Competition Obedience

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Jamie
It was a match so there is no score. But a series of happy faces means we won!

It was a match so there is no score. But a series of happy faces means we won!

With the addition of several new classes in AKC, I decided maybe it was time to try obedience with Risa. I knew she’d never earn a CD; I won’t risk doing group stays with her. The Beginner Novice was a possibility but, for some reason, the idea of Pre-Novice appealed to me. It’s, essentially, the same thing as Novice just without the group stays. I knew Risa could do pretty much everything required with the exception of the stand for exam. She’s still really leery about strangers touching her. But I knew it could be worked on.

When I found out there was going to be an obedience fun match this weekend, I decided it was time to see where we stood. I wanted to have an idea of where we still needed work. Besides, we haven’t competed since January and I wanted to give Risa and I a chance to get in the ring again!

I’m very happy to know that Risa is exactly where I figured she would be in regards to doing obedience. Her figure 8, recall, and stay were superb. Not perfect but pretty close! Heeling needs some serious work but that’s nothing new. That’s where I lose her focus all the time. She did surprise me on the stand for exam, however. I figured she would break her stay or, at the very least, not be happy at all about a stranger touching her. Risa actually held the stay and didn’t look upset about being touched either! Unfortunately, she then decided the judge must be her new friend and went over to say “Hi.” Knowing how fearful she was and how much Risa still can be afraid of strangers, I can’t say I’m displeased with that reaction!!

We still have work to do but I think it’s possible we could add PCD to the end of her name sometime in the near future. I was also happy to see her so calm amid the chaos. She voluntarily laid down while we were waiting our turn even with all the dogs nearby. The only real reactive moment was when she postured and barked once at the chow puppy in the nearby conformation ring. She even managed to keep her cool when a golden retriever got loose and ran up her butt. She did whip her head around to see who it was but I just kept her moving and offered her treats until the dog was caught.

Our obedience debut:

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Breeds

Posted on March 8, 2014 by Jamie
How do we determine what breed a dog is?

How do we determine what breed a dog is?

There’s an old saying that goes “If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck. . .it’s a duck.” But how do we really know if a dog is the breed we think he is. How is it determined that this dog is that breed?

This seems like a simple question doesn’t it? But it’s really more complicated than we realize. After all, what makes a dog a particular breed? Is it his appearance? Each breed, regardless of what registry recognizes it (or doesn’t), has a breed standard. This standard outlines what the ideal dog of this breed should look like. Ears, tails, coat, color. . . It’s all laid out. While no dog is perfect enough to meet this standard 100%; it is still a guideline for judges, breeders, and the general public to determine what breed a dog is.

It’s also important to note how the dog behaves. This is outlined in the breed standard as well. Retrievers should carry game from the water and return it to the hunter. Herding dogs should move stock. Draft dogs should be able to pull heavy loads. Pointers should point.

The pedigree is also important. After all, that proves a dog’s purity for generations. You know he’s a standard poodle because every one of his relatives for generations was also a standard poodle.

But is that all there is to it? What about border collies who don’t herd? Are they still border collies simply because they look like a border collie and had parents who were border collies? How about if you have a German shepherd with floppy ears and a very straight rear? Is he still a German shepherd even though he doesn’t really look like one?

When dog breeds were first developed, what the dog did was more important than how the dog looked. Dogs were classified and categorized by the task they performed and how they executed it. Any dog who “gave eye” to move stock was a border collie. He didn’t need to be long-coated, black and white, have half-pricked ears, or be of any particular size. It was his style of herding that defined him. Similar-looking dogs who worked upright to move sheep were not considered border collies even if they looked like border collies.

Like so many things. . .it's in the eye of the beholder.

Like so many things. . .it’s in the eye of the beholder.

If you go to the local shelter or rescue and adopt a dog with a golden coat, long hair, a medium build, and drop ears; you’re going to call him a golden retriever. And so would anyone else who looked at him. But who’s to say he isn’t really 1/8th Labrador retriever? You cannot prove it. Despite the recent popularity of dog DNA testing, there are no genetic markers for breeds or even breed characteristics. No respectable registering body would allow you to register your dog as a golden retriever for breeding purposes because you cannot prove his lines are pure.

You could also have a Rottweiler/golden retriever cross who looks identical to a hovawart. Or a Yorkie/Japanese chin who looks like a papillion. They

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She Needs You

Posted on February 15, 2014 by Jamie
It's a bond that can't be broken.

It’s a bond that can’t be broken.

Many years ago, Risa and I trained with a group of freestylers on Friday nights. It was an informal gathering where we we able to work on our routines and get feedback from fellow canine dancers. We all took turns and it was also a great time for me to work with Risa on her dog reactivity.

After several weeks with the same people and dogs, a newcomer joined us. None of us thought much about how a new dog and handler team might upset the status quo of our sessions. When the new pair got ready to strut their stuff, the leash was unclipped and they got down to business. Unfortunately, the dog came right for Risa (in a friendly manner; not that his motives mattered for Risa). I had her off-leash as well so neither dog was under control. It was noisy but no contact was made. Both of us were able to get our dogs back.

The owner of the facility heard the noise and came into the training area to make sure everything was okay. I had put Risa’s leash back on and walked her over to the corner where there was a leash clip on the wall. I hooked Risa to it and walked away from her. I was overcome with emotion. Frustration, anger, panic, sadness, embarrassment. I was upset over what I had allowed to happen. What Risa had done. My pride had been shaken. I was glad nothing bad had happened but I felt like I just needed to walk away from Risa and collect myself before I got angry with her. When I had done so, the lady who owned the place told me “You need to go to her. She needs you.” I didn’t want to go to my dog. I was upset with her! Even though it was my fault. Even though I knew that she was dog reactive. Even though I knew she was fearful. Even though I knew I had no reason to be angry with her.

I did go back to her even though my emotions were still high. It wasn’t until much, much later I realized the wisdom of this woman’s words. Risa needed me to be there for her after that charged moment. She needed to know I still had her back. That I loved her. That, despite the craziness of the event, I still had her back. That I would always have her back.

Though many years have passed, I still remember those words. I understand their importance. And I do my best to heed them. Because Risa does need me. And I will always be there for her. No matter what.

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Measuring Success

Posted on February 9, 2014 by Jamie
Success is measured in so many ways. You really have to know your dog to judge it. Staying stationary around other dogs might be easy for some while it might be a terrifying thought for other dogs. It took a lot of work to get Risa to stay close to other dogs. . .and be happy about it!

Success is measured in so many ways. You really have to know your dog to judge it. Staying stationary around other dogs might be easy for some while it might be a terrifying thought for other dogs. It took a lot of work to get Risa to stay close to other dogs. . .and be happy about it!

Blue ribbons and trophies aren’t the only ways to measure success. Especially if you have a fearful dog. Or a reactive dog. Or a dog who is easily aroused. Each dog is an individual and you should judge him based upon his previous accomplishments. Not the accomplishments of others.

I compete with Risa and I enjoy watching the other teams in the ring before and after our turn. I “ooo” and “ahh” over the beautiful performances. The teams whose bond shows clearly. They look like poetry in motion. They score high in their event and almost always place. They walk off with blue ribbons, titles, High in Trial, etc. I envy them somewhat. I see that perfect, focused attention along with the flawless execution and I want it. Everyone congratulates them for their accomplishments. They recognize the beauty and hard work that has gone into the performance.

If you don’t have an average dog, your successes are less apparent and harder for those with “normal” dogs to understand. You may tear up with joy the first time your dog completely ignores a dog walking 2 feet away. Your heart swells when your fearful dog allows a stranger to pet him for the first time without cringing or fleeing in terror. And, if you do get into the ring to compete, your goals are very different from those around you who haven’t had to struggle with behavioral issues on top of the behaviors required for the performance.

That doesn’t make your accomplishments any less than theirs. (One could argue that your accomplishments are actually greater since you’ve had to overcome so much just to step inside the ring.) Just different. It’s hard to not judge your dog against the others out there. Especially since that’s the point of trialing. 🙂 But the judge’s opinion is not the only one that matters. You know what you’ve been through. You know how hard it’s been. You know your dog’s history. The judge does not. The judge only sees what you show that day and that’s what you’re scored on. But the judge doesn’t go home with your dog. You do. Regardless of what happens in the ring, you know what you’ve overcome to get there. Even on the worst days, there is something to take home and be proud of. 😀

I judge our performances against what I know we can do. Not what others do. While I love bringing home rosettes, medals, and trophies; they are not the end all for me. Most of our rally runs have not been pretty. Sometimes I’m surprised she has her AKC Excellent title! 😉 But there have been beautiful moments in her runs. Even when we don’t score high, we’ve been complimented on our teamwork by spectators outside the ring. Several times I’ve been told how happy Risa looks out there working with me. Comments like these mean more to me than any blue ribbon for that is one of my goals: a happy partner. For me, the ends do not justify the means. Risa doesn’t NEED trophies or ribbons. She just wants to have fun with me. And that’s why we trial. Because we enjoy it.

Sure it feels good when you place high and earn awards. But they are not necessary to be successful with your dog!

Sure it feels good when you place high and earn awards. But they are not necessary to be successful with your dog!

Even outside of the ring, it’s important to celebrate your dog’s awesomeness. Especially when you’re first starting on a behavior modification program. They may be small victories at first but they are still important. You might feel silly getting excited about them. After all, the average dog owner doesn’t get excited when Fido looks to you after seeing a dog that’s 20 feet away. They don’t have to worry about what might happen if a child rushes up to their dog while they’re out. You do. And you know what your dog has overcome. So don’t be discouraged when you have a setback. They will happen. Look back. Assess. Figure out how to do better next time. Continue to train and overcome the obstacles. You’ll be a far stronger team for it.

Sometimes we need a failure to show us that we still need some fine-tuning on our training. Risa’s last showing in rally was not successful and showed me that I really need to step up and work on her focus. The craziness of a trial and the dogs so close to the ring were just more than she could handle. So I’ve stepped up our training so that we can do better next time.

“Failure is the tuition you pay for success.” – Walter Brunell

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Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Jamie
Mental stimulation will do when physical exercise is limited. . .but sometimes it's not quite enough.

Mental stimulation will do when physical exercise is limited. . .but sometimes it’s not quite enough.

There is no doubt it’s been cold this winter. With sub-zero temperatures most mornings (and throughout the day), activity has been limited around here. I miss our 3-4 mile walks in the snow (especially when it’s deep because it’s a great workout!). It’s just not safe for canine or human when the temperatures drop that low. No matter how much I bundle us up!

Unfortunately, dogs can’t rely on television to keep them occupied. Books don’t do it either. And I’ve yet to see a dog master playing video games. They really need physical and mental stimulation to be happy. Staying inside staring at the walls all day makes for a pretty wound-up pupper. Especially if you own an active dog like I do! (Yes, even my 10 year-old mutt gets stir crazy when she misses a couple walks.)

I’ve been doing my best to keep her stimulated. We train daily (sometimes two sessions). I’ve tossed toys around the room and up and down the stairs for her to chase. On the weekend, if it’s warm enough, we get out for a walk. I even take her with me when I teach class. But it’s not enough. I didn’t realize how wound up she was until I stayed home sick from work. I needed to rest and Risa needed to climb all over me and get up in my face. “Can we do stuff!?” Even if it hadn’t been too cold out, I was sick and needed some relaxation! I pulled out the Tug-A-Jug and froze some food in a Kong to placate her. It wasn’t quite enough but it did keep her from climbing all over me for a while.

I love watching the gears turn in her head as she figures out the location of the hidden object. We used to play

I love watching the gears turn in her head as she figures out the location of the hidden object. We used to play “find it” all the time when she was younger.

The cold has refused to let up. I was reminded the other day of a game we used to play that I haven’t played with Risa in ages: “find it.” I decided tonight was the time to bring back this game. I got out a toy that had been in storage and teased her a bit with it. I shut her in the basement and hid it in the house. I then ‘released the hound’ and she had a blast locating it! I hid it in relatively easy spots. I hid it in harder spots. I hid it under, behind, and on top of things. I hid it high and low. Risa found it every time. Sometimes it took her a long time but she never gave up the search. When she did find it, I praised her and we played tug with the toy or I tossed it down the hall. She was WILD and crazy the entire time and she was having a blast! After I ended the game, she promptly passed out.

It’s really a shame it’s been so cold but it’s actually a bit of a blessing. It’s been a while since I have taken the time to play with Risa. We do a lot of training which she loves and our walks are something we both enjoy. But there is something to be said for playing together too. I think I’m going to start incorporating more play into our daily lives. I think we’ll both be the better for it. Cold weather or not!

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