The Four week long, Scheduled Handling class has been scheduled. It will be held Thursday evenings, @ 8:30 beginning December 10th. Although we've reached the minimum sign up needed to hold the class, there are still a few spots remaining. If you'd like to join us, please email me @ wescotdobe@hotmail.com
This class is for young dogs and/or beginnner handlers. We will work on the training of the dog, and polishing of the handlers skills. The current roster is a good mix of beginner handlers and a few experienced ones with young dogs.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Is there more to a clicker than just the sound?
I recently participated in a month long study of Karen Pryors newest book Reaching The Animal Mind. One of the things the book answered for me was "WHY" is the dog more responsive to the mechanical "click" than to a spoken word. I knew it was, I have seen it time and time again amongst the dogs in class who's owners use a mechanical click vs those who use a word paired with the reinforcer. The dogs with the mechanical clicks learn faster and work differently...more "sharply" and possibly with a bit more focus. But I couldn't explain the "why's" beyond the possibility that perhaps the owners timing was simply off. (it has been proven that the timing of the click Is faster than the timing of a spoken word)
This book discusses the Amygdale, the small area of the brain that is a common factor in all animals right down to the smallest/simplest of creatures. While I'm not a believer the evolution theory, I do believe all living beings follow a similar "blueprint". The book explained that a part of this blueprint is the inclusion of the Amygdale even in living creatures who's brain is fairly simple. Apparently the mechanical sound, triggers a response deep down in the brain (at the Amygdalia) which has a fast, lasting effect on the animal.
Here is an explaination, in Karen Pryors words, that I hope will also help explain the speed and enthusiasm that develops in the Clicker trained dog.
All animals, right down to crabs and fish, anything with a nervous system, pickup on the importance of the message in conditioned reinforcers, because of the way they work in the brain. That click, properly used, goes through theamydgala, creates chemical changes, neural changes, memory, AND a feeling ofexcitement that stays with the learner, no matter what the species. Moderntraining, using a marker, taps into a very old system that we normally only reach when we frighten the animal—and then it's a completely different kind of message, going through another part of the amygdale and creating chemicalchanges, memory, and a feeling—a bad feeling, never quite forgotten. - K. Pryor, as written to DogRead 2009
This book discusses the Amygdale, the small area of the brain that is a common factor in all animals right down to the smallest/simplest of creatures. While I'm not a believer the evolution theory, I do believe all living beings follow a similar "blueprint". The book explained that a part of this blueprint is the inclusion of the Amygdale even in living creatures who's brain is fairly simple. Apparently the mechanical sound, triggers a response deep down in the brain (at the Amygdalia) which has a fast, lasting effect on the animal.
Here is an explaination, in Karen Pryors words, that I hope will also help explain the speed and enthusiasm that develops in the Clicker trained dog.
All animals, right down to crabs and fish, anything with a nervous system, pickup on the importance of the message in conditioned reinforcers, because of the way they work in the brain. That click, properly used, goes through theamydgala, creates chemical changes, neural changes, memory, AND a feeling ofexcitement that stays with the learner, no matter what the species. Moderntraining, using a marker, taps into a very old system that we normally only reach when we frighten the animal—and then it's a completely different kind of message, going through another part of the amygdale and creating chemicalchanges, memory, and a feeling—a bad feeling, never quite forgotten. - K. Pryor, as written to DogRead 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
More Inspiration....
I'll keep this brief...Life is what you make it. Think you may some day be too old to train/compete or too slow physically? Check this youtube video out. The handlers age and physical limitations are of interest, as is the fact that she is working with a high energy, intellige3nt breed. But the routine is truly enjoyable regardless of dog or handler! Wow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgM0jXi7HaA&feature=related
Nursing homes and rehab centers should consider this type of Physical Therapy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgM0jXi7HaA&feature=related
Nursing homes and rehab centers should consider this type of Physical Therapy!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The proof is in the pudding or Proofing with Pudding!
The proof is in the pudding, is a lead in to announcing several brags achieved by my students recently. Congratulations to the following:
Bob and Storm - completion of their Rally Novice title with two 3rd places at the Rottweiler Nationals! (and their success in conformation as well)
Holly and Aspen - completion of their Rally Novice title at the Rottweiler Nationals.
Pat and Coach - completion of their Rally Advanced title at the Rottweiler Nationals (and the success of Pats puppy in conformation)
Steph and her Cardigan Corgi with their Winners bitch/Best of Winners placement at the Philadelphia Kennel Club Show. (National Dog Show)
Joanne and Miija - on the completion of their CDX with three 1st places!
Congratulations to all, I am proud of what you and your dog have accomplished and I know it is only the beginning of many more accomplishments! Don't forget to email me with your dogs Registered name and titles for my "Brag" page on the Beyond Basic's website!
And now for the Proofing with Pudding part of this post! As you all know, I've been drilling the idea of proofing in recent weeks. As we move into the busy holiday season, I wanted to remind you that training is not necessarily about setting aside an hour every day. Dogs learn just as well (if not better) in several short sessions throughout the day/week. They can even learn if you just work with them a few times a week. For my behavioral students reading this blog, your dogs learning and achieving is directly related to incorportating the techniques you are learning into your everday interactions with your dog. These should become an automatic rather than something worked seperately in a "training session.
For those of you ready to raise the bar on your dogs performance, I have some additional proofing suggestions for you that take advantage of the upcoming season as well as some suggestions perhaps not given before.
Visual Distractions:
gift wrapped boxes
gift wrapping crunched into balls
Ribbons/bows
Stuffed Animals
Remote Control or wind up toys
Visitors/Guests
left overs (only dog friendly ones) *if you aren't sure your dog is reliable, start with food placed in a plastic container with holes poked in the lid. This works best with food that has a strong odor!
Cookies
Blinking Christmas decorations
Audible Distractions:
Doorbell
Doorknocking *if needed, pay a child to stand outside for 5 min. with a clock and have them knock or ring the doorbell at agreed upon intervals.
Music (loud)
Clapping (again hire the kids!)
Laughter
Visitors/Guests
Olfactor Distractions:
Garbage bag
Amonia (on a cotton ball, or rubbed on ground)
Cinnamin, Garlic, Vanilla, Peppermint, Basil...sprinkled on floor, rubbed on ground, etc.
Horse/Cow manure (let me know if you'd like a baggy!)
Perfumes
Pine branches
Cleaning agents
Animal fur (again if you'd like some I can provide horse or rabbit fur)
Dog parks (contain more than one distraction! Be aware some of Lancasters dog parks require dogs to be spayed/neutered and don't allow toys/treats...which makes them poor choices for training)
Visitors/Guests (no offense intended!)
Happy Training! And remember to keep the Turkey Carcass safe from your dog...as even the best trained dogs can make mistakes!
Bob and Storm - completion of their Rally Novice title with two 3rd places at the Rottweiler Nationals! (and their success in conformation as well)
Holly and Aspen - completion of their Rally Novice title at the Rottweiler Nationals.
Pat and Coach - completion of their Rally Advanced title at the Rottweiler Nationals (and the success of Pats puppy in conformation)
Steph and her Cardigan Corgi with their Winners bitch/Best of Winners placement at the Philadelphia Kennel Club Show. (National Dog Show)
Joanne and Miija - on the completion of their CDX with three 1st places!
Congratulations to all, I am proud of what you and your dog have accomplished and I know it is only the beginning of many more accomplishments! Don't forget to email me with your dogs Registered name and titles for my "Brag" page on the Beyond Basic's website!
And now for the Proofing with Pudding part of this post! As you all know, I've been drilling the idea of proofing in recent weeks. As we move into the busy holiday season, I wanted to remind you that training is not necessarily about setting aside an hour every day. Dogs learn just as well (if not better) in several short sessions throughout the day/week. They can even learn if you just work with them a few times a week. For my behavioral students reading this blog, your dogs learning and achieving is directly related to incorportating the techniques you are learning into your everday interactions with your dog. These should become an automatic rather than something worked seperately in a "training session.
For those of you ready to raise the bar on your dogs performance, I have some additional proofing suggestions for you that take advantage of the upcoming season as well as some suggestions perhaps not given before.
Visual Distractions:
gift wrapped boxes
gift wrapping crunched into balls
Ribbons/bows
Stuffed Animals
Remote Control or wind up toys
Visitors/Guests
left overs (only dog friendly ones) *if you aren't sure your dog is reliable, start with food placed in a plastic container with holes poked in the lid. This works best with food that has a strong odor!
Cookies
Blinking Christmas decorations
Audible Distractions:
Doorbell
Doorknocking *if needed, pay a child to stand outside for 5 min. with a clock and have them knock or ring the doorbell at agreed upon intervals.
Music (loud)
Clapping (again hire the kids!)
Laughter
Visitors/Guests
Olfactor Distractions:
Garbage bag
Amonia (on a cotton ball, or rubbed on ground)
Cinnamin, Garlic, Vanilla, Peppermint, Basil...sprinkled on floor, rubbed on ground, etc.
Horse/Cow manure (let me know if you'd like a baggy!)
Perfumes
Pine branches
Cleaning agents
Animal fur (again if you'd like some I can provide horse or rabbit fur)
Dog parks (contain more than one distraction! Be aware some of Lancasters dog parks require dogs to be spayed/neutered and don't allow toys/treats...which makes them poor choices for training)
Visitors/Guests (no offense intended!)
Happy Training! And remember to keep the Turkey Carcass safe from your dog...as even the best trained dogs can make mistakes!
New Classes Filling Now!
We have interest in a 4 week Scheduled handling class. This class will be held Monday evening @ 6:00 pm (or possibly Thursday evening @ 8:30 pm). If you would like to join this class, email me @ wescotdobe@hotmail.com We currently have two students on the list, and need 3 more to hold the class. This class will begin on December 7th (or Thursday Dec. 3rd).
The Control Class level 1 is being post poned till January. It will begin Monday January 4th. If you are interested in this class, please contact me to be added to the waiting list!
The Control Class level 2 will begin in January. Night/time TBA. (hopefully we can continue on Thursdays @ 6:45)
The Control Class level 1 is being post poned till January. It will begin Monday January 4th. If you are interested in this class, please contact me to be added to the waiting list!
The Control Class level 2 will begin in January. Night/time TBA. (hopefully we can continue on Thursdays @ 6:45)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
CONTROL CLASS
I want to thank Shawn for providing a what I think will be a great resource to those of you in my Control Class! Click here for the audio tape from our week two class. You can rewind and fast forward as needed to review any portion of the class as you work with your dog at home!
http://www.realhopefellowship.org/beyondbasics/
BTW...who's dog was barking so obnoxiously 1/4 of the way through the class? ;-) My apologies class, that was an unavoidable distraction that I will do my best to AVOID this week!
Also a quick note to those in the current Control Class and to those wishing they were in the current Control Class! I will be adding a new Control Class to Monday's schedule at 6:00 pm, beginning on December 7th. This will be a level one class for those new to the program. We need 4 students in order to hold this class. I will also be adding a Control Level 2 Class to the schedule. Watch the Blog and Website for the starting date of Control Level 2.
http://www.realhopefellowship.org/beyondbasics/
BTW...who's dog was barking so obnoxiously 1/4 of the way through the class? ;-) My apologies class, that was an unavoidable distraction that I will do my best to AVOID this week!
Also a quick note to those in the current Control Class and to those wishing they were in the current Control Class! I will be adding a new Control Class to Monday's schedule at 6:00 pm, beginning on December 7th. This will be a level one class for those new to the program. We need 4 students in order to hold this class. I will also be adding a Control Level 2 Class to the schedule. Watch the Blog and Website for the starting date of Control Level 2.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Happy Halloween!
Just had to share some Halloween pictures! No trick or treating for my dogs or kids...I'm still nursing an illness. I think it's just a cold, but trying to be careful in case it isn't. Anyhow the first is one of my Thursday night students whom I sadly missed last night while home nursing this illness. The second, none other than Fire showing his true demon colors!
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