South Portland High School Psych Presentation

A High School student was working on a project for their psych class, and needed someone to speak on dog training and why it works. I am actually working on my presentation skills this year, and I am always up to talking to people of any age about dog training. I was a little concerned that this might be some strange psych experiment on an unsuspecting volunteer LOL.

Ms Moore was the Psych teacher in the class. I am always impressed with teachers. She was having the students give introductions for their guest speakers, and made sure that things like water were available should I require them. It was clear that she cared for her students, and was trying to give them a very well rounded education. It made me miss some of my favorite teachers from all the schools that I attended, and a bit nostalgic. Most of them work so hard and care so much for very little pay. Like I do, a good teacher will absolutely love what they do and care for the people that they come in contact with.

The speech went well, and I tried to remember things like loud tone, enunciation, breath, it's okay to pause for a couple of seconds, and even managed to get some young adult friendly goofs in there. As usual, I am horrible at marketing myself, so the portion on my credentials should have been a bit more precise. I am going to have to work on my elevator speech, you know you have thirty seconds or a minute to impress someone. I often don't give my credentials much thought, and I hate to brag about myself.

Most of the young adults seemed a bit shy:) I know the feeling, so I was happy with the questions that came from the students. It's apparent that they think about their dogs and what is best for them. It's an important age to stress responsibility for these lives that depend on us to take care of them.

In making the speech, I got a lot of ideas on how to tweak this for presentation in humane societies on responsible dog ownership, importance of training, and how and why training works. The speech as presented was for a psych class, and so I tied it into what influences in behavioral science have become linked with dog training lingo and tools.

Ms Moore and the class thoughtfully presented me with a card and gift certificate to Dunkin Donuts. I treated myself to a Coolatta after we left the High School. I would suggest that if anyone is ever invited to do this, that they take a little time out for the younger adults that will someday be dog owners in their own right.

Need some help training your dog? Call Mannerly Mutts Dog Training, York Maine Dog Training Service, at 207-361-4395. Or e-mail Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com. To see a complete list of our services please visit our website, http://www.mannerlymutts.com. Also offering New Hampshire Dog Training and Massachusetts Dog Training Services.

No Daycare For You!!

There is a dog in our neighborhood, who is generally a very nice dog. He is a chow, and seems sweet enough. One day, while training my dog Jackie on the beach (for reactivity to fluffy dogs) Jackie barked at him from a distance (should mention that Jackie is on leash).

This dog was not leashed, and ran about two hundred feet at Jack and kept coming. That display that Jackie made at a distance triggered a reflex in this dog that has probably had no formal training. Had this dog had training, I doubt he would have done that, and in fact I was able to shoo him away. The owner just kept jogging past us, although I know he saw what was happening, faster. A girl that was helping me video the session had been told to keep her distance should something like this occur (unless I yelled for help).

Anyway, phone rings yesterday and this guy is looking for daycare for his dog. He didn't realize that we had all already met while he told me that his dog "doesn't go after other dogs". I politely explained why I couldn't take him, described that situation, and started to explain another option. He interrupted and asked for other places that might take his dog. So now I have someone that is clearly in denial and not so much caring about the safety of other people or pets.

I feel bad for the dog, because I know, in general, he is a good boy. However, he is probably going to be put in an impossible situation due to his owner:(

mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com
http://www.mannerlymutts.com
207-361-4395
Serving New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine Dog Training Needs

Remember The Teeth!

We are coming up to a week where I have a few "aggressive" dogs slated. I put aggressive in quotes, as it's the "average dog owner" definition that I am speaking of and not an advanced dog trainer's understanding of aggression, which can be very useful and not in a negative way.

I have had a couple other dogs that owners described as aggressive, but are in fact more defensive and fearful. Generally, fearful dogs can have very good results in the long run, and improve incredibly well. Thought and planning needs to go into the plan that gets them there, and sprinkle in a bit of patience and time...it only gets better.

Any time I have unknown cases that I don't know coming in, I count my dog bites and remember the reasons that I got them. Number one had nine or more years ago as I was clipping Neptune's nails. I didn't think he would make a serious case against the nail clipping, and I was wrong!! First lesson, when in doubt, do not have your face in striking distance!! Being in a standing position is always nice, AND you need to pick your battles that you will live and die over. Muzzling can be a great option if your dog is really worried about nail clippings. We found out much later, that Neptune had a long standing injury (he was a rescue at 2 years old when he came to live with us) in the foot that I was most likely clipping that day. Being fast and sure at clipping also helps the dog not contemplate his avenues of intimidating you.

Bite two came five or six years ago, and his name is Fergus. He is a Cairn terrorist who is not overly fond of being told to come. We were in a bit of a dispute one day, and I lost concentration and he took the opportunity to pinch a small bit off my leg through my sweatpants. Lesson number two, never loose focus when dealing with an aggressive dog no matter how small AND heavy thick jeans are a must. Those sharp front teeth pinch and can slice off a nice little piece of flesh. Sadly the little dent has long since gone, as I had gotten in the habit of touching it before handling an aggressive dog to remind me to focus and wear jeans. Small dogs can not do a huge amount of damage (normally) but they can still injure you. They can also be quite intent on what they are doing, so you better be on your toes. I wasn't taking Fergus too seriously that day, and was grateful for the reminder actually. Better it him than the Great Pyrenes I was also working with!

Bite three came last year. It was totally my fault, as usual, as I was under a bit of pressure to prove to the owners that this dog (and this had been discussed at length prior to training) was not ready to go home after three weeks. So stoopid me, took her out to walk without her muzzle on. I was expecting a deflect but not a flesh wound. Actually everything was going well, until a dog dashed out of a store door at us, and then I got a deflect/puncture wound on my upper thigh. I was not wearing my jeans as it was too hot out. So a repeat of part of lesson two (even in the broiling heat of summer wear thick real jeans), and lesson three do not take stupid risks to prove something that you already know.

To the general public, know that trainers are at risk when they take on the behaviorally challenged. It's a risk most of us love that take on these cases, and we take lots of precautions to keep ourselves safe. The most vulnerable parts on us are our hands and the place closest to the dog's mouth as they walk next to us. We take great pains to be sure our face is faced away from them, or above them, and leash handling skills are a must!! If we get bitten, it is totally our fault. Still, be aware that if you are not doing the work, you are contributing to the risk of the trainer. Never ever, under report the problems that your dog is having to a trainer.Still, be aware that if you are not doing the work, you are contributing to the risk of the trainer. Never ever, under report the problems that your dog is having to a trainer. It's important knowledge for us to have, and keeps us on the lookout for a problem that might not otherwise be apparent. Dogs can act differently handled in a shorter time span or by a different person, and not present the problems that only the owner knows they are having.

It's important that owners know the risks of going it alone also. Dogs have teeth, and to them they are a fine form of communication (if they have never learned otherwise). In order not to prolong or make the problem worse (or seriously injure youself, someone else, or something else); find a professional that knows how to deal with this ASAP.

Got a naughty dog or a good dog, call Mannerly Mutts at 207-361-4935 or e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com. Serving New Hampshire Dog Training, Maine Dog Training, and Massachusetts Dog Training needs.

Pack Behavior

Just thinking today about pack behavior, as Petey is here at doggie daycare. Just so you know, Petey is a pleasure and HE likes every dog he sees.

Jack sees him, and Jack changes into Satan personified. Well, a controlled demon at any rate, but a demon suddenly not allowed into his regular pack,

Pack behavior, in my world, has nothing to do with wolves or dominance. It has to do with the subtle (or not so subtle) change in a dynamic that effects everyone. Because Jack doesn't like Petey, and even though Jack is in a crate....Pluto, Jack's friend, is suddenly leery of Petey.

Take Jack out of the equation, and everyone is running around having a great time. Take Pete out, put Jack in, and everyone is running around having a great time. Put both of them in a room together whether one is contained or not, and very tense situation. Petey never did anything to Jack, and in fact were it up to him, they would be the best of friends.

I have resigned myself that it is not to be between the two, and horrible for the pack health of daycare when those two are near each other.

Multi Dog issues, behavioral problems, nice puppy that needs training? Mannerly Mutts Dog Training doe them all and services your Maine Dog Training needs. Either call or e-mail Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at 207-361-4395 / mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com.

Spooky Spirits Write Up Consultation

Observations: Spirit is showing defensiveness as opposed to aggressiveness. He's not likely to lash out unless he is cornered or forced. He's very leery of being touched by someone unknown. This problem most likely stems from the physical problems that the owner described when he was a puppy.

Recommendations: Since budget is an issue, my primary recommendation is not being followed, that of 12 lessons to bring him not only along in this issue but to use obedience (as well) to deal with the behavioral issue. In any case, this is not going to be a short term fix and SPIRIT SHOULD NOT BE PUSHED TO PEOPLE RIGHT AWAY.

The Compromise: Since Spirit is a smaller young dog, there is a chance that the owner could walk him through this without increasing her knowledge about obedience and how it affects and improves behavioral issues.

THIS WEEK: No one is to be allowed to 1) bend down and pet Spirit 2) pick up Spirit or 3) give Spirit a cookie themselves as a stranger. The reason for this being, is that Spirit needs to learn to trust his owner to keep him safe in just an approach or walk by first. Just because Spirit trusts his owner to handle him, does not mean he trusts his owner to keep him safe as others handle him. (please remember that these things have been tried already without progress)

Spirit is not to be left loose in the house with strangers or those he does not know well. I want the allowance of his chasing and barking at strangers through giving free reign to stop until he starts to trust more.

We want to develop an active interest in Spirit (not a defensive reaction) to strangers approaching or moving quickly or running by. That is of primary importance before allowing anyone to touch him.

I have instructed the owner to work with Spirit one hour a day at least. This hour does not need to be all at once by the way. I normally recommend four different (and active) locations to be rotated. (IE Kittery Outlets, Beach when busy and near but not on top of people, Ellis park benches on the walkway are good--Short Sands), and walks around downtown areas like Portsmouth.

It is the owner's responsibility to not allow interactions from over zealous people. They can stop and talk to you YOU can sprinkle kibble or cookies on the ground near the people, but allow Spirit to feel the freedom of approaching without being cornered or handled immediately.

I am going to send you instructions on the sit on the dog exercise. If you do it correctly, this will be good for Spirit. If you do the usual mistakes and leave the leash loose and interact with him during this time, there will be no benefit to the exercise.

Walking him around the area on leash is good to. Remember, you need to block unwelcome attentions. Unwelcome attentions are any moves to pet or dart forward at Spirit. He is to be on leash, obviously, so you can pull him in if he is going to try to dart forward at anything.

Got a spooky dog? We provide training and behavior modification for all dogs. Call Mannerly Mutts Dog Training, Maine Dog Trainer, at 207-361-4395 OR e-mail for your Maine Dog Training needs mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com.

Spooky Spirit

So Saturday I worked with a little guy who is having much trouble letting strangers approach or touch him. This is due to some painful physical issues that he had early on:( At this point, it has become a learned behavior. Just because he is in health now, does not mean that he realizes that touch does not equal "ouchy painful" anymore. AT one time anyone who touched him equalled "ouchy painful".

He's an interesting case in that he demonstrates what most people do not understand about dogs. Just because they love you, and the dog trusts you to touch them DOES NOT MEAN they trust you to keep them safe for others. Many times owners reinforce this distrust by forcing them on a person. The owners mean no harm, they just think if they hand over the dog to another, the dog will immediately feel that they are safe because their owner has done that. NOT SO, IN THESE SITUATIONS.

The best thing to do (and the directions to the owner are seperate from this blog) is to have them accept people walking up to them (or to take it down a level) past them first without approaching. You want to see the dog instead of becoming defensive or trying to bark and scare them away to become interested in them, and wonder why aren't these people interested in me? In this instance, this dog is happy to take food from someone, but that does not equal trust. We need to take the food out of the equation.

Now to type up the observations and directions to the owner on the first lesson.

Dogs with no abnormal problems, and dogs with behavioral issues, we handle them all!! Call Maine Dog Trainer, Robin, at 207-361-4395 or e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com for your dog training needs!

My Red Boys-Jackie and Leon

I am just realizing that I never did write an Introduction to my Jack CD. Jack was a rescue dog that came to me about three years ago. He was SUPPOSED to be a foster dog. Six months went by, and I realized that I could not send him back to Doberman Rescue Unlimited to find another forever home. Coincidentally, my husband asked me what I would like for my birthday gift!! I said, "Jackie of course."

Why was I having trouble thinking of Jackie in a new home? He is what I will call "quirk infested". Some of these quirks will cost him his life if left unchecked (his need to eat things that do not belong in a canine stomach for instance). Some of these quirks can harm other animals and possibly humans if left unchecked (resource guarding). Some of these quirks will test most dog owners with busy lives (his peeing issues that include submissive pee, marking pee, and his housebreaking I am just have to pee). That was just the tip of the iceberg with Jack. It has taken much training and hard work to make Wacky Jacky into Jack CD, now training for CDX.

Jackie is the second dog showing some aggressive (as average pet owners understand them) behaviors that I have owned. The cause in Jack was completely different than in my other dog, Neptune, who had fearful or defensive dog aggression. Jack is a much more confident sort.

About six months ago, we had an incident between Jack and another dog that resurfaced a bunch of issues between my two dogs, Jack and Leon. I have been working with a strategy to rebuild the relationship between them to where it was when I first got them. Knock on wood, it has been paying off so that the last few days there has been relaxed playing in areas that used to be "the battlefield". Or the places that Jack was not allowed untethered to me for quite awhile first, so I could catch him getting snotty. The first sign of which, he got a time out and, obviously, was not allowed to lunge, jump, snarl, or anything like that.

Jack is the very first dog, that I have personally owned, where the protocol of not being on the furniture, following EVERYONE HUMAN AND CANINE into openings such as doors, waiting back in a stay until released for his meals, and so on became a key feature in his training plan. It really pays off with Jack to pay attention to these details. With Neptune, it was not a confident thing on his part nor bullying really. He was just very very scared that other dogs were going to attack him. They were welcome to his resources LOL. Jack is a very different dog. He's also a very good, sweet, loyal, and loving dog. That is why he wants to please despite what his "limited patience" is telling him to do at the time. That is why Jack is an excellent learner. Even with the smartest and most willing of dogs, it takes time, work, and effort to make these changes.

This morning I woke to two red boys having a great time chasing each other around the bed (a former place of contention). Neither worrying about the rights of the other in reference to the bed or me.

By the way, Jack had graduated for dragging a short leash around the house, to a tab two weeks ago. (Knock on wood) it has been great in the house. And still the training and supervision are not over.... In fact, this is the time to be most alert so that bad habits do not resurface with the privileges that have been allowed.

Having multi dog problems? Mannerly Mutts Dog Training deals with pack behavioral issues. Please call Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at 207-361-4395. Or e-mail for your Maine Dog Training needs mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com. Mannerly Mutts Dog Training also serves New Hampshire Dog Training and Massachusetts Dog Training needs.

Introduction to Jack CD

Okay, here is an introduction to Jack, first of all. Jack came to me from Doberman Rescue as my "foster" dog. They thought he would make a good "project" for me during my down time, when I truly thought I could have a foster dog and then give him up after a little training.

Jack had every peeing issue. He had "I can't hold it pee", marking pee, excited pee, and submissive pee. Yeeeaaahhhhh!!! I should post a little ad here for the Spot Bot. Besides that, he had three obstruction surgeries before coming here. See, he likes to eat thing that well, aren't meant to be eaten or digested. So it took real diligence to keep him away from things, and start guarding the laundry behind closed doors until it was put away behind closed drawers. He also has aggression issues towards other dogs. Oh, and in six months he still had not bonded with Robert (by the way this was the last reason for him being re-returned to the shelter, not bonding with male owner).

As I worked with him three months became six months. I noted his fierce loyalty, his lovingness, his sense of fun and adventure, quick learning, and happy to go with me anywhere. As my birthday approached, the husband asked me the question that he immediately regretted THEN "what do you want for your birthday?" Well, Jackie, of course. Jack and my husband are now very bonded friends, but it took lots of training and work.

When I first adopted Jack, I did not even consider him for a moment as a demo or competition dog. I couldn't see where we were ever going to be in a ring off leash, and he would be trusted to either not bolt or not stir the other dogs into a frenzy LOL, but we worked and slowly but surely I saw a dog that could do this. We went to run thrus first to test this out. He was a bit distracted, but did well in a group of dogs that he was familiar with. When we did the first three trials, he was too distracted and I was too inexperiences (ie I made some handling mistakes that definately contributed to us pointing out). However, we were working together, and people noticed there was a partnership there.

Then last month, we got our first two legs towards three legs needed for Jack's AKC Companion Dog Title. I hope our last leg will be acquired June 21-22, and then we will work on Companion Dog Excellent or Open!! Way to go Jack.

Easter Traditions and Leon

I had my traditional Easter breakfast in bed this morning. The pancakes were shaped like Easter eggs and covered with powered sugar.

In the related Easter Tradition, Leon was also coated with powdered sugar!! He loves to catch powdered sugar like snowflakes when Robert dribbles it over him.

And so this was the result after it was over:)

Want a dog as cute as Leon? Well, we can't help you there, but Maine dog training service, Mannerly Mutts Dog Training, can help you with your needs. Please call 207-361-4395 or e-mail Robin Rubin, Maine Dog Trainer, at mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com. Also serving Massachusetts dog training needs and New Hampshire dog training needs.

Dogs Are "Luxury Items"?

You know, I totally get that families may not have funds to pay for veterinary care, which leaves them with little options. But I totally dispute that "domestic animals" are "luxury items" as posted in the following:

http://www.underdogged.net/?p=325

Things that are luxury items:

• Watches
• Jewelry
• Latest Model Car
• Cable
• Wireless phones (for some people)
• Internet access (for some people)
• Overuse of electricity or other utilities
• Having the fridge fully stocked for every conceivable want, and having food spoil.
• Vacations
• Movie Rental
• Your home if it's too much for you to afford
• Clothing
• The most up to date furniture
• Kitchen accessories
• Ipods
• Subscriptions
  
  In fact, I was blocked for pointing out (in a totally polite way) that these companion animals are living breathing parts of our families that would give us anything. Sacrifices such as services not needed, less snacks bought during grocery times, not upgrading the vehicle, and so on can be made to provide for our pets' care, except in the most dire of circumstances.
  
  Rescues can sometimes step into the picture if you sign your animal over to them. It's important that owners consider ALL THE COSTS OF PET OWNERSHIP before adopting or "rescuing" a pet. A pet is not so much rescued if they end up just as dead as they would of before. Negligence is not an excuse to euthanize your animal because you don't want to "put that much money into them".
  
  The blog above by the way, one of the fierce number of purely positive owners out there. Which makes me say again, when did death become a positive solution to a problem?
  
  Need training for your dog using motivational and positive techniques (and other tools that you might need?)? Call Mannerly Mutt's Dog Training, Maine Dog Training Service, at 207-361-4395. Or e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com for Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin.

A Very Special Service Dog Has Left the Building

Wrap, service and demo dog of Margot Woods, died this week. Some really nice stories about her are being shared on Margot's blog about her next service dog, Sanity.

http://sanityshome.blogspot.com/2009/04/remembering-wrap.html

There are dog trainers and dogs that make a mark on the world, that I hope will never be forgotten.

Margot is disabled and trains service dogs for herself as well as teaches others how to do it:)

Northern Illinois is Presenting Bill for Euthanization of Exotics Transported in the Future

Northern Illinois Bill presented to euthanize future exotics as posted as an action alert below. This is truly how frightening and unreal it's getting in other states as well. Love your pets? Pay attention.

Sheryl Robinson
> President
> Northern Illinois Parrot Society
> president@...
> 847-254-0591 (cell)
> ACTION ALERT - FROM AFA, ASA, and NAIA, with additional information from PIJAC
> WE NEED YOUR HELP - WHETHER YOU OWN AN "EXOTIC" ANIMAL OR ANY OTHER ANIMAL.
> HR 669 IS SET FOR HEARING ON 4/23/09.
> WE ALL NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO KILL HR 669 NOW.
> THE ISSUE - WHAT IS HR 669? - WHAT WILL IT DO?
> "ONE GENERATION AND OUT" is not just limited to purebred dogs and cats. Now our "non-native" species" are targets of the animal prohibitionist agenda. Under HR 669, "non-native" basically means if a species of animal didn't live in the US before the arrival of Columbus it is "non-native" , and if HR 669 passes, most non-native species of animal (i.e., exotic animals) won't remain in the US much longer. That means your exotic pet bird, reptile, fish, or mammal.
> HR 669 is a very serious and harmful animal prohibition proposal. HR 669 is not needed to protect our environment. HR 699 is the legislative equivalent of a nuclear bomb that is aimed at the entire US exotic pet industry, all US exotic pet owners, and all exotic animals in the US .
> HR 669 is an "anti-animal bill". There is no amendment that can fix this bill. HR 669 will hurt everyone who owns an animal, and it will hurt our animals. Breeder, pet owner, rescuer, rehabilitator, zoo, service or product provider - it doesn't matter - we will all be hurt by this bill. HR 669 needs to be killed at the April 23rd hearing - not amended, not "made better" - HR 669 NEEDS TO BE KILLED. Please contact the Representatives hearing this bill NOW and ask them to KILL HR 669 (see below for contact information) .
> All import, export, transport across State lines, selling, buying, bartering, or offering to sell, buy or barter, and all breeding, and release, of all non-native species not on the "approved list" will be prohibited - even by zoos, sanctuaries, and licensed breeders. Permits authorizing only "importation" may be issued to "zoos, scientific research, medical, accredited zoological or aquarium display purposes, or for educational purposes that are specifically reviewed, approved, and verified by the Secretary". There is no requirement that any permits be granted. Even if these institutions are able to obtain the required permits, where will they obtain their imported animals? Habitat for many species is declining worldwide, many species are endangered or threatened in the wild, and many species cannot be imported to the US under the CITES treaty. The result of this bill will be to put a stop domestic breeding of most endangered or threatened species in the US for zoos, conservation, or reintroduction programs. Zoos are not immune from the animal prohibitionist agenda.
> If you "possess" a non-approved species "legally" prior to enactment of the law, you will be allowed to keep it, but all of the other restrictions pf HR 669 will still apply to your species - you will not be allowed to sell, transfer, transport across State lines, export, barter, trade, breed, or give that animal to anyone else.
> Pet owners will not be allowed to take their non-approved pets with them if they move to another state, and they will not be allowed to transfer them to anyone else who can care for them. Those pets will be euthanized when their owners move, die, or can no longer keep their pets for whatever reason. Pet owners and their pets are not immune from the animal prohibitionist agenda.
> "Rescue" and "sanctuary" will not be available for any non-approved species unless the rescue or sanctuary keeps only species found within their respective States. That result has been contemplated for years. Rescues and Sanctuaries are not immune from the animal prohibitionist agenda.
> Any person or company manufacturing or selling food or products for non-native (exotic) species will be affected by this act. If non-native (exotic) species cannot be legally possessed, bought, sold, or transferred, there will be no incentive for manufacturers of food, caging, and supplies for these animals to remain in business. Where will non-native (exotic) animal owners obtain the food and materials needed to keep their animals?
> Freeflight of exotic birds will be prohibited.
> THE LEGAL DETAILS OF THIS BILL
> Under existing federal law, it must be shown that a species is harmful before it is prohibited. That approach is reasonable, and has worked reasonably well for many years. In essence, HR 669 turns that reasonable approach on its head, and substitutes the unreasonable and unjustified approach of "bomb first, ask questions later".
> HR 669 requires the government to create an "approved" list of "non-native" species that will be allowed in the US . Any species not on the "approved" list will be prohibited. Under HR 668 the "approved" list shall include "nonnative wildlife species that the Secretary finds ... based on scientific and commercial information .... (A) are not harmful to the United States' economy, the environment, or other animal species' or human health; or (B) may be harmful to the United States' economy, the environment, or other animal species' or human health, but already are so widespread in the United States that it is clear to the Secretary that any import prohibitions or restrictions would have no practical utility for the United States."
> It takes time and money for the government to study any species and make a "finding". Time and money are always in short supply, and are especially in short supply in this economy. If your species is not included on the original "approved list", then under HR 669 you can try to get your species "approved" by paying a fee and submitting a proposal to our government to include it on the "approved list". Your proposal "must include sufficient scientific and commercial information to allow the Secretary to evaluate whether the proposed nonnative wildlife species is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to other animal species' or human health." While your proposal is being "evaluated" by our government, you and your animals are still subject to the restrictions of HR 669. Whether your proposal will ever be granted is pure speculation.
> There are more than 9000 bird species, and thousands of species of birds are kept in the US. There are many other non-native (exotic) species owned by animal lovers across the US . How many bird or other non-native (exotic) species do you think our government can afford to study and determine that they can be added to this newly created "approved list"?
> If the required study can't be made of a species, and the required finding isn't made about a species, the animal won't make it to the approved list. That applies to every species of non-native (exotic) animal.
> WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP KILL HR 669
> Contact your Representatives NOW
> 1. You can use NAIA's Capwiz tool to send an automatic email or fax to each of the Representatives who will hear this bill to ask them to KILL HR 669. Here's the link to send your email using Capwiz:
>
> 2. PIJAC has provided us with a PDF flyer which explains to pet owners how HR 669 will hurt all of us and our animals. The PIJAC PDF flyer is attached to this email. The PIJAC PDF flyer provides you with contact information - use it. Please contact your own Representatives NOW, and tell them to KILL HR 669. Be polite and respectful, but be clear and firm in your opposition to this bill. Be brief, and tell them a few reasons why you think it is a bad bill. Short and to the point works best. If you have time, you can also contact all of the other Representatives in your State.
> Write to your Representative using their contact pages on their websites. Unfortunately, it is sometimes hard for us to contact some of our Representatives - emails don't often go through, letters aren't read, and we sometimes have to write individually to our Representatives using the contact pages they put up on their websites. PIJAC has done the work to give us links where needed for these contact pages for these websites so that we can make those contacts (see the attached PIJAC PDF flyer), and NAIA is making "Capwiz" available for the one-shot contact - go to the Capwiz webpage at
> Call and Fax your Representative at the numbers provided on the attached PDF PIJAC flyer.
> Be sure to contact the local office of your own Representative by phone, and if you can, make a personal visit. Our congressional representatives are now on recess, and will return to their work at the Capitol next week. Let your Representatives' local offices know NOW that you want them to KILL HR 669. If the local staff hear from enough constituents that they want a bill killed, they will let their Representatives know that their constituents hate this bill.
> 3. Distribute this email, NAIA's link, and PIJAC's PDF flyer widely to everyone you know who loves animals and wants to keep them in our lives. In particular, send it to any pet lists you are on. This bill will impact almost all non-native animals. Ask them to contact the representatives and ask them to KILL HR 669.
> You can see PIJAC's earlier alert on HR 669 here:
>
> You can see the full text of the bill here:
> 4. If you have a website or belong to a discussion list, post this Alert and the PDF attachment. Ask your friends to do the same.
> A NOTE ALL ANIMAL OWNERS, AND ESPECIALLY TO BIRD OWNERS
> Does the Pennsylvania Proposed Ban of the Nanday Conure of 2008 ring a bell for anyone?
> For those bird owners who fought so hard and so well for the Nanday in Pennsylvania in 2008 - that was just target practice.
> HR 669 IS THE ANIMAL PROHIBITIONIST NUCLEAR OPTION - STOP IT NOW.
> Get your phones, emails, and faxes working and get our troops marching again. We need every one of you to help again, and we need the help of everyone you know. It doesn't matter if they own a bird, a dog, a cat, a turtle, a hamster, a fish, a snake, a tiger, a monkey, or any other animal. We are all affected by this bill. Don't let the animal prohibitionists force their agenda on the rest of us.
> Thanks,
> Genny Wall
> Attorney at Law
> Legislative VP, AFA, NAIA
> Laurella Desborough
> Legislative Chair, ASA, NAIA

April 15th Bills in August Maine

On Wednesday, April 15th, the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Conservation will hear the following Legislation that affects the rights of animal owners in Room 206, Cross Building in Augusta Maine.

LD 1103 - An Act to Amend Animal Welfare Laws --Also known as "October Surprise".
LD 964 - An Act Pertaining to the Breeding and Selling of Dogs -
LD 879 - An Act to Allow Licensed Kennel Owners to Vaccinate Their Own Dogs
LD 454 - An Act to Provide Representation for Dog Clubs on AWAC (Animal Welfare Advisory Committee)

***NOTE: You need to enter in the LD number referenced when you get to the page. Unfortunately, I could not get it to go directly to the document. Once there click on Web Download, and the document will come up.

Hopefully, I will get the information out in time. SOME OF THESE MAYhave some very scary language and consequences if they are passed. Please follow the links, and do your research while I scare up as much information as I can for you all.

UGH, the Animal Rights movement is here.

Does your dog need training (while we still can provide it in Maine LOL)? Call Mannerly Mutts Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, for your Maine Dog Training needs at 207-361-4395. Or e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com for your New Hampshire Dog Trainer, Massachusetts Dog Training, or Maine Dog Training needs!

Free Lecture Series at Bangor Humane Society

About three years ago, a case of two biological litter mates came into Mannerly Mutts Dog Training for sudden aggression at age 8. These are the Springer sisters that I sometimes refer to, Kate and Hannah, and ended up being a great success story. Some of that success was due to their owners finding a new veterinarian, Dr. Mark Hanks of Kindred Spirits Veterinary Hospital. He found the infected teeth, bladder, and ears that their old vet wouldn't.
Recently I found out that Dr Hanks is actually giving a free lecture series at Bangor Humane Society.

May--Vaccines: Both Sides of the Story Vaccines are a hot topic over the past decade. But who is right? Explore both sides of the argument for and against vaccines in your pet

June--Losing a Pet Grief over a pet's passing is overwhelming for many. In our society some family and friends get it, and some don't. Extra rotatable discussion for the group's experience with pet loss. The doctor comes with practical tips for honoring your very special friend.

July--Virtual SurgerySpay and neuter. What exactly happened to my pet anyway? Besides being a great idea to decrease our pet overpopulation problem and extend your pet's life, modern anesthetics and pain relieving techniques make this routine procedure a breeze for most pets. Dr. Hanks will stay and spay and neuter pets after the lecture and invites you to watch.

If you are interested in these, let Suzan Bell know via email sbell@bangorhumane.org

The "Dog" Beach

I had an incident happen to me the other day on the beach, which I would love to say is not the norm. However, this year, 6 out of 7 days, you are approach by uncontrolled dogs on York Maine Beaches, where you can barely make out the owners (because they are no where near their dogs, and far off in the distance). The owners meanwhile could care less what their dog might be doing as they chat, and drink their coffee. In the last few months I have seen two dogs run into the middle of the road or go up to the sidewalk to the road unattended, dogs have slammed into me and my dogs who are in command, dogs are peeing on beach chairs, stealing packed lunches, ET.

BUT I WANT TO BE CLEAR HERE, IT'S NOT THE DOGS. As I explained to a very rude owner the other day, "it's not your dog, but it is his owner". The fact that this guy felt it was completely appropriate for his dog to be on the beach, unleashed, without any recall for safety or other people's space was shocking. Normally what happens is someone is unaware of the ordinance, you explain it, they apologize or they just apologize because something inappropriate happened (without you needing to explain the ordinance).

That last scenario is fine with me, and doesn't instigate a trip to Animal Control. However, this person did prompt me to make a complaint to our Animal Control officer. He was great and asked how far I would like it to go. I indicated that a warning from an authority figure should suffice, and so it ended there.

We got to chatting though. I like to keep abreast of what is going on here regarding beach laws and dog owners rights. However, as a dog owner, I am also very aware of everyone else's rights around me. Most York ME owners who frequent the beach are the same way. We do not take our accommodations for granted, and we have pride in our dogs and their behavior on the beach.

The officer was talking about why it was so much worse this year. One thing I have noticed, is apparently there has been an adoption binge on puppies this year. The ones training with me, thankfully, can be found being appropriate on the beach. The other owners have the attitude that since their puppy is cute and fuzzy that everyone and everything wants an unprompted greeting from them. This is one problem, but it's sure to be rectified by Animal Control as the year goes on, IF these people are locals.

The problem that the officer was explaining to me of the increased dogs, whose owners apparently take zero responsibility for their safety or the safety and well being of others, is that places like Eliot and Kittery finally had enough and banned dogs from their beaches. Apparently, we are attracting (as well as the tourists from out of state that come here every year and could care less about the ordinances) the very owners that ruined the beaches in their communities. Yeah!!

With only two on staff to take care of these problems, and remember these aren't just on the beach but everywhere within our town, officers just can't sit on the beach for eight hours waiting to catch the perpetrators. I have noticed that quite a few of the local dog owners that have had dogs here for awhile, must have been approached by Animal Control, and are so taking their privileges and responsibility very seriously. That has been great. The thing with this new problem is that you never know WHO is on the other end of the dog. For instance, the family involved with this incident was no stranger to York Police in other altercations. Fantastic. So now you have your own safety to be worried about, because someone could not care at all about the rights of others to enjoy a public beach.

Swell.

Would you like your dog to act appropriate in public? Call Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at 207-361-4395. Mannerly Mutts Dog Training provides Maine Dog Training needs. You can also e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com with any questions. Our website, http://www.mannerlymutts.com, will answer many of your fee, service, FAQs, and qualification questions.

My Red Boys

I awake to my red boys snuggling and antics each morning. They put such a smile on my face. I am so proud of them each day, as they share their home with client dogs and client humans. It's not easy for them, and I make sure I schedule in private one on one time each day. I also make sure they have time together alone with me as well, to make sure their bond stays strong.

It's not easy for a dog to be a dog professional's dog. However, I think it's nicer than when I used to work in Corporate America with my poor dogs being home for four hours at a time (I made sure that one of us worked close to be with them during lunch times). My career now is so much more flexible to allow me time to be home when they are sick, to have two hours to exercise and train them during the day. They are not anxious to see me at 6 or 7 PM, as they have been home with me all day.

They also get to work with me, and get fawned over by my human clients. There are some dogs that come here that are favorites of my dogs. It's a good life. I just love these boys.

Brujo's Maine Vacation

Presenting Leon in Life is Just a Beach:)

Alright here are the takes in our first acting debute. Actually there were a few more takes, until I figured out that instead of trying to guess where the frame was in the video, perhaps I should mark a spot on the beach, duh!! I guess this would be obvious to anyone who has done any kind of video project before, and especially if you are using a tripod (non moving without assistant).

None of these takes are exactly what I want, there is something wrong in each take, but I am viewing it to give me an idea to get closer to what I want. As I was shooting this, I knew Leon was a bit ramped up doing this over and over again:) He loves this work. In order for him to look not so bouncy or to try and steal the leash from me so he can retrieve it LOL, we need to work on our form a bit more.

I am going to keep practicing this with Leon, but I don't know if this is the best story line for a commercial. There are a bunch of people watching me (where you can't see of course, I would have rather set them up behind me), so I am pretty nervous and distracted as I am doing this. I am not a great performer. Huge stage fright.

However, I am planning on doing presentations and seminars regarding the generalities of dog training and kennel safety. So I best be getting used to having a crowd. I also would like one of my two demo dogs with me:) So I have to feel confident from them (something I learned a lot about in competing).

So here is my first attempt, and no I would not say this is a good representation of the final product that I am working towards:) This is a work in progress however.

Want to have fun experimenting with your dog? It's easier if you have some commands that they understand. Mannerly Mutts Dog Training provides effective, efficient, and reliable dog training services in York County Maine. Please call 207-361-4395 for your Maine Dog Training needs. Or e-mail Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com.

Daycare's Woodsy Walk

Is your dog trained well enough to belong to an off lead daycare? If not, call Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at 207-361-4395. Or e-mail for your Maine Dog Training needs at mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com. Also serving New Hampshire Dog Training and Massachusetts Dog Training needs with an easy commute to York Maine.

Spring Time Training Opportunities

Spring has not weather wise "sprung" yet in York Maine. I live a bit inland in the woods, and my lawn is still covered with the winter wonderland that was this winter. My sea side neighbors have said goodbye to most of this convection of the cold season.

Still, it's not as warm as it usually is at this time of year. Most of my day is spent in the thirty and twenty somethings. Oh for fifty degrees, we are living for it at Mannerly Mutts. Not quite light shirt weather out, though I have managed to stop wearing long johns for most of the day.

People are so starved for this in Maine, that they are actually out on the beach now just about whenever the sun manages to peek beyond the clouds. The moment it goes behind though, you find yourself on an isolated beach again. This has allowed me to transition my goals and my clients goals back onto the beach. While I enjoy the distractions and opportunities given by the untrained dogs and irresponsible owners that do attend to our beaches, it also gives me pause for the dangers people put themselves and their dogs in.

The other day as I was training Jackie fetch, a curious two children and their two dogs (on flexi leads) ran one half mile to check it out. The parents chatted where they were half a mile back, without any regard for where canines or children went to. The boy's dog slipped his improperly attached collar, and started running up the ramp to the street. Now I am in charge not only of my dog, my video equipment which is in peril, but two strange children and dogs who are not prone to listening to the strange mean woman telling them directly to act and get their dog's collar on. The parents are too far away for me to call to them to help. And anyway, a tragedy may occur as I wait for them to notice anyone is in danger and get to them. A half mile away, an untrained dog, and unaware child are all great ingredients to an incident.

Next day, Minnie (my client's dog) and I are on the beach for a mid afternoon jog. Minnie is very much enjoying the opportunities to stalk seagulls. A sheltie comes onto the beach, and the owner happily enough disengages the sheltie from the lead. She does this so confidently and happily, that I am sure this dog must have an excellent recall. The owner obviously knows of the sheltie's love for chasing seagulls. Sadly, no recall and the sheltie runs up nearby stairs to the road after the seagull. I see the panicked owner dash off to pursue her dog that is easily a quarter of a mile away now. Luckily tragedy did not strike, but it takes just that small amount of time for it to strike if it's gonna.

This always happens when I walk the Great Danes and the families are about. Children run from anywhere on the beach to get to the dogs. Sometimes this creates a great opportunity to jog with the dogs and stay away from the children. Is this because the dogs aren't friendly? No, in fact Roxie and Harley live with children and frequently see them on the beach with their owners. This is because the dogs exercise needs should not be put on hold, while I explain to children the appropriate way to interact with dogs. Children have been taught to expect that all dogs are friendly everywhere, and in fact available to them like animals at a petting zoo. In fact, dogs are people's great companions who may have quirks, feelings, and phobias. Not every dog should be subjected to a mob of people (large or small) that have no understanding of interacting with them.

Then their are the poor parents who are aware and have taught their children properly. They see me stiffen as their child runs past, because I have been taught too many times that parents are not teaching their skills to their children. I want to run up to those parents and kiss them on the lips, when they say "oh Johny knows to respect a dogs space." And Johny just proved that when he ran past to play with his friends in the waves, rather than flinging himself at the dog I am currently training. I am normally in body block position by now if it looks at all that way, and depending on the dog that I am training at the time:) This is because I am concerned for that child who does not know they are doing anything at all wrong. There is going to be no time while the child is in full on run and lung mode to explain the proper etiquette of dog greetings!!

So I plead with parents, please educate your child that not everyone and every dog likes children flinging themselves at them. If adults displayed that sort of lack of control around small babies and toddlers, parents would be up in arms. (maybe some people do, but I am very respectful of babies and toddlers safety and that their immune systems are not fully developed as yet----as well as a parents fear that someone might try and kidnap their child). Be aware of what your child is doing on the beach. There are all sorts of dangers there. (strange humans, dogs, water, busy streets with cars) There may not be a human there able to help your child should they get into trouble.

Be careful and aware out there!!

K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc. Commits Libel AND DEFENDS IT

Marie Finnegan of K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc. committed libel on 3/21/2009. She not only committed libel, but she defended it in an e-mail as follows:

"I'm sure they will love to see the stuff you wrote slamming me in past posts. Don't contact me again or further contact by you will be considered harassment. "

So commenting on one's videod performance truthfully from a blog that's titled was judge me based on my performance is the SAME as lying about someone. I mean if one is ashamed of their own skill level and blog posting, that is my fault? So now it's open season to lie about me.

Marie says about me that I "refuse to attend seminars by anyone even remotely in the positive camp herself. Tail wags, Marie" Apparently she didn't check my public resume too thoroughly when she lied. http://www.mannerlymutts.com/Resume.htm. The Carolyn Scott seminar, the tracking seminar, and my YEARS volunteering at WARL and the Sterling Animal Shelter, guess what? All positive. My apologies for learning the correct use of other methods and tools, as well. And learning them to a measurable standard. My bad.

Marie Finnegan's research skills must be just as good as her dog training skills. (wonder why she doesn't take this representation off the internet) http://k-9solutionsdogtraininginc.blogspot.com/2008/10/danno-graduates.html Yipes, I couldn't even believe it when it was verified that she thought this was a heel. Never mind a heel in any reasonable stage of training. Ooooookkkkkaaaayyy.

Wow. Please let mainetoday.com know that their blog members should not be committing libel. Especially if it's just because it irks their members that another trainer is different and has achieved her goals consistently (and knows how to train a heel and what it should remotely look like). wea@mainetoday.com is the contact at Maine Today. And Miss Marie can be found at CanineHelp@aol.com. She is also the owner of the blog above.

Jackie CD Open Jumps Practice

Want to have this much fun with your dog? Call Mannerly Mutts, Maine's Dog Training Resource, at 207-361-4395. Or you can e-mail Maine's Dog trainer, Robin Rubin, at mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com. Also New Hampshire Dog Training, Massachusetts Dog Training, and other geographical area services. Don't forget that we have a residency and board and train program.

Anti-Breeder Bill Being Introduced in Maine NOW!!!!

Here is some information on this bill, before I urge you to contact law makers and task force members mentioned to KILL THIS ANIMAL RIGHTS BILL.....NOW regarding HP666 (how's that for irony) and LD 964. More information on letter templates and contacting others within the industry. Let's protect responsible breeders who do a wonderful job, and seldom make any money off of it. Responsible breeders are not the problem, nor should they be funding the failings of sub standard breeding operations. Those operations should be forced to pay for their irresponsible behavior.

http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/91130.html (excellent article on the problem with this bill. also note, the search and seizure on private property without a warrant. This is happening in other states, where law abiding citizens are loosing their pets under this. By the time they straighten it out, their pets have been put to sleep or have died from old age)

http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/nov08/081115a.asp
http://janus.state.me.us/legis/LawMakerWeb/externalsiteframe.asp?ID=280027515&LD=2010&Type=4&SessionID=7http://www.pijac.org/files/public/ME_HB_1545.pdf (includes state politician information)

http://www.maineanimalcoalition.org/artman/publish/article_1330.shtml (information on members of the task force)

http://www.betrbeagle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=3055 (some explanation and logging on why this bill and others are alarming to those involved with dogs or pets in Mane)

http://www.camospace.com/archive/mod_blog/id_5085/title_more-dog-bill-madness/ (more reasons why people are concerned about this bill)

http://www.downeast.com/The-Tipping-Point/October-2008/A-Dogpile-in-Senate-District-15/ (maine politics and animal welfare)

http://blogs.mainetoday.com/dogslife/001753.shtml (shows strong support from HSUS, which causes me a lot of pause. HSUS? The same one responsible for killing puppies in North Carolina. Yeah, they have dog's best interest in mind)

http://members.boardhost.com/MolosserTalk/msg/1232400111.html (oh, it's hitting New Hampshire as well!!!!)

This is an anti-breeder bill NOT an anti substandard breeding practices bill. It "fines" each regardless of the status of their operations. It may put out of business those wonderful breeders who actually aren't in it for the money, but to keep some quality in the breed and lines. But even that is not the end goal.

The end goal of organizations like HSUS, who is pushing this, is to end pet ownership period. First they have convinced people that there is no need to train your dog to a standard, Now there will be no need to have dogs bred to any healthy standard. Next step? Dogs will not be available to be pets anymore.Use this information to send your concerns to your senators, legislators, and the task force members (the ones who have not already drank the poisoned punch). Two TDF (truly dog friendly) and one HSUS member are already involved and pushing for the success of this bill.

KILL THE BILL. That's the only answer and tell the Animal Rights people to go crawl right back under their rock (as opposed to the Animal Welfare people). There are unenforced laws out there right now that can protect animals against sub standard breeding operations. This is just a testing ground for Animal Right fanatics to wedge their foot in the door, as usual.

Number One Training Request-Dog Walking Nicely

As a trainer, the one training request I receive most frequently is "I just want my dog to walk nicely on leash"!!! It's also the easiest thing to teach your dog to do well. A command or instruction is not taught well unless it is finished to the point where your dog can deal with the distracting situations of everyday life. This includes:

• Cars passing by
• Neighborhood cars
• Small children screaming in the neighborhood
• Dogs being walked by
• Off leash dogs perhaps rushing at you and your dog in play or with other intentions. (you would rather not be worrying about what your dog is doing in these situations. It's better to have your dog trust your judgement and caregiving).
• Squirell running up a tree in front of you
• Bikers, Skateboarders, Joggers,

There are two directions that I give my dog for walking nicely on (and off) leash. There is "let's go" which means do not pull on the lead (or it means comes towards me if they are off lead). Then there is the command that most owners think is "too fancy" or an impossibility, which is the heel.

The heel is no harder to teach than walking nicely (ie not pulling) on a "let's go" command. The "let's go" command is used for informal walks where you don't mind that your dog sniffs the dandelions or marks the tree. You only mind that the dog does not put pressure on the leash. The heel is a position that the dog must take. This command is great for getting a dog to focus on what they are doing (as opposed to the dog walking directly towards you for instance) or for when you are holding or handling something else, and really don't want to trip over your dog. Heel is also great for city type situations so they don't wrap their leash around everything and everybody.

Below is a video of me and dog/human reactive American Pit Bull Terrier, Gigi, taking our first city walk in the town of Portsmouth NH. She walked by two dogs and did amazingly well

Not the best heel I have ever seen, but Gigi was just beginning to learn about distractions (especially ones that she wanted to attack) vs walking well on leash and trusting me to keep us safe.

This video of Jackie and I doing a run thru, is a better example of what a more fully trained heel (complete with auto sit) should look like.

http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=+%22Jackie+Run+Thru%22&emb=on##

Jackie was a dog that I despaired of ever being in public off leash, never mind competing off leash! He earned his Companion Dog last 5/2008 (which means he had to have an acceptable heel, among other things, both on and off lead), and is now being readied for open competition. Whether this is in a ring or on the street, a well trained heel should look essentially the same. You may need to make allowances for an unexpected elephant in the middle of the road LOL, but the dog should be prepared and trained for any expected distractions.

The first week of training should be all about space and staying in the owners space. This is done with posted on this blog called "sit on the dog".

The second week begins with a dog walking with the owner between two points on longe line from days 1-3. I go into this in more detail in my training manual, but simply all the owner needs to worry about is walking between the two points without speaking to or paying much attention to the dog. I change this up a bit for puppies and some other individual needs. Until I mention it, this is all in very mildly distracting venues.

The second week days 4-6, you have notated some things that distracted your dog in your immediate area. You probably know of some without even observing your dog during this process (open doors, open gate, end of driveway, cat, kids, neighbors, food). Now it's time to set your dog up with these distractions, but the owner moves in the opposite direction every time the dog is not paying attention. This sets the dog up for the need to learn to pay attention to you, because "Dog Knows" where you might go next. Your dog needs to keep an eye on you now, so he doesn't loose you .

The whole point of this is you are getting your dog to think this is THEIR great idea. Staying near you is the only way to keep tabs on you.

The second week on day 7, you begin preparing for heel work but still on the longe line (15-20 feet of line that you have kept completely slack this whole time). This means that you move in the opposite direction as soon as the dog starts to get anywhere near five feet away from you. At this point, and for most dogs, when they see you move they will go towards you immediately. Most dogs do not get to the end of the line at this point.

Exercises like this can be modified in a bunch of different ways to the needs of your client. My mastiff client, Baby Bella, has a spidery toy that is dangled to have her dash up. Treats work as well. For the right temperament of dogs, a knowledgeable and well trained correction helps them right along. For corrections, the point is that it needs to be done well, it's not appropriate to nag or choke on the dogs neck.

The next week, you are working on the heel. If you are going to be sloppy on easy things like position and leash handling, then this will be a waste of time for you. You also want a trainer that knows the importance of these things. It is not hard at all to do this correctly, and it confuses me every time why someone would not train a heel in the correct manner, whether for competition or a walk down the street. It's just not that difficult, especially if you are a knowledgeable trainer.

These directions take up pages and pages with good information, so I won't print them here. Plus, if you don't know what you are doing, it's best to have a knowledgeable trainer guide you through the process. At some point, you are rotating locations that you are practicing your exercises which have built a language one word at a time for your dog. I pick four different outdoor areas and two different indoor areas that I do my training. You are working your dog about an hour a day 6-7 days a week while you are doing this. Someone who will be successful will do this cheerfully, patiently, consistently, and enjoy the process.

In the end, the most awesome gift and reward that you will give your dog is increased time with you and increased freedom. No treat or toy in the world trumps that:)

You will notice in my pictures AND video that the leash is completely loose. This is how it should looke with a dog in the midst of training or a trained dog. Any tightness of the leash is manipulating an untrained dog.

Regarding equipment, I personally do not like head halties or harnesses that cinch under the arm pits, as the correction never stops even if the dog is walking correctly. These tend to rub sensitive dog's skin raw and make it uncomfortable to walk!! Not my personal goal for my or my client's dogs.

Regarding classes, I prefer to offer private classes first, and only group classes to my students who have done the work. The reason? Well an instructor is not going to know all dogs in their class really well when they meet them for the first time, which could lead to some unexpected and not safe situations. Beyond that though, the human and canine do not get the one on one attention that they deserve to work with this issue. You are starting with maximum distraction which makes it hard for everyone to learn.

This particular posting was inspired by a question on mainpets.mainetoday.com.

Newborn News and Responsible Dog Care

Scooby+Annabelle+alone time while unaltered=PuppyX3 (males)

Yup, this will happen to you if you leave two unfixed dogs together.

Good news, since Annabelle is acting normally and comfortably in her role as new and nursing mother, the next three to four weeks is all about taking care of Annabelle's needs, and Annabelle will take care of the rest (barring any complications, of course). I need to be sure to increase Annas food intake to about four to five meals, supplementing this with cottage cheese, yogurt, and wet dog food (in addition to her kibble).

A mother dog does not, generally, willingly go to her food or water at this point. So the food and water come to her in that I hold the bowls for her during feeding time so she does not need to leave her precious new charges. Outside to the bathroom, I carry her down so that she goes outside. Once inside, you return mommy immediately to her puppies.

I am also sure that she is comfortably situated out of the din of dogdom here. She has her own whelping box that is house inside a large crate for her comfort. The crate is in the corner and draped with blankets to make sure it's den like. I also have the heat turned up in the room to keep it extra toasty warm.

Again, please keep your dogs responsibly so this does not happen. The last thing needed, especially in this economy, is unwanted puppies OR dogs. If your family is in a situation of turmoil, remember that bringing another living being into the situation is not always the right OR more responsible choice!!

Need your dogs trained? Call Maine's Dog Training, Robin Rubin, at Mannerly Mutts Dog Training. 207-361-4395 will get your questions answered regarding your Maine Dog Training needs. Or e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com. Southern New Hampshire and North East Massachusetts dog training needs are met as well with a short commute:)

Nature Gets in The Way of Training Plans, Again!

Meet Annabelle and her newborn pups. Apparently, it's no longer a suspicion that there is a pregnant foster female at Mannerly Mutts LOL. I was there for the birth, which only took one hour and 45 minutes for all the three puppies to drop. Annabelle now has the waist line that a normally dog should, again.

Looks like three boys are in the house (four if you include daddy Scooby). Annabelle is an excellent mother. Thank goodness, she was all over what to do, while I watched to be sure everyone was breathing and out of the birth sack. Annabelle was so on top of everything. She did wonderfully.

I, however, was a nervous wreck. First of all when it started, I new exactly what was happening. I was nervous immediately that the puppies would be stuck. It was at a time where the veterinarians were all going home. Luckily, just as true panic was setting in and I was gathering up emergency numbers and the numbers of every breeder that I new to ask questions of....the first puppy popped out. The relief!!

Next came the worry of are they breathing? Are they out of the birthing sac? Does Annabelle know what to do? Thankfully, Annabelle was amazing and new what to do. At one point I thought I needed to help a puppy out, as I thought his leg was stuck. It was not the leg, but the actual umbilical cord still attached inside mom. Thankfully, mom knew just what to do there too, as I was contemplating the possibility that I may need to do something. The first one came out at about a half hour into labor. The last one emerged at about one hour forty five minutes. So although it felt like forever watching poor Annabelle being uncomfortable but bravely giving birth, it wasn't that long at all. I still think I sprouted a few more gray hairs .

The moment she was done, she got herself into the whelping box to start caring for her baby puppies. She's quite protective of them, as a good mother should be. She is also not so cooperative about going out or taking water and food for herself right now. She does not want to leave her precious three (looking like males) charges.

Scooby is beside himself since Annabelle wants nothing to do with him right now. He seems very interested and concerned for her and his puppies.

Such a beautiful thing to watch her with her puppies. Hopefully her owners will be situated soon, and have a plan on what to do with three new additions:)

Color me quite surprised by the way. Although I had a strong belief that she was pregnant, I had thought since the vet hadn't caught this, that we would have at least 4-5 weeks before needing to worry about the birth. The puppies are clearly healthy and robust. It is really amazing.

Thank You to My Wonderful Customers!!

Dear Customers,

Thank you for caring for your dogs. Thank you for providing for their nutritional, emotional, physical, medical, shelter, stability, and training needs. You do this for obvious love and caring for your dogs.

Not everyone does this for their dogs. You should know that my core customers are very special in this regard. It rips my heart out when I find myself emotionally and financially involved with "the other kind of" people. It's sad when I care more about their dogs welfare, than they do themselves.

Luckily, most of my customers (about 90%) know how cruel it is to put a professional through this turmoil, and deeply care first and foremost for the well being of their dogs, rather than selfish "other" needs. Thank you for not taking advantage of me, and providing these things for your dogs so I don't need to worry about them for you.

My dear customers, my heart is glad when your dogs return to you, because I know they are safe and loved. When the rare "other thing" happens, it puts a deep tear in my heart. Thank you for keeping a portion of my heart whole and healthy.

Yours Truly,

Robin Rubin

Sore Losers in Obedience/Assumptions/Action

I don't come across sore losers too often while I trial. Every now and then someone will regale you with a story that points out their training flaws NOT flaws in the dog. Recently this was discussed as a topic in dogstardaily.com, not under this view, but under the view of corrections being given and what was the right thing to do. Regarding that post as named "What Would You Do", I would have followed someone out of the ring if I had a real concern as to the treatment of their dog. People are much less likely to act out around witnesses than will. This also seems to me to be the more appropriate time to discuss this with someone, rather than before the "assumed act" even happened. It's hard for me to take this author seriously, as seems to be an extremist on one side of the fence. Therefore, anything that she might report may be overstated IMO.

What this post really spoke to for me, was a very small percentage of people who have adverse reactions when their dogs don't do well in the ring. To me, this is more of a training problem for the human, than a flaw in the dog:) Sometimes you don't see the problem until you are in the ring, and you notate it and move on. For instance, last trial with Jack, he was very interested in eating the horse poop flavored dirt rather than keeping a sit stay. So I wasn't angry with Jack, I just noted that we need to practice the sit stay (and down stay) with things he may like to eat on the floor around him.

One time, people assumed I was upset with Jack's performance because I hurried off. The reason I hurried off was that dog number 2 needed to get in the ring pronto for us to compete. I was actually hurrying off to be sure that Jack went to the bathroom first, and was situated comfortably before our spot came up. I heard the comment as I went by, but had no time (and frankly no interest) in correcting the assuming party. Jack just got a bit nervous at a wheelchair beep. We later worked on desensitizing him by finding similar audio beep files on the computer. No big deal. It was a very warehouse like situation too, and he was still getting used to booming echoes.

As a trainer and an owner, it's totally my responsibility, error, or learning in progress if my dog does not do well at a trial or in real life!! It's not his problem if he has not been taught that yet, or taught it badly. Not to say that I am against correction if the timing and situation are correct. A trial is not a time IMO where you really want your dog to experience anything negative, unless a real bad situation occurs (like another dog is on top of your dog or visa versa). Then that is not a correction in my book, and I am not even sure it's a punishment. It's owners taking responsibility for their dogs. I have been lucky enough not to witness this in competition yet. I have seen dogs break from position, play, walk to owners, walk out of the ring, bark, whine, et.... When any of those dogs are doing that, I am hoping that I have done my best training so my dogs won't follow suit in any way shape or form for their own protection. (ie avoiding dog conflicts)

There are times where you should ask or witness before assuming anything about another person. That is just wrong. I am not sure it was right that when the woman said her dog was going to get a correction, that the assumption was the worst. And if there was a suspicion there, that woman should have been followed out of the ring.

Unfortunately, some assumptions were made about Oprah in another post by this author. I was a little horrified that Dogstardaily.com allowed this. I mean you can't talk about all sides of training unless the website owner agrees, but you can potentially libel another's name without any facts? Hope they have a good attorney! You know there ARE more than a few purebred puppies that come into shelters. How does she think breed rescues came into existence????