity, are alone, and someone comes to your door.  I like to check that it is in fact my neighbor checking on me, instead of a criminal looking to take advantage of a situation.
4. Strange wild life or dog in the yard.   Helpful for me to know before I let the dogs out, though they are all trained to be recalled from those situations.  Better to know what is out there though, and just because your dog can recall, does not mean certain animals won't attack your dogs!
5. In my auto if someone is snooping around it.   I worry often about someone getting ideas to steal my dogs, cause I think they are the best, personally .   I like my dogs to give someone the idea that breaking into house or auto is not a good idea.
6. My dogs alert when daycare clients come up, which is good because when the windows are closed I don't always hear or notice them.  They work much better than a doorbell (or our doorbell anyway).
7. Dogs have the ability to communicate not only to each other, but to humans when they are not sure.   Often this prevents conflicts.   Most dogs if they feel so threatened that they will bite, are not going to announce it with a bark.    However, a bark or growl can alert the human or other dog to approach a bit differently or to at least not corner the canine.

One of my dogs, I am convinced, kept me from getting mugged or worse in Worcester Mass.   Jazzabelle was not barking at the stranger creeping up until I saw him.   I felt every pore of my body pop with sweat when I realized he was sneaking up on me in the woods.   Jazzabelle took that cue, started barking, and I did not quiet her.   I also got out of the woods safely, and when I urged the man to stay away and take a seat while we left, he did.   Yeah Jazzabelle!   So there are times some dog owners appreciate their dogs ability to bark.

Most dogs, except some breeds and occasional personalities, are going to bark.   Asking them to never bark is like asking a human to never speak.  Also as I had mentioned, this is a necessary part of their communication mechanisms.   What we can do is teach them not to bark when we give them a command.   We can also modify behavior so the dog feels more confident and self assured (therefore less likely to bark due to feeling vulnerable).

Every dog is different, and every dog learns differently and responds differently to different methods.  Additionally, the solution is usually a combination of methods and possibly tools used in training that are worked on over a period of time, and then maintained over the owner and dog's relationship.  How you are going to teach your dog to stop barking via a verbal of visual cue may differ from how my dogs or clients' dogs have learned.

Here are some things to think about:

1. As with training anything, you need to work up to distractions.   If you just wait until the biggest distraction comes along, this will not be effective training.   You need to be proactive instead of reactive.
2. Regarding number 1, setting up "fake" situations that cause your dog to bark (IE not waiting for a stranger to come over, but having your spouse set up a situation or have a remote control doorbell) can help you prepare your dog for what you want them to do (with the proper training).
3. Redirection is ONE of the things you can use to help.   My dog, Boris, will pick ball over stranger (human or dog) approaching the house.   You can start to ween off the ball with a proper training regime designed to do that and increase distraction, but still only ONE aspect of this.
4. Obedience training in general will allow you to give a command that does not lend well to an unwanted action.   This is called counter conditioning.   Many times if a dog goes into the command down (taught well and to a standard) they will not bark.   Other times, it will take time for them to learn to relax, and another command "quiet" can be used to do this.
5. If the distraction comes, you need to get up block or contain your dog.   The more you just let your dog practice, the more they are convinced it is their job to bark and not listen to you.   If my dog is not listening (and I am being consistent), then it is time for me to get up and control things.   Ideally, I want my dog well trained enough not to have to do this.   Sometimes, something really unexpected ends up in your yard or driveway though, or you have been lax in training (it happens).

I have heard that you need to teach your dog to "speak" in order to be "quiet".   That is not really true, and in fact can backfire on people that do not study dog training.   You can actually teach your dog to bark at you demanding all the time with a "speak" not thought out well.  In fact, before I became a dog trainer, I instructed my neighbors ways they could keep Neptune from barking at them.   They were all very friendly with Neptune, but we still didn't want him barking as a greeting.   So we told them when they came home (and if he was out with us), to tell him to sit and then to give him a cookie.   What I now know to be a predictable result, now Neptune barked at them every time he saw them, because he wanted the cookie LOL.  So we had to change those directions up a bit, and really think about what we were "teaching" Neptune.  We had actually taught him "speak" as a greeting instead of "quiet" as a greeting.  Oops.

Just some ideas, this is a bigger topic than just this blog post.   Remember every dog is different as far as the way they learn, what they find rewarding, and what they think their jobs are.   It is our job to know our dogs (by training, playing, and spending quality time with them) in order to best get the results that we want.

I hoped this helped some of you.   Remember there is no quick "magic wand" to this.   All training requires thought, time, commitment, patience, work, repetition, and consistency (and most of all your involvement).



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Adventures in Canine Good Citizen

Boris got a certificate and ribbon at Strut Your Mutt. 
Canine Good Citizen will be his next accomplishment.
Then onto Novice UKC cometitions!!!
Go Boris!

Boris and Leon are readying to take their Canine Good Citizen exam on November 15th.   While I will still be working Leon in between, I think he is ready to take the exam, pretty much.   He had one issue of crying behind the screen, but that has been resolved now I do believe.  We (Robert and I) had the issue of getting nervous in front of the class during the first walks with Leon, instead of doing what we know and keeping the partnership going.   I also believe that has been resolved for the team, and I plan on having Robert handle Leon.  Oh another issue that Leon has is boredom whining.   We are constantly working on that with long down stays, that I should now bring into other areas where Leon is expecting to be active but needs to remain still instead.   Unfortunately, my husband usually gives into Leon when he is bored, and when the vocalizations begin my husband usually gives Leon what he wants .   Now Leon is not a stupid dog, and he knows what has been working for him!  And as I mentioned, Leon had the last two years off from any kind of serious work (we all sort of did after Jackie CD died).   So now it's time to get Leon back in the game. 

Boris had not learned a down yet (in distraction anyway) so I will continue that in hopes that we can pull it out for the CGC.   I will be handling Boris, as he trusts me more when strangers handle him.   He has been improving on that front as well, instead of barking loudly in stranger's face to drive them away.  I think he remembers when he was little and everyone looked funny at his leg THAT IS NOW GONE.   He feels a bit more assured with me that this will not happen again LOL.   Poor thing.  This also points nicely to an article I did on what things can cause fear in a dog, and Boris is an otherwise confident little thing.  Boris falls into the category of a dog that had major surgery done when still very young, 11 weeks.   In addition, Dobermans are bred to be suspicious of strangers, although many can be trained to trust their leaders' opinion of the situation.   I do actually like when my dogs simply alert me to an intrusion, and then I can tell them what to do with that info (which is basically keep on barking at stranger or oh be quiet that is a friend of mine).   My dogs are not protection trained at all, and are really very friendly to strangers.   Boris just gets a bit nervous when people are examining him too closely, as this is probably what happened before his leg went missing (birth defect and the leg was not going to work right as it was).  Boris does not know why his leg went missing, or that he was not going to be as active and mobile as he is now.  That interest in his leg was so young before he could learn to trust that people had his best interest at heart.   An older dog usually does not have the fallout that a puppy will under these same conditions.   So we have been being sure that people he knows bend down, look at him, pick up his paw, and that nothing happens other than he gets some treats (one of those occasions where I find treat training can really help).   Course for awhile this might result in Boris really being anxious to get in everyone else's face begging for attention LOL.   But that is okay, we can back that back down when the time comes.   Boris did well the last class with some encouragement from me (didn't bark at the trainer during exam, did not bark at the whip, did not bark at the umbrella).   Boris did bark at the jump rope (go figure) so apparently I will be getting some jump rope exercise in.

Two dogs, same breeds, same owners, and pretty much the same upbringing but two very distinct personalities and challenges.   Both pretty friendly and stable dogs.   Leon much more trusting of people, but he started out suspicious of strangers in a different way than Boris.   Now Leon is a dog that anyone and everyone can and does hug, and they can get right in his face.   Leon returns hugs and kisses.   Leon is seven now though, and a very old pro at this.   Boris may never get to the stage that Leon is, but for sure he is improving and will continue to improve.   Boris is more of a leader than Leon, though he loves adores and respects his older brother.   Boris is more ball crazy than Leon, while Leon likes softer thinking games (fetch, tracking, scent work).  Both are very playful dogs.  Boris is more likely to give an obnoxious dog a correction, but will also later be their BFF most likely.   Leon has some pain issues, so he likes to be left alone while sleeping and is likely to make that known to a dog scoping out his resting place.   Leon has a very soft mouth when playing, and Boris has quite a grip that I am always working on making softer.  Funny because I am trying to make Leon's a bit more firm for holding onto stuff.   Boris is probably going to be great at the hold.

Because my dogs are not often in a group class situation or working indoors (often around many dogs in public settings like fairs, the beach, our own daycare, and woodsy walks), I did pay for a CGC class (at It's a Dog's World in York Maine) for the both of them.   This was done to both proof my dogs in the environment that they will be taking the exam, and also get them used to people with treat pouches on who treat their dogs a lot plus a floor likely littered with remains of treats.  My dogs get a limited education in "treat training" in situations that benefit it the most, and I believe the enjoy the training that provides them the most freedom to play and explore on a daily basis.   Therefore, the other part of treat training that I do when coming up to a Canine Good Citizen exam (something I have never taken myself, as I usually go right to straight AKC obedience) or an obedience competition is ignoring the treats, unless they specifically come from me and usually if they have ignored something else that someone else has gotten.  This is great for proofing, as this is an environment that is "purely positive" so corrections of any sort (even though this is a training environment to get a dog ready for exam) are frowned upon LOL.   So while I am not fond of that training, it is a great place to see exactly what your dog will try to get away with during an exam, and then train for that so that no rewards, lures, or corrections are needed when the time comes.   The instruction has been sub par at best during this class, unfortunately.   Trainer is nice, but clearly uncomfortable working with breeds that are not Goldens, Labs, ET (and that are adult dogs I think).   Boris just barks and the trainer's face turns white.   (this will dovetail nicely with the upcoming Does Your Dog Bark? Blog Post--hopefully tomorrow 11/11/2011---link will be provided when finished).

I do feel bad for the three other dogs and owners who have had their training at this facility.   They are having a hard  time handling their dogs in distractions (a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, Golden Doodle puppy, and a grown Golden Mix).   I fear with the "instruction" or lack thereof that they have been given by this specific trainer, they are not going to get there.   Here is why and some things I look for when someone is training no matter the method:

1. All the owners own inadequate cheaply made leashes.   One owner has knots all the way down the leash.   Clearly they are not learning how to or the importance of loose leash training (or quality training equipment).   Leather leashes provide the most comfort for owners, and when you are starting off especially with a large breed that knows how to and has practiced pulling, this keeps an owners hands from becoming overly strained.   Now once a dog is RELIABLY not pulling, the quality and type of leash is not as important (possibly not important at at all).   Have you ever felt nylon pull quickly through your hands?   Not a pleasant experience.
2. The trainer in question shouts out ways to do it that are the same all the time with little to no variation based on the dog/owner combo (granted this is a group class, and so I understand the limited time to distribute the knowledge that you have).   I have never seen this trainer with her dog in class (important I think, and especially so you have a trained dog to demo), although her assistant in the last class had her dog (and also seemed way more comfortable handling dogs in general).    I should say that the trainer did demo her clients' dogs (who had apparently been through more than one obedience class with her) with okay (not stellar) results in the last class.    I think far too late, one class before the exam to help them out.
3. Besides the first hand out given (which was basically a copy of the AKC CGC description with basic tips on how to do things), no hand outs or assignment were given at all.   There was little direction to the class.   The problem with this is that run thrus are usually less expensive, and you expect this decreased level of instruction and feedback.   However in a class situation, you expect more feedback and instruction.
4. When my husband had a problem, (and I was trying not to be the trainer and seeing what he could learn), the instructor basically said she had no idea how he could work on it, until I stepped in and threw some treats at her feet and instructed him on how to do it.   I was really disappointed in that, and it seemed very unprofessional and showed her bias towards breeds.
5. The trainer seems to be able to parrot back instructions, but can not look at the progress or results.   I was handling my dog a certain way by letting him know I was beside him in an examination where he did positively.   However, she parroted the tight leash thing to me, not thinking back that when he barked at her he had a different handler and a loose leash (which I am working on) but that Boris knowing I was right there monitoring the situation and being able to observe the "stranger" and not me had the working effect.   There were a couple of other situations where I noticed not only this trainer but the substitute (who I think is more talented at least at handling dogs) ignored the results of the directions that they were giving (and were being followed) compared to the results.  To me this indicates a lack of experience working with many different dogs (breeds, temperaments, ages ET) both as their own dogs in their home (IE long term progress and results) but working with many clients dogs on a more personal basis (IE board and train, where dogs spend a length of time with the trainer as if it was their own dog they were training).
6. I know that at least one of these trainers, this is not their full time career or passion (and this is the more talented one).
7. As for the way these particular classes were run, in practicing a skill that may be different than in other classes, it helps to break it into parts.   So assuming everyone had the basics obedience moves (and I am not talking about Boris and his lack of down under distractions, this is a few second part of the exam that I realized he may not have by then), then working them up to the "unexpected distraction" could be something different then just pulling them out on a one by one basis.   One thing that I thought was good and could have happened early on, was the dog pass bys, but the substitute trainer was the one that first did this with the whole group.   The other classes all had a lot of downtime, where you are waiting for one solitary person to continue with you.   Whereas the way the substitute did it, everyone was involved at once, it was more distracting (though she aligned you up with a dog that she thought would be least distracting at first---good thought), and everyone got much more GROUP CLASS work time in.   This would have been beneficial early on, and those that are still having problems by class four would have been farther up the ladder I think.  I mean part of the problem any good trainer knows, is the confidence level of the participants.   Unfortunately about three out of the class of six on the last class, said they were not showing up to the exam due to their confidence level (and we were two of the three planning to attend!).
8. The lack of emphasis on the whens and wheres to train.  To many times at least one trainer said that you only need a few minutes a day before feeding!  First of all, the whole point of positive training is that you have the ability to prolong the training (especially if you do not rely on food only as the reward) and work it up to distracting environments.
9. The underlying message of no touch training!  Touch does not denote violence.     I commented about molding which is basically a comforting feeling of your hands carressing your dog.   Not touching does a lot to damage your dog as far as socializing.

On another note, every class was started late.   The first, she just was not on time.   The second, she was chatting with her previous class attendees and just made us late.   The third she was sick, but as a bonus another instructor (Pam Belcher) came who I have worked with in scent class and is much better at instructing and handling dogs (though I am not sure about obedience instruction).   The fourth, her previous class ran late.  Every now and then I realize this happens,but every time seems just to be poor planning.

In training my dogs, unless I was to travel many hours, there really are no quality "training" places around here (they are in Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Florida, and California).   I can "proof" my dogs in these local classes (without any kind of quality instructing), but many times I need to be their advocate to, and just tell the trainer (especially if they give no direction or demo) that the way we train is the way we train, and in a training environment we are going to train (talking about molding butt touches, which the trainer thinks is forcing the butt down---if she would just observe what is going on she might see what is going on is that the dogs have been trained to respond willingly to a butt touch, and we know this is not allowed in an exam, but in a training environment you need to be sure that your dog knows they will not get away with ignoring,and this is a humane and positive way).  

I don't mean for this to be an entirely negative review of It's A Dog's World at all.   In fact, they bring some useful seminars to the area.   These are just points for anyone to consider in picking a training venue.  In their niche of positive training, I don't think they really concentrate on the training part (repetitions, practice, prolonging training sessions with play and more valuable rewards than yummy treats) of this to be useful to most of their students.  There are some really stellar positive trainers, but they reside in other states.   Positive does not mean "little to no work" (in fact to do it right to a standard it means much more work, which is not a bad thing in your normally temperamented dog).   Too many times, even in observing a class shortly before ours,  at least one trainer will say, just do a little work for a few minutes a day before feeding.   Between that and the lack of emphasis on the quality of the equipment that you do have to train, I don't see much of use for the non savvy dog owner or beginning dog owners there as far as the basics of obedience, which is unfortunate.   However, much experience in proofing can be gotten there for a savvy dog owner that has experience in training basic obedience to a standard.  In states like Rhode Island, I have seen the results of trainers who are much more effective at the positive training.

But in order for my dogs to get the experience of these venues (and I don't have to travel with my crappy autos that may not get me back not to mention the price of gas, and my very full training schedule), then something needs to give unfortunately.   I wish people were more in tune with obedience, it's benefits, and ways of training.  Another note on this training center, is that the instructors don't seem to understand cross over benefits, and that an obedient dog is not a dog that lacks drive when you release them.   Too many times you are encouraged to slack off the commands in certain classes like scent work, and the trainers don't realize these dogs may do other sports where the skill that they do can be use  in these different venues, and in fact increase their skill at both.  One should not be at the cost of another, but a compliment to it...sigh.  (I should say that I have tried other venues around here, before saying this.   Even venues that condone the correct uses of equipment, however might have other ethical problems or human behavioral problems themselves as trainers.   So trust me, this is not by lack of trying or researching the talents in the immediate area to me).  I should also say, outside of obedience sports (think agility, hunting dogs, flyball) there is probably some fair talent in the area.   In obedience, there are certainly OWNERS in the area that excel despite the lack of trainers around here, through sheer will and stick to itness.   I would say that some of these owners show probably be competition trainers, but remember owners are dealing with only their dog not multiple personalities of dogs.  This is a nice luxury, and why I sometimes get frustrated with owners who will not work with their one dog LOL.

I am still considering making an obedience club here where many methods are encouraged while training and getting ready for competition.   Also where classes can be given with an eye towards progress and results, while still being humane and positive.   Where also there is a knowledge of the differences needed to train temperaments firstly, generalities that some breeds may bring to the table, and different ages (as well as physical challenges) of both dogs and owners.   I really want to get a practice group going first though, and then grow it into a kick ass obedience club:)

Here is a video example of what we will be doing. It's hard to find any kind of crisp performance for CGC, and that may well include ours (will see if we can get video camera).



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Macrame Crochet and Dog Collars

After the Doberman Nationals in Fitchburg Mass this year, I have been totally obsessed with making my dogs some crocheted, macrame, and/or beaded collars.   One vendor that has an online presence had braided collars, which look like they may be easy and fun to start with.

I would like to get up to this level that Original American Collars (I believe the link is their website) was showing at the nationals.  Many of these vendors were not online OR were in the process of being online, which is a shame.   Really beautiful collars and merchandise.

Of course my "crafty domestic" skills were something I never developed for myself.   Sadly, I did actually have a grandmother that could have taught me these things, but it was not what I was interested in at the time.   Now I have inherited some of my grandmothers knitting items (unfortunately even though she did crochet, there were no crochet materials or hooks in the items that I acquired).  I am really wishing I paid attention to her sewing, cooking, and crafty arts when I was a kid.

I don't even really know the difference between knitting, crocheting and macrame LOL.  I've gotten a bunch of books.   The extent of my craftiness was homemade cards at one point, and some paper arts.  Never got that great at it, but had a good time.

So clearly I am going to want to go for something simple for my dogs at first like braided collars with one or two colors of material.   I like the idea of doing it myself, as I never find exactly what I want for my dogs.   I would like something for them that I custom made with them in mind:)   Course it is going to take a little practice this winter to do it, I fear.

I found this free macrame pattern for a dog collar that looks maybe doable.   They do say it could be a challenge for a beginner (and I am a pre-beginner).

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Various Clients of 2011:)



So this little muffin is Spencer a 10-11 month old Yorkie puppy with way too much energy.  We are starting to channel that into his beginning obedience work.

Diesel's owner has expressed an interest in actually competing with Diesel (yeah!).  He is about the most perfect dog to do this with (actually he is a puppy right now of 8 months old). 

Virgule did a mini board & train this summer for a short period of time.   She looks cute and sweet, but she is pretty fiesty.  She likes to play, but totally on her terms.



This is Virgule's companion, Jujube.   He is sweet, but quite a bully when it comes to other dogs.   He also likes to take away from any fun Virgule might try to have with other dogs.   He is quite the handful LOL.

Here is Boy playing with Virgule.   Boy is super smart, but has been here for training and socialization.   He is coming along, and just went for his first plane ride recently (not in cargo).

OLD friend, Gus, has been boarding here while his owners have a new venture they are starting.

Crosby is a rare non training daycare attendee, because I have known him previously.

Got reaquainted with Milo and Mary, while there owners went on a European trip:)

Gator, possibly the cutest and most mild mannered Airedale puppy that I have come in contact with (excepting Marley of course---old family friend's dog).  So much so, that next year the family will probably not need a special place to board him:(

Beauty and The Beast:)   Very nice dogs (well they all are if you know me LOL).   Beauty is a bit reactive, but with the proper work her owners should be able to get her in line.  Beast is just mainly a love bug.

Bogey, adorable nine year old Shitz tzu girl, who came so she could learn how to walk on a leash, and now is a daycare attendee.

Rocket, six month old puppy Chihuahua male, and his new bestee, Bella.   Bella, who is an old client and daycare attendee, thinks Rocket is her baby.   Rocket is in the beginning stages of learning his obedience.

Crosby, Tommy, Bogey, and Leon pose for a picture outside of Crosby's house.

Radley, a nine year old girl cattle dog, is here to learn some manners and not pull on her owner while she recovers.

Radley having a good time with Tommy and Gang.

Poor Monzo is a good boy, despite what the muzzle would suggest.   He is just 4 years old and not been exposed to strange dogs at large.  He had also learned to leave some marks on his sister previously, and scares easily at other dogs.   Mostly he is here because the family got a new puppy, and he will need to learn never to put his mouth on the puppy and not play with him too roughly:)

Leon showing Monzo that he is a calm and nice dog, and that there is nothing to be afraid of.   (Monzo is a work in progress, but a super sweet boy that just is unaware of his own strength).

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