Dog Blog : Anything goes: Thursday, Sept. 11

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Anything goes: Thursday, Sept. 11

Posted by dogblog

Posted: September 11, 2008 - 10:33 am

Here's a new anything-goes topic to discuss anything you'd like

Featured breed: Belgian malinois

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9 September 13, 2008 - 2:17pm | kariabre

More Mesa antics

I know I am posting quite a few but I have to get it in before I am dog free for a couple months :(
So this afternoon I was wondering where the dogs were. My sister in law (who has been staying with us and brought the cat) came downstairs so I asked her. Apparently Mesa used her head to bust in the door to her bedroom and invited herself into bed. Darcy, the cat, slept right threw it and Mesa didn't even try to play with the kitty. She just wanted to cuddle and there was no room on the sofa so she invited herself into bed.
Baily, being the good one, just curled up on the floor waiting for someone to notice her.

September 13, 2008 - 2:23pm | dogblog

LOL

That's a great image. Busting down the door to cuddle.

September 13, 2008 - 2:28pm | kariabre

It fits Mesa. Rough and

It fits Mesa. Rough and tough on the outside, all warm and fuzzy on the inside :)

8 September 12, 2008 - 6:10pm | kariabre

selective hearing

I am sure most of our dogs have this condition but Mesa cracked me up today. No matter where she is in the house she can here me tap on the sofa (our signal for inviting up the dogs). Mesa was upstairs fixated on the cat so I lightly tapped 3 fingers on the sofa to invite Baily up. All of a sudden you heard a flurry of commotion and Mesa came running downstairs and flying onto the sofa.
I was telling my husband about it after he got home. Mesa was upstairs playing with my sister in law so I lightly tapped and less than 30 seconds later she was on the sofa. Now if only she heard every other command as well.

September 15, 2008 - 2:27pm | shannon_dewandel

good noise

I'm not sure if ya'll go back and read old ones, but I had to add two cents. Ivy the younger beagle at my house, can act deaf as a door nail, won't hear any commands, but if you whisper "chicken stwips" (yeah, she lisps) she can hear you a quarter mile away.

September 16, 2008 - 8:16am | akvalleygirl74

No worries

Most of us go back and read old threads. :) Too funny about the lisp too, btw.
Scarlett can always hear when I am petting and loving on Pepper, and comes running all jealous of it not being her.

September 12, 2008 - 7:53pm | dogblog

No kidding

That's hilarious.

Eddie can tell the difference beween the squeaks of a half-dozen toys, and they get his immediate attention no matter how far away I am. Usually, I step on one in the middle of the night and he comes sprinting out of a slumber.

But when I call his name for some reason, he'll stay snugly wherever he is no matter how loud I hollar. I usually have to squeak a toy to get him to come.

September 13, 2008 - 5:35pm | mwolf

treat jar

Jack has a pretty amazing skill of hearing the treat jar when opened. I've tried to open it very carefully w/o making any sound and it's never worked, he comes sprinting from ANYWHERE to see what's going on w/ the treat jar.

7 September 12, 2008 - 11:17am | sondrals

Interesting Article

about a product for dogs with storm anxiety... thought it was interesting at the least, wonder if it works. Thankfully Kane doesn't act too bad during storms however it could be because he has a short coat

Storm anxiety

maybe mike can fix my link too since I'm not good at the code thingies

Note: Done!

6 September 11, 2008 - 2:00pm | LindaandDaisy

Competition between trainers/techniques

Some questions from Alaska Dog News for upcoming articles.

Do you subscribe to one trainer's methods or several?
Are you open to new trainers?
If you're a professional do you stick to one method/technique or alter what you do over time?
(other than the obvious such as gearing training for the particular dog)
If there was one event or skill you would like to learn this year what would it be? (i.e. flyball, dockdog, freestyle, skijor, field work)

Thanks
www.alaskadognews.com

September 14, 2008 - 7:44pm | robynandbatman

Answers

I use whatever works for whatever dog I'm training or teaching students to train. What works for one dog, may not work for another. Also, you have to take into consideration the owners ability. I tried for about 6 months to do clicker training with my dog as several people had recommended it to me. I sadly lack the speed to click at the proper moment- it's kinda like patting your tummy and head at the same time and I can't do it.

I am open to all trainers and methods. I love learning new things! I may not like the method or find it doesn't work for me, but I may need that info to pass on to a student if we need more options. I have gone to many seminars and have really had to bite my tongue during a few that I thought were dreadful, but then ended up using a method or two down the road.

I'm not necessarily a professional, I've taught classes for the last 6 years but I'm not perfect. I find that teaching the owners is the hard part and that people skills were needed as well. I keep my students motivated by teaching everything to be fun and exciting. I don't stick to one method other than to be positive.

I'd really like to get good at tracking, we've started, but I have a feeling it might take the rest of this year to get it!

Excellent topic.

September 14, 2008 - 4:51pm | bender_23

My answers

Are you open to new trainers?

I am if I can see their techniques working for my dog or if they make sense. Even if I'm not sure their techniques would work for my dog, I would at least try them (within reason) just to make sure.

If you're a professional do you stick to one method/technique or alter what you do over time?

I'm not a professional, but while working with pro trainers with my dog, I think there are times when you have to change things up a bit, especially if you are training something that has stages of learning, like agility, herding, and I'm sure there are many other 'sports' that are this way. You have to be able to react to the feedback the dog is giving you and alter things accordingly. I think this is where the skills of a really good trainer show through. I think it's also very necessary for trainers to get their human students to work hard to understand what works best for their dog. Trainers only spend an hour or two a week with a dog where their owners are with them constantly. A well-informed, well-educated owner can often figure out what is or isn't working with their dog. And those owners should be sure to tell the trainers what they've learned or observed even if it doesn't make sense to them- it might be a break-through for a trainer with more knowledge.

I also think owners shouldn't be afraid to stand up to trainers and polite disagree if they think something isn't working for their dog. You can often just explain why you don't think something is working and a trainer can either alleviate your worries, or can try something else. I have seen some owners get upset and leave a training course without telling the trainer what their issues were. That's not helping anyone.

What one event would you like to learn this year?

I think we currently have our plate full with learning herding, but I would like to try our hand at agility. Buck definitely has speed and agility naturally and is always up for learning new things. I would have loved to teach him to be a disc dog, but he's just not much for frisbees yet. Heh!

September 14, 2008 - 11:07am | purplepanther3579

training techniques

I have been training dogs for over 25 years and the techniques have change so much for the better over the years. I have learned from so many trainers gleaning a little hear a little bit their, and combining them all into my own techniques.

I am always open to new trainers/skills as others have posted if you stop learning you stop becoming a good trainer and training becomes stale and boring.

I alter my methods/techniques all the time depending upon the situation/dog, as not every type of technique works for every dog as they are all individuals. But working for Petco you have to adhere to certain standards/type of training so am kind of limited their.

I would like to get my own equipment and start my dogs in agility, flyball, dock dogs.

If you would like more info or detail please feel free to mail me privately.

Purple Panther Dog Training
purplepanther3579@yahoo.com

September 12, 2008 - 12:17pm | dogblog

Thanks

Looks like another great edition!

September 12, 2008 - 12:54pm | LindaandDaisy

Next Alaska dog News

Only if I get some responses. Mike Lewis' article and photo will be in it!

Thanks Mike

September 12, 2008 - 2:00pm | dogblog

Oh!

I didn't catch that you were soliciting the questions. Duh. I'll rephrase: Great questions!

September 12, 2008 - 2:19pm | dogblog

OK, here are some answers

Let me know if I'm not being specific enough:

Do you subscribe to one trainer's methods or several?

Several. I pick and choose what works best for my dogs. The Internet is loaded with all kinds of advice from all types of experts. If you tried to follow everything you read or saw, both you and your dog would be confused. Same with trainers in town. I don't always agree with everything they say, but I always pick up something during a class that makes sense to me and works with my dog. And some things that don't work at one stage of his training might work later.

Are you open to new trainers?

Absolutely. I've found a trainer that I love right now, but that's not to say I would never take a class from someone else. I think everyone offers a twist on the conventional, a new way at getting at the same thing. And if one trainer's methods are contrary to what another trainer's methods are, I explain to my current trainer why I've decided on the technique I'm using. One early example was a buckle collar. My first trainer insisted on it or a prong collar. I used a buckle collar and discovered my Yorkie had what appeared to be trachea issues. I've since gone to a harness, which opened up other problems (pulling), but we've worked through most of our issues with that. I've experimented with a gentle leader and am considering going with that in some instances. But the solution depends on my dog's reaction.

If there was one event or skill you would like to learn this year, what would it be?
Rally. We're doing agility right now, but I'm not confident that's his event. Rally seems like a fun way to spend quality time together and work on basic skills. What I'd really like to do is learn Frisbee! But I've got to get him to catch a ball first. ;)

September 12, 2008 - 10:26pm | Akdogsports

Answers...

Do you subscribe to one trainer's methods or several?
Over the years I have been exposed to many different training methods and theories. There are many well known and not so well known trainers that I have modeled my training program after for myself and my students. Attending lots of outside conferences and seminars is a wonderful way to learn how others work with dogs (and people). As Mike said there is always some little thing that you can pick up when reading, watching others or going to seminars & classes. Even if it is something you disagree with - understanding exactly what you are disagreement with can be very helpful.

Are you open to new trainers?
I believe that keeping an open mind is a good thing. If you stop learning you stop growing as a trainer. I very much subscribe to a specfic type of training and learning theories that sometimes are in conflict with other training methods being used. In those cases I have learned to 'agree to disagree' and simply chose to continue with training and teaching things that I believe in.

One event or skill I would like to learn?
Hmmmm - finding time to train my own dogs would be nice. :> I REALLY want to teach Ryder to track. He uses his nose all of the time and I think it would be a nice activity for him. I have been learning from watching a seminar DVD set and think the technique will work for him.

Great questions!

Liz

5 September 11, 2008 - 1:15pm | toknak

I just wanted to say that I

I just wanted to say that I love all the other cute bullies pictures!

4 September 11, 2008 - 12:46pm | doggydbakery

Dog Fair

I just thought I'd let everyone know there's a Dog Fair out at the Obedience Training CLub of Chugiak this Saturday the 13th from 11-4. I guess their going to have obedience, flyball, rally, agility, and APD K9 Demos. Unfortunatly thier not allowing people to bring their own dogs, but I thought I'd go and check it out.

September 11, 2008 - 12:47pm | dogblog

Thanks

Oh, thanks for posting. I did hear a rumor about that but didn't have the details. Do you know where it's located in Chugiak?

September 11, 2008 - 1:31pm | jarnold

Directions

Take the S. Birchwood exit to the Old Glenn Hwy. Turn left (north) on the Old Glenn. It's about 2 miles (2.5, maybe?) on the left...

3 September 11, 2008 - 11:58am | kariabre

So we finally broke Baily of

So we finally broke Baily of her worst habit. Attacking the rear windshield wiper. Actually I think she just grew tired of it and stopped caring. Used to be whenever I turned it out she wasslamming herself against the window to get to it. Last night she looked at it and then turned away. Don't know why the attitude changed but I am glad (even though the people behind me don't get the entertainment!)

September 11, 2008 - 12:33pm | Akdogsports

Talk about entertainment;>

She's probably just faking it out and waiting til it least expects the attack. :>

I would imagine the distraction while driving wasn't a good thing. Lets hope she really gave up.

2 September 11, 2008 - 11:47am | ontheballk9

of course I have to comment on this

since I own one :) for those of you that have meet Modi, she is better behaved then my Dutch Shepherd (very high strung) and my GSD!!!

She has a lot of energy and if it isnt burned off then she will get into trouble. That is why we signed up for Agility over at Liz's place :)

Cant wait to see how she does!

Summer
On The Ball K9 Training LLC
907-317-6588

1 September 11, 2008 - 10:55am | jarnold

Belgians

Of the three Belgian breeds, the Malinois is my favorite... I haven't done any research on them yet, but I am interested enough to see if they would be compatible...

September 11, 2008 - 8:32pm | akvalleygirl74

These dogs are something else...

When we were in rescue we got in a litter of 1/2 aussie 1/2 malinois. They were WICKED smart, and extremely crafty. We ended up getting 2 of them back at 6 months old because the guy that adopted them both insisted he was training them for police work and had a long history of doing so. He sounded very convincing so we foolishly didn't check him out. Turns out he was not as motivated as he convinced us he was and they were backyard dogs with no training whatsoever. Thankfully we ended up finding them the right (individual) homes.

But one of the pups ended up in a GREAT home of an active couple that were extremely dog-savvy. A year later, I got the best letter from the owner. He said he'd taught his dog to track, to skijor (sp?), and she went running with he and his wife (at different times to really tire her out) every day. He told me about games they'd play to make her mind work inside, when outside weather was bad, and she could find absolutely anything he wanted her to with very little instruction. She was just brilliant.

It was homes like that that made rescue so satisfying, in spite of the sad times that challenged our spirits. But back to topic, AMAZING dogs when they're with the right owners. Wow.

September 11, 2008 - 8:33pm | akvalleygirl74

Oh, and on the flip side...

he also said that before they realized how much exercise and stimulation their girl needed, she could destroy just about anything they put her in to confine her while they were at work. LOL And then, the whole garage was fair game, and it was not pretty.... ;)

September 11, 2008 - 11:28am | bender_23

Herding

There's a Malinois in our herding group. Nice dogs, but from what's I've heard, they require a firm, knowledgable owner.

September 11, 2008 - 11:37am | Akdogsports

I think that of the three

breeds they are a little bit more high-strung and 'driven'.
Of course that's why they makes such good working dogs too.

I find it interesting that they all used to be one breed and were just registered as what they come out as when interbred.

Liz

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Anything goes: Thursday, Sept. 11