Confessions of a Dog Trainer - 4

I confessed my dogs weren't perfect last month, this month I'm here to tell you something you're really not going to believe. Truly, it was a shocker for me to.

Wait for it.

BAM - I'm not perfect either.

<gasp> I know, I know. I didn't believe it, but it's out there now and I can't take it back. Apparently, I am only human and I make mistakes. Mistakes usually caused by emotion, another one of those pesky human-type things.

My most common mistake - yelling at the dogs. I hear other people yell at their dogs and think to myself, gosh I would never do that. Um, really Erin? Let's not throw stones here. I can at least attest to the fact that I don't yell at my dogs in public, because I am careful about what situations I put them in. But at home? The answer is yes.

Now before everyone freaks out about how I am cruel to my dogs, I know I am not alone.

Image taken from Proactive Parenting

And before you get your panties in a twist, I don't yell at my dogs all the time. Geesh, I'm not THAT person :). But sadly I do get frustrated. And lazy. And sometimes I have a bad day where nothing goes right and the dogs' behavior is just icing on the crap cake. So sometimes I lose it from time to time, but my dogs are perceptive animals, which means most often they are not much impressed when I do.

Here is what I am usually yelling (probably to the delight of my neighbors):

Bourbon quit barking at the rabbit, he's teasing you on purpose.

Vito quit humping the pillows.

Bourbon stop barking at the squirrel, he's across the damn street and not even trespassing yet.

Baron quit humping Vito.

Bourbon seriously, quit barking at ... <usually I then check outside> NOTHING, you think you're funny don't you.

Monday quit humping Vito, just because Baron did it, doesn't mean you get to.

Baron leave Monday alone or I'll let her tell you herself and you won't like it.


Oddly, I never yell at Rookie. I'm pretty sure he's perfect :). Looking over the list and seeing all these events unfold in my head as I remember them, maybe I should clarify what I mean by yelling. I don't get in their face, scream at them, wagging my finger or whatever. I'm usually in the other room (hence the lazy part) and it's just a raised voice. Also no stomping involved here, I don't like stomping and I'm sure that would scare Vito.

Yelling seems to be a reflex in many ways; we do it to kids, we do it to each other, and obviously we do it to our dogs. I honestly can't imagine never yelling at my dogs, I'm just not that perfect.

But anger and yelling can have a negative impact on our relationships with our dogs. Some dogs react in fear and don't want to be around the 'loud' person. Other dogs may think you are barking with them (if they were barking in the first place) and will be encouraged to bark more. And still some others can think the yelling is a challenge and may react with aggression. You need to know your dogs. If your dog is frightened and you continue to yell, then yes you are being cruel. My dogs are pretty laid back, confident dogs, with the exception of Vito. Oddly, yelling at the dogs has never seemed to bother him. But when Nicholas and I have an argument, all the dogs disappear and are way more affected by that than by me yelling at them.

I love my dogs, but they are not fine china., they can handle some ups and downs in our relationship. No relationship is perfect, certainly not when it involves humans with emotions :).

Wordless Wednesday - Twinsies

Bourbon's Official Certification

Wahoo, Bourbon got his 'official' title certificate from the AKC for his Coursing Ability title. Sadly, they spelled my name incorrect which has been an ongoing battle (and why I've left him registered to my maiden name - not sure they could handle the change!) since I originally registered him.

While it's pretty and very formal, I'm pretty sure my name is NOT Evin.

So now I have to wait ten more days for a new, factually correct certificate. Oh well, such is life. While we're  waiting please enjoy the professional images of Bourbon's title run I ordered from the photographer. I can't seem to get enough of them :).

Powering off at the start. He makes funny faces :).

He screams the whole way, it makes me wonder how he breathes.

He's got such long legs!

What a goof :).

Catching up to the 'prey'.

Gotcha!!

Well once the 'good' certificate makes its way here, it'll have to go up in a frame or something. Something special for my old man!!

Monday got a PAL

A few weeks ago I sent in an AKC application to get a Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) number for Monday. Bourbon has one of these as well (his is actually called an ILP - Indefinite Listing Privilege - because he got it through the old listing program) and what it does is allow your dog to compete in AKC sanctioned events. They still can't show conformation, but they are allowed to participate in performance and companion events. I'm seriously thinking about getting Monday ready to do some obedience/rally showing and also probably see if she would enjoy lure coursing as much as Bourbon does :). Crazy mutts!

AKC events PAL dogs are eligible for

• Agility Trials (All Breeds)
• Earthdog Trials (Small Terriers and Dachshunds)
• Herding Tests and Trials (Herding Breeds, Rottweilers and Samoyeds)
• Hunt Tests (Most Sporting Breeds and Standard Poodles)
• Junior Showmanship (All Breeds)
• Lure Coursing (Sighthounds) - CATs (All Breeds)
• Obedience Trials (All Breeds)
• Rally Trials (All Breeds)
• Tracking Tests (All Breeds)

Applying for a PAL number

To apply for a PAL number for your dog, you just have to go the AKC website and download the application found at the bottom of the page. When you submit it to the AKC, you also have to include their application fee ($35), and two recent and clear color photographs of your dog. One photograph should show a full front view showing the facial characteristics of your dog, and the other should show the full side profile of the dog standing on a flat surface (not grass).

This was the photo I submitted for Monday's frontal.
The pictures don't have to be perfect, thank dog!!

This was the photo I submitted for Monday's side profile.
Nothing professional here :).

But please remember, PAL numbers can only be issued for AKC REGISTRABLE BREEDS.

I finally got Monday's 'official' PAL certificate in the mail, along with a nice welcoming packet from the AKC. They had included a newsletter on the history of my dog's breed (American Staffordshire Terrier) and also a copy of their Family Dog magazine.

My 'informational' welcoming packet.

Monday's certificate!!

Wish us luck on her next adventure!!

Tips for a Safe Fourth of July

Like everyone else in America, you are probably planning to have a festive, with a capital F, Fourth of July. Which undoubtedly means fireworks. The more fireworks the better!! While you are eagerly anticipating all the flash boom bangs, please take a moment to consider your pets. Unlike people, pets don't associate the noise, flashes, and burning smell with celebrations. Some pets are terrified of fireworks, and often panic at the loud noises they produce. Remember your dog's hearing is much more sensitive than ours.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Tire 'em out - Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day so they are tired and can more easily relax.
2. Create a safe haven - Keep your dog inside during fireworks and provide a safe place for them to retreat. If your dog is comfortable in a crate, that is a good option. Close the curtains (and windows), leave a TV or radio on to mask the sound of fireworks and to provide familiar noises while you're out, and prepare 'goodies' (like kongs or raw bones) to help provide a distractor.
3. Label your pet - Make sure your pets are wearing identification, properly fitted collars, and are microchipped with your current contact information. It's also a good idea to have a recent picture of your pet in case you have to put up signs.
4. Drugs - Some pets need more help to deal with loud noises. If your pet is in danger of injuring themselves or becomes manically frantic, please speak to your veterinarian about prescription anxiety medication.
5. Be prepared - Have a basic pet first aid kit on hand and know the location and hours of the nearest emergency pet hospital just in case. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

The American Humane Association reports that July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters. Why? Because they are inundated with pets that panicked during fireworks and wound up lost, injured, or killed.

The safest place for your pet to celebrate this Fourth of July is at home, not in a crowded, unfamiliar, and noisy place. So if you are heading over to your friend's house for a barbecue, leave your dog at home. They will appreciate the quiet.

Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July!!

Tuesday Training Tips: CGC Test Item 5

The fifth in my Canine Good Citizen (CGC) series going through each of the CGC exercises and offering tips for practicing in order to successfully pass a CGC Evaluation. Test Item 4 was covered previously.

Test Item 5: Walking Through A Crowd

This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over exuberance, shyness, or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.

CGC test item 5 being demonstrated.
Picture taken from sheltiechick.com

So Your Goal: To walk through a crowd, on a loose leash, with your dog paying attention to you.

Training Tips:

This part of the test can be intimidating if your dog finds crowds to be overwhelming, but it can also be frustrating for the dogs that love crowds. One has to gain confidence, the other self-control :). Gradually helping your dog get used to larger groups can take time and effort, but will allow you to him more places and share more experiences with him. You want your dog to see a group of people as a pleasant experience but nothing out of the ordinary. At this point you should have already practiced greeting individuals in a calm manner (test item 1 and test item 2). If your dog can handle that well, then they are ready to move on to small groups.

Start with groups of only a couple of people (a good excuse to invite your friends over for a barbecue!!). At first keep your dog at a distance and gradually move closer to the group when you have your dog's attention on you and they are behaving calmly. With an excitable dog, especially work up to close encounters gradually until your dog is comfortable and in control of themselves (sometimes this can take awhile!). As your dog gets better and better, continue to add to the groupings and start visiting local playgrounds, downtowns, pet super stores, or somewhere there might be groups of people (remember if they start getting excited, to back up and increase the distance and then gradually move closer as they exhibit calm behavior!). When your dog can navigate these populated places without dragging you off to meet every person they see, you can consider them ready for this test item :).

Don't forget to treat and praise your dog while they are paying attention to YOU. Associating positive behavior and praise with high-value treats will help make you more desirable to pay attention to rather than strangers.

Next week we'll discuss CGC Test Item 6, Sit and Down on Command/Stay in Place.

Don't forget to check out the other CGC test items we've covered:

Test Item 1, Accepting a Friendly Stranger

Test Item 2, Sit Politely For Petting

Test Item 3, Appearance and Grooming

Test Item 4, Out For a Walk (Walking On a Loose Leash)

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY MONDAY!

Exactly 4 years ago today, I adopted Monday. Holy cow, I can't believe it's been 4 years already!!! That's insane. Anyways, Happy Gotcha Day my dear Monday! You filled the hole left in my heart after the passing of Majestic, something I thought would never happen. But you crept in silently, like a super-skilled ninja, and brought me more joy than I ever could have hoped for. From the very first day you fit into our family like you were meant to be here...

Nicholas and Monday the first night.

Monday and I at home the first night after the long drive from Illinois.

Her kisses sealed the deal :).

We love you more than I'm sure you can imagine. Here's to many more years of making memories, giving kisses, and just overall silliness!

I didn't have time to make something special this week, so store
bought will have to do! Cake was from Brown Dog Bakery.