Dog Grooming and Maintenance At Least Weekly (Republished)

 Food, shelter, affection, exercise and veterinary care are the well known basic needs of your pet.   Many owners forget or neglect grooming most of which should be done once a week, and some of which should be done daily.   Grooming is not only about how your dog looks, but also relates to their health, comfort, and physical well being.


Long haired dogs can develop very painful mats and tangles in their fur.  To leave a coat in this condition and then drop them off at a groomers like that is animal neglect and abuse.   Law does not define this that way except maybe in extreme cases, but animals having hair mats feel much pain from this.   Some long hair dogs need their coats combed out every day or so, while shorter hair dogs could use it every week.   Long coats are sometimes best shaved or trimmed by a groomer or yourself with proper instruction.   Hot months can be tough on dogs blessed with luxurious coats.    It will also keep down the brushing maintenance on high up keep type dogs.


Short haired dogs are very uncomfortable carrying all that excess dead hair around.   Brushing out their coat weekly gets rid of dead hair, dirt, and dead skin that builds up in their coat otherwise.  The owner has an excellent opportunity to examine their dogs for lumps and bumps that may need medical attention or just tweezers.  Additionally, it's a great thing to do before weekly house cleaning chores, as you reduce the source of much loose dust and hair before the vacuuming and dusting commence.


Bathing is not something that is generally done too often.   Too frequent bathing can cause all sorts of coat and skin problems in dogs by robbing them of their natural oils.   Basically, most pet dogs get bathed when they get really dirty (IE roll in something horrid, or get muddy).   Some human conditions (allergies) can require more frequent bathing.   If this is the case, be sure to keep an eye on your canine companion for signs of discomfort.   Also, check with your vet on the best products to use.


Dogs nails grow fast.   As they become long, they are uncomfortable for the dog as they walk along the floor.   In extreme cases, the nails curl under and affect the actual gait of the dog making walking or running uncomfortable and not a joy anymore.   Dogs nails should be clipped every week.   White nailed canines are easy to clip, with the proper tools, as you can see the quick.   The quick is an area of the nail where blood runs.   Avoid the quick if you can.   Black nailed dogs are harder to judge.   If you are new at this, you might want to have your vet or groomer demonstrate the best way to do this.


Wax build up in the ear is a magnet for infection and bacteria.   Cleaning out the ears properly each week, keeps the ear canals clean and generally infection or irritation free.   You want to purchase an ear cleaning solution that dissolves the wax inside the ear, then when the dog shakes his/her head, the wax is shaken to the ear canal and wrinkles in the ear that you can see.   Be sure not to stuff the wax back down the ear canal with whatever you use to clean it out.    Some people use wipes and some people use cotton human ear cleaners.   You just want to carefully remove the build up that has become loosened.


Another place bacteria and plaque like to grow into infection is the teeth.   Teeth cleaning should actually be done (ideally) daily or even after every feeding.   Be sure that you do not use human toothpaste for this task the chemicals or ingredients will harm your dog.  Pet supply stores sell toothpaste and brushes for dogs.   Be sure to concentrate on the areas where plaque will build, as well as the teeth as a whole.   For instance, the back teeth, gum line, and teeth spaces hold a lot of  residue.


In addition to the above, successfully being able to groom and care for your dog develops a deeper relationship with your dog.   Grooming is also a time where obedience can be practiced and tightened up on.   Take care of your dogs, they love you so much.

http://www.mannerlymutts.com
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com

Choosing Your Veterinarian

The choice of a qualified veterinarian in every stage of your pets life is an important one.   Do not choose by cheap fees or for someone that is good mostly for vaccinations ET.   In the end, this will cost you in one way or another.   You want a vet who can recognize the signs of a problem early on, who is not afraid to refer you to a specialist and knows who those specialists in the area are, that you feel comfortable in their handling of your pet, and answers your questions in a way that makes sense and gives you all the pertinent information to make an informed choice.


If your dog is a working or sports dog, finding a veterinarian that is knowledgeable about your issues and challenges will be difficult.   In my area, I have only found vets that are familiar with typical pet dogs, unless they are specialists in the areas of ACL injuries.   Specialists, especially if they are surgeons, are very useful if you are going that route, but if you want to know all the options available to you, a generalist in the area of working and sports dogs is helpful.   I don't know if such a veterinarian exists these days.


Things to think about when dealing with or looking for a new vet:

1. Ask people you know or meet about who they use and if they like them.   
2. When you ask a question, do they thoughtfully answer and try to give you all the pertinent information?   Or do they just fluff you off with vague answers?
3. Do you find the vet keeps running the same tests, without giving you any answers that make sense in regard to the problem?
4. Are you given the opportunity to assist in handling your pet when they are going through a procedure?
5. Do you feel comfortable with the overall demeanor of the vet, and the information that they give you?
6. Do they willingly give out referrals outside of their office for problems that are specialized?
7. Do you ever get the sense that you are being taken advantage of monetarily?
8. Does the vet seem offended or does not forward medical records when you seek out a second opinion?
9. Is the vet cooperative with other vets or specialists that you may use (IE follows up, conferences with them)?

The following link has numbers that you can call to see if complaints have been filed or check on a veterinarian's association status. 


http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/veterinarian.html

Maine and New Hampshire Dog Trainer
Mannerly Mutts Blog

Potential Dog Park Dangers and Problems

Dog parks can be a dog owning city dweller's solution to a space challenged environment so they can provide for their canines exercise needs.  Urban budgets usually do not allow for dog park supervisory staff. There is no one in most parks checking on the doggie guests coming in, whether people are cleaning up after themselves, or available to safely and knowledgeably break up an inevitable fight. Vaccination or pest control medical records are not checked before people come in.

The population of individual dogs and personalities changes all the time in these parks. Not all dogs are going to get along with any strange dog that walks up to them, even if they get along with most dogs. Some dogs are reactionary around toys and strange dogs, some dogs just don't like certain other dog personalities, and some dogs are jealous of attention taken away from their owner or live in canine companion. Combine with this the changing pack order that happens, and dog wanting to naturally maintain or protect their status. The changing of the pack alone can cause problems of aggression and fights. This might not be a problem with your dog, but remember you are surrounded by other strange dogs that this might be a problem with. No one wants their dog to get in the mix to simply defend themselves.

Most dogs that go to dog parks are not trained. Here I am using my definition of trained, not the mere assuming the position of sit for a second and then releasing. Training is what makes a dog more likely to be controllable when unpredictable situations occur. Training allows most of us to keep our dogs safe, and it's why most trained dogs don't need the confines of a dog park to get their exercise. Untrained dogs have no one to follow but themselves when a problem arises. The communication between the owner and dog for direction is non existent. This will only add to the problem above if a dog to dog or person to dog problem breaks out.

Finally, as intimated above, disease and pests come into the dog park. Even waste that is picked up can leave behind germs, which can be a problem if you don't know what the many dogs that come through there might have. Because of the lack of supervision, sometimes these parks are nasty and dirty. Fleas are a pest that is common to be picked up at a dog park. An owner will never know if a dog has been fully vaccinated or potentially exposed to something like rabies (if there is a supervised dog park, this issue might be solved).

The best solution is to train your dog so that you don't need a "dog park" to visit. Also, have friends whose dogs you know get together with you and your dog. Be sure that your dog is in control through training, when you walk them around strange dogs. This is the kind of socializing dogs need, not instances that increase danger to your dog. I would love to hear about supervised dog parks, please e-mail me or comment if you know of any.

http://www.mannerlymutts.com/
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/

PACK TO BASICS

(Republished from years ago.   Leon, Jackie,and Jazz have since passed away.  These are my dogs used as examples below of how individual pack members drive pack dynamics)

While science may try to dispute pack theory, there is no question that group dynamics are relevant and exist when dogs and/or humans hang out together. I first became aware of how a group of dogs could change with the introduction of just one new member when I used to volunteer to train Dobermans at Doberman Rescue Unlimited. In fact, the dynamic impressed me so much, that in the future I would like to offer rotating group classes where the individuals switch up constantly in order to improve obedience with a VERY powerful distraction.

There are many reasons why this new member may be fascinating to others, may be intimidated by others, may be bossy towards others, or may cause others in the group to be very concerned. Dogs are expressing themselves in a foreign language (to us humans) to each other that include body language, eye contact, mouth position, tail movement, and other various methods to which we are largely unaware, unless humans happen to be to dealing with groups of dogs on a regular basis.

A fair amount of my dog training business deals with multi dog issues. This relationship is more complex than a one dog to human family relationship. So many things may be affecting the dogs from unrealistic expectations of what the relationship should be, resource guarding, power struggle, geriatric issues, health issues, lack of training overall, nor rules or boundaries or allowing another dog to abuse another (just to name a few).

In my pack, some changes have started to launch the pack dynamics around here. One my grand dame, Jazz, has died. She has been the undisputed boss of the canines (besides myself of course) for 13 years with me. She was fair, just, tough, and fun all at the same time. Every time a new boarder came, the very first thing she did was lie on their bed with or without them. The message I believe was "you are welcome here, but understand this is my domain." Instead of upsetting the dogs with this, I noticed that all dogs respected and looked up to her. We have had many pass through here that sought to learn from her and definitely play with her. A very special presence has left me, my dogs, and my client's dogs lives.

It's not just that which has started to mix things up. Jackie had an unfortunate altercation with a daycare client who collided with him during a dash through the woods a few months ago. That seemed to change every one's demeanor for a bit, and start Jack off with bullying Leon (our other Doberman). At this same time, I have been getting Jack ready for open, which has launched his hardwired resource guarding issues. I readily admit that due to the amount of work to get him to where this is, I had put working him around key items on hold. Now that work is being done, which also means things that were simply managed before have made it to the training threshold point. This is not a short process that is solved in hours, days, or weeks. We are talking about months for improvement to take hold in a consistent and reliable fashion. Again, his brother, Leon, remained the favorite punching bag.

Therefore it's important to consider every one's needs or the Pack's needs if you will. Leon needs to feel safe and free in his own house. My husband and I need to feel that Leon's safety and the safety of our client's dogs are not in jeopardy. At the same time, even though it's concentrated training time for Jackie, his needs are also important in respect to exercise, attention, stimulation, and having fun. Training also remains an activity that can supply this, but it's important to know that your dog can not be in working mode 24/7. Service dogs, police dogs, and all sorts of dogs need a breaks even when they totally love their work.

A leader's most important tools in working with a project like this are knowledge of their dog's personality and triggers, rules and boundaries, consistency and a well thought out training plan. Mine has relied on the additional skills that my dogs know such as "place", "go", "fetch", "give", "out", "leave it" and "over". These are in addition to basic obedience skills of heel, recall, stand, sit stay, and down stay. A pack problem is truly difficult if you have done no reliable training work with your dog. Leon's fetch, for instance, has helped Jack understand that I approve of Leon "getting" items for me, and this is not to be interfered with.

It's not about dominance training or dominating Jack. My only goals are to 1) make it clear that Leon is not his to abuse, 2) make it clear that performing the commands has huge rewards, 3) remind Jack the benefits and joys of having Leon as his friend, and 4) teach Jack alternate ways to deal with his resource guarding. I did something like this with my dog, Neptune, and dog aggression many years back. It worked so very well, and I am beginning to see Jack pick up some understanding of this. Retreating, looking to me for direction, giving a look instead of attack, bringing his toy into his crate (by the way he is never unsupervised around toys) ET are all appropriate ways to get his point across.

Management had worked up until this point. I may not have even picked this battle up right now, except that Jack did two very inappropriate things that were inappropriate in two situations with Leon. Had these remained at a "let them work it out themselves level"; I may have chosen to regard this as an internal household mild issue that came up now and again. It became clear though that Jack was trying to gain inappropriate and damaging control of Leon, which was affecting Leon's quality of life. There is always the option of keeping the two dogs separate or always under strict supervision when together. In analyzing the situation though, I could see the additional work that could be done with Jack. Had I already met that threshold and no improvement had been made, this most likely would have been my solution to the problem. Jack always seems to improve even through my doubts on some things. For instance, the obsession he had with seaweed when we first got him. I didn't think he would EVER be able to just walk on the beach.

Be aware, relationships can change with your dogs, and it doesn't mean you need to throw in the towel. It may mean you need some help to evaluate exactly what is going on. Some are easy to solve, and some are more challenging. I have yet to see a multi dog situation that was not able to be resolved with a bit of elbow grease and maintaining some rules, boundaries, and consistency. That is not to say that there are not sometimes really wrong matches in dog relationships. Most of my cases to date have been dogs that have lived together for a long time, but "something" has changed the chemistry of the relationship.

Having problems in your pack?
Call Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at Mannerly Mutts Dog Training 207-809-6300. Or e-mail for your Maine Dog Training needs mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com.

This Week's Local Canine News

Sled dog race season opener draws crowds to Westbrook

Shooting of NH dog deemed justified, Mass offers similar protections

Driver fights to save dogs from burning bus

Pet pigs create problems in Essex

VT hunter charged with animal cruelty in dog shooting

Purina and Milo's Kitchen pulling some dog treats

Animal advocates push for tougher anti cruelty laws in RI

Are dog seatbelts really safe?

Framingham man charged with torturing and killing dog

Littleton resident continues to search for lost dog

Somerville resident searches for lost dog

Mass Author searching for lost beagle



http://www.mannerlymutts.com
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/mannerlymutts
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mannerly-Mutts-Dog-Training/247154797229?ref=hl

Big Dogs and Little Dogs

Rocket and Me:)

Unique problems exist for owners of unusually small or unusually large breeds.  Often when looking to purchase a dog or puppy, these problems may be overlooked or found out later, unexpectedly.

There are also benefits to having an unusually small or unusually large breed.  Often times, people looking to purchase dogs consider these first.

Tiny/Small Dog Pros (in no particular order):

1. Usually live longer than large breed dogs. (Con for large dogs, they generally do not live as long)
2. Eat less; therefore cost less to feed with comparable quality. (Con for large and giant breed dogs, as they eat substantially more)
3. Easy to pick up and move at a moments notice. (Con for large dogs, especially if they get injured, not easy to move on your own)
4. Not apt to injure the owner by pulling or lunging on the leash. (Con for large untrained dogs as they could easily injure a person by lunging on the leash)
5. Can get away with bringing into more stores, hotels, restaurants, and public areas.  (Con for large dog as they are noticeable and more people are afraid of them)
6. Due to size and weight, will be welcomed into more hotels and bed and breakfasts. (Con for large dogs as many hotels and B&Bs restrict due to size or weight)
7. Can ride under your passenger seat on an airplane (assuming proper training and all). (Con for large dogs as they will not fit under the passenger seat, and are generally required to travel in the cargo area)
8. Crates are small and easily transportable (or fit into small soft carry bags) and cheaper.  (Con for large dogs whose crates are more expensive and bulky for travel)
9. Equipment costs less due to less fabric (or material) and expensive hardware. (Con for large dog as equipment should be larger and better made for wear and tear)
10. Flea, tick and heartworm products are much cheaper.  Also due to the decreased dosage of prescription products, those will be cheaper as well. (Con for large dog as larger and more expensive dosages are needed)
11. Even if they shed and give off dander, it will be significantly less than a large dog.   Helpful if you have dog allergies but still want a dog. (Con for large dog as they have substantially more fur and dead skin)
12. Their tails are not likely to sweep items off kitchen tables, coffee tables, or display tables.  (Con for large dogs with tails, as their tails can sweep things off tables)

Giant/Large Dog Benefits (in no particular order):

1. There is almost no possibility that you won't see them and step on them.  (Con for small breeds as if you do not notice than you can step on them and hurt them inadvertently)
2. Not likely to be the targets of coyotes, birds of prey, or many other smaller predators.  (Con for small breeds that can easily become prey)
3. If a human has ill intentions towards you, they will think twice before approaching you with your dog.  (Con for small breed as a smaller breed is not as likely to intimidate someone who seeks to do you harm)
4. A large dog will most likely have no trouble jumping into your vehicle, unless they are injured or have a chronic medical problem.  (Con for some small breeds that may need to be picked up to be put in vehicle, especially if the owner has some movement problems)
5. Don't need to worry about another dog easily killing your dog when out and about.  (Con for small breed as they are more delicate than a larger breed, and can be easily injured)
6. If healthy, they won't be easily injured when jumping off or over something.  (Con for some small breeds, their bones and joints are not able to resist such injuries as well)
7. If a stranger realizes they are in your car or home, your car or home is most likely not the top target for crime.  (Con If someone is aware or can hear that you have a small breed, it will be less of a deterrent)
8. Can be assistance dogs for carrying items in packs, balance support, retrieving large items for the disabled, pulling carts, or balance assist a human.  (Con for small breed as far as being unable to retrieve larger things, pull carts, or balance assist)

http://www.mannerlymutts.com

http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com

Robin Katherine Rubin Mannerly Mutts http://www.mannerlymutts.com http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com (main blog address) York Beach, Maine USA 207-809-6300 IACP Professional Member #1942 E-Touch Seminar Attendance Certification Bedrock Training Method Three Day School Attendance Certificate Companion Dog Title completed in June 2008 for Jack CD ILP159648 Doberman Male 4 years old. Owned, handled and trained by Robin Rubin (deceased on 12/23/2009 and forever carried forward in our hearts) Companion Dog Title completed June 2010 for Bri CD American Staffordshire ILP159964 female of 6 years old. Owned by friends of Mannerly Mutts. Trained by Robin Rubin. Handled by Robert and Robin Rubin. Companion Dog Title completed June 2010 for Magoo CD Great Dane WS 28720301 male of one and a half years. Owned by friends and clients of Mannerly Mutts. Trained and handled by Robin Rubin. Leon (aka Ogelthorpe) CGC owned and handled by Robert Rubin in November 2011 (knees prevent from competing in traditional obedience unfortunately) Red Doberman Pincher male WS10508601 of 7 years old. Boris CGC owned and handled by Robin Ruibin in November 2011 (just beginning his obedience career) Black Doberman Pincher male of 2 years old.  (to be registered in UKC as he is a tripod) I do not support the following organizations: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Truly Dog Friendly (TDF), No Shock Collar Coalition (NSCC), Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and IPDTA (International Positive Dog Trainers Association).

Why A Dog At Large on My Property Irks Me





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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Murphy also listening and on long line only.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.mannerlymutts.com/

http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/



Favorites of Fall-Marginal Way Ogunquit Maine

Columbus Day weekend provided my husband and I with a lot of opportunities to go on trips with our dogs, Leon and Boris.   Quite a few things are still going on in and around York Maine during these cooler fall weeks in October.   As of October 1st to March 31st, one of my favorite things to do with my dogs on leash is now open.   The Marginal Way of Ogunquit Maine is available for owners with their well-behaved and leashed dogs.   The trail is very narrow in some areas, and this is quite a tourist attraction, so please visit accordingly with your dogs.   This gem can always be taken away if the wrong visitors with canine pals are attracted.   Here are some photographs of our recent visit. There are these little sections of beaches with the stairs (pictured on the first photo) that are almost always open for play or a picnic.  During low tide (this is the tide coming in) there are interesting rock formations and places that can be very private. Because I enjoy being with my dogs on these walks, this is one of my very favorite fall activities.   Additionally Ogunquit has Halloween festivities from October 22nd to October 24th. Boris and Leon hope to trick or treat you there! MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE DOG TRAINER MANNERLY MUTTS DOG TRAINING BLOG E-MAIL MANNERLY MUTTS

My Dogs Not So Much in The Mood for Daycare Today

Leon has had it with the daycare this week. It's good to remember, if you are in the dog business, that dogs living in the situation may not be in the mood everyday to play. Especially if you are active with your dog outside the play situation (for instance we were already at the beach for an hour this morning), your dog may have had enough by the time that clients' dogs come in.

That's okay, and it's good as trainers, dog walkers, dog sitters, and daycare providers that we can recognize this in the dogs that come to us OR our own dogs. Screening of clients' dogs usually takes care of this for our customers. Also remember, this is not their territory, so sometimes it feels a bit like an invasion to your dog, especially if it's happening everyday. My dog, Leon, has a much higher tolerance for this than my dog, Jack. However, Leon has his days where he has had enough, and just "Vants to be alone" as Gretta Garbo would say.

I provide my dogs with alone time with me daily (also together time for the both of them), and alone time from the guest dogs. Only parts of the house are open to guest dogs, and I TRY to keep the master bedroom off limits for all but my dogs. There are some guests that my dogs like to have for a sleep over, but largely the bedroom is for us and our dogs alone.

The observation is though, that dogs are not ALWAYS in the mood to play. That is okay, and you should make alone time for your dogs, just as you sometimes need alone time.

Looking for training services for your dog? Call Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at 207-361-4395. Or e-mail Mannerly Mutts Dog Trainer, Maine Dog Training Service, at mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com. We also serve New Hampshire Dog Training and Massachusetts Dog Training needs.

An Engineer With A Bit Too Much Time on His Hands:)

A veterinarian that sees one of my clients regularly (very much north of here) shared this with me. It makes me think of my grandfather, who was an engineer before all these new fangled gadgets.

Don't try this at home!! This guy put a lot of thought into the safety of this for his baby and dog.

Things that Put Me in A Good Mood

Reason number one, Gigi and Paddington went to Paddinton's home and spent the night together. Okay, get your head out of the gutter, they are both spayed and neutered, so it's purely a platonic friendship. I had high hopes that the results would be the same once they both got to their respective homes, and Gigi true to her form here has accepted Paddington as her family friend. Very good news that will help her in the future, and will help her owners as well.

Jack does a roll on a hard surface. We have been training on soft surfaces, and this is his first attempt on a hard wood floor. Then on to sand, snow, and road!!




Reason number two has to do with my own behaviorally challenged dog, Jackie. Day three of increased freedom and no attempts on Leon's person, even with some things he has been obsessing around, I am not saying there haven't been one or two looks, I am saying we ended week 4 without the attempts to be bad that happened previously. This does not mean I can prop my feet up and breath a sigh of relief, and let Jack up to his own devices. This does tell me the improvement is ongoing, and I most likely won't need to live with two seperated dogs. Jack makes me work for it though, he does.

End of yesterday, day four, Jack was allowed a stuffy on his dog bed in the bedroom. When Leon returned, Jack started the growling with the I am about to lunge pose. This was stopped much eaiser than it had been in the past, with Jack dropping into his down on command immediately, even though the "anger sequence" had gone into "launch mode". More importantly, Jack settled right after that and did not continue with the looks or guarding. At this point, he is still dragging a six foot lead, and at any point where there is potential, I am at the other end of that loose six foot lead. Additionally, playing and wandering times are strictly supervised. That means I am actively watching them and involved, when Jack is allowed any freedom to roam or go up to Leon.

Also today, a terrier was loose in the neighborhood and running towards us, and Jack did not challenge my leadership by trying to take care of matters himself. I am not saying he was not thinking about it, but for the third time in the last two weeks when a potential problem situation occurred, he did recognize that I was taking care of it. It's so much easier to do that, when you don't have to worry about what your own dog is attempting to do!!! There really needs to be a partnership developed to do this with certain dogs like Jackie. Jack looked a bit tense, but he didn't bark and remained in his heel position. I did my job, and kept the offending beasty away from us. Leon and Manny were with us, and so this remained a time where Jack's protective instincts would kick in.

I am happy with the potential that is being demonstrated in Jack's behavioral modification. It could not be done without the use of obedience and the additional advanced retrieving and fetching skills that both boys have learned. It has been equally important that Leon listen to commands and directions as well in order to have planted situations that I can train Jack around.

One incident happened on January 18th, where I did not catch the fact that Jack was guarding the couch from Leon. Unfortunately Jack did connect with his teeth briefly. The leash should have been in my hand so I could have diffused the situation immediately. So we took a training step backwards that day. Being that this is at least a three month training process, that happened less than a third way through our training plan, so I wasn't surprised that Jack tried something. He had made me a bit complacent by being a good boy up until that point. Much of the plan is to test or proof Jack's responses when it "seems" like he has the freedom to make the choice, but in fact he does not.

Here is the summary of his training plan:

• First, the rules. (scroll to the middle of the post to see what the rules were on week 1) Some have been updated. Jack does not need to sleep in a crate outside the bedroom anymore, but is allowed on his dog bed in the bedroom. He is exhibitting enough self control to not be muzzled for two weeks now.




• Relaxation and molding exercises. Teaching Jack to release the tension in his muscles when I touch him. Also using this exercise for posing as well, so I can manipulate his limbs et, and have him begin to instantly relax as I do this. Massage and petting are helping this along as well. This has to do with yielding (ie owner says something or needs to physically manipulate the dog, dog allows this willingly and is used to it).




• Relation to relaxation and molding, really firming up left turns for attention and movement.




• I have been teaching the commands of roll over and over even in distracting areas where other dogs are or on different surfaces.




• Open exercises of fetching and jump around dogs and "wanted items" that Jack normally obsesses over.




• Leon doing his play retrieve taking items that are placed around Jackie. Jackie does not have a muzzle on, but he is mostly tethered or back tied during this exercise. He has never attempted to get up, but this is a safety measure during the early part of the training.




• Leon and Jack have at least a half hour a day where they are trained on obedience, freestyle, tricks, or retrieve together. They are actually a great team when they are working.




• Leon and Jack have at least one walk where they are coupled together during the day and must heel with me.




• Jack has one heel or loose leash walk alone with me a day. Preferrable to areas where there are dogs out. He is expected not to reacte if another dog comes running up to us.




• Jack and Leon are allowed to play with their toys in close proximity as long as Jack does not reacte to Leon. If only Leon has a toy, and Jack is not interested in his, Jack is not allowed to obsess or try and guard that toy, and certaintly not reacte to Leon.




• Jack is doing fetch and retrieve with and around things that he becomes obsessed about.




• Jack trained not to follow Leon's every move or think he can dictate what Leon does. Obedience combined with commands such as look, leave it, and out have been combined to achieve this.

Every week a little more freedom and a little more free time is given to Jack. He is praised and rewarded in times where he would have reacted before, but now chooses not to. Times where he is relaxed and is not obsessive are times where he gets some special atttention or alone time later. At any time there is a set back, those freedoms are reduced again or taken away for a time.

Here are some before and after shots of body language (note Jack is muzzled in the before):

Gradually over time, it is my hope, that as the freedoms increase the control that Jack has been exhibiting over his "over reactions" will take hold and become part of his personal behavior under his own steam.

So far so good. Some really nice progress and self control has become apparent. Many times with a dog like this, the misunderstanding that their previous reactions "weren't that bad" or "didn't get to the point of drawing blood" can cause some of us to not take the action that we should have (or were unable to) sooner. I take heart in the fact the list with Jack was so long two years ago, that I thought walking this dog on lead would be a huge feat (even though I am quite used to doing this with many and plentiful dogs). I never dreamed that we would be able to accomplish a Companion Dog title, as we did last year. This required Jack to heel off leash while many people and other dogs looked on. Now the list has become smaller 1) finally fully address the resource guarding AND 2) make it crystal clear that Leon is not an appropriate scapegoat or punching bag for Jack.

As for doing the open exercises, Jack is bright and smart enough to get that easily. Put all of that together, and Jack will be a dog will A LOT of work into him but truly exceptional. This is so much easier with a dog that is not "behaviorally challenged". On the other hand, the work that Jack and I have done together have not only strengthened an already strong bond, BUT will benefit "behaviorally challenged" students so much in the future.

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!!

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.

Greatest American Dog????

Did anyone see the last episode? And if so, can someone explain to me how leaning forward at your dog is more threatening and dangerous than placing them in the path of an elephant?

Man. Between that and the SAR (search and rescue) exercises they are making non conditioned dogs perform, with little instruction!! Good golly miss molly.

Introducing Gigi, Case 1 History

A little something different for at least the next week, I am going to blog on an in-house case.

History:
1. General Information:

• Dog's name is Gigi.
• Her breed is mixed, owner thinks Lab/Doberman. It's hard to tell, sometimes her profile almost looks Great Dane to me, but from the front their are similar characteristics to a Doberman face, and the squareness of the jaw line could come from lab origins.
• Thought to be about 4-5 years of age.
• Gigi is spayed.
• Socialization with other dogs and men has not been going so well. Also children are thought to perhaps be a problem for Gigi.

2. Health problems: None known of.

3. Problem behaviors: 1) Aggression to other dogs. 2) Wary of men. 3) Not trusted around children.

4. Goals and objectives of training program: Gigi is staying for one week, and a minimum of three weeks was suggested. Owners' would have a problem paying for the three weeks. Therefore are goals during one week are 1) to show improvement in handling and obedience around other dogs (and other general distractions, but a focus around other dogs) and 2) to concentrate on the let's go command and heel with auto sit during this week. Anything else that can be fit into the program, will also be fit in, but these are ambitious goals.

5. Length is one week board and train, and then coaching the owners on a go forward basis from there for three follow up lessons that are included in the board and train, and then hopefully a weekly obedience coaching program at a minimum of six weeks. It's really important to be able to show the owners what can be done in the one week time period in order to gain their confidence in their dog.

Board and Train has been suggested as owners have been battling with this for the last 8 months. We want a nice start to Gigi's training in the most effective and efficient way possible. It will be hard for the client's to get to the learning curve needed quickly, and meanwhile Gigi's behavior has been on a downward slide. So once we have a foundation instilled, it will be time to bring the owners into the training program.

6. Both written evaluation form, and in person consultation to view the behavior and client's interactions with Gigi.

Dog Events Around York Maine

July 29th York Days Piscataqua Dog Obedience Show 6:00 –8:00 pm, Ellis Parks, York Beach Maine (Short Sands Beach Park)

August 3rd Bark in The Park in Hadlock Field in South Portland Maine (also check the Planet Dog site when it's back up)

August 10th Boatyard Dog Trials Rockland Maine

September 13th Woofminster Scarborough Maine

***Sorry but the sites listing these are very much influenced by the Purely Positive Political Dog Training Organizations. It's a sad but mostly unavoidable fact in this area.

Still, be seen with your well behaved dog. Let everyone know that your dog was trained positively, and also with the appropriate equipment and corrections.

Need your dog trained? Visit the http://www.mannerlymutts.com services page. Or contact me at 207-361-4395 in York Maine. Ask for Robin Rubin, Dog Trainer.

Say no to HSUS, PETA, No Shock Collar Coalition (NSCC) or Truly Dog Friendly Organization (TDF). Articles and information on why I do not support these organizations is on here and here.

Wordless Wednesday-Good and New Friends

Carolyn Scott Freestyle Dance

Here is what freestyle dance with your dog can look like:)

Cesar Milan and South Park

Funny parody of Cesar Milan by South Park:

Thursday Thirteen (13) Commands for Dog Training

1. Attention.   Command for this can be dog's name or owner's choice.   Point of command is to work dog's focused attention on you for a period of time until the dog is released.



2. Loose leash walk.   Example of word's used for this is "Let's Go".   Used when you want to allow your dog freedom but also want your canine companion to walk with you within a certain distance.



3. Heeling.   Generally the command "heel" is used for this.   This is your dog walking with you in a very specific position on your left side.   This is combined with an "auto sit" each time the handler stops, and the ability to walk in heel position when the handler begins moving again.



4. Recall.   Generally the command used for this is [Dog's Name] + "Come".   You want the dog's immediate attention on you and instant coming towards you in a seated position that can be front or finish.   (also can be seperate commands)



5. Front.   Recall where dog stops in a sit directly in front of their owner.



6. Finish.   Recall where dog either circles behind to the left of owner or does a little u turn on the left of owner, and then finishes into a sit.



7. Sit.   A position where the butt is on the ground and the front paws stay on the ground, while the torso is elevated.   This is normally taught so the position is held until a realease word is given.



8. Down.  A position where the full length of the dog is touching the ground.   This is normally taught so the position is held until a release word is given.



9. Place.  The ability to send your dog to a spot that has some sort of borders, where your dog will stay until released.



10. Stand.  Command where dog will go until the position of stand from any other position, and will stay there until released.   This command is usually combined with the dog's ability to be examined.



11. Stay.   Stay can be used when a dog goes into an "auto sit" while heeling, but you don't want him to continue heeling, instead you want him to stay.   Stay also is required to be used in AKC competitions after you down, sit, or stand your dog.   



12. Get it.   This is basically a fetch command, where you release a dog to retrieve an object.   A common command for this is "get it".



13. Release Word.  This word ends many of the above commands for a dog.   Common commands for this are "free" or "break".