Service Dog puppies

Thursday night (Feb 18, 2010) we started a new puppy class. This isn't just one of our usual Puppy Kindergarten classes. There are only two puppies in this class. Both of them were in a past Puppy K class and did well. They are back now in another class, working toward becoming a Service Dog for their owners. We have a LOT of work to do and a long road to travel still. I hope you will stick with us for this ride, to watch how they grow and develop into full fledged working Service Dogs. I will update on them from time to time, keeping up with their progress. All the ups and the downs. And there WILL be some downs to work through before they complete their training in a year or two!

First we have Jade. She is a 6 month old Giant Schnauzer. Jade is doing very well with her obedience work, her focus on her owner/trainer has improved a lot since the last class, showing mom and dads determination to work with her and have her do well. Jades mom has some mobility issues that she needs a large breed dog (like Jade) to assist her with in her daily life.

We also have Lexi. Lexi is a 5 month old Springer Spaniel. Lexi's mom is a retired Veteran from our Armed Services and has specific needs she wants and needs Lexi to help her with.

Lexi has slipped back a little in her training, but she's still a youngster and some times this happens. Mom is ready to step up and do some good hard work with Lexi to get her to where she needs to be. Lexi's biggest issue right now is her focus. She is still pretty easily distracted but with some good honest work over the next several months, this is an issue we will conquer together!

Stay tuned for progress on our Service Puppies!

Dog Scout Testing day!

We held our monthly Dog Scout meeting on Saturday Feb 13, 2010. After the business portion of our meeting concluded, we started testing several dogs for different badges. The first badge we worked on was for Basic Manners.

To earn their Basic Manners badge the Scouts need to pass certain tests. Heeling with us as they follow (and TOUCH) our hand is one. In this they need to walk several steps at our side and make a full turn, following the direction of our hand and touching when told to. They also need to be able to *go to bed* when told. Which means they have their own blanket, rug etc and when the owner gives them the command to go to bed (from at least 10 feet away) they must go right to their blanket and lay down on it. We are only allowed to give them one cue to do this! It's NOT as easy as it sounds either! Here Bailey is doing his best to impress Gayle!

The dogs also have to walk up to a *stranger* when given permission to go *say hi* and then they are to sit and wait quietly while being petted.  Sophie is doing her best to pass this one!

The dogs aren't the only ones who have top pass a test. Each owner must demonstrate that we know and understand the use of *Operant Conditioning* with our dogs (using a *reward marker* in their training). An oral test is then given to each of the owenrs, and we too must pass our portion of the exam for the dog to quallify for their badge! Dog Scouts is a team effort!

One of the more difficult tests for the dogs to pass is waiting inside a door when the owner walks out. By command they are to sit and wait in place until the owner calls them through the open door with them and they the dog is to get back into a controlled position. Sara and Saba are showing their expertise in this step.

They also need to stand and wait while someone else runs a hand down over their back etc. The dog needs to hold their stand position. A down command using one command is also a must, as well as from the down position the dog needs to be able to move when given the command so that they get up out of our way as we walk in a direct line to where they are laying down. We also have to show our dogs will get down off of a person or an object when told too.

We are proud to announce the Scouts who passed their Basic Manners Saturday!

Please congratulate Sophie Dudley, Bailey Burger, Lugnut Day, and  Saba Barefoot.

We also tested for our First Aid Badges Saturday. A big Thank You WOOF to Gayle Sprinkle who taught the First Aid class to the rest of us and tested owners/dogs for their badges. All owners had to demonstrate on their own dogs, how to take a pusle and count respirations and take the temperature of each of our dogs (giving Gayle their correct numbers). We also had to apply an emergency muzzle and a regular *hard* muzzle on our own dogs. The dogs then had to show they could walk several steps and sit with the muzzle on. We had to show capillary refill and the mucus condition of our own pets. Along with all of this we also had to decide on an *injury* to our pet and bandage accordingly, and then show two methods of emergency transport on our pets. Lugnut being the biggest of the bunch was the most difficult to move but Gayle and I persevered and moved him, albeit not very far! Here Sophie is practicing being the *injured* pet.

Following are the hard working Scouts who each passed their First Aid badge as well.

We have Sophie, Halle, Bailey, Lugnut, Noche, Saba and Jacque as our newest First Aid badge Scouts

Below are all of our Scouts who are now First Aid Scouts.

Charlie, Halle, Bailey, Sophie, Lugnut, Noche, Saba, Oslo, Ted and Jacques

Congratulations to all of our hard working Scouts!

How about winter sports for you and your dog?

It's easy to get into a couch potato way of life during the winter months.


Heck, even your dog would rather lie down in front of the fireplace or cuddle up to the wood stove than go outside when the temperatures start falling below zero!

Funny thing is... our furry companions are happy to follow our lead, no matter where we're headed!

So, why not bundle up and get outside into the fresh air? You might actually enjoy this type of exercise! Your dog will love it too.

A Cure For Cabin Fever

Winter brings all sorts of opportunities for outdoor activities. There are a couple of good fun winter activities you can share with your dogs too.

Some of the most beautiful scenery is waiting for you to explore and enjoy accompanied by bright blue skies and clean crisp snow.

Living in the Midwest, we know snow. We also know long winters. Which means if you want to go crazy real quick, try staying in the house all winter long wishing the snow would just go away.

This is often referred to as "cabin fever" -- that period of winter when you have nothing to do, and the walls of your house seem to be closing in on you.

Recreational dog sledding doesn't require a kennel of 50 dogs, as many professional teams keep. With as few as 3 dogs, an adult can hit the trail and comfortably travel. Even one dog is sufficient to pull young children on lightweight sleds for afternoon outings to enjoy the day outdoors.

No dog sledding events in your neck of the woods?...

You can still get into the spirit of dog sledding by taking your dog for a walk in the winter snow to the nearest park or sledding hill near you. Sometimes, watching others have fun in the snow is almost as much fun (if not more) than doing it yourself. And, as long as you walk to your destination, then you and your dog will be getting in some valuable exercise.

Another fun activity is Skijoring, an activity where all that is required is you, your dog and a pair of skis. Even small dogs will enjoy this outdoor activity.

Cross country skiing is a popular activity all throughout the snowbelt. Bring your dog along to enjoy the experience, and you'll find he's just as excited to help pull you along the trail. That's what Skijoring is all about!

With many organized skijoring events held throughout the winter months, you can choose to participate or simply be a spectator. Either way, the fresh air will do you good and help keep the winter blues at bay.

In the end, it's all about getting outdoors and getting some exercise -- with your dog. Once you get the blood moving, you'll feel better and the exercise will help to keep your body fit and and full of energy.

Skijoring takes a little training for the human and the dog, but there's no need for a specific breed. Skijorers recommend a dog weighing more than 40 pounds that can pull and get along with others.

If your dog likes to take you for a walk, that's probably a good skijoring dog.

You'll see people whose dogs are pretty well trained but can't very ski well. You'll see people that can ski and the dogs can pull. And then the pros you'll see they can ski and the dogs can pull.

In the sport of skijoring, it's hard to tell who likes to skijor more -- man or his best friend.

Look at it this way. You take your dog for a walk, you take your dog hunting. Seldom do you work so close together. Bundle up in layers, stay warm, and go out there and enjoy!

DISC DOGS

In our second installment of fun things to do with your dogs we are introducing information on the sport called DISC DOGS:

Disc dog is the more generic name for what is commonly called Frisbee dog. In disc dog competitions, dogs and their human disc throwers compete in events such as distance catching and somewhat choreographed freestyle catching. The sport celebrates the bond between handler and dog, by allowing them to work together. The term "disc" is preferred because "Frisbee" is a trademark (held by Wham-O) for a brand of flying disc.
Format
Teams of one person and one dog compete in the standard distance "toss and fetch" event. Points are awarded to the team for catches at varying distances. Competitions also often feature the dynamic freestyle event, which consists of short routines choregraphed to music with multiple discs in play. The less common long distance events have various formats, but generally the longest catch wins.

Divisions in frisbee dog events are usually based on the skill and experience of the handler. Men and women generally compete in the same divisions for all disciplines, although the long distance category is sometimes divided by gender.

Toss and fetch
Short distance events go by many names, including Toss and Fetch, MiniDistance, Throw and Catch, and Distance/Accuracy. The concept is generally the same. Contestants have 60 seconds to make as many throws as possible on a field marked with increasingly longer distances. The distances generally don't exceed 50 meters for the longest catches. Dogs are awarded points for catches based on the distance of the throw, with mid-air catches rating extra points (in most contests an extra half point when the dog is completely airborne for the catch). Only one disc is used for these events.

Freestyle
Freestyle is a subjectively judged event, similar to Freestyle events like skateboard and snowboard half-pipe, or Freestyle Footbag (Hacky Sack). The team consists of one person (handler) and his or her dog. Depending on the event, the length of a routine might be anywhere from one minute and 30 seconds all the way to three minutes. Teams are judged in categories that include Canine Athleticism, Degree of Difficulty, Showmanship, and so forth. Incredible flips, hyperfast multiple catches, and spectacular vaults make freestyle a popular event with spectators, and it is regarded as the highest level of competitive accomplishment.

Competitions
Today there are several organizations running disc dog tournaments. Most competitions take place in the summer on flat, grassy fields. Winter disc dog contests on soft snow are also popular in places.

Benefits
Dogs of all kinds can play Frisbee. Many World Champion disc dogs have been mixed breed and some were originally rescued from shelters. Dogs from animal shelters and rescue groups can excel at catching flying discs and may even find the activity helpful in overcoming past trauma. Problems that lead to a dog being abandoned, such as hyperactivity, aggression, and destructive or neurotic behavior, are often attributes that can be positively channeled into a sport like flying discs. Sometimes these dogs simply need a consistent job to keep them busy and give them purpose. Many Frisbee dogs also "cross-train" in other dog sports, including agility, flyball, sheepdog trials, and obedience.

Popularity
Part of the popularity of the sport is its accessibility. All that is necessary to enjoy it is a level playing area, a dog, and a flying disc. Also, a little imagination is an extra plus for Freestyle competition. It is estimated that over one million dogs play flying disc in the United States alone, though only a small percentage participate in organized competitions.

Disc dogs are also popular attractions at sporting events as half-time entertainment. Going clear back to Ashley and his 8th inning performance in 1974, Frisbee dogs have performed at countless football, basketball, baseball and soccer halftimes. They are many times found in amusement parks, county fairs and pet festivals of all kinds. There are a very small handful of trainers who even make a living doing these shows.

Disc dog clubs
Disc dog clubs organize and promote the sport on a local level, and work with national organizations to run events. They offer new-comers a way to learn more about the sport, and are a great place for the experienced competitors to give back. Disc dog clubs are usually active in local animal charities, helping to raise money and awareness for such groups. Disc dog clubs can be found all over the United States.. The first club was the Dallas Dog and Disc Club, founded in the mid-1980's by Ron Ellis.

Disc dog training
Not all dogs immediately understand the concept of the game. A dog may not instinctively know to turn and chase after a disc that is thrown over its head. To begin, the disc should be thrown straight to the dog at a short distance. Once a dog knows how to catch, it can learn the additional concept of running to catch the disc. The disc should be thrown at increasing heights, gradually throwing the disc higher, until it finally goes over the dog's head. At that point the dog instinctively follows the disc all the way around.

Information gathered from various sources including but not limited to Wikipedia

OCD in our dogs

Why they do the things they do ... over and over and over again.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in dogs, also called OCD, is a behavior that seems out of context, odd, and directed towards objects, be it the dog himself, or an inanimate object such as a food dish, or wheeled things like cars, bikes, or strollers.
OCD often manifests itself in dogs who are stressed, anxious, or bored, and can be a very maddening experience for the owner. These behaviors can often result in destruction of items, yards, angry neighbours, and seemingly uncontrollable aggression. Obsessive digging, continuous biting at their own feet, barking at nothing, attacking inanimate objects, all are symptoms of OCD.

When OCD is caused by stress, it is important to get help from your veterinarian. A stressed dog is also a potentially dangerous dog. There are medicated therapies available to help your dog deal with stress.

In boredom cases (digging, barking, tail chasing) it is time to step up your dog's activity level. A tired dog is a content dog, and not a compulsive pet. Get out and play more! Take long walks, look into Doggy Daycare, play fetch .. you get the idea. By expending your dog's energy on a safe, fun outlet, you not only ensure that your dog is happy, but you also increase your own bond with your pet, and reduce certain health risks, like accidental ingestion of poison (if your dog is a destruction machine in the house) and obesity.

Seperation Anxiety is often a cause of OCD. How many owners have come home to total destruction?

Compulsive Disorders can also be part of your dog's genetic make-up. Certain breeds are pre-disposed to these behaviors, such as Dobermans, who suck on their skin, German Shepherds, who who chase their own tails, and English Bull Terriers, who have the odd habit of sticking their heads underneath objects and freezing in place. Strange, yes?

From Krista Mifflin, former About.com Guide

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.