I started walking dogs in late August, and have been thoroughly enjoying my time. Recently, it dawned on me that my poor Wuppy was not getting nearly the time or exercise that she had, prior to my employment. This weighed heavily on my heart. In analyzing the situation, I knew I had built good/strong relationships with all the dogs I'm walking, I felt confident in understanding their temperaments, and being able to introduce something new and wild. So......I bit the bullet and brought Wild Wizzle to work today. What an AWESOME day we had!!!! :)
The first dog we walked with is a young lab, 10.5mos. She's extremely distracted by other dogs in her class (she's taking her FIRST class ever), and is VERY bouncy and happy. My concern was that the conversation would go like this:
Fizz: "Hi, I'm Fizz, I *LOVE* to play!"
Sophie: "Hi, I do too.......let's GO!"
At which point.......my shoulders would promptly be released of their duty as intact joints and happy mayhem would ensue.
Sophie walks on a pinch, Fizz was in her "blue nose collar" (as James calls it). After a very bouncy, happy, leash-entangling greeting (as I extracted Fizz from her car crate), I got them on each side of me, gave them approximately 1" of leash each, and off we went. There were several attempts at Mayhem and Madness, but quickly, both dogs settled into a good walk. Fizz was on my right, and was even working at giving me nice 'side walking, heads up' work. VERY happy with this choice! She was rewarded (and Sophie was oblivious!). Several times I asked them to sit, both did, though Sophie was slow....she did take her cues from Fizz (who sat fast and tight). Rewards to both for good sits. And, by saying a name before feeding, NEITHER dog tried to intrude upon the treat headed for the other dog. GOOD girls!! :)
In looking at this pairing, Sophie needs work on working around other dogs, and Fizz is always looking for opportunities to work through and around distraction. Lots of chances here to work with both girls on their "issues." I'm thinking of putting Fizz in stays, and walking Sophie around her, etc.
The next dog that Fizz got to meet is an older Lab bitch (approx 6yrs) who can be reactive to other dogs on our walks. That said, she's NOT generally a reactive dog, and is actually very calm and laid back. I knew if the intro went well, that they'd be just fine. With Keely on leash, I got Fizz out of the car, and it was very interesting to see Fizz read Keely and react differently to her. She tried one "hihowareya!" leap, and then settled into typical dog greetings. Keely was mildly stiff and I made sure Fizz didn't get too into her space. We headed off on our walk, and they were like two old souls who'd been walking together for years. YAY!!! I'm particularly excited about this b/c Keely and I typically go through downtown of a large town/small city, and see lots of stuff that Fizz would never see in our little town.
The coolest part of Keely and Fizz was their amazing response to "sit!" when we got to crosswalks. Both of those butts dropped like rocks on one gentle, "not loud" command. It was impressive to watch, and put a big smile on my face. I saw several heads turn to watch too! :) Looking forward to putting on the "LabWeiler" obedience show downtown over the upcoming weeks and months. At one crosswalk, Keely self-released after reward (I think that's what she's learned in her training), and Fizz continued to hold her sit. I was very proud of her....and thought ahead to Novice obedience and the line of stays, when one dog breaks......lots of ways to practice that with these two! :)
Fizz's final walk of the day was with a 3rd Lab bitch, this one is the same age as Fizz, and just out of standing heat. I knew these two would want to play, but also knew that Jasmine is not a total spazz like Sophie. Had them both on leash at the back of my car, and grabbed a bag of treats to put in my pocket. Didn't realize it had a hole in it, and treats went everywhere. Rut roh! Had no idea what to expect from either dog, and seeing as they'd *just* met, had no idea if 'diving for treats' would be viewed as an offense by either one. Quickly got them into a sit, and life was fine. Neither was bothered by the actions of the other in the initial treat snarfling.
We took a nice walk, and popped in to visit with an agility friend from a few years back. Poor JudyJo, I didn't quite have hold of everyone and she got a chest full of LabWeiler. Sorry JJ!!!! Fizz gave me lots of heads-up heeling on this walk, I don't think I'd have taken any bet that on Day 1 of "walking with OTHER DOGS!!!" that my Wuppy would choose to work with me (vs. play and be a wild child!). SO very happy!
The final 'learning event' of the day for me (about my dog) was that she doesn't care if other dogs join her in her crate. !!!! Upon returning to Jasmine's house, we went to the back of my van, and I had Fizz jump up into the crate. Jasmine decided she was going too (where ever it was that we might be going!), and hopped right on in. Suddenly, I have 2 24", 75-ish pound bitches in one 500 crate. Eeek! Had Jasmine outta there in a flash, and Fizz was like "where did my friend go??" :)
So I was pleasantly surprised to learn that:
1. My puppy is starting to mature, and will choose me/work over play with other dogs (MAJOR shock to learn this!)
2. My puppy does not guard high value treats, even from dogs she's just met.
3. My puppy has no crate space issues. :)
4. My puppy will hold high-reinforced behaviors under greater distraction than I thought possible, don't be afraid to challenge puppy / raise the bar.
:)
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Working on calm holds
It has been absolutely forever since I updated this blog, and for that I sincerely apologize. We've had many things over the past few months that I thought "I need to get this up on the blog" ........ but somehow life is just running me ragged and I haven't had time/energy to keep up with this. Started Dog Walking in August and dearly love it. However, it's one more thing that uses up my time during the day, and all my other responsibilities to kids, dogs, family, house etc still remain. :)
Fizz and I have been trying to work on a calm hold with the db. Our training in general is very sporadic at this point, often done in 1-2min spurts w/out pre-planning (bad bad trainer!). We've worked on this off and on. What I've seen recently is that the first hold will be calm, and then the subsequent ones will be mouthy, and the bar on my db is getting trashed (and its maple!). I tried bringing out heavier Db's to work with (my SchH1 and SchH2 db's), but still the chewing. And when I look in her eye, it is not stress that I see, but rather "Imp eye" .......playful, mischevious, puppy. Pure and simple: puppy!! Yes, she's 13mos, and many times I get very intense adult-like focus and work. HOWEVER, as Rottweilers go, she's still very young and I have to keep that in mind. I suspect that this issue will resolve itself most easily with maturity, and I refuse to make a problem out of what is not really a true problem.........and so we've not been drilling on this or saying "I must have a hold by X deadline!" and forcing the issue.
I decided today to do a bit of work, using one of her chew bones. It's a very dense rubber nylabone, shaped like some sort of femur. She enjoys chewing on the epicondyles, but will often carry it around the house very calmly. B/c I've seen her carry this calmly of her own accord, I chose to use it for today's training. She'll also carry James' rain boots very calmly, but I suspect I should not encourage that by using them in training. ;)
I've been working with her holding calmly = I say "out" and take the db from her. If no calm hold, no "out" and no reward is available. At times, I'm also using a "yes" to mark the calm hold. If she starts to chew, or lies down with it, I simply take the db away, no negative verbals......simply the loss of opportunity to be rewarded. If you're not calmly holding your db, you have no ability to earn reward. I was happy with how today's session went over all. We'll be taking our alternative db to training this afternoon. :)
Fizz working on db hold
Fizz and I have been trying to work on a calm hold with the db. Our training in general is very sporadic at this point, often done in 1-2min spurts w/out pre-planning (bad bad trainer!). We've worked on this off and on. What I've seen recently is that the first hold will be calm, and then the subsequent ones will be mouthy, and the bar on my db is getting trashed (and its maple!). I tried bringing out heavier Db's to work with (my SchH1 and SchH2 db's), but still the chewing. And when I look in her eye, it is not stress that I see, but rather "Imp eye" .......playful, mischevious, puppy. Pure and simple: puppy!! Yes, she's 13mos, and many times I get very intense adult-like focus and work. HOWEVER, as Rottweilers go, she's still very young and I have to keep that in mind. I suspect that this issue will resolve itself most easily with maturity, and I refuse to make a problem out of what is not really a true problem.........and so we've not been drilling on this or saying "I must have a hold by X deadline!" and forcing the issue.
I decided today to do a bit of work, using one of her chew bones. It's a very dense rubber nylabone, shaped like some sort of femur. She enjoys chewing on the epicondyles, but will often carry it around the house very calmly. B/c I've seen her carry this calmly of her own accord, I chose to use it for today's training. She'll also carry James' rain boots very calmly, but I suspect I should not encourage that by using them in training. ;)
I've been working with her holding calmly = I say "out" and take the db from her. If no calm hold, no "out" and no reward is available. At times, I'm also using a "yes" to mark the calm hold. If she starts to chew, or lies down with it, I simply take the db away, no negative verbals......simply the loss of opportunity to be rewarded. If you're not calmly holding your db, you have no ability to earn reward. I was happy with how today's session went over all. We'll be taking our alternative db to training this afternoon. :)
Fizz working on db hold
Friday, July 13, 2012
We did it! :) :)
I found out yesterday that there would be a CGC in CT late this afternoon. What's another try, right?? Decided to give it a shot.
Drove down to an amazing field dog training kennel, such an incredible property: long dirt roads for working dogs, fields with cool patterns cut into them for bumper work, a stunning outdoor agility ring.........yeah, just what makes a dog trainer say "do you take tent reservations???" :)
The test was being held outdoors, in the agility ring. For once, I was thankful that Fizz has no clue about agility! Knowing that it was outdoors, I needed to make sure she was well exercised. Ugh. I figured no problem........and then we walked, and walked and walked. In the funky cut field, up and down the dirt road............and 20min later, I was getting attention heeling and no pottying. Doh! Finally took her into the field, with permission to let her off, and an acceptable spot was found in the back corner. Boy did we have fun going up the diagonals and across the cut grids (in otherwise waist-high field grasss). Makes an awesome place to play 'hide n seek' and watch yer puppy go blasting past! :)
Greeting strangers went well, she held her sit as asked. "Vet exam" was fine as usual. Out for a walk, something smelled good on the weave pole bases. Right as "about turn" was called, she caught a scent. In order to not tight leash, I went an extra step closer to the weave poles, whirled about and set off at pace. She came right with me, head up, attentive and happy. Finished with a lovely sit at halt, still with strong attention. YAY girlie! :)
Next we had to greet another dog. She was showing strong interest in the completely neutral CH/MH GSP bitch......so I spun around in a quick/tight 360, got her back with me, and approached with a dog at my side, under control, being attentive and not looking at the other dog. :) We shook hands (I didn't even look at the other handler........boy did that feel wrong!), and then continued on. PASS! :)
Sit, down, stay and recall were spotless, and supervised separation........the CT State trooper holding my dog told me I wasn't allowed to take her back home. :) He even picked up her paw and had her wave "bye bye Mommy!" HAHAHA! :)
We stayed so I could be "crowd" for several other dogs (met my first Black Russian Terrier!), and at the end, I got to play with 9wk old GSP and Lab puppies. What a wonderful finish to an awesome evening!! :) :)
Fizz, CGC :)
Drove down to an amazing field dog training kennel, such an incredible property: long dirt roads for working dogs, fields with cool patterns cut into them for bumper work, a stunning outdoor agility ring.........yeah, just what makes a dog trainer say "do you take tent reservations???" :)
The test was being held outdoors, in the agility ring. For once, I was thankful that Fizz has no clue about agility! Knowing that it was outdoors, I needed to make sure she was well exercised. Ugh. I figured no problem........and then we walked, and walked and walked. In the funky cut field, up and down the dirt road............and 20min later, I was getting attention heeling and no pottying. Doh! Finally took her into the field, with permission to let her off, and an acceptable spot was found in the back corner. Boy did we have fun going up the diagonals and across the cut grids (in otherwise waist-high field grasss). Makes an awesome place to play 'hide n seek' and watch yer puppy go blasting past! :)
Greeting strangers went well, she held her sit as asked. "Vet exam" was fine as usual. Out for a walk, something smelled good on the weave pole bases. Right as "about turn" was called, she caught a scent. In order to not tight leash, I went an extra step closer to the weave poles, whirled about and set off at pace. She came right with me, head up, attentive and happy. Finished with a lovely sit at halt, still with strong attention. YAY girlie! :)
Next we had to greet another dog. She was showing strong interest in the completely neutral CH/MH GSP bitch......so I spun around in a quick/tight 360, got her back with me, and approached with a dog at my side, under control, being attentive and not looking at the other dog. :) We shook hands (I didn't even look at the other handler........boy did that feel wrong!), and then continued on. PASS! :)
Sit, down, stay and recall were spotless, and supervised separation........the CT State trooper holding my dog told me I wasn't allowed to take her back home. :) He even picked up her paw and had her wave "bye bye Mommy!" HAHAHA! :)
We stayed so I could be "crowd" for several other dogs (met my first Black Russian Terrier!), and at the end, I got to play with 9wk old GSP and Lab puppies. What a wonderful finish to an awesome evening!! :) :)
Fizz, CGC :)
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
DWDH
DWDH......don't wanna, don't hafta. You know......when you're trying to get your awesome dog to do something (any particular thing) with you, and they decide they'd rather do something else (prefer a 'better toy', sniff a fascinating new smell.......anything).
Yesterday afternoon, Fizz had a second-hand bone with plenty of good chewing in it. And as this had originally been Vikka's bone, it's even MORE exciting. She brought it out of her crate and right outside. I was trying to get her to play fribbee (a FAAAAAVORITE pastime) with me before the chickens came out in the yard for a few hours.
Puppy lying and chewing on her treasure, me with a frisbee, trying to entice her. She watched, and finally paid me enough attention to lift her head away from her chewing. DWDH. Not playin' fribbee mom, sorry. I gots a good boney.
So, what else is there to do but go play frisbee by myself!?! :) And so I did. I even gave myself a good solid "readyyyyyyyyyyy, steaaaaaaaaaadyyyyyyyyyyyy............GO!!!!!!!!!!" Toss and dead sprint at the frisbee where it had landed.
Still chewin' this boney.......but that was pretty interesting!
"WAHOO!!!!!!!!! Look what IIIIIIIIIII have! I have a friiiiiiibbee! Wanna get it?? YEAH!!!!! Reaaaaaaaaaaady?????? GO!!!!!!!!!!!!"
At this point, Fizz has an E.T.esque neck and has no clue what my problem is, but it's VERY interesting! :)
"You waaaaaaaaaaaant it?? GO!!!!!!!!!!" And yet again, I'm sprinting across the yard to the frisbee that I just threw about 40yds away. This time, as I go to pick it up, I hear the feet pounding behind me.
Here I are!! Me-n-my boney! Wanna play??
Needing a bit of a break from sprinting about the yard (I'd already done a 3mi run that a.m.), I started tossing the frisbee in the air, and catching it, running away and hooting with joy. She followed me around, very interested in playing, but completely unable to put her bone down. She was offering me interaction: jumping up on me, trying to cut me off, but still not willing to take the frisbee and play tug.
So I started shoving her away from me, and taking off. When she caught up to me, I was doing rapid changes of directions and slapping her on the butt as I took off. The frustration was coming off her like steam........but still couldn't bring herself to part with the bone.
Another shove, and take off, and being VERY excited about the best frisbee ever........and suddenly she's coming at me, ready to grab the silly thing........no boney! Hoorah, success. or not. B/c right as she gets there to grab the frisbee (which I'm now holding out at her level).........she throws on the brakes and tears back to the bone she left behind. Doh! BUT....I've made a break through on some level, which means its time to up the game.
We continued racing about, me shoving her away, teasing her with the frisbee. She set the bone down several times, would come near me, but then turn back to it. Such conflict for a Wuppy!! Finally, she came over, and grabbed the frisbee hard! SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We played a short game of tug, and then I sent her back to her bone, and took off for inside, yelling about my awesome frisbee the whole way in. She came trotting quickly behind, with bone, but didn't want to miss out on any fun. :) In all, I had probably spent 12-15 minutes trying to get her to drop that bone and come play tug with the frisbee. I knew I wouldn't get a game of "go get it" in, the bone was too valuable, so I was looking for tug: choose my game over your favorite bone, and play with me. We did it! :)
So this afternoon, we're outside again, and the bone is still a treasure. I grab the frisbee, show her I have it, and take off across the yard, and then head to the other side of the garden (lawn wraps all around a garden island). She came tearing after me, and as soon as she got near me, I ripped off in the other direction. She's trying hard to play: jumping on me, sailing past me in the air, body slamming me. Sorry, but that's not the game we're playing today.
I took off, and hid, and she came tearing after me, and sailed right past. She realizes I'm not where she thinks I am, drops the bone and comes flying back to find me. Thankfully, I still had the frisbee, b/c she's coming in fast, mouth open. :) Game ON!!!!!!!!!!! And it's MY game, not hers. She CHOSE to play with me (and not her bone). :) :) :) :) :) We played tug with the frisbee for a bit, and then I threw it for her. She was absolutely on fire to play with it, and as she flew back to me, I decided to toss some obedience into this game.
I asked her to 'set up' and she was all cockeyed across the front of me. Nope! Her poor puppy brain wasn't giving up though, and as I moved off somewhere else and asked again, she stuffed herself into position and tried really hard to put her chin in my hand (a side effect of chin heeling! a rather funny one actually!). I threw the frisbee and she exploded after it. We played more tug as she came back, and I worked 2 more set ups.
And in all this, she hadn't once looked for the Blessed Bone. Not even a thought of it. I found two other toys in the yard, and quickly changed up to playing with them. One was higher than the frisbee, and one was definitely not. But at this point, she was so riled up about playing games, that she was willing to play with anything I tossed out. After she brought me the low value footless-cuz (it's now low value b/c it doesn't honk), I sent her to find the bone. It actually took us a minute or two to find the silly thing. :)
I am THRILLED for the payoff in sticking with it last night, working through the DWDH attitude. It was physically tiring, but pouring energy into that silly frisbee convinced her that I was worth choosing over something which her inner being wanted (a marrow bone to chew on). We're in a teenage phase of grand proportion right now, but I refuse to give in to it. Time and effort now, to work through, and reinforce what I want (a team) can do nothing but pay off in the future, of this I have no doubt. :)
Don't accept no, and don't force "have to." Convince the dog to choose you.........and be sure you're worthy of that choice. No half-heartedness allowed, you must pour yourself into it........if you expect your teammate to do the same. :)
Yesterday afternoon, Fizz had a second-hand bone with plenty of good chewing in it. And as this had originally been Vikka's bone, it's even MORE exciting. She brought it out of her crate and right outside. I was trying to get her to play fribbee (a FAAAAAVORITE pastime) with me before the chickens came out in the yard for a few hours.
Puppy lying and chewing on her treasure, me with a frisbee, trying to entice her. She watched, and finally paid me enough attention to lift her head away from her chewing. DWDH. Not playin' fribbee mom, sorry. I gots a good boney.
So, what else is there to do but go play frisbee by myself!?! :) And so I did. I even gave myself a good solid "readyyyyyyyyyyy, steaaaaaaaaaadyyyyyyyyyyyy............GO!!!!!!!!!!" Toss and dead sprint at the frisbee where it had landed.
Still chewin' this boney.......but that was pretty interesting!
"WAHOO!!!!!!!!! Look what IIIIIIIIIII have! I have a friiiiiiibbee! Wanna get it?? YEAH!!!!! Reaaaaaaaaaaady?????? GO!!!!!!!!!!!!"
At this point, Fizz has an E.T.esque neck and has no clue what my problem is, but it's VERY interesting! :)
"You waaaaaaaaaaaant it?? GO!!!!!!!!!!" And yet again, I'm sprinting across the yard to the frisbee that I just threw about 40yds away. This time, as I go to pick it up, I hear the feet pounding behind me.
Here I are!! Me-n-my boney! Wanna play??
Needing a bit of a break from sprinting about the yard (I'd already done a 3mi run that a.m.), I started tossing the frisbee in the air, and catching it, running away and hooting with joy. She followed me around, very interested in playing, but completely unable to put her bone down. She was offering me interaction: jumping up on me, trying to cut me off, but still not willing to take the frisbee and play tug.
So I started shoving her away from me, and taking off. When she caught up to me, I was doing rapid changes of directions and slapping her on the butt as I took off. The frustration was coming off her like steam........but still couldn't bring herself to part with the bone.
Another shove, and take off, and being VERY excited about the best frisbee ever........and suddenly she's coming at me, ready to grab the silly thing........no boney! Hoorah, success. or not. B/c right as she gets there to grab the frisbee (which I'm now holding out at her level).........she throws on the brakes and tears back to the bone she left behind. Doh! BUT....I've made a break through on some level, which means its time to up the game.
We continued racing about, me shoving her away, teasing her with the frisbee. She set the bone down several times, would come near me, but then turn back to it. Such conflict for a Wuppy!! Finally, she came over, and grabbed the frisbee hard! SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We played a short game of tug, and then I sent her back to her bone, and took off for inside, yelling about my awesome frisbee the whole way in. She came trotting quickly behind, with bone, but didn't want to miss out on any fun. :) In all, I had probably spent 12-15 minutes trying to get her to drop that bone and come play tug with the frisbee. I knew I wouldn't get a game of "go get it" in, the bone was too valuable, so I was looking for tug: choose my game over your favorite bone, and play with me. We did it! :)
So this afternoon, we're outside again, and the bone is still a treasure. I grab the frisbee, show her I have it, and take off across the yard, and then head to the other side of the garden (lawn wraps all around a garden island). She came tearing after me, and as soon as she got near me, I ripped off in the other direction. She's trying hard to play: jumping on me, sailing past me in the air, body slamming me. Sorry, but that's not the game we're playing today.
I took off, and hid, and she came tearing after me, and sailed right past. She realizes I'm not where she thinks I am, drops the bone and comes flying back to find me. Thankfully, I still had the frisbee, b/c she's coming in fast, mouth open. :) Game ON!!!!!!!!!!! And it's MY game, not hers. She CHOSE to play with me (and not her bone). :) :) :) :) :) We played tug with the frisbee for a bit, and then I threw it for her. She was absolutely on fire to play with it, and as she flew back to me, I decided to toss some obedience into this game.
I asked her to 'set up' and she was all cockeyed across the front of me. Nope! Her poor puppy brain wasn't giving up though, and as I moved off somewhere else and asked again, she stuffed herself into position and tried really hard to put her chin in my hand (a side effect of chin heeling! a rather funny one actually!). I threw the frisbee and she exploded after it. We played more tug as she came back, and I worked 2 more set ups.
And in all this, she hadn't once looked for the Blessed Bone. Not even a thought of it. I found two other toys in the yard, and quickly changed up to playing with them. One was higher than the frisbee, and one was definitely not. But at this point, she was so riled up about playing games, that she was willing to play with anything I tossed out. After she brought me the low value footless-cuz (it's now low value b/c it doesn't honk), I sent her to find the bone. It actually took us a minute or two to find the silly thing. :)
I am THRILLED for the payoff in sticking with it last night, working through the DWDH attitude. It was physically tiring, but pouring energy into that silly frisbee convinced her that I was worth choosing over something which her inner being wanted (a marrow bone to chew on). We're in a teenage phase of grand proportion right now, but I refuse to give in to it. Time and effort now, to work through, and reinforce what I want (a team) can do nothing but pay off in the future, of this I have no doubt. :)
Don't accept no, and don't force "have to." Convince the dog to choose you.........and be sure you're worthy of that choice. No half-heartedness allowed, you must pour yourself into it........if you expect your teammate to do the same. :)
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Hold it!
Per my training log, Fizz hasn't seen a dumbell since May 1st (doh!). I brought it with us to class on Monday night and she tried to climb up my side, to get to it. We worked a few reps of take (I think I almost lost fingers!) and then checked on grip.....yep, still firm, and still with pull against me to get it. So I put it on the floor. Fizz has only ever worked her db in the house, in our den specifically. This is by NO means a generalized behavior, but her reaction to simply seeing it in class told me I wasn't anywhere near overfacing her with it. After about 5 floor to hand pick ups, we had a big party and put it away.
Tonight, I pulled out my borrowed book and checked in on what was next: hold. This is the one step that I had trouble with Froli...and the whole reason I learned about clickers in my training many years ago. Even verbal praise from me generated enough excitement in Frol that she got chewy.......so I went to calm/neutral marking via the clicker.
First I checked Fizz's response to my hands on top/bottom of her muzzle. It's not a grab, it's not holding the dog by its face, or any kind of pushing in on gums. Simply gently holding the upper/lower jaws, if dog chooses to pull back, they pull back, no big deal. She turned her head to an angle the first two times, and then just sat there while I "held" her. Praise/reward (food).
Next, I brought the db back into the picture and worked several takes/outs with her, having very nice committed grips. As soon as I started trying to work the hold, she wanted to spit the db to get the food in my hand. In trying to work with the method exactly as written, I chose to work through this tonight. I held the db, held her muzzle, and had a single piece of food in my fingers. I did get 3 or 4 good holds with a committed grip, but otherwise, she was trying to get the food in my fingers.
Currently, when I ask for a take, the food isn't on me at all. Its in a bowl, sitting somewhere nearby. We will try holds again tomorrow, and I will have no food in my hand, but instead, in the bowl as she knows and see if we can get more settled holds, closer together. I think that was the root of our issues tonight, the food being right in my hand.
However, all that said, I'm very happy to see how eager she is for the db after a 2 month layoff from it, and to see how positive her association is with it. Once the hold and deliver to hand are solid, we'll start bringing the db with us many places and work on generalizing the behavior.
Fizz is a really fun puppy and I'm enjoying the journey of our training adventures! :)
Tonight, I pulled out my borrowed book and checked in on what was next: hold. This is the one step that I had trouble with Froli...and the whole reason I learned about clickers in my training many years ago. Even verbal praise from me generated enough excitement in Frol that she got chewy.......so I went to calm/neutral marking via the clicker.
First I checked Fizz's response to my hands on top/bottom of her muzzle. It's not a grab, it's not holding the dog by its face, or any kind of pushing in on gums. Simply gently holding the upper/lower jaws, if dog chooses to pull back, they pull back, no big deal. She turned her head to an angle the first two times, and then just sat there while I "held" her. Praise/reward (food).
Next, I brought the db back into the picture and worked several takes/outs with her, having very nice committed grips. As soon as I started trying to work the hold, she wanted to spit the db to get the food in my hand. In trying to work with the method exactly as written, I chose to work through this tonight. I held the db, held her muzzle, and had a single piece of food in my fingers. I did get 3 or 4 good holds with a committed grip, but otherwise, she was trying to get the food in my fingers.
Currently, when I ask for a take, the food isn't on me at all. Its in a bowl, sitting somewhere nearby. We will try holds again tomorrow, and I will have no food in my hand, but instead, in the bowl as she knows and see if we can get more settled holds, closer together. I think that was the root of our issues tonight, the food being right in my hand.
However, all that said, I'm very happy to see how eager she is for the db after a 2 month layoff from it, and to see how positive her association is with it. Once the hold and deliver to hand are solid, we'll start bringing the db with us many places and work on generalizing the behavior.
Fizz is a really fun puppy and I'm enjoying the journey of our training adventures! :)
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Know the rules
We failed. Again. And the greatest failure/frustration is mine, in that apparently, I'm completely unaware of the standards for the CGC these days. One tight leash anywhere = fail. I was unaware that the CGC holds higher standards than either Rally or Novice obedience. I owe Fizz an apology for misunderstanding the test, and for entering her before she was ready. The failure is mine, completely.
Fizz did a much better job on all stations. She sat while the friendly stranger approached, shook hands and talked. The stranger left, Fizz stood, I told her to sit, and she did. She failed, b/c she didn't maintain her sit. I was surprised to see this 'fail' b/c she did sit the whole time we were greeting. For greeting the stranger, in which the stranger pets the dog, she was perfectly behaved, and equally so for the grooming/foot/ear inspection.
On out for a walk, we were fine through most of the heeling pattern. Good attention, a nice right turn and a perfect sit on the halt. In one corner, some sort of smell grabbed her nose. She had a tight leash, I called her to come with me, she did and we finished up with a great about turn, 2 more lefts and a fantastic halt at the end. We failed b/c of the single tight leash. You can earn a CD leg w/ tight leash....you lose points, but you don't fail. I find this aspect of the way CGC's are being administered absurd. One tight leash does not an out of control dog make. But apparently them's the rules (and I wasn't aware of their stringent nature).
Sit and down on command were fine, as was the 'stay,' and the come when called. I even got a nice straight come with front sit (we've sort of been working on that). :)
Crowd with distraction was fine, even though they were bouncing a giant exercise ball, I was able to keep her with me and moving on (I know she was dying to play with that ball!). The two dogs that I 'helped' with, by being part of the crowd, did not have that ball.
Greeting another dog. Fizz sat, held her position and we exchanged pleasantries. As we went to leave, Fizz crossed in front of me and we failed. She didn't get anywhere, I had her on a very short leash, and she didn't greet the handler or dog, but the fact that she even approached = fail.
I was very happy with the improvement in Fizz's behavior/performance. She gave me some lovely heeling on the walk, held her sits when I asked her to, and was a good girl around the other dog and the big bouncing ball.
We will not be re-attempting the CGC anytime soon. I was unaware that I need a fully obedience trained dog to pass this test. In the past, that is NOT how they've been administered (I've put CGCs on 6 dogs, never with a failure). However, the standards have apparently changed, and now I clearly understand them. I do not have the money to take CGC prep classes (they're offered around here....for $150-180). I don't have the money to do $25/wk drop in classes to practice greeting other dogs (and not the same dogs we always see in class).
In the past, I have tested all of my dogs between 7 and 9mos of age. They've been judged on their temperament, their behavior and the level of control they demonstrate (to handler). Because THAT is the standard of the CGC that I've known since I did my first one in Dec of 1996, that is why I entered Fizz in April, and now. For April, we were ill-prepared. For today, for the standards of testing that I've known for the past 16yrs, we were ready. I am disappointed in myself for not understanding the rules of the game and for setting her up for failure. We will not be attempting this again any time soon, as our heeling is not formalized, and I don't see how you can pass these days without competition ready heeling.
Fizz did a much better job on all stations. She sat while the friendly stranger approached, shook hands and talked. The stranger left, Fizz stood, I told her to sit, and she did. She failed, b/c she didn't maintain her sit. I was surprised to see this 'fail' b/c she did sit the whole time we were greeting. For greeting the stranger, in which the stranger pets the dog, she was perfectly behaved, and equally so for the grooming/foot/ear inspection.
On out for a walk, we were fine through most of the heeling pattern. Good attention, a nice right turn and a perfect sit on the halt. In one corner, some sort of smell grabbed her nose. She had a tight leash, I called her to come with me, she did and we finished up with a great about turn, 2 more lefts and a fantastic halt at the end. We failed b/c of the single tight leash. You can earn a CD leg w/ tight leash....you lose points, but you don't fail. I find this aspect of the way CGC's are being administered absurd. One tight leash does not an out of control dog make. But apparently them's the rules (and I wasn't aware of their stringent nature).
Sit and down on command were fine, as was the 'stay,' and the come when called. I even got a nice straight come with front sit (we've sort of been working on that). :)
Crowd with distraction was fine, even though they were bouncing a giant exercise ball, I was able to keep her with me and moving on (I know she was dying to play with that ball!). The two dogs that I 'helped' with, by being part of the crowd, did not have that ball.
Greeting another dog. Fizz sat, held her position and we exchanged pleasantries. As we went to leave, Fizz crossed in front of me and we failed. She didn't get anywhere, I had her on a very short leash, and she didn't greet the handler or dog, but the fact that she even approached = fail.
I was very happy with the improvement in Fizz's behavior/performance. She gave me some lovely heeling on the walk, held her sits when I asked her to, and was a good girl around the other dog and the big bouncing ball.
We will not be re-attempting the CGC anytime soon. I was unaware that I need a fully obedience trained dog to pass this test. In the past, that is NOT how they've been administered (I've put CGCs on 6 dogs, never with a failure). However, the standards have apparently changed, and now I clearly understand them. I do not have the money to take CGC prep classes (they're offered around here....for $150-180). I don't have the money to do $25/wk drop in classes to practice greeting other dogs (and not the same dogs we always see in class).
In the past, I have tested all of my dogs between 7 and 9mos of age. They've been judged on their temperament, their behavior and the level of control they demonstrate (to handler). Because THAT is the standard of the CGC that I've known since I did my first one in Dec of 1996, that is why I entered Fizz in April, and now. For April, we were ill-prepared. For today, for the standards of testing that I've known for the past 16yrs, we were ready. I am disappointed in myself for not understanding the rules of the game and for setting her up for failure. We will not be attempting this again any time soon, as our heeling is not formalized, and I don't see how you can pass these days without competition ready heeling.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Recallers saved me $46.50
Yesterday was the consummate 'perfect' summer day: sunny, warm bordering on hot, and when you're out in it all day....it tends to make thinking less than optimal. We were at the Mason's Grandmaster's Fair for the day in Charlton. It was just lovely, kids had a blast and we came home ready to rehydrate and rejuvinate.
I let the dogs out individually to potty, hit the grocery store, and then came home to find hubby/kids still at the local lake cooling off. Perfect time to go for a quick run before working on dinner. By the time I got back in, it was around 6:30. Vik was still loose in the house as I'd left her, and Fizz was chillin' in her crate. While I was prepping dinner, Fizz started squeaking. She's on the recovery side of a UTI, so I didn't let her languish for too long before sending her outside.
Having all the green beans picked and the salsa chopped and flavors melding, I thought it would be a good time to get the chickens out to free-range a bit. Typically, they come out in the evening after the dogs have had time to be out and running about. As it gets dark, they put themselves away in the pen (or even up into the coop) and then we close them for the night.
I grabbed a small handful of kibble, and called Fizz through the open screen door. My normal voice, my normal call, nothing special. At that point, hubby shouts "the chickens are already out!!" Epic fail in household communication now coming to light. And Fizz has been outside for at least 20min, with chickens. This is the moment when you're torn between the dead sprint to assess the damage and wanting to hide under the covers and wish it all away.
Meanwhile, Fizz, who went through Susan Garrett's brilliant Recallers class as a very young puppy, came at a dead run to the first call I'd given her. Not knowing that chickens were loose, or the emergent situation present, I had simply called her. Once. And she came, at a dead run, tail up, happy to see me (and NOT a feather or blood spot on her!). She's currently 9.5mos old.....in the "teenage" period where some trainers claim that dogs become less responsive, more wanting to check out their environment and surroundings. Thankfully, we have relationship to pull us through that!
After I got Fizz put away, with HUGE praises from me for coming, and her kibble rained into the top of her wire crate for a fun game of 'get it!'......I went to assess the damage. The Bigs were just coming out of their side of the pen, none looking worried or trying to huddle/hide (as they did for days after the hawk got into the pen and killed one). Quick count of 5 (correct number!) and no obvious piles of feathers.......they seemed ok, and not traumatized.
Where were the Littles??? None in sight, and couldn't hear them. But since none were evident, I figured they must be hiding somewhere together........and hopefully still numbered 5. As I circled the koi pond garden I started seeing movement under the bird-planted sunflowers. 2 Wyandottes......1 black sex-link. So far, 3 of 5. The Araucuna soon showed up, and then there was only one black sex-link to find. She was apparently off on her own adventure and came to see me when I called "chick chick!" YAY!!!! All 10 chickens accounted for, no one seeming traumatized or missing feathers. Truly, I was in disbelief at how well this had turned out.
Recallers is so much more than teaching your dog to 'come.' It's about relationship. It's about trust, about being a team together. A dog learns self restraint through "It's Yer Choice," and not to simply self-serve rewards when available. I am ever-thankful to Susan for this amazing class, and beyond a doubt, I think that it saved my chickens (whom we sum-total paid $46.50 for). Fizz has lots of prey drive, its what I like in my working dogs, and what I hoped for when I chose her pedigree/breeding/litter. Fizz has recently demonstrated very strong herding instinct. In learning from various judges and instructors, the ability to call a dog off stock is based in large part on relationship..........between handler and dog. Recallers has given us relationship in spades!!!
For any who are interested in the class, I can't recommend it highly enough. You'll learn insight into the hows/whys of training, and gain so much more than just 'come.' You will build a strong relationship, and show the dog the value of correct choices. And I will continue to look forward to our first batch of "homegrown" eggs!! :) :) :)
I let the dogs out individually to potty, hit the grocery store, and then came home to find hubby/kids still at the local lake cooling off. Perfect time to go for a quick run before working on dinner. By the time I got back in, it was around 6:30. Vik was still loose in the house as I'd left her, and Fizz was chillin' in her crate. While I was prepping dinner, Fizz started squeaking. She's on the recovery side of a UTI, so I didn't let her languish for too long before sending her outside.
Having all the green beans picked and the salsa chopped and flavors melding, I thought it would be a good time to get the chickens out to free-range a bit. Typically, they come out in the evening after the dogs have had time to be out and running about. As it gets dark, they put themselves away in the pen (or even up into the coop) and then we close them for the night.
I grabbed a small handful of kibble, and called Fizz through the open screen door. My normal voice, my normal call, nothing special. At that point, hubby shouts "the chickens are already out!!" Epic fail in household communication now coming to light. And Fizz has been outside for at least 20min, with chickens. This is the moment when you're torn between the dead sprint to assess the damage and wanting to hide under the covers and wish it all away.
Meanwhile, Fizz, who went through Susan Garrett's brilliant Recallers class as a very young puppy, came at a dead run to the first call I'd given her. Not knowing that chickens were loose, or the emergent situation present, I had simply called her. Once. And she came, at a dead run, tail up, happy to see me (and NOT a feather or blood spot on her!). She's currently 9.5mos old.....in the "teenage" period where some trainers claim that dogs become less responsive, more wanting to check out their environment and surroundings. Thankfully, we have relationship to pull us through that!
After I got Fizz put away, with HUGE praises from me for coming, and her kibble rained into the top of her wire crate for a fun game of 'get it!'......I went to assess the damage. The Bigs were just coming out of their side of the pen, none looking worried or trying to huddle/hide (as they did for days after the hawk got into the pen and killed one). Quick count of 5 (correct number!) and no obvious piles of feathers.......they seemed ok, and not traumatized.
Where were the Littles??? None in sight, and couldn't hear them. But since none were evident, I figured they must be hiding somewhere together........and hopefully still numbered 5. As I circled the koi pond garden I started seeing movement under the bird-planted sunflowers. 2 Wyandottes......1 black sex-link. So far, 3 of 5. The Araucuna soon showed up, and then there was only one black sex-link to find. She was apparently off on her own adventure and came to see me when I called "chick chick!" YAY!!!! All 10 chickens accounted for, no one seeming traumatized or missing feathers. Truly, I was in disbelief at how well this had turned out.
Recallers is so much more than teaching your dog to 'come.' It's about relationship. It's about trust, about being a team together. A dog learns self restraint through "It's Yer Choice," and not to simply self-serve rewards when available. I am ever-thankful to Susan for this amazing class, and beyond a doubt, I think that it saved my chickens (whom we sum-total paid $46.50 for). Fizz has lots of prey drive, its what I like in my working dogs, and what I hoped for when I chose her pedigree/breeding/litter. Fizz has recently demonstrated very strong herding instinct. In learning from various judges and instructors, the ability to call a dog off stock is based in large part on relationship..........between handler and dog. Recallers has given us relationship in spades!!!
For any who are interested in the class, I can't recommend it highly enough. You'll learn insight into the hows/whys of training, and gain so much more than just 'come.' You will build a strong relationship, and show the dog the value of correct choices. And I will continue to look forward to our first batch of "homegrown" eggs!! :) :) :)
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