Congratulations Puppy Graduates!

Thursday night we concluded another Puppy K class. I have to admit the puppy classes are some of my favorites. They always make us laugh at their antics, but it is also very rewarding to see puppies come in the first night out of control and go home at the end of graduation doing so much better. Most don't go home genius's but they do go home with a much better understanding of what their owners want from them and how to do it. On the last night we run through a *test* on all the different objects we train on.

Jade is a Giant Schnauzer who will be continuing in her training, working toward becoming a Service Dog to her owner. Jade graduated with top honors in this class. Here she is showing off her skills on the LEAVE IT command.

Lexi is another puppy who is working toward an eventual Service Dog completion. Right now her biggest issue is in trying to stay focused. Last night she showed everyone she CAN in fact do this, it just takes her a bit of effort right now.

Lexi was also doing very well on her stay command, even though she is still a young and exciteable Springer. It just goes to show what training can accomplish if you set your mind and efforts to it!

Katie, our little Corgi puppy did fabulous all through the training weeks. So of course on Graduation night she decided to become a puppy *teen* and show off for everyone. Katie still graduated, she just had to remind everyone in class how adorable she can be! As long as mom could hold her focus last night Katie did a great job on her heeling.

Kiley is taking out a new page in training with Wheaton Terriers. I've worked with many and they are all so excited about every single little thing in life, getting them to focus can be a whole new challenge of it's own. Kiley however did a terrific job in graduation class and has shown a great deal of improvement through out the class. Getting her to stay is still some what of a challenge unless you can keep her focused, but as you can see Kiley can certainly do this with the best of them, given the opportunity.

Kiley also did a great job on her DOWN command. Not an easy thing for a young Wheaton to do!

Upon completion of all testing, it was time to unveil the Graduates. Helping us to unroll the Red Carpet was our *resident* training helper, Lugnut.


Congratulations to all our Puppy K Graduates and their owners! You've all done a wonderful job. The job now is to not stop working with them and let them slide backwards! We'll be seeing many of you in our next class.

Katie the Corgi and mom

  Jade the Giant Schnauzer, and mom

Sid, most improved, and mom

Kiley the Wheaton, and mom

  Lexi, the Springer and mom

                   

Fun things to do with your dog

Over the course of the next few weeks I will be posting information here on different sports events and trials you can participate in with your dog. It's a great thing to find an activity you and your dog can do together to help keep you both fit, physically and mentally. It also helps you to build a better closer bond wth your dog and turns them into fun but obedient pets. In a relaxed and rewarding way.

If you have any questions about this sport/event, feel free to contact our trainer Kristi Rush at Best Friends Pet Care in Indianapolis. For our first one we will introduce RALLY Competition information, courtesy of the American Kennel Club:


Getting Started in Rally
Rally is a sport in which the dog and handler complete a course that has been designed by the rally judge. The judge tells the handler to begin, and the dog and handler proceed at their own pace through a course of designated stations (10 - 20, depending on the level). Each of these stations has a sign providing instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience.

The team of dog and handler moves continuously at a brisk, but normal, pace with the dog under control at the handler's left side. There should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during the numbered exercises and between the exercise signs; however, perfect "heel position" is not required. Any faults in traditional obedience that would be evaluated and scored as a one-point deduction or more should be scored the same in Rally, unless otherwise mentioned in the Rally Regulations. After the judge's "Forward" order, the team is on its own to complete the entire sequence of numbered signs correctly.
Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is to be encouraged and not penalized. Unless otherwise specified in these Regulations, handlers are permitted to talk, praise, encourage, clap their hands, pat their legs, or use any verbal means of encouragement. Multiple commands and/or signals using one or both arms and hands are allowed; the handler's arms need not be maintained in any particular position at any time. The handler may not touch the dog or make physical corrections. At any time during the performance, loud or harsh commands or intimidating signals will be penalized.

Rally provides a link from the Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) program to obedience or agility competition, both for dogs and handlers. In addition, rally promotes fun and enjoyment for dogs at all levels of competition.

What is Rally?
AKC Rally is the new dog sport that is taking the nation by storm, a successful stepping stone from the AKC Canine Good Citizen® program to the world of obedience or agility. Rally offers both the dogs and handlers an experience that is fun and energizing. The canine team moves at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition.

A rally course includes 10 to 20 stations, depending on the level. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience. Communication between handler and dog is encouraged and perfect heel position is not required, but there should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler. The main objective of rally is to produce dogs that have been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs, in a manner that will reflect positively on the sport of rally at all times and under all conditions.

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible to compete in AKC Rally trials, a dog must be:
Registered with the AKC or listed with the AKC Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP) program, or a Foundation Stock Service (FSS) recorded breed that meets the eligibility requirements for competition.

6 months of age or older.

The Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP)
Dogs of any breed recognized by the AKC that do not have registration papers or known parents may qualify for a Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP). PAL/ILP dogs may participate in certain AKC events, such as obedience, agility, tracking, rally and many performance events. Photos are required to prove the dog is a registerable breed. The dog must be spayed or neutered.

Rally Signs
The signs may be any color and they include descriptions as well as directional arrows of exercises. Signs are numbered to make it easy to find the next station when navigating the course.

All signs are placed to the handler's right side. The signs are large enough to be easily recognized when going through a course. The exercises designated on the signs will be performed in close proximity to the sign itself, either in front, back of, or beside the sign.

Role of the judge

The judge must arrive one hour before judging in order to set up the course for the class. Judges are open to questions that the handlers may have regarding the course during the walk-through period.They must post a copy of the course at ringside so that the exhibitors know what to expect and where to go once they are in the ring. The judge must evaluate the performance of each exercise and the sense of teamwork between the dog and handler between the stations as stated in the AKC Rally Regulations.

The orders "Are you ready?" and "Forward" are given to each handler who enters the ring.

Levels of Competition

The three levels of competition in AKC Rally:
Novice - this is the first level for those just getting started in competition.
All exercises are performed with the dog on leash.
There is a requirement of 10-15 stations to complete with no more than five stationary exercises.
The exercises performed vary from turning 360 degrees to changing paces during the course.
Exhibitors at this level may clap their hands and pat their legs through the course.

Advanced - this is the second level, which includes more difficult exercises throughout the course.
All exercises are performed off-leash.
There is a requirement of 12-17 stations with no more than seven stationary exercises.
Exercises include a jump as well as calling your dog to the front of you instead of to a heel position.

Excellent - this third and highest level of AKC Rally is the most challenging.
Exercises are performed off-leash except for the honor exercise.
There is a requirement of 15-20 stations, with no more than 7 stationary exercises.
Handlers are only allowed to encourage their dogs verbally. Physical encouragement is not allowed at this level.
The Excellent-level exercises include backing up three steps, while the dog stays in the heel position and a moving stand, while the handler walks around the dog.

Qualifying Performance
A qualifying performance indicates that the dog has performed the required exercises according to the AKC Rally Regulations. Each performance is timed, but times are only counted if two dogs earn the same score.

Qualifying Score
All dogs and handlers begin with a perfect 100. A dog and handler team is awarded a qualifying score if it retains at least 70 points after the course has been completed. Once the team has completed the course, their score will be posted ringside.

Awards:
The colors for placement rosettes or ribbons are the same in all levels of classes.
First Place - Blue
Second Place - Red
Third Place - Yellow
Fourth Place - White

How do I get started in Rally?
Many AKC clubs conduct a variety of classes, instructed by experienced trainers who have earned titles and awards in obedience competitions with their own dogs. These people are up-to-date on the latest training techniques. They have experience training different breeds of dogs, mixed breeds and purebreds, and prospective students are usually welcome to observe a class before signing up for a training course.

When you attend a class with your dog, instructors will show you how to train your dog and will expect you to practice at home. The younger the dog, the shorter the practice sessions should be. For the best results, both you and your dog should enjoy frequent short sessions, combined with some play and rewards.

Tips for the First-time Exhibitor
Register your dog with the AKC.
Make sure that your dog is current on all inoculations and health check-ups.
Visit the AKC website to find a training club.
Attend training classes with your dog.
Become familiar with the AKC Rally Regulations.
Attend a rally trial and become familiar with ring procedures.
Don't be afraid to ask questions from experienced exhibitors.

Tips for the First-time Spectator
However tempting, do not pet a dog without first asking for and receiving permission.
Many rally trials have vendors and an information booth with helpful information for the general public.
Arrive early and bring a chair! Rally often starts very early in the morning.
If you have not yet purchased your dog, speak to exhibitors about their breeds to gain knowledge of the best dog for your family. Also, visit the "Future Dog Owners" section of the AKC website.
If you bring a baby stroller to a rally trial, be careful not run over a dog's tail. Be sure your child respects the dogs and does not grab or poke at them. Some crowded trials forbid strollers.

Rally Titles
The dogs must earn three qualifying scores under two different judges in order to receive a rally title. The titles that can be earned are:
Rally Novice: RN
Rally Advanced: RA
Rally Excellent: RE
Rally Advanced Excellent: RAE
The requirement for the RAE title is that the dog must qualify ten times in both the Advanced B class and the Excellent B class at the same trial.

Leaving your pets out for too long in the cold or heat? Uncool!

Via the American Human Society:
Humane Society does not recommend chaining or tying dogs up as a means of confinement. Chaining and tying can increase frustrated and aggressive behavior. As well, chained or tied dogs can become tangled in their chain or rope and become injured. A chained dog is unprotected and can be attacked by other animals or people.

If such an establishment, which frequently euthanizes animals, considers being tied outside an unacceptable means of caretaking, then I suspect there is no argument for it. To be clearer: If even the butcher isn't happy with how the animal got there, there must be something seriously wrong with the process.
---------------

If you leave it tied outside for long periods of time (esp. with little space, food, shelter and water or in unpleasant weather) it is definitely animal abuse. Leaving a dog tied up for long periods of time causes stress and boredom in the animals. It also leaves them more exposed to fleas, insect bites, abuse from other people, and unpleasant weather conditions. Also, leashes can cause blisters and sores around the dog's neck to loosen it up a bit or even better yet, get a fence.

However, if you must leave your dog our, provide it with a lot of space (depending on your dog's energy levels and size), food, fresh water, and a good shelter. Try to get a fence and skip the leash too if possible. And even if you do all of that, make sure to bring your dog in regularly to clean him, provide him with affection and exercise your dog on a daily basis (to reduce stress and boredom and bond better with your dog).

My suggestion is taking your dog to an "animal daycare" if you still plan on leaving it tied up outside for long periods of time because of whatever reason.


Below is a list of resources for making a complaint if you do see an animal left outside unprotected to the weather. It IS against the law to chain your pets up outsidie or leave them outside for long periods exposed to any type of inclement weather, whether is is extreme cold, rain or heat.

Mayors Action Center:   
317-327-4622
7:30-5:30 M-F
They will forward to Animal Care and Control
________________________________________________________________________________
OR
________________________________________________________________________________
F.I.D.O
Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside
317-592-9616

Food and toy aggression?

Growling, Snarling, Snapping Or Biting To Protect Food, Water Or Toys


Does your dog growl or snarl when someone comes too close to his toys or food? It is common for dogs to claim territory, food, toys, other dogs, and even people. This behavior can be generalized further, with dogs guarding anything. Resource guarding can be a dangerous behavior. While unsettling on its own, it is easy to envision a perfect storm that turns protection or guarding into full-blown aggression.

Resource Guarding is Caused By:

Instinct - In a dog pack, the leader, alpha, eats first and denies the others' attempts to encroach on his domain.

Lack of socialization - Dogs that have not been properly trained to give up their favorite items or yield their food bowl will demonstrate this unwanted behavior.

Fear - A dog that is afraid of people (adults and/or children) or animals will defend its resources, and itself, against the threat.

Dominance issues - In dominant cases, the dog sees himself at the top and is willing to exert that influence.

Actually trained that way - owners playing with the dog (tug of war), encouraging him to growl in protection over his toys.

Tips to Stop Resource Guarding

Resolving the issue begins with relationship exercises and redefining your dog's understanding of the resources themselves. It is normal for a dog to guard its resources. It is normal for people too, but we use locks and the police to safeguard our territory and a dog uses its teeth. In this case, we want to replace his current understanding with a new, more tolerant view of things.

Begin by picking up his toys and other items that he guards. Do this when he is away.

Allow him to have one toy at a time, and be the one that hands it to him.

When taking a toy from him, trade him for a different toy. It's best to give him one of the least valued toys first, and then trade him a better toy.

When he is eating, make it a habit to add pieces of food in there as he goes. Let him learn that a human hand by the food dish means chicken, hot dog, or beef in the bowl.

Note: If there is a chance your dog may snap or bite, do not put your hands near him. Instead, use a broom, or other long handled object.

The way to fix the behavior is to make giving up items a fun thing. By rewarding your dog with play and treats for trading his toys, by dropping good food items in his bowl while he eats, and other such exercises, you can condition him to see the presence of a human hand near his toys and food as a good thing that indicates better stuff coming his way. The stronger his belief in this, the lower the likelihood that he will bite someone for approaching him at the wrong time.

Caution: There is a difference between changing a dog's mindset and simply getting a dog to be quiet. The growl and snarl can be punished out of the dog, but if the underlying aggression remains, then he will simply skip the warning steps and go right to the bite. This is commonly what occurs when a dog is merely punished for incorrect behaviors instead of trained to see the world differently. It is much better to prepare your dog to enjoy and want interference.