HAPPY HALLOWEEN

 One dog sits or downs in the center while the rest of the class circles. When they stop they get close as possible to each other.  They are socializing and getting used to being in close quarters. 

 The handlers get to be prepared for the way their dog might act and have a plan. The handlers learn to see the signs another dog may not be acting right and do what is best for their dog. Barb and Phoenix, Gina and Logan, Ed and Maggie, Lauren and Louie, Sue and Onslow, Cathi and Lefty

Demi B. A Great Dane Puppy

It is so much fun to pick up Demi and spend some time with this energetic Great Dane puppy. She just turned 5 months. She is in her first week of Board and Train. We began in the Canine College learning some foundation obedience. I am using my voice, touch, food and a Kong on the rope to keep her loving the game of obedience. Today was her third day and after some practice we took advantage of all the distractions available at a full service hotel.

Here we are out in the courtyard. At first she was distracted by the rain coming out of a gutter and dripping into a puddle but after sitting next to the distraction she relaxed and was enjoying taking treats from me for sitting as I asked.

Now were sitting in front of the industrial washer in food preparation. This area has a lot going on from dogs arriving and leaving, food on tables and dogs on walks. At first Demi was bothered by the fleece going back and forth but once again after sitting and observing I was more fun than the distraction and the washer became another thing on the list of things she got used to. Every new thing becomes easier than the last all helping to make Demi more stable.
Before we go into the lobby and practice Meet and Greet and work around dogs checking into the hotel we spend some time sitting closer and closer to barking dogs. The more layers of days like this working through distractions the more stable and calm she will become. Clients always say their dogs come home calmer after spending time with me. I'm willing to take the time to help them through difficult situations.

More George

I was so happy to have George back a Boston Terrier in for a visit.  I always get some intense pictures of him as I control the games with food.  He has strong food drive which helps to get him through difficulty.  In the previous post he is looking at a dog in my office.  This may be easy for some dogs but can be problematic with George.  I like to redirect which tends to lessen the degree of  distraction.  Want to sit close and be getting treats and playing food games while getting petted or shall we walk away, calm you down and work back here before you get more praise.

While Jen shot the video for me she said, "it looks like a magic trick." I call it the reappearing food.  It looks cool.  One time, "off" for  all of  the food and then he must wait for, "take it" before he can take each additional piece that pops up from my hand.  Now Here we are using this trick while a cat watches with envy.

Thanks Bryan and Anna and I hope to see you in class.  Tuesday night at 7pm or Saturday morning at 10am.  Rally could be fun.  There is one dog on the course at a time.  The Rally Class is Saturday at 11am.  There is a Halloween Party here at Best Friends on October 30 from 10am until 4pm.  There will be a Level 1 Rally Obedience Course  and  a ZOOM Course to try at 12-1pm.

Watch Jazzy ZOOM on my post Oct 2 or see some Rally Demo and Sign sample exercises on  June 18th post performed by some Rally dogs.

Poblem Solving

  Buddy R. is a Yorkie who has spent some time with me in Board and Train, had some private lessons with his mom, and even come to some group classes.  He has played with my dog Pflash.  He is like a friend of the family.  When he comes to the Dog Park he has some issues with the mowing.  Well his mom was out of town a few days and requested that I spend some time on Tuesday working when the landscapers are here helping to resolve this problem. So of course here we are out in the field watching the mower go by.

Then of course we watch the guy with the trimmer and then finish with some more calmer work watching the mower go by again.

Now here comes George H. a Boston Terrier with some aggressive problems when around other dogs.  I try to set up controllable situations so I can guide the dog through what otherwise would be difficult.  Here we are outside of my office and there are some visitors.  The more we can have positive experiences rather than the usual outbursts we begin to change the norm.  Time, patience and calm repetitions is key.

ZOOM JAZZY ZOOM

Wow! What fun we had in Rally Obedience Class today.  Instead of the usual Rally Course we set up a ZOOM Course.  This is similar to a Rally Course and many of the signs are similar.  The difference is there is NO STOPPING. You can receive deductions for being out of position or making corrections or any of the usual Rally deductions.  Level 1 is on leash and Level 2 and 3 are off leash. 

This was a Level 1 Course and the first time we tried a ZOOM course in class.