Forever Dog

Traps and Mistakes

The music on this video is slightly annoying, but the visuals are very informative.  It's full of mistakes from the Agility World Championships a few years ago (see, even the professionals mess up sometimes!).  The first scene you see is an extreme trap.  The dogs come off the jump and are supposed to take the A-frame.  However, a lot of them are sucked into the tunnel.

Later, there are many different shots of the course as the dogs/handlers mess up.  Just watch those handlers as their dogs take the wrong obstacle!  Complete devastation.  Even though most of the footage goes fast and the action is far away, you can often see that the handler has made a cueing mistake: dropped a hand, turned the shoulders before the dog was committed, etc.

How to Build a Dog

The National Geographic magazine just published a neat article this month about dogs' genetic make-up.  Check out the full article in their printed magazine or see a shortened version here.

The Bark Side

You may have seen this already, but here it is for you to enjoy again!

Cat Agility

So, over the course of this blog, many animals have shown off their agility skills (rabbits, pigs, squirrels, etc.), but we have neglected the arch-enemy of dogs: cats! 

The Cat Fancier's Association has their own version of agility for cats.  To learn more about this sports, get training tips, and watch videos, check out the CFA Agility website.

Service Dogs Enjoys Agility

I ran across this other day and of course thought it was awesome!  This is the same program that Cheri and Lucy are a part of.  One thing to notice is how well the dog pays attention to his handler.  There is obviously a strong bond between the two!

Gentler Leaders

The Gentle Leader is a head halter and training tool that goes on the dog's muzzle and around the top of their neck that generally helps handlers control their dog more effectively.  It is very similar in concept to a horse's halter.  While it will not train your dog for you, it can makes life easier in many different areas, making it one of the best dog training tools out there, especially for larger breeds.

I recommend Gentle Leaders because:

1. They give you a safe, effective way to control your dog.  Because dogs build up resiliency in their necks to flat collars, and harnesses encourage your dog to pull (think dog-sledding), the GL goes on the dog's head.  Heads don't have lots of muscle and very little pulling strength.  Additionally, where the head goes, the body follows.
2. It's relatively cheap.  Shock collars are a $100 plus, while the GL is $30 or less.  Besides the fact that I am not an advocated of using electronic collars in 99% of the cases, price is another good reason to go for the GL over other training devices.
3. As mentioned previously, a dog who is wearing a GL cannot pull with even half the strength they normally have.  Many dogs have behavioral issues because they don't get enough exercise and don't get that walk because they pull. With a properly adjusted and fitted GL, people can almost immediately take their dog for a walk, getting him or her exercise and thereby beginning to work on those other issues he or she might have.  
4. When used properly, the GL helps the dog to focus and have fun with the handler.  When the GL is on, the dog knows it is time to train, do agility, go for a walk, and get special attention from his or her human.  It acts as a signal to behave because the dog associates the feeling of the GL with those good things.

Those are just some of the reasons why I am a Gentler Leader advocate.  However, if not fitted properly and introduced in a positive manner, it loses much of its efficacy.  To address the former, here is a video put out by Premier (the makers of the GL).  It is a little lengthy, but definitely worth watching if you either currently use a GL or are planning to in the future.

The video mentions a few ways to introduce the Gentle Leader, but here is what I typically do after it is all fitted:

• Lure their nose through the nose strap with a treat.  Put on the back strap, give them several treats.  Take it off immediately.  Do this several times a day for a few days.  

Lucy learning to wear her Gentle Leader

• Repeat step one, but before taking it off, walk away from them and have them follow you with a happy voice.  Once they get to you, give them another treat.  Take off the GL, repeat.  Make sure you are excited and happy the whole time.
• To build, if your dog is toy motivated, have him or her fetch a toy with it on.  If your dog is more food motivated, have him or her eat their meals with it on (this is only for dogs who scarf their dinner the moment you set it down-not the ones who munch and walk around).  If you dog just loves to be loved, put it on and give the dog a full body massage.  Do this for two or three days.
• Repeat step three, but before finishing the session, hook on the leash, and take a quick walk around the house or yard.
• After this point, your dog should have a positive association with the GL.  Continue to give your dog treats, build up the length of time he or she is wearing it, and you can now start going on longer walks, go to training classes, and do other fun things with your dog while he or she is wearing the GL.

Here are a few other tips: 

• After the initial introduction process, the pup should only wear the GL when on leash.
• It is NOT a muzzle-the dog should be able to open his/her mouth to hold a toy, eat, drink, etc.
• If you are not going to pay attention to your dog, don't have them wear the GL. 
• If the dog rubs, give him or her a negative marker, distract his or herr attention, and praise when the rubbing stops.

And lastly, let me just say a few words more.  Over the years, the public perception of Gentle Leaders has changed greatly and many people know what they are and are also advocates of them.  However, just like anything else, there are many people who don't completely understand this training aid.  Some people think it's a muzzle (yet it doesn't keep the dogs from barking, biting, or playing with toys if they wanted to), others believe that the GL will injure the trachea, and for the most extreme, some people think that if the dog lunges hard enough, their neck will snap.  Through all the years I've been training, I have never personally heard anything negative about the Gentle Leader from people who use it other than, "my dog tries to rub it off."  However, if you have concerns about the physical health of it, talk to your vet who should be able to give you sound advice.  

Canine Coinage

Family Dog magazine readers shared the following 

“canine coinage” in their latest January/February Issue:

Destuffing 

The process whereby a dog completely guts a new toy – 

usually advertised as “chew-proof” and “built-to-last” – within five minutes of purchase.

Double-bagger

A situation in which a dog produces such copious amounts of 

stool as to necessitate a second waste bag.

Poopsicle

What you get it the morning after it was too cold to take your gloves 

off to bag it.  (This one is especially applicable in Logan!)

Snoozle

To leave canine nose-prints on a window, or other glass or metal surfaces.

photo credit: http://www.aplacetolovedogs.com/2011/12/10-interesting-facts-about-dogs/1486625278/

Sugarless Gum

I have known for some years now that xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is often found in sugarless gum, is bad for dogs.  However, just recently I've heard a few stories about dogs who either eaten the gum with xylitol and either died or just barely recovered through intensive medical treatment.  While I am not advocating that you don't buy xylitol or the gum that uses it, I do recommend that you make sure it is not kept in a place that is accessible to your dog.  Additionally, if you suspect that your dog may have eaten some of this artificial sweetener, call your vet immediately.

For more information, feel free to visit these links:
Popular sweetener is toxic for dogs                                                                      
Xylitol kills dogs!

Slow Motion Pedigree Dogs

Training Daily

Most people know that dogs need daily physical exercise, but how many people realize that dogs also need daily mental exercise?  Just like humans, dogs enjoy growing and learning.  Here are some helpful hints to make sure your dog gets his or her daily mental exercise:

• Just five.  Take five treats and five minutes.  Go through your dog's repertoire of tricks, making him or her earn each treat by doing at least five tricks.  That means in five minutes your dog will have done 25 tricks-not bad!
• Routine.  Make the training a routine.  Pick a time you can devote daily to your dog whether it's before breakfast, after you get home from work, or right before bed.  Find what works best for you and stick to it.

• Change it up.  While the time should be routine, make sure you switch up the order and type of tricks and commands.  It's no fun if it's one big memorized pattern (unless your stringing tricks together so that your dog learns to fetch your newspaper!)
• Plan.  Put your five minute session in your planner, your Ipod, your Google calendar, whatever you use to be organized.  This way, you'll be more likely to actually do it.
• Five extra.  Incorporate an extra five minute session once or twice a week.  During this session, work on teaching your dog something new.  Instead of feeding your dog dinner from the bowl, take the kibble and work on teaching the new command.  Treat constantly, have fun, and finish the session when the kibble is gone.

• Record.  Have a training journal.  Write down what your dog is good what, what he/she needs to work on, and what things you would like him/her to know.  Once a week, take the time to update it and write down any outstanding achievements.  Make a POA (plan of action) for the upcoming week.

Cat Survives Gas Chamber

Yes, I realize that this is a DOG blog, but hey, I love all animals, so I though I'd share this crazy story.  It's just one more incentive to encourage people to adopt: Cat survives 2 euthanasia attempts.  Doesn't thirty days seem like such a small window?

Dazzle's New Year's Resolutions