Is That Dog Playing? Part 1
On the other hand, our neighbor has graciously rebuilt the fence between our yards, one less thing to have to do this summer. They have a new dog, Huck, whom Dancer adores. Boomer likes him to, but they get overwhelmed when both my dogs visit. It was nice to have a break of sunshine recently and to go over and sip wine, relax and chat, while watching Dancer and Huck entertain us.
Some dogs are truly a show off!!! Do you know what I mean? I see this in the play times during classes frequently. Some of the pups, Dancer included, cares more about you WATCHING him play than the actual play. Like a little kid, "Hey Mom! Watch ME!" It is so cute. I am always reminding people to bend their knees! Keep those knees bent! Why? Don't want to get knocked down, of course!!! My favorite is when I have 3 puppies all roughhousing and tumbling around between my legs and I can't move. It's like I'm a magnet. I also love the dogs that come in and come straight to me to say hello and get a treat. Like they can't wait to get into class fast enough.
Today's TIP: Dog Play, Part I
It is good to monitor your dog's play with other dogs, especially the newer they are to knowing each other, but even then, things can sometime escalate between old friends. I have a lot of people ask me about "aggression" in play. It's important to remember that play mimics fighting in a lot of cases. Not all the time, but a lot of it does. So, what is the biggest difference? INTENTION. In play, there is no intention to kill or harm. Dogs with good play skills will take little breaks. Sometimes they are only a flash of time, a quick pause, or a fast regroup then go back at it. Some puppies either know this inherently, or learn it from their siblings and mother at a very young age. Mostly, I believe, it is learned. That is why it is important to not take a pup from its litter too young. My Alaskan Malamute, Yukon, was given to me at 5 weeks, way too young; fortunately, he had learned this skill and had great play skills. Some of those skills needed are: ability to stop and catch a breath, rather than going full bore the whole time, letting the partner up after being pinned, allowing oneself to be pinned or knocked down. Ability to self-handicap to equal the size and energy level of the partner by making themselves smaller, laying down or crouching down. Ability to inhibit biting and holding and pinning. Ability to communicate, via Play Signals, to the other dog that this is play, no harm intended. More on Play Signals in the near future.
So, how do you monitor play? This goes regardless of anything: If you think someone is going to truly get hurt, interrupt them.
Does size truly matter? Can big dogs play with little dogs without hurting them? Yes. Although, there is a risk of accidental damage just from the size and weight. This is where self-handicapping really is necessary. I recently had a beautiful, huge German Shepherd in puppy class, roughly 6 months old, so nearly full grown and his best playmate was a 5 month old, gorgeous, petite Papillon. The Papillon was frisky and fast, the German Shepherd was gentle, albeit a bit clumsy on those big paws.
It is important to monitor play, especially when dogs are first getting acquainted. If this is a new dog to a home with a resident dog, it is best to introduce and have time spent together away from the home so as to not have the resident dog feel a need to guard, or protect his property. Some dogs will, some won't. More on that topic on another day. So, how do you monitor it? WATCH! Are the dogs taking little breaks (a few seconds or longer)? Does the one on top let the other one up? Does the one on the bottom run away from his friend or go back for more action? If they run, then the play was too rough or went on too long. A good rule of thumb is 5 seconds. If after 5 seconds the top dog lets the other up, great, if not, pull the other dog off. Is one dog yelping in fear? Interrupt. Does one cower in a corner or under a barrier (chair, bench, you)? Or do they sit beneath then bat and play?
Things you should do:
Watch for excitement levels escalating, they need a break!
Study Play Signals (coming soon)
Study Calming Signals Check out Turid Rugaas at http://www.canis.no/rugaas/ (more coming soon)
Interrupt play regularly and give both dogs several tasty treats.
Always give treats when putting dogs on leash.
Put them on leash, let them take a break to calm down, then let them resume play.
Have fresh, clean water available.
Go with your gut.
Err on the side of caution, but never panic or let your fears ruin your dog's fun. Many people are afraid and in reality the dogs are having a great time.
Pick up your little dog or puppy if you truly think he will be harmed, otherwise let them be. Picking them up in fear can cause fear and anxiety in your dog.
Ask yourself if you see Intention To Harm in the activity or is it just rough play?
Remember a lot of dogs like rough play.
Remember, a dog making noise or barking is a dog making noise. It does not mean aggression. Many dogs are "talkers" when they play and make throaty noises, play growls and the like.
Remember that pyro-erection (raised hackles) is a sign of Excitement not necessarily Aggression
Check back for more info to come!
Visit our Free Training Tips on our website at: www.PawsitiveStepsSeattle.com
honor leash laws and always scoop the poop.
Happy PLAYING!!!!!
Enjoy your dog!
Gayle
Do You Love What You Do?
I am truly blessed and I thank God every day, while I pray for you, your family and your pets, that I get to be a part of your lives.
Thank you for that honor and privilege!
Respectfully,
Gayle
In Loving Memory of George
In Honor of George
George was born Beckwith's Bright Star, May 11, 1997 and came into our lives on October 16, 1997 as a "Board & Train" client for Pawsitive Steps Dog Training. During this time, he lived with us Monday through Friday and spent most weekends with his adopted family. We were blessed by his presence immediately and although at that time he was not ours, he became very special to us and we loved him very much. I'll never forget that day. He was a stocky 5 month old Golden Retriever puppy; he made me think of a line backer. He was so happy - jolly - to be precise and so easy going as he dragged my sofa half-way across the living room... When Art came home that evening and met George, his exact words were, "We're not getting another dog. ...But if he needs a home, we'll take him." It was a prophecy, but at the time, we had no idea what was in store for George or our little family, but on March 1, 1998, on a cold, rainy evening, his previous owners called to ask if we would adopt George. We brought George home for the first time as our dog that night. We have enjoyed so many wonderful years, wonderful adventures and sweet times. On Monday, December 19, 2005 George passed on to Heaven, where he is free of cancer and pain and with his friends and brothers Skippy and Yukon (and more recently, Amber who passed away August 4, 2008) who await us at Rainbow Bridge.
Even after all the years that have passed since he went to Heaven, I still think of him everyday and miss his presence by my side. I love all of my dogs greatly and appreciate them all for their unique, wonderful qualities and their love. When they go, they leave a hole in my heart, even though I believe I will see them again when I reach Heaven. But today, I celebrate his life and remember him on this special day! Happy Birthday George! I love you!
Here are some of the wise things that George taught me during his lifetime...
Greet everyone with enthusiasm and make sure they know you are glad to see them. It doesn't matter what kind of shoes they wear or car they drive. Love doesn't ask if you can afford it.Smart dogs can catch. SMARTER dogs, can't,as people will give you loads of treats trying to teach you how.
When Mom says, 'I will hug him and squeeze him and call him George!" You know you're in for a fun day!
Play in the snow, chase and eat snow-balls...
Be gentle with children and little old ladies. They are delicate and give sweet hugs and kisses.
Don't miss the boat!!!
Never bark when a simple woof will do.Going shooting is fun!
Find the Clay Pigeons they miss and bring them back!
Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet.Help clean up when there are Beer cans in someone's shop - you might get lucky and find one half-full!!! Never turn down an invitation for a cold one, or warm one, or sharing one with Dad...
Getting to go along is great, even if you don't like the ride part all that much; you get to have so many neat adventures.
Only fart around Mom when Dad's nearby, she won't know who to blame.Mind your manners; Grandma will make you scrambled eggs.
Love your Vet (Dr. Royal Smalley) & Groomer (Bev Bakeman and Pimba) because they care for you very much and going to see them is fun! Besides, they have very special treats and Mom always buys some for at home!
When snuggling with Mom on the bed and she tries to hide you under the blankets from Dad - don't wag your tail!
"The Earth is my towel and I shall dry myself upon it."
If you help Dad mow the lawn, your paws will turn green.
Wallow in thick mud and enjoy the Spa treatment;some women pay hundreds of dollars for this luxury.
Pick the remote up and hand it to Dad before jumping up on the couch to watch TV with him.Go boating every chance you get & always wear your life jacket.
Never skip a meal; eating is important!Keep everyone's secrets and wag your tail a lot.
Go swimming whenever the chance arises.
Remind PaPa how much he likes Popcorn; he likes to share.
Hunting fish is fun!
Goofiness is almost always appropriate.Tummy Time is always good - who doesn't love a good tummy rub?
Go out with Dad to get the mail and carry in a letter to Mom - you'll get at least 3 cookies every time.
Wiggle when you walk.Pick up skeins of yarn that roll off the couch and bring them to Mom; she has biscuits hiding in her knitting basket.
When you're a puppy, don't eat the siding off the house,Dad get's really pissed off.
If someone doesn't feel good, curl up with them for a nice long nap.
Flirt with women, it will get you everything; respond enthusiastically to the adorable nicknames they call you -like Georgeous, Handsome, Mister, Georgie, Goofball, G-Dog...Let everyone whom you love, know that you love them with all your heart.
George, we love you. Brooke
This article was submitted to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers for their January 2010 national Train Your Dog Month essay contest in the category of Involving Children in the Training Process. It finalized and won second place in the contest. I've been working with Brooke, Mrs. Russell and Classroom 203 for nearly a year now. I hope you will enjoy this introduction to Brooke and look forward to hearing more about her progress! Enjoy! Gayle
If You Do the Good Stuff
by Gayle Ballinger, CPDT-KA
Abby Russell was not your typical sixth grader. Although, she loved to run the 100 yard dash and carry the baton in relay races on field day. She would wait her turn to go down the slide at recess and excitedly opened her own birthday presents. First on the scene when one of her classmates was injured, she would offer comfort and reassurance. A cheerful redhead, Abby greeted her friends on the first day of school in September 2008. No one suspected that her body was riddled with lymphosarcoma, a cancer common in Golden Retrievers, or that she would be saying goodbye to her beloved classmates before Halloween. Needless to say, Classroom 203 and all of Brookside Elementary, the community and her family mourned her passing and still miss her greatly. Abby had been accompanying her "Mom" and special-education schoolteacher, Therese Russell, to school for 14 years. Abby taught the students patience, friendship and how to give unconditional love.
Restrictions set by the school district would not make getting another dog for the classroom very easy. However, Mrs. Russell knew and believed in the benefits of having a dog like Abby in the classroom, where fifth and sixth grade students with Autism, Asberger’s syndrome, emotional and behavior problems, and significant learning challenges were calmed by Abby’s presence. Even the most reluctant readers would sit on pillows and read to Abby, who never fell asleep or wandered off. So Mrs. Russell formulated a plan and petitioned the school district to allow her to get a new Golden Retriever puppy, one that would become a certified animal assistance therapy dog, working with professional dog trainers and organizations such as the Delta Society. She set out writing grants to get the funding she would need to accomplish this goal, and on March 19, 2009 a pink balloon announced "It’s a girl!" and three month old Brooke Piper Russell was introduced to her classmates.
Brooke has some big paws to fill, but Mrs. Russell says, "The biggest thing is this group gets to train the new dog. The idea is that these kids will have ownership and start anew so that in two to three years the kids in the program will have a dog like Abby." Students throughout the school can earn a "Puppy Pass", positively reinforcing their own good behavior, allowing them to visit Room 203 and Brooke. Everyone envies a Puppy Pass!
Room 203 has a motto the kids know by heart:
If you do the good stuff, you get the good stuff, but if you don’t do the good stuff, you don’t get anything at all.
This fits right in with my beliefs and practices as a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and owner of Pawsitive Steps Dog Training in Seattle, WA. When local veterinarian staff recommended my services to Therese Russell as a good choice for working with Brooke and Room 203, I was thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of something so wonderful, so powerful and so meaningful. Room 203’s official "training day" is Friday, when I come in and work with the students and teachers for about an hour teaching Brooke important skills, cues to perform certain acts and how to just hang out, awaiting the opportunity to do her job. Brooke’s current vocabulary is around 50 words. We practice while in crowded hallways, full of students who all want to stop and pet "their dog" Brooke. During r
ecess, Therese and I have time to practice skills one-on-one, discuss our progress and assess our goals for Brooke. Don’t be fooled, however, Brooke gets lots of attention and playtime and has bonded with the children throughout the school.
The difference I have seen in the children since we began training in May has been nothing short of amazing. For example, Sean, a sixth grader this year, has Autism and is extremely smart, but lacks focus. The calm way he approaches and confidently practices sits and downs with Brooke is 180 degrees different than it was last year. Six months ago, he would barely participate in training. When he did he would be waving his hands wildly or tossing treats around sporadically, confusing poor Brooke and getting little results. The teachers and I use positive reinforcement with the students and Brooke, coaching the children on how to give a treat from the palm of their hands, and how give clear and concise directions. Sean is now confident, knows the correct cue words and hand signals for Brooke. Today he is bonded with Brooke, who looks up at him, calmly awaiting instructions. We often break into teams, playing games, working collaboratively to get Brooke to perform tricks or learn new skills. We created a game where the teams spin a wheel, and then choose a colored cue card with instructions on what to do with the dog. When Sean drew the card "Get Dizzy" he joyously sang, "You spin me right round Baby, right round, like a record Baby, right round round round…" while luring Brooke to spin in a circle three times. One of our first objectives was to teach young Brooke to walk nicely on leash, regardless of who may be holding it. We lined up across the playfield, each taking a turn out front with Brooke and played Red Light, Green Light. The kids were laughing and having a great time; Brooke quickly picked up on the idea and fell into line. Today, even the quietest, smallest little girl can hold Brooke’s leash in the midst of chaos in the hallways and feel safe and confident. Socialization with Brooke has been one of our biggest projects. The classroom frequently takes field trips to Anderson House, a local assisted living facility. While visiting, the residents enjoy not only seeing Brooke who gives them attention and love, but also to see the children and how well they can get Brooke to do a myriad of tricks. We thought that teaching Brooke the individual names of the children and staff frequently in the room would be beneficial. The kids love to play a game where we spread out around the room or up and down hallways telling Brooke to "go find" a certain person. At first, we would call Brooke to "Come" but now that she is good at finding the correct person, we are making it harder by turning our backs to her until she comes to us. Brooke enjoys reading time, where the kids sit in a carpeted area reading silently or to Brooke. At the musical assembly, Brooke appeared on stage while the children sang a song they wrote about her. She also enjoys escorting students out to the school bus. This year, during their Halloween party, Brooke was dressed up as a pumpkin. When asked about dog training, and having Brooke in class every day, the students had great things to say: "Kids can have fun playing with dogs and in training we get to be friends." Says Senay, whose favorite game is fetch and favorite cue is "Bed" where Brooke runs to her X-pen and lays down. He goes on to say, "I think she knows and likes me because I can talk to her and she listens. Brooke feels like a sister to me." One of Brooke’s jobs will be to assist students by picking up dropped items, fetching things and running papers between Mrs. Russell and Mrs. Gowey, the other teacher in the classroom. Senay says that when he asks Brooke to hand him something, he enjoys giving her a treat, as long as Mrs. Russell says that it is okay to do so. Said, a sixth grader this year has been with the program since the beginning, but rarely participated last year, preferring to sit and watch. Now he frequently joins in and is having much success. Said told me, "Training dogs is fun. You learn not to be afraid. Your relationship with Brooke is better because you get to know her and when she learns a new trick, you praise her and give her treats and love." Said is also glad that Brooke has learned to not jump on people.
Jairo, who is afraid of dogs, tells me that he loves Brooke and when she runs up to greet him that he enjoys petting her and is no longer afraid of her. This has helped him to overcome some other fears. Vince, a returning student from last year says he is amazed at how much Brooke has learned. That she has learned to not do the bad stuff but also to do the good stuff, just like Room 203’s motto. Matt, who has been a very active participant since the beginning, loves the opportunity to throw balls for Brooke during her "recess" time. Proudly, he can throw a ball the entire length of the field while using a Chuckit. He remembers and misses Abby, but is grateful for the friendship he has with Brooke and says that training with her has made this a really great year. Tyler a fifth grader, who really loves dogs, says, "Learning to train Brooke has made it possible for me to train my own dog at home. You can teach them stuff you want to do and make them a better dog and they listen better. Whenever I’m around Brooke, I’m so happy. I feel protected and I feel really warm in my heart. She is the best dog a boy could ever have."
Going Swimming!
We like to go on Sundays in the morning, before the crowds get in and usually have the pool to ourselves or share it with one or two others. Boomer is a pro in the water, but will only chase tennis balls and motorized kiddie pool toys.
This was Dancer's second time at the pool. He's still learning to swim, which is pretty hysterical to watch! Mary, the owner of BowWow, came in to say hello and helped coax Dancer into the pool.
Notice how timid he is, and uncertain?
If you look right in front of him, it is hard to imagine that he can splash 2 feet into the air!
Don't they make quite a pair?
I hope you get a chance to have fun with your dogs this weekend! Remember, swimming is one of the best exercises for dogs, it is aerobic, non-impact, easy on the joints and FUN!
Best,
Gayle
Dancer & Boomer
When Nature Calls To Rover
The slapping water against the hull of your boat, as you rock back and forth in the bay, lulls your mind to a quiet, peaceful place. You’ve anchored down for the night, the kids are all snuggled safely in their bunks and your spouse is snoring softly beside you. Your mind drifts off with dreams of the big fish you and the kids will be catching come sunrise, the way the salt air will stimulate your senses and renew your love for the outdoors. You doze off peacefully…suddenly, you hear a small, insistent whine somewhere off the starboard side of your bunk. “What is it, Boy? Did Timmy fall down the well?” you ask in a dream-like state. That whine is replaced by a more insistent cold, wet pointy object now jabbing at your shoulder. Somewhere between Dreamland and Reality, you realize your son’s name isn’t Timmy and you don’t have a well. “Uh-Mmmm,” you mutter, “Is someone breaking into the house?” Determined to rouse you, your faithful friend emits a sharp and urgent, “Rarrff!” and jumping up, lands two paws and 20 pounds right in the middle of your abdomen.
Your dog, glad to see you finally getting up, rushes towards the cockpit door with a pleading whine. Your dog is urgently scratching at the door and pleading with you to get him outside – NOW! All at once, you realize, Rover is not hearing the sounds of Pirates capturing your ship, but immediately needs to answer the Call of Nature before he leaves you presents on the beautiful carpeting within your yacht. There is only one problem… it is 3:00 AM, pitch dark outside and you’re anchored out in a secluded cove too far from shore to easily get him there in time.
So what do you do when Nature Calls and your dog must go and you can’t get him or her to shore? The above example is just one scenario of many when boaters find themselves with no available land for Rover to use. Is it necessary for all dogs to have an emergency relief place to go? Although you think now it may rarely if never get used, your pup’s peace of mind and your own will be rewarded should the need arise.
There are great solutions available and training your dog to be comfortable using them is neither hard nor time consuming. Consideration to the size of your dogs, the size and style of your boat and your current House Trained system should all be taken into account when selecting which method is best for you. Basically, we are talking about training your dog to eliminate on a predetermined place that will be comfortable for him, sanitary and convenient for you, and easy to stow on your boat. I will refer to it as “The Spot”.
With many Condo-dwelling smaller dogs now being litter-box trained to go inside at home, you may wish to carry that same method onto your boat. As utilization of space is important on every boat you may want a smaller box on your vessel than at home. If your dog is trained to go on disposable pads without a box, I highly recommend that you add in the use of a box and line it with disposable pads. This is for protection of your floor. One leaking pad can leave a calling card for dogs that says, “Go Here!” and can lead to unwanted spots by your dog or visiting pooches when pads are not in place. I highly discourage kitty litter for use with dogs. Among many things, kitty litter would likely become a sandbox for your pup, get tipped over, get ingested or simply be messy. When purchasing your litter box please consider that the edge height should be low and easy for your dog to climb over during all stages of life, including those precious senior years. A three inch lip is much higher for a Maltese than it is for a Westie! Get your box well in advance and use it at home, training your dog so she’s comfortable with it before you ask her to use it onboard. How long in advance your particular dog will take to acclimate to the new box is entirely up to your dog, so plan ahead and don’t rush them. See below for more information on training to use The Spot.
If you have a dog that is trained to go potty outside only, there are many options for you to choose from when deciding what to do onboard.
My preferred option for giving your pup a place to go that will seem natural and meet your sanitation needs is the Pup HeadTM by Pup Gear, available at www.YachtDogs.org. The Pup Head is lightweight, nearly level with the ground, has a special odor-fighting design and antimicrobial agents. Their unique doggie grass will allow your pup to feel right at home when he needs to go. And best of all, its unique drainage system means you won’t worry about paws tracking waste around after business is finished. It is also easy to clean and store.
Before the Pup Head came along, I often worked with clients to train their dogs to go on a piece of outdoor carpeting or astroturf that could then be hosed off with your transom shower. You can have it cut to an appropriate size for your swim step, then replace it when you feel it needs to go.
So, once you’ve picked your method, you need to do practical application… (Pardon the pun.)
I highly, recommend getting your dog acclimated to eliminating in or on The Spot before expecting them to use it in a foreign place such as the gently rocking transom or bow of your boat. When choosing the Pup Head, you get the added bonus of a specially designed scent your dog detects that tells him, “This is the right place to go.” To dogs, their noses are their number one communicator and getting scent onto The Spot will greatly speed up their lure to use it.
Take The Spot out to wherever your dog is comfortably eliminating now. Take your dog out on leash. Leave “The Spot” out so he gets used to seeing and being next to when he goes. Encourage, but do not force, him to check it out. Some dogs, particularly males and dominate dogs, will mark it immediately. Great! That doesn’t mean your job is done, or that he’ll be comfortable using it out on your boat. Every time he goes out to go potty, take him out on leash to or next to The Spot. Encourage him with a soft, confident praise voice to use it. Reward with praise and if you like to use treats, offer treats as soon as the dog is done going potty on The Spot, do not wait until you go back into the house, or the dog will associate the treat with going inside, not with using The Spot.
If your dog shows fear of The Spot, is avoiding or running from it, bait him onto it with extra special treats such as Natural Balance Food Rolls, cheese, hot dogs, etc, and play games where he runs over it with you, or chases his favorite toy over it and near it until he no longer is afraid of it before beginning potty training on it.
It is normal for your dog to NOT want to go on The Spot, but when he realizes that it pleases you, he will become comfortable with it. When he is comfortable using it, begin using it only intermittently; you do not want your dog to become dependent on it, unless of course, you are litter box training and plan to use just one box.
Next, take The Spot and your pup down to your boat. Choose a calm day. Get your dog used to seeing it on your transom or wherever you will be having him use it. If your dog will, have him use it. It is much better to do this at port now, than wait to see if he’s ready before you go on a cruise. Many dogs take to this very quickly, but some dogs will take longer to acclimate to the idea.
Please never allow your dogs onto your transom or swim platform when under way or when your motor is running. Please also remember that dogs need life jackets, too! Even the best swimmers can’t swim when unconscious, injured or across an ocean.
Happy Boating!
Gayle
Gayle Ballinger began dog training professionally in 1997 and now owns and operates Pawsitive Steps Dog Training of Seattle, WA www.PawsitiveStepsSeattle.com. Gayle is currently serving as Vice Commodore of the Yacht Dogs Yacht Club, www.YachtDogs.org a fun and friendly club for Dogs and their People who love to Boat while helping dogs in need!
Clicker Expo
I got the opportunity to attend the Clicker Expo in Portland last weekend and I cannot tell you how amazing it was! Learning from the best of the best, meeting hundreds of people (and their dogs) and making so many friends! It was exuberating the whole weekend! I've already started using some of what I know in my classes this week!!
Other news, I was a finalist in the APDT Train Your Dog Essay contest!!!! We didn't win first place, and that's OK. We did make it to the finals and the kids at Brookeside were thrilled!
Have an awesome day! We'll chat again soon!
He's G R O W I N G !!!
Well, Dancer is being an angel today. He went to 3 dog classes yesterday; 2 he visited while I taught at SHS. He got to play with Callie and Lulabelle in the Dog Manners Class as well as with all the puppies in Puppy Manners before hanging out in his crate so I could teach. Callie is a Great Dane and Dancer was thrilled to have a tall girlfriend. Lulabelle is a GoldenDoodle, very high energy; it was fun to see him chasing around with the big pups. Then last night, I taught at BowWow in Kenmore and Dancer is attending the class as a student, with Art working with him. They both did great, but it was hysterical that when we were doing recalls (Come) Dancer wouldn't go to Art. He just sat next to me like, "Nope. Staying with Mom." In all fairness to Art, he hasn't spent the time with him and trained him much, although they hung out a lot over the weekend. Dancer did, however, do a perfect recall when I called him.
We've really been working on socialization with objects this week. Today he encountered a ladder (I have a very patient and wonderful maintenance man in my building) and a broom/dustpan. He was actually more skeptical of the broom and dustpan that Haio was using than the ladder. Unfortunately, I dropped the mail while giving Dancer treats around the broom and really spooked him, but he bounced back well. Was planning on vacuuming today, but may wait as I don't want to overload him. Maybe I'll just pull it out of the closet and leave it out, turn it on for a few seconds a few times today before I use it, will help make it not such a monster.
He's been an angel today! He woke me up about 9 am and after a trip outside, he came back in and happily laid on the floor in my bedroom and chewed a tendon. I got about 2 hours more sleep. It was great!
He went to the vet on Tuesday and got his final series of puppy shots. All is good. Played with Boomer at Art's house for hours on end. So good. Boomer is amazingly patient and puts up with the puppy chewing and pulling on him. I'm blessed to have them.
Been doing great on his homework; started Ring of Fire stays and he's really doing well. Have sit and touch on cue. Getting close to having down and watch me on cue. Got a rollover yesterday, but he's resisting, need to keep working. I'm having too much fun with the training. He loves Touch. He's batting with his paw now and last night rang the bells to go outside! YAY!!!!
He just rang the bells again so we took a quick venture outside. Good thing! I wonder if he gets the bells yet, or if I'm just getting lucky. Anyway, it worked. He's crashing again, likes to sleep on the tile in front of the fireplace. Going to have a bite to eat myself and then work on the game I'm making for room 203 and Brooke.
Off to play!!!
Have a great day!
Gayle & Dancer
Life Skills Plus Class
Dancer spent time working with Art and Ann Marie and did well on his lessons. So far Dancer is doing great on Touch, Come, Sit, Down and Stay. We are working on ringing the bells to go outside and Watch me. His walking on leash is making progress. He is a Golden who likes to carry the leash in his mouth, which sometimes means an impromptu game of Tug O'War.
There are 5 other dogs in the class, one of which is Orion, who Dancer knows from Brookside School. We work with Brooke tomorrow at the school, so I look forward to seeing Orion there tomorrow as well.
One of the exercises on the first week of class is to sit and observe your dog for 3 minutes. The point is to be more aware that of what behaviors your dog is doing at any given moment. As trainers, we refer to this as "splitting" behaviors as opposed to "lumping" them together. Most people lump behaviors together. We hear it all the time in statements like "Just out of nowhere he bit my friend." Or "My dog drives me crazy, all he does is bark!"
So often people are focused on and only see a particular behavior (usually one they don't like) that the dog is doing when in fact, behaviors happen rapidly and multiple things can be going on at once. Recognizing these behaviors and being able to distinguish between them opens up a myriad of training possibilities and alternative behaviors you can train to get rid of behaviors you don't like, or just have new things to work on.
Here is a 3 minute observation list that Jim Curnow, guardian of Cody, the German Shorthair Pointer in my Puppy Manners class at the Seattle Humane Society came up with. Thank you Jim for allowing me to share this with everyone.
Rough housing with other dog
Lifting paw and batting at other dog
Preening other dog
Came over to look at me to see what I was doing
Other dog growled, Cody growled back
Whining at our Beagle
Tail wiggling
Jumping on roomate
Horse playing with larger dog
Open mouths at each other
Both up on hind quarters with mouths open
Cody nipping playfully at larger dog
Both dogs showing their teeth at each other
Barking and snorting at each other
White dog walks away
Cody licking himself
Cody comes over to me at the dining room to see what I am doing
Playing with white dog again
Puts paw on white dog's head
Grabs white dog's tail
Pulls white dog's tail
They go round and round in circles
Both dogs snorting at each other
Cody grabs tail again
Dogs begin playing
Side by side, playful growling
Break Time
Cody brings me the tennis ball
Cody tears cover off of tennis ball
Both dogs lie down
Cody chews on tennis ball between two front paws
Ball in his mouth
Chews on ball in mouth
Lays down on his side with ball still in his mouth
Rolling on back looking at the ball
Many people would just say something like, "He played with my other dog and then chewed on a tennis ball." When in fact, there is so much more going on. As Jim pointed out to me when he handed me this list, he said "This is just all I could write down, it was all happening so fast, I missed a lot." Which is true, it is easy to read between the lines and envision so much more activity, head turns, tail wags, laying down, standing up, pouncing, etc. going on, not to mention that at least 3 times Cody took a break from the other dogs and solicited attention from Jim.
My point, next time you're just hanging out with your dog, look and see how many different behaviors your dog exhibits in front of you. Try to split behaviors instead of lumping them.
Just sitting here watching Dancer, as I type this, I see:
Dancer flops down on hearth
puts head down between paws
snorts
stretches right front paw out
yawns
rolls onto side
blinks
tail thumps floor
eyelids droop
ear twitches
licks nose
left paw twitches
eyes close
eyebrows wiggle
rolls onto belly
stretches paws forward
presses belly into floor
head pops up, eyes wide open (loud sound of wind in chimney)
looks at me directly
blinks
yawns
head down onto paws
eyes close slowly
sighs
deep breathe
All of that in about one minute, or I could just say, "Dozing off to take a nap, gets startled by wind noise, then goes back to sleep." Both of which are valid, but when applied to training, the more observant you are, the better you get at splitting behaviors, the more accurate and successful you will be. I hope you will try this exercise and have some fun just watching your dog. Think about things you see you could be clicking and turning into a behavior trick such as yawning, nose licking, sighing, rolling on to the side, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Happy training!
Gayle
Welcome
I was born in Huntsville, Alabama where my first experience with a pet was with my neighbor's pet skunk, Charlie. Charlie was de-scented and I played with him for hours on end. In first grade, my family moved to Seattle, where, while living with my grandparents, I learned to train the patio squirrels... with the help of my Grandpa and peanut butter sandwiches! My favorite trick was having a particular squirrel, Bambi, jump over a broomstick and land in a box of shredded newspaper. Bambi, incidentally, was the first animal to ever bite me. (I think she was just trying to get all the peanut butter off of my fingertips!)
At the end of the first grade, my Dad and I went to the King County Animal Shelter and adopted my first dog. Sam was an 8 week old yellow Labrador Retriever. Unfortunately, Sam had distemper and we lost him before he could grow up, but he taught me how much I loved dogs and Sam became the beginning of a long legacy of dogs in my life, most of which I am sure I will blog about at some time or another.
However, my newest love, Dancer is the story of the day!
Dancer was born August 4, 2009 and came to me on Thursday, October 29th, from a family who had bought him from a breeder then decided they could not keep him. He is a sweet, sassy, smart little guy who has decided to adopt me. I always say that all of my dogs find me; I never go out to get a dog, but the right one finds his or her way into my heart. My other dog, Boomer, came in the form of a foster dog for Evergreen Golden Retriever Rescue. After just one day,I "failed" as a foster mom and adopted. My last female, Amber, a Samoyed-Golden Retriever mix, passed away at age 16 on August 4, 2008 and for over a year I've been saying that when the right dog finds me, I'll know it.! So, on Thursday, along comes this handsome bundle of cinnamon colored fur who has stolen my heart! It seems crazy, that as a professional dog trainer, it has been 16 years since I've owned a baby puppy. I am enjoying it thoroughly and can really appreciate what my clients go through every day!
I hope you will check back often for updates on Dancer, Boomer and the rest of the dogs in my life! My mission in life is to help people and their dogs live together in harmony and enjoy their lives together!
Enjoy your dogs!
Gayle
