I recently was participating in a discussion regarding obedience training. Without getting into the actual discussion here, I made a comment that "it all depends on ones standard of perfection". What picture do you have in your head of the Ideal you are striving to achieve. You may watch a 200 score performance and think "my dog could never do that", or you could be thinking "someday I'd like to achieve that". Others may watch a 175 score performance and be quite content seeing that level of performance as their goal. Although I always say it's as easy to train for 200's as it is for 175's please note that Training used in this manner means teaching the behavior. Not the hours of training and levels of proofing to assure a 200. And despite being able to train for a 200 not all of us want to wait till our dog and we are ready for that 200.
Just the same, I think if I asked many of my competitive students what compelled them to get into competive performance sports many would tell me it was from watching a certain dog and handler at an event. A few may say it was the thrill of seeing their dog glide through the moves with energy and enjoyment. Either way, they saw a "standard of perfection" that they wanted to see again. However nowadays some savvy dog owners are coming to performance training because they have an intelligent (and possibly energetic) dog who needs a "job" . Or they have heard that training and canine performance activities are good activities for both person and dog in the terms of physical activity, stress reduction, and enjoyment. It is for those owners, and others who have long since forgotten their original Standard of Perfection that I am listing these videos for you to watch! I hope you find them to be Inspiring!
Here's an ESS. Note: this is at a match show, so corrections may be seen!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81VgtDEg3xk
A Brussels Griffon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3vgjEYVafw
Schutzhund Style Heeling but well done video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s145-TjOffA&feature=related
Fun! A Great Dane Drill Team!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50UFAkq_Gho
Here you go...not a 200 but I love this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk7PzQlfowc
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Mixed Breeds Welcome!
Calling all owners of Mixed breeds who enjoy training and other activities with their dogs: Did you know that your dog is now eligible for AKC Performance events? Visit http://www.akc.org/mixedbreeds/ for more information.
Although I feel strongly about the promotion of purebred dogs and think there is nothing better than a carefully bred/raised purebred puppy; I also know from experience that there are some intelligent, eager mixed breeds who'd love to strut their stuff in the performance rings! Although mixed breeds have been welcome in other performance venues for a number of years (Ambor, ASCA, and I believe UKC) the AKC performance rings are still among the most prevelant/accessible. With the AKC creating a program that allows mixed breeds it means that most mixed breed owners in our area now have lots of opportunities to participate with their dogs in Obedience, Rally Obedience, and Agility (as well as tracking and other activities). My first two obedience trained dogs were mixed breeds. (the second I trained at the age of 11 with Kaye ...anyone who knows my age now knows that this was many years ago! LOL) I remember watching the purebred dogs owned by the training instructors and hearing a little about the activities they did. I wanted to get involved but didn't know how. I'm sure since my dog was a mixed breed and this was just a basic obedience class...no one thought to discuss it with me. I was a determined child, but not outgoing (believe it or not) so pursuing the idea was something that wouldn't happen till I was an adult. Needless to say I am Excited to see what opening doors to mixed breeds might do for people and their dogs in terms of having fun in performance events! The next top handler might just be a young 11 y/o who thinks she can't go to dog shows because she has a mixed breed dog. And now she can!
Although I feel strongly about the promotion of purebred dogs and think there is nothing better than a carefully bred/raised purebred puppy; I also know from experience that there are some intelligent, eager mixed breeds who'd love to strut their stuff in the performance rings! Although mixed breeds have been welcome in other performance venues for a number of years (Ambor, ASCA, and I believe UKC) the AKC performance rings are still among the most prevelant/accessible. With the AKC creating a program that allows mixed breeds it means that most mixed breed owners in our area now have lots of opportunities to participate with their dogs in Obedience, Rally Obedience, and Agility (as well as tracking and other activities). My first two obedience trained dogs were mixed breeds. (the second I trained at the age of 11 with Kaye ...anyone who knows my age now knows that this was many years ago! LOL) I remember watching the purebred dogs owned by the training instructors and hearing a little about the activities they did. I wanted to get involved but didn't know how. I'm sure since my dog was a mixed breed and this was just a basic obedience class...no one thought to discuss it with me. I was a determined child, but not outgoing (believe it or not) so pursuing the idea was something that wouldn't happen till I was an adult. Needless to say I am Excited to see what opening doors to mixed breeds might do for people and their dogs in terms of having fun in performance events! The next top handler might just be a young 11 y/o who thinks she can't go to dog shows because she has a mixed breed dog. And now she can!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Has your dog tried a Kibble Nibble yet?
Do you have a high energy, working minded, or highly intelligent dog who drives you crazy if he doesn't get enough work on a regular basis? Or how about a couch potato who needs a bit more movement in his life? The Kibble Nibble is a relatively new product on the market that works well for both types of dogs. I have been recommended food toys to owners of active, high energy, intelligent dogs for a long time now as a way to give their dog an additional challenge (IE: "work") in the course of every day life.
Similar to Buster Cubes and stuffed Kongs, the Kibble Nibble is a food based toy. It rolls well, has rubber "bumpers" to protect furniture, and a delivery system that is simple and yet effective for most levels of dogs, and unlike it's predecessor's it's very easy to clean.
I recommend using the Kibble Nibble as an alternate way of feeding your dog it's breakfast or dinner. Using it as a feeding method helps to slow down your dogs eating, and occupy your dogs mind by making it "work" for it's food. I have used the Kibble Nibble puppies ages 3 mos. and up, as well as adults. My Siberian, Doberman, and Border Collies have all used it. Fire used to eat his meals regularly from a Kibble Nibble rather than a bowl. I have found that it can hold nearly three cups of the dog food I feed, and takes 15 min - 45 min. for my dogs to work every piece out of it. And work every piece out they do! Unlike some of the other food delivery toys, I have not found a piece of food left behind.
So if your dog could use a little more exercise or mental challenges, try switching from the bowl to the Kibble Nibble!
*Kibble Nibbles are a part of the Busy Buddy line of dog toys distributed by Premier Pet Products. Woof 'N Tails Pet Supplies, located beside Kaye Ames School for Dogs carries them if you are looking to purchase one.
Similar to Buster Cubes and stuffed Kongs, the Kibble Nibble is a food based toy. It rolls well, has rubber "bumpers" to protect furniture, and a delivery system that is simple and yet effective for most levels of dogs, and unlike it's predecessor's it's very easy to clean.
I recommend using the Kibble Nibble as an alternate way of feeding your dog it's breakfast or dinner. Using it as a feeding method helps to slow down your dogs eating, and occupy your dogs mind by making it "work" for it's food. I have used the Kibble Nibble puppies ages 3 mos. and up, as well as adults. My Siberian, Doberman, and Border Collies have all used it. Fire used to eat his meals regularly from a Kibble Nibble rather than a bowl. I have found that it can hold nearly three cups of the dog food I feed, and takes 15 min - 45 min. for my dogs to work every piece out of it. And work every piece out they do! Unlike some of the other food delivery toys, I have not found a piece of food left behind.
So if your dog could use a little more exercise or mental challenges, try switching from the bowl to the Kibble Nibble!
*Kibble Nibbles are a part of the Busy Buddy line of dog toys distributed by Premier Pet Products. Woof 'N Tails Pet Supplies, located beside Kaye Ames School for Dogs carries them if you are looking to purchase one.
Friday, October 9, 2009
It's a Doggy Weekend-Places to go!
If you are looking for a place to socialize your dog or get out and practice in a distracting environment...there are several opportunities this weekend!
This Saturday, 11-3 is the Mutt Mixer dog event and flea market at Stumpf Field in Lancaster. This event benefits the Furry Friends Network. I have never attended this event before, so I don't know what to expect. But it looks like there are contests/events for fun, and certainly to be lots of dogs!
Also on Satuday in Bel Air, MD is a UKC conformation/obedience/rallyO Trial. In order to enter, your dog needs to be UKC registered, or have a Temporary Listing Number which can be acquired online today.
Sunday in Lancaster is the Humane Leagues Tail Waggers Trot. Again, my apologies but this is not an event I normally attend and I can't give further insight except that again there are sure to be distractions and other dogs! LOL It starts at Clipper Stadium and ends at Buchannon Park.
Also on Sunday in Bel Air, MD is another UKC conformation/obedience/rallyO trial. The link to the UKC website can be found at Beyond Basics on the links page.
This Saturday, 11-3 is the Mutt Mixer dog event and flea market at Stumpf Field in Lancaster. This event benefits the Furry Friends Network. I have never attended this event before, so I don't know what to expect. But it looks like there are contests/events for fun, and certainly to be lots of dogs!
Also on Satuday in Bel Air, MD is a UKC conformation/obedience/rallyO Trial. In order to enter, your dog needs to be UKC registered, or have a Temporary Listing Number which can be acquired online today.
Sunday in Lancaster is the Humane Leagues Tail Waggers Trot. Again, my apologies but this is not an event I normally attend and I can't give further insight except that again there are sure to be distractions and other dogs! LOL It starts at Clipper Stadium and ends at Buchannon Park.
Also on Sunday in Bel Air, MD is another UKC conformation/obedience/rallyO trial. The link to the UKC website can be found at Beyond Basics on the links page.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
CALLING ALL OUT OF CONTROL CANINES!
Does your dog have difficulty keeping four paws on the floor? Does he bark exciteably, run laps around the house, steal food, jump on people, and is seemingly unable to relax?
The Controlled Canine Class will provide you with the knowledge and teach you the techniques needed to teach your dog self control even in exciteable situations! Prerequisites for this class include the completion of a basic training session (at any facility), referral by Wendy or Kaye, or completion of at least one behaviour counseling session/private lesson. If you and your dog have not completed one of these prerequisites, contact Wendy for a suitability evaluation.
This class will begin Thursday October 22nd at 6:45 and will last for 6 weeks. Class cost is $88.
*Space available for 8 students. Register now to reserve your spot!
The Controlled Canine Class will provide you with the knowledge and teach you the techniques needed to teach your dog self control even in exciteable situations! Prerequisites for this class include the completion of a basic training session (at any facility), referral by Wendy or Kaye, or completion of at least one behaviour counseling session/private lesson. If you and your dog have not completed one of these prerequisites, contact Wendy for a suitability evaluation.
This class will begin Thursday October 22nd at 6:45 and will last for 6 weeks. Class cost is $88.
*Space available for 8 students. Register now to reserve your spot!
Show and Go - Red Lion, PA Saturday Oct. 17th!
This was sent to me recently. Another oportunity to practice and proof. Nice building, two rings and adequate seating area...
Show and Go's are a great way to test your dog before spending the big fees for an entry! They are also a great opportunity to "train" your dog in a new setting to help assure your dog will be reliable when you finally enter a trial. And unlike AKC approved match shows, Show and Go's usually allow training tools to be used. :-)
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Show and go at Papillonia Dog Training Academy on Oct 17 (sat) beginning at 9 Am. Open and Utility first then Novice in the first available ring. Fee--$7 a run. Please let Jill Whorl know if you can help steward or judge. Her number is (717) 668-8379 and her email is JRWhorl@aol.com. Judges run for free as do stewards. We really need your help to keep these show and goes happening. Check the web site for directions www.Papillonia.com. Hope you can come! Jeannine and Keith Rash
Show and Go's are a great way to test your dog before spending the big fees for an entry! They are also a great opportunity to "train" your dog in a new setting to help assure your dog will be reliable when you finally enter a trial. And unlike AKC approved match shows, Show and Go's usually allow training tools to be used. :-)
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Show and go at Papillonia Dog Training Academy on Oct 17 (sat) beginning at 9 Am. Open and Utility first then Novice in the first available ring. Fee--$7 a run. Please let Jill Whorl know if you can help steward or judge. Her number is (717) 668-8379 and her email is JRWhorl@aol.com. Judges run for free as do stewards. We really need your help to keep these show and goes happening. Check the web site for directions www.Papillonia.com. Hope you can come! Jeannine and Keith Rash
Monday, September 21, 2009
UKC Shows
This past weekend Fire and I attended three United Kennel Club Shows in Carlisle PA. This was my first experience with the UKC. In the past I have had a few students earn UKC obedience titles, and so I have studied their obedience classes and rule/regulations. I always found their obedience program interesting and appealing but because of the lack of trials in the area, and my involvement with AKC shows I never found the time to venture into the UKC Obedience ring. As for UKC conformation, well I had an opinion there that shall not see print at this point in time. But in short, having known one of the first UKC Champions of a particular breed, a dog which IMO was a poor specimin of the breed...I didn't think too highly of their conformation program. More recently however, I've been encountering UKC shows more frequently. Several UKC shows are held during the year, at a horse show grounds I frequent. So I recently explored the UKC website to learn more, and found the four shows listed for Carlisle PA. Fire needs experience with other people touching him. Between his broken leg as a puppy and impaling himself this summer, he was starting to not trust strangers to touch him anywhere other than his head. I prefer to not combine exam acceptance with the obedience stand-stay when I have a problem dog and so felt getting him out to some match shows in conformation would be the way to go. I can feed, help, and support as needed. But match shows are few and far between these days. So when I stumbled across the Carlisle show, I thought "why not". Entry fees at UKC shows are reasonable and there are usually generous discounts for multiple entries of the same dog and/or pre-entries. I also LOVE that you can enter the day of the show at many events. Perfect for me, as with my family of five there are many times when I find myself needing to skip a show due to schedule conflicts.
At the UKC show, I found most of what I'd heard to be true, and some of what I suspected to not be true. The show was laid back, almost too laid back! (Hurry up and Wait!) But it was a beautiful day and a great chance to lounge in my chair with nothing to do. Friendly is definitely a way to describe UKC shows. I was greeted by almost every exhibitor I passed in the morning. I felt comfortable approaching various people to ask questions and all were willing to assist. I obseverved most of the judges being friendly and patient. The dogs were friendly, and clapping and congratulations was heard frequently. Unfortunately these shows cancelled their obedience trial for some reason, so I didn't get to observe the obedience rings. But if they are as accommodating as the breed rings (usually obedience is More accommodating) they too must be a pleasant place to exhibit.
Although I have no plans to leave the AKC behind, it is still the "cream of the crop" IMO and I love the competitiveness encountered there in some breeds. If I want an accurate opinion of my dog, I'm going to enter under knowledgeable AKC judges. But UKC shows may see more of me in the future! I find it to be a great training grounds for a puppy, more relaxing than other show venues, and very accommodating with the low fees and day of show entries.
If you'd like to try UKC showing, you can visit their website at www.ukcdogs.com Your dog has to be UKC registered, but they will register purebred dogs who are already registered with another upstanding registry (AKC, Canadian Kennel Club, etc). And they do have listing privileges for spayed/neutered dogs who are not otherwise registered. You also don't have to wait to register your dog prior to entering a show, they have a temporary listing number you can acquire over the phone or Internet which allows you to show your dog prior to receiving it's UKC registration. If you need help or have any questions, drop me an email! wescotdobe@hotmail.com
At the UKC show, I found most of what I'd heard to be true, and some of what I suspected to not be true. The show was laid back, almost too laid back! (Hurry up and Wait!) But it was a beautiful day and a great chance to lounge in my chair with nothing to do. Friendly is definitely a way to describe UKC shows. I was greeted by almost every exhibitor I passed in the morning. I felt comfortable approaching various people to ask questions and all were willing to assist. I obseverved most of the judges being friendly and patient. The dogs were friendly, and clapping and congratulations was heard frequently. Unfortunately these shows cancelled their obedience trial for some reason, so I didn't get to observe the obedience rings. But if they are as accommodating as the breed rings (usually obedience is More accommodating) they too must be a pleasant place to exhibit.
Although I have no plans to leave the AKC behind, it is still the "cream of the crop" IMO and I love the competitiveness encountered there in some breeds. If I want an accurate opinion of my dog, I'm going to enter under knowledgeable AKC judges. But UKC shows may see more of me in the future! I find it to be a great training grounds for a puppy, more relaxing than other show venues, and very accommodating with the low fees and day of show entries.
If you'd like to try UKC showing, you can visit their website at www.ukcdogs.com Your dog has to be UKC registered, but they will register purebred dogs who are already registered with another upstanding registry (AKC, Canadian Kennel Club, etc). And they do have listing privileges for spayed/neutered dogs who are not otherwise registered. You also don't have to wait to register your dog prior to entering a show, they have a temporary listing number you can acquire over the phone or Internet which allows you to show your dog prior to receiving it's UKC registration. If you need help or have any questions, drop me an email! wescotdobe@hotmail.com
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