It's Christmas!

We had great fun last night at the Tynewater Christmas Parties.  We had a relay race using the weave poles, tunnel, cones and hula hoops and included some singing!  There was retrieve a bonio, musical chairs, best party trick and best fancy dress.


Here are some photos

Bella looks distinctly unimpressed with her outfit!

                           

Oscar showing off his bonio

                             

Alfie strutting his stuff on the weaves

Donna and Oscar aka Santa and his present!

Helen and Blue looking very professional

Fly retrieving a bonio - perfect!

Honey is also unimpressed by her bee outfit!

Moira in her fab hat! and Gambit doing a "stick 'em up"

The Terrible Trio (humans and dogs!!)

Andy and Zak with a great move!

 

Zak showing how the tunnel works in the relay race

 

Kennel Club Good Citizen

December 1st saw three of the class feel prepared enough to go forward to take their test for the Kennel Club Good Citizen.  Audrey and Flath completed the Bronze Award and Moira with Gambit and Les with Fly completed Silver.  We are very proud of all 3 and they will go onto the Tynewater Hall of fame once we get the website sorted for photos!

Audrey and Flath

Moira and Zak

 Les and Fly



















The Beginners class did their test too on the 1st and all were brilliant.  It is so satisfying to see little Belle be able to join in with the group now and bark just for the sheer hell of it rather than fear.  Little Oscar has amazed his owner as he isn't fearful at all.  That's the value of small classes and suffcient training support to provided one-to-one where required.

Christmas party this week as postponed last week due to the weather.  Looking forward to it!

Another Training Day!

We had a fantastic days working trials training day today. We had 8 dogs - 2 Labs, GSP, 2 Clumbers, Springer, Cocker, Collie and all did really well.  It's amazing how little confidence owners have in their dogs!  Most of them said their dog wouldn't be able to do one or other of the exercises and to their surprise their dog was great!

Here's Twig doing the clear jump

And a lovely photo of Fudge

They all enjoyed it so much we are now having a monthly class!

Thanks to Liz for the photos.

My Little Therapet

Very proud of Callum tonight.  He passed his test to be a Therapet.  We will be the very first Therapet visitors at the new local hospital.  He was a very well mannered little man and the Assessor was full of praise for him.

Just got to get all the paperwork sorted and we can start.

Take Three Dogs.......

and do some clicker training and see varying results.  Did some clicker training with all three dogs at the weekend.  First up was Hector who started off well but then decided that he would just sit and stare at me to see if that would get him what he wanted! We moved on though and got some nice behaviours offered in the end. 

Maisie was next and what a little show-off, just offered one behaviour after another and we really made progress on her barking. 

Then it was Callum's turn.  He was hilarious! Started off with standard stuff then glided into backing up, rolling over and on and on it went all the time with that serious little face of his - made me laugh out loud!

An enjoyable hour though and we all had some fun.

They Passed!

What an enjoyable night! Putting the 'late brigade' (our late training class!) through their Bronze KCGCDS has been an interesting experience.  Not because the dogs have been a problem but some of the owners have a real lack of confidence in their own ability and in their dog.  However, they all did really well tonight and all passed the test. Very proud of them all.  From little Sybi the Shih Tzu whose owner didn't think she would be able to do anything to the lab Gambit whose view on life is 'Just Chill'! they all proved they can train their dogs and enjoy it in the process.  As for 'Patch' well what a star!

Follow Up on the Mighty Patch!

Well, Patch and Mary have worked hard on their issues.  It hasn't been easy for them and Patch has had a couple of setbacks along the way but....... he made it all the way to class last week! We were all delighted to see him and he just sat and watched what everyone was up to but what a huge step forward.  So proud of them.  Still a way to go but well on their way.  It is a pleasure to work with Mary who is so determined to work through this with Patch.  They are coming to class tomorrow to do their Bronze Good Citizen - we have had to make some adjustments so he isn't put under too much pressure but he will still have the same test as everyone else and I'm sure he will pass with ease.  So keep fingers crossed!

Mulling Over the Issues of the Week

Just been mulling over two issues that have arisen this week. Firstly a little dog who came to us for help after being with another trainer who dealt with the dog's aggression to other dogs by stabbing it in the ribs with two fingers (this dog weighs under 12lbs) and now the dog is aggressive to humans. Secondly the little JRT on the One Show with resource guarding issues and the awful way in which Jordan Shelley decided this issue should be addressed.

Please ensure that before you take your dog to any trainer/behaviour advisor you obtain recommendations, you see them in action with other dogs and most importantly that they have the requisite experience and knowledge/expertise to deal with the issue. A qualification means nothing without experience and experience means nothing without studying canine behaviour and continuing professional development.

As pointed out by a friend, there are students new to the field who don't have a lot of hands on experience but have an understanding of the science of learning theory.   So don't close your mind to a newbie on the block, that's why it's important to go and see them in action to get a feel for their methods. If you are uncomfortable with someone's method walk away no matter how much experience they may have. There are some out there who continually highlight how much experience they have but doesn't make them good at what they do, just the same as having a qualification doesn't mean they are good at what they do either. It's the same in any profession.  

See the results then make up your mind if it's the right trainer/behaviour advisor for you and your dog.

The Lasting Effects

We often read about or hear about a dog being attacked by another dog or dogs and we shake our heads, feel sad for the dog and move on.  Rarely do we hear about the lasting effects of such an attack and the hard work that the owner needs to undertake to get their dog back on track after a frightening ordeal.

Here's one such story..... Let's call him Patch (names changed to protect the innocent!) and his owner Mary.  Patch and Mary were enjoying their walk one evening when they met a lady coming towards them with a Rottweiler and GSD.  The dogs were set on getting to Patch and Mary and the owner lost control of them and dropped their leads whereupon they set about Patch to his severe injury.  Mary rushed Patch home and onto the vet.  Patch was quite down for a while and following a couple of weeks away, on his return to his house, he would no longer go for a walk.  Mary tried hard to persuade him but he was too frightened to venture past his gate. 

This has gone on for a few weeks now so we set off tonight to see what we could do to help.  With some exercises and lots of reward Patch ventured along the road a bit and passed his gate twice going in different directions.  It will not be an overnight cure for Mary and Patch but Mary is determined to help Patch overcome his fear and I'm sure they will get there.  We will review in a week to see how it's going and move on to the the next step.

It's the side of the story that is never seen and there are no consequences for the owner of the other dogs although the Dog Warden is now aware as is the Police but we have had word today that it has happened again. Perhaps if she was aware of the financial and emotional cost of her actions (or lack of them) she might just do something but then again perhaps not.....

The Wanderer Returns!

Sorry for the lack of posts - life has been too hectic! however, a nice relaxing holiday and lots of to-do lists made and I'm back...

Met up with the German Wire-Haired pointer this week (see post back 3 March).  He has come a long way and his owner has put in place a lot of what we talked about.  He's 10 months now and a big lad and full of the joys of life which can prove difficult for a little lady! So we practicsed some impulse control exercises and within a short space of time he was getting the idea.  We also looked at some activities the owner could do with him which would activate his brain and importantly build the relationship between dog and owner.  So hopefully progress will continue as before and we'll see how he is going in November when I'm back down.

Still on holiday this week but preparing for a session with a Springer with separation anxiety. 

Come again!

Maisie's recall training is going well.  She is returning 100% of the time in the garden and well known secure areas. She checks in every so often too which is being well rewarded at the moment as I'm keen for her to understand that she can come in whenever without having to be called and can then go off again.

So all in all really please with her progress and as it is the top issue with 80% of the newbies in class next week I will be sharing my ideas and successes along with the frustrations on our recall journey.

Gundog Training

Sincere apologies for the delay in posting but life has been hectic!

Today's ponder was what is about dogs that makes everything right with the world? 

Spent the day with the fabulous Andy Cullen of Laochin Gundogs at a Ladies Gundog training day.  I decided to take Callum with me as Hector is coming on well with his working tirals training and I didn't want to put Maisie in a situation where she could undo all her good recall work and Cal doesn't get to do much these days since his Search and Rescue work finished. So off we went to spend the day doing some gundog training.

Life has been very hectic with the day job recently and I have been away from home a lot so it was great to just have the whole day to focus on my dog.  I got to thinking though what is it that makes it so special - I really do feel the stresses and strains just melt away when I'm with my dogs.  I think it is a combination of companionship, fun, and just that time spent with each other teaching and learning.  Callum really enjoyed himself, and seeing his little face focused on what I was going to ask him to do next was a joy.  He did get a bit overexcited at the pond though! But due to two swans and two geese he didn't get to swim (his favourite thing in the whole world!).

It was a really enjoyable day and it is always a pleasure to watch other trainers, particularly in another discipline, and to learn from others.  So dummies at the ready and off we go again!

Come!

Continued the recall training with Maisie this week. Maisie is my little cocker - she came to me for fostering and brought my husband under her spell so never left!! She is a very clever little dog and you always have to be one step ahead. She has come on leaps and bounds from when she first arrived - she was 6 months old and not house trained and if she didn't get to do what she wanted she bit whoever was in her way be it human or canine. She is now fully house trained and no longer bites so it's just her recall that needs work.

She is responding well to the whistle and getting 100% success in a confined apace so we moved to a new area. All was going well until near the end when she got a scent and nothing was going to get in the way! So we have taken a little step back again as she's obviously not quite ready to move on to the next stage. She will get there and it's always better to take a step back than try and force it as it's too easy to undo all the good work. Watch this space!!

Puppy!

I'm on holiday this week and met up with a neighbour in the village in which I'm staying. She has a new puppy who is 15 weeks old and is finding him hard work. It's her first dog and he's a German Wire-Haired pointer. We chatted about him and when I commented on how they are known to be very strong-willed and know very experienced owners/trainers who say they are the hardest dogs they have ever trained she said everyone keeps telling her that - She didn't realise how difficult it would be. There's a couple of points there for new dog owners:-

- do your homework on breeds before you get your new puppy, making sure you can meet the needs of that particular breed and that your lifestyle is suitable for that breed.
- think about puppy versus older dog - this lady is retired and it's her first dog

German Wire-Haired Pointers are great dogs and do great work but need training and something to do so think about going to a training class and make sure the trainer understands the breed and their needs in training.

We talked about his exercise as he is being walked for an hour free running at a time which is too much for a growing puppy of that age. The accepted norm is around 5 minutes per month of age and whilst nothing is ever cast in stone it is a general standard to work around. There are lots of other ways to exercise a puppy without walking his legs off and we are meeting today to do some bits and pieces so we can exercise his brain.

Introductions

Thought I'd do some introductions today! Meet pretty boy, Callum, an angelic looking! Maisie and the handsome Hector.  Callum is 6 and his favourite activity is a missing person search.  Maisie is 1 and loves hunting for birds! Hector is 3 and loves to run.

I Know This Game!

Clicker training is very effective and for those who are not particularly strong on timing of rewards it is a really useful tool.  However, rewarding the right behaviour is the key point and the owner has to be very aware of what behaviour they are actually rewarding.

We have a young collie in class who was a rescue at 6 months old and was launching herself and barking and snapping at other dogs.  The owner brought her into class and just sat quietly observing as other dogs worked around them.  The dog was rewarded using the clicker for sitting quietly and ignoring the other dogs.  Dog could eventually walk ast other dogs, sit in close proximity with no adverse reaction. So far so good!

A few weeks later and we have an issue!  The owner has become comfortable and started rewarding the wrong behaviour and has not noticed the behaviour she is rewarding.  Dog is now lunging and barking at other dogs when they move after something, then turning to owner sitting and looking at them and being rewarded!  Dog has worked out this game and the owner hasn't noticed so is effectively encouraging the behaviour.

New game commenced - back to rewarding for sitting quietly and ignoring, no reward for lunging or barking - this behaviour is ignored.  Desired behaviour is given a cue so we can use it when needed.  Owner now aware of where they have gone wrong.  Let's see what next week brings.

Golden Oldies

Spent a lovely day with the Golden Oldies despite the persistent rain.  Scottish Working Trials run this competition every year for those dogs who can't compete in Working Trials any longer either through age or injusry.  There are no jumps or stays but just a lot of fun!  Helen was the judge and I stewarded the competition for her.  We had 9 competitors, a mix of GSDs, Retrievers, Collies and even a Schnauzer! 

The tracks were all worked well with the toys and treats well received by the dogs.  The cocktail sausages at the sendaway point caused much hilarity with just one dog ignoring them and it was a Labrador too - very unlike them!

It was a real pleasure to watch these dogs really enjoy the competition, every one of them strutted into the field and excelled at every exercise.  A thoroughly enjoyable day outdoors with good friends, good dogs and good exercise!

Hydrotherapy

My first time back in the hydrotherapy pool for some months due to holidays, illness, weather and work!  We are visited by a range of dogs; those that are injured, rehabilitation and those just keeping in good shape. 

I made an interesting observation tonight though, in that the dog's behaviour in the pool is breed specific. The Spaniels are swimming before they even reach the water level - those little legs are going ten to the dozen before they reach water!  The German Shepherds like to hear their own voices and whinge and moan throughout the session and and are also the worst for hitting the water with their paws and splashing it in your eyes.  The Labradors like to grip you with their paws hanging onto you for dear life and panic if you let them go which for a gundog is ridiculous! The terriers like to stay stock still and keep a paw on your arm.  Then there's the consumate athlete the Greyhound who come elegantly in, never make a sound, show off their muscles and leave!


It is a real pleasure to see the improvement in the dogs who come in with an injury or after surgery then a few weeks later they are back to full fitness.  You really feel as if you are making a difference.

Manners!

Well we had a great day's training today despite the bad manners displayed by a breed specific rescue who were having a get-together in the same fields.

It is an unwritten rule in dog circles that when you see someone training their dog, you try to keep out of their way so they can continue their good work.  Not so it seems with this group.  We had cars parked right at our agility jumps, a dog running along the fence intimidating our dogs, and then just as one of our dogs commenced a send away they decided to walk all 14 dogs past in a row to commence a walk! That was after advising us that their dogs didn't like small furry dogs and would chase!

It's these bad manners that give responsible dog owners a 'bad name'.  It has made me think though on how we run our training session and some helpful reminders will need to be posted.

Despite these irritations, we really made progress and had fun in the process and that's what counts.

Trainers - what does good look like?

Interesting conversation yesterday on trainers in dog clubs.  What makes a good trainer?  There are trainers that remain steeped in the past unwilling or unable to change their methods despite overwhelming research and evidence to the contrary.  There are trainers who think gaining a qualification (mostly completed through distance learning) is sufficient for them to take on training classes and offer paid advice on behavioural roblems in dogs.  There are trainers who think because they have years of experience they don't need anything else.  In my opinion, it's not just academic qualifications, it's not just experience, it's a combination of both PLUS continuing professional development.

A good trainer recognises the need to keep up with academic research.  A good trainer recognises the value in years of experience working with different dogs, different breeds and different situations.  A good trainer recognises the need to keep their own skills up to date through trying different disciplines, learning from other trainers and behaviourists.  A good trainer also recognises the need for people skills as in the main it's the handlers that need training!

So what do you think?  Are you a good trainer?

New Year, New Goals

Back from a New Year break and looking forward to whatever 2011 will bring.  Main goals this year are to finish my canine behaviour degree which keeps getting put to the side whenever I am busy and to finally put in the final training needed for Hector to be ready to enter a Working Trial.

So.... some organisation is needed, which for a butterfly brain such as I am is going to take some doing! I start off well enough but get bored very quickly and I jump onto the next new shiny bright thing!  Going to try - let's see how successful I am.