Adolescence - What a Wonderful Time!

My baby is definitely no baby anymore! Kash has reached his six month milestone, and reach it he did! This last week and a bit has made me realize that he has definitely entered the realm of "adolescent" - my friends, I have a teenager on my hands! And with that, comes new challenges, many of these are the same challenges that many of my clients face from day to day!

- Learning about his little "nuggets"  - he is definitely cognizant of his developing manhood. His interest in the ladies has piqued, and he is quite the comical flirt.  He has also discovered the joys of lifting his leg to urinate - the first few times quite funny as he ultimately peed all over himself, but I think he'd tell you that he's a pro now!
- His impulses have decreased once again. A normal aspect of adolescence, as I instruct all my clients to expect that with development, adolescence sometimes brings setbacks to basic impulses and skills as they mull their way through the swamp and fog to adulthood. Lots of impulse control work, regular training, and sit/down stays are helping him through what is also a difficult time for him!

- His playstyle with buddies has changed. It is no longer that care-free play of puppyhood, where it doesn't matter who's who, and everyone plays with everyone. He very much is now interested in "who" he is meeting, and now greets different dogs, differently. He has been experimenting with his "voice" as a greeting, it's one thing he did find at adolescence. It's coming along quite nicely though. He remains quite stable throughout, although he succumbs to the odd "rude encounter" from time to time.  But he loves when all the boarders come to stay, and looks forward to romping with those new dogs.

Through it all, he's still the same sweet, loving, sassy, smart boy - his brain has just been flipped upside down for a couple of months while he gets the next set of "life lessons" figured out, and makes that move into adulthood when it all smooths over again.  This that part in every "parent's" life when they look at that teenager and wonder what they can possibly be thinking.  LOL. But as we've all been there, we understand that adolescence is a time of more learning and sometimes a hard time for everyone, dog and human alike! 

I have no fear that Kash will develop into a wonderful male like Zipper..........in a few more months! *G*

2011 AAC Regionals - What a Time!

Gaci and Shimmer

What a time at the AAC Regionals this year! It was my, and my dogs', first experience there. I decided to give it a shot even though I'm still pretty new to the sport compared to most competitors, and to see what it was all about. It was only Shimmer's second trial ever, so we were simply going in to see where we stood so far. The weather was, well, bad. It rained, and hailed, and thunder/lightning through most of the weekend. But we tuckered through it and the dogs did awesome!

Gaci was the only dog in her division (10" Specials), so she ended up getting first place by default. However, if you ask me she earned every single point of it, and definitely earned her ribbon! She did awesome. Coming from a girl who "would never do agility" because of stress, to competing at Regionals and running six runs through the weekend, happy in each and every one, she's definitely a winner in my eyes!

Shimmer ended up only being 43 points short of qualifying for Nationals. [:O] And she placed third in her division of seven dogs. I was so surprised. She did amazing! One day two I noticed she was getting pretty tight in her front left shoulder, so between her second and third run of the day I booked her in for a massage and assessment with the on-site canine massage therapist. She was definitely feeling the weekend, and had a sore toe (running in rainy weather, I don't blame her!), but I was given the go-ahead that it would be fine to run her in her final run.

I'm so proud of my girls. They did wildly better than I could have imagined. I knew they could do it, but I now have even more confidence that next year they will do even better! For Starters-level dogs to be running Masters-level courses, and even getting clean runs, I'm so happy with them. They definitely need work in the Gamblers department, as we haven't touched on that game really, but still.

Here are two videos highlighting their weekend (I didn't put everything in there as it would have gotten too long!)

Shimmer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f70WqDBpQAM

Gaci:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFbeAMO9GPs

Kash - Evolving into Adolescence

It's hard to believe my little man is growing up!!!! Four months old, and losing teeth!

He's definitely coming out of "babyhood" and I'm starting to see signs of adolescence (although no leg-lifting yet - knock on wood nearby), in that his play is changing with each of the dogs. I notice it at puppy class too - he is now beginning to incorporate "terrier rules" in play in that there are some things he will no longer accept that he once did. But at the same time, his stability continues to shine as he welcomes any new dog into the household and is getting much better at ignoring dogs during class while we are working here and there. His recall out of play is fantastic, too. I'm quite proud of that feature!

I've been busy working with him, developing his skills for Rally-O and Agility, and later formal obedience. I've also got a weekend in July booked out to take him to an Earthdog trial. I am giddy with excitement for that one, since there are never earthdog events around here and I would LOVE to get him into a terrier event and see how he does!

His four month video, as it turns out, is all about agility, and where we're at so far. I'm very impressed with the level of drive and focus he is developing, and his total lack of fear to try things out. He is such a thinking dog, always keeping me on my toes this boy. I just hope and pray we get through adolescence fluidly, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there!

Here is Kash at four months doing some agility training!

Meet Barney, my temporary visitor!

Say hello to Barney (the little guy on the left)! He'll be staying with me for a few weeks while we do some assessment and training. He has been having trouble at home with leash-walks involving strangers, other dogs, and recently moving vehicles.

He's already settling in well with the Schnauzer group, and I look forward to seeing what we can  learn about Barney, and accomplish during his stay!

The Thing About Trainers.......

Lately I have received a lot of questions, from various clients and non-clients (people inquiring about services) regarding different training services and what differentiates one trainer from another. All to often I hear about "picking the first trainer that came along", which actually scares me quite a bit, considering the vast differences that can sometimes occur. So I thought it would be a good educational practice to share some tips and tidbits to consider when choosing a trainer.

Anyone can "be a trainer".
Unlike professions such as doctors or lawyers, where you gain an education and then are required to pass a legal test in order to provide those services within an industry, there is no standardization when it comes to dog training as a career. Anybody, at any time, can open a business and claim experience as a "dog trainer".

"Having dogs all my life" is not an adequate level of education to give you insight into the minds and behaviour of animals (although if your trainer is currently raising his/her first dog, also take note). Nor does it give you any real guarantee that a person is actually able to teach dogs. As I heard from a wonderful person once (I can't remember who, my apologies!)..........I have had teeth all of my life. But that doesn't make me a dentist.

Also be aware when trainers tell you that they have gone to "dog training school". Please, don't take that at face value. I can easily spend $400 and a nice company in another country or province will mail me a beautiful certificate saying that I read a few books, passed a multiple choice test, and am "now a trainer". Heck, some of them will even send you the certificate in advance! Reading books doesn't make you a good dog trainer - training dogs does. While there are some great organizations out there that are doing their best to make dog training a more professional industry (APDT, CPDT, CAPPDT), with certifications using academic exams and proper protocols for certification, please do your research and look deeper when somebody claims "dog training school" as an educational background. A lot of the time it doesn't actually mean anything. As a trainer, I feel that is important for clients to know. Please dig a little deeper when somebody claims they have gone to "dog training school", as not all programs are of the same quality.

So, what should you look for? This is not a complete list by any means, and you can often find a rare gem who does not fit the bill, so to speak, but it should give you an idea.

Educational Background. Good dog training principles are based in sound science. While the actual teaching of dogs and application of methods is an art, the concepts used behind them should be sound, and have some basis other than hearsay and folk tales. Look for folks who have studied in an academic setting, such as an accredited college or university, whose degree or diploma have relevance to the field (psychology, ethology, biology, agriculture, and animal sciences are good places to start).  It's a good place to start.

Continuing Education.  The beauty of dog training as both a science and an art is that we are learning more about our canine companions all the time. Every year, we develop a better understanding of how dogs learn, what motivates them, and how to teach them. If somebody tells you that they know all there is to know about dog training, please halt there. Continuing education is a key component of humane and modern methods in teaching our dogs. "Even trainers have trainers" - that is, we should all strive to continue to learn from one another, and from testing our ideas and observing the results.


Actual Experience.  While a degree or diploma is great, it takes more than just book knowledge to successfully teach dogs. In order to be successful at it, you need to practice it. Lots. Look for folks who are involved in foster care, rescue work, assist at a shelter/daycare/boarding facility, or are active with their own dogs (often trainer's dogs can give you a good idea of the level of skill of the trainer.......if they have dogs with poor manners, are they the best candidate to teach you or your dog?), or have shown in some way that they have the mechanical skills to teach what you need help with.

On that same note, look for relevant experience. If you need help with serious behaviour problems with your adult dog, perhaps using a trainer who only holds puppy classes may not be the best choice. Or if you are looking for an agility class, finding somebody who has trained their own dogs and actually competed in agility trials and understands the sport in depth, may be of more help than somebody who has trained their own dogs on a few backyard obstacles. Don't be afraid to ask questions and find out if the trainer you are seeking has the experience you need.


Honesty.  What I mean by this is that good trainers are honest about their strengths and weaknesses. Nobody "knows it all", as we've already mentioned. Trainers should be honest when they are dealing with an issue they are unfamiliar with, or are uncomfortable with. Good trainers, when they don't know the answer, won't make one up - they will find the information to help you, or they will refer you to somebody who has more experience in that field. Because there is such a vast array of information out there, and because nobody has all the answers, good trainers have networks in which they can discuss issues with other folks to be sure they are providing the best services possible.

Be aware of "100%" or quick fixes. Anyone who guarantees that they can fix all of your problems for sure, no matter what, or in a guaranteed time period, needs to be looked at with caution. The fact is - there are no 100% guarantees when it comes to animals, any more than there is for people. Dogs are living, thinking beings who have emotions and make choices; and fixing problems is not always cut-and-dried or quick. Quick fixes are rarely healthy in any aspect of living, and most often there is fallout or side effects from it. Often big ones. Teaching dogs is no different. Many of the "quick fix" methods are harmful in more ways than they are helpful - the end doesn't always justify the means, and will often make problems worse. Many "quick fix" methods use fear, pain, and intimidation to obtain results. Are those aspects you really want to base your relationship on with "man's best friend"? If they are our best friend, why not treat them with the respect and kindness they deserve?

So please - when looking for any trainer, look for somebody who is interested in helping YOU and your dog, and who works hard using dog-friendly techniques founded in science (not folklore or opinion!  Take caution when you hear trainers claiming terms like "alpha", "dominance", or try to sugar coat painful tools as non-painful accessories) to help your specific situation, not a cookie cutter approach that may not be at all what you need.  A good trainer should be helping fix the relationship problem and make life better for both you and your dog - not just put a band-aid on the symptoms regardless of the effects it may carry out for your furry friend.

Every dog is different than the next, and every family is different than the next. Choose wisely a trainer who can reflect that without hurting your dog or relationship in the process.

Kash at 8.5 Weeks Old



Kash is becoming quite the little worker already. He is totally into the game, loves figuring out that click, and I am very impressed with how his tug and toy play is coming along. Every day I am so happy with the choice that I have made, I just pray that things continue on this path!

Kashing In

On Friday, March 25th I welcomed a new addition to the family. My trio has become a quad. Ykelenstam's Pay It Forward, or "Kash" as he is aptly named, has blended seamlessly into the family. As my own Zipper's son,this little 5lb boy is already stealing the hearts of everyone. Even Gaci, my special little lady, is quite accepting of his antics and let's him follow her all around, run under her legs, and occasionally grab her all-too-tempting beard.

He's still young, but I love the way he approaches the world. He is meeting everything head on, and he takes no time at all to overcome new challenges (like stairs, in which he's still quite small to do them well). He is very respectful to the other dogs, and already has a love of learning.

Every day he is discovering the joys of life - the broom, human hair, licking fresh fallen snow.....there's something about a pup that definitely lightens the mood for all!! I am so excited to start this new journey with Kash, as it's bound to be a great time!

Marley says "This Is Fun!"

Say hello to Marley, an 8 month old American Pitbull Terrier! She is having fun learning all of the necessary skills to take part in conformation dog shows later this year. Here she is practicing "stacking" (standing) on her mat, and she loves it!

Beagle or Basset? Poodle or Pug?

With the sheer number of dogs turned into shelters and advertised in the local paper or on Kijiji, it's clear that somewhere along the line the thought of *planning* for your newest addition has gone by the wayside to be replaced by impulse buys or shallow choices - cuteness factor, being the main offender.

Sure, you DO want a cute dog, but that dog's cuteness quickly wears off when it is herding the children, has endless energy, or won't play well with others.

When you are getting a new family member, whether it is your first dog or your fifth, the decision should always be made with thought and a realistic look at your own lifestyle. In every person's life, as you progress through the path of life, your own lifestyle will change very much - young adulthood, career-based, family with kids, empty nester, and eventually retirement and senior citizenship, to name a few. As you travel that path, the truth is that the right dog for you at 25 might not be the right dog for you at 45 or 60 - based on a lot of things - finances, exercise and energy, physical limitations, the type of home that you live in, etc.

Below are just some of the considerations that should be involved when thinking about what type of dog (not breed!) will best fit into the life you have now.

1. Size
- Bigger dogs cost more money to feed, and accessories - kennels, collars, leashes, etc, are more expensive as you increase in size.
- Bigger dogs are often better suited to families with kids than tiny dogs. Some folks are a bit worried about medium-large dogs hurting children, but the reality is a small dog is at a much higher risk of injury, or for scary things to happen when the kids try to pick up, squeeze, hug, or fall on a small dog.
- Bigger dogs are, by sheer nature of size, much stronger than smaller dogs. If you have physical limitations due to disability or age, size needs to be an important consideration.
-Where you live may play a role in the best dog for you. Some apartments limit you to small dogs only, and if you live in a small one bedroom apartment you might have some space troubles with larger dogs.

2. Exercise Needs
- This is a biggie, because a lack of exercise is one of the leading causes of unwanted behaviour.
- Size is not an indicator of energy level! That's important. Some of the most high-energy dogs I've seen are small dogs, and many of the giant breeds can be pretty low-key. Age of the dog can also play a role in energy levels as well.
- Be realistic, not idealistic! If you are already a jogger and run five days a week, then a very active Shepherd or Malamute may be a great choice! But please don't kid yourself with the idea of "I'll start jogging when I get my pup". Like most New Year's resolutions, that thought process tends to fail miserably. Either take up jogging now, and get a dog to match that in a few months when you have a routine, or get a dog that matches the energy level you have now.

Any dog, even low-energy dogs will need at least 1/2 hour of exercise per day, so take that into account and plan accordingly. If you can't supply that minimum, please reconsider getting a dog until you can fulfill that. Exercise can come in many forms - walking, fetch, playing at the park, swimming, running in a field, frisbee, etc. Putting your dog in the backyard by itself is not exercise. Dogs don't tend to exercise themselves - you need to provide it.

3. Grooming needs.
- Do you want to spend 15 minutes every day combing out your dog, or do you prefer a wash n' wear dog?
- If you want a dog that needs regular grooming, like poodles or many terriers, do you want to spend the time learning how to do it or will you take your dog to a groomer? One takes time, the other takes money.
- Don't mistake short hair for a clean house! Some of the shortest-haired dogs are the worst shedders, and while you aren't vacuuming up clumps of fur these hairs tend to stick into clothes and furniture and clothing like barbs and are hard to remove.
- Are you a clean-freak? This might help determine shedding vs. nonshedding dogs. Keep in mind though the majority of non-shedding breeds have higher grooming requirements and are not wash n' wear for that reason.

4. Age of Dog
- Puppies are most charming little things, with their dependence on you and their big eyes. But keep in mind this can be a most frustrating time! Puppy teeth are sharp, they need to be taught where to potty, they need lots of manners and routine, and they need lots and lots (and lots!) of good socialization!
- Puppyhood is a ton of work, and it is not for everyone. Older dogs have a lot of that behind them already (although not all, if you go the shelter route some of these dogs still need a helping hand), their puppy antics are gone and they are settled into the personality they will carry forward. What you see is generally what you get. Puppy personalities are very unpredictable as to what an adult version will be like.

Those are just a few of the considerations you should ponder as you take that leap to choose your next companion, but that's not all! I will touch on other factors such as breed types and differences, existing pets, level of experience, and longterm considerations in another posting.

Training is not "all he needs"

There is no doubt that training is a necessary and important aspect of living with dogs. In order for dogs to learn to survive in human societies, we need to teach them how to do that. But there is a long-standing myth that every problem that people face with their dogs can be "trained" away.

This is simply not true.

A lot of problem *behaviours* stem from roots other than just training, although a lack of training usually occurs alongside.

Too often I am faced with dilemmas that exceed mere training and delve into deeper issues between the family and the dog. Part of my job as a trainer is to help people realize what else is missing in their dog's routine that is contributing to problems they are experiencing.

Poor matches between families and the dogs they choose as companions is a very key component to problems that owners face. Most people seek out dogs whose appearance is appealing or different, who has special markings, or is very different from the typical dogs in the community. Some choose on sheer emotion when they feel bad for a dog sitting in the corner at the shelter, not realizing the inherent difficulties they may face later. Still others choose based upon the premise of "my last dog was a ________, so another one would be perfect." Decisions made in this way sometimes do work out fine, and life continues merrily. But all too often things slowly start to go downhill and *training* does not seem to be solving the problem. This is not a failure of the trainer or the dog, but a failure in the realization that the dog that a family wants, and the dog the family has, are not the same dog.

You can't make a high-energy dog into a couch potato, no matter how much training you do. That dog, if not given sufficient physical and mental exercise and an outlet for that energy, will express it in other ways, such as barking, digging, running away, pulling on leash or destructive chewing. The real solution to the *problem* is to either make a lifestyle change in yourself, to accommodate the dog that you have, or to find that dog a suitable home where it will be able to have its needs fulfilled.

The same thing can be said when you assume that since your last dog was naturally the world's-best-dog, all others of its type must be the same way. This couldn't be further from the truth. No two dogs are the same, and dogs within a breed can vary greatly from one to the next. Assuming your next dog will be just like your last one is immediately setting yourself up for disappointment and failure if that turns out not to be the case. And as it happens, the dog is the one who suffers. It is punished harshly for behaviours that are merely symptom of other needs not being met; the dog is kennelled more and more often or banished to the yard; the dog develops self-destructive stress behaviours like licking, spinning, chewing, or fixations; or the dog is put to sleep as a *problem dog* or *untrainable*. When simply a better match could have prevented all of those problems.

Every family dynamic is different, and not all dogs will fit in neatly to the life and schedule that you live in.

Choosing the right dog for you is the first step to ensuring that you and your dog will spend many happy years together.

If you already made your choice of dog and are finding that you are having some mismatch problems, all is not necessarily lost. In the majority of cases solutions can be found to bring peace back into the home.

But if you are looking to add a new dog into your home, whether for the first time, second time, or fifth time, there are considerations to make before taking home the first dog that catches your eye.

Stay tuned for considerations to make when thinking of adding a new dog.

In the meantime, feel free to share your stories - whether happy endings or horror stories - of how you chose the dogs that you currently have in your home, and what led you to make that choice!