The Local Dog Events Page Updates (This is A Copy)

Mannerly Mutts Group Classes:

None scheduled at this time, and probably won't resume again until Spring 2012.

Seminars in the New England Area:

April 28-29th 2012 Bridget Carlsen Seminar at the K9 Connection  60 Minnesota Ave. Warwick, RI 02888 401-737-2870 K9.connection@verizon.net

DVDs and Educational Materials:

International Association of Canine Professionals Past Conference DVDs


Janice Gunn DVDs for Obedience Competition Training
Rental Service for Canine Training and Related Videos

Upcoming New England Area (ME, NH, MA) Obedience Trials:

(AKC) January 8, 2012 (closes 12/21/2011) Framingham District Kennel Club hosting obedience trials @ Master Peace Dog Training 264 Fisher St. Franklin, MA


(AKC) March 2, 2012 (closes 2/15/2012) Collie Club of Maine hosting obedience trials @ Clarion Hotel 1230 Congress Street
Portland, ME

(AKC) March 16, 2012 (closes 2/29/2012) Collie Club of New Hampshire hosting obedience trials @ American K9 Country 336 Route 101 Amherst, NH

(AKC) April 14 to 15, 2012 (closes 3/28/2012) Casco Bay Dog Training Club hosting obedience trials @ Mt Ararat High School Gymnasium Topsham, ME

(UKC) September 30 & October 1, 2012 For information, please contact Club President, Jen Strubinger: jstrub_shs@hotmail.com at Finish Forward 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296


Upcoming Show N Gos (or run thrus):

January 21, 2012 Essex County Dog Training Club will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at Salisbury Mass (first run starts at 9 am). training facility at the Hilton Senior Center, 43 Lafayette Road (Rte 1), Salisbury, MA, so mark your calendars,entries will be limited so sign up soon, pre entry registration forms and more info. on
events and calendar page at http://www.ecdtc.net/

January 22, 2012 Finish Foward will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296 hosted by the Pine Tree Doberman Club.

January 22, 2012 Saccarappa Obedience club will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at Westbrook Armory, Stroudwater St., Westbrook 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM Entries and trials will be from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

February 19, 2012 Saccarappa Obedience club will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at Westbrook Armory, Stroudwater St., Westbrook 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM Entries and trials will be from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
 

March 11, 2012 Saccarappa Obedience club will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at Westbrook Armory, Stroudwater St., Westbrook 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM Entries and trials will be from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
 

April 8, 2012 Saccarappa Obedience club will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at Westbrook Armory, Stroudwater St., Westbrook 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM Entries and trials will be from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
 

September 30, 2012 Finish Forward will be holding (UKC) Obedience Run Thrus after the trials for that day at 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Therapy Dog (TDI) tests:

December 28, 2011 Canine Good Citizen 7 PM pre registration is required.  at the Hilton Senior Center, 43 Lafayette Road (Rte 1), Salisbury, MA http://www.ecdtc.net/

February 26, 2012 Canine Good Citizen Falmouth, ME 04105 @
PoeticGold Farm 7 Trillium Lane Falmouth, Maine 04105 Hosted by: Ivy League Dog Training & Photography INC and CanineKinship LLC. www.poeticgoldfarm.com


Doberman Events

None known about at this time. 

Other Events to Bring Your Canine Companion To

December 3, 2011 Pictures with Santa from 11am to 3 pm at York Maine's Ann-imals Pet Supply Call 764 US RT 1 Suite 2 York, ME 03909 to schedule a time, appointments are filling up quick! 207-351-2777 

December 3, 2011 York Maine Festival of Lights and Christmas Parade.   They don't really put any specifics or times anywhere, so if you are in York Maine look around the Nubble Light area (I am guessing) and the shopping downtown area (I am guessing).  Always a good way to continue on with your training and socializing of your dogs (safely and responsibly and being aware of what they currently can and can not handle).  There are bands, floats, and sometimes costumes.  Also dress short haired or cold sensitive dogs warmly.

December 10, 2011 Animal Welfare Society Open House on Holland Road in West Kennebunk from 11 - 2. Have your pet's photo taken with Santa, buy some sweets at the bakesale get some shopping done in the Gift Shop, while celebrating a record year for adoptions at the AWS. For more information, call Animal Welfare Society (www.animalwelfaresociety.org) at 985-3244.




http://www.mannerlymutts.com/
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/
mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com

Mannerly Mutt's Canine Good Citizens, Our Own Dobermans Boris and Leon

Canine Good Citizens as of 11/15/11
DRU's Boris and Leon (from Pamelot)
Both Dogs Owned by Mannerly Mutts
Leon is actually on the left, and Boris is on the right.

Mannerly Mutts' own two pumpkins managed to take and pass the Canine Good Citizen test last night at It's A Dog's World in York Maine.   For Leon this was an easy test to pass.  While I do AKC (Amercian Kennel Club) obedience, I had never taken the CGC before.   I actually had my husband, Robert, handle Leon for the test to make it more difficult for him.  It also improved Robert's skills in handling and giving him commands rather than just "expecting".   It is too easy to take Leon for granted that way.  Leon has not competed in AKC obedience trial competitions due to his knees, so it was nice to get him some recognition for the totally awesome dog he is.  Yeah team Leon and Robert!

Boris (rescued by Doberman Rescue Unlimited in Sandown NH) had a bit more work to do, being two years old, and I have been tinkering with a different method with him.   This has made my work with him go a bit slower as I figure some things out, but we are in no special rush.   Potentially the first available trial to us (since it needs to be through the UKC-United Kennel Club) won't be until October 2012.  Mainly, I wanted Boris to accept a physical exam without barking, but he managed to pass the test.   Course Boris's is just starting his career at being in public, showing, and acquiring titles.   A small step but a valuable step in getting him ready to do this on a more constant basis with advanced skills.  Yeah for Boris trusting me to handle him through the physical exam!  In the actual obedience trials, believe it or not, the examination portion is much easier for the dog (it's done during a stand and the judge only touches their head, mid back, and butt).   A Canine Good Citizen exam the judge squats to eye level (also a problem for Boris) checks the teeth, ears, feet, and does a grooming brush thing.   Boris managed to pull this off.   He was a little nervous, but he gets much better each time.   I was not expecting Boris to pass the exam.   I was very pleased with his performance no matter which way it went.    I think part of the joy of competing your dog, besides winning a title or ribbon, is the ability to enjoy what you have done with the dog in ways of improvement.

All six dogs in our class managed to pass the exam.   So it is not an exam where an enormous amount of obedience skill is required, but a good exam of the dogs social skills not in the raw (meaning there are commands they must understand, but not at the performance required for obedience trials).  Everyone had improved and done much better for the exam.   Nervous is a good motivator LOL.  Hatti and Rocky did especially well.  They are both very friendly dogs that sometimes have a hard time containing their exuberance, but at the exam both were calmer than I had ever seen them.  Great team work for those teams!  They already had friendly sociable dogs, but now they have friendly social dogs who have controlled enthusiasm.

All in all, it was a good night for the Rubin Family.   I love these outings with my dogs.

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

Barking A Problem?

When I am out and about with my dogs (and someone knows I am a trainer) a common question that comes up is "how do I stop my dog from barking?".   As with just about any training question, this is not something that can be answered for their particular dog and situation in the line of a grocery store.  I realize that even though many dog owners have been living with this problem (sometimes for years), they think I know a 10 second secret that I can share.   There are no "magic wands" in any dog training (highlighted this because management and avoidance are different and separate issues) issue.   This does not mean the solution is hard, but it is a situation in which training and communication are required.   Therefore, you need to teach your dog when and how to stop barking, and what the cue is that communications the need to stop.  

I think the first place to start is to understand what barking is.   Barking is the way that dogs communicate various things, and it is completely normal.   It is not a sure sign that your dog is becoming aggressive.   That being said just because something is normal and not threatening does not mean it needs to be allowed all the time.  It is one of those things that a command can be put on like "quiet".   That being said, I don't like to take away a dog's ability to communicate, but I do like to be able to control it in appropriate situations.  Here are some great dog barking situations:

1. There is a funny odor or sound (perhaps neither of which I notice at first) in the house.
2. There is a stranger approaching.  I may want that stranger to be hesitant of my barking dog, while I find out what they are doing here.
3. You have lost electricity, are alone, and someone comes to your door.  I like to check that it is in fact my neighbor checking on me, instead of a criminal looking to take advantage of a situation.
4. Strange wild life or dog in the yard.   Helpful for me to know before I let the dogs out, though they are all trained to be recalled from those situations.  Better to know what is out there though, and just because your dog can recall, does not mean certain animals won't attack your dogs!
5. In my auto if someone is snooping around it.   I worry often about someone getting ideas to steal my dogs, cause I think they are the best, personally .   I like my dogs to give someone the idea that breaking into house or auto is not a good idea.
6. My dogs alert when daycare clients come up, which is good because when the windows are closed I don't always hear or notice them.  They work much better than a doorbell (or our doorbell anyway).
7. Dogs have the ability to communicate not only to each other, but to humans when they are not sure.   Often this prevents conflicts.   Most dogs if they feel so threatened that they will bite, are not going to announce it with a bark.    However, a bark or growl can alert the human or other dog to approach a bit differently or to at least not corner the canine.

One of my dogs, I am convinced, kept me from getting mugged or worse in Worcester Mass.   Jazzabelle was not barking at the stranger creeping up until I saw him.   I felt every pore of my body pop with sweat when I realized he was sneaking up on me in the woods.   Jazzabelle took that cue, started barking, and I did not quiet her.   I also got out of the woods safely, and when I urged the man to stay away and take a seat while we left, he did.   Yeah Jazzabelle!   So there are times some dog owners appreciate their dogs ability to bark.

Most dogs, except some breeds and occasional personalities, are going to bark.   Asking them to never bark is like asking a human to never speak.  Also as I had mentioned, this is a necessary part of their communication mechanisms.   What we can do is teach them not to bark when we give them a command.   We can also modify behavior so the dog feels more confident and self assured (therefore less likely to bark due to feeling vulnerable).

Every dog is different, and every dog learns differently and responds differently to different methods.  Additionally, the solution is usually a combination of methods and possibly tools used in training that are worked on over a period of time, and then maintained over the owner and dog's relationship.  How you are going to teach your dog to stop barking via a verbal of visual cue may differ from how my dogs or clients' dogs have learned.

Here are some things to think about:

1. As with training anything, you need to work up to distractions.   If you just wait until the biggest distraction comes along, this will not be effective training.   You need to be proactive instead of reactive.
2. Regarding number 1, setting up "fake" situations that cause your dog to bark (IE not waiting for a stranger to come over, but having your spouse set up a situation or have a remote control doorbell) can help you prepare your dog for what you want them to do (with the proper training).
3. Redirection is ONE of the things you can use to help.   My dog, Boris, will pick ball over stranger (human or dog) approaching the house.   You can start to ween off the ball with a proper training regime designed to do that and increase distraction, but still only ONE aspect of this.
4. Obedience training in general will allow you to give a command that does not lend well to an unwanted action.   This is called counter conditioning.   Many times if a dog goes into the command down (taught well and to a standard) they will not bark.   Other times, it will take time for them to learn to relax, and another command "quiet" can be used to do this.
5. If the distraction comes, you need to get up block or contain your dog.   The more you just let your dog practice, the more they are convinced it is their job to bark and not listen to you.   If my dog is not listening (and I am being consistent), then it is time for me to get up and control things.   Ideally, I want my dog well trained enough not to have to do this.   Sometimes, something really unexpected ends up in your yard or driveway though, or you have been lax in training (it happens).

I have heard that you need to teach your dog to "speak" in order to be "quiet".   That is not really true, and in fact can backfire on people that do not study dog training.   You can actually teach your dog to bark at you demanding all the time with a "speak" not thought out well.  In fact, before I became a dog trainer, I instructed my neighbors ways they could keep Neptune from barking at them.   They were all very friendly with Neptune, but we still didn't want him barking as a greeting.   So we told them when they came home (and if he was out with us), to tell him to sit and then to give him a cookie.   What I now know to be a predictable result, now Neptune barked at them every time he saw them, because he wanted the cookie LOL.  So we had to change those directions up a bit, and really think about what we were "teaching" Neptune.  We had actually taught him "speak" as a greeting instead of "quiet" as a greeting.  Oops.

Just some ideas, this is a bigger topic than just this blog post.   Remember every dog is different as far as the way they learn, what they find rewarding, and what they think their jobs are.   It is our job to know our dogs (by training, playing, and spending quality time with them) in order to best get the results that we want.

I hoped this helped some of you.   Remember there is no quick "magic wand" to this.   All training requires thought, time, commitment, patience, work, repetition, and consistency (and most of all your involvement).



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

Adventures in Canine Good Citizen

Boris got a certificate and ribbon at Strut Your Mutt. 
Canine Good Citizen will be his next accomplishment.
Then onto Novice UKC cometitions!!!
Go Boris!

Boris and Leon are readying to take their Canine Good Citizen exam on November 15th.   While I will still be working Leon in between, I think he is ready to take the exam, pretty much.   He had one issue of crying behind the screen, but that has been resolved now I do believe.  We (Robert and I) had the issue of getting nervous in front of the class during the first walks with Leon, instead of doing what we know and keeping the partnership going.   I also believe that has been resolved for the team, and I plan on having Robert handle Leon.  Oh another issue that Leon has is boredom whining.   We are constantly working on that with long down stays, that I should now bring into other areas where Leon is expecting to be active but needs to remain still instead.   Unfortunately, my husband usually gives into Leon when he is bored, and when the vocalizations begin my husband usually gives Leon what he wants .   Now Leon is not a stupid dog, and he knows what has been working for him!  And as I mentioned, Leon had the last two years off from any kind of serious work (we all sort of did after Jackie CD died).   So now it's time to get Leon back in the game. 

Boris had not learned a down yet (in distraction anyway) so I will continue that in hopes that we can pull it out for the CGC.   I will be handling Boris, as he trusts me more when strangers handle him.   He has been improving on that front as well, instead of barking loudly in stranger's face to drive them away.  I think he remembers when he was little and everyone looked funny at his leg THAT IS NOW GONE.   He feels a bit more assured with me that this will not happen again LOL.   Poor thing.  This also points nicely to an article I did on what things can cause fear in a dog, and Boris is an otherwise confident little thing.  Boris falls into the category of a dog that had major surgery done when still very young, 11 weeks.   In addition, Dobermans are bred to be suspicious of strangers, although many can be trained to trust their leaders' opinion of the situation.   I do actually like when my dogs simply alert me to an intrusion, and then I can tell them what to do with that info (which is basically keep on barking at stranger or oh be quiet that is a friend of mine).   My dogs are not protection trained at all, and are really very friendly to strangers.   Boris just gets a bit nervous when people are examining him too closely, as this is probably what happened before his leg went missing (birth defect and the leg was not going to work right as it was).  Boris does not know why his leg went missing, or that he was not going to be as active and mobile as he is now.  That interest in his leg was so young before he could learn to trust that people had his best interest at heart.   An older dog usually does not have the fallout that a puppy will under these same conditions.   So we have been being sure that people he knows bend down, look at him, pick up his paw, and that nothing happens other than he gets some treats (one of those occasions where I find treat training can really help).   Course for awhile this might result in Boris really being anxious to get in everyone else's face begging for attention LOL.   But that is okay, we can back that back down when the time comes.   Boris did well the last class with some encouragement from me (didn't bark at the trainer during exam, did not bark at the whip, did not bark at the umbrella).   Boris did bark at the jump rope (go figure) so apparently I will be getting some jump rope exercise in.

Two dogs, same breeds, same owners, and pretty much the same upbringing but two very distinct personalities and challenges.   Both pretty friendly and stable dogs.   Leon much more trusting of people, but he started out suspicious of strangers in a different way than Boris.   Now Leon is a dog that anyone and everyone can and does hug, and they can get right in his face.   Leon returns hugs and kisses.   Leon is seven now though, and a very old pro at this.   Boris may never get to the stage that Leon is, but for sure he is improving and will continue to improve.   Boris is more of a leader than Leon, though he loves adores and respects his older brother.   Boris is more ball crazy than Leon, while Leon likes softer thinking games (fetch, tracking, scent work).  Both are very playful dogs.  Boris is more likely to give an obnoxious dog a correction, but will also later be their BFF most likely.   Leon has some pain issues, so he likes to be left alone while sleeping and is likely to make that known to a dog scoping out his resting place.   Leon has a very soft mouth when playing, and Boris has quite a grip that I am always working on making softer.  Funny because I am trying to make Leon's a bit more firm for holding onto stuff.   Boris is probably going to be great at the hold.

Because my dogs are not often in a group class situation or working indoors (often around many dogs in public settings like fairs, the beach, our own daycare, and woodsy walks), I did pay for a CGC class (at It's a Dog's World in York Maine) for the both of them.   This was done to both proof my dogs in the environment that they will be taking the exam, and also get them used to people with treat pouches on who treat their dogs a lot plus a floor likely littered with remains of treats.  My dogs get a limited education in "treat training" in situations that benefit it the most, and I believe the enjoy the training that provides them the most freedom to play and explore on a daily basis.   Therefore, the other part of treat training that I do when coming up to a Canine Good Citizen exam (something I have never taken myself, as I usually go right to straight AKC obedience) or an obedience competition is ignoring the treats, unless they specifically come from me and usually if they have ignored something else that someone else has gotten.  This is great for proofing, as this is an environment that is "purely positive" so corrections of any sort (even though this is a training environment to get a dog ready for exam) are frowned upon LOL.   So while I am not fond of that training, it is a great place to see exactly what your dog will try to get away with during an exam, and then train for that so that no rewards, lures, or corrections are needed when the time comes.   The instruction has been sub par at best during this class, unfortunately.   Trainer is nice, but clearly uncomfortable working with breeds that are not Goldens, Labs, ET (and that are adult dogs I think).   Boris just barks and the trainer's face turns white.   (this will dovetail nicely with the upcoming Does Your Dog Bark? Blog Post--hopefully tomorrow 11/11/2011---link will be provided when finished).

I do feel bad for the three other dogs and owners who have had their training at this facility.   They are having a hard  time handling their dogs in distractions (a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, Golden Doodle puppy, and a grown Golden Mix).   I fear with the "instruction" or lack thereof that they have been given by this specific trainer, they are not going to get there.   Here is why and some things I look for when someone is training no matter the method:

1. All the owners own inadequate cheaply made leashes.   One owner has knots all the way down the leash.   Clearly they are not learning how to or the importance of loose leash training (or quality training equipment).   Leather leashes provide the most comfort for owners, and when you are starting off especially with a large breed that knows how to and has practiced pulling, this keeps an owners hands from becoming overly strained.   Now once a dog is RELIABLY not pulling, the quality and type of leash is not as important (possibly not important at at all).   Have you ever felt nylon pull quickly through your hands?   Not a pleasant experience.
2. The trainer in question shouts out ways to do it that are the same all the time with little to no variation based on the dog/owner combo (granted this is a group class, and so I understand the limited time to distribute the knowledge that you have).   I have never seen this trainer with her dog in class (important I think, and especially so you have a trained dog to demo), although her assistant in the last class had her dog (and also seemed way more comfortable handling dogs in general).    I should say that the trainer did demo her clients' dogs (who had apparently been through more than one obedience class with her) with okay (not stellar) results in the last class.    I think far too late, one class before the exam to help them out.
3. Besides the first hand out given (which was basically a copy of the AKC CGC description with basic tips on how to do things), no hand outs or assignment were given at all.   There was little direction to the class.   The problem with this is that run thrus are usually less expensive, and you expect this decreased level of instruction and feedback.   However in a class situation, you expect more feedback and instruction.
4. When my husband had a problem, (and I was trying not to be the trainer and seeing what he could learn), the instructor basically said she had no idea how he could work on it, until I stepped in and threw some treats at her feet and instructed him on how to do it.   I was really disappointed in that, and it seemed very unprofessional and showed her bias towards breeds.
5. The trainer seems to be able to parrot back instructions, but can not look at the progress or results.   I was handling my dog a certain way by letting him know I was beside him in an examination where he did positively.   However, she parroted the tight leash thing to me, not thinking back that when he barked at her he had a different handler and a loose leash (which I am working on) but that Boris knowing I was right there monitoring the situation and being able to observe the "stranger" and not me had the working effect.   There were a couple of other situations where I noticed not only this trainer but the substitute (who I think is more talented at least at handling dogs) ignored the results of the directions that they were giving (and were being followed) compared to the results.  To me this indicates a lack of experience working with many different dogs (breeds, temperaments, ages ET) both as their own dogs in their home (IE long term progress and results) but working with many clients dogs on a more personal basis (IE board and train, where dogs spend a length of time with the trainer as if it was their own dog they were training).
6. I know that at least one of these trainers, this is not their full time career or passion (and this is the more talented one).
7. As for the way these particular classes were run, in practicing a skill that may be different than in other classes, it helps to break it into parts.   So assuming everyone had the basics obedience moves (and I am not talking about Boris and his lack of down under distractions, this is a few second part of the exam that I realized he may not have by then), then working them up to the "unexpected distraction" could be something different then just pulling them out on a one by one basis.   One thing that I thought was good and could have happened early on, was the dog pass bys, but the substitute trainer was the one that first did this with the whole group.   The other classes all had a lot of downtime, where you are waiting for one solitary person to continue with you.   Whereas the way the substitute did it, everyone was involved at once, it was more distracting (though she aligned you up with a dog that she thought would be least distracting at first---good thought), and everyone got much more GROUP CLASS work time in.   This would have been beneficial early on, and those that are still having problems by class four would have been farther up the ladder I think.  I mean part of the problem any good trainer knows, is the confidence level of the participants.   Unfortunately about three out of the class of six on the last class, said they were not showing up to the exam due to their confidence level (and we were two of the three planning to attend!).
8. The lack of emphasis on the whens and wheres to train.  To many times at least one trainer said that you only need a few minutes a day before feeding!  First of all, the whole point of positive training is that you have the ability to prolong the training (especially if you do not rely on food only as the reward) and work it up to distracting environments.
9. The underlying message of no touch training!  Touch does not denote violence.     I commented about molding which is basically a comforting feeling of your hands carressing your dog.   Not touching does a lot to damage your dog as far as socializing.

On another note, every class was started late.   The first, she just was not on time.   The second, she was chatting with her previous class attendees and just made us late.   The third she was sick, but as a bonus another instructor (Pam Belcher) came who I have worked with in scent class and is much better at instructing and handling dogs (though I am not sure about obedience instruction).   The fourth, her previous class ran late.  Every now and then I realize this happens,but every time seems just to be poor planning.

In training my dogs, unless I was to travel many hours, there really are no quality "training" places around here (they are in Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Florida, and California).   I can "proof" my dogs in these local classes (without any kind of quality instructing), but many times I need to be their advocate to, and just tell the trainer (especially if they give no direction or demo) that the way we train is the way we train, and in a training environment we are going to train (talking about molding butt touches, which the trainer thinks is forcing the butt down---if she would just observe what is going on she might see what is going on is that the dogs have been trained to respond willingly to a butt touch, and we know this is not allowed in an exam, but in a training environment you need to be sure that your dog knows they will not get away with ignoring,and this is a humane and positive way).  

I don't mean for this to be an entirely negative review of It's A Dog's World at all.   In fact, they bring some useful seminars to the area.   These are just points for anyone to consider in picking a training venue.  In their niche of positive training, I don't think they really concentrate on the training part (repetitions, practice, prolonging training sessions with play and more valuable rewards than yummy treats) of this to be useful to most of their students.  There are some really stellar positive trainers, but they reside in other states.   Positive does not mean "little to no work" (in fact to do it right to a standard it means much more work, which is not a bad thing in your normally temperamented dog).   Too many times, even in observing a class shortly before ours,  at least one trainer will say, just do a little work for a few minutes a day before feeding.   Between that and the lack of emphasis on the quality of the equipment that you do have to train, I don't see much of use for the non savvy dog owner or beginning dog owners there as far as the basics of obedience, which is unfortunate.   However, much experience in proofing can be gotten there for a savvy dog owner that has experience in training basic obedience to a standard.  In states like Rhode Island, I have seen the results of trainers who are much more effective at the positive training.

But in order for my dogs to get the experience of these venues (and I don't have to travel with my crappy autos that may not get me back not to mention the price of gas, and my very full training schedule), then something needs to give unfortunately.   I wish people were more in tune with obedience, it's benefits, and ways of training.  Another note on this training center, is that the instructors don't seem to understand cross over benefits, and that an obedient dog is not a dog that lacks drive when you release them.   Too many times you are encouraged to slack off the commands in certain classes like scent work, and the trainers don't realize these dogs may do other sports where the skill that they do can be use  in these different venues, and in fact increase their skill at both.  One should not be at the cost of another, but a compliment to it...sigh.  (I should say that I have tried other venues around here, before saying this.   Even venues that condone the correct uses of equipment, however might have other ethical problems or human behavioral problems themselves as trainers.   So trust me, this is not by lack of trying or researching the talents in the immediate area to me).  I should also say, outside of obedience sports (think agility, hunting dogs, flyball) there is probably some fair talent in the area.   In obedience, there are certainly OWNERS in the area that excel despite the lack of trainers around here, through sheer will and stick to itness.   I would say that some of these owners show probably be competition trainers, but remember owners are dealing with only their dog not multiple personalities of dogs.  This is a nice luxury, and why I sometimes get frustrated with owners who will not work with their one dog LOL.

I am still considering making an obedience club here where many methods are encouraged while training and getting ready for competition.   Also where classes can be given with an eye towards progress and results, while still being humane and positive.   Where also there is a knowledge of the differences needed to train temperaments firstly, generalities that some breeds may bring to the table, and different ages (as well as physical challenges) of both dogs and owners.   I really want to get a practice group going first though, and then grow it into a kick ass obedience club:)

Here is a video example of what we will be doing. It's hard to find any kind of crisp performance for CGC, and that may well include ours (will see if we can get video camera).



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

Macrame Crochet and Dog Collars

After the Doberman Nationals in Fitchburg Mass this year, I have been totally obsessed with making my dogs some crocheted, macrame, and/or beaded collars.   One vendor that has an online presence had braided collars, which look like they may be easy and fun to start with.

I would like to get up to this level that Original American Collars (I believe the link is their website) was showing at the nationals.  Many of these vendors were not online OR were in the process of being online, which is a shame.   Really beautiful collars and merchandise.

Of course my "crafty domestic" skills were something I never developed for myself.   Sadly, I did actually have a grandmother that could have taught me these things, but it was not what I was interested in at the time.   Now I have inherited some of my grandmothers knitting items (unfortunately even though she did crochet, there were no crochet materials or hooks in the items that I acquired).  I am really wishing I paid attention to her sewing, cooking, and crafty arts when I was a kid.

I don't even really know the difference between knitting, crocheting and macrame LOL.  I've gotten a bunch of books.   The extent of my craftiness was homemade cards at one point, and some paper arts.  Never got that great at it, but had a good time.

So clearly I am going to want to go for something simple for my dogs at first like braided collars with one or two colors of material.   I like the idea of doing it myself, as I never find exactly what I want for my dogs.   I would like something for them that I custom made with them in mind:)   Course it is going to take a little practice this winter to do it, I fear.

I found this free macrame pattern for a dog collar that looks maybe doable.   They do say it could be a challenge for a beginner (and I am a pre-beginner).

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

Various Clients of 2011:)



So this little muffin is Spencer a 10-11 month old Yorkie puppy with way too much energy.  We are starting to channel that into his beginning obedience work.

Diesel's owner has expressed an interest in actually competing with Diesel (yeah!).  He is about the most perfect dog to do this with (actually he is a puppy right now of 8 months old). 

Virgule did a mini board & train this summer for a short period of time.   She looks cute and sweet, but she is pretty fiesty.  She likes to play, but totally on her terms.



This is Virgule's companion, Jujube.   He is sweet, but quite a bully when it comes to other dogs.   He also likes to take away from any fun Virgule might try to have with other dogs.   He is quite the handful LOL.

Here is Boy playing with Virgule.   Boy is super smart, but has been here for training and socialization.   He is coming along, and just went for his first plane ride recently (not in cargo).

OLD friend, Gus, has been boarding here while his owners have a new venture they are starting.

Crosby is a rare non training daycare attendee, because I have known him previously.

Got reaquainted with Milo and Mary, while there owners went on a European trip:)

Gator, possibly the cutest and most mild mannered Airedale puppy that I have come in contact with (excepting Marley of course---old family friend's dog).  So much so, that next year the family will probably not need a special place to board him:(

Beauty and The Beast:)   Very nice dogs (well they all are if you know me LOL).   Beauty is a bit reactive, but with the proper work her owners should be able to get her in line.  Beast is just mainly a love bug.

Bogey, adorable nine year old Shitz tzu girl, who came so she could learn how to walk on a leash, and now is a daycare attendee.

Rocket, six month old puppy Chihuahua male, and his new bestee, Bella.   Bella, who is an old client and daycare attendee, thinks Rocket is her baby.   Rocket is in the beginning stages of learning his obedience.

Crosby, Tommy, Bogey, and Leon pose for a picture outside of Crosby's house.

Radley, a nine year old girl cattle dog, is here to learn some manners and not pull on her owner while she recovers.

Radley having a good time with Tommy and Gang.

Poor Monzo is a good boy, despite what the muzzle would suggest.   He is just 4 years old and not been exposed to strange dogs at large.  He had also learned to leave some marks on his sister previously, and scares easily at other dogs.   Mostly he is here because the family got a new puppy, and he will need to learn never to put his mouth on the puppy and not play with him too roughly:)

Leon showing Monzo that he is a calm and nice dog, and that there is nothing to be afraid of.   (Monzo is a work in progress, but a super sweet boy that just is unaware of his own strength).

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

Questions from potential clients--Old Post Updated on Aggression Success

Updates in red when you scroll down:)

Before the question, there was a lot more detail regarding the specifics of the dog owner's situation.  This is a dog owned by the same family since puppy hood.   The dog has just bitten someone, while be pack walked as part of their rehabilitation or an attempt to get a less fearful dog (not with the owner but with a dog walker or trainer).   The standard type of obedience sounds like it was done before, perhaps without an eye towards results or knowledge passed on that results and goals are a good thing to have in training.

I am just going for the meat of the question here, because in general, this would be a question that owner's of a particular temperament of dog would have:

"if you have had any luck in curing “fear aggression” with dogs using your residency training program or in any other way?"

My answer follows.   You may note that if my goal is sales it is not the best response:)   My goal is to help dogs and owners who want to improve their relations with their dogs.   I want to do this without putting pressure on dog owner's to impulsively throw money at the situation.  Why?   Because throwing money at the situation will absolutely 100% fail if that is the only thing done.

With that in mind, here was my response:

"Improvement in the dog can be made. The owner always needs to be aware and know who their dog is in the long term however. Some dogs get over it, and some dogs do not. Basic obedience trained to a standard gives the owner a way to communicate other things to do rather than to rush at a stranger, if they are consistent, responsible, and able to get over the learning curve.

As far as "curing", it's not like getting a car fixed where something just is replaced with a brand new part. Dogs take variable amounts of time for improvement, and it really depends 1) how damaged the dog is 2) how able the owners are to understand and implement a training program and 3) the ability to work as a partnership in the future by knowing each other and having a level of trust.



Unfortunately, many of these problems can be avoided entirely by starting training, boundaries, and rules early, unless one has a dog that is really not wired right. The lack of training (to a standard, which is important, many trainers do not bother to try to do this with their human clients), rules, and boundaries can influence an otherwise mentally healthy dog to grow up not so mentally healthy.


Good luck. Let me know if you want to investigate further. If you do, please fill out the client information form."

Honestly that is my answer.   Improvement is always possible, but is it going to be the improvement that owners' are looking for?   Getting an owner into the learning curve regarding trainer and behavior modification is hard enough with a dog that has not yet bitten or shown signs of aggression.   It could be totally possible to have this dog enjoying humans some time in the future, but convincing everyone the need for steps to be in place to ensure safety...that is the hard part.  

Often, after awhile, clients forget how bad it was, or they remain in denial about their dog.   A protocol slips, is forgotten, or just disregarded as the dog "does not need that anymore".   Yet the dog still is not prepared for some scenarios, and no real work has been done to prepare them for that particular scenario.   BAM!  Predictably for those of us who train but not so much for owners, the undesired action is performed by the dog.

This is why much caution is taken before accepting a case like this.   There are some screen out things that I have in place, which are designed to off put those who really already know that they may not want to live the lifestyle required to save their dog.  I am not pointing fingers here, I totally understand having lived with a couple of dogs that were behaviorally challenged.   This is something that I decided to do, and do not expect that others will decide to live the same way.

It is impossible and unethical to re home a dangerous dog.   So options in these type of situations are limited.   It's a tough situation, and as always, I completely sympathize and support any necessary decisions made in circumstances like this.

Please see these related articles:
Work With The Dog You Have Not With The Dog You Wished You Had
The Resource Guarders
Aggression, Why You Need Help
Selecting A Trainer

So how many dogs I have personally helped through something *like* this?   How successful were those cases?

Of the hoods listed, in July of 2008, totalling 14 dogs:

• My own two were successful on that list (Jackie and Neptune).
• Three were re homed.   One after partners slit up, and the one left with him re homed in while in a different state.    One a family who did not want to train the other dog in the family very much (not the client dog but dog family member who did not really have a behavioral problem so much as she wanted to correct new puppy all the time.   New puppy did have behavioral problems, but did a lot less damage than the older resident dog.   Tuff situation, but dog found excellent home).  One owner fed the dog with the "new puppy" (that they were not supposed to get) right upon returning home without crates or anything.
• One was euthanized.   Unfortunately suggested by me, and we did try and find another home for him.   He did not have a serious bite history YET, but lived with three toddlers, and had really major aggression problems since he was a puppy.  Would have probably turned into a nice obedience or sports dog with the right family.
• One on there, who is a friends dog NOT a training client, is still in the wait and see.  We have talked about him a lot, and I have given a lot of advice.  Dog has severe joint problems, and was in the vets a lot during early and very critical periods of his life.
• 7 left have been successful plus my two being 9 out of 14 successful on that list.  64% success rate per my definition.   Arguably the rehomes could be considered successful, but if the dog comes in for training from their home, my personal goal is to keep that dog in their home.   Obviously if that is not the right thing to do, I don't do it, but I do not consider it a successful case if they are re homed.

Since then there have been some more:

• Dog A-Good for a year and three months, and just did a backslide.   Was allowed to start hanging out on the bed. (S)  update tumors were found in the intestines, and treated.   he has been a loving part of the family since this was discovered, and has a new dog friend in the house that he loves.   this is a dog that has always had serious medical problems.
• Dog B-Two dog family, one was beating up on the other and aggressive to dogs in general.  So far very successful for the last thirteen months. (S)
• Dog C-Adopted from shelter who rescued her after she had been tied to a garage for the first two years of her life.   She had a litter of pups during this time due to not being able to get away from males (or fixed for that matter).   She was abandoned when the rescue was able to step in.   Very traumatized as far as interactions with other dogs went, and was pretty aggressive to other dogs.  So far very successful for the last thirteen months. (S)
• Dog D-Owned by pregnant lady that gave birth in the middle of the sessions.   She had owned for a number of years, and was just now considering training the dog for safety.  I am assuming this was unsuccessful, as not all lessons were done, and homework was hardly ever done.   It could have been a success as far as she was concerned.  I haven't heard from her, so I have no idea. (U)  I have heard that this dog is doing great with the baby, and they have not been able to continue training for the dog aggression.
• Dog E-Young puppy displaying aggressive tendencies towards other dogs.   Was successful for awhile, but recently owner let dog out of command to greet another dog.   Dog was bitten.   This is a dog where an introduction protcol is needed, and for those dogs to be serious long time future friends before even considering this.   (R) dog was rehomed
• Dog F-Loved his small children.   Family not prepared for a large possibly aggressive dog, though he could have been controlled by a more knowledgable family.   He was unfortunately returned to the shelter. (R)
• Dog G-Very frightened of other dogs, and likes to get the first aggressive move out of the way.   However, does not  do this by actually biting or breaking skin.   Has been successful, although owner still has trouble reading his dog or implementing training strategy.   She improves with both people and dogs every time I see her. (S)
• Dog H-Very large black dog owned as a puppy.   Family became afraid of his more mediocre interactions, and then the dog figured this out an progressed.   The family was not interested in prolonged training, and the dog was sent to a no kill shelter. (R)

So these are eight dogs who I would call moderate to seriously behaviorally challenged.   There are no "just reactive" dogs in here or dogs that just need to learn basic obedience without a strict management protocol of some sort.  4 Solid successes.   1 waiting to see.  3 re homed.  1 did not take all lessons, and have not heard from.


So less than half in 2009-2010.  Total of all time being 13 out of 22 = 60% success rate. Also less dogs seen or inquired about during this time.  OR it could be that I am screening out more clients.  I would say of above, that there are four-five clients that I could have probably screened out.  They would not pass my muster right now (though one of those has been a success to date). I have no idea the amount of clients that I have encouraged not to use my services for their problem OR to really think of other options.   I guess I should be tracking this as well.


Talking about strictly residency cases,   8 out of 10 have been successful in all time.   80 % or redidency cases from 2003-2010 have been successful.   Pre 2008, 67% of residency cases had been successful (per my definition) and from 2009-2010 80% of residency cases have been successful.  

Residency cases, especially for the behaviorally challenged, can have a bit more success, because the training starts with someone who knows what they are doing on a regular basis.   So much up front work can be done for the owner, who can step in once there is a standard built into the training.

Keep in mind we are a teeny tiny operation, who gets about 20 new private training clients a year, plus our returning training clients.  We do not do group classes at this point.  So we only work with so many dogs as it is.   I also suspect in this economy, more dogs who have issues are being PTS as families can not afford the liability or the training.  In other words, when the money is a problem, more families have to be really realistic as to what they will spend money on (and what they can realistically do).  I don't blame them, and I absolutely love dogs whether they are behaviorally challenged or not.

And it is NOT that I don't want to help these people.  It is that unless they are already used to at least working with a non behaviorally challenged dog, these dogs are going to challenge the learning curve for these owners.

It's like saying, you have three weeks to learn the flute (or even three months, or six months) and then I expect you to be good enough to play in the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  It sometimes takes many dogs before an owner learns about training, and how to use it effectively.   We are talking about dogs that are beyond the skills of an average dog owner.   Could they get there?   Yeah, they could, if they didn't assume that their dog was "cured" from everything later on.   However, without the experience of knowing that by having handled hundreds of dogs, is it likely that this passed on knowledge is going to stick?  No, it really is not.  It is too easy for owners to be lulled into this false sense of security, and not realize that they have had no incidents because they have been actively using training and safety protocols, and then the guard comes down.  Or winter comes, they stop training, and they totally expect everything to have been maintained to the same point.

I know what happens with these dogs, as I make every effort to track them until the dog dies.   A lot of the successes often come here for boarding, so I get to see one on one.  So my definition of success does not equate to months or years without incident or fall backs, it is forever into their future.  I know about these incidents, because I e-mail the owners four or five times during the year for updates.  Or I may be actively involved in the rehoming plans.  Some of these dogs have been able to bite a lot less or not at all....until the last incident (of the unsuccessful or wait and see cases).

So there are many many factors to consider before going forward with a mind to rehabbing a dog.   Take much time to think about all the considerations.   If you are just about to get a puppy, start training immediately with an eye towards real goals and standards in training no matter which method you use.   You and your puppy will then hopefully never have to come to such an impasse in your relationship.


http://www.mannerlymutts.com/
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/
mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com

Doberman Nationals 2011 Fitchburg Ma

Very last minute heard that the Doberman Nationals were going on in Fitchburg Ma from September 30th 2011 to October 8th 2011.   Because I will be purchasing a female Doberman in 2-3 years (and cause I love Dobermans and love to see a whole bunch of them in one area LOL), made a special effort to make sure we went.   I picked a day where some regional obedience events were being held, as I have an interest in obedience sports.

As it happened, I bumped into Terry Christie of Canine Magic.   We both apprenticed at Doberman Rescue many years back.  I met her dog, Cobey, when he was a puppy.   Recently, he needed to have a leg amputated, and was happy to hear there was some video of him on YouTube with updates.







So happy for Terry and Cobey! This is the other fun thing about going to dog events, volunteering ET, you get to meet great people and catch up with them. I had actually seen Terry at a previous DRU picnic, but had not put it together, as she was with a three legged dog (last time I saw Cobey he was four legged).

Please forgive me, as I did not think to take any pictures of the event. I left my pocketbook in the trunk of the car, which had my camera, and then just got to engaged to go and retrieve it later:( I really wish that I had taken some pictures.

I did watch the obedience events (Utility and Open were going on when we got there) for about a half an hour or so. Saw a dog named Isis doing some beautiful jumps. Also a very leggy blue male with natural ears doing his retrieves in our corner, doing his job even as he gave us a sideways glance and grin. Very nice work. Unfortunately, won't be able to show Boris of the three legs there (he needs to participate with the UKC ), BUT someday when my female princess comes we may do that trial. Years and years off...

The AKC hosts the trials at the Doberman Nationals, and so Boris would be considered "lame" there (Boris just has three legs, but he has no trouble walking, running OR jumping ).   I had a very nice time watching the exhibitors in Open and Utility.  It is a pretty quiet venue, although two rings were going side by side.  This was sectioned off from the conformations going on at the other side of the building.   Not a bad venue if one is looking for an indoor semi quiet trial.   Course this is different than the annual Fitchburg trials that are not specialty LOL (very busy and not at all quiet, and great if you are training for that--next one November 2011).   Saw my very first obedience dog trial there, and have been hooked and striving for the inspiring performance ever since!  (trainer was with a Boston Terrier, and I have no idea who she was, but she was great)

Sorry got off topic regarding the Doberman Nationals of 2011.  (Point was)  If I had a Doberman with four legs (physical legs of course) who was ready to trial, but perhaps not ready for the busier November trials, I would definitely sign up for these Doberman National trials in Fitchburg MA.   The Collie Club trials in Portland Maine are somewhat similar (and they have an all breed day) in the business factor.  I love those trials to for a dog just getting used to these venues.  I would recommend it.  If you get a chance to do this with your Doberman, I would go.   You will meet other enthusiastic Doberman owners, who love doing things with their dogs (course the day of the event they may be kinda tense LOL).

The vendors were great, and I only wish that I had known about it sooner.   I would have attended some seminars (though I probably would have to become a member, which I am doing now).   There were even online streamed seminars for those that could not attend on a certain day.

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

Halloween Movie and TV Series Recommendations

Halloween is my very favorite holiday.   Coincidentally, I am a bit of a nut about horror movies too.   I have actually spent a considerable amount of time amassing a list of movies that I can call upon each Halloween.  



Halloween is serious business, and this is no time to be watching crappy horror movies or sifting through the really bad ones hoping to find a gem.  I need sure things for my holiday month (yeah I said it, month NOT day).  My big escape over the years has been the good horror movie, and that is why I have seen so many of them.   Way more than a hundred, but these are the ones that I deem worthy of recommending based on orginality, a plot I like, a twist ending that I did not see coming, or because they are "quirky".



On the culmination of the month and on the day, I surround myself with all the candy I could want, and dive into a horror movie marathon.   The whole month though, I try and decorate each day and watch a horror movie to honor the holiday.



Here is what I like in a good horror movie, so you might get an idea where my tastes reside:

1. It's never about the gore with me, though there may be gore in horror movies that I like.  I usually do not like the gore, but it's something about the storyline that I like.
2. I typically like a background story, though with some movies the mystery (the original The Fog for instance) does not need to be spelled out so much.  It's a tricky balance.
3. Since I have seen so many, I like an unusual bent or angle to the horror movie.
4. I like when the characters we have come to know live at the end.  In other words, the best happy ending that a horror movie can have.
5. I prefer if no animals are killed (or tortured) in the horror movie (though can not promise that all my picks stick to this).
6. I am not a zombie or werewolf fan, but am more of a Vampire or Serial Killer fan.   Not to say that some of my movies may not have these.
7. It's rare that I like a remake OR a sequel, but it happens:)
8. You may find it hard to believe from my list, but I do not like hardcore violence (ala Last House on The Left or Clock Work Orange---sorry that I ever saw those oringals).
9. If I have seen a documentary on how a low budget horror movie was made (ala Texas Chainsaw Massacre), that may explain my fascination with it later LOL.  I never wanted to watch this movie until I watched the documentary on it.  Knowing what the actors were going through, and this was not made by a bunch of people that necessarily knew how to get a special effect (never mind safely).
10. I love gothic movies with old creepy houses in them.  If I can check out the house in the movie, I am a happy camper.
11. I love horror movies that can also add comedy.   However this is a tricky mix, and some movies try this but fail horribly.  It is the very rare movie that does this well.
12. As in my horror books, I like when  everything looks innocent on the OUTSIDE but INSIDE it is NOT AT ALL.
13. I grew up on "Creature Double Feature" so I like the good horror giant monster, but am more particular about the special effects LOL.

Without further ado, here are my Halloween recommendations for you (in no particular order-next year and to segment to descriptive tags next year):

1. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? 1962
2. Portrait of Dorian Gray 1945
3. Wicker Man 1973 (the remake 2006 was very good as well)
4. Sixth Sense 1999
5. Invisible Man 1958
6. Diaboliques 1955
7. Silence of the Lambs 1991 (also Thomas Harris book)
8. Hannibal 2001
9. Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte 1964
10. Single White Female 1992
11. Fatal Attraction 1987
12. (Duh) Carrie 1976 (and great Stephen King book)
13. The Ring 2002
14. Poltergeist 1982 (the first one IMHO)
15. Sleepy Hollow 1999
16. Dead Zone 1983 (also great Stephen King book)
17. The Fog 1980 (the original only IMHO)
18. The People Under The Stairs 1981 (funny comedy horror)
19. House of Wax 1953(remake 2005 is campy sort of crap, but I liked the back story that they gave to it, and it had nothing to do with the original Vincent Price House of Wax)
20. Motel Hell 1980 (I don't know how I forgot this one)
21. The Thing 1982 (sci fi horror)
22. It 1990 (Stephen King)
23. Alien 1979 (sci fi horror & great book)
24. Jurassic Park 1993
25. Black Christmas 1974(the orginal, not the remake)
26. The Vanishing 1993
27. The Bad Seed 1956
28. The Good Son 1993
29. Magic 1978
30. Stranger in Our House or Summer of Fear 1978
31. Secret Window 2004 (also great Stephen King book)
32. (OMG) The Baby 1973-Talk about a twist ending!!!!
33. The Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1978
34. She Creature 2001
35. Vacancy 2007
36. Rebecca 1940
37. Let's Scare Jessica to Death-classic [don't want to ruin the surprise] movie 1971.
38. Original Halloween I and II (1978 & 1981), of course. II only thrown in there to continue the story, not as good as one. (I think of one and two as the same movie.)
39.  H20 (1998) , which is Halloween 20 years later.
40. Rob Zombie's Halloween (first one not the second one---second one was too much in line with the actual)
41. The Audition, Japanese Horror Movie 1999. Quite a take on your submissive Japanese woman (NOT!!!!).
42. Godzilla, the remake 1998. A totally American movie doing a fresh new (and sometimes funny) look at Godzilla and how he came to be here. I own this movie, I loved it so much.
43. The whole Subspecies series. The production company that actually did filming in Romania went bankrupt and out of business, but I so loved these. Yet another different and twisted look at vampires. Subspecies came out in 1991, which I thought was the weakest of them and I actually saw it last. Bloodstone, Subspecies II, came out in 1993. Bloodlust, Subspecies III, came out in 1994. And finally the last (boo hoo) came out in 1998 Bloodstorm, Subspecies 4.
44. Red Dragon, of course, because I have read the Thomas Harris books. The film came out very well in 2002, I thought.
45. Blind Beast 1969 is a good Japanese horror film that I recently did a review on. Very, very creepy.
46. The Burbs 1989. Comedy horror at it's best. Tom Hanks plays a neighbor, who is suspicious of the new neighbors in town.
47. The Lost Boys 1987. A vampire movie that I always still enjoy when it's on. I like the plot of the younger brother helping out the older brother. Grandpa gets in on the act as well.
48. Showtime Master of Horror Series. I didn't like them all. The very first one is probably my favorite due to the surprise ending, and just overall creepiness of it. Plus, you are never really sure where you are going......really.
49. Ghost Story 1981, good book and I think good movie. Actually, if I remember correctly, I might have enjoyed the movie more than the book.
50. Intensity 1997 (Dean Koontz book first, loved botht he movie and book)
51. Hideaway 1995 (Dean Koontz book, but changed the story a little bit)
52. Demon Seed 1977 (Dean Koontz book---can you guess one of my favorite authors LOL)
53. Lady in White 1988 - this one might be okay for children, but there is a definate reference to a pedophile---be warned.   Good mystery ghost story that I think was targetted for children as well.
54. Burnt Offerings 1976
55. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer 2006 --Totally Gothic and creepy, not sure how I felt about the ending, but a terrifically creepy movie.
56. Series of about 12 Dark Shadows The Revival (though it doesn't end there, but production was cancelled, so it's a bit frustrating after episode 12) 18) Hostel I 2005 and II 2007. II is even better, but I wouldn't discount I at all!!!
57. Spider Babies 1968
58. Quills 2000  Really, really gothic.  Strong sexual themes and some violence.  Really great adult horror movie though.
59. The Omen 1976 (I HATED the remake)
60. Damien: Omen II 1978
61. Children of the Damned 1964
62. Psycho 1960
63. The Shining 1980 (not as true to the Stephen King book, but Jack Nicholson's role) 
64. The Shining 1997 (true to the Stephen King book)
65. Jeepers Creepers 2001
66. Jeepers Creepers II 2003
67. Joyride 2001
68. The Other 1972 (also an excellent book, and the movie is pretty true to the book) 
69. King Kong 2005 (one movie where I like the remake much more than all the others before it)
70. Creep 2004
71. Misery 1990 (also great Stephen King book)
72. The Haunting 1963
73. Changeling 1980
74. Sweeney Todd 2007
75. Prom Night 1980
76. Frailty 2001
77. Strangeland 1998
78. American Psycho  2000
79. Cloverfield 2008
80. Day After Tomorrow 2004
81. True Blood Series 2008
82. Dexter Series  2006
83. Reaper TV Show 2007
84. Wolf Creek 2005
85. The Blob (always loved this movie) 1958
86. Godsend  2004
87. Cape Fear (remake with DiNero) 1991
88. Communion or Alice Sweet Alice 1976
89. Rosemary's Baby 1968 
90. Interview with A Vampire 1994
91. House of Wax (Vincent Price) 1953
92. House of Wax (Paris Hilton LOL) 2005  a beginning scene in this really did it for me!
93. The Ring 2002
94. Three Extremes 2004
95. Yoga 2009
96. What Lies Beneath 2000 (I like how the beginning starts, and helps with the twist ending)
97. Scream I, II, & III (and looking forward to IV) 1996 1997 2000
98. Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1974
99. Dream Home 2010
100. The Burrowers 2008 ---very creepy old west meets horror