Sunday, December 31, 2006

Pet Loss and Grief

Not to intentionally start my weekly column off on the wrong foot and not regarding training, but I am now going through the loss of my dog, Neptune. While this is still fresh in my psyche, I want to share with you some thoughts and observations on the death of your beloved pet and family member. First of all, you are going to be told at certain points that your pet is going to die and that all pets die by well meaning individuals.

This could be your veterinarian, you father, your husband, or your mother-in-law. These sentiments will not help you deal with the situation, or at least it certainly didn’t help me. It can help to let people know, who may inadvertently be repeating these types of phrases, that this is not helpful to you. Yes, we all know the obvious. In my experience, knowing what steps I would take during my pet’s life, and what steps would ensure that my pet still had a good quality of life helped much more.

Ask your veterinarian about these steps. If you are about to go through a long illness that you can manage for your pet, at some point you will realize the grief (yes you will grieve even though your pet has not left yet) will give way to enjoying your time with your pet again, and seeing the enjoyment that your pet gets out of still experiencing life. Look for that joy and soak it in.
At some point, your pet is going to pass away. In very few circumstances they will pass away during their sleep. A long-term illness may get worse or come to its final conclusion. Alternately a short term but fatal illness could come along and take your pet in a matter of minutes or hours.

All of these are upsetting, and there really isn’t a “better” way for your pet to go. If your pet goes suddenly, you will feel that you didn’t have a chance to say goodbye. If your pet dies after a long term or short term illness, you will feel the misplaced guilt that you didn’t do enough, or that you needed to make the choice for your beloved pet to end their suffering. It’s all really painful, and there is no way around that if you love your pet.

People will say things like “well you knew he was sick” or “well they have to go sometime and he/she was old”, but you love and miss your pet regardless of course. A pet owner just doesn’t stop loving their pet one-day because they are old or sick. It doesn’t make it any easier that you knew this day was coming.

Hopefully you have a group of friends that have gone through this with their pets. Non-pet owning people, or people who have not yet experienced this will start asking questions like “are you over this yet”. Or call you on a daily basis expecting that when they ask, “how are you doing”, that you will magically be over it. Just as when anyone you love dies, you will always grieve for your special and beloved pet. The grief will become less painful over time, but you will always grieve. The most painful part could last months, a year, or years. Just know that it is fine to grieve and don’t feel you need to “hurry” it along or suppress it. Grief is a natural process that we all need to go through when we loose the ones that we love. Call in sick to work if you have to for a couple of days. Different people also experience grief differently. My husband and I, who are in sync on most things, grieve very differently. Luckily we’ve known that for a long time so we can deal with each other.

So enjoy your pet every day, and be sure he/she has enjoyment in their life. When your pet passes over the bridge, you will have those memories to give you comfort and smiles, eventually.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Election List & Disappointments (APDT)

I have not been impressed with the roster of available nominees.   It's not even the Truly Dog Friendly people that I am worried about, but more so Dan & Paul that are on the BOD currently.  Trish seems like a likeable enough canidate that I would want supporting me, but I am guessing she is a voice in the vast wilderness.   If she does get in, and she keeps being sensible, I predict she will find herself outed so fast, it will make everyone's head spin right around.



What does this mean for me?   Well, I am out.   I have neither the time or energy for this.   I can always rejoin if this does in fact become an organization that I want a part of in the future.   

Sunday, August 6, 2006

China Dog Massacre

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&pubid=968163964505&cid=1154684946103&col=968705899037&call_page=TS_World&call_pageid=968332188854&call_pagepath=News/World
China plans another massacre of dogs. I was just going to slip this in to my news links this week. I have been having a very hard time reading news of this story. It just makes me sick.
Let me first of all say, I don't want rabies spread. China has other problems like the murder of newborn female children, so I do understand this is another culture that we are talking about. I am not sure whether or not dog owners in China have anything resembling the same kind of relationship that I (in the US) have with my dog. Dogs are also food products in that country. Cows, which we eat, are reverred in other countries. Most dogs in china are not inoculated against rabies.
However, I can't stop picturing myself walking down the road with my canine buddies, and someone coming up, snatching them, and then attempting to club them to death in front of me. Someone would be hurt. It would probably be me, but there is no way I would willingly let go of my dogs. And if I got my hands on that club.......it wouldn't be my dogs that would be getting hurt. Between this and the BSL bullshit happening lately, it's enough to get anyone's panties in a twisted knot that just won't go away.
And how many of those dogs do you think are actually infected with rabies????? Isn't there some way a quarantine could be put in effect, and people could volunarily watch their dogs for any signs?
I am assuming the reason they do not vaccinate, is that the general population can't afford it? If that's not the reason, perhaps China can come up with clinics like we have in the states to vaccinate and tag dogs. I recently read about some other country doing this with stray dogs. Are they not humanely euthanizing dogs for the same reason (lack of funds)?
I do realize that it's because of my relationship with my dogs, that this is so horrifying to me. Mind you, I don't like seals being clubbed to death either. I don't like inhumane treatment of any animal. I do understand that there are those situations of health and well being (and stopping a horrifying disease like rabies from spreading) certain measures need to take place. This seems so unjustly cruel and inhumane though.

Friday, August 4, 2006

Blog Fishing

http://readlarrypowell.typepad.com/read_larry_powell/2006/08/its_friday_brin.html Rescue Blog
http://community.livejournal.com/workingdogs/56102.html Photo story on duck breaking
http://puppy-king.blogspot.com/2006/08/effective-ways-to-leash-dog-training.html On leash training.
http://lawschoolvirgin.blogspot.com/2006/08/heartbreak.html A girl leaving her puppy behind for college. Sad that she is going to miss the training and growth of her dog.
http://injournals.info/?p=55 Three common training mistakes a dog owner makes. I like it!! I especially like it because it says, regardless of the training method.
http://emmaandbella.blogspot.com/2006/08/dogs-i-dont-talk-too-much-about-my.html A woman's journey with the dogs that she has owned.
http://dreamstoreality.typepad.com/pawsitivelyinsane/2006/08/ankle_biters_at.html Encroaching ankle biters, and a training opportunity.
http://www.slate.com/id/2146000/?GT1=8483_ Story of a man lending out his border collie to heard in farm animals

Dog Training in The News

http://www.fayettecountyreview.com/articles/2006/08/02/news/news02.txt "While training her 5-year-old giant schnauzer Elmo, Deborah Burnett came across the skeletal remains of one of two bodies" Yikes



http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/8/prweb418416.htm Sounds like huey, an internet based dog trainer who was on Dr Phil. Worth a bit of research though. http://www.dogproblems.com/ Here is the "website" and you need to subscribe to be a member and learn these miracles, of course.



http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/newmarket/2006/08/04/c622817e-ae15-49a4-b4c3-dbe7a8feb9cc.lpf Trainer in England looses business use of 2 acres due to permit application for construction.



http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/news/15188686.htm?source=rss&channel=charlotte_news Formal funeral ceremony for police dog who died in the line of duty.



http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=2253861&page=1 Recent CM Story.



http://www.mlive.com/news/muchronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1154362603193610.xml&coll=8&thispage=1 Grooming business upsetting neighborhood



http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/07/060731-dog-whisperer.html?source=rss CM briefly talks about how he felt regarding a lab injured on his property.

Tuesday, August 1, 2006

E-Mail to APDT BOD

NOTE: INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH, LEGAL ADVISOR'S E-MAIL NO LONGER WORKS!!



Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 04:04:28 -0700 (PDT)
From: "ROBIN RUBIN" <mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com> View Contact
Details Add Mobile Alert
Subject: APDT Trademark Registration Expired 2002 now Owned by
Middle Atlantic Products Inc./Not for A specific Purpose
To: "Barbara Long" <electionsadvisor@apdt.com>, "Don Hanson"
<vicepresident@apdt.com>, "Executive Director"
<execdir@apdt.com>, "Jackie Loeser"
<rallyadvisor@apdt.com>, "Kellyann Conway"
<treasurer@apdt.com>, "Mel Bussey" <secretary@apdt.com>, "Teoti
Anderson" <president@apdt.com>, jraven1966@yahoo.com,
notify@yahoogroups.com, Doconnell@griffinpr.com



Dear Yahoo Staff,



Recently I notified you of the freedom of speech issues regarding
APDT (Association of Canine Professionals) squelching freedom of
speech of their membership by somehow convincing you to take ofF the
APDTMemberDiscussion list. I have provided documentation for you
that this trademark (APDT) is in fact owned by another company.
Additionally, members should be able to talk about their
organizations, list their organizations in an article title about
them, et et.



I have recently revised this list under the name
againstcensorshipintheAssocofPetDog Trainers. We would love to
have your assurance that you will not allow the APDT (the one that
does not own this name and is hounding you) to cease and desist with
interfering in freedom of speech issues.



The trademark information is as below. The Association of Pet Dog
Trainers does not own this trademark.



To look this up for yourself, go to the United States Patent and
Trademark Office website:
http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm



(graphic of APDT logo)
Word Mark APDT ASSOCIATION OF PET DOG TRAINERS BUILDING BETTER
TRAINERS THROUGH EDUCATION
Goods and Services (ABANDONED) IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S:
EDUCATION SERVICES, NAMELY CONDUCTING CONFERENCES IN THE FIELD DOG
TRAINING. FIRST USE: 19930000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19930000
Mark Drawing Code (3) DESIGN PLUS WORDS, LETTERS, AND/OR NUMBERS
Design Search Code 03.01.08 - Dogs; Puppies
03.01.24 - Stylized cats, dogs, wolves, foxes, bears
26.11.08 - Rectangles comprised of letters, numerals or punctuation
and letters, numerals or punctuation forming the perimeter of a
rectangle or bordering the perimeter of a rectangle.
26.11.09 - Rectangles made of geometric figures, objects, humans,
plants or animals
26.11.13 - More than one rectangle; Rectangles (more than one)
26.11.21 - Rectangles that are completely or partially shaded
26.17.13 - Letters or words underlined and/or overlined by one or
more
strokes or lines; Overlined words or letters; Underlined words or
letters
Serial Number 76273196
Filing Date June 19, 2001
Current Filing Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1A
Owner (APPLICANT) Association of Pet Dog Trainers CORPORATION NEW
JERSEY 66 Morris Ave. Ste 2a Springfield NEW JERSEY 07081
Attorney of Record Douglas A. Johnson
Disclaimer NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO
USE "ASSOCIATION
OF PET DOG TRAINERS" or "BUILDING BETTER TRAINERS THROUGH EDUCATION"
APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN
Type of Mark SERVICE MARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator DEAD
Abandonment Date December 2, 2002
----



In fact, even more interesting is that the word trademark "APDT" *is*
a registered trademark, but not of the Association of Pet Dog
Trainers:



---------
Word Mark A.P.D.T.
Goods and Services IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G & S: Pop filters
for microphones. FIRST USE: 20051101. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20051101
Standard Characters Claimed
Mark Drawing Code (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK
Design Search Code
Serial Number 78916933
Filing Date June 26, 2006
Current Filing Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1A
Owner (APPLICANT) Middle Atlantic Products, Inc. CORPORATION NEW
JERSEY 300 Fairfield Road Fairfield NEW JERSEY 07004
Attorney of Record Harriet E. Perkins
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE
-------

APDT belongs to who?

(graphic of APDT logo)
Word Mark APDT ASSOCIATION OF PET DOG TRAINERS BUILDING BETTER
TRAINERS THROUGH EDUCATION
Goods and Services (ABANDONED) IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S:
EDUCATION SERVICES, NAMELY CONDUCTING CONFERENCES IN THE FIELD DOG
TRAINING. FIRST USE: 19930000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19930000
Mark Drawing Code (3) DESIGN PLUS WORDS, LETTERS, AND/OR NUMBERS
Design Search Code 03.01.08 - Dogs; Puppies
03.01.24 - Stylized cats, dogs, wolves, foxes, bears
26.11.08 - Rectangles comprised of letters, numerals or punctuation
and letters, numerals or punctuation forming the perimeter of a
rectangle or bordering the perimeter of a rectangle.
26.11.09 - Rectangles made of geometric figures, objects, humans,
plants or animals
26.11.13 - More than one rectangle; Rectangles (more than one)
26.11.21 - Rectangles that are completely or partially shaded
26.17.13 - Letters or words underlined and/or overlined by one or more
strokes or lines; Overlined words or letters; Underlined words or
letters
Serial Number 76273196
Filing Date June 19, 2001
Current Filing Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1A
Owner (APPLICANT) Association of Pet Dog Trainers CORPORATION NEW
JERSEY 66 Morris Ave. Ste 2a Springfield NEW JERSEY 07081
Attorney of Record Douglas A. Johnson
Disclaimer NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE "ASSOCIATION
OF PET DOG TRAINERS"
or "BUILDING BETTER TRAINERS THROUGH EDUCATION"
APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN
Type of Mark SERVICE MARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator DEAD
Abandonment Date December 2, 2002

----

In fact, even more interesting is that the word trademark "APDT" *is*
a registered trademark, but not of the Association of Pet Dog
Trainers:

---------
Word Mark A.P.D.T.
Goods and Services IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G & S: Pop filters
for microphones. FIRST USE: 20051101. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20051101
Standard Characters Claimed
Mark Drawing Code (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK
Design Search Code
Serial Number 78916933
Filing Date June 26, 2006
Current Filing Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1A
Owner (APPLICANT) Middle Atlantic Products, Inc. CORPORATION NEW
JERSEY 300 Fairfield Road Fairfield NEW JERSEY 07004
Attorney of Record Harriet E. Perkins
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE

-------

So, it appears that the Assoc. of Pet Dog Trainers is the one
violating the law by using someone else's registered trademark of
"A.P.D.T."!!!!

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Association of Pet Dog Trainers/APDT

APDT is an association that has 4000 plus members of the canine professional community. I am member 67306. In first joining my professional memberships, there was the excitement of belonging. Little did I know the political issues that lurked below the surface. Actually, you didn't need to belong too long to other lists and professional organizations before the issues were clear.



However, if you are a member of the APDT, or Association of Pet Dog Trainers, you and your opinions will be censored on their training list. You will not be allowed to talk online to the membership of the APDT about policies and procedures. The board will make those decisions for you, without a membership vote.



I will not go into the TDF movement http://www.trulydogfriendly.com/blog/?page_id=15, but I as a member is against it. I am especially against an organization outside of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers trying to control policies without membership control. That is the five current BOD members make all decisions on policy without any kind of unanimous vote needed. 2 of these BOD members are currently in the TDF movement. 3 of the BOD nominees have aligned themselves witht he TDF movement. There has been unauthorized spam promoting TDF from a current BOD member using APDT's listing of trainers.



There are no attempts to even hide their high handed treatment and disregard for their membership. TDF membership is only 50 people, not all of which (by their own admission) are APDT members.



Stop the madness. http://mannerlymutts.typepad.com/mannerly_mutts/2006/07/apdt_petition.html



You can also join http://groups.yahoo.com/group/againstcensorshipintheAssocofPetDogTrainer/

Friday, July 21, 2006

York Library Sale

So excited.   York Public Library had it's annual book sale starting yesterday.   I missed yesterday, and I am pretty sure I could have probably found the dog breed books I was looking for.   Well, kay sara sara.


I did however get the following for $2.50 in change in my purse:


1)   Betty White's "Pet Love"


2)  Miller's "How to Raise and Train a Cocker Spaniel"


3)  "Know Your Scottish Terrier"


4)  "Basset Hounds"


5)  Evelyn Miller's "Airedale Terriers"


6) "The Essential Yorkshire Terrier" Consulting Editor Ian Dunbar Ph. D., MRCVS


7)  Carol Lea Benjamin's "The Chosen Puppy"


8)  Rachel Page Elliot's "Dogsteps, A new Look"  A better understadning of dog gait through cinderadiography----"moving X-rays"

Complaint to York Maine Police

Hello,


Roll_over_012_1


I am a dog trainer and owner in York Beach Maine.   I was out with my dogs this morning before 8am off leash.   A Sergeant walked up to me & my husband and stated that the dogs were supposed to be leashed.


Roll_over_009_1


When we first said, the ordinance clearly states between 6am and 8am dogs can be off leash, he belligerently stated otherwise.  By the way, my dogs were seated and are viewed by many on many mornings during training sessions where they are in voice control.  And so that was not in issue.


Roll_over_011_1


Finally, after suggesting he take a walk with me and read the ordinance, he relented and made a "somewhat" apology.   Then claimed he got the times of day mixed up.  This is after belligerently saying otherwise to us a few times.   


Being that I obey the leash laws to the letter (if after 6pm I am on the beach with my dogs, they are leashed) and I see many a tourist out there with their unleashed dog, this is very distressing to me.   There seem to be no officers out there enforcing the law, and because I am obeying the leash law (as I was this morning) my dogs and I are enjoying the beach less than non-tax paying tourists.


Additionally, the beach is disgusting with cigarette butts, juice containers and condoms, which I am forced to look out for so my dogs can be told to "leave it" so they don't digest such trash on the beach.


As a law abiding citizen, please allow me to enjoy the few minutes of lawful off leash time with my dogs in the morning without harassment.  Please see that police officers are dispatched and know the laws in the area so that those not obeying the leash laws can be fined.


Thank you,


Robin

Monday, July 17, 2006

Busy and Fun Weekend

There have been a rash  of perfectly normal puppies lately.   That has been fun, of course.   And it can be challenging getting owners through these difficult waters of consitency, repetition, and proper leash handling.  I love the challenge in that.



Very excited though, that this week is a dog named, Zeke, that just may have some real aggression issues.   I love working with dogs like this because it is a challenge, he is already owned by a loving owner (so therefore no worries that he is going to be passed on to some poor dog adopter that has no real understanding of the issues involved), and you can make a huge difference in these cases.   



In puppy cases, you make a huge difference in the future of their lives as well, but you don't get to see the "what they could have become" and change to a greatly improved dog.   Yeah, it would be nice if dogs just got the proper training they needed early on, but some have more complex personalities, and their dog owners do the best they can in the meantime to manage it.



Zeke is one such dog.  Can't wait till he is dropped off this Saturday.   Will add link to his blog soon.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Stopped Raining, The Accidents Should Stop!

Well, for the moment we are done with the torrential down pouring of rain.  Leon took not one but two craps in the house!!   Causing him to be crated part of last night for the first time in a long while.  A bit of whining, and then he just knew to fall asleep.



Leon hates the rain, and I should no better than to just believe he "doesn't have to go" when he takes a quick pee and wants to come right inside.   Every dog owner should keep this in mind once they notice that something the dog does not like outside is going to keep them from going.  If they don't do as expected, put them in the crate (less likely to go in there, more likely to alert you, and easier to clean up if they do go in there---assuming they are supervised so the spin and twirl doesn't happen).   Or you could also tether them to you as you do a puppy, so they can't sneak across the room to do their business, but must alert you.



Leon of course, also had diarrhea.  Joy of joys.



Poor Leon is also breakfastless this morning (or now afternoon) as a result.   He is busy kissing his buddy Jackie right now.   Any way, this isn't the Leon training blog LOL.



Got a busy busy Saturday ahead, with a weeks worth of lessons packed into one day.   Should be interesting to see how I survive that!!!   LOL.  One being a dog aggressive American Bulldog that I have never met before, and a new English Sheepdog puppy client, and a new Great Dane puppy client.



Better be sure the house is cleaned from this week's disaster!!

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Day Off-----Not!!!

You would think with no clients today, my dog related stuff would be at a minimum, but nooooo.



Jack started the day off, as I tried to relax with some coffee, by spitting up on the rugs because he was hungry.   Next, Leon took a dump, after taking a big dump outside today, in the family room.  It was firm and solid.   Leon began crying to come in while I was cleaning, or at least I thought he was crying because of that.



Nope, bit pile of diarrhea in the "living" room---the room with no furniture to date where we do not love!!!   LOL.   



So the spot bot has been busy, plus then you need to regular vac, and then today, I am definitely wet vacing.  But all of that means before the regular vac, the dogs all get groomed, the whole place gets dusted, and on and on.  Huge cleaning day today, which would have been a lot less immediate and huge if it weren't for my own bugga boos today.



Not the fun part of dog training LOL.  Unfortunately, that may just be the first part of my day today.  On the upside, the house will definitely be spic and span once I finish.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Great Day

I began today by taking the crew out to the beach (our in home crew that is).   Did think to bring the camera with me this morning, but it sooooo sucks and even though it said half the battery was there, it couldn't take pictures due to exhausted battery.   I HATE IT!!!



Any way, though back to the relaxing morning of York Beach Maine.   I will update Jack's specific blog seperately about any issues (such as bowling for tourists) that he has been exhibiting lately.   He does love to run though.  I got smart today, and had Robert bring Leon and Jazz down to the beach, while I handled Jack alone as he needs a few manners regarding rushing the beach stairs.



The crew was down there (*$#@ camera) and Nan, a petsitter in the area that has been most helpful) was down with her charge, Sam.   Sam was a very gorgeous and friendly Golden Retreiver who was obviously enjoying the crew.   In the crew today (dogs not owners names) were Lilly, Ed, Elvis, Maggie, Tinker, Roxie, Bongo, and Jackson.  Probably a few others that I don't know as well. 



Jazz was in rare form as well, bouncing along after Jack and Tinker.   Poor Jazz even absorbed an unintentional (yet I am sure painful) body slam from Jack.   Jack found himself a ball, and started bringing it into the ocea, which I stopped him from doing much to Diane's dismay.  However he had lost a non floating ball on me last week, and I didn't want him to loose her ball or become possessive of it for any reason.



Later, with dogs nestled in the back of the Exterra, we took a drive to Perkins Cove to look around a bit.   Nothing was opened as it was still 8am.  Coming back, I noticed a man taking pictures of Leon in the back.  We went over and introduced us, which also attracted a couple of families who wanted to also meet Leon and gang.   Everyone always thinks it's just our dogs that are that way LOL.   



People were kissing and rubbing Leon's face, and of course the big goof was in puppy heaven.   Leon is a lover, that is for sure.



Managed to get this weekend off (realize it's Monday morning now, and my day is starting at 11:00 am)  because hubby is going on a business trip this week, but he doesn't leave until 12:30 or so.   We took the opportunity to get a little alone time this weekend, and have a lovely morning this morning.



He doesn't want to be leaving here, especially for business, and I don't blame him!!!  Just a quiet lovely morning here at Mannerly Mutts.

Thursday, July 6, 2006

APDT Petition

I am organizing a petition forwarded to the current board of the APDT to open up the APDT online training list on discussion of BOD nominations. I don't know if you have any members that would like to lend their name, e-mail, and APDT # to the following letter? I someone could forward this on to the group, all they need to do is contact me at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/againstcensorshipintheapdt/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/againstcensorshipintheapdt/">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/againstcensorshipintheapdt/<> href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/APDTMemberDiscussion/%22%3E%3C/a%3E&nbsp&nbsp; is a link to a list where heated discussion on this very debate is going on now.


To the Board of Directors of the APDT:




Nominations have been made for the open seats of the Board of Directors of the APDT. Much discussion has being going on regarding the political platforms of one party on non-APDT group sites. These sites represent less than a little over one hundred members of the 4,115 members of the APDT or the 1,050 members of the APDT training list. The following members would like this discussion to be opened up on the sanctioned APDT training list to reach a broader member audience.




Please take this under consideration, and if approved, allow the list moderator to open up the topic for discussion on the APDT training list.






The list of names







The sincerely afore mentioned members of the APDT





Sincerly,



Robin Rubin


Mannerly Mutts


York Beach Maine


APDT #67306

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Dogs in The News

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13562659/ Moose (Eddie in Frasier Television Series) dies at 16 1/2


http://www.dailypress.net/stories/articles.asp?articleID=2565 Article on "leashing" your pet, would rather you "trained" your pet (unless an unsafe pet of course which should be both trained and contained at all times-----or destroyed)


http://www.wane.com/Global/story.asp?S=5062388 Florida postmen being bitten by dogs. The bad news always gets out, the good news never does. Be responsible for your dogs daily actions, and train your dog responsibly. We will all loose our rights otherwise.


http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/living/people/family/14910707.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_family Balanced training finds favor in child rearing LOL.


http://www.dispatch.com/science/science.php?story=dispatch/2006/06/27/20060627-B5-00.html Dogs tracking whales!!!


http://www.lakesunleader.com/articles/2006/06/27/news/20.txt Bomb sniffing dog finds bomb in mailbox.


http://english.pravda.ru/society/stories/82583-0/ From Russia with love, dogs as good medicine for sick children


http://english.pravda.ru/hotspots/crimes/13-06-2006/81928-homeless_dog-0 From Russia with love, good samaritan saves dog skinned by a$$holes. (sorry temper got the best of me there.)

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Sad Cases

The below case summary.   A white American Pit Bull Terrier clearly bred to the wrong breeder, and adopted by the wrong people.   These are the kind of things that keep you up at night and make you obsess, even never having met the dog.   Sigh, I fear Powder has a one way ticket to never ending sleep, if you know what I mean.   



Please, people out there, adopt and breed responsibly.   These dogs are not throw aways, but can be damaged to the point where they are no longer safe, even when they could have been due to our irresponsibility.



:(



In June 2006, Powder will be 15 months old.   His owner and breeder, Amanda, has been able to take him out of an abusive home.   Unfortunately, it is felt that this home has created some behavioral problems in Powder, one of them being aggressiveness towards humans.



Powder does lunge and try to bite people when they approach and especially if he doesn't know them.  He doesn't like it when someone picks up an object close to him.   He has spent a fair amount of his life either in a crate or attached to 2 feet of chain in a living room.



Powder will arrive on Father's Day, June 18th for Board & Train.   We look forward to his arrival.



Robin,



Maybe it'll be best to hold off on Powder, I can work with him here for now, and maybe find a closer trainer. There are two locally (72 miles away) one has some of my dogs and I forget the contact info and name of the other!!! Oh well. Hey maybe by November I'll be closer to your facility!! I want to move down towards Augusta w/ some friends. Getting Powder's vet records won't be a problem, I can get them by Monday or Tuesday at the latest. Well TTYL,



Amanda,



That guy will most likely move up. What I am worried about is that I have a few scheduled afterwards. As a business decision, willing paying clients during weeks where there is scheduled work vs a client with good intentions but in the end may only be able to do so much. I don't expect that the work will let up until November or so once it gets going. We can play it by ear. The guy that wants to move up is going to have his dog here for eight weeks. Apparently serious dog aggression although no people aggression. Better for me but still takes a while to get the message through to the dog that he's not allowed to [fill in the blank]. It's just about impossible to give tips through e-mail to avoid situations that come up. First of all, the translation is much different once you have the leash in your hand. Even in training the run of the mill puppy, there is much to show the owner of the proper feel of the leash before they start off on their own. If you have anyone near you that can help with just plain old obedience, even if they never take the dog from you, I would suggest you start with that, and preferably private lessons. Amanda, I will definately work with you and keep an open slate. I do need to deal with my local and definately paying clients first:) So if they are scheduled, it's hard to put them off, and like I said I expect from two weeks from now until November will be rather busy. At least July and August are pretty much spoken for with board and trains. There could be a slot available to Powder, if for instance, I get the guy's dog that was after you to get along with my dogs. However, since this dog aggression has been going on for five years, I doubt that will happen in two weeks time. How's this, keep in touch. I will try to remember to update you on my schedule. You let me know where you are. Need to wait for Powder's records any way:) Luckily, I am new in the area and can still keep flexible. Also I try to anyway for a dog like this. Other trainers have probably had their heart broken so many times by cases like this. However, I get the feeling that you are really trying to look out for Powder, and so that is an additional reason for my flexibility. Keep me informed, and I will do likewise.



Robin,



Thank you for being willing to work with a payment, I just feel bad and don't want to put you out, I know how much work just caring for a dog is alone, w/o Powder's special problems. Plus I'm not used to anyone being so flexible, a lot of people I've talked to aren't. You said that the guy that's scheduled for right after Powder wants to move his appointment up right? What about switching and doing his dogs first and Powder after if that's possible? That way I can give you more money up front. And Maybe if you give me some tips I can work with Powder here in the meantime? Also I still need to get Powder's vet records, because Jackie still needs to transfer ownership to me with Animal Medical Clinic for them to release them. I am going to call them tomorrow (the vet and jackie) and see if I can't get those in the mail (the vet is 72 miles away). I don't know what day I'd be able to get him down there, I thought Sunday would work then mom pointed out it's father's day and then my boss' girlfriend told me I'll be working on Sunday. I do housekeeping so I never know much in advance when I am and when I'm not going to be working. I don't know how much I'd be able to do each week. I have 2 jobs at the moment and the total between the two of them is anywhere from about $110 /wk to $140. I'm trying to find a 3rd job that doesn't co-incide with the first two, there isn't much for work here in this nowhere town and there's two businesses that employ workers through agencies from Cambodia and vairous other countries as opposed to employing town's people. So part time and/or minimum wage is just about the best. But since I have Powder back I am going to be selling a litter of puppies that I was planning on keeping almost all of to cover his training, I don't like selling pups, I breed dogs but I breed for me, there are too many people with ill intentions out there. I like to show and am going to be getting into weight pulling but hate buying from other people, I've lost thousands of dollars that way. Anyway my priority is Powder he came before Venna's puppies (who aren't even here yet), so what he needs comes before keeping them here. Plus I already know he has great conformation, working ability, a fun personality, and maybe a good temperament (lol, that depends), he's not iffy like a new batch of pups. I was going to ask $600ea for them maybe I'll ask $420 lol. Anyway I know people who missed out on Venna's first litter and who had a puppy who was accidentally killed (they are not irresponsible it was a true accident) who want another pup like him so I don't see anything getting much better then a brother or sister. When I sent out e-mails I didn't think anybody would be willing to take him or so quickly, and certainly didn't think anyone would want too!! That's why I feel comfortable with you taking him. O.K. I ramble much, I think it's because there is no one to talk to around here. Unless you want to talk about hunting, fishing, or other people's business. lol I gotta get out of Jackman. Sincerely,



Amanda,



That's why I gave you the option of a suggested payment plan. How can I structure this for you to make it feasible? 100.00 a week? Give me a suggestion, because I can't guess at what your situation is.



Robin,



I don't have that kind of money right now, like I said before. Things are real tight right now, and it won't be until the end of July before I have that kind of money, which is why it sucked that I got Powder back now. If I don't find something to do with him soon he will have to be put to sleep, if he hadn't been sprung on my like this I could have planned better, well the initial plan was to get him back and have him put down but there is something about him that shows hope. I hate it because it's tearing me up, because I don't have the money for training and I don't want to give up on him yet, but he is outta control behavior wise and it makes it difficult to do anything about his aggression. Well I guess I will figure something out. Thank you, Sincerely,



Amanda,



You could bring him up late night on the 17th, or early that Monday. We have an event going on here on the 17th, so it would be best if everyone was gone when Powder got here, and not here for that day until we can get him settled a bit. On Monday, I have a lesson at 8:30 AM, so I need Powder settled and crated by that time, but if you could get here early on Monday that would be fine. As far as payment, it's 420.00 a week. I know you said money was tight for you, and I usually get the payment up front. So I don't know if you wanted to put 420.00 up front, and then pay 420.00 on pickup? Or if you wanted to put 200.00 down, then 220.00 the end of the next week, then the balance on pickup? Let me know what you can do, and I will work that out for you. Also, let me know what you think of the dates. If none of those work for you, let me know which ones do. Thanks, Robin



Robin,



Can we bring Powder down on another day other then the 18th? The 18th is Father's day. Also would you need any money up front? Also about how much would the payments be? Thank you in advance, Sincerely,



Hey There Amanda,



It was nice speaking with you today. I have Powder scheduled for the 18th of June to start. My address here is 37 Paul Street York (it's york beach but map-quest will recognize York) Maine. When your bring Powder I will need his: 1) Food 2) Vaccination Records to keep on file 3) His Flat or Buckle Collar 4) Info of any injuries or illness that crop up between now and then that I don't know of. 5) Info on any incidents that happen between now and then (such as bites ET) 6) Emergency Contact Info Look forward to meeting this guy, and working with you later on when we get him all settled and ready. Please feel free to call or e-mail with any additional questions. 207-361-4395.



Robin,



I forgot about my neice's kindergarten graduation tonight, it starts at 5:30 so if you wanna call anytime before 5 would be good. I will TTYL, Amanda



Hey Amanda,



Tried calling you at 6:02 pm, but you were at a ballgame. Will try you tomorrow. If there is a best time to call, e-mail it to me, and I will try to get back within that time. Thanks,



Hello Robin,



Thank you for the reply, my concern with leaving Powder for board and train would be that he may bite you, and would hate for anyone to get bit. Also if we did that if he improved after the week was up but you felt that he needed more training could he stay longer? I realize I am four hours away, there are some trainers closer however I doubt the experience of some of them, there is one that lives and hour and a half away from me that did obedience work with Powder's half brother Aspen but I have started to doubt his knowledge, he gave this guy I know a dog of his because he said she was wild and untrainable but it turned out she had a terrible internal infection and after it was cleared her seemingly aggressive behavior went away. But if you are interested in helping I am interested in the training, anything would be good, but it'll be some time before I have enough money to do the board and train. Maybe we could do a couple sessions in the meantime? Finally getting Powder back was actually quite a surprise and very sudden. Also he has had a limp since the surgery to repair his leg back when he was a pup, I had thought it was due to how the leg healed now I believe it may be due to the way he was tied to the couch, I've only had him two days and the limp is almost gone. When I picked him up Friday, he was chained out to about 2feet of chain, he was on a 10ft chain but it was so tangled he had about 2ft of room, because Jackie didn't want to have him on the runner because that's where she set up the kids' bouncey toy. I would have taken Powder months ago but wanted to avoid any turmoil with family. I tried to get him when his leg was broken, but the vet confirmed John's story about the bike and there was no concrete proof of abuse other then what I and other people saw but John denied it. Plus animal control doesn't give a crap around here. There's this guy in town that regularly has dogs die of dehydration,starve and/or freeze to death, and has beaten some to death. Some dogs live in kennels big enough for them to stand up and turn around in, others are tied to various pieces of junk in his yard some with and some w/o dog houses, and he gets a town kennel liscense every year!!! At least over the past couple years his dogs have not looked emaciated. The only reason I was able to get Powder back (w/o literally stealing him) is because the landlord finally said get rid of the dog or get out. Anyway thank you again for your reply. I will probably call you sometime within the next couple of days, right now I have to go shower and make a phone call to a friend and then go to bed.



Hi Amanda,



You are 4 hours away from me, but it's possible a Board & Train would be best for Powder. A Board & Train is where the dog boards with me while training. In aggression cases, it is usually best to get the dog out of the home environment at first. If you are interested in doing something like that, I would be very interested in helping you out. If you wanted to do weekly visits also, I would be interested, but I realize that would be a long commute for you. Let me know. If you want to call, my phone number is 207-361-4395. Sorry to hear that happened to one of your dogs.



Robin,



Hello I live in Jackman Me and have recently acquired a dog who has been severely abused and has developed human aggression. I am looking for a trainer who may be able to help me with him. If you do not feel you can, please forward this message to anyone you may know who can help. Powder's story is below: POWDER'S STORY Powder was born in my home on March 13th, 2005. He is a white ADBA registered American Pit Bull Terrier, born in a litter of 3 pups (a red, a white, and a blue brindle). I had made the decision to keep the red and white and the blue was going to live with my friend who owned the dad. As the pups grew my brother Jeremy had expressed interest in Powder and where he had recently lost his dog Rush, who was Powder's half brother and he had always been responsible with his dogs, I decided to allow him to have Powder. Jeremy and his then five year old daughter had Powder from May 2005 - August 2005, in that time he spent time at Jeremy's working and hanging out with the town at the 4th of July festival. In August of 2005 my half-brother John convinced Jeremy to sell him Powder, although Jeremy knew that I did not want John to have any of my dogs as he has a history of being very violent and of severe animal abuse. Shortly after Powder went to live with John, he suffered a broken leg, John swears his dirt bike fell over on the dog however the cat and a dog John had prior to purchasing the bike both had similar injuries to the same hind leg. We strongly believe that John himself broke Powder's leg. Powder spent close to three months of his puppyhood living in a crate due to the injury, he was only supposed to be kept confined for 6-8weeks but John said he just didn't want to take any chances. In my opinion he just didn't feel like dealing with the puppy. After that Powder spent his life either chained to less then 1ft of chain on the couch or out on a runner where his feet barely hit the ground and he had no shelter from the elements. Powder also suffered physical abuse and beatings from John, his wife, and their 3 and 4 year old children as well as the children's babysitter. A friend of John's recently informed me that she watched John choke Powder off with his bare hands until he passed out. I have also suspected that John has encouraged Powder to be human aggressive and my suspisions were confirmed one day, when I heard my sister-in-law say "GOOD BOY POWDER" as he was barking and growling at a man who just passed by their vehicle. It was only recently that I was finally able to reposses Powder and what I have noticed is that he is very protective of himself, he lunges and tries to bite anyone that comes at him. With me he acts like the puppy that I knew (which isn't entirely a good thing as he does act like like a 2-3mos old puppy behavioral wise as well) and is content and happy with me. But as soon as I take him into a position where there are other people he will try to bite anyone that approaches us, especially men. Powder loves my father and my brother Jeremy but does not trust them he will try to bite them if they move too quick of if they pick up anything he perceives as being a weapon. Also he shows no indication of aggression prior to trying to bite, he will walk up to someone wagging his tail and then suddenly curl up his lips and snap at them. Fortunately thus far he has not gotten a hold of anyone. I don't know if there is any hope for Powder as he has lived a very traumatic life but he is only 15mos old. He is very intelligent and does know some commands such as come, sit, down, give paw, and drop it. I wish everyone could see the Powder that I get to see. The dog has been through hell and I feel that I should try to give him a chance at a happy non-traumatic life. However, if he is too far gone I am prepared to have him put to sleep, I just want to give him a chance first. If all else fails he was at least have had a couple of happy weeks here, free of beatings and neglect. Currently I keep him crated in the basement bedroom at my office (which is also where the computer is) as he cannot be in the house as he cannot be trusted with my house dogs or with the entire family and company that comes over and I cannot keep him in the kennel because he is the first dog anyone who comes here will want to run to because of his coloring plus my other dogs bark and are rowdy and I want to keep him in as calm of an environment as possible because he is difficult to deal with when he is all hyped up, well more difficult. Plus this way I am the only one working with him and trying to train him, not 3 different people with 3 different training methods. I have been walking him regulary to help with the hyper activity and exposing him to situations that make him feel threatened and want to attack, such as my father swinging and axe to chop wood. I am looking into purchasing a basket muzzle so he can safely be around people and hopefully be able to associate people positively and not negatively.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Another Perfect Dog Day

The rain did not appear today.   My memory can hardly recall the last sunny day.   Guess the complaining can't start until it's officially summer and not spring.



Roxie has recently gotten a new companion named Bongo, a cute little Basset Hound.   This was his first day at Camp Mannerly Mutt.   He did come with a request to get a bit of leash training on him, and hopes that his peeing in the house might stop.   I don't think his owners will have much to worry about, he is a delightful fellow.



The day grew hot quickly.   As the sun beat down on our damp earth, the dogs took up shady residence on the porch or under the minature Japanese maple in the front yard.   Bowls of ice laden water were laid out.  There was playing but it was quick and short during the day.



The pups were lazy.   Even so, did manage to get in training time with Bongo and my two red boys.   Days don't get much better than this one.

Friday, June 9, 2006

On Client Selection

Many trainers want to select their clients carefully.   The clients should want to feel as if they are an elite group.  I have steered away from this method, especially being in my second year of dog training.  I want to be as open to as many people with dog problems as possible.  Not only from a business perspective, but from a helping the dog perspective.



This becomes problematic though when you get a potential client who may not be up to doing the work.   It's really not as simple as take the money and run.  First of all, although I have never been asked to do it, I do offer a full refund of money if someone is not happy with the service.  There are controls put in place with that (ie you must attend lessons, you must do the homework, you must state that you are unhappy at the first indication that you are unhappy)   I have been lucky in that everyone has been honest and happy with the service......so far as I know.



As a trainer, the training relationship is very special with a dog.  Especially if you are training a dog that comes in as a Board & Train situation with issues.   You get very attached to that dog.  So if a client isn't going to keep up the training, and ends up euthanizing the dog or giving the dog back to the shelter because they don't continue the work (not because it's the right thing to do); it can be fairly heartbreaking to the trainer.  Quite frankly, that situation isn't worth any amount of money.



Any way, just some thoughts after speaking to potential and closed clients this week.   The one client it seems I ran off, was not interested in training, just an evaluation.   Those are always the sadest cases, and I really wish people would take the time to train their dog.  It's irresponsible not to give that to your dog, just as you would food, water, shelter, exercise, and discipline.

Tuesday, June 6, 2006

What a Day!

it's six thirty, and I am exhausted today.   The day started out with the feeding of the four dogs in my house, pooper scooping, then picking Roxy up.   



Poor Franky pup couldn't hold the second installment of poop in as I was picking up Franky, and had her second poop of the morning in her crate.  When I let Franky out of the crate, and down the stairs, she managed to pee on the stairs on the way down LOL.  It was like a sitting pee.



Jack came in, and promptly spit up a couple of mouthfuls of grass that he must have been munching when I let him out to do his business.   It became clear at this point, it would be a cleaning day.  I started the dog linens, and also started up the SpotBot.  The Spot Bot is an amazing little machine that makes these sort of things so much easier for me.



Course I had decided to exercise today as a daily regime, and Roxy was not really a help as she wanted to put her head under my exercise machine as she was in a down.   



Then I attempted to get laundry done as five dogs were vying for my attention.  I turned part of that into a training session for Jack and Leon, who were less than thrilled about it.   I followed that up with the door bell ringing, which Leon flunked at miserably, and learned instead how to crawl accross the kitchen floor to me, out of sight in the hall.   Will need to work with him on that a little more.   Comforting to know your dog does not want you out of his sight in case there is trouble, not so good for obedience and showing off what your dog can do.   Clearly that is next on the agenda.  I also don't like Leon to come charging down the stairs when I have clients arriving.   I want him to hang back, and wait for me to allow him to go forward.  It's ironic as I used to have the opposite problem with Leon, trying to get him to greet complete strangers immediately.   Now I have to find a way to balance out both things, wait back, then greet with friendliness.



I was exhausted by the time Franky's owners showed up LOL.   I am gonna miss my Franky snuggles tonight, but I am looking forward to not having to keep an eye out for puppy accidents.   I remember when I had Leon in puppy state, thinking I should really make a journal so I don't forget all the work that goes into puppies.   When you watch these guys, or train these guys and they are not your puppy, not that much work.   Having your own puppy, is well worth it in the end, but enormous up front work.  Course the benefit is that you don't have someone else's misdeeds to fix.   Plus, in Leon, I couldn't ask for a better companion and business partner.   



In my exhausted delirious state, I've gotten off track.  So we ended the lesson, which consisted of many reps of down, because Franky is really testing her owners on this <G>, as any smart puppy would know how to do.   One of those lessons that highlights the hard work and patience needed to produce the bare beginnings of the results that you want.  We all go to hang outside and socialize the puppies, when Jack starts rolling in.......something.  Then Jazz, then Roxie, then Leon, and finally Brie.  I am too tired to spring into action, and hoping against hope that they just like the smell of the grass.  No such luck, there is something dead and disintegrated over there.   Most likely a frog.   



After the client left, I allowed the puppies all to play with Brie, but then were the baths.  Oh what fun to hose down four reluctant (at best) dogs.   



Meanwhile, I had been trying to get the house in some kind of shape, and do the laundry.  Now it's really time for a nap, I just hope I don't zonk out for the rest of the night.

Friday, June 2, 2006

Dog Friendly, Defining

There is a war raging outside of the eyes and ears of your average dog owner.   The war is over the right to define the words dog and friendly together, to meet the political ideals and needs of some dog organizations.   Why would something so simple and seemingly innocent be creating such a stir?


Before that question is answer, let me explain what my own personal definition of dog-friendly is.     To be dog-friendly is to offer your companion dog what they need in terms of food, shelter, exercise, training, and affection.   The key words here are "what they need". 


Each dog is an individual.  As a dog trainer, there are no two dogs that have received the exact same training by myself.  The differences may be subtle in some instances, and very obvious in others.   Furthermore, personally witnessing improved relations in dogs who were problems to families, I don't go by the theory that only the most sedate and friendly of dogs should be pets.   Indeed, in order to have a certain drive and high intelligence, a dog might not be for most average families, but may be for families that wish to do some very specialized activities with their canine companions.     My family for instance is one such family.   Finally, in that some negative behaviors in dogs come about from the lack of training and care by their human owners, it is our responsibility to make that right insofar as it is safe and possible to. 


The above paragraph and experiences in socializing dogs at shelters with no training programs, and training dogs in shelters that offer such programs have helped me develop for myself the idea of dog-friendly.   Certain professional organizations are folding to the pressure of what is called "purely positive" training.   This is a whole different can of worms that I can't get into in detail at this point.  However, this political movement in the dog training world is the belief that EVERY dog can be trained without leash corrections, collar corrections, verbal corrections, body corrections, or any kind of negative or stressful stimulus no matter how slight it may be. 


Many results based dog trainers use different tools in their trade.  These tools vary from trainer to trainer based on their interests and specializations.  There are tools such as the prong collar, metal training collar, nylon slip collar, and electronic collars that are used properly and humanely.   These tools can not only quickly help an owner obedience train their dog quickly and effectively, they can also provide such things as increased freedoms and safety for the dog due to the speed and effectiveness of their obedience training.   This is the friendliest thing that I can do for both the dog and the dog's family.


This is the reason that I am highly offended by the hijacking of this term by parties with only their own interests in mind.

Thursday, June 1, 2006

Marketing

I am a horrible procrastinator.  Here it is June, and my marketing plan should be finished, and I haven't even started.



First of all, for next year, I need to be in the Yellow Pages.  In Worcester MA area, just about everyone surfs the internet, and so my services were found quite easily.  Not one lead came from the Yellow Pages.



Now in York ME, many people do not use the computer, and almost everyone looks in the yellow pages.  Yikes.   So big mistake on my part, although I am already doing more business than Worcester, just imagine how much business I am not getting.



Also need to develop the group classes.  I haven't done that yet.  And although I like the privates especially for first time dog owners, in addition to making more money through them, group classes provide the proofing environment for the students.



Articles, I need to get on the ball.  I was keeping up my articles until Yikes 2/3/2006, and I cheated on my last one by using a link I already had.  That's horrible.  I really need to step that up a bit.



My flyers need to be posted in the pet shops, groomers (or business cards), vet offices, shelters, and kennels around here (that aren't doing training as well).



Need to be cognizant of business cards being in every available thing that I might wear outside.



Being at the beach in the AM, and making sure my truck is seen around town.

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Building A Business



This is the Mannerly Mutts Business Blog. Our business site is http://www.mannerlymutts.com/ or http://www.training4mannerlymutts.com/.



I have individual blogs set up for clients that are in addition to this, and some previous stuff that I will download sometime in the future, once I weed out the necessary from the non-necessary stuff.



Building a business, even one with as little overhead as dog training, can be quite a complex thing. That is one of the things that I will be discussing here as I progress, in addition to dog related issues that do not belong on individual client blogs.



Also this will be a place where I compose and edit my articles to be submitted to other sites, and maybe in print magazines in the future.



Robin Robin, Owner & Trainer

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Gorgeous Day

I forgot to bring my camera.........of course. Leon had to be left behind during the beach and play portion of our walk. He was plenty perturbed when I left with Moose and Jack. He did have his dad and Jazz to keep him company though. We did the loose leash walking all the way to the beach. It's a cool but sunny spring day, and you can feel a briskness in the air combined with the warmth of the sun. Birds are chirping from the shadowy pines looming overhead. And just as you are thinking, does life get any better than this, you see the beach approaching down the road. We had plenty of playmates on the beach today. There was Lilly, who hasn't warmed up to Jack yet, as he is a bit too familiar for her. Jackson was there, interesting tri-color hair pattern, a collie who has lupus but still likes to have a bit of fun with his ball. Blaze and Sophia, both very sweet dogs. Blaze is very much like his name and likes to race around after his ball and other dogs. Elvis, one of my favorites, a incredibly sweet golden retreiver who barks for attention and nudges me when I am neglecting him. He also allows the other dogs to roll on him or step on him. He is a very maternal male dog. An akita mix was there, and I still haven't learned her name, but she is a lot of fun. Showing her teeth at other dogs makes them hit the ground fast LOL. Wish I could learn that technique myself, because for her it works each and every time Ed, the wild boy German shepard, chasing his balls that his owner throws to him repeatedly. . Two beautiful golden retrievers hung out by the stone wall, and I let Jack and Moose periodically go up and play with them, then I would call them back. Poor Moose is beginning to confuse many a pony tailed girl for me though. I usually have to make it fairly obvious where I am or her starts following other people thinking it's me LOL. Such a Great Dane puppy. Jack found a seaweed ball down there, and I realized he was going to try and swallow the thing whole, so we got to do the out command, which I need a level three on the old tri-tronics sport 50 model. Then he was much more obliging in the future. He's very fast. Faster than Brie the stafforshire that lives at our tenants house. Faster than Ed, the German Shepard, running after his own balls. I think we may have actually tired Jack out today. That's the beginning of many a dog training day here. Horrid, I know. With the e-collars, this really helps the dogs understand the freedom that's allowed them. Not having to be tied to a long line when playing with other dogs is so huge. And realizing that as long as they obey the command, there are no dire consequences, and there really aren't if they just don't come on the first time either.

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Affects of Training in a Multi Dog Household

Now that my house is infested with dogs of my clients, and my own dogs. It has become clear to me what other trainers have reported as the affects of having dogs, especially dogs who get along really well, and the affects on training with their humans (in my case both owner human and surugate owner ie trainer human). My dog, Leon, for instance, while he still seeks me out, he seeks me out less during the day. It erodes our bond a bit. It also strangely helps in training. It has helped him in the training process to be still while I am training client dogs and to not get involved in the action unless asked. Course he's less likely now to be as obnoxious as he can be when asked and I really want a distraction. It makes him more interested in the other dogs, and less interested in me. It's hard to explain this concept to owners, and why a certain amount of alone time needs to be given to each dog in their household when they are multiple ones. I, myself, had thought trainers might be overemphasizing this point myself, but I see it in action in my household now. You want to be your dog's pack and pack leader. To maintain that, you need to have interactions with your dogs exclusively sometimes. However, if you are a trainer like me, there are advantages to it, like practicing with your dog to be quiet and in a place during the lesson. That being said, me and my neglected husband are going to be sure to have some "alone time" with our dogs this evening. Training or not, just to reaffirm the bond that we have which is very special to us.

Training Logs

When you are training a client's dog or a competition dog, I find training logs great. I hate the class books though, because there is no possible way to document the results of repetitions and adding in duration, distance, and distraction. Way too little room. Blogs have no way of allowing you to run a comparison. I actually do my comparison in spreadsheet for, by date, and by distraction level. I have columns on particular days as to whether still treating, still giving corrections, and length of time command was performed. This way you can see documented progress on your dog. It also really helps with the next day lesson plan, and if you are doing private coaching or board & train, individualizes the lessons to the dogs needs and pace. Shame on me, just starting to do this on my dog today. I like to wing it a little too much on my dog, and there really is no room in that for the competitions we are doing. Also going to set Jack up on one.

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Blog Fish

Blog Fish Dog Training 3/26/2006


http://community.livejournal.com/shihtzuluv/128696.html (one person’s experience with PetSmart dog training)


http://sheherazahde.livejournal.com/263215.html (a description of typical dog owner client’s non-compliance with instructions) http://puppy-king.blogspot.com/2006/03/training-shy-or-fearful-puppy-or-dog.html (good points on shy fearful dogs and training goals and common problems resulting from not building confidence)


http://dogfightatbankstown.blogspot.com/2006/03/dog-fights.html (tips on coping with and preventing a dog fight) http://perilousknits.livejournal.com/15495.html (a person and a dog on a day out---what having a dog is all about)


http://www.aboutdogs.info/2006/01/5-benefits-of-crate-training-your.html (advantages to crate training your puppy) http://www.dog-breeds-guide.net/51/keeping-your-dog-focused-while-dog-training/ (on dog anticipation and focus during obedience training)

Friday, March 17, 2006

Blog Fish

http://mcgibfried.blogspot.com/2006/03/dog-training.html (Adventures of an owner and her besenji)



http://matt.carter.name/blog/2006/03/why.html (Police Dog Handler Poem)



http://www.petlvr.com/blog/2005/09/dog-training-how-to-house-break-your-dog/ (Tips on Housebreaking)



http://www.fideliodogs.com/dogblog/?p=38 (On Clients and A Common Problem with Client Dog Training)



http://blogs.sun.com/roller/page/lskrocki?entry=dog_training_woes (cute story on child training dog) http://blog.dogdoright.com/?p=20 (Seniors and Preferring to Relate to Visiting Dogs One on One)



http://animalsuffering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=18580 (Police Dog Dies Chasing Man) http://judysworld.net/blog/index.php/2006/02/10/on-being-a-benevolent-leader/ (One Take on Benevolent Leader-Unfortunately PP Take---but still good philosphy)



http://www.petville.com/pet_community/2006/03/the_iditarod.html (Iditarod Article)



http://spadafori.typepad.com/woof/2006/03/bad_dog_does_go.html (Review of a Book on a "Bad" Dog Named Marley)



http://www.dog-college.com/2006/03/five-ways-to-tell-that-you-re-not.html (Five Ways to Tell You Are Not Ready to Own a Dog)

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Proposed York Beach Maine Dog Ban

I recently moved from Worcester MA to York Maine, unwittingly unaware of a huge issue that has come about here. First of all, York Maine is a community that does not have a leash law per say (outside public parks and beaches), but does require dogs to be under voice command. So that means an owner is required to be somewhere nearby, and their dogs under control. I happen to live on four acres, near 30 acres of woods that while owned by individuals, is pretty much used as public ways. Especially the stretch down the power lines that goes on for miles near picturesque streams. I happen to live on a dead end. So my dogs get tons more freedom and fun, beyond being on the beach too, than they used to. Dirt roads are all around us, so most of the time there are no cars there, and I walk my dogs unleashed around the neighborhood. Course one of the reasons we moved here, is proximity to the beach, and the excellent dog community that meets at the beach. Also, I happened to know that there are no other balanced trainers in the area. Long Sands Beach, where I walk and one of three public beaches and more than a few public parks, where people enjoy taking their dogs, is two miles long at low tide, and probably a quarter of a mile in. During the winter, people and their off leash dogs (same voice command rule applies but apparently hasn't been enforced) are allowed 24/7 on the beaches. During the summer the rule has been, off leash dogs are allowed on the beaches from 6PM to 8AM (the summer being defined as from May 1 to October 1). Unknown to me before I moved here, the selectmen having been trying to get the dogs banned during the summer, and thought to be banned from all beaches eventually.It is thought that the grass roots organization, which I have been sure to support, ARF, has convinced the selectmen that a ban is not going to be passed at all, and the newest revision gives off lead time at one beach from sunrise to 8AM only. Then at 6PM, on lead dogs would be allowed. The position of ARF is not to give up any rights. Dog waste has been an issue. I should say that someone dug up last years figures during the summer, and out of 700 incidents reported only 40 citations were handed out. While I would bet not all the 700 incidents were tourists, I would bet the majority are tourists, and the animal control officers certaintly did not do their jobs by letting 640 go. 640*250 (citiation new amount) would be 160,000; certaintly insuring some money for the monitoring of a couple hours in the morning of compliance with the statutes. In addition to this, there have been incidents of (from what I can gather) mostly friendly but untrained dogs running up to people, who do not want to see their dogs, and knocking them over or just scaring them. This is understandable too. And even with the dog group I hang out with, great wonderful dogs, but under voice control? I don't think so. Dogs have run up to mine, with the owner saying twenty "come Fifi" in a row. So that's a problem. On the other hand, the two incidents that were talked about in the meeting were a wife attacked by a dog on lead, not at the beach, and a man claiming that if a spec of dog hair gets near him, he needs to go and shower off. In addition, he made front page news, claiming a dog had jumped on him from behind. Then publically in the meeting said, I don't know whether the dog licked me or what, but I was startled and could have fallen. Course this same guy is "unable" to walk the beaches at any other time other than 6am to 8am. And wouldn't be satisfied with perfectly trained dogs, he wants no dogs ever, and I am sure once they are banned from the beach, he will want them banned from the streets. This being said though, there is definate room for improvement. These are also good people here, who are trying to get a handle on how to turn this around, and what voice control means. If any of you live in my area, and would like to be involved in this, please contact http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2h7gi/arfofyorkmaine/ Even if you are a tourist that comes, it's important to know that the selectmen are not considering that this is a vacation destination for dog owners. It used to be my vacation destination, and now I live here. Who knew that small towns have way more time on their hand for these issues than big cities LOL!!! Never had these kind of brew hahas in Worcester MA. I have been steering them towards training info, and tool info. Course my dogs make an impression, and I am seeing an increase in business sooner than I was expecting (I was expecting May and have had several training inquiries these first weeks in March). I think any seminars that could be extended to ARF may be invaluable to them. Just some food for thought. Awhile ago, I know there was a discussion on dog park models (rules for allowing or testing for off leash reliability). If anyone wanted to send them or me that info, that would be great as well.

On Retail Training Experiences

George, In going to these stores, I have noticed that the sales associates are quite young, paid low, and probably overzealous. I am sure that the manager of these stores would not like to hear that products they are carrying are being maligned by their sales associates, or customers are being driven away and uncomfortable about going there now. The young kids there are probably working on a directive from their manager in the wrong direction either not knowing that they carry these additional products, or not understanding that a retail environment is a business environment, and if they are driving customers away from products they are carrying, they certaintly are not doing the job that was intended. Remember the sales associates are not trainers by any means, and because they are kids with limited experiences, they are likely to get it wrong much of the time. Because of the pressure that is on everyone to "perform"="$$$$$$", much like a Walmart, misinterpretations are bound to occur. If your client feels comfortable, or maybe even yourself, I would write a nicely worded letter to that store manager, just letting them know what happened. You or he/she will probably get all sorts of coupons at the least. Maybe ask them if they would like a demonstration of some of the uses of the other equipment they carry, and (for a fee of course) offer to at least explain these to the sales associates. And of course, offer your card up as THE trainer that can help their clients with these pieces of equipment. I bet many of them come back unreturned, because the PetSmart customer has no idea where to go or how to use the equiment.

Vacationing With Dogs

The only vacations our dogs don't go on are to Disney World which happens about once every three years or so. There is just no appropriate place, and they have never flown so I don't want to put them through the stress of that. Our other vacations are mainly skiing and to the beach, where it's ideal to bring the dogs. We usually tire them out thoroughly with early morning romps (now that they are seniors not too hard to do), and them for most of the afternoon while they are dozing, we go skiing or boogie boarding/sunbathing, and then late afternoon/early evening there is another dog walk, then they go with us in the car to dinner. If we go to town shopping, we sometimes bring them along as they do very well in city and shopping area situations. We once brought them on a RV vacation from hell thinking this would be ideal for our dogs. The only ones that hated it more than us, were our dogs LOL. So next cross country trip will just be in the Exterra staying at dog friendly hotels along the way. Much easier to manage getting around et, for those of you who are not used to driving an RV, it's pretty challenging to just turn around if you find you went the wrong way et et. And the stability factor for the dogs back there----not so good. Crates probably would have been a good idea, but they would most likely have been bouncing around in those. And the RV parks are not very spacious like the camping that I used to do with my parents where you might not be able to see the next tent. People right on top of you, and you are in the end paying more than you would for a nice private hotel room. I love vacations with my dogs. They are the best.

Apprenticeship in Dog Training

Apprenticeships, I have learned, can come with the understanding that someone owns you. Something that was not made clear up front, and something that I started distancing myself from in August 2004, apparently to the dismay of others there, who seem to have missed me and the "volume" I put out, and for reasons that I can not begin to understand seem threatened by instead of happy for. So here is the backlash towards me because I dared once to ask about matches, not from my mentor/owner, but from the group. Not that ny answers ever did come from mentor/owner. Also because I mentioned a method of getting a dog off you in a crisis that was misunderstood as being a training method. This was all well before the incident "a couple weeks ago" (read last week). The reason this was known, was because this list was scanned the whole time for those references, which I stopped making about that organization and individual per their request. So, beware, of situations you put yourself in, especially in this volatile field. If you pay for the apprenticeship in thousands of dollars, the rules most likely are the same. Be careful out there. That being said, I did get a lot out of my experience, but you may have to live with the fact, that if you are any good and are going out on your own, there may be jealousy that makes it impossible for you to continue the relationship with that mentor. Even if you aren't as good as them, they can hold it against you. Doesn't make any sense, but it's a smaller world in the dog world than it is in the corporate world. And I am not saying there's not crazy competition there!!! And backstabbing.