Your Dog's Favorite Rewards

What’s your dog’s favorite reward?  Have you ever tried to figure it out by letting the dog choose?  It’s rather fun, and I highly recommend it!  It was raining, windy and too cold kind of a day a few weeks ago......It's a I don’t want to clean the house

kind of game!  

Here’s what I did, your results may vary!! 

 I started with toys, and I did the same set up with both Seeker and Nettle, working them individually of course.  I asked the dog to sit, I showed them each toy and put presented them in a pile about 10’ ahead of them.  I just gave them a release word, and let them do whatever they wanted.  I knew they’d both go to the pile of toys, so that wasn’t a concern.  I was just curious to see which one they would choose.

The toy pile consisted of: a bumper, a jolly ball on a rope, a rabbit skin, a soft plush squeaky toy, another soft with crinkle fabric inside. 

Then I put them out in a line in front of the dog, and released. 

Did they get the same toy?  Or choose a different one?  I gave each dog two attempts at each pile. 

Food was a bit more challenging as I wasn’t sure how to approach it.  I didn’t want to put it in a pile, as I wouldn’t be able to tell what they ate first.  So, I put them about 3’ apart on a lid, in a row and about 5’ in front of the dog.  I also did this ‘test’ right after they ate their evening meal, hoping it would result in them being a bit more thoughtful, and not such pigs.    

 

I then mixed up the order of the food placement, to see if they would go to the same plate, or actually choose a different one. 

I did each of these twice, and yes….I let them eat all the food each time.  Life’s short!  (‘;

I used a few pieces of cooked beef, a small pile of ‘candy’ (dog kibble), a spoon full of raw ground turkey, and a few chucks of cheese. 

 

Seeker’s Results –

Toys in a circle –

Rabbit skin

Crinkle Toy

Soft Toy

Jolly ball - #1 - He LOVES the Jolly ball stuff!

Food - Couldn't tell, he started in the same place, at plate #2 each time and went left, then back to the other 3.  He didn't take the time to look for anything 'special'. 

Nettle’s Results –

Toys in a circle –

Rabbit skin - #1 - No doubt!!

Crinkle Toy

Soft Toy

Jolly ball

Food - the same as Seeker, she didn't have a clear preference based on this set up.  She did get a 3rd try however, as she ate her treats and ran back to set up on her own.  It was too cute not to reward.  G

Have fun!! 

Happy 15th Birthday Kruz!

You still got it!

Happy Birthday Buddy!

Dog's Can Read Facial Expressions???

Have you ever has someone tell you that the dog 'knows' they've done something wrong before they 'said' anything?  Hum....this just might be why?????

Some very interesting stuff, that everyone that owns a dog should be aware of. 

Happy Endings In Agility

Have you ever noticed how we seem to put a lot of time into our 'Start Lines', or 'Set up'?  We also put a great deal of time into our overall obstacle performance. Why is it that we never seem to put any thought or time into how we'll finish our run?

Over the last two weekends running USDAA, I had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time in the ring, not only as a competitor, but also as a worker.  I do enjoy working at trials, there's rarely a better seat in the house.  My focus while working over the last couple weekends was on 'start lines', contact performance and how teams ended a run.  This post is on the endings.

First off, why are the endings important?  Most people might think they are important so you can praise and reward your dog for a job well done, okay, I can agree with that.  Endings are also an important time to be sure you are still connected and in control of your dog.  The majority of dogs I saw these past two weekends were in a high state of arousal, or drive, at the end of there runs, a time where bad things can, and occasionally do happen.  This could involve an altercation with another dog, or more commonly, an arousal aggression, 'biting, nipping' their handler, or even resource guarding their leash. 

Several years ago, AKC implemented a rule that required dogs be on a leash and 'under control' when exiting the ring.  I will admit, I thought it was a stupid rule.  The more I watch the ends of the agility runs, the more I agree with it.  Handlers are just too disconnected at the end of the agility run, whether they are just happy they survived, thinking about what went wrong, or just trying to breathe.  They assume the dog will be with them, that's when bad things happen.

I started thinking about 'endings' when I was about to enter Seeker in his first trial a few years ago.  He does get highly aroused when watching other dogs work, and I knew I didn't want to have any issues with other dogs in the ring.  I decided for him, running the leash and having a quick sit was the answer.  This allowed me to put slip his leash over his head and release to a game of tug.  It was quick, and got us out of the ring under control.

For a couple of our other dogs, jumping into my arms was a good option.  Again, I knew where my dog was at all times, and was able to slip a leash on and get out quickly.

Other options that work well are having the dog come to you and you take their collar, then go to your leash.  This isn't an option in USDAA, as you aren't allowed to wear collars.

I personally don't like sending a dog to a leash at the end for a reward.  I've seen a couple handlers scream at leash runners (not the last two weekends BTW) to drop the leash as the dog will grab it out of their hands.  Potential for a dog bite just isn't worth it.  Also, dogs that 'resource guard' might not like someone else handling their leash.

If you have a dog that jumps up and nips you, seriously consider a sit or down at the end of your run.  The more often they get to rehearse that behavior, the more serious it could become.  I've seen some pretty nasty bruises and bites from agility endings.  OUCH!! 

With the 2013 Agility Season just under way, I challenge you to add 'happy endings' into your training.  You and your dog will both be happier for it!

Happy Training!! 

Rilda Sue Fish - We Lose An Amazing Person

Rilda passed away on Friday morning, at the age of 62, following a recent diagnosis of lung cancer.  Unfortunately, by the time it was diagnosed, it had already spread to her brain and spinal fluid.  She knew her time left was short, she was diagnosed on July 9th, and fought it with everything she had.

Although Rilda was a smoker, her type of cancer (Adenocarcinoma) may, or may not be smoking related.  In fact, non-smokers often develop this type of lung cancer.  This is also the most common lung cancer in women.  One of Rilda's proudest accomplishments was when she quit smoking, over 5 and a half years ago. 

It's hard to know how any of us would react after hearing the news that you have terminal lung cancer.  On the way home from that appointment, I asked Rilda what she was thinking.  She said, 'I'm worried about my dogs.'  Rilda had 2 dogs, a 13+ yr old Bichon, Ryelee,  and a young 18 month old Schnauzer, Nike.  This was so typical of Rilda, she worried about others, before she worried about herself.  'We'll figure it out, I assured her, and we have.'  Thank you Liz and Fritz for opening your home up to Ryelee!!

Rilda was overwhelmed by the number of people that visited, sent cards, flowers, and money. Friends from high school friend, co-workers at Kwik-Way, and of course dog friends.  The reason was quite obvious, it was because Rilda truly knew how to be a friend.  She always gave, and I don't mean in materialistic things, more than she received.  It takes a very special person to do this, and Rilda was that special.

We talked about a 'bucket list', knowing full well that time was short.  Number one on her list was finishing Ryelee's MACH.  Just a few short days later, Michele Hartzler was able to make that dream a reality.  You see, even by then, Rilda wasn't able to run.  Rilda was so happy!  Of course everyone else was in tears.  What a wonderful day.  Rilda remarked, that it was one of the best days of her life, she'd never felt so much love and support.'Dog people are the BEST.'

Another bucket item, was to see Nike run in her first agility trial.  It was going to be tough; she really hadn't had much agility training.  She didn't even know what weave poles were, but what the heck, we entered her in the Granger trial in September.  Just Novice JWW preferred.  Nike was 20th or so on the waiting list, so didn't think we'd make it in.  But a couple days before closing we'd made it!!  Unfortunately Rilda wasn't well enough to make the trip, but friends Peggy Patters, and Beth Haley were waiting to share video of Nike's runs with her.  Posted on You Tube, right after the run.  It was another great day, as Nike run like she belonged there, with two clean runs.  Even though I had to do the old push pull weaves.  Rilda didn't care!!

Now, just because Rilda was a great friend, that doesn't mean she wasn't ornery.  She like practical jokes along with the rest of us.  My favorite was in Granger in March.  It was Rilda's birthday, and we'd all picked up 12 packs of Diet Pepsi, her favorite.  We weren't sure how we were going to present all this soda, but after she'd set up both of her dog crates (vari type) and left to get the dogs...it came to us!!  Let's fill her dog crates with the Pepsi 12 packs!  The crates were on the ground, they are fairly solid, and had covers over them, so you couldn't see the pop inside.  Not unless you got down on the ground to look.

So, we filled the crate quickly, with as much as we could, just in time.  Here came Rilda with Ryelee.  He balked a bit, as he went into his kennel, but in he went.  Of course, the orange people were trying to act 'normal', but a few of us had tears in our eyes.  Rilda left to get Sophie, and we all burst out laughing, hushing of course when she returned.  Sophie didn't have as much room left in her crate as Ryelee, and Rilda could not figure out why she wouldn't go it.  Finally, Rildsa got down on her hands and knees, and look inside.  The look on her face was hysterical!!

So many great trips, fun times hanging around with our dogs, and just enjoying our dog peeps!

We will so miss our Rilda Sue, but you can bet, she won't be forgotten!!

Got a story you'd like to share?  I'd love to hear it!

Sunny California...kind of.....

It was 'mostly' sunny, and CHILLY!! 

 At the PWD Club of Northern California Annual Water Trial.  

In Pleasanton, CA on August 4th & 5th.

 

 When you go from 98+ degrees, and 70 at night to 55 degree mornings, 

and 70's during the day, it's rather a shock to the system!  

Too bad I didn't pack a sweatshirt!  Or PANTS!!!  BRRRR!!

It was a fun time judging, and EATING!!!

I don't think I've ever eaten so much in such 

a short amount of time!  WOW!! 

Out the window of the 757.......

These are the exhibitors 'gift bags', 

They were GREAT!!! 

I even got one!  

Okay, so I didn't think the airline would understand

that the pocket knife was actually a GIFT!!

So, I gave that to my 'driver'.  

The little duck is extra cute!  

They have an annual 'Ducky Derby', 

the ducks are dumped into the water and PWDs 

retrieve them.  If they pick yours, you win MONEY!!

Strangely enough, the PWD owners should have 

practiced ahead of time......the PWDs were more interested

in peeing in the water.  That made it even funnier!  (':

 Here's the little beach area.  

They had two rings set up. 

The view from an adjacent dock. 

Sorry, we were not at the ocean!! G

Tiny cup cakes!! 

Yep, small....I took TWO!!  G

Barb made me this cute little name tab

for Nettle!!  It says "Wish you were here."

I'm pretty sure she was just being kind!

Nettle would have had a BLAST!

Speaking of fun!!

It's really hard to judge when you have these

kinds of distractions!

Luckily, I missed out on the Sunday baptisms! 

How could you seriously focus then?  

We don't have trees like these in Iowa!! 

But....we do have these!!

They are CASE Tractors!!

Lori looked at me like I'd just stepped off the farm! G

Well, guess what they had on display when we walked in? 

Yep, some Ertl replicas!  

Lori had never noticed before!! 

We ate here Sunday evening! 

The food was good, the company was great, .....

The bathroom.....well, Lori said I 'had' to go....

Who am I to argue!!

OMG!!  Animal noises are playing vs. music!

It was HYSTERICAL!!!  

It was a fun time! 

LONG FLIGHTS!!
But worth it. 

Off to Toronto in a couple weeks.....

I'll be wearing a SWEATSHIRT!!!  G

Sardines....in the Microwave?

 Um, I've had BETTER ideas!!

Tonight at Puppy Class we will be doing puppy recalls.  I want GOOD food, so what's better than sardines?  I thought if maybe I microwaved them, that they would hold together a bit better.  THINK AGAIN!!  One the bright side, they sure are 'tender'!

 Here's what you get in a can of Sardines!

I thought I could go maybe 90 seconds, but came running back after 15!  They were popping away, Kruz was circling the kitchen, and I pushed the STOP button.   See below!

Big surprise, sardine smell, well....fishy!  

So 'in for a penny, in for a pound'.  

I gave them another 15 seconds! 

Kruz is really agitated now!

GIVE ME A FISH!!

So, after 15 more seconds they weren't quite as mushy.

I could get them into bite size pieces.

Um....small pieces, as I guess I should clarify.  

Kruz would NOT see any of those as bite sized!

I've now placed them in the freezer to harden.  

Not sure I'll actually try to use them tonight?

I guess if the kitchen smells like Sardines, 

the Fridge/Freezer might as well too. 

Pretty sure I'll have the BEST treats tonight!