A dog is for life

3 year old Gabriel and Rylie

Our human nature craves companionship. Sometimes we don't like other humans as companions as much as pets. (For the sake of this blog I will always use dogs.)
Here are a few misconceptions that some people have when getting a dog

...........They can be ignored. You don't have to take them to dinner, vacation or childcare.
A few of us really care about our pets and do use a dog walker or pet sitter when we can't give them the time they deserve. Some of us have the luxury of being a stay at home dog parent.
....They don't complain when ill. Most dogs will just lie there if they have a headache or tummy ache or generally don't feel well. Some dogs get aggressive and all we do is yell at them and they will usually remove themselves from our sight. Unless we are having a training session. We get mad when the dog won't sit or down or refuse to do behaviors we are sure he has learned. Lets just bring out the prong or shock collar and cure the dog. Give the dog a break!
....They can be replaced. Jumping up, digging, barking, nipping, wanting to play all the time, (what a bother), moving, going on vacation, are just a few reasons why we can just dump Fido at the pound. When we decide to get another Fido all we have to do is ask around. There sure are many Fidos that are being replaced and need a flat to stay for a while.
....They will eat anything. Whatever is on sale, buy it and feed it to Fido. He sure isn't picky. If he is, just don't feed him anything else until he eats it out of hunger. Some dogs start going into the trash to try to get the nutrition they need. Don't bother looking at the ingredients. They must be good, because the bag says nutritious and delicious. Yum!
....They go get a little brother. Getting a Bro for your Fido is a great idea. Especially if Fido has some issues. Maybe Fido will calm down with Bro in the house. They play very nice together. Fido is even teaching Bro some of the things that is upsetting you. Yes, dogs do learn from watching other dogs.

Common Recall Training Mistakes

1. Call the dog when he doesn't want to come


2. If the dog comes, ignore him


3. Call the dog when you are going to do something unpleasant to him


4. Teach the dog that the "come" command preludes a chase game


5. Put the dog on a leash and call him and when he doesn't come, give it a jerk (or pop or whatever you want to call a quick snap on the leash)

There is no correction....

... in Clicker Training. Even the use of a NRM (commonly used in Pet Store training) during Clicker Training, can result in the dog shutting down, get confused or the cue will become poisoned. Clicker Training teaches the dog to be operant (offer behaviors). If you or your trainer do not know how to put the behavior on stimulus control, then ask someone that can. Clicker training is simple uncomplicated, positive, fun training. Really!

Staying Busy

Winter brings cold and snow and ice and salt.

Running around in the snow is fun, however, keep an eye on your dogs feet for ice buildup. It can accumulate and cut into the dogs skin between their toes.

Trimming your dogs hair and spraying your dogs paws with a non-stick cooking spray can help with preventing buildup.

Running your dog on ice can cause your dog to slip and cause muscle and ligament damage. Indoor activities are saver until the ice has melted. Salt on the roads and sidewalks will hurt your dogs pads and you need to wash their feet when returning home.

There are products available that can be applied to your dogs feet for protection. If your dog does not mind booties you are one of the lucky ones.

If your dog has a short hair you will need to put on a winter coat to keep him warm.

To keep your dog from getting bored train some tricks that you have put on your list to teach.

Youtube.com is a great place to find winter tricks.

Play nose games, target games, recall games, hide and seek, obedience and much more.

Keep Warm!

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program

I will be offering AKC S.T.A. R. Puppy Classes starting January 6th, 2009.

What are the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test items?
The test items are in 3 sections- Owner Behaviors, Puppy Behaviors, and Pre-CGC Behaviors.
For details related to administering the test, see the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator Guide.
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20 STEPS To Success: The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test

OWNER BEHAVIORS:
1.Maintains puppy's health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy)
2.Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge
3.Owner describes adequate daily play and exercise plan
4.Owner and puppy attend at least 6 classes by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator
5.Owner brings bags to classes for cleaning up after puppy
6.Owner has obtained some form of ID for puppy-collar tag, etc.

PUPPY BEHAVIORS:
7.Free of aggression toward people during at least 6 weeks of class
8.Free of aggression toward other puppies in class
9.Tolerates collar or body harness of owner’s choice
10.Owner can hug or hold puppy (depending on size)
11.Puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy

PRE-CANINE GOOD CITIZEN®
TEST BEHAVIORS
12.Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner
13.Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)
14.Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)
15.Walks by other people-Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away
16.Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure
17.Down on command-Owner may use a food lure
18.Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called
19.Reaction to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away
20.Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)

Nose Game #1

This is a game that is simple, cheap and keeps the pups busy for a few minutes. It seems ot have a calming effect on them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjX2oVE_sB0

ASCA Rally?

Is it finally happening? Can this be true?
The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) is going to add Rally to their titling event. Really! I heard it thought the ASCA grapevine (Robyn and Barb) that they will be offering it at the ASCA Nationals. This means that all breed dogs can compete in Rally. Sure APDT has offered Rally for many years, but there aren't any trials this way.