Yesterday I had my first session of our new "activity class" - the "scent class". This 3 week fun course is all about playing games where your dog can use his/her nose. To say the least, it was way more fun than I had even anticipated!
But, the moral of this story is this. Dogs love to play with us. Yes, we need to be the leader, we need to set and enforce the rules. We need to set boundaries and do all the right training, etc. However, don't forget to play with your dog. Playing doesn't mean wrestle mania - which alot of our male counterparts like to do! I mean setting up a game where they can use their body, their eyes, their nose. Watching my students "play" was fun. They were so happy, that even the dog that was a bit worried loosened up. We all clapped for each other dogs - we smiled...Alot! The dogs left with their tails wagging and their heads high. They had fun, plain and simple.
Games are whatever you come up with. With my basset Gus, his favorite game was the "pick-em-up Game. It included food, which for a basset is really what's life about. His job was to go find toys and bring them to me. For each toy brought, he would get a cookie. I could get a lot of toys on my lap by the end of our "play"! He had to go "find" them (they were usually just on the floor or in the toy box), but he enjoyed his "search" as he was particular about what he brought. He would RUN to get his toy and RUN to get back to me. I laughed, he laughed, and he ate. A good world for both of us!
So, loosen up a bit, get silly and laugh with your dog. Your games should be something personal and fun. No rules on how to be creative - the only one is have fun!
Enjoy smiling with those pups!
Deb Schneider
Everee, Corky, Eli
Monday, February 14, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
When is it "time" to say goodbye
I get this question alot - it comes in many ways. But the answer is nearly always the same. You can't wait for your dog to "tell you" that it's time. That said, some dogs can and will tell you. Most folks won't even know why they know, they just do. Trust me, it's your dog telling you.
For other dogs, they will hang on as long as they can because they know YOU aren't ready to let go. Those are the hardest cases for me. Often, when I read a dog he's clearly telling me, "I can't leave yet, she's not ready for me to go". Many dogs stay here, in pain and old age, to take care of us.
I told this story just today to a client, and want to share it again with you all. My border collie Jezzie was the love of my life. She was 14, had lots of hip issues, and was becoming slightly senile. However, I loved her, and truly I never saw the pain she had. She did her absolute best to keep it from me. On the day I decided it was time, I called on Monday and set the date for Friday. It gave me time to say goodbye, to have some "last time for this" things that we did together. By Friday I was surprised to see that my eyes had cleared, and I saw her for the first time as the older, dog in pain that she was. Two things happened, 1) she could let down her front with me and be how she was and 2) I was finally seeing her through eyes that had accepted that it was time. When I let her go on her new journey on Friday, she was happy - came into the vet clinic walking on air. She smiled at me to her final earth moment.
So, when you have a dog that is ill, or getting older, take into consideration more than what the vets ask about quality of life. To our veterinarians quality of life is, does she still eat, go outside, play a little ball? Well, yes. But, are they really happy, or is the pain starting to wear on them. We would all like our dogs to simply pass in their sleep, or come down with something so bad that there is no decision. Sorry, this doesn't happen often. I always say, let your dog pass in dignity, if possible. Your last gift to them can be letting them go.
Sorry for the sad blog today - but, I had the need to write it. Take care all!
Deb
Everee, Corky, Eli
For other dogs, they will hang on as long as they can because they know YOU aren't ready to let go. Those are the hardest cases for me. Often, when I read a dog he's clearly telling me, "I can't leave yet, she's not ready for me to go". Many dogs stay here, in pain and old age, to take care of us.
I told this story just today to a client, and want to share it again with you all. My border collie Jezzie was the love of my life. She was 14, had lots of hip issues, and was becoming slightly senile. However, I loved her, and truly I never saw the pain she had. She did her absolute best to keep it from me. On the day I decided it was time, I called on Monday and set the date for Friday. It gave me time to say goodbye, to have some "last time for this" things that we did together. By Friday I was surprised to see that my eyes had cleared, and I saw her for the first time as the older, dog in pain that she was. Two things happened, 1) she could let down her front with me and be how she was and 2) I was finally seeing her through eyes that had accepted that it was time. When I let her go on her new journey on Friday, she was happy - came into the vet clinic walking on air. She smiled at me to her final earth moment.
So, when you have a dog that is ill, or getting older, take into consideration more than what the vets ask about quality of life. To our veterinarians quality of life is, does she still eat, go outside, play a little ball? Well, yes. But, are they really happy, or is the pain starting to wear on them. We would all like our dogs to simply pass in their sleep, or come down with something so bad that there is no decision. Sorry, this doesn't happen often. I always say, let your dog pass in dignity, if possible. Your last gift to them can be letting them go.
Sorry for the sad blog today - but, I had the need to write it. Take care all!
Deb
Everee, Corky, Eli
Monday, December 20, 2010
Snow Dogs
So I live in Minnesota, land of the Vikings, land of the lakes, and for the last few weeks, land of deep snow and more coming!
So, I have very bored dogs. It's either been too cold, or snowing, or the snow is too deep, to go out and get a good run/play time in the back yard. What to do.
Well, here's some ideas for our snowbound pups! Chewing: it's the top of the list for taking care of a bored, full of energy dog. Chewing relaxes a dog, and takes up energy as well. Be sure you find something that is safe, that the dog will enjoy for more than just 3 mintues. We give raw shank bones in this house - hours of fun, and they last for days and days.
Hide a treat: Show the dog the treat, go into a room where they're allowed and tell him to find it! They will search for a long time, especially if you at first make it easy, and then a little harder each time.
Practice your obedience (yes, you knew that was coming from this trainer!). I do lots of obedience training from the comfort of my chair. Some day I'll have to write a book on that!
Get together with your friends who have dogs and set up a play date in someone's yard. Nothing better than a tired dog!
Lastly, don't forget - if it's too cold for you outside it's too cold for your dog. I saw a man walking his dog when it was below zero here last week. He was dressed warmly, boots, hat, gloves, and his dog was NOT...no boots, no coat. Canine feet can freeze canine ears can freeze - please use common sense walking your dog!
Stay warm all, and I have found that a blazing fire in the woodburner works like asleeping potion for my dogs. They vie for the best spot in front of it and sleep for hours soaking in the heat! Gotta love that!
Take care all!
Deb, Everee, Corky, Eli
So, I have very bored dogs. It's either been too cold, or snowing, or the snow is too deep, to go out and get a good run/play time in the back yard. What to do.
Well, here's some ideas for our snowbound pups! Chewing: it's the top of the list for taking care of a bored, full of energy dog. Chewing relaxes a dog, and takes up energy as well. Be sure you find something that is safe, that the dog will enjoy for more than just 3 mintues. We give raw shank bones in this house - hours of fun, and they last for days and days.
Hide a treat: Show the dog the treat, go into a room where they're allowed and tell him to find it! They will search for a long time, especially if you at first make it easy, and then a little harder each time.
Practice your obedience (yes, you knew that was coming from this trainer!). I do lots of obedience training from the comfort of my chair. Some day I'll have to write a book on that!
Get together with your friends who have dogs and set up a play date in someone's yard. Nothing better than a tired dog!
Lastly, don't forget - if it's too cold for you outside it's too cold for your dog. I saw a man walking his dog when it was below zero here last week. He was dressed warmly, boots, hat, gloves, and his dog was NOT...no boots, no coat. Canine feet can freeze canine ears can freeze - please use common sense walking your dog!
Stay warm all, and I have found that a blazing fire in the woodburner works like asleeping potion for my dogs. They vie for the best spot in front of it and sleep for hours soaking in the heat! Gotta love that!
Take care all!
Deb, Everee, Corky, Eli
Monday, December 6, 2010
What is Obedience?
Ok, heard a new one today - a client told me her husband, who sat in on the first session of their Level 1 class decided to not come to any more classes because he didn't believe in "controlling" the dog. Oh my goodness, he didn't hear a word I said. (she, however is still coming and doing very well!).
Training is a partnership - training is teaching your dog how to be a good citizen, accepted socially because he's has good manners. Training is developing a relationship with your dog. In class I remind folks that this is not dominance training - it's partnership training. You do this for me and I'll do this for you. You follow my lead and I'll keep you safe from harm. You listen to my command you will stay out trouble with cars, other dogs or people.
So remember, training is essential. Heck, we train our kids, don't we?!! How many times did we tell them to sit quitely, to not interrupt, to say please and thank you, to not talk rudely, etc. Same stuff with our dogs, except we have to talk canine to them!
Enjoy your trained friend - no worries, you're not being controlling, instead, you're caring for your dog and making sure the two of you have a long wonderful life together!
Take care friends
Deb Schneider
Everee, Eli, Corky
Training is a partnership - training is teaching your dog how to be a good citizen, accepted socially because he's has good manners. Training is developing a relationship with your dog. In class I remind folks that this is not dominance training - it's partnership training. You do this for me and I'll do this for you. You follow my lead and I'll keep you safe from harm. You listen to my command you will stay out trouble with cars, other dogs or people.
So remember, training is essential. Heck, we train our kids, don't we?!! How many times did we tell them to sit quitely, to not interrupt, to say please and thank you, to not talk rudely, etc. Same stuff with our dogs, except we have to talk canine to them!
Enjoy your trained friend - no worries, you're not being controlling, instead, you're caring for your dog and making sure the two of you have a long wonderful life together!
Take care friends
Deb Schneider
Everee, Eli, Corky
Myths on Head Collars
Ok, so I've heard some pretty weird stories from trainers who are anti-head collars, but this one was the worst. Let's get some of this cleared up, ok?
Head halters (Gentle Leaders, halti's) are not dog killers. A vet friend of mine called to talk to me about a client and told me the school they had been to previously would not let them use a head halter because "dogs break their necks and die"! She supports GL's and sells them! Ok, so that's a pretty silly thing to say, plus a very uneducated statement.
The problem I have with head halters are people who are not educated or trained on how to use them. They use them like they use their slip or prong collars, and do harsh pops with them. These collars are meant for "pressure on, pressure off" - meaning you pull back applying pressure and release it immediately when the dog is where they should be. Because you're simply turning the head (not cranking on it) there isn't a chance to "break a neck". And so many uneducated folks allow the dogs to be out in front rather than walking nicely with you on heel command. Out in front they constantly get their turned, and pressure is applied non-stop. This is a collar that stops pulling, but only if you use it right. If a dog rushes forward, he won't get hurt because you have the dog so close to you, it's a quick correction - if he's out in front and then rushes forward you'll have a dog flipping back to you. Thus, just like any other training collars (including the prong) - if the dog is allowed enough space to run they will get a leash correction, and a prong or slip will do major damage to a neck as well.
Bottom line folks - use the collar that bests fits your dog's personality and temperment. Some are soft enough to train on a buckle, others will need more "pressure" in their training collars. Don't start with the highest pressure (prong) if you haven't tried the others first - let your dog "earn" what he's working on. And remember, a training collar should be short-term. We want to get him off that as quick as we can and working on a buckle (or flat) collar!
By the way - the vet said in all her years of working she has NEVER seen a dog die or even have any neck issues using a GL. Many many vets sell these collars because they believe in them. If it was true they caused physical issues, why in the world would our vets support them!
Have fun with the snow my friends! Two of my three love it (can you guess who doesn't?)
Deb Schneider
Everee the BC, Eli the Bloodhound, Corky the yorky
Head halters (Gentle Leaders, halti's) are not dog killers. A vet friend of mine called to talk to me about a client and told me the school they had been to previously would not let them use a head halter because "dogs break their necks and die"! She supports GL's and sells them! Ok, so that's a pretty silly thing to say, plus a very uneducated statement.
The problem I have with head halters are people who are not educated or trained on how to use them. They use them like they use their slip or prong collars, and do harsh pops with them. These collars are meant for "pressure on, pressure off" - meaning you pull back applying pressure and release it immediately when the dog is where they should be. Because you're simply turning the head (not cranking on it) there isn't a chance to "break a neck". And so many uneducated folks allow the dogs to be out in front rather than walking nicely with you on heel command. Out in front they constantly get their turned, and pressure is applied non-stop. This is a collar that stops pulling, but only if you use it right. If a dog rushes forward, he won't get hurt because you have the dog so close to you, it's a quick correction - if he's out in front and then rushes forward you'll have a dog flipping back to you. Thus, just like any other training collars (including the prong) - if the dog is allowed enough space to run they will get a leash correction, and a prong or slip will do major damage to a neck as well.
Bottom line folks - use the collar that bests fits your dog's personality and temperment. Some are soft enough to train on a buckle, others will need more "pressure" in their training collars. Don't start with the highest pressure (prong) if you haven't tried the others first - let your dog "earn" what he's working on. And remember, a training collar should be short-term. We want to get him off that as quick as we can and working on a buckle (or flat) collar!
By the way - the vet said in all her years of working she has NEVER seen a dog die or even have any neck issues using a GL. Many many vets sell these collars because they believe in them. If it was true they caused physical issues, why in the world would our vets support them!
Have fun with the snow my friends! Two of my three love it (can you guess who doesn't?)
Deb Schneider
Everee the BC, Eli the Bloodhound, Corky the yorky
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Partnership
I'm on a new path, developing a new class for the school called "Partnership" and "Partnership Plus". There's been some bad press on dog training and daycare in our region. It made me think hard on some things. Although I am a strong supporter of positive reinforcement, including clicker training, I decided I wanted folks to do more than just train their dog to sit/down/stay. I want them to connect. Dogs that are connected to their humans (and visa versa) love to learn, love to listen and are overall a joy to live with (and we're a joy for them!).
The partnership class is going to take a team that has been through a basic Level 1 class with us (have to have a foundation to start with) and bring them together as a team. The class will be off leash - after all, the first piece is to have your dog WANT to hang around you! For dogs who can't handle other dogs in their space, we'll have a Partnership Plus class, where we'll do the same exercises but dogs will be on a soft, long leash. My goal is to have people and dogs LIKE being around each other. Where there is a relationship - after all, isn't that why we all got our dogs...to feel like they enjoy us as we do them? This class will have no force training, no dominance exercises. But, fun will be had, and respect and love will flourish!
You can bet I'll keep you posted as I develop this new program and it hits the "mats" in the school!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving - and as always, be sure to know exactly where your emergency vet is before you need them, as pets always get sick on Sundays and holidays!
The best of the day to you all!
Deb Schneider
Everee, Corky, Eli
The partnership class is going to take a team that has been through a basic Level 1 class with us (have to have a foundation to start with) and bring them together as a team. The class will be off leash - after all, the first piece is to have your dog WANT to hang around you! For dogs who can't handle other dogs in their space, we'll have a Partnership Plus class, where we'll do the same exercises but dogs will be on a soft, long leash. My goal is to have people and dogs LIKE being around each other. Where there is a relationship - after all, isn't that why we all got our dogs...to feel like they enjoy us as we do them? This class will have no force training, no dominance exercises. But, fun will be had, and respect and love will flourish!
You can bet I'll keep you posted as I develop this new program and it hits the "mats" in the school!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving - and as always, be sure to know exactly where your emergency vet is before you need them, as pets always get sick on Sundays and holidays!
The best of the day to you all!
Deb Schneider
Everee, Corky, Eli
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
How to Make a Border Collie Sleep!
Had to add this fun piece. We had a bad storm here in Minnesota on Saturday. I was home alone with my two dogs, Everee the Border Collie and Corky the yorky. My husband was at the Bloodhound Nationals in Georgia with his boy Eli.
It really was an intense storm. So, I decided it was time for our first fire in our beautiful wood burning stove in our living room. It's such a lovely, warm thing for sure. Heats our whole house for hours and hours. Anyway, I get a fire going, and because it's like 34 degrees outside it doesn't take much to heat up the house. Ends up getting to about 76 degrees at it's warmest. It felt great although I usually keep it at 70. I was watching a movie, and suddenly realized Everee was sleeping in front of the woodburner. She slept for like 5 hours, non-stop. This never happens! That warm, wood heat just knocked her out. I actually watched a movie without any interruption of "play ball" or had any toys tossed in my lap. Amazing! I can't wait to try it again soon!
Deb Schneider
Everee, Corky and Eli
It really was an intense storm. So, I decided it was time for our first fire in our beautiful wood burning stove in our living room. It's such a lovely, warm thing for sure. Heats our whole house for hours and hours. Anyway, I get a fire going, and because it's like 34 degrees outside it doesn't take much to heat up the house. Ends up getting to about 76 degrees at it's warmest. It felt great although I usually keep it at 70. I was watching a movie, and suddenly realized Everee was sleeping in front of the woodburner. She slept for like 5 hours, non-stop. This never happens! That warm, wood heat just knocked her out. I actually watched a movie without any interruption of "play ball" or had any toys tossed in my lap. Amazing! I can't wait to try it again soon!
Deb Schneider
Everee, Corky and Eli