I am so proud of how this team has come together. Sue is not a dog trainer but a person with a love for dogs. Onslow was a wild out of control Goldendoodle puppy when we first met in Board and Train. She let me train and prove myself with Onslow before she would let me work with Hyacinth her 9.5 year old Great Pyrenees. That was almost 6 years ago. Hy has been replaced by Daizee Dog who has just turned 5 months old. I have and will see these dogs for Board and Train whenever Sue is out of town and private lessons and group classes whenever she is in town.
As she and Onslow got better at obedience her friend and fellow class member Cathi said she should try Rally Obedience. Jazzy, Lefty and Cathi have already been in some trials. Rally has about 60 exercises on 3 Levels. The teams follow the signs around and do what they describe. This is the way I like to see a dog work. Here Sue and Onslow are doing a Level 3 course. What I like best is that Onslow is working quick, he's making good eye contact and his tail is wagging.
Well now here comes Daizee Dog. Sue and Cathi are looking forward to competing with her too. Daizee is with me now doing a session or Board and Train. Follow her progress here.
Here is Freya W. watching a white cat in the Young at Heart cat room in the lobby at Best Friends Pet Motel. It is nice to have distractions to practice with the dogs in Board and Train.
Now here comes Axel W. checking out the same playful cat in the shelter in the lobby. I think these dogs would like to bring this cat home. This cat really interacts well with the dogs I come over and visit. Watch an obedience pattern with Axel and Freya. You can see me swing Axel around while using a tug to stimulate, motivate and then reward.
On November 20-21, 2010 Cathi O. and her 2 dogs ARCHX Jazzy, CD-H, RL3 (AOE), RL2X4 (AOE), RL1X5 (AOE), CW-SR1, CW-ZR1, CGC and ARCHX Lefty, RL2X (AOE), RL1X4 (AOE) CW-SR1, CW-ZR1,CGC went for a ride to Missouri to show her dogs in an APDT Rally Obedience. Cathi is one of my clients that usually expects to do well so when she is about to advance she'll only go where they give nice rosettes, ribbons and trophies. Well here is Lefty's ARCHX ribbon. Look closely there are tassels too. Congratulations and keep up the great work. Lefty was a rescue and for him to accomplish this is outstanding considering some of the baggage he came with. Cathi started with Lefty as a foster but realized he needed a special person to show him that the world does not have to be such a scary place. Lefty is a Box-Cat which is a mix of a Boxer and an Australian Cattle Dog. Check, You Tube, then Allan Ross Dog Training to see some of Lefty's practice routines. I video Rally Obedience practice sessions so handlers can see how they are handling the leash.
Here are a couple of the Rottweiler Dogs I see in Board and Train. Freya is about 7 years old and Axel is about 3. They have both worked in Rally obedience and Axel has his Championship in the AKC show ring. I held my camera sideways then edited the video and this is what I got.
This is URO2 Sciroco’s Freya vom Viersen RL1 (AOE), CGC, TT She comes fast and does a finish on the right. Now here here comes Multi V-rated CH Precious Gems Axel vom Viersen RN, CGC
I've been spending time this Thanksgiving working both of these friends in our very busy lobby at Best Friends. I show them off and we socialize at the same time. While in the lobby why not watch the camp dogs play.
Also see Axel and Freya work on a pattern with me. Thanks Kathi, I love when you go on vacation, Allan.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winston and Bently are two brother Westies. They are 11 months old. I have worked with them at about 5 months and now have them for a week in Board and Train. We brushed up on our basics. Long sits at all doors and gates that are closed and then open and we do not proceed until they make eye contact or acknowledge the leader. Easy exercise and your patience will be rewarded. Now the fun starts. I want to work the two together. I've had 2 German Shepherds, 2 Great Danes, 2 Labs, 2 Daschunds, 2 Wheatons, 2 Lhaso Apso and lots of unmatched pairs. I usually keep one on the left and one on the right. This way if one is correct he is not as influenced by his partner and if you make a tug it will be for the one that needs it.
We were out on our 6 acre facility practicing with distractions after working together in the Canine College. As we left the parking lot and down Pet Lane towards Aptkisic Road we passed the landscaping facility across the street and both dogs were bothered by a tractor.
Now we had to stop and watch for a while. I like to have them sit or down and absorbe while praised and kept in a calm state of mind. When we came back they paid no attention to the boreing tractor noise.
Well we hung out watching traffic go by as they learn with me and off to the side we are safe. It is important to be aware and not afraid of noise and distractions. Practice makes what is new old.
Now we just hang out in the lobby and watch the campers and the guest come in to the motel. I had fun working with this energetic duo and hope to see them in group class on Tuesday night at 7pm or Saturday morning at 10am.
Well here is the future Rally Queen in the Canine College. She is an 11 week old Great Pyrenees. She is practicing walking on my left on a loose leash. Daizee will sometimes sit as I stop without me asking her to, "sit". She will lay down easily. We are working on stay more from the sit position and I am able to do a walk around. She will come as I run away and I can bait her to come and sit right in front of me as I stop. I can tell her to, "watch" and she will make eye contact and she will not bark as long as I don't wait too long to give it to her. After numerous recalls I have even been able to lure her to finish on my left. Instead of me going to her she comes to my side.
Here I have Daizee walk next to me then, "sit" when we stop. I have her , "watch" which is to make eye contact with me. She then goes, "down" and makes eye contact. Then I have a bunch of food in my hand which is, "off" until she avoids then she gets every piece but has to wait until I tell her to,"take it" A fun way to play and also control the food. Make her do some work for every meal. Have fun and remember when you control the games you control the dog.
Bear A. is an old friend of mine. He is a German Shepherd that is about 14 months old. He can do obedience pretty well with me and his owners. With his family he he can be difficult when he is around dogs. We started in his room, then his wing, before we even made it to food preparation practicing obedience. There was an American Bulldog being picked up with an attendant and his owner. We practiced heeling and then a long sit watching the trio leave following the dog. I decided to give Bear a potty opportunity which comes after a sit at the field then with command he was productive. With dominant dogs the world is not their toilet and I only let them go when and where I say. I always have dogs sit and make eye contact before going into any new area. I never follow entering a room or heading outside. Walk slow and practice long sits. Make the impatient dog learn to wait for you. APDT Rally Obedience has a sign that says Halt, SIT 1,2,3,steps. What you are supposed to do is halt and sit, take 1 step forward and sit, then 2 steps and sit , then 3 steps and sit. Boring but also a good way to convey who is following whom.
I decide to practice on the street in front of Best Friends, Pet Lane and work towards Aptkisic Road. On the way we passed a residence on the premises that happened to have 3 Australian Shepherds acting very territorially at the 4 foot fence.
At first I did some heeling to get Bear working with me. Then I had him do a long sit watching the barking dogs. After a while the Aussies got no feedback got bored and walked away. Chalk up a win for Allan and Bear. Lets head for the road. Guess what Bear is stimulated by cars and trucks
Here we are after working on Pet Lane towards the cars, we are now on Aptkisic working next to the cars on both sides of the street and on the island in the middle. Good job Bear. On the way back why not practice walking by barking dogs.
Not bad and Bear walks and turns without corrections. What an excellent place to be able to have areas to practice problem solving. Lets go to the lobby.
I embrace distractions as an opportunity to do problem solving. We practice and bond in quiet areas then perfect with distractions. I use distance at first. There is more praise and fewer corrections but being a trainer I always target distractions and with practice and patience almost all problems can be resolved. I am as stubborn and tenacious as any dog I work. The more excited they get the calmer I must be to help guide them through their issues. After Board and Train it would be great for his family to work Bear in one of my group obedience classes.
I've had the pleasure to work with Bailey, a Shetland Sheepdog in Board and Train and her mom used to bring her to group obedience class. She loves to have a job to do so she can relax and just go for the ride. She has had an issue with barking so first we watch some dogs playing in an outdoor camp area.
Bailey S. in the courtyard watching Vlad and Woody bark at her. Baily was happy to be with me and did not react negatively towards the dogs that were barking at her. That's my girl!
Talk About Getting Lucky!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mom dropped her off for a couple of days and asked me to spend some time working around cars. She gets stimulated and is difficult. Well Dianne, I don't think you would enjoy this coincidence as much as I did. We get to Aptkisic as I hear an ambulance and fire truck coming towards us from Weiland Rd. I had to get my camera out and bam here is the video. Good Girl Bailey! Hope to see you back in class.
Here she is the youngest prospect for Rally Obedience in her first visit to the Canine College. Daizee is a 9 week old Great Pyrenees who came to visit the Canine College where she will learn to love the game of obedience. She followed Onslow her Goldendoodle brother into the room after going potty outside. She came in with her head up her tail wagging and willing to take food. Food is a barometer of stimulus and stress.
I had Daizee come to me several times. I would call her and run backwards then kneel down. She was not afraid to follow me all around the new room. It is important for survival that puppies have a strong food drive. This can help the trainer to bond and to motivate a young dog.
After practicing recalls a bunch of times she was comfortable walking with me around the room. I tried to keep her in the heel position on my left side then suddenly backed up and called her to me. In Rally Obedience we refer to this maneuver as a Call to Front.
Make sure to follow Daizee the Great Pyrenees through her Rally Obedience adventure right here on my blog. Her mom Sue predicts she will be one of the top APDT Rally Obedience dogs in the country. I'm here to make this wish come true. Good Luck, Allan
Look Ma' No hands! I just had Cinco G., a 10 month Golden Retriever, for only 2 training sessions over the weekend. It was really hard to keep his nose off the ground but with some practice he caught on quick. Here we are in the lobby of Best Friends Pet Care. I'm walking with the leash over my shoulder. He makes 2 about turns without a reminder tug, and sits automatically as I stop without saying, "sit".
I hope to see his family so I can show them how I work with Cinco. Hopefully after they practice they will sign him up for the group obedience class which is a great place to practice or perfect the skills with the distraction of other dogs.
There are three ways to get into my intermediate class. The easiest is Board and Train. I compare this to building a car. I build the car and when you pickup I'll teach you how to drive. I begin in quiet areas to bond and teach basic skills. We then perfect in stimulating areas which are abundant on our 6 acre facility.
The second is private lessons. Sometimes we can work together to train your dog. It is a little easier than group classes which have more distractions; which is a good thing when you and your dog are ready.
The last is to attend my 8 week Basic class. In the first classes you learn how to bond and guide your dog so by the end we are able to work all together as a class. If you need we can schedule a private along the way if you think it might help. If you have taken classes elsewhere give me a call or stop in and show me what you and your dog can do. Allan
Jack is a 3 year old Golden Retriever . After some bonding in the Canine College where we practiced basic obedience. He is here for a week of Board and Train. The biggest problems were stay and coming when he is called. Hopefully we didn't teach him to run away or avoid coming to us due to an association with discipline of something he might not want to do. ie, "Come here to go into your crate or to cut your nails or to see the poop in the living room." Whatever the reason start with a leash. He must come and most important praise him when he comes with your voice, food, pet or throw a toy. Once he learns there is a positive reward he should come and avoid repeating the reasons he won't.
Here we are in the Canine College practicing. I have him "sit" and "stay" then return several times before I call him. This way he finds he just has to sit and I'll return to reward and he doesn't have to do anything. Then I try to stimulate to get him to come as fast as possible. We're just having fun hanging out with each other. You can tell he is enjoying this by how fast he comes. I also have to try in more stimulating areas.
Here we are in the lobby in a controlled area. I could use a long line or retractable to guarantee the desired result. He is enjoying the game and learning at the same time.
This is Boomer K. a big male Labrador Retriever about 4.5 years old in a week of board and train. I observed his Mom bring him to the hotel a week ago. I watched him drag her to the potty field and bully through the door. She was afraid he would bark aggressively towards other dogs.
I worked with his Dad, Chris, today and showed him how to patiently work on a Meet & Greet exercise and only let Boomer greet when he sits. It took a while when this overexcited dog saw his dad but patiently Boomer got to interact but the rule is that he must stay sitting and no touching with the mouth or feet. Then I showed Chris how to go through doors and get into Boomer's head just who is following whom. I then demonstrated to Chris how I do this obedience pattern. Finally it is Chris' turn to work with Boomer. I'm confident that with practice Boomer can work as well with Chris as you see Boomer work with me. He has some issues with other dogs but with us in the lead he can be good. The best place to practice is in an intermediate group class around other dogs. I would love to have a session with his Mom to prepare her to work with the group. I'll be there to help and guide them through the class. Hope to see you on Tuesday at 7 p.m. or Saturday at 10 a.m.
Without corrections how can you get your dog to pay better attention to the handler. Easy, bust some moves that require him to pay attention. Often in my group class the dogs are either going too fast or too wide and if the handlers are not vigilant the dog will have a larger space to assume is correct. Some dogs are so far out of what I would consider is the correct position caused by lenient handlers that the dog will either be too far in front to turn left without bumping his ribs or too far behind to stay on the left as you turn to the right.
Here we are in an isle. I start with a right 180° followed by a quick 180° or 360° to the left. As I do this the dog stays closer and in the correct position and has some fun as we are working together. I give him a job then tell him how well he is doing and he just loves to make the leader happy.
Now here we are in an even narrower isle. Again some right about turns followed by a quick left or even 2 German or Schutzhund about turns back to back. Instead of the dog moving with me and staying on my left I turn left and Boomer goes around to the right we end up making a circle with me in the middle going in opposite directions.
This is the blog that coincides with the Rally Obedience Brochure for the free event on July 10, 2010. Please pre-register as there will be a limit of 5 to 15 dogs that will be able to try the course. Should there be too many entries we may add an additional day. There are generally 3 levels of Rally, Level 1 or Novice, Level 2 or Intermediate, and Level 3 is Advanced. Signs are usually to the handler's right or in front as they approach. There can be 15- 20 signs in a course.
Rally Level 1 or Novice
When the handler and dog get to this sign they should sit, then down then walk around their dog until back in the heel position then move forward to the next sign. Here is an example of Cathi doing the exercise with Lefty.
Here is the sign which leads the team to a serpentine weave.
Here is Cathi with Jazzy demonstrating how to do the serpentine weave. They should enter with the first cone on their left and then weave through the cones and go to the next sign.
Now is a sample of Level 2 or Advanced exercises.The first is a send over jump as the handler runs by. The handler must stay 6 feet to the side of the jump.
Here comes Sue sending Onslow over the jump.
The moves get a little more precise as we go on. Here is the sign for a pivot 180° to the left. The object is for the handler to do the exercise as though they are standing on a pie plate.
Now we have Cathi demonstrating this very cool exercise with Lefty. It starts with a sit and ends with a sit then off to the next sign in the new direction.
Now we have a couple of Level 3 or Excellent Rally Obedience moves. The first is the call to front over the jump then finish right or left by the handlers direction.
Now here comes Cathi with Jazzy doing a very nice exercise. Cathi will sit Jazzy then go to other side of the jump and then call her to the front then the finish is when the dog will either go to the right or the left and end up in the heel position next to the handler.
Here comes a moving stand. The dog stands without first sitting. The handler leaves and stands across from the dog. The dog is cued to down, then sit, then come and sit in front of the handler. Then the handler can choose to have the dog finish by going into the heel position to the left or the right as instructed.
Now watch Cathi do a very nice demo with her dog Lefty.
I'd like to give special thanks to Cathi and Sue who brought Jazzy, Lefty and Onslow to give me a hand with the Rally Obedience event and demonstration we'll be giving at 'Lambs Farm Woofstock' on June 19, 2010. You can view the Rally Course. We'll be on between 12 noon and 1 pm. Come and visit or if you like register for the free Rally Obedience clinic we'll be having here at Best Friends on July 10, 2010 at 9a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
I've been the Director of Training at Best Friends for over 5 years. I train over a 125 dogs a year in Board & Train. This can also be done on an outgoing basis without leaving the pet overnight. I am available for private or semi-private lessons. I'll teach you how to train your dog by watching me or working together to accomplish your goals. Eventually all dogs should be worked in an intermediate group class. (see schedule of classes available below) On our 6 plus acre facility I'm able to create real life situations and then use the tools of obedience to solve your specific needs. I've got the Canine College to practice and bond and then more stimulating areas like food prep or a courtyard full of barking dogs to perfect. There is our main building with hallways, playrooms, and a busy lobby with people checking into the hotel & grooming. There is even an aviary and a cat shelter. I believe in motivational training using my voice,touch,food, or a ball/kong on a rope or a tug toy to reward. I love a dog to work with its head up, tail waggin' and as much eye contact as possible. I've been training dogs my whole life. In the early 70's I became involved in the sport of Schutzhund as a trainer and a helper for clubs in the area. With my dog Owen Simon of Redwood I became one of the first trainers in the United States to train through all levels of Schutzhund competition. I've taken everything learned along with a degree in behavior from the University of Illinois and try to help people to understand make their dog the best that they want them to be. It is a blast to show off with a well trained dog.
Training Courses Includes Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Obedience, Intermediate Obedience, Advanced Obedience, Canine Good Citizen, practice and testing and Rally Obedience. (In some centers Agility or Flyball may also be offered.) For your added convenience we also offer private classes.
In addition, we offer Board & Train services where your dog will be trained one-on-one with our trainer while boarding at Best Friends. Board and Train also includes an outgoing session with the owner.
