This quote is from the Temperament Test for Dogs website describing what temperament is. “W. Handel, German Police Dog Trainer, in his article, “The Psychological Basis of Temperament Testing,” defines temperament as ‘the sum total of all inborn and acquired physical and mental traits and talents which determines, forms and regulates behavior in the environment.’” That is the combination of Fixed Action Patterns and Learning abilities I described in an earlier blog post, and qualities that can be used in {Read More}
Trick Dog Champion
September 26, 2013 by
Here is the Trick Dog Champion Title video of my own dog, Australian Shepherd Dudley. I’m very proud of this accomplishment, and for the fun I’ve had with Dudley as we’ve trained for this title. But the fun doesn’t stop here. We are still training new tricks! If you’re interested in training your dog to do tricks, contact me! I’m a Certified Trick Dog Instructor and would be glad to work with you towards your trick dog training goals. Helen {Read More}
Fixed Action Patterns and Learning
September 9, 2013 by
Fixed Action Patterns, or FAPs, are hardwired into our dogs’ genetic make-up. They are stereotypical behaviors to a certain group: everyone has them, or each sex has them, or everyone of a certain age has them. FAPs do not have to be learned. FAPs aren’t learned, and they don’t happen by chance. There is usually a specific something that triggers them. For example, when a dog sees a quick moving object, his prey drive may be activated. A pup’s nursing {Read More}
Rolling Rolling Rolling
September 3, 2013 by
I’ve trained my Australian Shepherd, Dudley, through four trick titles: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. We are now on the border of our final title, Trick Dog Champion. Teaching tricks to your dog, whether to achieve titles or just for fun, is an excellent way to bond and have fun together. Trick training can be done inside on a rainy day or outside on a beautiful day. Some tricks require props and some don’t. Ball rolling is a great outdoor {Read More}
Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
August 29, 2013 by
This recipe was created by a friend of mine, Melani, for her own wonderful dog, Alice. I leave the instructions intact, along with her sense of humor. Melani’s PB Cookie Recipe 1-1/2 cup flour (white or whole wheat) 1/2 cup rolled oats 1 tsp baking powder 3/4 cup milk (Can be low fat but whats the point?) 1-1/2 cups peanut butter 2 Tbsps blackstrap molasses Whisk dry, stir in wet, knead for a min on a floured surface, roll, cut, {Read More}
Clicker Training To Salvage A Behavior
August 28, 2013 by
A clicker is a tool used to communicate exactness to a dog. It’s the bridge between the moment a dog executes a behavior to the reward he gets after the click. It’s a communication device. Always pair the click with a reward. Otherwise, your clicker will soon become useless. Besides building behaviors, clicker training can salvage them. Here is a 30-second example of how helpful a well timed click can be. And be assured, Dudley got a treat after the {Read More}
AKC Community Canine Title Announced
August 27, 2013 by
Here are some excerpts from a letter the AKC sent out today regarding a new CGC opportunity. AKC ADDS NEW ADVANCED LEVEL TO CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® PROGRAM With the introduction of AKC Community Canine, the AKC’s CGC program now provides a comprehensive three- level training program for dogs and their owners. Beginning with AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, progressing to Canine Good Citizen and now to AKC Community Canine, the CGC program trains dogs through all stages of life to be well {Read More}
Cues vs. Commands
August 26, 2013 by
What’s the difference between a cue and a command? Being a crossover trainer, that is someone who started training dogs when commanding was all that was taught to someone who now trains without force or pain, I can tell you there’s a big difference between the two words. Though both cuing and commanding refer to hand or verbal signals given to the dog to request a behavior. A command assumes forceful control over a dog. What follows an unfulfilled command {Read More}
Hemostat and Muzzle
July 20, 2013 by
This is a hemostat and having one around the house for emergencies is an excellent idea when you’re a dog parent. Take for example a recent incident I had. Before I go into it, though, a moment of explanation about the dog who prompted me to write this blog post because she is the reason behind the most recent hemostat use. She’s a senior Dobermann, somewhere between ten and eleven. I am sure she was the runt of her litter. {Read More}
Behavior is Expensive
June 17, 2013 by
The other night, while I was preoccupied and going through the motions of pre-meal prep, I accidentally gave my Dobie’s thyroxine and Meloxicam to my BC. She just gulped it down as if it were *her* maintenance drugs. And I stood there, you know that moment? You cannot believe you just did what you did and to undo it would be much more work than you have energy for. My first thought, will my fist fit down her throat? Nyet. {Read More}
Grocery Lists & Training Plans
June 10, 2013 by
I’ve been a dedicated Costco shopper since the 80’s. There was a gap of a year or so in all those decades where I lapsed when I was settling from the west coast to the east coast, but once I found roots, I found a Costco and rekindled my relationship with my favorite warehouse store. When I prepare for my Costco shopping trips, I make a list of what supplies are dwindling. In fact, except for when Costco moves things {Read More}
Safe-For-Dogs Weed Killer
May 29, 2013 by
It’s that time of year when weeds become a problem and we have to deal with them. When I was growing up, people used to take out a knee pad, a bucket, some elbow grease and move around the yard manually pulling weeds. The job was never ending. And exhausting. Now there are chemical sprays that aren’t environmentally friendly, and though the label states safe when dry, I wonder how safe. We have very little room for grassy areas in {Read More}
