How can training be a fun experience for an under-exercised dog? That was the big question for me recently, and one I'll explore in this post. While working at different rescues around the country, I was frequently facing the issue of working with dogs who hadn't gotten a lick of exercise before I took them out to attempt teaching sits, stays, and other Fun and Exciting Lessons of the Day. It only makes sense that kenneled dogs will have pent-up energy that must be released before they can focus on training. But what about our own pups, who hang by our side and snooze on the living room rug? How much exercise do they really need, before you can get to the down and dirty act of obedience training?
The answer depends, of course, on the type, condition, and age of your pooch. A six-month-old pit bull puppy should ideally have an opportunity to run, play fetch, and do a little quality (controlled) wrestling with his people before being expected to learn those boring tricks we humans like so much - things like heel, stay, and down. And since younger dogs are typically the ones with the most intensive training needs within the home, it falls on the human guardian to come up with a regiment that makes the transition from play time to class time seem natural and fun. So, what does that mean for you? Here are a couple of tips to make training more effective and less frustrating for both you and the pup.
(1) Pee first, learn later. Start your training time by getting elimination out of the way first. When you have a full bladder, you're not much of a math wizard, right? Well, the same is true for your pooch. Let him water the tulips and fertilize the daffodils before you attempt a focused training session.
(2) Play, play, play. When I'm walking my own dogs, I begin by taking them out back for potty, then a somewhat frenzied walk to the park where I can let them run and wrestle. While they're playing, we work on things like recall, fetch, stop, and sit - all of which can be done on the fly, with lots of treats and plenty of fun. Just because you're dog is playing doesn't mean learning stops; on the contrary, dogs are much more inclined to enjoy training and retain lessons when there's a game involved.
(3) Tired dogs make the best students. Once you've gotten that initial frenzy out and your pup's tongue is lolling near the pavement, you can work on issues that require a little more concentration. Heeling, extended sit- and down-stays, and recall with added distractions are all lessons that work best with a less stimulated dog. Keep them motivated with treats and lots of praise, and remember to keep that final phase of daily training relatively short for the best results.
Training your dog should never seem like work to the dog. Ideally, it shouldn't seem like work to you, either, but there will invariably be those cloudy days when you'd rather sit at home and watch the world go by. Your pooch, on the other hand, should not only perk up when the leash comes 'round, but should be excited about every aspect of training. If you can work with your pup's natural rhythms rather than fighting against his energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm, than you are well on your way to a well-trained, happy, and healthy canine companion.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Dock Dogs! A Weekend by the Sea
This weekend, the assignment for my all-time favorite paper out there - Downeast Dog News - was to hang by the ocean in Rockland, Maine, while dogs of all shape and size dive (or don't) into an above-ground pool provided by the internationally known Dock Dogs. The Rockland Chamber of Commerce and several area merchants organized the event they called Rock Dogs in less than six weeks, according to event coordinator Mary Bumiller. Walking into the gated area in Buoy Park on Friday morning, however, it was hard to tell just how much they'd been lacking in lead time. Though vendors were few - Loyal Biscuit, Tim Horton's, and the Humane Society of Knox County were up front, with a couple of other vendors selling food at the back of the park - turnout for the event was good, things seemed to flow smoothly, and everyone was having a great time.
Including me. I checked in at the front gate and received a weekend pass for my trouble, then promptly headed for the pool. Dogs in every direction, kids laughing, sun shining. A soaking wet golden retriever sat on my foot for the better part of one of Saturday's games, I fell madly in love with a brindle bullmastiff with the sweetest smile this side of heaven, and got to chat up Bob DeWire, the events manager who was alternately mocked and revered by the jesting emcee under the Dock Dogs tent.
Competitors came from as far away as Virginia, in the case of world competitor Dan Stallings and his amazing Weimeraners, all rescues from Mid-Atlantic Weimeraner Rescue. Steve Sozio and Twister, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, drove up from Baltimore and were also working on getting to the world championships in Oregon this fall. Pics, you say? Why, yes, it turns out I do have some pics:
And just in case you thought every pup who entered just flew into the pool, no questions asked, here's evidence to the contrary: 
And, finally, a video tidbit featuring Holly Merrow and her sweet yellow lab Bear, who was sooo not going in that water:
Including me. I checked in at the front gate and received a weekend pass for my trouble, then promptly headed for the pool. Dogs in every direction, kids laughing, sun shining. A soaking wet golden retriever sat on my foot for the better part of one of Saturday's games, I fell madly in love with a brindle bullmastiff with the sweetest smile this side of heaven, and got to chat up Bob DeWire, the events manager who was alternately mocked and revered by the jesting emcee under the Dock Dogs tent.
Competitors came from as far away as Virginia, in the case of world competitor Dan Stallings and his amazing Weimeraners, all rescues from Mid-Atlantic Weimeraner Rescue. Steve Sozio and Twister, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, drove up from Baltimore and were also working on getting to the world championships in Oregon this fall. Pics, you say? Why, yes, it turns out I do have some pics:
And just in case you thought every pup who entered just flew into the pool, no questions asked, here's evidence to the contrary: 
And, finally, a video tidbit featuring Holly Merrow and her sweet yellow lab Bear, who was sooo not going in that water:Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Blast from the Past: Dogs and Writers
This is actually excerpted from an article I wrote back in 2005, when I was arts editor of the University of Southern Maine Free Press. I was in grad school for Creative Writing at the time, living in an apartment in a bad part of town with my sweet, now dearly departed old Moonshadow. Though my process is a little different with two pups, the sentiment remains the same, and it seems a fitting ode to dear Moon.
It starts out the way any of my writing starts out: I'm pacing the apartment, music blaring, talking to myself, while my giant, nine-year-old mutt Moonshadow looks on. The big dilemma this time out? What's a suitable topic for Lifestyle this issue, since your favorite columnist and mine, Miranda, is taking a well-deserved week off?
Lying on her side, sprawled half-on and half-off of her dog bed, Moon watches me pace. Gauging her reaction, I list possible topics.
"Being an arts editor."
She doesn't blink. She's right: too dull, and far too self-serving. What else do I know?
"Writing."
Moon averts her eyes, clearly pained at the thought.
"The decay of the English language. The decline of education in the face of standardized testing?"
Moon yawns. I've lost her. And then it strikes me: This is my column. Moon, and writing. Writers and dogs.
I shoot off a casual e-mail to my mentor, Lewis Robinson. Lewis has recently rescued Maggie, a sweet old Australian shepherd mix, and so I ask him: How has Maggie changed your routine? Does she help or hinder your writing? Within the hour, I get my response:
"I have to take (Maggie) out four times a day, and while the walks I take her on are endlessly fascinating for her... for me, they're really boring. But it's good for a writer to trudge around. Staring at square after square of sidewalk pavement forces you to clear your head."
Lewis refers me to someone else who might be helpful. Intrigued at his timely and insightful response, I send off another e-mail, this one to all the writers I know. Responses begin coming back almost immediately; some are just one line, some are lengthy diatribes, some are stories, some are poems. Lyman Feero, currently in his second semester of the Creative Writing MFA, writes of a dog that he once had named Grizzly: "Writing is a very solitary business and Griz kept me company... I could always count on him to just sit there and listen as I ran over some plot point or other."
Moon shares similar responsibilities. When I read aloud, she is generally at my feet, listening until I'm finished. She's well-accustomed to my pacing, to the random bursts of music when I'm stumped, to the frenetic schedule and the similarly-minded writer friends who come around. And as for my responsibilities to Moon, the few that there are must be stringently upheld. While Lewis and Maggie have four walks a day, Moon and I are just fine with two - one late in the morning, one in the early evening.
The morning walk is a casual affair, but the evening walk is serious bonding time. It's also the time when I've come up with some of my best story ideas. Every night, no matter what ungodly temperature it might be, Moon and I patrol the neighborhood. When the weather is particularly brutal, I make up scenarios to keep things interesting: I'm a Russian spy, Moon is my tracking hound; I'm a zoologist, Moon's my grizzly bear; the list goes on. Those walks connect me not to the mechanics of being a writer, the act of sitting down in front of a blank computer screen in search of the words, but rather to the essence of what drew me to writing in the first place. They are about imagination, and play, and remembrance that every corner is worth sniffing, every snowbank is there just for the roly-poly pleasure of fresh powder.
So, what is it about writers and dogs that seem innately compatible? From Ernest Hemingway to Alice Walker, there are essays and stories about the ways dogs ground us, reminding us of the need for balance. If writing is, as is often suggested, a quest for meaning and significance in the universe, dogs remind us that there can be meaning, and there can be significance - but there must also be naps and snacks and rolling in the snow.
It starts out the way any of my writing starts out: I'm pacing the apartment, music blaring, talking to myself, while my giant, nine-year-old mutt Moonshadow looks on. The big dilemma this time out? What's a suitable topic for Lifestyle this issue, since your favorite columnist and mine, Miranda, is taking a well-deserved week off?
Lying on her side, sprawled half-on and half-off of her dog bed, Moon watches me pace. Gauging her reaction, I list possible topics.
"Being an arts editor."
She doesn't blink. She's right: too dull, and far too self-serving. What else do I know?
"Writing."
Moon averts her eyes, clearly pained at the thought.
"The decay of the English language. The decline of education in the face of standardized testing?"
Moon yawns. I've lost her. And then it strikes me: This is my column. Moon, and writing. Writers and dogs.
I shoot off a casual e-mail to my mentor, Lewis Robinson. Lewis has recently rescued Maggie, a sweet old Australian shepherd mix, and so I ask him: How has Maggie changed your routine? Does she help or hinder your writing? Within the hour, I get my response:
"I have to take (Maggie) out four times a day, and while the walks I take her on are endlessly fascinating for her... for me, they're really boring. But it's good for a writer to trudge around. Staring at square after square of sidewalk pavement forces you to clear your head."
Lewis refers me to someone else who might be helpful. Intrigued at his timely and insightful response, I send off another e-mail, this one to all the writers I know. Responses begin coming back almost immediately; some are just one line, some are lengthy diatribes, some are stories, some are poems. Lyman Feero, currently in his second semester of the Creative Writing MFA, writes of a dog that he once had named Grizzly: "Writing is a very solitary business and Griz kept me company... I could always count on him to just sit there and listen as I ran over some plot point or other."
Moon shares similar responsibilities. When I read aloud, she is generally at my feet, listening until I'm finished. She's well-accustomed to my pacing, to the random bursts of music when I'm stumped, to the frenetic schedule and the similarly-minded writer friends who come around. And as for my responsibilities to Moon, the few that there are must be stringently upheld. While Lewis and Maggie have four walks a day, Moon and I are just fine with two - one late in the morning, one in the early evening.
The morning walk is a casual affair, but the evening walk is serious bonding time. It's also the time when I've come up with some of my best story ideas. Every night, no matter what ungodly temperature it might be, Moon and I patrol the neighborhood. When the weather is particularly brutal, I make up scenarios to keep things interesting: I'm a Russian spy, Moon is my tracking hound; I'm a zoologist, Moon's my grizzly bear; the list goes on. Those walks connect me not to the mechanics of being a writer, the act of sitting down in front of a blank computer screen in search of the words, but rather to the essence of what drew me to writing in the first place. They are about imagination, and play, and remembrance that every corner is worth sniffing, every snowbank is there just for the roly-poly pleasure of fresh powder.
So, what is it about writers and dogs that seem innately compatible? From Ernest Hemingway to Alice Walker, there are essays and stories about the ways dogs ground us, reminding us of the need for balance. If writing is, as is often suggested, a quest for meaning and significance in the universe, dogs remind us that there can be meaning, and there can be significance - but there must also be naps and snacks and rolling in the snow.
Friday, April 16, 2010
5 Things to Look For in Online Dog Training Courses
While the economy continues to take a nosedive, the pet business just keeps booming, with the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association predicting sales topping 47 billion dollars in 2010. With all of this attention (and cash) spent on our four-legged friends, there are invariably a host of new businesses looking to cash in. One of these is the online university, specializing in (or at least offering) courses in obedience training. Since I’m actually an alum of two of these online institutes (Animal Behavior College and the Companion Animal Sciences Institute), it made sense to me to offer a bit of advice on what to look for if you’re interested in enrolling in one of these programs.
(1) What is the institution’s training philosophy? In my opinion, positive training is an absolute must - I believe (or at least I hope) that you would be hard-pressed to find an organization using traditional training methods (corrections/punishment versus positive reinforcement) at this point in time, but I’m sure if you looked hard enough, you could probably find someone. Here are some promising buzzwords: positive training; positive reinforcement; rewards-based training; clicker training… The list goes on. Speak with an actual, live representative from the school to find out their philosophy, as well as their take on such hot topics as Cesar Millan, Breed Specific Legislation, and punishment versus reward in training.
(2) Is there a practicum or internship required? Dog training is not a hands-off career. While there’s definitely a lot of theory involved, the reality is that you need to have a very high comfort level performing the techniques being taught with a variety of dogs. The program through Animal Behavior College requires an “externship,” in which each student must work with an approved trainer either in group classes or in a shelter setting. In the shelter setting, the student must complete a minimum of 7 90-minute sessions with the trainer, as well as 18 hours of practice sessions working with shelter dogs, and 10 hours of volunteer time at the shelter. The group class module requires that you go through a class with your own dog, observe another class, and actively assist in still another class, in addition to the 10 hours volunteering at a local shelter. To be honest, I was initially a little arrogant about the whole process - after all, I was running a rescue at the time, and spent 24/7 with anywhere from ten to thirty dogs right in my own backyard. I had the whole thing wired, right?
Not by a long shot. I was fortunate enough to actually do both modules of the program, beginning by taking my pup Adie through a basic obedience class at Bella’s K-9 Academy in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. We were far from a flawless duo, and the experience of actually being a student was invaluable to the process of becoming an instructor. Then, when I came up to Maine to do the shelter module, I began working with Marie Finnegan and was once again very humbled to realize that, frankly, I don’t have a clue yet. And if it weren’t for the ABC requirement of hands-on time with both dogs and knowledgeable instructors, I still wouldn’t have a clue. In short: Make sure there’s a bare minimum of twenty hours working with a trained professional as part of the curriculum.
(3) How do students and instructors communicate with one another? The Companion Animal Sciences Institute, where I’m currently studying canine nutrition, has a yahoo group for both students and instructors. It’s a great tool to create a feeling of community in the otherwise somewhat solitary pursuit that is online learning. The instructors moderate the conversations, provide direction when there are questions, and are generally just a very positive, informed presence in the group. Animal Behavior College does not offer anything along those lines, and I have to admit that I think the program suffers as a result. The externship mentors I’ve worked with have been great, but it would still be nice to be able to touch base with other students in the program to find out a little about their experiences, chat about philosophies, and even just plain network a little.
(4) What is the curriculum? This may seem like kind of a basic question, but while researching this topic, I was amazed at how many online training courses do not provide access to the curriculum before a prospective student signs up. Before enrolling in any course, you should be able to learn the following: Reading list (both recommended and required); faculty profiles; course structure and duration; exam requirements and how they are administered; and a breakdown of each topic you’ll be studying.
(5) What kind of credibility does the certification gain in dog training circles? The reality is that dog trainers are not legally required to have any type of certification or training before declaring themselves trainers. Most (though definitely not all) pet owners are now savvy enough to ask some questions, however, and so it will serve you well to have just as many training tools, classes, and certifications under your belt as possible. However, log on with some obedience training groups through Yahoo, Facebook, or Myspace and ask questions about the program you’re looking at. Have other trainers heard of the school? Do they know anyone who has completed the program? Don’t let someone else’s input be your final decision, but weigh it with the other factors I’ve listed here and you’ll likely make a great decision that will put you well on your way to becoming a quality dog trainer.
(1) What is the institution’s training philosophy? In my opinion, positive training is an absolute must - I believe (or at least I hope) that you would be hard-pressed to find an organization using traditional training methods (corrections/punishment versus positive reinforcement) at this point in time, but I’m sure if you looked hard enough, you could probably find someone. Here are some promising buzzwords: positive training; positive reinforcement; rewards-based training; clicker training… The list goes on. Speak with an actual, live representative from the school to find out their philosophy, as well as their take on such hot topics as Cesar Millan, Breed Specific Legislation, and punishment versus reward in training.
(2) Is there a practicum or internship required? Dog training is not a hands-off career. While there’s definitely a lot of theory involved, the reality is that you need to have a very high comfort level performing the techniques being taught with a variety of dogs. The program through Animal Behavior College requires an “externship,” in which each student must work with an approved trainer either in group classes or in a shelter setting. In the shelter setting, the student must complete a minimum of 7 90-minute sessions with the trainer, as well as 18 hours of practice sessions working with shelter dogs, and 10 hours of volunteer time at the shelter. The group class module requires that you go through a class with your own dog, observe another class, and actively assist in still another class, in addition to the 10 hours volunteering at a local shelter. To be honest, I was initially a little arrogant about the whole process - after all, I was running a rescue at the time, and spent 24/7 with anywhere from ten to thirty dogs right in my own backyard. I had the whole thing wired, right?
Not by a long shot. I was fortunate enough to actually do both modules of the program, beginning by taking my pup Adie through a basic obedience class at Bella’s K-9 Academy in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. We were far from a flawless duo, and the experience of actually being a student was invaluable to the process of becoming an instructor. Then, when I came up to Maine to do the shelter module, I began working with Marie Finnegan and was once again very humbled to realize that, frankly, I don’t have a clue yet. And if it weren’t for the ABC requirement of hands-on time with both dogs and knowledgeable instructors, I still wouldn’t have a clue. In short: Make sure there’s a bare minimum of twenty hours working with a trained professional as part of the curriculum.
(3) How do students and instructors communicate with one another? The Companion Animal Sciences Institute, where I’m currently studying canine nutrition, has a yahoo group for both students and instructors. It’s a great tool to create a feeling of community in the otherwise somewhat solitary pursuit that is online learning. The instructors moderate the conversations, provide direction when there are questions, and are generally just a very positive, informed presence in the group. Animal Behavior College does not offer anything along those lines, and I have to admit that I think the program suffers as a result. The externship mentors I’ve worked with have been great, but it would still be nice to be able to touch base with other students in the program to find out a little about their experiences, chat about philosophies, and even just plain network a little.
(4) What is the curriculum? This may seem like kind of a basic question, but while researching this topic, I was amazed at how many online training courses do not provide access to the curriculum before a prospective student signs up. Before enrolling in any course, you should be able to learn the following: Reading list (both recommended and required); faculty profiles; course structure and duration; exam requirements and how they are administered; and a breakdown of each topic you’ll be studying.
(5) What kind of credibility does the certification gain in dog training circles? The reality is that dog trainers are not legally required to have any type of certification or training before declaring themselves trainers. Most (though definitely not all) pet owners are now savvy enough to ask some questions, however, and so it will serve you well to have just as many training tools, classes, and certifications under your belt as possible. However, log on with some obedience training groups through Yahoo, Facebook, or Myspace and ask questions about the program you’re looking at. Have other trainers heard of the school? Do they know anyone who has completed the program? Don’t let someone else’s input be your final decision, but weigh it with the other factors I’ve listed here and you’ll likely make a great decision that will put you well on your way to becoming a quality dog trainer.
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Wonders of Motel 6
There was an article recently in one of the many dog-related magazines to which I subscribe, all about pet travel. Glossy, full-page photos of pet-friendly hotels were scattered throughout; hotel rooms came equipped with hand-crafted doggie dishes, and there were even menus from room service especially for your canine companion. Which all sounds great, but... Here's the thing: Spending the night in one of these hotels was just slightly less than the gross national product of Namibia. Which is why I'm such a great fan of Motel 6 - the very same one that will "leave the light on for ya."
Motel 6 boasts that it is the "original pet-friendly motel.". During cross-country treks with my two monsters, Adia and Killian, I've been able to affordably and comfortably spend the night at Motel 6's from Nevada to New Hampshire. They truly do make traveling with pets that much simpler, with no added expense. If you are planning on staying in a Motel 6 - or any pet-friendly hotel/motel, for that matter - here are some tips to keep things running smoothly.
(1) Call ahead! The official policy of Motel 6 is that they will accept one well-behaved dog per room (as long as it is not in violation of local breed-specific legislation), however by calling ahead and giving some specs on my pups, they okay'd me having two in the room. And my guys aren't small - Killian is about eighty pounds, and Adie is forty-five.
(2) Be a considerate pet owner. That means cleaning up after your guys during walks, not leaving your pooches unattended in the room for excessive periods of time (particularly if they're barkers!), and bringing along a crate if your dogs are not well house-trained or are excessive chewers.
(3) Bring toys and treats. Once you're in the room, make sure to have some chewy treats handy for your guys, to keep them from chowing down on the furniture. A stuffed Kong, nyla-bone, or other heavy-duty toy should keep everyone happy and mellow while you recharge before hitting the road once more.
Follow these few simple tips, and you'll be on your way to having a great time exploring the globe with your furry friends.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
A Day at Wag It, Inc.
Another on-site assignment! This time, I head to Lincolnville to spend the morning watching classes at Wag It, Inc., one of the coolest agility/obedience training centers in all of Maine. Sumac Grant-Johnson runs the place; she's won prizes and done trainings and is pretty much Guru of All Things Agility 'round these parts. I'm doing an article on ways that our dogs keep us fit and push us outside our comfort zones. Sumac suggested I sit in on this particular class because several of the students are actually in their seventies.
I've been to Wag It before, because I took Adie to a rally seminar about a year ago. The facility is 3800 square feet, and it has those awesome rubber mats I've always dreamed of having - plus agility equipment in every direction. I LOVE agility equipment. I don't even know why, but the colors and shapes and textures always get me excited and motivated to turn Adie into the Champion Agility-Meister I just know she could be. I'm flying solo today, though - no Adie, no Killian. Just me and my trusty camera, plus my brand new tape recorder that I purchased in the hopes that I would stop freaking out about potentially misquoting people. Now there's no chance - it's all right at my fingertips, to play over and over and over and over again.Susanne Ward, who runs Rock City Books and Coffee in Rockland, is here with her two Irish Water Spaniels, Desmond and Rosie. Back when Susanne and her partner Patrick first moved to the midcoast, I was just getting out of high school and we'd never actually had something as cool as a coffee shop - forget one that sold books, too. Susanne served me my first - and last - espresso when I was barely nineteen. Now, it's a whole lot of years later, and she's never looked better. Still hip, still sharp, and her dogs are pretty much running rings around everyone else. Between you and me, I've always had a little bit of a Girlcrush on Susanne, and today does nothing to change my feelings. And her dogs are amazing - Desmond even knows how to skateboard!
Marilyn Stearns, a former business teacher at Medomak Valley High School, is here with her rescued dog Lacey. At seventy-four, she's racing up and down the agility course, shouting and laughing and clearly very intent on getting little Lacey over the next hurdle (and up on the table, which is a little high for poor Lace).
.
I meet Perri Moore, another woman in her seventies, who comes with her daughter Brandi and her two rescued Shelties. Perri has Parkinson's disease; coming out to Wag It once a week during the winter months keeps her active and social when things are too slick to risk a trek in the great outdoors. There are Scotties and mutts and poodles and a long-haired whippet named Perseus who is just about the most gorgeous thing on four legs:
By the time the second class is winding down, I'm so gung ho on agility I'm ready to sign both Killian and Adia up on the spot. I don't know how they'll feel about the whole experience, but I'm more than ready to tear it up in the ring. And convinced more than ever that the Dogged Life is the key to a world of fitness and good times
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