Question from a Dog Owner: Is this play or aggression?

Question:   " I have an 18 mo old dog that I simply cannot break of jumping. He is large and powerful and even when I turn my back to him he continues to jump, sometimes even biting my ponytail. Is this aggression or play? I feel like he is playing but it REALLY hurts."

Answer:  Regarding is this aggression or play, it sounds like play.   An 18 month old dog is usually still a puppy although an older and larger adolescent.   As puppies grow up, they don't know the rules for appropriate human play without some training or guidance.   Your dog is most likely excited, has a lot of pent up energy, and is visiting this unwanted play on you.

In addition to finding it fun to go after your ponytail, large adolescent or untrained adult dogs can do the other things as "play", in their eyes:

1. Jump on you or tag you at the top of stairs or icy grounds (dangerous for obvious reasons).
2. Jump up and hit your eye socket hard with their nose (closed mouthed).  Or sometimes they hit your nose which hurts worse.
3. Try to pull you off something like a bike with their teeth.
4. Tug, bite, and tear at your clothes.
5. Play tug of war with the lead you are trying to walk them on.
6. Hard nips bordering on bites during exciting play.
7. And so forth

When dogs do these sort of things, they are not trying to be aggressive (in most cases) but engage you in the only way they know how.  It's up to the dog owner to change that.

Although something may be normal or typical for a dog to do, that does not mean it should continue.  Anything that is potentially harmful to the owner or public, whether it is intended or so or not, should be stopped and redirected.

Jumping isn't simply broken.   Training needs to happen for those behaviors to be diverted and changed to something else.   Training provides a means of communication and partnership between a dog owner and their canine companion.   It also allows for a relationship to develop where there is more understanding through increased interaction on both sides.

Trying to figure this out by researching online or through books right now will probably only hold you up from your goal of a better relationship with your dog, although that is an option.   I would suggest that you find a dog trainer that can help you learn to teach your dog some better behaviors:)  There is no real quick fix tip that I can give you that would be reliable in the long run.   However, I would suggest the basics in obedience, and to also find play outlets that your dog enjoys that do not encourage jumping (tracking, tricks, hiking, et).   Combining both of these objectives together, will give you a more complete plan.

This will make life so much more enjoyable for yourself and your dog in the long run (and probably the short run as well).


Have a question about your dog?  Please either e-mail us at mannerlymutts.rubin@gmail.com or use the contact form (bottom of page) on mainedogtrainer.com!   We are always looking for real life blog topics to talk about and answer.

Maintenance, It's Not Just for Your Weight

Leon 2004-2012 had so much fun with us.
This dog loved to work and train and be with us always.

Life happens, and it usually disrupts your daily schedule for weeks maybe more.   Here are some tips for when you fall behind, (or if you are maintaining your goals regularly) here are some tips for staying on OR getting back on your horse:

• First outline what you want to accomplish and what you want to accomplish, and what you want to accomplish with each dog.   (in my case our Leon and Boris)
• Outline how to get there, if you do not have a strong idea on how you will.   Otherwise, just be ready to acknowledge this is going to take a lot of every day work, where minimal progress will be made each day, but in the long run it will be strong progress.
• Create a journal online or manual writing where you document the work that you do each day.   This is important, as in dog training you want to rotate the environment and exercises a bit, and now you can keep track.   If you work a lot of dogs, this all becomes fuzzy in your brain once the day is done.  (I have found that while loosing weight, this has kept me in line much of the time.   If I have to think about what I am doing and putting into my body--by making myself accountable---then I am more likely to make the right choices).
• Acknowledge your progress and the areas that still need work as you go along.   Don't rush towards the goal so that your work becomes sloppy.  Just everyday chip away at the work so you don't get frustrated, and the dog doesn't get stressed out being pushed beyond what should be reasonably expected.

Before you know it, you and your dogs will be there and be ready to start and complete your team's goals!!

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Tips for Bonding with Adult Rescue Dogs

I have had three rescued Dobermans. Two of them were two years old when they came here, and one of them was weeks old, Boris. Our first dog was a three year old female Doberman that we bought from a breeder, when we were checking out her puppies.

Our first dog, Jazz, did not think my husband was the center of her universe at first (for a good three months or so while we figured it out). Our fourth dog, Jackie CD, did not bond with my husband for six months (he had been returned for this several times after not bonding quickly to other men). Whether it was Jazz and Jackie CD or the hundreds of dogs that come through, my love for dogs has nothing to do with them instantly accepting me.

Here are some steps that can make a rescue relationship go more smoothly:

1. A dog's previous history does not equal the potential of the dog. Though they may need some time and patience, dogs do very well going forward into their future, generally.
2. Each dog is an individual. You can not expect a new dog to replicate your relationship with a deceased or another dog. Realizing the individuality of the dog and appreciating it, is a first step towards your bond.
3. A dog may gravitate towards one member of the family at first, especially if that member spends more time with them. The family member that feels unbonded may want to spend a few weeks doing most of the things with the dog, while the other (super bonded) family member downplays their role until bonding begins.
4. Dogs have their own special interests. It is important to find out what interests your dog AND PARTICIPATE IN THAT ACTIVITY WITH THEM.
5. Generally speaking, it is a rare dog that won't bond with you, eventually.
6. IMHO it's a myth that a dog that doesn't bond  quickly or immediately will be apt to be more aggressive or harder to train.
7. While most dogs generally give their heart unreservedly, some dogs need to trust their owner first to not only supply their basic necessitities but to be there and keep them safe for the long term.
8. Not all dogs thrive mostly on treats and cuddling on the couch. In fact, I think most dogs thrive with owner participation in adventures, training, and exercise.
9. Some dogs with physical discomfort may feel discomfort with some types of handling.
10. Realize it is not all about the human owner, the dog is an individual and living entity that does not live solely for our pleasure.
11. Training is a way of creating a communication venue that will allow trust and understanding to develop between a dog and their owner.
12. Do not go too fast with the dog. The only one who realizes this is a long term arrangement is the human. Most dogs won't be totally comfortable with 100% familiarity. Hugging, kissing, and rough housing are best to do after you know your dog well.
13. Related to #12 having rules, even if you don't keep them in the future, is best to do when first meeting an adult dog. Limited or no access to furniture, no excessive treating, and supervised playing.

Remember rescuing is about appreciating dogs of all types and temperaments, and being able to help them as well as offer them a place to exist.


Maine and New Hampshire Dog Trainer
Mannerly Mutts Blogspot

Stormy and Leon's Favorite Game

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Doberman Rescue's Stormy

It has been pointed out by some of my clients that I have not officially introduced Stormy on my blog.   You can find the following description of Stormy on Doberman Rescue Unlimited's website:

"STORMY is an 11 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked female whose owner couldn't afford the veterinary care Stormy desperately needed. Unfortunately, her medical needs had been neglected for years by the time she came to DRU with a mammary tumor the size of a softball and a broken tooth. Once DRU's vet determined that the tumor had not spread to her organs, Stormy had surgery to remove the entire mammary chain on the right side of her body to stop the growth of multiple tumors. Our veterinarian also removed the fractured, rotted tooth and cleaned the rest of her teeth. Antibiotics were prescribed to clear up a urinary tract infection which was causing her to wet her bedding and anything else underneath her. Sadly, Stormy had once been the center of her owner's attention, even traveling cross country to compete and achieve performance titles most people only dream of reaching. When things changed in her owner's life, Stormy was relegated to the backyard or isolated in the basement or a crate. This nice old lady still has the energy of a working dog and relishes daily walks with other dogs. Some arthritis in her rear legs is helped with moderate daily exercise and supplements to keep it in check. Stormy enjoys the company of benign dogs but likes cats in all the wrong ways! She would love a home where she can once again be in the center of attention.


Stormy has has gone to a permanent foster home. Please consider a donation to our SSNAP program to help us cover her medical expenses. I'm a SSNAP dog!"

Robert and I happened to meet Stormy at Doberman Rescue Unlimited's open house.  I had been stalking my friend, Alissa's Facebook page as she was taking care of Stormy during her recovery period.   So of course, when I went to the DRU open house I had to meet her.   Robert and I left as quickly as we could before we offered for her LOL.   Stormy never really left our minds though, as we held out.   As they say, the rest is history.  

So Stormy is retiring here at Mannerly Mutts.  The SSNAP program will cover her medical expenses, and another sponsor covers her food and supplements.  So please consider a donation to Doberman Rescue Unlimited to help care for Stormy and other seniors that they help.   (not to mention all the dogs outside the senior program that DRU re homes and cares for in the interim).

We are so honored to have Stormy retire with us.   Her breeder also had a home for her, but it was thought best if she did not have to travel to Kentucky.  Stormy's breeder has produced some great working dogs, including Stormy, with some very long lives (which is something we all hope for).   So hopefully we will get to spend some years with Stormy aging yet healthy.  

Stormy has only been here less than a week. We are in the process of really getting to know her, but she is already a part of our family:) Stormy is active, brave, protective, loyal, fun, energetic, and well trained. Now the trick is just to be absolutely clear to her that she needs to be obedient to us LOL. Smart dogs will try out all their options as they are getting to know you. Stormy is also very friendly and loving. She clearly has a healthy prey drive. In short, she is a lot of fun.

Here is some video of her second or third day here with the group.  



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Hoobie Doobie Stay in 2009

Found some great video and photos on a portable drive that my client gave me in 2009.   Her dog Hoobie Doobie was here for board & train, and his owners also came to learn how to continue the training and handling of Hoobie in the future.

They also took great pictures of other client's dogs and our dogs during this time period.   Enjoy:)

Hoobie and Jean plus Jackie and me walk to the wiggly bridge.

Hoobie hanging with the Lucey girl.

Hoobie wonders "can I get away with biting her now?"

Carole with Hoobie and Me with Jackie (then not a Companion Dog and he was having issues with strange dogs coming up to us) on Long Sands beach with Roxy, Harley, Cindy and Hack.

Carole and Hoobie talking to some people at the York Maine fleamarket.

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Bella and Spartacus's Playdates

Spartacus has the ball, and now is looking for others to chase him.

Bella and Spartacus have a stand off.

Bella says "I got something in my teeth."

Boris wonders if Bella is done with the ball yet.

Bella has a treasure.

Boris bounces away from the action between Bella and Spartacus.

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Leon and My Progress On Long Downs in Ring Settings

This is Leon and my progression on sits/downs in a ring setting. Although I can't walk beyond six feet with him in this setting, you can see he is getting used to it and increasingly calmer. Thank goodness for all the unexpected and additional matches this year so I can work him on this. http://www.mannerlymutts.com http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com

Beach Day With The Boys (Tommy, Leon, and Boris)

Boris, Me, Tommy, and Leon.

Tommy, Me, Boris & Leon

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Show N Go Work March 10th 2012

First pass (heel on lead, figure eight, stand, heel off leash, and recall):



Sit stay and down stay (Leon becomes "The Big Red Brat" ) First pass (you can see Leon having a hard tie with the Boston Terrier being clicked and treated next to him, Dog forbid Leon is not included in the food handouts!):



Pass 2 for heeling on lead, figure eight, stand, heel off leash and recall (where I pull out the toy to lure since he is having a problem with the gate.   And we get good advice on dad placement during the trial):



Sits and downs pass 2, and the big red brat reappears LOL. Now he has a Golden puppy with cheese slices next to him .   Poor woes me boy:



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Doggie Daycare Inside Snippets

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Sunday Training At Petco

So normally when I am at Petco, I train alone with Leon and Robert (my husband) goes into the grocery store.   Now that we know Leon is going to put up a fuss when Robert is at a trial (or match) by barking, Robert is helping me in Petco by doing the things he will be doing at the trial (video recording, observing, and being around without being with Leon).

Luckily the Petco staff in Portsmouth NH on Market Street is super nice and helpful.   So I could let Leon try out his whining and barking, and realize it is not going to get him up from a command to see Robert (this has been a problem that has cropped up away from the home training grounds--beach, yard, and other training places that we use in York).

Here is a clip of our at least weekly routine at Petco to get him ready for his matches in March and trial in April.




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Last summer, can't wait for this summer!

Boris checks out the daffodils (last year).

Leon and Robert at Ellis Park (ie Short Sands)

Robin and Leon at Ellis Park.

Leon greets at Nubble (Sohier Park).

Robin and Leon at Nubble as Boris looks on.

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Summer 2011 Fleamarket and Boris again

Connected by DROID on Verizon Wireless

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Summer 2011 Fleamarket and Boris

Connected by DROID on Verizon Wireless

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What mornings and lazy afternoons look like here

Leon and Tommy snuggled up at night.

Boris and Tommy hang on the couch as Ollie looks on.

Boris and Tommy snuggled on the chair:)

Roxie (RIP 2011) somehow snuggled on the chair to sleep (she is a Great Dane)!



Boris starting to wake up.







Tommy sleeping in front of gas stove.



The Doberman Gang

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Collie Club Trial March 2, 2012 Before and During

Walking into the Clarion and starting to warm up before the trial.



Here I am looking nervous before going into the trial ring.   It's been since Summer of 2010 since I was in the ring with Magoo and Bri.   Leon has not been in the trial ring in 5 years, and we have only gotten to three matches before this trial.





I had signed up three weeks ago, where he looked ready.  However, we had not been to a match yet.   First match, he looked great.   But then on match 2 and 3, he seemed began going down hill.   He gets nervous when he can't spot Robert (who I have with me to video tape or his brother Boris).   On match 3, he unfortunately realized he could leave the ring for a treat bag that a competitor had left out (and he must have been thinking about all the way to the recall).   You will see the result of that realization at the end of our trial.  Sigh.

So we had this trial that I had already signed up for on March 2nd and had realized that I was not going to "fix" this by March the 2nd.   Then I realized I had signed up for the wrong date and though "Whew, so they will throw out the registration".   Usually this show gets filled up, and I figured that Leon and I had gotten a lucky break.   But in a "Murphy's Law" moment, the trial secretary had fixed our registration and gotten us through.   I figured we would go anyway, and get in an expensive match anyway.   Good practice for Robert being around and filming, and Leon needing to focus on me instead of looking for Robert.   It was a shame we were not ready yet.   This year is the first year that we have had adequate matches in the area in order to see the holes.   So next year if I am trialling around this time of year and the dog training places that put these on are still in business, I will have the luxury of seeing the holes.   Also, it was a mistake not to be practicing in public areas without Robert around before.   I had not realized how much this would effect Leon.

Here is the actual trial.  


Pretty obvious where all the work is needed.

1. Leon is not required (by me) to do auto sits due to his knees.   But I want him to at least stand in the correct position if he is not going to sit, and obviously sit to my left side even if not perfect.   So that all needs more work for the trial setting.
2. His heel was not horrible, but there were a few times where he was interested in the floor or fencing.   Couple of lags although he did catch up.   I want that to be a lot tighter than it is.   We could probably get a leg with that heel, but I really want to learn how to point as well as possible.  I need to figure out how many points come off for no auto sits in order to estimate what the best is that we would do should that occur (ie his knees are sore).
3. Stand he followed the judge a couple of steps when she went away.  I need to practice with other people who smell like food with that.   It's usually me doing the exam for stand for exam when we practice.   I am going to need to be more diligent in getting volunteers.
4. Recall, obviously stopping with in front, and staying to do the finish instead of looking for Robert or the hotdogs everyone is treating their dogs with would be nice.   Going to need to be very creative with this (finding places with gates, and setting up food items and Robert/Boris outside the gate).  He does not try this at the fields et that we go to.

Luckily, we now have until mid April for the next trial with 5 matches between then and now:) We should be well ready for that. I have never been to this particular trial before though, so I really need to work on my before trial jitters. It never helps out for the handler to be nervous before the trial.




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Flump

I accidentally came up with a new word today. This is something most of my Dobermanns do or have done. They flump. Flump is the combination of fluffing and plumping a blanket or cushion.

Paws, teeth, and movement can all be combined to school the inanimate object to the correct consistency for bony Dobermann elbows. Do your dogs flump?

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Leon and I practicing at a match in Saco Maine last weekend

Leon has cruciate issues, so I don't go for a fast sit at all. Also during the recall, there is a hotdog on the floor, which is why the judge puts her foot on it. Generally in a match or trial there will be no food in the ring, but it was good practice for Leon.

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