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!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
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!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Control Class Week 1
Our Control class is off to a great start! I have decided to experiment with posting a review of each weeks lesson along with helpful tips here on the blog rather than emailing everyone. (Class: Sorry for the last minute change in plans.)
In our first week we covered helping our dogs to relax. Remember to aim for a meditative type relaxation in this situation. Breathing deeply, long strokes rather than rubbing/patting, and maintaining a relaxed body position. It's important to have your dog in the right frame of mind before training/work/competitions and this is one of the three ways we discussed on how to achieve that. It's all about connecting with your dog and in this step you are doing so in a manner that relaxes rather than excites. (Does anyone remember the other two?)
We also began the first of many exercises to help teach the dogs impulse control. Step 1 is the Zen exercise. Important parts of Zen are letting the dog make the choice (No reminders/cues/commands), and making sure to reward only when the dogs muzzle moves away from the food. If the dog reaches for the food when you attempt to reward, do not give it. The dog must not reach for the food! I'm anxious to see who has progressed to level two this week! (My dog and I have NOT!)
This class covers alot of information in a very short amount of time. On week two I'd like you to come to class and practice relaxing your dog outside of the ring before the start of class. Do not enter the ring until your dog is in the right (relaxed) frame of mind! I don't care if it takes you 10 seconds or 10 minutes! :-) Feel free to arrive to class a few minutes early. The building will be open. Don't forget to bring a mat, blanket, towel, or dog bed. It doesn't need to be elaborate! A square of carpet will work quite well. This week we will cover four basic concepts and exercises: Behavior Shaping with a marker, A Spot Command, and the next step towards Impulse Control!
See you Thursday!
In our first week we covered helping our dogs to relax. Remember to aim for a meditative type relaxation in this situation. Breathing deeply, long strokes rather than rubbing/patting, and maintaining a relaxed body position. It's important to have your dog in the right frame of mind before training/work/competitions and this is one of the three ways we discussed on how to achieve that. It's all about connecting with your dog and in this step you are doing so in a manner that relaxes rather than excites. (Does anyone remember the other two?)
We also began the first of many exercises to help teach the dogs impulse control. Step 1 is the Zen exercise. Important parts of Zen are letting the dog make the choice (No reminders/cues/commands), and making sure to reward only when the dogs muzzle moves away from the food. If the dog reaches for the food when you attempt to reward, do not give it. The dog must not reach for the food! I'm anxious to see who has progressed to level two this week! (My dog and I have NOT!)
This class covers alot of information in a very short amount of time. On week two I'd like you to come to class and practice relaxing your dog outside of the ring before the start of class. Do not enter the ring until your dog is in the right (relaxed) frame of mind! I don't care if it takes you 10 seconds or 10 minutes! :-) Feel free to arrive to class a few minutes early. The building will be open. Don't forget to bring a mat, blanket, towel, or dog bed. It doesn't need to be elaborate! A square of carpet will work quite well. This week we will cover four basic concepts and exercises: Behavior Shaping with a marker, A Spot Command, and the next step towards Impulse Control!
See you Thursday!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Setting Goals - Show Cluster to consider
I've been encouraging students to set goals, long term and short term! With this in mind, I searched the show calendar for winter shows. I personally enjoy local shows and shows where there is a chance to achieve a title in one weekend. Therefore the best weekend I see that is local, and contains multiple trials is the Celtic Cluster in March, held at the York Fairgrounds. Beginning March 18th, this cluster boosts Rally, Obedience, and Conformation. This cluster begins Thursday March 18th and ends Sunday March 21st (conformation only).
There will be three chances to get a rally leg. Thursdays (Lancaster Kennel Club) Rally judges are: RN A, RN B, RADV A and RAXA Mrs Louise Botko. Rally AdvB and XB is Ed Whitney. Fridays' (York Kennel Club) judging panel has not been revealed. Saturdays (Deleware County Kennel Club) Rally judge is Miss Bonnie Lee.
The Lancaster Kennel Club is also offering Non regular classes including Graduate Novice and Versatility! Bonnie Lee is judging those classes on Thursday, along with also judging the above listed Rally classes and Open A and B. Ed Whitney is judging Utility. Novice A and B judge is Robt. Squires.
Judges for Obedience on Friday and Saturday have not yet been announced.
Assuming Obedience and Rally are held in the same building this year as last year, it is a pleasant, reasonably quiet (obedience only) room. There is room for chairs although it does get a little crowded around the Rally and Novice rings. Food is served in this building and parking is close to the building.
You have 5 mos. to train, 5 mos. to acrue sick days or plan vacation days from work, 4 mos. to save money for entries and travel...see you there!!!!!
Superintendent: Jim Rau Dog Shows, Ltd.P O Box 6898Readinig PA 19610 PHONE: (610) 376-1880 FAX:(610) 376-4939http://www.raudogshows.com
There will be three chances to get a rally leg. Thursdays (Lancaster Kennel Club) Rally judges are: RN A, RN B, RADV A and RAXA Mrs Louise Botko. Rally AdvB and XB is Ed Whitney. Fridays' (York Kennel Club) judging panel has not been revealed. Saturdays (Deleware County Kennel Club) Rally judge is Miss Bonnie Lee.
The Lancaster Kennel Club is also offering Non regular classes including Graduate Novice and Versatility! Bonnie Lee is judging those classes on Thursday, along with also judging the above listed Rally classes and Open A and B. Ed Whitney is judging Utility. Novice A and B judge is Robt. Squires.
Judges for Obedience on Friday and Saturday have not yet been announced.
Assuming Obedience and Rally are held in the same building this year as last year, it is a pleasant, reasonably quiet (obedience only) room. There is room for chairs although it does get a little crowded around the Rally and Novice rings. Food is served in this building and parking is close to the building.
You have 5 mos. to train, 5 mos. to acrue sick days or plan vacation days from work, 4 mos. to save money for entries and travel...see you there!!!!!
Superintendent: Jim Rau Dog Shows, Ltd.P O Box 6898Readinig PA 19610 PHONE: (610) 376-1880 FAX:(610) 376-4939http://www.raudogshows.com
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