A Dog Training Game

A healthy treat and random object for the game.

    In a previous post, I mentioned making training into a game (One Step Forward, Two Steps Back published July 9, 2012. Click here to read it.).

     One of my students and two of you wonderful readers have taken the time to inquire about some examples of games to play to train your dogs.  Here is a versatile exercise that can be tailored to any dog that is food motivated.

     Regardless of your dog's training background, you can have a training session in this style.  You will need a yummy, high-value treat, and a dog-safe object.  I choose objects that are non-toxic, with no sharp edges, that are durable, not too big or too small, cheap/readily available to me, but not something my dog is familiar with.  For the exercise today I chose a metal ring that is a lid to a mason jar, and freeze-dried liver treats.

     Toby is a 10 year old Cocker Spaniel that was a conformation show Champion in his youth!  Although he was socialized very well, is an angel for grooming and still auto-stacks (goes into his "Show Pose"); not a lot of time was spent on his basic obedience.  After he was retired from the show circuit, he was taught to sit, and lie down several years ago.

No initial interest. I had to wait a few seconds.

     The first step is to introduce the object, and make it inviting for your dog to investigate it.  At this point, very few  words are used.  I placed food inside the ring, which led Toby to sniff it.  Every time he sniffed at it, I said "Yes!" and fed him.  I was teaching him "Yes!" equals food, and the action of sniffing the ring made me say "Yes!".   I would let him sniff, say "Yes!" and feed 3-5 times in a row, and then take the ring back and put it on the table while I broke up some more treats into tiny pieces.  Then I placed the ring back on the ground and repeated the exercise until as soon as I put the ring down, he was immediately sniffing it.

     Once Toby was very interested in the ring, I placed it on the ground, and let him sniff it, but remained silent.  At first he just stared at me expecting the "Yes" and food.  I kept staring at the ring.  He appeared to lose interest, so I put the ring away for a few minutes, and we took a potty break.

     When we came back inside, I placed the ring on the ground.  Toby went forward immediately!  He sniffed, and looked at me, then kicked it with his foot!  I said "Yes!" and rewarded with 2 pieces of food!  The significance is not what he did, it is the fact that he is adapting, and trying to problem-solve!  Some dogs use their paws to manipulate the object, some their mouths. (Grace is a mouther- she prefers to carry it)

Toby is definitely interested now!

     I let Toby cycle through several rounds of touching the ring with his foot, and being rewarded.  He soon evolved to rushing forward with both feet ending up on the ring.  Now I just needed to decide which motion I like the best, and feed only for that one.  To start with, since he seemed to always move the ring towards him by pouncing on it with both feet, I decided to only reward for a softer motion, putting both paws on the ring, but not pouncing.

     It took a few sessions to accomplish this because at first he just ignored the ring if he did not get rewarded immediately for pouncing.  It ended up as a slower motion for each paw, almost like swimming, and then just some soft "pats" with his paws.  It was inconsistent, but settled into a right-left-right pattern.  The more confident he became that the answer was correct, the more times he would "pat".

Toby with his foot in the ring!

     It is perfectly normal and okay for a dog to need to take a break!  This is set up like a logic puzzle, but with less structure.  There is always more than one correct answer, so the odds are in the favor of your dog.  I love playing these types of "Games" with dogs because it gives such insight to their behavior.  Poor Toby can give up easily sometimes (his sessions are only about 2-4 minutes at a time), but rebounds very quickly! He is very eager to please, and if he gets a short rest is very willing to pick up just where he left off!  We have already done 5 sessions this morning.

     Now Toby can consistently touch the ring with gentle pats.  I thought it looked very cute, like he was doing little dance steps!  I decided to name it "Fancy Feet".  To label the action, I wait for him to perform it and said the words "Fancy Feet!" and fed.  We did this several times, it was adorable! After a few sessions of labeling, I took out the ring, and told him "Fancy Feet"! Results so far are below!  I think I may tie this in with a foot motion from the handler, so it looks like we are dancing together!  Wish us luck!



     Happy Training my friends! And as always, please feel free to contact me and/or leave a comment!  I love hearing your feedback!

   

Additional Tips and Facts:
- Be patient! Do not talk to your dog too much during this or you will confuse them (and make little, or no progress).
- Dogs will retain the information at different rates, and according to the skill and timing you as a handler possess.
- Instead of the word "Yes!" another word or a clicker can be substituted.
- If your dog is staring at your hand and ignoring the object, try rubbing the object with the food (to make it smell more appealing), and then throwing the bits of treat down to the object when your dog sniffs it, instead of hand feeding.
- If you are not sure what objects would be good, it's ok to start with one of your dog's toys.
- Any motion that your dog gives can be eventually labeled, and then performed on command.
- The more often you play "guessing games" like this, the more creative your dog's responses will become!
- Some dogs do not prefer the taste or texture of metal, or wood, or paper products, or plastics.  You will have to experiment a bit to see what material to start with for your dog.
- If you prefer to shape for a tap with the foot, the object you choose shouldn't matter, but if you would like your dog to carry the item, you will want to start with an object they are comfortable with.

     To read about Grace's experience with this game, click here. 

South African Boerboels

*Echo, 10 weeks old

     Many people have not even heard of the noble molossers called South African Boerboels. I am fortunate enough to know a local breed aficionado and breeder of them.  I spent some time with her and her newest pup Echo the other day to see what I could learn about them.


     Kate Nicholson is an experienced dog owner.  She grew up surrounded by all types of animals- horses, cats and dogs primarily.  In 1983 she began working in a Veterinarian's office to learn more.  As a  veterinary technician Kate was exposed to a wide variety of breeds and situations that served to further bolster her living knowledge of dogs.  Her first personal (not family) pet was a Doberman Pinscher. She has personally owned a variety of breeds- an amalgamation from small terriers, a Plott Hound mix, a German Shepherd Dog and Husky mix, Akita, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Rottweiler/Mastiff mix and many more!

*Harley and her pups

     About 9 years ago, Kate and her husband decided they would like another dog.  Her husband favored Mastiffs, so they began their research there.  While neck-deep in Mastiff information, they happened across a picture of a South African Boerboel.  Kate recalls seeing that first image, and the feeling of "Love at first sight", but that she did not want to commit until they knew more about the breed.

     Lots and lots of reading and research followed that initial discovery.  At first, it seemed there was no more information to be found on this rare breed.  Somehow, fate intervened.  Through a chance encounter, Kate met someone who knew a Boerboel breeder!  Through the breeder (who is still a close friend), first-hand information was made available, and Kate and her family could meet the rare breed in person.  In 2004, with guidance from their experienced friend, they brought home their first South African Boerboel Mojo.  A few months later, Macy, a female pup from a breeder in California was brought home to join Mojo as a companion, and hopefully potential mate, if both dogs matured to promising breeding stock.  Regardless of whether they qualified to breed (Kate is adamant that only the best of the best, judging by the physical breed standard and the temperament, should ever be bred), both dogs were in their furever home.

*Hemi, 15 months

     South African Boerboels are NOT for inexperienced handlers or dog owners who have no experience with guardian-type molossers.  Females are about 2 feet tall at the shoulder, males about 26 inches (or more).  Their weight averages 100-175lbs, and it must be "athletic" (no pudginess!).  Typical Boerboel temperament is self-confident and fearless, intelligent and with strong protective instinct.  Being obedient and therefore manageable is strongly desired, but with amateur owners, it would be unlikely.


     The breed gained recognition in South Africa  in 1983, and only recently was added to the list of AKC recognized breeds.  This has been somewhat controversial because in South Africa, the breed standard is upheld differently than here in the USA.  One large difference is that the term "Registered Puppy" is not used since the South African Boerboel Breeders Association (SABBA) will not register a Boerboel until it has been evaluated by a SABBA appraiser, and passed on individual merit, not just pedigree.   A dog is not eligible to be appraised until it is at least 12 months old.

*Mya at appraisal

     In addition to the stringent set or requirements to be met by the South African Boerboel Breeders Association, there are a battery of physical tests that each dog must undergo to see if it will even meet the breeding standard.  Hips, knees and elbows need to be X-rayed and scored.  The eyes must be checked.  the bloodlines (minimum of 5 generations) should be examined for dogs with cancer, wobblers, epilepsy and other ailments.  Extra care must be taken to watch the dog's temperament as it matures, since they are slow to mature, and being a newly recognized breed- some patterns will not emerge for years.

*Mako

     Since there are minimal recognized (by SABBA) breeders in the US, it is a very close community.  Kate knows pretty much all the recognized breeders in the surrounding states, and some from across the country.  She has general knowledge of which dogs have brucellocis (her own have been tested), thyroid testing, some  litters that were lost (still-born or re-absorbed), and some females who succumbed to uterine inertia.  Kate herself has had to take her females in for emergency surgeries during difficult birthing.  Her main concerns are that the breed standard be upheld through not only selective breeding, but selective placement (not everyone who wants a Boerboel should have a Boerboel).

*Mako and Hannah, Kate's daughter, having a laugh

     Kate's family shares a love of animals with her.  Currently at their home they have 6 Boerboels, 3 other small breed dogs, horses, outdoor barn cats, 6 indoor cats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, guinea hens, fish, guinea pigs, rabbits, and an assortment of reptiles..... oh yes, and 2 lovely daughters!  Caring for animals is a family affair at the Nicholson house!



*All photos courtesy of Kate Nicholson and Wilby Boerboels


Kate Nicholson and her Boerboels can be found at http://www.facebook.com/wilby.boerboels


Website (international) for more SA Boerboel information
Website (US and Canada) for additional SA Boerboel information
Information on Appraisal and Registration through SABBA
Another website for SA Boerboel information through EBASSA

Please also visit  www.PawsThenPlay.com

Training Timelines

     As part of my life's work as a dog trainer and Canine Behavioral Consultant, I sit down with clients and prospective clients to discuss what plans and goals they have for their companions.  More often than not, I hear frustrated tales of how these loving pet parents have read or heard that their objectives should have been achieved by a certain span of time.  This is not always the case.  In the real world, there are no "magic buttons", and the "quick fixes" can often have unintended ramifications in the long run.  

     When I sit down to talk about how I can help a pet owner navigate a particular situation, I am always completely honest about the effort and time that would be necessary to get there.  This is a critical part of determining the success of any venture.  People must be made aware of what options they have, what they are committing to do, and approximately how long it will take. If not, disappointment will occur before any solution is met.  A resolution can always be reached when the involved parties are well enough informed.  

     The majority of dogs (and some cats too) can be successfully introduced to a brand new command in just a few moments.  In order for it to become a lifelong habit however, it must be continually re-enforced in the presence of controlled stimuli until the reaction to the command becomes muscle memory.  No one that I know (and I know a lot of extremely talented individuals) has the ability to look into a crystal ball and tell you exactly how long YOUR dog will take to adopt a freshly introduced behavioral pattern, or how long it will keep to the pattern.  

     Many of the trainers that I have encountered who have a promise or guarantee for behaviors within a set period of time are referring to how long it will take THEM (the trainers) to get the desired results, not how long it will take to make it work in the client's home.  One of the facilities I worked at specialized in just that- we took the dog for a set period of time to initiate new behaviors in the hopes that the family would be able to duplicate the results consistently at home.  

     In the case of in-home training, many of the "Quick-Fixes" are the roots for long-term issues that crop up 6-9 months after the visit(s).  For example, did you know that improper use of a pressure collar (a head halter / Gentle Leader, Sporn, pinch, or choke chain are some commonly known pressure devices for canines) can not only injure your dog permanently, but can cause overly forward body posture that other dogs interpret as aggression?  There can be huge difference between the perception of what is being sold, to the reality of what is being delivered.  

     I sometimes use an analogy to help describe to my students what to expect.  Consider how long your parent(s) guided you.  Think of how many years human children are supervised closely.  So why are we continually surprised when after a few short weeks or months, a dog will make incorrect choices?

     Timelines are fine for goal-setting.  But like most plans, once the action has begun, be ready to toss them out the window!  Expectations must continually be adjusted to conform to reality.



*For help understanding your dog please feel free to contact me.  pawsthenplay@gmail.com 

     

In Loving Memory

   
     Jolly crossed the rainbow bridge today.

Jolly riding with me in my first car

     My sister was driving from Charlotte to see friends at Appalachian State University about 13 years ago when they saw Jolly on a busy highway.  They stopped and called to her.  She trotted up, got in the car with them, and rode back to Charlotte.

     I was delighted with my sister!  It didn't matter to me that she was in an apartment that did not allow dogs, or that she had no money to take the dog to the vet because I was allowed to name the dog! I chose "Jolly" because of how amiable the little gal was, and I knew that in French "jolie" meant "pretty".  Soon, Jolly was in heat, so the inevitable happened: we called Mom!

     Truly, my Mom and Dad saved Jolly.  They opened their home and their wallets for vaccines, spaying, routine health care, food and supplies.  At the time my sister did not even live at home anymore, and I was in my tumultuous teens, but Jolly was still "Our Dog".

     When my parents moved to Mooresville some years back, Jolly of course went with them, and had a seamless transition to the new home.  She still was perfect on walks, off-leash in the yard, quiet in the house, polite to visitors and tolerant of the cats.  As years went by, I suppose I took for granted Jolly's wagging presence.  Whenever we came to see my parents, Jolly was always there to greet us at the door.

One of the first things she learned was to "Smile" and she never forgot it.

     Several weeks ago, my parents noticed that Jolly seemed to be having difficulty passing her stool.  They tried supplements, over-the-counter remedies, switching food, all the medications the Vet prescribed.  Jolly just didn't seem to be digesting normally anymore.  Nothing seemed to help.  She slowed down.  Walking. Eating.  Everything slowed.  No more chipmunks and birds being delivered to the back door to make my Mom scream.

     Yesterday, I visited my parents for my birthday, and to say goodbye to Jolly.

     As we sat eating our meal, I saw Jolly rise up and wobble towards the table.  My Dad was on his feet immediately.  "Come on girl, do you need to go outside?"  He strode directly to the back door to allow her to go out onto the back deck.  My Dad had just recently finished building that deck.  I watched him watching Jolly as she squatted unsteadily on the smooth finished boards.  Her legs trembled, and she seemed to have trouble balancing.  After long seconds stretched into minutes, she staggered back towards the door.  My Dad explained "She can't seem to produce anything, but thinks she has to go.  She doesn't seem to have much tolerance for the heat anymore either.  Excuse me, I need to let her in."

     Inside, I could see Jolly panting heavily, from the heat or the effort I cannot say.  She went straight to a comfortably carpeted open area to lay down.

     Leaving yesterday was bittersweet.  I was glad to see my family, but I knew what was going to happen.  I know it is the better choice, and I am so grateful to have compassionate parents who will let me see for myself the reality behind their choices.

I took this picture yesterday, before I said goodbye

     Rest in Peace Jolly.  You are loved!

Pet Store Visit

Me, Theo and Grace 

     I had run out of doggie shampoo, and so decided to visit a large chain pet company (not the clever one).  When I go out, whenever possible, my pups accompany me so I brought Grace, and another German Shepherd Dog that was staying with us that day.  Any visit is a great opportunity to practice skills learned in another location (also called "proofing").

     So we collared up (no naked doggies traveling) and headed out!  Boy, nothing makes people point and stare quite like a tiny girl with two large dogs.  No big deal I guess.  We went to the shampoo aisle, and since it was a bit crowded, I had both dogs sit and wait while I went a few paces away to pick some out.


     As I retrieved my dogs and tried to make my way to the front of the store, an associate walked our way rapidly.  She had her hand out in front of her, fingers facing down, palm away from us, I presume to let the dogs sniff it.  She was cooing and making kissy noises at my perfectly heeling duo.  Before the dogs could decide what to do with this strange person (their answer would be: rush forward to make out with her and yank my arm out of the socket), I redirected them and placed them in heel position this time with ME between the dogs and the crazy lady.  

     The store associate tried to simper sideways around me (a great opportunity to practice a left pivot in brace) twice before standing up to look at me.  When she finally met my eyes (and was giving me a dirty look), I said loudly "Hey!" and smiled, and took my dogs and marched right past her to the registers.  Both dogs are very friendly indeed, but the employee never asked, so I chose to pretend I had no idea she wanted to pet them.  I was so proud of the pups for responding so quickly and gracefully with such a persistent distraction!

Theo and Grace relaxing in the yard post shopping adventures

     In line, there was a delightful customer who gave us a bit of space in line, and smiled to me saying "They are beautiful!  It is so nice how they just sit there.  German Shepherds, right?"  I confirmed that yes, they were and she asked if they had Czeck bloodlines.  We had a lovely but brief conversation while waiting for the line to move.

      I had time while paying to practice their down-stays as well.  A very productive visit!  I simply wish there were more people like the nice lady in line, instead of the pet store employee.

I can't HEAR you!

Photos posted courtesy of Merci's furever family

     Merci's Furever Mommy did not plan on adopting her.  Fara was already very busy with her own dogs, and other foster dogs as well.  Maxx, a large German Shepherd, Milly, the Queen-Bee-Boxer of the house, and Finnegan, a 50/50 Miniature Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier mix were already quite comfortable in the Robinson home.

     Merci is an adorable mix that appears to be part Dalmatian and part American Pit Bull Terrier.  She was surrendered because her former owners thought she was "stupid" and "wouldn't listen".  It didn't take any time at all for Fara, an experienced foster Mom, to realize that Merci was quite clever, and quite deaf.

     This lack of hearing may seem like a handicap to some; indeed it seemed an insurmountable problem for her original owners.  The other foster puppies were getting adopted left and right from Fara's home.  Merci just kept on getting passed over.  Fara stated "Puppies are normally adopted out very quickly – especially ones as beautiful and unique looking as our girl, but we had Merci for 7 months before I realized that I just couldn’t stand to part with her and Doug and I adopted her for ourselves.   No one wanted a 'damaged' puppy."

Merci and her buddy Finnegan

     From the beginning, Merci got along fine with the other dogs in the household.  This is quite fortunate since there were up to 10 other fosters in the home at a time, in addition to the three "House Dogs" Maxx, Milly (who has unfortunately recently passed away) and Finnegan.  When it was time to come in from play time, the other dogs would come barreling in, and it was Finnegan, the scrappy mix who would turn and bound back to Merci to show her the way.  Merci also fawns over Maxx, the GSD, wiggling his way with submissive mouth licking frequently.  The other dogs definitely don't look at Merci any differently for all her lack of hearing.

     In basic training, Fara found that Merci was wonderfully responsive- just not to words.  With hand signals (mostly American Sign Language) Merci can be told "Sit", "Down", "Place", "Leave it", "Off",  "Give", "Let’s go", "Ride", "Speak", "No","Come" and go to her crate.  She also demonstrates understanding of "Good girl" and "Toy", and is learning a "Touch" command (where she uses her nose to tag Fara's hand).

     Fara claims that Merci has made her a better handler and trainer.  Even though it is easier because there are less distractions (Merci cannot be distracted by the sounds of other dogs) it still requires patience, like any other training!  Merci has accommodated Fara's effort by becoming remarkably adept at interpreting nuances of facial expression, gestures and body postures.

     Fara said "She [Merci] seems to be able to read my mind sometimes.  Of course when she decides she’s cold in the middle of the night, she taps me twice on the shoulder and I dutifully lift the blankets so she can crawl under the covers.  I’m not quite sure who is training whom…"

Merci is not afraid of heights!

     One of the most amazing discoveries they have recently found with Merci, is that she responds to a high pitched squeal that Finnegan sometimes calls out.  When Finnegan yells, Merci comes running to him!  Fara affectionately calls this Finnegan's Singing, although she cringes when she talks about the noise.  Fara says it is quite a shrill sound, and wonders if it is at a certain range that Merci is just barely able to detect.  Fara and her husband are now working on training Finnegan to "sing" on command to call Merci.

     I asked Fara how Merci does when she is taken out to events in public.  "Usually when I take Merci out, she wears either a collar sleeve or a vest announcing that she’s deaf.  I want people to ask questions and meet her and see that she is a perfectly normal dog who just happens to not hear.  There are plenty of things that make her extraordinary – her sweet, happy temperament, her love of high places and sense of adventure, her serene nature – but they have nothing to do with the fact that she’s deaf."

     Thank goodness Merci and Fara found each other.





     *Fara is active with local rescue, and even after adopting Merci has not slowed down a bit.  Her rescue information is provided below.

The Greater Charlotte SPCA
Greater Charlotte SPCA Facebook Page

"The Man with The Berner" Part II

Photos courtesy of owner and photographer

     The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, long haired dog.  They have the "Swiss Coloring" of mostly black, with some rust, and white on the feet, face and belly.  Although they are primarily known as drafting dogs, they also excel at herding since they were originally used as multi-purpose farm dogs.  Females can be slightly smaller (about 2 feet at the shoulder) at about 65 pounds, but males are very large (up to 28" at the shoulder) at about 120 pounds!

     The Man and his wife have had several Bernese Mountain Dogs over the years.  He lovingly recalls each and every one.  He detailed their lineage, how him and his wife traveled overseas to select their first four pups (not all at once of course!).  He told me of the wide variety of activities they compete in for fun.  Berners are so versatile they can perform in informal events like rally style obedience, or formal obedience as well as agility, herding, carting and drafting (and yes, there is a difference between carting and drafting).

     *The photos that he has allowed me to use for this blog are actually 5 different dogs!*

In Obedience competition, the dog must not only retrieve, but jump!

     The Man had just recently shown his young dog in Gettysburg, PA in May.  While there he won the Specialty's HIT- or High In Trial award.  They also won awards as the highest scoring Bernese Mountain Dog in Herding, and as a Specialty Triathlete (for qualifying in Rally, Herding and Obedience).  That was why he laughed when I told him I was impressed by the past weekend's showing.

     The Man's Berner, whom he was working with that day is CH Tranquility's Andy Robynson CD RAE HSAs HTAD-Is HTD-Is RLF-Is JHDs .  It is a mouthful, and I would never have remembered half of those letters if The Man had not written them down for me.  All of The Man's dogs have multiple titles, from the AKC (American Kennel Club), BMDCA (Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America) , and the AHBA (American Herding Breed Association).  It is akin to a human with several doctorates and certifications- so impressive!

     I began reading more about this breed, and it's history.  The Man graciously sent me a website and a few articles to get me started.

     In conclusion, I know that this is a breed I am not ready for yet.  Perhaps if I continue to learn more (and earn more money!) a few years down the road I will look into the option seriously.  For now, it is enough to say I have met and watched a furry breed ambassador who has a kind enough owner to educate me on Bernese Mountain Dogs, and canine companionship at it's finest.





*Click either of the links below to read more about Bernese Mountain Dogs! Enjoy!

Potomac Valley Bernese Mountain Dog Club website

Pages 210-223 in the Showsight Magazine July 2012 issue.

"The Man with The Berner" Part I

Photo included courtesy of owner and photographer

     I can recall the first time I saw "The Man With the Berner", it was at one of the first dog shows I attended, in Concord, North Carolina.  I did not know him.  I was instantly, completely captivated with his majestic dogs.  His companions strode proudly by his side, never a misstep, never a moment's hesitation to obey any command!  I loved the easy way "The Man" spoke to his dogs, and the adoration in the gaze of full attention that they gave back to him.  They were the perfect team, a well-oiled machine, and they earned the titles to prove it!  I never did muster the courage to speak to "The Man With the Berner" that weekend.  I simply watched from afar as he performed with his dogs.


     This past weekend (July 27, 28) I accompanied my good friend (the other half of PawsThenPlay, Thomas Brown) to a show in Greenville, South Carolina.  I quickly lost myself in the symphonic chaos of the show and just meandered as I usually do, soaking it all in at my own pace.  Booths, now familiar, lined the sides of the conformation areas and invited me to stop and shop.  I did buy more chocolate from Debbie's Delights of course, so I could get a sugar-high while I oogled dogs.

     "The Man with The Berner" was there!  The first day, I watched from a distance as usual.  The second day, I found myself beside him in the crowd!  As I applauded madly for Thomas and Ebony (they took second in Open!), I decided this was a sign.  I must talk to "The Man".

     I glanced at him, and he nodded politely and smiled.  I took that as an invitation to just plunge in!  In a gush of words, I blurted out how in awe of his performance with his dogs I was, and how much I really enjoyed watching his performance with his animals.

     He kindly laughed, and shook his head.  "But this weekend we were horrible!" 

     I was completely aghast!  I had been so impressed with the easy communication and obvious happiness in the dogs, that I forgot we were at an event with scoring.  In the long conversation that followed, I learned so much my head reeled, and my heart hurt.  I cannot include all of it here, but I do want to share some of this man's experiences since I found him so inspiring.



*End of Part I