It is snowing hard and finally quiet
Pat Muller
I hope everyone is surviving the winter. I had a fun weekend, Sara
came down from Minnesota. She brought Lynn's two girls back here.
She also brought a really nice rescue Lakie boy. We worked with Pete
and he did well.
Sara also brought Lucy, she is Kate's sister. Lucy will spend some
time with no pressure and then begin learning a new "occupation." I
do not have a specific veteran in mind, there are a number to choose
from. I will work with Lucy for a while and then make a decision.
If she is anything (and she seems to be) like Kate, WOW, someone is
going to be VERY lucky.
Sara also brought a pair of 4 month old Australian Shepherd girls. We
have been talking and I told Sara that she would enjoy working and
living with a herder. Wouldn't you know, she was listening and came
across these two girls...made a phone call....and POOF....she owned
them.
One is very outgoing and one is much less so but they are the same
dog. Sara chose the outgoing girl. It was so much fun to do that
lesson. Zee did her Zee thing and that puppy caught on to everything
so fast.
I chose to do the handling exercises first and once that was done, the
puppy could not have been more willing. Zee and I spent about an hour
and the puppy knew all of the basics. So far neither puppy has a name
and if Sara isn't careful, she will be called Puppy the rest of her
life.
Yesterday was extra special because Val and Smokey were also here.
The three of us were able to sneak away for a good lunch and that made
the day even better.
I have missed writing on this site but I am trying to get my other
writing assignment done. That new website is going to be wonderful
BUT it sure is a lot of work!
Later
Pat
Sara Peterka
It was a very good time at Pat's. We got to visit and do a bit of training. I really wish we lived closer so it wasn't such a herculean task to get there.
Anyway the aussie pup is doing well, she plows through this snow with the greatest of ease and is by far, the best of the dogs around here to move through the stuff. Everyone else is lazy or ? and sticks to the path, but she blazes her own. I hope to raise her to be a service dog.
Pete is doing well and has shown much improvement since coming. I hope he continues on this path. So many good things about the boy, but he's got some barrier aggression issues that were nothing to be taken likely. Although he has improved greatly, I always worry rescue dogs will revert when they are rehomed.
Annie and Chanti did well here. They are off and running on their show careers.
It was hard to say goodbye to Lucy. She is a hard working girl, always putting in 110%. I hope there is a special veteran out there who could use the services of such a hard working girl.
Sara
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "Manners In Minutes Dog Training: Using the Q-collar" group.
> To post to this group, send email to
> mim-dog-training-...@googlegroups.com.
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
> mim-dog-training-using-...@googlegroups.com.
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/mim-dog-training-using-the-q-collar?hl=en.
--
"Vices are sometimes only virtues carried to excess! "
— Charles Dickens
shel
more about your new pup and your trip.
-shel
Sara Peterka
----- "shel" <shel...@gmail.com> wrote:
The trip was pretty quick. Pat summerized it well. I was there for less than 24 hours, we went out to eat and Pat had other appointments during that time as well. That's what happens when the weather throws monkey wrenches in all the plans and things get rescheduled.
Add to that, I have been a bit scattered. Our foster daughter has thrown us quite a few loops. Never a dull moment on that front!
The Aussie pup is kind of on the back burner til after Christmas. Keeping 5 dogs ring ready was keeping me busy with grooming, but now Lucy is gone and Lynn's 2 are gone. Goodie says she'd like to grow her hair out a bit. That cuts me back to Roxy, and she may be heading out east, where they show all year round.
Aussies are quite a bit different than Lakies. It was fun watching to see the difference in how they learned.
Pat said it is difficult for an Aussie to learn a concept and much easier for a Lakie to learn those types of commands. "Easy" is something so simple for a Lakie to understand, but the Aussie really struggled with the meaning of that word. She wasn't sure if it meant sit or down or ? It was obvious she wanted to find a position to be in rather than toning down her attitude.
The other thing that is hard for her to learn is to greet calmly. She really wants to be up on people. Jumping is a favorite activity for this one. Since jumping is a way to greet, it becomes difficult to call her in and then to have her be "easy", when she comes, she comes like a verticle freight train. So coming like a frieght train and then stopping a couple feet out will need to be taught. If I get after her for jumping then she doesnt want to come.
I am sure that sit, down, stand will be so easy to get rock solid in her, but....I'm seeing that a Lakie can more easily pick up on a "way of being", so that it will likely be much easier to live with a Lakie.
Sara
Pat Muller
Hi
> Pat said it is difficult for an Aussie to learn a concept and much easier for a Lakie to learn those types of commands. "Easy" is something so simple for a Lakie to understand, but the Aussie really struggled with the meaning of that word. She wasn't sure if it meant sit or down or ? It was obvious she wanted to find a position to be in rather than toning down her attitude.
properly conditioned, resents being told what to do.
> The other thing that is hard for her to learn is to greet calmly. She really wants to be up on people. Jumping is a favorite activity for this one. Since jumping is a way to greet, it becomes difficult to call her in and then to have her be "easy", when she comes, she comes like a verticle freight train. So coming like a frieght train and then stopping a couple feet out will need to be taught. If I get after her for jumping then she doesnt want to come.
>
> I am sure that sit, down, stand will be so easy to get rock solid in her, but....I'm seeing that a Lakie can more easily pick up on a "way of being", so that it will likely be much easier to live with a Lakie.
greeting people. You simply have to first tell the Aussie to Sit and
then be Easy. You will have the perfect dog after three repetitions.
Think about Zee, she LOVES to jump on people. Even tho she knows what
I mean by Easy, I am always prepared to tell her Off, Back Off, Sit,
Go To Your House or Wait first.
Because Zee will do as I say, no one ever realizes just how obnoxious
Zee really is; and yes, she is well on her way to being qualified to
be a service dog.
The Puppy, whatever her name is, is going to be a great dog. Her
sister, Puppy, is doing great. She is friendly, happy, is going in
and out and eating just fine. Tomorrow is her day.
Pat
Pat Rock
jumping on me I have employed the "Running Backwards Game" with good
success. When the dog jumps on me in greeting I smile, praise and at the
same time grab both front legs and force the dog to run backwards on its
hind legs for a couple of yards.
In other words, I teach the dog that jumping up on me is a request to play
the Running Backwards Game. They don't like being forced to run backwards,
so it isn't long before they stop "asking" to play the game.
Pat Muller
That certainly would work for large, rough dogs. I have used that
method many times only I call it Dancing. There are a number of such
quick fixes BUT remember, Sara's goal is that this dog become a calm,
compliant service dog. No person with physical limitations, or who is
very old or very short can possibily play the game you described.
When training service dogs my rule is EVERYTHING the dog is taught has
to be done in a way that the youngest, oldest, weakest, most limited
member of a family can duplicate the training. At this point, Sara
telling that Puppy to sit and be easy will work for anyone. The other
thing to remember about Service Dog training is that eventually Sara
will probably want the dog to jump up on a walker or the arm of a
wheelchair.
Many of the more physical fixes will cause the dog to be fearful of
ever jumping up. So at this point, especially with a soft, young
puppy, I would not use any big physical activity to train or control
any behaviors.
Remember, this was that Puppy's first training session and this is not
a rough dog. Believe me, she will be just fine.
Pat
Sara Peterka
----- "Pat Muller" <qua...@inwave.com> wrote:
> Sara, you just answered your question about the dog jumping up when
> greeting people. You simply have to first tell the Aussie to Sit and
> then be Easy. You will have the perfect dog after three repetitions.
> Think about Zee, she LOVES to jump on people. Even tho she knows
> what
> I mean by Easy, I am always prepared to tell her Off, Back Off, Sit,
> Go To Your House or Wait first.
The puppy likes people, but still does not see the real value in them. Therefore, greeting like a verticle freight train is fun, sitting and being calm for rubs is just starting to sink in. It is a delicate balancing act, tolerating enough exhuberance so the puppy enjoys humans, and asking to her tone it down gradually enough that she doesn't shut down. She'll get it, I just don't want to put so much pressure on her that she shuts down.
>
> Because Zee will do as I say, no one ever realizes just how obnoxious
> Zee really is; and yes, she is well on her way to being qualified to
> be a service dog.
>
> The Puppy, whatever her name is, is going to be a great dog. Her
> sister, Puppy, is doing great. She is friendly, happy, is going in
> and out and eating just fine. Tomorrow is her day.
>
> Pat
I am looking forward to hearing how she does. She came to me pretty reserved and as she adjusted and got used to me she was oh so sweet. I hope she will turn out to be the nice softer dog for the couple you had mentioned.
Sara
Pat Muller
Sara
For the last couple of days, a number of people have gone in the
kennel to visit the girl. Already she is getting friendly and comes
right up to the door of the kennel for most of them. There is a class
this morning and I will have a big surprise for them.
I plan to introduce them to all of next year's "training projects."
These are dogs that have been given up for one reason or another; once
temperaments are assessed, there will be rehabilitation. When the
baggage is dealt with, training will begin and then there will be some
VERY exciting and positive placements.
Most of these dogs have little baggage and I know they will will give
the veterans some great experiences. And better yet, most of these
dogs will be very easy to successfully place in new homes.
At this point, our training "projects" are:
Lucy- 3 year old beautiful Lakie girl. Lucy is Kate's sister and she
is just as sweet. Lucy just needs a bit of education and then to be
placed with the veteran in need of the skills we teach her.
Simon- WONDERFUL Lakie puppy. He is a blank slate with unlimited
possibilities.
Ben- Really nice rescue Lakeland boy
Max- 6 month old Sheltie boy.
Jake- 2 1/2 year old Cocker boy who will be going with one of our
veterans
Roxie- 4 year old yellow Lab, who will be moving to Colorado to serve
a special woman who is in need of a Service dog.
Bach- 3(?) year old Lakeland boy who is READY to become whatever we
teach him. This boy could really be a fun competition dog.
Puppy (name pending)- 4 month old Australian Shepherd that is ready to
learn.
Lilly- 2 year old loving, funny and very happy Lakie girl with a
couple of special needs.
Linnie- 2 year old very soft Lakie girl that needs to toughen up a bit
and become a show dog.
Mia- 8 month old Airedale girl. Knows the basics and is ready to
begin her service dog training.
Annie- 8 month old BEAUTIFUL Airedale girl. Needs to become Kinzee
and master a variety of skills.
Emmett- 18 month old big, beautiful male Doberman that will be
coming. Once I actually have him here, I will decide about his
training.
Other than these training dogs, I still have my own cast of characters
to keep challenged and busy.
( and yes, I really do need Ruby by the way!)
Can you even try to imagine how much training fun is waiting for us?
I can hardly wait to get started.
This is going to be
one terrific year
Pat
Janis Moore
learning stories for all of us.
Sara, this is so cool that you are sending yet another Lakie to help a
veteran. I am always impressed with what you do.
From being in agility class with some well behaved Aussies, I have
learned to enjoy the breed. The folks that own them are under control,
the dogs run well in agility. Sometimes their barking on course gets a
bit tiresome, but not all do that. For the most part they are
friendly, well behaved and since Cassie was brought up around Zee, her
and the Aussies have made friends.
Sara, I am now a total convert, you have not trained a dog until you
have trained a Lakeland, after that you can train any breed; I am
sure that you will be successful with any dog you decide to work with.
Janis
Sara Peterka
It sounds like you are well set up to have an excellent year!
Sara
Pat Muller
Hi
Maybe we should just call them Puppy 1 and Puppy 2 until something
more permanent is established. For Puppy 2, that ( I am VERY sure) is
not a long time from now.
Scott & Pam just left. It is Christmas Eve and they have been trying
to make it out to meet the girl, sadly last Monday, Pam fell and broke
her arm. So the visit was put off until today.
Sara, I wish you could have seen this puppy! Since last Tues. I have
been taking her to classes with me. So Puppy 2 has spent hours tied
to a 40# weight. Because of those hours, if anything is going on
Puppy 2 now just goes to that spot and lies on the rug. So this
morning when S & P came, I turned Londyn, Zee, Max (the Sheltie) and
Puppy 2 loose. All of them just followed us into the training
building.
I wish you could have seen those people's faces when they saw the
puppy CHOOSE to go lie down instead of playing with Max the Evil
Child! Max is not really bad for a Terrier BUT for a Sheltie he has
become LOTS of dog! That will make him an even more wonderful family
dog. There is nothing wimpy about Max and as I always say: "Any dog
is better if it is raised by a Lakeland." Max is living proof that
this is true.
Max will not be a service dog because of his size BUT, as an Emotional
Support Dog, Max (eventually) will be willing to accompany his person
anywhere. So while Puppy 2 was being good, laying on her rug, rotten
Max was trying to pull her lead and take the girl for a walk. I
seldom allow the two to play together because neither has anything
valuable to teach, instead, they both need appropriate dogs to learn
from.
BUT they also need some play so today I let them. It was interesting
because neither has been allowed to be top dog and because Max is
older and has had more experience, it was his turn. Puppy 2 is larger
but that doesn't matter, after all, Londyn is much shorter.
Anyway, when Boss Man Max started to play, Puppy 2 respectfully laid
down. Max tried pulling the lead, Puppy 2 would not budge. At that
point, Max began to jump back and forth over her back. That's when I
decided Max needed a time out.
Pam & Scott had to leave and I told them to really think about all the
things we talked about. They were both smiling and nodding their
heads BUT I have a feeling the decision has already been made. I am
expecting a phone call and at that point, Puppy 2 will have a new
name.
Puppy 2 and her new people will have a month before making the big
move and in the meantime, they will participate in her education. In
that way, when she finally does go home this special puppy truly will
be just about perfect; and her new people will have learned how to
keep her that way.
As far as I am concerned, this is the ONLY way to do rescue. Rescue
saves the dog but it is Rehabilitation that makes the dog safe, useful
and very wonderful companion. I known Scott and Pam for many years.
I have helped them with all three of their very, much loved dogs.
Today I introduced them to the best dog they will ever own. Until
today they have NEVER understood what living with a great dog really
is.
Don't get me wrong, their dogs are happy, VERY well cared for, much
valued members of the family and they believe me, they have security;
they have opinions and are not always as compliant as they should be.
I can't wait to begin the process, it is going to be great.
...and this will be one lucky little herder.
Pat
Pat Muller
Hi
Well, it is the day after Christmas. We have been to the grocery
store and there was a normal number of people. I have had a nap and
things are quiet. There are a few dogs going home tonight but a
number that will be here until next weekend. I can't believe how
peaceful it is around here.
Because the kennel is full, I have lots of dogs up here. Skippy,
Linnie, Lucy, Londyn, Zee, Puppy 2, Max, Diamond, Buster and Y-lee. I
turn all of them out together except Buster & Y. The whole bunch of
them have a great time running through the snow. Puppy 2 now has an
official name and that will be Hanna.
There was a message on my machine today and Hanna has a great home
waiting to welcome her in probably within 2-3 weeks. Hanna is doing
very well and I'm happy for her. The next time Pam & Scott see her
they will be surprised, she is no longer that shy, soft puppy.
Instead, Hanna is becoming a bright, happy dog with a wonderfully
willing attitude.
I am excited, this is a great match.
There is another interesting happening going on every night, the
possums are back. As before, I feed the barn cats every night. I fix
feed for them and if there are any left overs, I throw those in as
well. Normally, there is some left that gets frozen in the pans. I
just keep adding the food and when there is a thaw, I add more warm
water and the cats eventually clean it up.
When the possum are around, the pans are licked CLEAN. Last Spring a
young possum began showing up for dinner. He is stupid and has
encountered the dogs now and then so he has learned to stay hidden.
But every now and then, I catch a glimpse of him waddling in to the
barn. Most nights he will wait until I leave to come out but if he is
really hungry, he will come out as long as I am not in the stall.
I was suspicious about how many possums because not only are the pans
slick and clean, and the food pans often moved around. I am also
finding many big piles of poop.
So the other night I waited them out. I have determined that I have 4
kittens, 8 grown cats and 2 possums that show up at my resturant every
night. A couple more days, it will be the New Year and everything
starts over.
Later
Pat
Sara Peterka
I am surprised Lucy lets the possum be. My vet told me that possum carry a disease horses can catch and so we have actively hunted them (not last year but the year before). Maybe she is just adjusting to your crew.
Anyway, things are really quiet around here. I am at my lowest numbers in years and the foster kid is at family's, I am enjoying my alone time!
btw the rescue in FL is not 7, but actually 12, has a bite history and a significant allergy problem, the owner turned him in for euth. I just really feel let down by the shelter system. SHAME ON THEM!
Sara
Pat Muller
Sara
I turn the dogs out after I feed the cats so by the time Lucy and
company are out there, the cats and possums are seated at their table.
I am glad they dealt with that dog before you had to make a trip to
the airport, picked him up, possibily got bitten and then make the
same decision. A 12 year old dog with those issues should not be
placed.
Now you can concentrate on the dogs with the possibilities. Puppy 1
is gonna be a great dog, thanks to that good boy, Husker Du. I know
what that's like, my males are just like him...and it is wonderful.
I have had to separate Max (Sheltie) from Hanna, because unlike a good
Lakeland, Max lies and tells her that goofy is good. Zee hates all
things silly, busy, loud, fast or obnoxious and makes that very
clear. Skippy is just being a pain as usual.
Pat
Sara Peterka
She feels sad and betrayed.
Sara
LH
dogs... Sara, how neat that you have an Aussie!
That is a breed that I think I could enjoy.
that she remains in touch with you and that she gets some support for
what needs to be done with this dog. How sad that the dog was left
for euthanasia, but it wasn't done- I wonder if the former owner
knows. But why didn't the owner go to the veterinarian to see it
through? Cowardly. We've all been there, the last caring person,
although caring still a stranger, for the old dog's last
appointment.
Lisa
Pat Muller
Hi Sara
...on a happier note; Tonight was a very small class, only two dogs
plus my group of crazies. One couple had their big Pit Bull that 1
1/2 weeks ago would have killed me if it got the chance. BUT they
have been working very hard and Tyler is doing great. He still wears
a muzzle just for: 1) assurance that Tyler cannot make a mistake 2) so
we can safely condition Tyler to make good decisions. 3) and any
mistakes are not costly.
The other couple were here to spend time with Ms. Hanna. Oh my what a
nice dog she is! Hanna needed imprinting so Zee, Diamond, Linnie and
Max were there and ready to go to work. Hanna will be a great dog but
is lacking in socialization.
Remember: Socialization is teaching the dog to trust you anywhere.
Since her arrival, Hanna is getting VERY social and confident in a
limited, controlled setting. But when you move her to a new location
or throw unfamiliar distractions in the mix, she heads for cover. So
tonight I showed both couples how I handle Imprinting a new puppy.
Hanna did pretty well but really reacted to big and noisy. Because of
her reaction, I let Zee show Hanna how she should react to those big
scary things. Although she was still a bit worried, Hanna did great.
Next time I have a feeling Hanna will poo poo the whole thing.
When we finished working, Hanna went over to her new people and laid
down on the floor between them. She knew she was safe and just went
to sleep. I was proud and both couples were amazed, I am sure neither
has seen a puppy this young be this respectful, calm and well behaved.
Sara, if Puppy #1 is doing half as good, I know you have a great dog
with unlimited potential. It is so much fun to work with a blank
slate.
Later
Pat
Sara Peterka
I'm glad to hear Hanna is doing well. She never complained here about anything, I tied her and she'd just wait patiently (that is, of course, once she got used to a collar and lead), she never picked a fight and was much more appropriate at play than her sister. Her sister would get in trouble for being rambunctious and Hanna never was.
That is exactly why I thought Hanna would do good with you, I like the ones that are a little (small amount) naughty. It is easier for me to get one to tone it down a little than it is for me to bring one up a little. With all the coming and going at your place, it is the perfect socialization place for Hanna.
Puppy #1 is doing well. I don't know what the heck is going on. I though after Christmas, things would slow down, but I have had extensive meetings or Christmas gatherings since last Friday. I just want to stay home and play with my dogs!
Now we are supposed to get rain (up to a half an inch) on top of the 3 ft of snow we have on the ground. We have to shovel the snow off the roof of all the buildings our things are in (we rent buildings off our property). Fun, fun, fun after work today! Maybe puppy #1 can learn to shovel!
Sara
Pat Muller
Hanna is doing so well. She has gained in confidence and decision
making skills. Scott and Pam look at her with THAT look in their eyes
and we have established both goals and a plan. Then yesterday, Hanna
went on her first home visit.
S & P arrived around 10:30 am and we discussed a few questions, new
policies and concerns. They are doing so well and are trying very
hard to do what is right for them and Hanna. One of my biggest
concerns is about their present dogs. The dogs are ok but they want
Hanna to be great and for that reason, those dogs are not appropriate
Imprinting Dogs for the puppy.
Bypassing the influence of those dogs in a blank slate is a very
interesting process and I love the fact that these people are so open
and willing to go along with my plan. I am presenting the information
and they are making the decisions. It is great and the end results
will be their reward.
So our plan is progressing and yesterday went well. Zee will continue
to do the lion's share of imprinting and although Hanna will be
exposed to the two dogs, there will be very little interaction and NO
play. The plan is that Hanna will continue to live here for about a
month but she will have some overnights as well.
In Hanna's crate she now has a worn tee shirt and a rope tug. For the
first time in her life, Hanna has possessions and that is a huge
message to her. Not only does she have possessions, they smell like
those nice visitors that keep coming back to pet her and take her for
walks.
Since returning, Hanna's attitude is different, she is a very happy
puppy, much more animated and joyful. What a lucky little dog this
is. Sara, you did good.
> That is exactly why I thought Hanna would do good with you, I like the ones that are a little (small amount) naughty. It is easier for me to get one to tone it down a little than it is for me to bring one up a little. With all the coming and going at your place, it is the perfect socialization place for Hanna.
Linnie I am WORKING. Linnie is really coming up and is a full fledged
Farm Dog. She, Lucy, Skippy, Zee and Diamond are all free to explore
and "Do Evil." Because it is so cold, it is a perfect time to allow
this because they get cold are very ready to come in after a very
short time.
I want Hanna to observe that without regular participation so she is
tied on a long line. Hanna is learning without any rough play or
harsh corrections from Zee. Because of this, Hanna is staying
perfectly respectful of all the dogs no matter what the size. Later
on, this will be a VERY good thing.
> Puppy #1 is doing well. I don't know what the heck is going on. I though after Christmas, things would slow down, but I have had extensive meetings or Christmas gatherings since last Friday. I just want to stay home and play with my dogs!
> Now we are supposed to get rain (up to a half an inch) on top of the 3 ft of snow we have on the ground. We have to shovel the snow off the roof of all the buildings our things are in (we rent buildings off our property). Fun, fun, fun after work today! Maybe puppy #1 can learn to shovel!
Later
Pat
Sara Peterka
----- "Pat Muller" <qua...@inwave.com> wrote:
> In Hanna's crate she now has a worn tee shirt and a rope tug. For
> the
> first time in her life, Hanna has possessions and that is a huge
> message to her. Not only does she have possessions, they smell like
> those nice visitors that keep coming back to pet her and take her for
> walks.
>
> Since returning, Hanna's attitude is different, she is a very happy
> puppy, much more animated and joyful. What a lucky little dog this
> is. Sara, you did good.
Good for her. They were both such nice puppies, uneducated, but nice. I knew Hanna would do well in the right setting, but would likely need a little extra work to get there.
>
> You are right about the soft ones being more work- between Hanna and
> Linnie I am WORKING. Linnie is really coming up and is a full
> fledged
> Farm Dog. She, Lucy, Skippy, Zee and Diamond are all free to explore
> and "Do Evil." Because it is so cold, it is a perfect time to allow
> this because they get cold are very ready to come in after a very
> short time.
Lucy likes to be where the people are, warm or cold, her job is to make sure she's ready to partake of any evil doing started by her person.
Sara
Pat Muller
Hi
You know that dog that can be a real pain? He is mouthy, runs off and
does not necessarily get along with any of your other dogs. You have
threatened to do a variety of "things" to him but do not mean any of
them. You allow things from that dog that you would not allow any of
the others to do and you have worked twice as hard to get half as far
with training.
There are very few redeming qualities but you really like him anyway;
you know a dog like that?
Well, my rotten little awful dog was Buster, that horrible Min Pin.
His story was memorable and it was so fun to watch people's faces when
I would finish telling it and then have Buster do an obedience
performance. He LOVED to do Sit and Down Waits and then come running
when he was called. Buster was always so proud of himself.
Anyway, for the last few months, it was obvious that although Buster's
rear end was skinny, his chest was huge. When picked up, Buster would
sometimes flinch and even yike like he was in pain. When his shots
were given, the vet checked him over and did not really find anything.
We discussed Buster and both felt he probably had a fair sized
tumor. Because he was older, I told the vet that I would not to go
to great measures and if he had any problems, I would have him
checked.
Since his arrivial, dinner time was of huge importance in Buster's
mind and the second he heard me fixing dinner, Buster would begin to
"talk" and demand that I hurry up and give him his. Other than dinner
time, Buster was so snuggled down into his bed that you could not even
see his nose.
It has been so cold and normally Buster only came out of his cocoon
twice each day to go outside to potty. The last two days Buster just
paced back and forth in his crate. He looked fine, but would not
settle down. I put him outside often and made sure he was pottying
normally, he was.
Buster was just fine today except he kept whining and pacing. It was
busy but around 3pm I decided that tomorrow I would call the vet and
have him checked.
Today Diamond had almost all her teeth pulled and Max was neutered so
I did not have the opportunity today. Tonight when I got them home,
Buster was very restless. I fixed dinner and we ate. When we were
finished, I got up to feed the dogs. I picked up the bowls and there
was nothing from Buster. I immediately went to check on him; my
Buster had died.
This was a horrible end to a pretty good day. Ruby is back, Diamond
and Max are doing just fine. It sure does feel strange not to be
griping about a mouthy little Min Pin yelling orders at me. I am
going to miss Buster a lot, he was a fun little dog.
Later
Pat
Pat Muller
Hi
after I wrote, I went back to take him out of his crate. It was then
I realized that Buster had been chewing on one of the towels that made
up his bed. He had chewed off a fair sized piece and had tried to
swallow it. That was the cause of Buster's death.
I remember when Buster first came here, he chewed on every towel,
blanket and bed I put in there. I even called Joan and asked her
about it and she told me that was very common in the breed. For the
most part, Buster did not often eat the towels or beds but instead, he
simply chewed holes in them. Why the little dummy decided to ingest a
towel is beyond me.
I am still very sad about losing Buster and now I don't have to
wonder why.
Pat
Sara Peterka
I'm sorry to hear about Buster. I know he was very special to you.
I can remember how important meal time was to the boy, and how much he loved his cocoon.
Sara
Pat Muller
> I'm sorry to hear about Buster. I know he was very special to you.
>
> I can remember how important meal time was to the boy, and how much he loved his cocoon.
>
> Sara
You have been here enough to know that all those names I always called
Buster were never once said in a way that gave Buster even a hint of
what most people understand them to mean.
The loss of Buster really does leave a big hole in my pack. Over the
years, I have been so careful about adding members and like the rest,
Buster was perfect for his role in my pack. It takes quite a Toy to
fit into a pack of Terriers and Buster understood perfectly when to
boss and when it was better to be bossed.
He strutted around like a big dog and he could be VERY irritatingly
independent. Out in the back Buster always remained on the outer
edges of most of the packs. He did his own thing, but he always kept
very good track of me. That was Buster's testimony that he chose to
trust me no matter what.
Buster has been around for a long time and he came here from a
horrible situation. He was never physically abused but he was raised
to be dependent and then set up to fail. Buster was raised right as a
puppy. He was sold to some very "nice" people who betrayed him by
putting him in no win situations.
The first time I met him, Buster bit me and we had a very rough
beginning. Buster did well working through the rehabilitation process
and he was trained, has never once refused to do his job, no matter
where he was or what was going on. I always made sure Buster was safe
and felt valued. Yes, he was short but because he always felt
important, Buster was never a small dog.
Buster could be extremely irritating but he also gave me a great sense
of pride. Buster was a wonderful success story and I will miss him.
The pack will adapt but it will certainly be very different. Even if
I get another Min Pin, I know it will never be another Butter Butt.
Because of the way I use my dogs and my pack, I will need to add
another Toy to the mix. When I first began using dogs to affect
people, I decided a Min Pin would be perfect for the job. After
living with Buster for 8 years, I know I made the right choice. I
will call Joan later today and let her know about Buster and we will
also talk about a replacement.
Yes, we will both be sad. Buster was a success story and education
for Joan as well, but the rest of the pack is waiting and so we go
on. Sad as it is, that is what's best.
I will get another dog but you can
bet, Buster will be missed.
Later
Pat
Tim Folkers
I am so sorry to hear about Buster. It saddens me deeply. I know it
sounds silly, and you would be the first to tell me it, but it feels
as if a member of the program is now gone. I know dogs are not
people. For some reason, probably PTSD, I do not get sad when people
die. I do when dogs pass. I think part of my therapy over in Iraq
was taking care of puppies whose mothers were shot because they were
pests or just abandonded the puppies. They were a source even then of
joy for me, and you have continued that in my life with Fargo.
Unfortunately, The holiday season is a very difficult time for me as 3
soldiers were killed on Christmas Eve and one on Christmas. I am
scheduled to go to the North Chicago Residential treatment program
because of the difficulties with this war illness. Ole Fargo will be
by my side, as it is a very comforting place to get help and deal with
stress. I feel comfortable sharing with the people on this forum that
have followed Fargo and my journey as many have provided great support
to me! Thank you all! And Pat, if you just need to chat, you know my
number because for some reason when we talk about dogs, you bring a
smile to my face! and I know it is hard to lose a dog like buster
because even I feel the pain. RIP Buster!
Sara Peterka
I'll be thinking of you as you make this journey.
I hear in your email the pain of loss during the holiday season with the loss of you fellow soldiers.
Although the loss of the dogs and puppies and your more recent attachments with the program dogs is deeply saddening the holiday loss of the fellow soldiers is debilitating.
I lost my father 2 days before Christmas 16 years ago and it still brings back memories of his loss during the holiday season. It is a struggle to remember the years of a "full" family Christmas, but they are too wonderful to only concentrate on his loss rather than his contributions. He told me he wanted it that way.
I can only imagine your fellow soldiers would want it the same way for you.
Sara
Holly Tulin
treatment center with Fargo for support. You and your family will be in my
thoughts often.
Please continue to let us know how you're doing, and give that good dog an
extra ear scratch for me.
Holly
Pat Muller
It is good to hear from you. It has been too long. Thank you for
your kind words about Buster, he has left a big hole in the program
and Buser will certainly be missed.
Over the years, I have had so many great dogs and a whole bunch that
were not so much. Around here, each dog is unique and even if that
dog is not a favorite of everyone, each dog has touched someone.
After all, dogs are our teachers and each is capable of teaching very
unique lessons.
Tim, because of our conditioning, experiences and to protect
ourselves, we learn to block our feels about people. Because most
dogs have never been anything but positive, honest and dependable, we
do not have the same guarded feelings about them. The tougher and
more ugly the experiences we have associated with people, the more
guarded we are in our dealings with, even good people.
Sadly, the holidays are difficult for a majority of people; that
season is stressful even if for the most part, it is positive. I am
so glad that Fargo will be with you. You know that he is on your
side, watching your back and he has proven to you over and over again,
that you can trust him.
I have a class this morning and a private lesson immediately after but
will try to contact you later today. I do have an evening class as
well, so if I do not connect today, it will be tomorrow.
I am doing just fine as are all the dogs, but it will be good to talk
to you anyway.
Pat
bonefinder
So sorry to hear about Buster! I can still see him ( and hear him)
now! He lived a long and wonderful life at Quansa but you know that!
He knew that too.
I am curious. When you decide to add another toy breed, why
specifically a MinPin and if one were not available, what other toy
breeds do you find suitable with your pack?
Bonnie
LH
I'm sorry to hear about Buster's death.
Tim,
Your feelings about loss of a dog are totally understandable.
There are some interesting and well-written books on pet loss
and the surrounding grieving process. I have a few in my home
library.
If you are interested, I will see if I can locate my favorite title
tonight.
Years ago, when I was in veterinary school, I had to euthanize
my first dog, who was 14 years old, and had been with me since
I was 8 years old. The circumstances surrounding the end were
not good and were a great source of guilt and grief for me. Wouldn't
you
know, I had signed up for an elective course on the human-animal bond
that was to start 6 weeks after my dog died. I think I walked out of
class, to
stand in the hallway or go to the restroom, every class, all semester
long.
The class did not help me deal with the grief- in fact, I was pretty
angry that one of the
speakers was a clinician who had treated me very poorly when my dog in
the ER/ICU. The
woman didn't look at me, and would barely speak to me, and there was
my childhood
companion, in an ICU cage, and me having to make heartbreaking
decisions. I was convinced
then, and still am, even with my years of knowledge, that my dog
received
inadequate care (although it probably wouldn't have changed the
outcome, and I knew
that even then). To have her standing in front of the class, speaking
on medical care, pain
control and pet loss and communication with pet owners was sickening
to me. What a
hypocrite, no self-awareness, totally self-centered.
Loss and grief are complicated.
Lisa
Ken Korn
Buster was a one of a kind. RIP.
Lisa,
I totally agree. We've had several dogs we've had to put to sleep, and
our vet's caring attitude made a huge difference. We've also lost two
totally unexpectedly....Katie in our pool and Sophie due to unknown
medical issues....and both were very difficult to get over....months
of grieving for me. These are not just dogs/pets....they are truly
members of our family.
Ken
On Jan 6, 11:42 am, LH <LisHe...@aol.com> wrote:
> Pat,
>
> I'm sorry to hear about Buster's death.
>
> Tim,
>
Sue
What a guy! I recall him visiting our home a few years back and
deciding to mix it up while Pat was doing a short video. She was
sitting in a chair with Buster on her lap - Buster made a comment to
Ferguson who didn't like it and the game was on!!
I will always remember getting the two settled again. Buster was a
terrific dog and very interesting to be around.
He will be missed by all who knew him. What a guy!
Our thoughts are with you Pat, as you move on into a future without
him.
Sue
Sara Peterka
She has been doing well. She obeys the Lakelands and is resilient in her interactions with them. What that means is she knows just how far she can push them and she does.
We are working on come on, with me, sit, down, stand and today started take, hold, give.
She has learned that the chickens are "mine" and it's best to "leave it". The Lakies helped teach her those.
I was working on a desk today and she jumped up on a crate next to the desk and then up on the desk, so we worked on "on" and "off"
She is enthusiastic to the point of obnoxious at times. She always comes when called, but sometimes doesn't stop before bumping me. She sometimes greets with her feet up on me, but then settles quickly to get attention.
She is such a happy puppy and just the right amount of resilience to be a solid service dog.
Her coat has lost it's puppy fuzz, and she is losing her puppy teeth. I think she is about 5 months old now.
Her butt wiggles with excitement whenever I am working her. Everytime I work her, I decide I really need to have her wear a qcalmer the next time and then the next time comes and I forget to put it on her. Since the sessions are short, I am winding down before I remember I forgot to put it on. I am her number one obstacle to success. Maybe one of these times I'll get it right.
Sara
shel
I am so sorry about Buster. He had a good hand in the initial
training of both my pups. I agree sometimes it is better to know.
And yes he made up a very important part of your pack.
-shel
Pat Muller
Hanna too, is learning about rules and expectations. I rather envy
you for having a bright puppy to work and train. Because Hanna
already has a wonderful home waiting, I would not dare begin any in
depth training. If I did, I would be setting her up for
disappointment. At this point, her job description does not include
big stuff.
I must do my best to condition Hanna to do the job she has been hired
to do. You get to train Hope for you.
Later on, IF and WHEN her people decide they want more, I just need to
make sure that the basic skills are in place if and when we decide to
begin. BUT I will tell you this, Hanna could and will do whatever we
decide to teach her.
I LOVE Lakeland trained puppies! ...and I LOVE Lakeland puppies
conditioned and imprinted by an appropriate, respectful Australian
Shepherd. If you tossed in a confident Cairn, you would continue to
raise practically perfect puppies with much less effort. Then if you
have the space; a Diamond dog allows the Lakeland puppies to grow up
confident without having to challenge to other Lakelands and to keep
the Australian Shepherd from getting too high and mighty, it does not
hurt to add a Y-lee to the mix.
Y-lee is officially a Herder BUT believe me he doubles as security. I
chose Y for my company because he is not as serious as too many of the
Working Dogs can be. Most would not look at the antics of the others
favorably, Y-lee does and for that, he is perfect.
For kicks and giggles, you might think about adding a hound but they
tend to teach some negative behaviors like hunting independently, so I
suggest that you stick to either a Mini-Dachshund (that is a Hound but
has lots of toy tendancies) or possibly a PBGV if you get it early.
If you'd prefer something bigger, look at a Scottish Deerhound. Yes,
it is a Hound blessed with a Terrier brain.
If your "company" is large enough you will need someone in sales. A
well trained GSP is pretty much perfect; stable, independent and
focused. And if you have enough work to need someone in sales, you
will also need a Receptionist. After much thought, I decided on a Min
Pin and Buster was perfect for the job.
Gee Sara, that would be a perfect "Company" of dogs....and guess what;
it sounds like Quansa! So as I see it, you can either begin looking
for individuals to fill positions in your pack or just visit me more
often. Either way, the balance is very beneficial to all of the
puppies and dogs you are working with.
At this point, there is only one vacant position and I can assure you
that I can locate another Min Pin before Spring.
Later
Pat
Sara Peterka
I have the toy position filled right now with the Mastiff.
I might have to get a bus to make the trip down with that pack, but oh would it be fun!
Sara
Pat Muller
On Jan 10, 11:46 am, Sara Peterka <spete...@embarqmail.com> wrote:
> I have alway wanted an Irish Wolfhound, love Cane Corsos/Neapolitan Mastiffs. The GSP is a good dog for Brian. Brian really likes smaller Poodles. The herder is here and of course the most important are the Lakies ;-)
dogs, they are loyal to a fault and usually lack the sense of humor
necessary to allow a 15 to 17 pound dog to be the boss.
> I have the toy position filled right now with the Mastiff.
represent both an attitude and a type.
The Sheltie fits the description as well as the Mastiff but when you
are trying to educate people it is hard to convince them that either
of these breeds are perfect representatives of the Toy group. Buster
actually had more attitude that most of the larger dogs BUT he did not
argue with the Lakelands and as important as he thought he was, he was
from every angle, a Toy.
> I might have to get a bus to make the trip down with that pack, but oh would it be fun!
the weather is right;
WOW could we train some dogs and have some
fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Think Spring.......
Pat
Ken Korn
Emersion :-)
Ken
On Jan 10, 12:31 pm, Pat Muller <qua...@inwave.com> wrote:
> On Jan 10, 11:46 am, Sara Peterka <spete...@embarqmail.com> wrote:
>
Pat Muller
Just like us and every dog we live or work with; the best things about
conditioning dogs to work in a large group are also the very worst
things about that same event.
And is it not true that even tho there are so many valuable
experiences often after a big event, often the best training begins
after everyone else is gone? Smaller packs and specific training are
so valuable and there are aways amazing results.
And even tho I know all this is absolutely true, I can still say that
there is nothing more valuable than watching the harmony and awesome
interaction of 20 dogs in a pack.
So now I have to ask YOU, which is the most important training and
why?
Just Curious
Pat
Ken Korn
Both are so important. That said, I've mentioned a number of times
before....that the thing I have the most difficulty duplicating here
at home is the group training. Emma is a perfect example of that.
Working within the relative chaos of a group class requires that the
dog and owner really concentrate on the task. It hones FOCUS. Focus is
relatively easy when there are no distractions. The other dogs, noise,
all the things going on at once makes things totally different. Emma
really gets to work in class.....and I really miss it!!
The one thing that one on one training provides is your (Pat's) total
attention. When there is only one dog and handler to watch and
interact with, you can home in on the exact problem and solution.
But again, both have been very important to me and my dogs.
Ken
LH
Thanks... now I'm thinking I should have a Scottish Deerhound on my
short list!
One of these days, I'll break away from a lifelong stint of only
terriers.
Ken,
I agree with you about the group class work. It is really good to
work around other good
dogs and handlers, and in a busy, changing environment. It teaches
the dog (and handler)
to function in different circumstances, not just the living room or
backyard.
Lisa
Sara Peterka
----- "Pat Muller" <qua...@inwave.com> wrote:
>
> Big problem with IW & CC & Neo's. Although they can be very good
> dogs, they are loyal to a fault and usually lack the sense of humor
> necessary to allow a 15 to 17 pound dog to be the boss.
We had a CC/Neo and he did wonderfully with the Lakies. I know people who have IW and small terriers and even Lakies.
In my perfect world, this is what I would have.
Loyalty is important to me, and I do better with the issues associated with being too loyal, than vice versa. I really struggle with "liking" a dog that is not loyal.
>
> > I have the toy position filled right now with the Mastiff.
>
> When we are playing pack games, we must try to include dogs that
> represent both an attitude and a type.
>
> The Sheltie fits the description as well as the Mastiff but when you
> are trying to educate people it is hard to convince them that either
> of these breeds are perfect representatives of the Toy group. Buster
> actually had more attitude that most of the larger dogs BUT he did
> not
> argue with the Lakelands and as important as he thought he was, he
> was
> from every angle, a Toy.
With just a little information....... I've only had one person ever doubt that Gus was a little dog in a horse sized body.
>
> > I might have to get a bus to make the trip down with that pack, but
> oh would it be fun!
>
> Sara, I think that's called a motor home and if we time it right and
> the weather is right;
>
> WOW could we train some dogs and have some
> fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Think Spring.......
>
> Pat
>
Yep. I need a motor home. Next on my list of purchases to make (just kidding). If I did do that, I would need to work a couple more jobs to make the payment, then I would have no time off to come down and train dogs. Can't win for losing, eh?
This weather is getting to me. Yesterday it was actually seasonable (at 18 degrees), it felt warm, but then we got 4 more inches of snow, so I still didn't get anything done outside.
The Lakies look like little snowmen when I let them out. Hope plays bulldozer, this weather has no affect on her. How does the breed do in the summer? Will she refuse to work when it's warmer out?
Sara
Pat Muller
>
> I know people who have IW and small terriers and even Lakies.
>
> In my perfect world, this is what I would have.
Yes, I agree these can be very nice dogs and can do just fine with
Lakelands....the rub comes when you begin having lots of people come
in with multiple dogs. I know when I had the IW here, I had to be
very careful which dogs were out with him. When one of the dogs tried
to run, Bran, a very big Sighthound, would (if not supervised) give
chase. He had no concern about where his great big feet were but I
sure did.
Over the years, I have had two of these big boys for in-house training
and have had maybe 3 - 5 others in classes. I find them very steady,
VERY strong, willing and they really fill up a car whenever you take
them anywhere. *IF* you have adequate space, I have found them to be
fairly easy to live with and you certainly do not have to bend down to
do any petting.
Both Bran and Woody were very steady, dependable and deliberate; I
could safely take them anywhere and know they would do as I said. The
difference in them compared to the Deerhound is that I found the IW a
bit dull. The IW is accepting but the Deerhound is just like the
terriers.
Dillon often was right out there with most of the packs. He was
cautious about the agility equipment but he had a good sense of
space. Dillon swam in the pond with many different dogs and he liked
the Lakies. Dillon was fun to train and caught on quickly. Dillon
even had a great recall but would (every time) come by way of the barn
to check cat status.
The Deerhound was not as massive and any kids that happened to be
here, just loved Dillon. The kids really enjoyed "racing" him from
the back. Everyone would go to the back and when I said "Go," one
person would hold Dillon while the rest ran. They would be given
about 3/4 of the track headstart. When the kids got to a point,
Dillon was turned loose, if he felt like it, Dillon could beat them.
It was always funny because the race was not really serious to Dillon
and sometimes he would run like the wind, sometimes he would lope
along, maybe stop to poop, maybe he would trot or just stop to check
something out. In that way, the kids did not lose every time, it was
fun and the outcome was always a surprise.
Dillon was a fantastic dog. He was a game player, not just fast and
powerful, Dillon was so very agile as well. The Deerhounds are kind
of like a souped up 1/2 ton pick-up truck. He can do his work but you
can polish him up and take him to town.
The Wolfhounds are kind of like a 3/4 ton work truck. Even polished,
he remains a work truck. One thing about the Wolfhound that I did not
care for was that they EAT when they are young. It takes a lot of
food to gain 100 to 150 lbs in one year and that first year is
costly.
Dillon, Bran and Woody were wonderful dogs but the two boys could
never be genuine Wolfhounds when there was a large pack. Dillon fit
into any pack, even the toys. He did not see sense in including them
but he really didn't care on way or the other.
I guess one of the other negatives is if that dog is down. Dillon
weighed 115# and the Wolfhounds are around 200#. That's a lot of dog
to lift into the car and get to the vet in an emergency. Both breeds
are great and lots of fun but when I compare the mass, 115# is much
easier to live around and with.
BTW Sara, when it snowed, Dillon would be right out there playing in
the snow with the Lakies. He had wire hair and he did the giant
snowman thing really well. Then if I let him in here, Dillon would
run in my office, jump over the coffee table and land on the futon;
where he would curl up in a little ball and "hide." A lakie or two
would jump up there with him for a nap.
I sure miss my boy.
Pat
Karen Radde
From: Pat Muller <qua...@inwave.com>
To: Manners In Minutes Dog Training: Using the Q-collar <mim-dog-training-...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tue, January 11, 2011 10:28:30 AM
Subject: Re: It is snowing hard and finally quiet
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Manners In Minutes Dog Training: Using the Q-collar" group.
To post to this group, send email to mim-dog-training-...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to mim-dog-training-using-the-q-collar+unsub...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/mim-dog-training-using-the-q-collar?hl=en.
Pat Muller
Hi
I wish all of you could be here to wittness Hanna skipping through her
lessons. Wednesdays are always my worst day of the week and it is a
great conditioning day. Hanna, Zee and a few others worked in the
veteran's session this morning and in the evening class as well. The
morning class was active and the dogs earned their keep.
Tonight Hanna's new people were here for class. They have been here
before with Hanna tied to the wall. Tonight, Hanna worked. She is
doing C'mon, Easy, Wait, With Me, Settle & Mine dependably and she is
so proud of herself. And you should see the smile on Scott and Pam's
faces!
We did the elevator and worked the dogs as a group. Then I set up
some very simple obstacles and we did some Walk on, Waits, Weaves &
Over some very short jumps. We finished with some precision and
sharpening exercises. Everyone did well.
The plan is that Hanna will spend Sunday afternoon with them and I
believe this visit includes a trip to a pet store. (Me thinks there
is a new toy in Hanna's future.) In two weeks, Hanna will be going
along with Pam, Scott and Duncan (Corgi) on a road trip up north.
Scott told me he already bought a very long line and they have a heavy
weight. What fun lies ahead!
Class started at 6:30 and ended at 9:30, it was a great class. After
everyone was gone, I let Hanna and Zee loose and they ran up to the
office. Hanna piddled and wanted in. She RAN to her crate and sat,
waiting for me to open the door. That little girl was so tired, but
she had one great day.
Hanna would have said Hi to Hope
but she is just plain too too tired.
Later
Pat
Sara Peterka
Tuesday, I had a grooming customer, so let Hope run the shop while I was grooming.
What a funny girl (enthusiastic to the point of obnoxious). She still struggles with good greeting etiquette. So she was practicing her technique. Run 5 ft away, then turn and and return to me and sit at my feet for her reward (no I was not asking her to return or even asking for her attention). She did this about 10 times in a period of about 5 minutes.
Then once she was done with that lesson, she looked around for chew toys. She guessed correctly a few times then made an oops and picked up a hand held broom. I told her leave it that's mine and she did, then she returned a second time to the broom and I reminded her a bit more sternly, and then she went back for it again and I put her back in her house.
Poor girl.
Sara
Sara Peterka
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2088607&id=1081710969&l=3c267c926b
Sara
Sara Peterka
Oh boy, did everyone LOVE her! Oh boy, does she LOVE EVERYONE! Despite the sheer joy she experienced from all the love she received and gave, she was able to barely manage her enthusiasm. She sat for all the petting without que from me. She could have cleaned the whole floor with her butt...(Note to self, next time I want to sweep the floor, just get Hope and pet her as I move around the area to be swept. In no time flat floor will be spotless AND polished!)
It seems that everyone has been reading the kennel club website (Kate & Mark's story) and when I said Hope was going to be a service dog, they knew exactly what I was talking about.
The training facility manager offered free classes for Hope (and me). Whatever I want to take...(I wouldn't mind taking an agility class, but for selfish reasons ;-).
Sara
LMcCain
I'm glad Hope was good. She is a handsome dog - almost looks German
Shepherd in her coloring. Not quite what I was expecting. I've never
seen an Aussie those colors before. I was thinking she would look
more like Zee or Hannah.
It sure is fun when you can take your dogs (puppies) out and have them
be well mannered, even when they are totally excited.
Lynn
Sara Peterka
The more working lines I checked out seemed to have less white on them. Her parents did not have much white on them, but more than her. Actually, black and tan is pretty common in Aussies, just usually they have more white.
Regardless, the owner of the training facility last night has Aust, Germans and English shepards. She said her personality reminds her more of an english, her body and Aust and the markings and head look a little german. Whatever is back there in her pedigree is of little consequence now.
To me, I personally would not want such a friendly service dog, and as she ages I will work on "loyalty". A dog that tries so hard to impress EVERYONE is not trying hard enough to impress THE ONE that matters most. I do think it is important that she likes people, just tone it down.
There was also an offer from the president of the kennel club to donate a Podengo (Grande) as a service dog. Pat, are you interested? I wouldn't want to try making a hound a service dog but maybe you might find the right spot for one?
Sara
Pat Muller
Hi
Hanna continues to do great. She is pretty amazing and is a very
polite, patient and quiet puppy.
It is funny because Hanna has been spending time at the home of her
new people. They think she is very special and are amazed that Hanna
is so calm and quiet. Hanna is very different from their dogs.
Although they are nice, they are not as calm so I know that Hanna's
behavior is actually boring to them.
They have not said that to me but when they brought Hanna back on Sat.
they told Kenny that they wish that Hanna was more silly like a puppy
should be. I got quite a chuckle from that one.
I do have to share that these days, Hanna is even more calm and quiet
than she normally is. Last week, I am not sure which dog but I am
thinking Zee, corrected Hanna pretty good. From that correction,
Hanna has a bruise on her neck and is pretty sore. That happened last
week and Hanna is still feeling bad about it. She also spent time
with Y-lee so I am not exactly sure what happened so I just blamed Zee
because.
Hanna is feeling much better but she is still "milking" it for all
that she is worth. So Hanna is getting really good at working the
pity angle and her new people feel bad for the girl. Little do they
realize that once Hanna is feeling better, looking sad is a skill that
will continue long after the bruise is healed.
I have told them that with this puppy, because calm is her "normal"
they will have to teach and actually encourage her to be naughty.
Hanna is dependably housebroken, she asks to go outside. Even when
she is free, Hanna chooses to stay in the area of the yard where she
is tied. She is not a barker, Hanna has quit jumping and she walks on
a lead without pulling. When she is free in here, Hanna will choose
to sit by her crate and chew on a bone.
Hanna is a good girl and has never made a mistake. Soon, Hanna can go
home with her new people full time and they can begin teaching her to
be naughty.
What a problem to have!
Pat
Sara Peterka
And so her sister is a bit of a different story. She is not naughty, but she has no problem taking risks, risks that Hanna never really took and still seems reluctant to take.
Hope is resiliant and takes correction well. She is a risk taker and will pounce on the Lakies on rare occasion all to be reminded of the mistake that still is. Hope would make one heck of an agility dog, she loves over, on, and up.
It is very different to have Hope here, the Lakies always seem to want to be a part of what I am doing....Hope wants to be what I am doing.
She does tie and settle well, but stuggles making those same good decisions that Hanna seems to be making on her own. I think she will be a good working dog once she matures, but right now is still a silly puppy.
Sara
Pat Muller
Hanna has changed in that she is no longer as shy or fearful of new
situations. On Sun. Hanna tagged along on a road trip. Scott and Pam
took her up to visit Pam's parents. They live in an apartment in a
retirement community.
Pam told me that neither of them have ever been "dog lovers" but they
have been talking about Hanna and wanted them to meet her. We talked
for a while and I reminded S & P that this was the first trip and this
because it was the first, would establish a normal for EVERY future
trip. I reminded them that Hanna has been on one other long road trip
and if she is as good this time as she was for that one, the next road
trip will be the beginning of a habit.
It may have seemed a bit heavy, but the goal is to have a dog that can
be taken anywhere, I see it as crucial. Hanna was respectfully, very
glad to see them and I was hopeful as I watched them drive away.
When they dropped her off later that day, both were very proud and
beaming! Hanna could not have been any better. Pam had a rug for her
to settle on and that's exactly what she did. Even when Pam left the
room, Hanna just settled. Everyone was VERY impressed and she was a
hit.
Pam told me that even tho her parents have had a few dogs, she has
never known her mom to bother to pet any other dogs. Because Hanna
was so good, mom actually went over to Hanna; told her she was a VERY
good girl and petted her. Pam told me she never again wanted a dog
that was any other way.
I have to get her rabies shot done and then Hanna will be moving. At
6 months old, if this is a challenging time in this puppy's life, she
is going to be one great little dog!
> It is very different to have Hope here, the Lakies always seem to want to be a part of what I am doing....Hope wants to be what I am doing.
Shepherd. They do better with commands and conditioning with a whole
bunch of time spent tied to the wall. I swear that is the ONLY way to
deal with OCD. If I didn't tie Zee, she would push every other dog
away and have me all to herself.
When Zee is tied; she is being conditioned and I don't have to deal
with her. Because of that, I can give her praise and actually mean
it.
> She does tie and settle well, but stuggles making those same good decisions that Hanna seems to be making on her own. I think she will be a good working dog once she matures, but right now is still a silly puppy.
Later
Pat
LH
This morning, at the end of my walk, I ran into a neighbor who has an
older, very big,
aggressive (and probably worried) male Rottweiler. She is a very
sweet gentle woman, doesn't
understand what she has at the end of her flexi-lead, on a Gentle
Leader head halter. Guess what?
She had a second dog, a male Rott puppy, on a flexi-lead... from a
breeder at the other end of the state
"who shows in Argentina and other countries so my puppy looks
different from the American Rottweiler, and
that's why his tail isn't cropped". Sure. Shows in Argentina? Doubt
it.
Can I ever keep my mouth shut? No. I told her that she needs to walk
those 2 dogs separately and
train separately, because her puppy will imprint on the old dog. She
protested, and said, "oh, but my old
dog really is just sweet. I just get nervous and scared when he acts
up toward other dogs". Yep, walk
them separately. And stop walking that big old dog- he doesn't need
to be out.
The woman then asked if her puppy could come "say hi". No.
Seriously, she pulled her dogs waaaayyyyyy
off the trail so we could pass, and she wants to approach my dogs with
her aggressive old dog so her puppy
could get close? NO. I couldn't even begin to get into appropriate
dog manners, handling, working around other
dogs and dog interactions. Just NO.
The pup, who appears to be about 4 months old, had placed himself in
front of her, watching us intently.
Guarding. Puppy guarding, but nonetheless, starting his job as a
Rottweiler. They will have a mess on their
hands before too long.
I haven't yet mentioned the nutty woman who moved into our
neighborhood who walks a chow and an extremely
aggressive German Shepherd, have I? The Shepherd always wears a
basket muzzle. The dog got loose from the house one day when
construction workers had left open the front door, and, unfortunately
nearly attacked an old man's dog last month (the owner tackled and
rolled with the dog in the middle of the street- I hear it was quite a
scene).
But noone asked me for advice! I don't know anything. I'll just keep
on setting an example with my dogs, and be
happy that the people who notice are the ones who don't like dogs or
are scared of dogs- because they give me compliments!
Lisa
Sara Peterka
I am so happy to hear about Hanna! I knew you could find her a good home and you certainly did. Hopefully S & P know now how nice it is to have a dog they can take anywhere and they insist she stays just as she is.
I'll admit with Hope that I have not been tying her as much as I should be. We got snow again (and a lot) today which makes for 27 out of the 31 days in Jan we've had snow. Dec was much the same. Feb is forcasted to be cold and snowy as well. (I guess I should get to my point). All my outside ty stations are buried hip deep under snow, I'm quite sure that wouldn't bother Hope, but it does me. I have not been walking her on line, we have bearly had teens for highs since November it seems and so the wind has such a bite, even when there isn't any.
Brian did some work on the house which coincided with Christmas, so my indoor ty stations were either decorated or stacked with boxes. That has recently finished and the decorations are put away (except for the Goodwill pile) and I was able to reclaim a couple spots.
I must admit my motivation has been a bit lacking with all the cold, snow, clouds and mess....IT'S ONE DAY CLOSER TO SPRING, IT'S ONE DAY CLOSER TO SPRING, IT'S ONE DAY CLOSER TO SPRING.
Should I be putting on some ruby red slippers and clicking my heels, too?
Sara
Sara Peterka
What a shame people don't have good resources to consult to acheive the results you've gotten.
Places like Quansa are so few and far between. People go to classes with such marginal results and sometimes more problems than they started with, it is no wonder more referrals to training centers don't happen.
I have heard every sales pitch under the sun one could ever imagine and some a person had to be mighty creative to come up with. What a shame they don't put their creativity to work towards the goal of keeping those dogs in the homes as opposed to just selling people new dogs.
Ian Dunbar says "Sadly, the majority of puppies fail to live long enough to enjoy their second birthday. They suffer from the terminal illness of being unwanted, failing to live up to the promise and expectation of the Lassie-Benji-Eddie dream."
Sara
Pat Muller
Hi
It is sad when even genuine expert experts are sad for those dogs, but
not sad enough to give people a way to use valid, good common sense
that teaches the dog how to smoothly slide in and fit into a home.
Instead of concentrating on conditioning and teaching the dog how to
fit in, the people are taught all the things they have to do to make
the dog believe that his life is to be spent ruling from his throne.
The humans are taught to seek his favor and to keep him happy and that
failures are THEIR fault. Sadly, once the novelty of the dog has worn
off, humans often lose interest in the worship game.
If the experts really cared about those dogs they would quit marketing
and concentrate more on respect, trust, honesty and clear
communication....oh yeah, they would begin to teach Manners in
Minutes.
One of the other biggest problems I see with people who take their
dogs to these experts is that the goals of the dog owner and the goals
of the expert are on opposite ends of the scale.
The owner wants their dog to have manners and make good decisions, the
goals of the expert usually have to do with performance. When you
realize this, it is easy to understand why there is failure, everyone
ends up disapointed and the dog is often worse than when he started.
Hanna and Hope are two of the
lucky ones
Pat
LH
You are right- most dog training classes are based on performance
training, and movement.
In reality, people want a dog that lies around the house, or at least
moves around without
jumping on everyone and destroying things. That is where the most
valuable part of Minners
In Minutes comes in. Tying the dog. Letting the dog hang out, not
getting in trouble, being
patient and watching.
Lisa
LH
I just found myself venting, overcome by the fools. The jerk of a guy
who has
been going out of his way to harass me because I don't want his dog
jumping
on mine again. The dopes who let their dog run loose on Christmas Day
morning
because they thought that "noone else would be out on the trail"... an
incident in
which Parker received an eye injury because the dog left the people
far far behind to blast
into us. (These folks apologized profusely the next time they saw me
and won't be doing that again!).
I feel better now.
Lisa
Pat Muller
Pat
LH
too.
Indulgence, too much freedom and choice, too much organized activity,
not enough real responsibility, not enough expectations that are
grounded
in the things that really matter.
Geez, do I sound old and cranky?
Lisa
Sara Peterka
There are 2 options for vets. One does the traditional spay and the other has a laser which is supposed to have a shorter recovery time.
Any opinions Lisa and others?
Sara
Holly Tulin
of great dogs!
Holly
Karen Radde
From: Sara Peterka <spet...@embarqmail.com>
To: mim-dog-training-...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Wed, February 2, 2011 10:27:19 AM
Subject: Re: It is snowing hard and finally quiet
Andrea Mitzen
Sara Peterka
When I asked the vet to describe the difference between scalpel surgery and laser surgery as it applies to spay, the answer they gave me was "there is less blood". They still use a scalpel in laser surgery. As it applies to other surgeries there is better recovery and other benefits to laser.
I ended up opting for traditional spay with a shot of Rimadyl. My son picked her up because I had a meeting come up that I couldn't miss, but when I got her out of the car at about 6pm I was expecting her to still be a little woozy. I carefully helped her out of the crate and that rotten dog leaped and bounded through the snow (bad owner, I was given specific instructions to keep her quite and not let her bull doze in the snow pack). I thought I would be safe to let her pee without the lead because she should have been subdued from the major surgery she had just a couple hours earlier....That was NOT the case.
Sara