Warning!! Behavior geek post ahead!! (And useful for anyone with a reactive dog so read on!)
Recently a dog trainer friend of mine attended a seminar on Behavior Adjustment Training, a.k.a BAT for short. She posted a very favorable review on her blog and mentioned that the seminar giver, Grisha Stewart, had a DVD for sale on the technique. It is for dogs that are both aggressive and/or reactive to dogs, people and situations. Well I bought the video and have become a convert. The principals are sound and the techniques are positive.
Here is some information on BAT straight from the creator: http://ahimsadogtraining.com/blog/bat/
Don't miss the handout for precise directions: http://ahimsadogtraining.com/handouts/BAT-basics.pdf
And I am in love with the cartoon explanation: http://ahimsadogtraining.com/blog/2010/04/08/help-for-the-leash-reactive-dog-bat-cartoon/ It doesn't get much clearer than that!
Of course practice is the key to teaching your dog to change their behavior for the long term. The more repetitions you do, the quicker your dog will learn to settle down and be less reactive. There are no magic shortcuts in behavior modification.
The link to purchase the very affordable (I love that part!) DVD is on the above site for those interested.
Here is a clip of BAT in action from YouTube. But read the links for a much more in depth explanation. The video is good but might not be clear enough for some to be able to put into use.
Surf around her blog site for even more posts about BAT. This is just the basic info to get you addicted, um I mean started. I know I am happy to add this technique to my own trainers toolbox. I hope others find it useful as well. Train on!
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Help for reactive dogs - The BAT technique
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How to make your own Rally Obedience sign holders
I admit it. I love finding ways to make something that saves me money. This idea came to me after seeing this post: http://rottweilers.brilliant-disguise.net/2009/06/14/rally-obedience-signs-the-illustrated-version/
However I feel I have improved on the original model. First you start with a section of cheap garden border fencing. It looks like this in the store. (This is a 18 inch by 8 foot section folded in on itself.) 
This is one section from the fencing.
You can go this route and simply clothes pin your sign to the section with it pushed into the ground like this:
Notice I didn't cut the end pieces off yet. (seen on the right side-those should be cut off if you are going to make these type of holders) I wasn't completely happy with that model because it meant I could only use the holders outside on grass and soft ground. I thought about it and came up with this design instead:
I simply turned the section over, cut off the side pieces, bent the pieces that would normally be pushed into the ground, and then bent the now bottom piece under so it would be a stand alone piece. Here is another view:
This is one section from the fencing.You can go this route and simply clothes pin your sign to the section with it pushed into the ground like this:Notice I didn't cut the end pieces off yet. (seen on the right side-those should be cut off if you are going to make these type of holders) I wasn't completely happy with that model because it meant I could only use the holders outside on grass and soft ground. I thought about it and came up with this design instead:I simply turned the section over, cut off the side pieces, bent the pieces that would normally be pushed into the ground, and then bent the now bottom piece under so it would be a stand alone piece. Here is another view:
And from the back:
Now don't throw away those cut off side pieces.
On windy days those can be used as tent stakes (on grass or soft ground) to keep the sign from blowing away. You just need to open them up abit so they fit. Needless to say I am VERY excited to finally have some affordable Rally sign holders. One ten foot section has 6 sections and only cost $4.47 at my local Lowes store. That equals 6 sign holders. Since you need 28 signs to do a full course you can get enough to make 30 holders for under $25 total. Much better than the 50 or 60 bucks I see the official rally sign holders selling for. Plus they are very easy to make. All you need is a pair of wire cutters and pliers. I made this one during my lunch break. (and took most of the pics then too) Quick, easy and cheap. The trifecta of back yard do it yourself. VBG
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I downloaded and printed off a full set of beginner signs awhile ago on one of the the many Rally e-mail discussion groups. I keep them in a binder in plastic covers. This means I can keep them organised and find which ones I need easily. I also leave the plastic on to protect the signs from damage from the elements. I do need to go through and see which kind I have (AKC vs APDT) and to also check and see if any have been changed since I downloaded them.
I also printed off a few set course maps. This helps me be able to come up with practice courses aside from my own which may not be proper. (I readily admit that I am pretty much a Rally beginner.)
I have been taking a Rally class locally with Jenny which has been a lot of fun. It has gotten my own training juices flowing. So much so that I sent in Jenny and Jack's application to APDT so I can compete in either venue if I desire. I also finally got Jenny's corrected AKC pal listing paperwork back so she is all official now.*
I hope this idea is useful to other Rally O converts out there. Rally On!!
Tail wags, Marie k-9solutionsdogtraininginc.blogspot.com
An un-tapped resource
As a dog trainer I regularly see people who have chosen to add a dog to their home that isn't always the best match for them. My job is to teach them how to live together in spite of the challenges a mismatch may bring with it. Most of the time I can help, but sometimes sadly the dog ends up in rescue instead, despite my best efforts.
What I don't understand is why more people don't ask trainers their opinion in finding the right dog for them. Dog trainers see and work with more breeds and shelter dogs regularly than the average person will ever meet in a lifetime. Some of us even live with multiple breeds in our own homes. Not to mention the fact that dog trainers know about dog behavior and breed traits because it is our job to know this information.
I know some people end up with a puppy because they are cute and people can be impulsive, but that isn't everyone. There are also people who go to shelters, or try to find breeders, that do have an idea what they want. Unfortunatly looking at a dog in a shelter can bring up emotional responses and people can then make a bad choice based on that emotion.
Or maybe people don't know how to find a reputable breeder that will tell them the truth about any negative traits of the breed they choose to share their life with. Those breeders also conviently say nothing of the health issues that their breed may be prone to. Non-reputable breeders, who don't do any health testing nor care about temperment, only care about making a sale.
My favorite adoption technique comes from large volume breed rescues. They typically show potential adopters only 3 dogs that they have pulled as the best match for the home in question after an interview with the whole family. This keeps the potential for mismatches at a minimum. I've seen this done with greyhound rescues and a pitbull group. Breed specific rescue groups are also very good at letting adopters know before hand all the breed traits and health issues their dogs can have.
Considering a purebred dog from a breeder? Visit the breeds rescue website first for lots of valuable information on the breed of your choice. If you are looking at mixed breed dogs at a shelter, sometimes knowing what breeds are in the mix can also be helpful for knowing some of the future behavior traits you might expect from that dog.
Slumber parties, or "trial period" adoptions, can also be helpful to see if a specific shelter dog is the right match for your family. Be forwarned though that some dogs take a few weeks to settle in and really show some of their true behavior. We call that the honeymoon period.
This started me wondering, that we can do as trainers to help make people more aware that we ARE a valuable resource in their search? Should we advertise this as a free service? I know I am happy to help people find the right dog at a shelter, or even find a reputable breeder to keep them out of pet stores. Sometimes just a discussion about breed traits is enough information for them to make a much more informed decision.
If you are considering adding a canine companion to your family, or know someone who is, consider talking to some of your local trainers for their opinion. Talk to as many as you can to get as much information as possible. Trainers love to talk about dogs, we love to help dogs, and we love to help the people who also love dogs. Educating yourself before adding your next family member is a great way to make the best start, for all of you.
Tail wags, Marie http://k-9solutionsdogtraininginc.blogspot.com
Seminars and paperwork and photos, Oh my!
I am very excited to have signed up for a two day seminar in June with Pamela Dennison at Wag It on "Positive reinforcement training for the obedience and rally ring". http://www.wagitcamp.com/Seminars.html I am fortunate to have such a great seminar coming to my own area. No long distance travel and no hotel fees! I'm also excited because it is a "hands on work with my dog" seminar. Something I rarely get to attend.
I have dabbled in obedience showing in the past and I have to admit it isn't my favorite activity. I am not very competitive and never saw the point if it wasn't fun for both me and my dogs. I have however started some training in Rally O and think this might be much more challenging (the course changes every time!) and interesting for us. I also think it is much more realistic in day to day life and training since you get to talk to your dogs during the course. The dogs are expected to be dogs in Rally.
This means I have to get Jenny's PAL/ILP from AKC since she came from rescue with no pedigree if I want to ever compete with her in any AKC events. I already have Jack's paperwork since he came from a breeder. (a fabulous breeder that is) I filled out her paperwork last night. I also need to send in her spay certificate and two good photos of her, side and front view. I tried getting a couple tonight with my daughters help. As you can see it didn't all go quite as planned.
Even though I am not always a fan of things the AKC does, (or doesn't do) I am a member in the local kennel club and know that to compete in obedience, or persue her tracking certification, I need to get this done. I live to far out in the boonies to rely on UKC events. (Oh yeah, another part of competing I hate is the travel. The older I get the more I worry about car accidents and prefer to stay close to home. If I die attending a dog event my kids will never forgive me. Anyone else paranoid like that?)
I am also looking forward to the grand opening of http://www.finishforwarddogs.com/ in Saco next month. I know they are going to host some great seminars too. I am thinking about trying weight pulling with Jack. I also keep my eyes on http://www.happytailsportland.com/ for upcoming seminars too. That have hosted some great ones in the past. (As did My Wonderful Dog which sadly closed it's doors.)
It looks like I'll be trying again for those photos tomorrow. I know, she's so abused!
Tail wags, Marie http://k-9solutionsdogtraininginc.blogspot.com
Tips for training your deaf dog
As a dog trainer I get different e-mails from dog related companies regularly. One of those is from http://www.dogwise.com/ A fabulous place to get dog books and DVD's. One of their highlighted books in the past that I am familiar with, "Living with a deaf dog" by Susan Cope Becker. Now because I regularly work with deaf dogs, and have a deaf doG daughter myself, I do have the book and have read it. I have to say, it is NOT a good training book!!! It does have some wonderful tips on living with deaf dogs though. In her defense, the author admits that she isn't a trainer. It wasn't a book written about dog training either. It was only written for the average deaf dog owner, by an average deaf dog owner.
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My biggest peeve about the book is that she advises using both alpha rolls and hard eye contact as forms of punishment. Alpha rolls are an antiquated method recanted by the people who came up with the technique in the first place. (based on what they now know was misinturpreted wolf behavior) The last thing you want to do with a deaf dog is anything that doesn't promote good eye contact between you. You can't direct them if they avoid looking at you after all. Not to mention in dog language hard eye contact is a threat or challenge. (And some dogs will meet that challenge.) So hard stares are a very very bad idea.
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Why am I bringing it up? Because I want people to have GOOD info if they are looking for training information for deaf dogs. There is another deaf dog book out called "Hear Hear A guide to training your deaf dog" by Barry Eaton I admit that I haven't read this yet but I have to think it is better than the alternative.
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As a trainer I have found that using the lure reward method of training as outlined in the book "How to teach a new dog old tricks" by Dr. Ian Dunbar as a great way to train deaf dogs. The only difference is attaching a hand signal as a cue instead of just a verbal one. The best part is that initially the lure method IS teaching hand signals! Sit, down, come and stay are all used the exact same way as if it were a hearing dog. I use a thumbs up along with a smile as my reward marker for Yes! and a shaking finger with a (slight) frown as my auh auh no reward marker. You can also use American Sign Language for other words you want to teach your deaf dog as well. (also known as ASL) www.Amazon.com sells a variety of ASL dictionaries with photos of the signs. There are also websites online that show the signs in video.
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Another thing about training a deaf dog, is to continue using your verbal cues and facial expressions. First, trying not to speak while training will interfere with your body language. Remember that dogs communicate with each other with facial expressions and body language so they learn to read ours very easily. Second, not everyone will know your dog is deaf and the dog needs to learn how to read other people as well.
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Here are a few great websites about deaf dogs that include info about training and hand signals and signs.
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British site:
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Check out the deaf dog in training photos:
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Some fabulous deaf dog apparal:
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I have to admit I love working with deaf dogs. Not only is it a challenge I enjoy, but the moment I see the "lightbulb moment" between dog and owner is very rewarding to me. Training is all about learning how to most effectively communicate with each other. That is the same for every dog and owner, regardless of any challenges that may be involved for either of them.
Happy training!
Continuing education in dog training and behavior
There are many options out there for continuing education when it comes to dog training or learning more about canine behavior. Look for training facilities that host classes as well as seminars or special events you can attend. Many of them have websites and if you do a simple search on "dog training facilities" and the state you are in, (example: Dog training facilities Maine) you should yield alot of results. Play around with similar words in your search engine to gather even more results.
Do some research. Check out a facilities website and call them with any questions you may have. Here in Maine I have attended some wonderful seminars at Happy Tails in the past. ( www.happytailsportland.com )I currently look forward to upcoming events at Finish Forward Dogs (www.finishforwarddogs.com ) and Wag It ( www.wagitcamp.com ) also located here in Maine. On my list of goals this year is to attend some events at All Dogs Gym in New Hampshire as well. (www.alldogsgym.com )
Check with your local shelter or veterinarian. Who do they send people to for training? Why did they choose them? What do they think of their methods? Have they seen dogs that have been trained by that person? Do they know where that trainer learned their methods? These are a just a few questions you can ask when looking for reputable and effective trainers in your area.
The good news and bad news about training as a job field is that it is unregulated, anyone can hang a shingle and say they are a dog trainer, even if they have no real experience or training of their own. Or maybe they trained their own dogs and decided they are ready to teach others. This is good news if you are trying to break into the field. Unfortunatly this is bad news if you are looking for a trainer you can trust. This means you MUST be proactive in finding out more about the person you are hiring for your dogs safety. Dog training isn't for the faint of heart nor the uneducated. Knowing as much about canine behavior as possible is an absolute requirement. Not everyone is dedicated to doing the work this entails. As an owner you have a responsiblilty to never let someone do something to your dog that you disagree with. Your dog trusts you to speak up for them when they can't.
Can't afford seminars or travel but want to learn more? Check out www.DogStarDaily for lots of great free training advice and videos. In this day of internet webcasting there is no excuse for not being able to find out more about dog behavior if you have access to the internet and look for it. There is lots of great info out there at your fingertips. The trick just may be in sorting the bad info out from the good. If you do your research you can make your own informed decision.
There are many ways to train dogs. Find out more about the methods out there and find one that suits you and your dog. There are also many options for people looking to become involved in the dog training field. You can find a reputable and qualified trainer in your area to apprentice with if possible or look for hands on dog training schools. (www.alldogsgym.com offers a trainers program here in New England) Ask local trainers how they got into the field to see if that is also an option for you as well. Some may not be helpful if they feel you are loking to take over their area however so be prepared to for some competition if you are in a trainer dense area. It may be wiser to look outside your area for help if this is the case.
Another way to find trainers is to do an online trainer search though a trainers group website like The Association of Pet Dog Trainers ( www.apdt.com ) Not only will you find trainers in your area, you can find out more about what services they offer as a trainer as well. The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (www.nadoi.org ) is another group with a trainer search on their website too.
That is just a few of the tips I have for finding behavior and training seminars for those looking for more info to help train your own dog, or to help you improve your education if you are considering making training your new job field. I hope it helps.
Tail wags, Marie K-9 Solutions Dog Training Inc.
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January 08, 2010
Thanks Ligiro.
Ooops! I'm sorry the link to DSD was broken. It should be: www.DogStarDaily.com
Also check out http://www.positivelytrained.com/events.php as well as http://www.tawzerdogvideos.com
For those looking for books but can't afford to buy them all (there are so many great ones) check at your local library. Any they do not have they can get for you for a small fee or for free through inter-library loan.
Tail wags, Marie
Ooops! I'm sorry the link to DSD was broken. It should be: www.DogStarDaily.com
Also check out http://www.positivelytrained.com/events.php as well as http://www.tawzerdogvideos.com
For those looking for books but can't afford to buy them all (there are so many great ones) check at your local library. Any they do not have they can get for you for a small fee or for free through inter-library loan.
Tail wags, Marie
A glimpse of the old
Today I saw a glimpse of the old Missy. Missy is our 9 year old french bulldog and she was diagnosed back in October with a brain tumor. The medications she is currently on have her in a holding pattern and feeling pretty good, a fact I was most grateful for during the holidays. Unfortunatly those medications are not a cure. This evening while we were outside for our "after dinner" potty break she was more herself than I have seen in quite awhile. I needed to go into the shed and look for something for my daughter. It was already dark so I was wearing my headlamp which helps me be able to see the dogs easily. Jenny our pug, and Jack our akita had already done their business and gone inside. Missy has been taking longer than she used to so I knew I had some time to kill while waiting for her to remember she had to go. The shed was fortunatly not covered in the snow drift that most of the rest of my house is at present. There was only one drift to walk though which wasn't to deep in comparision. Missy used to be the dog I dabbled a few times in competitive obedience with. Because of that she is pretty attached to me and does whatever I have ever asked of her. When she saw me head to the shed she followed. It surprised me because this was something she had stopped doing once she started her current medications. Not only did she follow me down the path lacking snow, she barreled through the drifted area not once but twice. She even seemed gleeful while doing it. It made me laugh to see her in action. She was being goofy again! I know our days together are numbered but knowing she is still in there made me feel pretty good today. Hug those furkids close. We never know how many more days we have left with them after all.