Goodbye Sweet Jazzabelle

Last night Jazz barked and barked while I tried to sleep. This was not unexpected, as old girl Miss Boo (her nickname) had slept most of the day away. She was days away from her sixteenth birthday this morning. It's hard for her to tell when it's daytime as her sleep schedule gets changed around like that, not being able to hear or see, so as I groggily said "For the love of Dog, Jazz, be quiet", I had no idea these were our last few minutes together at 7:00 AM. "Just ten more minutes, Jazz" I thought as I rolled over and cuddled her close. Jazz quieted down, and I woke at about 8AM.

The boys needed to go out, so I rushed them out, and went back upstairs per usual to get Jazz. Jazz had already gone to the fetch Frisbees with her brother Neptune. She had died as I slept with her in my arms. She ended up passing over the way I always wanted for her and all my pets, except that I wished I hadn't been telling her to be quiet all night. On the other hand, it was as painless death as it could have been for the both of us. Jazz had been my constant companion for the last thirteen years.

I got her from a breeder when she was three, and I was looking at her puppies. She was never registered, and I sure wish I knew what her lines were now. She was the epitomy of good manners, health, athletic, and fun. She also lived five years beyond the average age that a Doberman will live. A couple of years ago, she was still racing around our yard, and giving younger dogs hell. These last few years have been difficult on Jazz, as she needed to be carried downstairs to go to the bathroom and occasionally held up to do it. Jazz was not one to accept help, and she frequently fought us every step of the way. In fact, she had become so accommodating lately, that I thought the end could not be that far away.

Run free my stubborn, funny girl. There is a place in my heart that will remain empty and sad from now on.

His Name is Reo

Nope this is not a new puppy that I have adopted LOL. This our newest client at a little over five months old. His name is Reo!! His brave owner is starting training during our Maine winters!!

JACK DAY 6

(Body language. That's Jackie's pissed off but I am not about to do anything look. Leon looks the other way in submission. The empty food bowl and the toy that you can not see are both triggers for Jack.)

What does day 6 mean, it's been six days since Jack put his teeth on Leon! It's important to note, physical examination by a vet is important when your dog starts to act out unexpectedly. Jack is actually just bringing his jerkiness to fruition, but he has been checked for those things (such as thyroid) that can cause behavior to escalate into aggression. Jack is a remarkably healthy dog, but has always been behaviorally challenged.

So as I mentioned, Jack has had a few steps back in his obedience lately. Truth be told, I had so many other things to deal with on Jack, I never fully addressed his resource guarding with dogs that he knows, mainly my Leon. He guards Leon from his dog friends, certain food, certain toys, and if he could get away with it.....me. So now we have come to a zero tolerance policy and started to keep toys ET out that would set Jack off before. The training for open has begun to set off these triggers in Jack. If I stopped Open training, this would not mean that triggers disappear. I may not be able to change this completely for Jack, but I am betting I can greatly improve it for the whole family unit.

Why do this? Why not manage it by simply keeping these things away? It really depends on the dog and what they do. Jack is a bit unusual in that he really digs his heels in about these things. Changing a behavior with him is slow and challenging. The thing that made me think this was very necessary is the day he went after Leon when Leon picked a piece of scrap paper off the floor. I had begun to see Leon's personality get flatter and flatter. Jack was totally trying to break rules that were not to be broken, and this began affecting all of us. So it became time to take on this particular quirk in the personality.

We have eliminated his need to guard and eat socks and/or seaweed for about a year now. His house training peeing, submissive and excited peeing is under control. His marking has re-emerged as he has been restricted more. This is classic Jackie. He has stopped trying to charge or posture at strange dogs on and off leash UNLESS they are running directly at us. He is able to be brought onto the beach in a perfect heel around people, where he used to circle, buck, and twirl to get away. We also managed to get Jackie his Companion Dog title.

Now if I absolutely had to keep Leon and Jack separate during the day, I would. I am not about to fail Jackie. However, if I ask myself if I have gone far enough in Jack's training, I would say no. I know there is room for improvement in Jack's training especially as we strive towards Open and Utility titles. Beyond that though, Jack happens to get lonely if he is kept separate during the day. I think we can improve this relationship again, and at the point I see progress halt, I will give up the ghost.

The problem with Jack is the very inappropriate OVER reaction that can lead to injuries and to fights. He is unable to wield the power of intimidation well without being a bully. The trick is going to be to be able to stop him at the tripping point, or/and prevent the tripping point from happening in the first place.

Jackie is the first dog where it has been absolutely necessary to institute the rules of subordination within the household:

• Allowed on designated dog beds only, no furniture.


• He is the last dog to be fed.


• He is the last dog to be allowed outside or back inside.


• Zero tolerance for any reacting on leash. Jack is that special sort of dog where you hear people saying "he is so better off leash than on". The problem with that statement being, that you probably have a real problem on your hands if your dog will not obey you on leash.


• He sleeps in a crates outside of the bedrooms.


• NILIF (nothing in life is free) is instituted.


• Must have an hour a day of free time with owners to play and exercise.


• Training every single day for both his Open training, and for resource guarding issues.


• Training for some portion of the day with Leon to firm up their relationship again.


• Possible half hour of free time (but not unleashed or muzzled time) with Leon having fun.


• Jack needs to be given rest time of a couple of hours a day away from everyone.


• No longer putting disputed items away when Jack is out.


• Jack is not to bark or dash at door when owners come home.


• Jack is to be brought back into down command if he barks when guests, clients arrive.
  

****Not that he is aggressive in situations with people, but he is incredibly nosy and totally thinks it's his job to greet. The problem is this all comes to self control and reliability when in a command. It also speaks to training him beyond what he is able to handle real life situations better. So now it's my goal that we don't need to scan the house for the food piece or special toy that will put Jackie out of Whackie. It also promotes self control in the ring if he thinks that piece of straw is suddenly his, and another dog goes for it when in a group down stay.

Then there is a training plan that goes with the above. Jack has a half hour of heeling or longe line work a day (this week). He also has his reps of retrieving to do. Separate from the dumbbell, I have also been training him to fetch and give food in the hopes that this sort of thing becomes less novel for him. I am doing various yielding work exercises with him as well.

The muzzle and training collar attached to lead are being alternated. As his body language becomes less tense under restraint, AND he acts stops acting out with these on, then the freedom increases again. It's no joy to do this. It takes a bit of self control on the handler's part, especially when they love their dogs dearly. I miss Jack in the bedroom, but I know this feeling of "over entitlement" is in fact contributing to the acting out on Jack's part. If he was a dog that would bark at the other, and then when that dog retreated the incident was over, that would be one thing. Once the blast off point is reached though, there is nothing the other dog can do to appease Jack. Therefore, it's a matter of quality of life for our other dog as well. Jack totally tries to direct Leon's every move, and watch out if he makes the wrong one. That is unacceptable to me. The fact that it has suddenly blown out of control so easily is a sign that more training needs to be done.

Obedience is a great tool in getting this done. My goal is always to change the behavior, if possible, without having the dog in a command every minute of the day. I will try to discuss this as I go along. Sometimes it means I break out of my routine and take advantage of a situation that I see.

First things first, to get Jack to act well under these situations under restraint. Then we can begin to think about removing the restraints again and back to off leash behavior. Some dogs are so miswired that this does not become possible. In the amount of improvement that we have seen in Jack, however, I do believe that it's just a matter of more work. There are those dogs that just require way more work than other dogs. As long as improvements continue under that work, you are on the right track. With that in mind, I have started using some different methods and techniques with Jack during the exercise which SEEM to be making a difference with the high value resources. I say SEEM, because all bets can still be off when the equipment comes off. Or a dog can figure out the way around it, but normally that means you have let them in some way.

The good thing about Jack is that he is predictable in this. The problem comes in if you don't see what he is going to guard (piece of paper comes to mind). The answer is not to have Leon stop playing with everything. The answer is also not to force Jack into an untenable position that he can't handle. He is a pretty readable dog as well. If he is about to make an aggressive display, he tail twitches very fast (different than a happy wag). His pupils normally dilate as well. He will get flat while walking with his head low to the ground. Leon's demeanor will change to extreme fright and watchfulness. Under restraint, I want Jack's demeanor to start to form into the dog I know he has been and can be even under duress of being around food products and toys that he wants no one else to have.

Then we will see what we can do next.

Literal Pissing Contest

We are having an unplanned and unwanted pissing contest at the Mannerly Mutts home. Our dog, Leon, who is normally perfect and unproblematic has felt the change in the winds lately as a bit of a reorganizing of Jack's privileges has been instituted.

Having multiple dogs can sometimes be a big pain in the arse. It all stems from my problem child, Jack, our Doberman rescue. When he came to us, he had a multitude of issues. One charming thing that he did was every kind of peeing behavior one could think of. He had house training issues, marking issues, submissive peeing issues, and excited peeing issues. Yippeee yahooo. Who would not want to have to deal with that, right? On top of that Jack had three blockage operations before coming here due to his indiscriminate swallowing, and he has just a bit of dog aggression. For the months of July 08, Aug 08, and Sept 08 everything was in sync for once and peaceful. Then one day, Logan, a daycare Rottie, and Jack collided in the woods in a frenzy of racing and playing dogs. Only Jack didn't take to kindly to this, and they were off. Jack came out with some small punctures on his neck, and Logan had a good sized bite on his leg. Not good.

Since then, Leon, our other Dobe boy, has become Jack's favorite punching bag. After three weeks of three separate attempts by Jack to attack Leon over other dogs or toys, ending in a puncture would below Leon's ear, we decided that a whole host of privileges needed to be taken away and a whole lot of freedom. Jack's training has also begun to encompass more than just his open training that was going on. I think some of the retrieve work is making Jack just a bit resource guarding about stuff as well.

So I have been doing a lot of the retrieve training exercises with food, hoping to kill two birds with one stone. These items are so irresistible to Jack, that I am hoping his guarding will become less around Leon, as Leon really does nothing to deserve this. This is why Jack's freedom has been limited quite a bit to allow Leon to feel safe and confident in his own home again.

So after that overly long explanation of the changes in the household, it has become apparent that Leon is trying to say something. It has not been surprising that Jack began marking especially when my husband forgets to heel him on leash to the door in the morning. What is surprising is that Leon has joined in the party starting with peeing on my client the other day!! Awesome, such a proud moment. Then this has continued to marking the box that holds the dog equipment, to the side of the stairs in the family room, to the.....

So now I have one dog in lock down mode, as we call it with Jack, and another that needs to be re taught the proper place to mark or pee EVER. The good thing is that Leon has a tell when he has done it. He does this thing that we call the "dukey dance". Normally he does this outside after he goes number two, but we have found these things after some dukey dances inside our house.

NOT good times right now.

Christmas Morning

We have lost an unfortunate amount of family members and pets around the November through December time. This has caused a less traditional celebration of Christmas than that which I was accustomed to in the past. Halloween has taken over my decorating, fun, and eating time of the year. Christmas has become slightly more of a chore to decorate than anything else. So I use that day to spend time with my canine and human family that are still here with me, and that I love.

I normally have boarders in the form of dogs that I have worked with in the past and know. My clients dogs doing well ARE the best Christmas present ever. Right now we have two labs, Josh and Jack, who live in the same house and Brujo my friend's Giant Schnauzer. Their antics make me smile, and how happy they are to see me in the morning, and I am not even their family.

The very best Christmas present this year is Jazz, who is approaching her sixteenth birthday this January 2009. She is blind, deaf, and has wobblers so has trouble navigating her legs. However, every day she has her things to do. One search for new intruders in her house that must be put in thier place. Find those intruders beds and make sure they are inhabited by herself most of the day. Bark at all those that dare to knock into her during her travels. Snuggle with her best bud, Jack, and lick his ears. Use Leon as her pillow whenever he is close. Bark at Leon if he objects to being used as a pillow. Walk, as much as she can, of the parimeter of the property. Sleep, nap, and accept treats as they come. Eat everything in her plate each and every time. Snuggle up with me and accept kisses. Always on the list is find me whenever I seem to be missing LOL.

Want to be happy with your canine companion for the next thirteen years? Call Mannerly Mutt's Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at 207-361-4395 for your Maine Dog Training needs. You can also e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com.

Merry Christmas

Here is a very cute video that has been going around the Internet showing off some skills of retrieval and more!!



Here is Margot Woods with her dog Sanity retrieving with oversize and awkward items. My husband looked very bored as I exclaimed over this video LOL. So many people don't understand the steps and work to get to the above, and the very real work that a dog can do!

http://sanityshome.blogspot.com/2008/12/is-there-hole-in-bucket.html

Sanity is Margot's service dog, and a great little worker as you can see.

Need your dogs trained? Call Mannerly Mutts at 207-361-4395 or e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com and ask for Robin Rubin, Maine Dog Trainer, for your Maine Dog Training needs.

Glorious Snow

Leon and Jack (aka Splash the Lab)

Gigi sprints out of the woods.

Preston the Cocker Spaniel, Gigi the American Pitbull Terrier, Leon our own Red Dobe Boy, Josh is one Black Lab, and Pluto is the other Black Lab

Josh, Gigi, Preston, and Splash (aka Jack)

Gigi sprints past Hannah as Josh looks on.

Watch the Toes, Leon!!

Leon is a super sweet Doberman boy who turned four this last October. His knees have kept us from competing, but this boy loves to train and work. I have been focusing so much on his compatriot, Jack, that I have neglected his work.

Leon was utterly joyful as we started his "auto stand". I want Leon to do an "auto stand" instead of a sit to put less stress on his knees. I have noted lately that Leon has been doing a lot of sits himself lately without much difficulty and without me giving the command.

So once I got Leon into heeling and doing the auto stand (I still say the command now, so it's not so much auto) I told him "stay" and went and placed the dumbbell. Now I have been using a weight training dumbbell as money is a bit tight, and I didn't want to buy new articles. In teaching Jack the working retrieve, I am still presenting it to his mouth, and so it never hits the floor. So the danger to my toes was not realized until I had Leon go get and then give LOL.

Leon is an incredibly smart dog, or I think so at least. Had he been able to be a competition dog, life would have been much easier. Of course I have learned so much from bringing my problem dog, Jack, along for the ride so I can't complain. Jack is more a serious worker, while Leon is all about fun and pleasing. So this item was much heavier than the others Leon had picked up for his "clumsy owner". Previously we started with a toy, then different toys, then toys mixed in with things like the remote, and finally this two and a half pound dumbbell. So as usual when Leon can't figure out the best way to place it in the hand (he needs to roll this out of his mouth) he will fling it at me . Yes I was fairly dancing a jig to avoid the flying dumbbell.

Thankfully and fairly quickly, Leon figured out to roll it to my hand. The other wonderful thing about Leon is he would work for floor lint if you called it a cookie. I had some sample kibble that was his treat, but once he starts going and learning the exercise, he does it for the express joy of working and doing. Motivating me once again to be sure that Leon is included in the training schedule line up. Dogs actually get bored of "playing" all the time too. You need to mix it up with trick training and training of practical things. They love spending time with you and learning with you. Adventure and walks and mixing up what happens at home helps quite a bit.

Speaking of that, I have started reintroducing the freestyle commands to both Jack and Leon's training. Leon enjoys it much more, and perhaps we can still do freestyle or tracking in our future. I get frustrated with myself for not being a more accomplished trainer with my dogs. I feel like the next ones will benefit more, and I have had such stellar and wonderful dogs. I feel like my inexperience fails them in some way. That if they had another owner, they would be in multiple sports and working all the time. On the other hand, the only thing I can do about that is keep learning and plodding forward.

I am so jealous of those folks lucky enough to have been brought up in a dog training or breeding family!! They got so much knowledge early on, and were possibly born into their dream job. It makes me a bit sad that I have no one (a child of my own) to pass this lifestyle onto as infant as I still am in the industry. That being said, I do reach out to those truly interested to know because of this. Perhaps then they will have an earlier start in their dream dog, and then pay it forward later on with someone else.

I will try to get a little of this work on tape later today.

Many Dog Trainers are Actually Nice People

I sort of don't want my previous post to make everyone think that the dog training world is polluted with greedy egotistical narcissistic folk. Actually, I know quite a few dog trainers that have taken time out to spend time with me, show me things, and not always in a seminar setting. There are dog trainers that I have seen, where I am thinking "I am glad of it, but you are charging way too low for what you are giving" and then there have been a couple where I have felt the opposite of that.

Dog trainers, me included I guess, are characters of strong passion and opinions. Since we are not manufacturing widgets, most of us have very passionate feelings about the work we do, the world we live in, and laws being passed that affect our work. Many of us have allowed ourselves to get too close to rescue or client's dogs. Some of that can't be helped, because IMO part of doing your best job as a dog trainer is making that positive relationship between you and the dog. It's harder to do that if you can't find something to like and admire in almost every dog you work with .

I have gotten calls at home from dog trainers that I knew only online when York Maine had a serious flood, just to be sure I was okay! Most Christmas greetings for dog trainer acquaintances are looked forward to every year (except the one). In general these people make great companions during seminars, events, et. And these people are all different and very interesting....you know for the most part.

There are some that are the bottom feeders, however. Even if they might have some talent, they are not looking out for the clients or their dogs, but for the green mostly. A good trainer does not need to exclaim that they have trained "Hollywood biggies". Most people would know that politicians, hollywood biggies, and executives are still primarily humans who all have the need or want for a trained dog. Having one as a client does not necessarily make you a great trainer, though it might boast to your marketing skills and how you look on camera!!

It's also a very different thing if you a warning someone about a particular person or trainer for their own good. You give your feedback, and then you let the person go on to hold that until in their memory until another date. What was done by the person mentioned in the previous post was to list the people as all below her in ability, to bulk herself up higher than them. Someone who is truly confident in their abilities does not need to do this, and a professional does not need to or want to do this.

Nop's Trials Book Review

I am a person that reads books written by Dean Koontz. I always need some kind of hook and action to get me to read a book. An electricity outage and three years after buying Nop's Trials finally motivated me to read this book.

I was actually hoping for a book with little action about herding trials LOL. I was thinking it was about Donald McCaig himself, and the trials he had been to. It's actually an action packed, sometimes painful adventure of a dog named Nop. It's completely fictional, and well written.

Coming from the New England area my whole life, and only once traveling through Virginia, this book opened up and described a whole new world and lifestyle for me. If I had an inkling of the story beforehand, I wouldn't have gotten the book. However, having now read the book, I am interested to read more from Donald McCaig.

Nop's Trials is a fascinating work, and took my right out of my world (which was lacking in electricity at the time) and into another world of escape. That's what the best books do:)

Ode To Jordan

There are many dogs that have taught me not only the importance of
training but the actual skills of training. A few years ago, I met
a dog who was not one of my own, and he taught me many things. I
was especially fond of him, but my dog Neptune still was on this
earth, and while in control around dogs, was dog aggressive with
cardiomiopathy. I knew that Neptune had maybe a half year to a year
to live, and bringing in another dog would be unfair. Plus there is
a two dog limit in Worcester MA, not to mention that while my
neighbors loved my Dobermans, people in general are more likely
to "rat out" certain breeds.

So it killed me, but this dog did find a home. I was happy for
that, and even happier because I was in contact with people who had
previously cared for this dog. I had also let them know of my
interest should he EVER return, and especially if Neptune had passed
on. Neptune did pass on shortly, and this was shared with the
people that knew me and acknowledged. (I also in the meantime moved to Maine, where there are no limits on dogs that can be owned, though I never see myself having more than four of my own)

Life went on, a business was built up, and I saw people out and about
that knew this dog. Years have passed now, I haven't asked and
nobody told.

Little did I know, that not long after I said goodbye to this dog,
that hope of seeing him again shortly ended. Someone let me know
this recently, when they could have easily let me know that he was in
trouble. There was no point in telling me now. In fact, recently
that had several chances to share this, but they waited until a
special day. In fact, they continued forcing this subject on me
after specifically told not to, the next day while telling me how
this was not the right dog for ME anyway. Well, I am glad this
decision was made by someone who could not see what I could see, nor
has any idea about what training can and would have done. My dog was
complimented, without this person having any idea that he has been
just a big a bonehead as my deceased friend was. (actually Jack can be quite dog aggressive, and this person would never be able to handle him anymore than she was able to have Jordan do a simple sit in his kennel so he wouldn't pummel her against the wall).

I didn't get to say my final goodbyes before, and in fact wanted to
either be there for this dog or be under the illusion that he was out
and about enjoying his new family. Now, I need to acknowledge my
friend and teacher. Jordan my bud, I am sorry I failed you, and I
acknowledge that I failed you. Your face, your joy, your lessons
will continue to shape my training. You will be in my heart every
time I make a difference in the life of a dog. I am sorry that
others could not see your potential and love. I hope you went
peacefully, knowing something about someone loving you. It was me, I loved you. I am sorry that I left you in the hands of people that would allow jealousy and personal feelings be the cause of your death.

Always in my memory. Jordan the wonder dog. I hope the people that did not let me know what was going on, have a little visit with some karma some day. Live forever doing the following buddy:

Review Margot Woods Bedrock Training Method

Margot Woods bio on the Leerburg forum (Leerburg.com) says

"Margot Woods, creator of the Bedrock Training Method, has trainedmore than 100,000 dogs in the last 30 years. Active in the training and placement of assistance dogs, Margot was the founder of Fido's for Freedom and served on the Governor's Workgroup on Guide/Service Dogs for the State of Maryland. Considered one of America's leading experts on canine aggression, Margot also serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Canine Professionals,a group of trainers, veterinarians, kennel operators, dog walkers, retailers, and other professionals dedicated to the well being of dogs."

I dug up my thoughts on her Bedrock Basics seminar. This was a three day, 8 hour a day course in which all 17 paricipants and their dogs were in attendance. These were my thoughts after her seminar:When everyone else was gushing about her like a love sick puppy, I thought"jeez, these must all be Margot's friends". Not that I thought it was possiblethat Margot lacked skills, but too much good press always makes me suspiciousand pretty certain that I am going to be dissappointed.

That is why I was somewhat relieved when another didn't gush.The reality is though, it is that good. That comes from someone who didn't think I would get more than one or two tips to bring back. Those alone would have been worth the price to me. Instead, I came home with 67 pages of notes(okay, I don't write that small, but still) AND the darned handbook that Margot gave us. And now, I need to transcribe all this into new lesson plans and training program for my demo dog, Jack.And then there is the big secret, that Margot contrary to being the "dragonlady" is someone that cares so much about YOUR success, that she is not afraid to point out your errors, and have you do it over and over until you feel it right. She WILL also bark at you, but how else do you think you are going to get out of the bad habit memory motion? She needs to snap you out of it.

At the same time, when we all went brain dead on day three, she is patient and can back it down to your level of retarded intelligence by day three when all you want to do is crawl on a cot somewhere and take a nap.That in itself is incredible as Margot is neither as young, nor as able bodied as most of the rest of us, and SHE and Sanity are doing most of the work. We looked like we were ninety years old by the end, and although I know Margot wasn't feeling this way, she managed to come back fresh as a daisy for US.

Really, you will doubt everyone before you go. There are some that may have not been ready for what they saw or understood IMO, but there is no doubt that most dog trainers can only benefit and improve in ways they can't even imaginef rom her travelling school. There is a fair amount of individual tutoring you get while you are there aswell, and getting used to performing in front of others. I know I have horrible nerves in front of a group, and in Margot's setting, I could only try to concentrate on what I was doing, and not what anyone else may be thinking.If you ever have the rare chance to go to one of her seminars, just go. It was well worth the money, and contributed greatly to my training. I also commend this method for making it much easier to train my dog, Jackie, and get our Companion Dog title.

http://www.applewoodsdogtraining.com/
http://sanityshome.blogspot.com/

Margot travels with her school (she is actually stationary in MD right now), but she is horrible at keeping up her website (and I suspect not all too computer literate---may still have dial up) and dates. If you want to know if there will be a seminar in the area, you will have to contact her via her e-mail on her website. She has also written a book called Mud Heaven.

OMG No Power

This is the absolute worst week to be without power. We have been out since Thursday. Luckily we can heat with propane. Right now I am at a nice neighbor's house, who also has no power, but does have a generator!! Or at least I think they have no power, hard to say. I will have to listen for their generator when I leave.

Sadly we have well water, and the pump works off of electricity. So that means no water for flushing the toilets and that sort of thing, except that our nice neighbor let's us fill up so we can do those things. We are now accepting the offer of a shower.

The worst thing is that I have Gigi, the American Pit Bull Terrier (assuming that's her breed) and two labs that she has not met, Josh and Jack. Now normally the whole house would be open, and we could split up certain groups of dogs until they knew each other better. Due to the situation, it's been a bit more of a challenge last night and today. Dog willing , we will get our electricity tonight, but some people said it could be as much as five days away yesterday.

What a disaster!! We have had to become quite inventive. We almost had no propane as delivery was supposed to come Monday (tomorrow) so we had to sweat it out yesterday until about 5 PM. It was the most glorious thing to see the propane truck pull up, as we only had four gallons left. We went through nine gallons last night and today so far, so that might put it in perspective. We were sleeping in our long johns, outer layer, and jackets/hats/gloves during the evening with our three Dobermans packed around us.

Need your dog trained call 207-361-4395 or in case of no electricity 508-735-8702. And again with electricity one could e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com

New Celebrity Trainer on Dog Star Daily

Do you remember the Greatest American Dog TV show? There was one trainer on there that continually attacked others for their methods not being as "positive" as hers. Meanwhile, let's be clear, she wasn't competing against all trainers. In fact, she lost to a dog owner!! However, she has apparently had 25 years of experience, and based on a reply to me on her blog on Dogstardaily.com, she is quite arrogant and self righteous.

Dogstardaily.com has allowed their bloggers to go on quite a tear against traditional training methods and tools lately. Since their newest blogger professed to have many years of experience with this, I inquired as to her previous experience with metal training collars. In other words, the actual specifics of how she went to it "back in the day". I was contacted by Kelly Dunbar, and in her e-mail she said that this was off topic to discuss the use of a metal training collar. Meanwhile, as always happens with these folks, it's completely on topic and correct to bash anyone that tries to use them. This particular blog was about the failure of the trainer to listen to the owners of the dog or address their needs beyond telling them "okay let's try as usual" after they let her know their dog was working better for them with the metal training collar.

The usually diplomatic Kelly Dunbar also sent me another e-mail saying that I don't belong at Dogstardaily.com, a publicly promoted website to the public and trainers coming across as the authority of dog training. She claims to only want to promote progressive new ideas, and the other ideas are just old fodder, and there is plenty of places to discuss them. She thinks I have a problem with that. I don't, I have a problem with a site where she admitted to not being the authority of training or behavioral problems, that instead spends a lot of their time bashing other methods. Perhaps that's because they have no real accomplishments to crow about? Perhaps that is because they are unable to speak on the correct way to train with a tool that they are quick to harp on and on and on about how bad it is?

In any case, the nice thing to know is that I do have their attention. And no, I won't just go away, they will have to deal with me at least. As a member of the IACP, Ian Dunbar has not directly violated any code of conduct, but I personally think that he does not deserve a membership in an organization that he clearly does not respect. If that membership is honorary only, it should be pulled IMO, unless or until there is an unfettered voice on that site and the bloggers include people from all walks of dog training, not just the one sided face they are trying to promote.

Do you need your dog trained? Call Mannerly Mutts at 207-361-4395 for your Maine Dog Training needs. Or you can e-mail Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com.

Manny Cheers for the Pats

Gigi Loves to Cuddle

Girlfriends hanging out together. The dog that looks like a black American Pitbull Terrier is Gigi. The small female German Shepherd is Oona. And the sleeping old lady Doberman with harness is my own Jazzabelle!!

Bad Dog Challenge

A Dogstardaily.com blog posting let me onto a demonstration of sorts of different management (they are too short term to be called training) techniques for dealing with behavioral issues in various dogs and highlighting different trainers:)

I am not so much into "sound bite" training for solutions to the general public, but it's interesting to see the different ways the trainers deal with this. Note a single trainer might deal with all these cases differently as well, as it would depend on the dog's personality and the owner's ability to follow through. Videos from the Bad Dog Challenge can be found on this link provided.

The Dogstardaily.com blog that I found it on can be accessed using this link. The trainer on this blog uses appropriate techniques IMO for THIS DOG and THIS ENVIRONMENT. You will notice that most of the "Bad Dog Challenges" involve small dogs, and the Sheltie in this trainer's section is probably the most stable of all the dogs. Shelties are not terribly large dogs either.

Due to the comments on this blog, I was expecting to see some pretty strong corrections, as the blogger seemed to be appalled with the other trainers. One dog was managed with a water bottle, which is not a terribly aversive measure. I was very confused as to why a leash wouldn't be used on a dog that was a bite risk (I live by the if you can't do it on leash, you can't do it off leash. The leash is an excellent way to both keep people safe, and monitor when a dog is ready to go off leash) Another was a Yorkie that was growling and making contact with his/her owner's arm. This dog's head was simply pushed to the side if he was going to go in towards the arm. (Although I am geussing a Terrier is probably going to figure out how to bite the hand, if they are a serious dog) The dogs couldn't have been too married to doing damage if they were easily subdued. However, since no real training was done in any of these videos, I would wonder how long such a management technique alone would instill any kind of real behavioral change, regardless of the method used.

The blogger who managed the Sheltie has also concurred with long term training, homework, and continued involvement of the client in order to be successful for long term change. I will have to see at a later date, if the other trainers also blogged about their experience and approach. I believe it is the intent of the producers to follow up with their subjects later on, and that should be interesting.

One dog trained by Barkbusters was a friendly, exhuberant, 95 pound Boxer (I believe); and this one dog (and one of only two bigger dogs) was trained using a prong collar. They used very mild corrections on the dog. I will say, the times where a correction that would need to be used would be too harsh, is if one were to rush the training (or management system). To train a dog on a prong collar would mean that at some point the dog could work without equipment on at all. In the same way, a trained dog using treats should be able to be weaned off the treats. This is why an AKC obedience is one way to test skills of a dog in training for Companion to Working dog. You can not use the equipment in the ring, and once you get beyond the Novice competition, that includes the leash!!

Many people just don't understand that time, space, calm, consistency, and leadership on a long term basis are needed to bring a dog along to an educated and trained state. Training should include in distracting areas, and not just sitting before food for instance. A lot of people don't understand that a sit trained correctly not only by definition prevents a dog from doing something like jumping on someone (remember I said done correctly so the dog learns the rules in all environments and around all things), but will also change the behavior so that the dog finds it more rewarding to greet people appropriately.

This almost never has a long term affect after one afternoon of management of symptoms however.

Need your dog trained? Call Mannerly Mutts at 207-361-4395 and ask for Robin Rubin, Maine Dog Trainer. You can also e-mail mannerly_mutts@yahoo.com for your Maine Dog Training needs.

No Excuse for Being A Bad Trainer

Dogstardaily.com's bloggers have started with a campaign against other methods. Now trainers are all going to disagree, because if they did not believe in the methods that they are currently using, well then, they wouldn't be using them!! I believe I have a fairly open mind about methods. I don't choose a method or tool because it's solely what I have grown familiar with using, but because it's right for the dog and owner. Yes, in most stable dogs, you could totally get away with some form of PP training (I refuse to not say "no" if there is something I want to stop, so I guess I don't ever actually perform Purely Positive training), and (depending on the client's goal and type of dog that they have) get very impressive results.
Some tools are especially useful in sports such as agility and freestyle. I use my voice or my tongue instead of a "clicker" per say sometimes. I believe it is a mistatement to proclaim that no harm can be done using purely positive training methods, even with bad timing, teaching of the client, and training of the dog. Here is what I posted to the following blog on Dogstardaily.com.

http://www.dogstardaily.com/blogs/my-biggest-mistake#comment-1014

Unfortunately that's not true, unless one is unconcerned about the humans hurt. I know one lady whose cookies at all costs experience caused her Bull Terrier to start climbing up her lead to bite if a cookie was not produced. I was not her next trainer, but a balanced approach later led to a dog that was stable. She went to a trainer that I respect as knowing what they are doing, I was unfamiliar with the previous trainer.

Part of a trainer's job is reading the client/dog situation and being able to offer approaches and alternatives that work for both of them. What may work fantastically for a sheltie displaying problem behaviors (for the humans) out of boredome, may not be the best plan for another type of dog.

A trainer should also be able to back up their teaching skills by not only being able to bring a dog through an AKC obedience trial, but have their client's able to duplicate this success as well on an ongoing and current basis.

Negative Reinforcement=take away something to increase behavior

Negative Punishment=take away something to decrease behavior

Positive Reinforcement =add something to increase behavior

Positive Punishment =add something to decrease behavior

It's also interesting to me how many people use the above to label something a punitive approach, when the behavioral definitions mean something else entirely. A "punishment' could just be a directional cue, for instance. "No" or it could be a leash pop. If you get creative, you can figure out a whole range of things that it could be.

The admission that poor timing could have an opposite effect would seem to indicate that well timed this could make a drastic change for the better in a dog's life. A trainer's job is to make sure that improvements are happening and it is the right tool/method for the circumstances. To dismiss other methods as you feel one improperly done damages more than the other, is first of all incorrect. Bad training or lack of any training can be the downfall to the dog, owner, and greatly decrease their enjoyment of life.

To be a trainer, you must always make a positive outcome of your training, regardless of method, and if you are stuck, it's time to refer to another trainer.

Need your dog trained? Call Mannerly Mutts at 207-361-4395 and ask for Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin. You may also e-mail Robin at mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com for your Maine Dog Training needs.

More Training Space!!

A couple of weekends ago, my husband and I spent a weekend day cleaning up the cellar a bit. There is more unpacking to do, since we had moved here 3 years ago now. Some of that still needs to be done, but we got most everything off the floor, more thrown away, and more put away.

The result is a fresh, new, heated space for Mannerly Mutts during the more winter months, and saving a bit of wear and tear on our family room carpet (which we are someday replacing with hardwood flooring). I also have a good enough space for a long distance and inside sit stay.

The dogs are able to amuse themselves with toys and themselves in this space, but I also want to set up some interesting obstacles to chase around, hide in, and have overall fun in. I have set up a low to the ground but above the ground balance beam for them. Leon and Jack, reluctant at first to try, now enjoy trotting across it to show off for everyone else. These sort of thinking and fun activities are what I provide for the dogs that stay here and train here.

This becomes just one more interesting and fun area in addition to over thirty acres of woods, the family room, the front yard, the beach, and all the interconnecting dirt roads for walks. Dogs need to be challenged and stimulated during the day to keep them healthy and balanced. I am not discounting the occasional quiet, cuddling days either. All of these things keep dogs from becoming bored or frustrated.

The cellar space can now become a space totally devoted to the entertainment of the dogs, and it will take a bit of imagination to optimize it. For instance, I have this hard blue plastic ball that no one has been much interested in, UNTIL the event of the cellar where it didn't roll downhill never to be retrieved. Now I am thinking, I have some wooden boards to make a maze of sorts or some sort of soccer like game down there for us to play. Dog houses that have an in and out door separately, could be fun places to hide and dart out from (Logan's favorite game).

Plus we are lucky enough to have direct access outside to the woods from the cellar. In the summer, the door could just be left open so dogs could go in and out as they see fit (always under supervision of course).

Anyway, I am excited to be using this new space in the new year!! It will also provide a space for small indoor group lessons when necessary. Actually this space became an excellent save one day when my elderly dog made a mess on the rug. We were able to transfer daycare to the cellar and outside, while the carpet cleaning man came for a rare 911 call. (Jazz can't see anymore so she stepped in it, and well.....)

Planning My Day

I am training three dogs simultaneously for competition next year. Two are being trained for Open, and One is being trained for Novice (but he is a Thai Ridgeback, so he's a bit difficult in the trust/stranger department). So it's a lot of time and energy right now.

The days tend to fly by with either only one dog being trained, or a crucial thing being forgotten (like Jack's last five fetch reps yesterday). I don't want to be scrambling in February to be ready, and as it is, it looks like it might be wise to delay it to March. However, if I press my nose to the grindstone right now, I may be able to pull it off. There is no room for delay. So to remind myself, what I actually need to do is have a timeline and daily plan not just for training but for my whole day.

So today is Friday, and that means no daycare, but I have two client's dogs to take care of around the 12-2 Pm area. I figure that I will require at least a half hour per dog of training time (followed by 20 minutes of quiet time with me. Additionally, I want to practice stays with all three of them today, and this should be, at least, an every other day kind of a thing. Both Jack and Bri need 10 reps (split into two sessions of 5) of fetch work. Bri is on week 1, and Jack is on week 3. Devon needs to be reminded of all the basics again, so I am basically going on the 8 week Koehler plan for this. Stand for EXAM will be the hardest thing to achieve with him. Next will be stays with possibly moving judges. So a lot of public work needs to be done with Devon, but not right away and only until he is performing the basics reliably in non-distracting less stranger filled environments.

This is why poor Bri always gets the short end of the training stick, as she is more reliable than either Jack or Devon in the personality and stable tempermented department!! The worst that she will do is lag during the heel or sink into a down from a sit or walk directly to me out of a stay. The more reason why would should do well as a team and score high though. So I am going to try and not short end Bri for this next Spring of 2009.

So it's about 12 PM now. That means I am leaving soon to walk my little charge, Manny. I can bring my dogs, Leon and Jack, with me so they get their exercise as well. If I really wanted to push it, I could walk all of them over to Roxy and Harley's house, and have them all out on the beach with me. It's pretty exhausting to have five off leash dogs at the beach with you. So if it's low tide, that's probably what I will do, and I will get my and my dog's exercise out of the way at the same time (I have been jogging sporadically on my walks while it's not icy). So that, and going to the post office will probably bring me to 2 pm.

I could put Jack up then for his two hour pre training nap. Bri and Devon are already situated as such in their house already. At 4 pm, I could start the training sessions. I could even take Bri and Devon out for their own play sessions, work Jack first, and by the time I went and got them, then their two hours would be up.

So Jack and Bri, I need two separate sessions for retrieves. It is also reliant upon getting a Novice heeling exercise going perfectly before I can start the retrieve work. That might mean Bri doesn't start her retrieve work today, but instead gets a little heeling 101 refresher. We will see how it goes. Jack for sure needs a 4 pm work up with retrieve first five following. The first session should end around five thirty or a little thereafter for all three dogs to be worked separately. Then later in the evening, like at around 7 pm, perhaps another retrieve refresher.

So Fridays should be somewhat easy, especially if I make it a point to get going earlier in the morning .

The tricky thing is going to be the other days, and picking my two indoor and four outdoor locations to do this, and then changing the locations for increasing the distractions. The better you can do this, the better trained your dog will be.