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

Maddie• A 9 month Cocker Spaniel

Maddie C. worked with me for 2 weeks in Board & Train. She is a 9 month Cocker Spaniel. I watched her learn obedience that started in the Canine College and progressed to working over the whole complex. I could see how excited as we were about to leave and go outside. We would practice long sits at doors that were closed at first then open. I would watch as she listens to birds and other sounds and scents as I maintain and praise her just being able to sit still with all this stimulus. This is using the obedience she has just learned to be able to then absorb while in a calm state of mind. Doors have been something to explode through so this is a great place to draw the line and practice Maddie following me. If I cannot control her here I won't have better results in the dog park. I want to practice in areas that get her more praise and fewer corrections to comply with my wishes. This is just the start and needs to be reinforced daily at home along with practicing in group which would be less stimulating each session.

Rudy S. French Bulldog Loves Obedience

Rudy is a French Bulldog that started in my group obedience handled at first by his dad, Mark and now his mom, Linda.  He really loves to please the leader.  I was lucky enough to have him over the weekend.  The busier I keep him the more he likes it.  He works for food but is easily stimulated by vocal praise as we work.  I practice an obedience pattern but any time I want him closer I shift into a higher or more challenging gear. I do what in Rally Obedience is called a left about turn, German about turn or a Schutzhund about turn, followed by a quick and tight left 180 or 360.   This group of moves really helps to define the pocket or the position to easily turn right or left with the handler. 

Group Obedience Class- Demonstrates a left & right finish after call to front

On the first recall I ask them to finish on the left and the second time I have them finish on the right.  The left is called a swing and the right the dog goes around on the handler's right then goes behind and ends up in the heel position with the dog on the left.

Now we have the Saturday class in the lobby demonstrating the same moves but with more distractions.  We have Nancy & Louie, Ann & Lava and Sue & Onslow.  We have Rally Obedience Classes here on Saturday morning at 11a.m.  It is a requirement for Level 1 that the dog  be able to finish on the left or the right.  Level 1 is on leash and Level 2 & 3 are done off leash with the signs that you follow  being more difficult.  Rally is a fun way to practice and compete in several organizations like AKC with or without a pedigree, UKC, or APDT.  Rally is something for those who look for a higher level of obedience.  It can be done for fun or for those who desire they can title dogs pedigree on not.  All you need is a dog that likes to work with you plus you will have a level of control that you can use to show off if you desire.  It just looks good to see a dog working obediently with their handler.  If you are interested give me a call and I'll invite you to come and watch a practice session.  Allan

To Fetch or Not to Fetch? Pflash will be 9 in July

     It is nice to select a puppy that wants to interact with the owner by playing with toys in the beginning.  For experienced trainers this is a part of the selection process because a goal has already been estlabished and to pick a partner with the same interest will aid in training.                                                               
     There are training organizations that require your dog to retrieve a wooden dumbell sometimes up to 3 pounds.  There are people who have a dog that will retrieve anything except a dumbell.  Why do you think that is?  Pressure.  For the first time the dog has to get something without play value, or so the handler is told or believes.  Here comes the age old question and debate, play or force.  I've had many discussions over the value of each.  Those that force say there is more reliability.  There is the Koehler method, e-collar, and, etc.  I believe the play method using the natural instinct for prey is more motivational and a dog trained in this manner will usually go quicker and more happily than a dog that is forced.  It is possible to force and with practice and positive communication also have a dog that will return quickly and top trainers are flexible and can apply a combination of all techniques. Although too many times with the pressure from a trial or competition when the handler gets stressed or the e-collar is removed the dog will no longer retrieve. 
     Unfortunately housebreaking issues often come between a handler and a dog that will listen.  To often, "come" or "here" means, I'm putting you in the crate, cutting your nails, showing you the molding or chair you chewed or the poop in the living room.... If you have a dog that will not come because they associate coming to you with disclipine they will avoid coming.  If you want to play sometimes the dog will not come to you because he fears you will take the toy away  and this causes avoidance.  This is why fetch should be taught with a dog on a leash.  #1) They must come.  #2) You can play tug.  This builds drive which can ultimately be used to motivate and also if you play tug or, "rock & roll" as I refer to tug, the dog will enjoy the interaction more than having you chase them for the toy.  Dogs need to think of the fun they have with you in terms that you define.  Once you play tug it is okay to let the dog win the prize and carry it while heeling. While walking or a call to front, I'll grab the toy preferably by the handle.  I like a ball or kong or rolled burlap with a handle or rope.  I only play if the dog has his end  (the wet end).
     I currently have a client's dog who only will get one ball and will not release it.  In order to teach the fetch I think it would be dangerous to stimulate play/prey drive holding a 3-4 inch diameter ball in my hand.  Training involves teaching the dog which end is his in a safe and controlled manner. There are important rules for tug.  I believe if you control the games you control the dog.  There must be "out" which teaches the dog that even though he has won the prize he must relinquish it to you. This is a controlled game that must be taught by adults.  Dogs need to learn they must give, "out" to our kids and with our help carefully make sure the dog does not learn he can take anything from what he considers his siblings or littermates.  There are trainers that say tug is dangerous and makes dogs mean.  It will make them dominant if they think they can win whenever they want any time they wish.
     When we build drive and then  control it we then use it to motivate the dog. Carry the ball to get eye contact while heeling, reward  for a quick sit by throwing "bring," or call to front and throw the ball for a reward after a close sit.  At first we use food to bait, later it can become a reward for doing what we asked but there is nothing more motivational than paying with a toy that is the source of the drive we build.
     The goal or target should be kept in mind.  Do not hope the dog will get the item then pray he will bring it to you then hopefully he will give it to you.  Be patient, go slow, teach and most important do not let your dog see stress or frustration because it will set you back.  Trainers must be flexible in their approach and watch for signs of avoidance.  Don't keep doing the same things that are not producing what you want
My dog, Pflash will sit next to me and wait as I throw the dumbell or ball on a rope.  I say, "bring" and he runs fast to get it and brings it back to me.  He sits in front of me and holds it until I ask for it, "out."  Then I say, "heel" and he finishes and sits next to me.  If I had him do that every time he would not go as fast or have as much fun and that's because he only has to perform once and most of the time its play.  I do not encourage too much tug with a dumbell because it can cause chewing but in the dogs mind its important it's just another toy.  I also would not teach the retrieve over a jump or scaling wall until the retrieve on the flat is perfected.  I will practice the jumps without a retrieve just going over and back.  Good Luck and remember the faster the retrieve the better it looks.

Tuesday Group Obedience Class

     This is a video of my Tuesday evening obedience group. If we have visitors we make sure to take advantage and have the dogs and handlers practice meet and greet with them. We usually start by walking around the room working on obedience exercises as a class.  The room is divided into four squares and as the dogs settle in we eventually work around two then one square.  Perhaps a dog will sit or down in the middle and the rest of the class will circle around and when we stop we all get as close as possible to the dog in the middle.  Sometimes there may be bowls of food also in the middle and maybe a vacuum cleaner or wheel chair or me making some kind of noise or distraction in the middle.  
     We began using the whole room and eventually worked tighter and closer weaving each other and figure eights, etc.  I set up a Rally Obedience course with the exercises we have been practicing and had each handler and dog go through the course individually.  This video is at the end when I had the class members all work on the pattern at the same time.  This is more like a real life senario where everyone has a little something different going on at the same time.

Cathi O. has a Rally good APDT weekend in Omaha Saturday & Sunday 2/20 & 2/21/10

As a trainer I am very proud of what my students can accomplish. Cathi has taken Jazzy and Lefty from my basic, intermediate and advanced obedience classes into the APDT Rally Obedience sport. At the end of last year Cathi entered 2 trials and did so well she and Jazzy made it to the APDT National Rankings and brought home lots of ribbons. There are people that compete and have a hard time passing let alone winning. Cathi attributes her success to my group classes. I have even started a Rally Obedience class on Saturday morning at 11 a.m.
This weekends results:
(2/20/10-2/21/10)
Level 1- Jazzy
210/210 2nd place

204/210 1st place

205/210 1st place

209/210 1st place

Level 2- Jazzy
201/210 2nd place

196/210 1st place

193/210 2nd place


Level 1- Lefty

190/210

203/210 2nd place

195/200 4th place

200/210 3rd place
Not bad for Cathi's Box-Cat rescue that started out with all types of baggage. Poorly socialized and afraid of men. I always feel best helping the dogs that came with the most baggage.









Also congratulations to Cathi and Jazzy who also earned a CD-H from St. Hubert's CDSP

* ARCHX Jazzy, CD-H, RL2X(AOE),RL1X(AOE), CGC *

The bottom line is that it is fun to win ribbons and trophies but it is more important that your dog will listen to you. Your dog should come when they are called and walk without pulling. Being a responsible dog owner includes the time teaching them its your world and they are in it. They should greet friends the way you guide them to. When I see a dog act poorly I watch to see what the handler does to prevent or deal with it. Time, patience and calm repetitions is key to having the partner you want to spend life with. I know not everyone has the timing, patience or coordination to train a dog. That's why I offer Board and Train. I build the car and when you pick up I teach you how to drive. If you practice your dog will listen to you too. Cathi also takes some private lessons. Competition is fun but not for everyone. People are responsible for teaching some important basics and then using those techniques to control their dog.

Oliver K. • 4 month Yorkie mix Cutest Pup

Oliver and his mom came in to have a private lesson with me. Mom watched how good I was and realized it would be easier for her and better for Oliver to spend some time with me to work on beginning obedience. Board & Train is like building a car. I know from teaching group class that not everyone has the timing, patience, or coordination to be consistent while training a dog. In board & train I build the car and when you pick up we schedule an included outgoing session when I'll teach you how to drive. I know that if you practice the dog will follow you as well as me. Although clients often join the group class, continue with privates all over our site or are just welcome to come into the store and practice. It's the repetitions that convince the dog he's following you. Our dogs deserve and need us to spend some time with them. Some dogs are always testing and a few minutes a day can make a world of difference.

This little 4 month Yorkie mix just spent 2 weeks in outgoing Board & Train with me at Best Friends pet Motel. For 2 weeks his days were here and he went home at night. He came in with mom in a carrier because he was afraid to walk on a leash. He was picked up too much and needed to see the world from the ground. I encouraged him to walk on a leash although was he was quite shy. Daily I would watch him come out of the into the world. At first in the Canine College we would have fun and bond as he learned the elements of foundation obedience. Sit, down, stat, watch (make eye contact-I don't think our dogs or kids are paying attention unless they are looking at us while we talk). I also teach, off & take it, with food which eventually applies to a toy or even touching us with their paw or mouth. At first room noises would distract him but while focused on me he had nothing to worry about. Eventually the heaters and outside noises bothered him less and less.

I began to see the terrier come out. Now he has gone from a shy observer to to a vocal and willing participant with every person and dog that he sees. Now is when we begin using the bond through obedience we have created to help guide him to be what we want him to be. Oliver is no couch potato and needs to be taught how to act in social situations. I compare barking to kids swearing as people walk past, the adult needs to tell the young how to appropriately act. Sometimes it is not the size of the dog on the outside but the size of the dog on the inside. I see behavior not the size of the dog. It is not cute. When we control the way introductions take place there are fewer problems. We need to observe the body language of our dogs so that bad behavior can be dealt with while it is just a thought and certainly before they initiate an action. Group class is a place to practice letting our dogs know we intend to be consistent with monitoring their behavior.

Bear A • German Shepherd pup at 9 months in Board & Train

Bear is a young male German Shepherd pup at nine months old in board and train. It took a while to get him to realize he's following me. He is an example of a dog that if you give him an inch he'll take a mile. Way too excited at pick up before I get the collar on. I can tell by the way he looks at counters and garbage cans as though they might provide something of interest to him that he has been there before. In stimulating areas he watches and tries to give a sniff to people passing by. He wants to bark at dogs he sees. He would like to join Evelyn for her lunch by getting around her to her food. He is smart and has learned if nobody is watching for a few seconds he can steal anything.

This is a working dog with lots of ball drive and food drive. He can do very nice obedience in areas of lower distractions. After spending time in the quieter Canine College we began to work on perfecting which is showing him that obedience is everywhere. Food preparation is full of activity including a washer, dryer and compressors along with tables of food and dogs going so me activity we provide at Best Friends American Pet Motel. We walked in the courtyard by barking dogs from Tails of Hope rescue.

The lobby was the most fun. Bear watched cats playing in the Young at Heart cat shelter in the lobby. He eventually did a long down with me 8 feet away watching hyper barking dogs check into the hotel and grooming. Bear has come a long way but it will take the continued practice guiding him in stimulating areas and showing him the way you want him to behave. Please continue in pet stores, parks, group classes and any other training you have in store for him. He's been bred to do whatever you want.

Rally•URO1 Sciroco's Freya vom Viersen CGC TT

Congratulations to Kathi and URO1 Sciroco's Freya vom Viersen CGC TT on their first experience in APDT Rally competition. In Schiller Park on Sunday January 24, 2010, they qualified in both trials they entered. A 201 out of 210 earned a third place and a 192 earned them a fourth place. Kathi works Freya in my advanced obedience class and my rally class and has had her work with me in board and train. Keep up the good work and I'll see you in class. Also congratulations to Champion V rated Precious Gems Axle vom Viersen.

Bella• St. Bernard at 9 months in first week of board & train

Bella is a very playful St. Bernard that I had the pleasure to work with for a week in board and train. She has good food and ball drive. At first she was a little shy but soon wanted me to take her out every time she saw me. We started in the Canine College where I also hold obedience and rally classes. She caught on quickly so we were able to spend time socializing and desensitizing around our 6 plus acre facility. We practiced in the courtyard with dogs barking and being walked. We worked in the main building which is full of people working, dropping off dogs to stay in the hotel, or into grooming department. I asked Bella to "sit" or "down" and watch the cats play in the Young at Heart shelter in our lobby. Being able to practice in real life situations builds confidence in the dogs I'm working around strangers and new things and a lot of fears and aggression goes out the window as they learn manners and increase thresholds in social situations.

Beckham • Miniture Schnauzer 7 months

Beckham is a delightful 7 month miniature Schnauzer. I had him for a week of board and train. At first he had issues with socialization and quite a few areas he was afraid to walk. We started by bonding while working on foundation obedience. Luckily he has great food drive which helped to distract him in worrisome situations. When dogs look at me and take food I find they are in a calm state and can absorb stimulation without wanting to avoid or go to flight. Initially he had issues with heaters, shadows, fans, almost anything new. The more we worked the more easily he was able to keep moving. By practicing the things that were new became old and I watched him go from being shy to quite the opposite. It is easier to calm him down now that he is moving forward. Some people think when their dog does not come that they are being disobedient but if you look at the bigger picture you might be standing next to something they are afraid to be near. I've seen where dogs will not come in after going potty if the dominant dog is inside first. Or the opposite when a dog will not potty outside because the dominant dog owns the yard. I do not see being submissive or shy as happy and it is our job to help a dog get over issues allowing for a happy and less fearful life. I think there are more bites by shy dogs that feel cornered than by aggressive dogs. By helping to socialize we can keep problems from occurring. I'm happy to say Beckham's owner plans to continue in the group classes.

National Train Your Dog Month

What a great way to start your new year off than to exercise with your dog. There is not a more rewarding form of exercise than training! Dog training gives you exercise, and a sense of accomplishment when you see what you and your dog can do together. The Association for Professional Dog Trainers, APDT, has declared January National Train Your Dog Month!
Best Friends Pet Care would like to encourage each and every one of you to join in the fun! From group training classes to private lessons, and even Rally and Canine Good Citizen. I offer plenty of fun filled options for you! I look forward to making some new friends this month! See you all soon.

2009 APDT Rally Rankings

CONGRATULATIONS!

Cathi Overend and her dog Jazzy have just made the APDT list of the 2009 National Rankings for RL1 Rally Obedience. This after only competing in 2 shows! A job well done Jazzy, we are proud! For those interested in Rally, please feel free to call me. Classes will be starting here at Best Friends Pet Care Saturday Jan. 9 at 11a.m.

Louie D.• Meet & Greet

Louie is a lab rescue that has been with the family about 2 weeks. Board and train is an excellent way to introduce a new dog to you and your life. He is about 14 months old. He has strong food and ball drive. He loved foundation obedience. We bonded in a quiet area then perfected on our 6 plus acre facility. This is an exercise called Meet & Greet. The object is to teach the dog that he must sit for attention and affection. Once sitting I use the "off" command to keep him from touching with his paws or mouth. He then gets his chest rubbed and even a cookie. We use foundation obedience exercises to guide him to be the best the handler wants him to be. I would love to see Louie and his family in my intermediate group class.

Checkers• It's never too late• A Dalmatian @ 6yrs

Checkers is a 6 year old female Dalmatian. Mom and dad came to visit an intermediate/advanced obedience class. They were quite impressed with what could be expected from a trained dog. I had her for a one week board and train. At first we bonded practicing foundation obedience in a quieter area without distractions. Then we worked in more stimulating areas. She had aggression issues with other dogs. Once I get to know her it is easy to recognize when she is about to need some help. By observing her body language I can make adjustments before negative behavior becomes pronounced. I believe I can correct the thought which is before she initiates a negative reaction. We practiced in a lobby full of dogs and I was able to head off any potential issues before she misbehaved. Once I know with proper guidance Checkers can behave her parents just need to practice to let her know that is also their desire.

Onslow•Obedience Pattern in the Lobby

Onslow is a delightful Goldendoodle that is fortunate enough to have a mom that lets him spend time while she is on vacation in board and train. Never would she have realized that his training would become a part of their life. There are private lessons while she is in town that she brings her 11 year old Great Pyrenees just to watch. There have been intermediate and advanced group classes. They have gotten so good a natural progression was rally classes which start for the public on January 9,2010. They passed in their first event. In one weekend they passed 4 tests and now Onslow•CGC•Rl1

Onslow CGC RL1•Pivot Left 360

CONGRATULATIONS to Onslow CGC,RL1{Canine Good Citizen/Rally Level 1}. He works with me around our 6 plus acre facility off leash. His mom says board and train is the only way to go. She works with him in my group obedience classes and in rally obedience class. He just completed his three legs, in an APDT trial on Nov. 21&22 in Schiller Park. They passed 4 trials in two days. In one trial they scored 204 out of 210 possible points. Not bad for her first trial and being a novice handler who never imagined this could be something she would do let alone compete at.

Anaaya • Victorian Bulldog @12 weeks

What could be luckier than a lady with a 12 week old female Victorian Bulldog named Anaaya that wants me to do board and train.  How about if her boyfriend has one from a different litter about a week older. He is a male named Rushbo. I had the good fortune to have each of them for 2 week board and train.  Rushbo was a little easier at first.  Anaaya was afraid to walk on the leash.  Both dogs have good food drive so it ws pretty easy to bond.  The first week we practiced foundation obedience in the Canine College.  I was eventually able to walk both dogs all around the complex.  When we worked in the lobby these puppies were magnets for attention.  I had a blast and so did they.  I brought Anaaya into the Canine College to show her to some of my private students who were about to practice on a Rally Obedience course that I had set up earlier.  I was amazed at how well she performed even with a couple of dogs in the room.  I brought her back later to film what I had witnessed.  In a familiar place she worked great.  She was a little bothered by Molly who was helping me film.

Koji: A rescue: Gold from the first time we met

I first worked Koji after she was rescued at about 5 years old. A golden and perhaps chow mix. She carries herself majestically. Nice gait and her head held high as she walks. She loved the attention and praise she received in board and train. We practiced and bonded as I taught her foundation obedience. We began in the canine college a quieter area. It was no time before we were out and working at our 7 acre facility. We perfect in real life situations. She loved to chase anything moving. It was a short time before we were walking on the island in the middle of Aptakisic Road. With guidance she truly is a delight to work with. Now she is almost 9 years old and I had the pleasure to again work with her in board and train. Mom says stays here are less stressful and she comes home calmer after spending time with me. Thanks, I'll be glad to spend time with Koji any time..........