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Are You Enrolled in a Canine Life and Social Skills Program?

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 12:35 am

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It looks like my pet parent is checking out the Canine Life and Social Skills Program to promote training using positive reinforcement. It has been been developed by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers to strengthen relationships between us dogs and our pet parents. I am all for that. Strong relationships are what keep us in our homes in spite of what we do…

I Didn't Do It!

how we look (dirty & scraggly), or how much maintenance we require (annual vet visits).

This program is similar to the American Kennel Club’s S.T.A.R. Puppy Program

American Kennel Club Socialization Training Activity and Responsibility

Socialization-Training-Activity-Responsibility

and Canine Good Citizen Program in that life skills are taught and then tested by certified evaluators.

Are You Ready to Become a Canine Good Citizen?

The APDT C.L.A.S.S. program is based on input from both dog owners and non-dog owners, shelter workers and professional dog trainers. It is a 3-level evaluation for our pet parents to demonstrate our real-life skills and their basic knowledge of how to handle and care for us. The positive, reward-based training minimizes the chance that we will be punished and increases the chances of having fun with our pet parents.

We can earn a B.A., M.A., or Ph.D. certificate as we progress with our skills. An entire curriculum is available for use by shelters to either enhance their present programs or to create a new one. The dogs waiting for homes can be evaluated for no cost and then listed in the C.L.A.S.S. web site ins the “dogs for adoption” section…train ‘em up and match ‘em up! Fees for other dogs are only $5.00

The APDT designed C.L.A.S.S. with the needs of shelter dogs in mind. This makes the shelter dogs more adoptable.Knowing basic skills will increase the shelter pet’s chances of staying in their new home. The marketing behind the C.L.A.S.S. program will attract people to these precious pets.

So ask yourself these questions:

Can you wait at the door?

Come when you are called?

Allow your leash to be attached?

Walk loosely on a leash and stare adoringly at your pet parent?

Meet people nicely when you are out and about?

Leave the “untouchable” items untouched?

Wait for your food bowl to be placed in front of you?

Stay in one spot?

Settle down your wiggle butt?

If you can do these things, then you are ready to become a B.A. with C.L.A.S.S.

Have your pet parent study the rules and requirements in the Student Handbook. The components of Canine Life and Social Skills includes educating your pet parent in responsible dog ownership and positive reinforcement, assessing real-life skills, encouraging ongoing training, expanding the opportunities for those of us that are well-behaved and supporting shelters and rescues.

Scientific research has shown that we dogs do not behave “badly”; we just exhibit normal dog behaviors to get our needs met or to resolve conflict. We don’t feel guilty at all because we don’t know right from wrong. We just know what works and we figure out a way to get what we feel that we need.

Your pet parent will have to pass a multiple-choice test on dog information and ownership. They will learn how to relate to you by setting clear boundaries for you rather than confronting you with drama.

Positive, reward-based training works! How have your pet parents “trained” you?

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Train a Pet Parent You Can Be Proud Of!

Thursday, January 19th, 2012 at 11:41 pm

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National Train Your Dog Month | APDT

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) wants your pet parent to have a dog that they can be proud of so it has designated January as National Train Your Dog Month. Regardless of whether you become a part of their family as a puppy or an older dog that has just rescued them from a life of boredom and loneliness, you should make training your pet parent a part of your everyday life.

Puppies Do What Puppies Do!

Puppy classes give your pet parents a routine to follow and support from other puppy owners for those moments when they are in overwhelm with normal puppy behaviors such as chewing and housetraining. The classes will help your pet parent develop skills to interact with other puppies, with children and adults and to experience new but safe environments. You will look like an angel compared to the other puppies so be eager to go to puppy class.

Training that occurs outside the classroom reinforces the basics learned for any sports activity, therapy behavior or other job that you want your pet parent to do.

There are FEW Books on Training Pet Parents!

You can be proud of your pet parent when he has learned to greet your guests politely, to walk nicely on the leash and to come when called. Well-trained pet parents can fully participate in your life rather than be left behind or confined to a separate room.

Although we are not allowed at many sporting events where children play, older children may play with us at a well-designed dog park such as the Frostburg Dog Park in Maryland.

Teach Your Child To Treat Us With Respect!

AKC kennel clubs and 4-H Clubs focus on teaching the proper care and training of dogs to children and emphasize building a lifetime relationship with their dog. If you do not have children in your family, consider adopting a neighbor’s child…who may not be able to have a dog of their own…to work with you under supervision. Both the child and you will benefit from the time that you spend together.

Once the basics of training such as sit, stay, down, wait, and come are taught to your pet parent, then you both are ready to have fun!

: Lead the Way!

If you have a high-energy pet parent or fearful or nervous pet parent, consider dog agility as a sport.If your pet parent displays aggression or serious intent to be aggressive, consider how your pet parent would benefit from tracking. If your pet parent is aggressive towards you only, train your pet parent to do agility and herding to redirect that frustrated energy.

: This is NO Dog Whisperer!

If your pet parent is easily frustrated and under exercised, add joring sports to the mix. If your pet parent loves to be dragged behind you, definitely consider joring sports, tracking and carting. If you and your pet parent are all-around athletes that love to try everything, then follow your heart and include rally obedience, dancing, dock diving, tracking, search and rescue, skijoring, sledding, swimming, water rescue trials, carting, and field trails.

You may also want to try reading programs, therapy work, and whatever your imagination can lead you to do in the way of entertainment and philanthropy passions.

: Use Your Imagination!

Training your pet parent will enable you to keep your pet parent with you through any life changes such as illnesses, travel, or moving into a new home and environment. Training your pet parent everyday as you go through your day is what builds a mutual bond, enhances your partnership and enriches the relationship that you share with your pet parent. Remember, we are the species that teaches them to love unconditionally, by loving them…no matter what they look like or how much money they spend on us.

Training a pet parent you can be proud of involves teaching your pet parent new behaviors to use in your “real life.” Some stores and restaurants allow your pet parent to take you shopping with them. Pet stores are a great place to take your pet parent first since they will be reinforced with attention and you will be able to sniff pleasant smells. While you are shopping, your pet parent can practice greeting people and other dogs politely and walking on a loose leash. Your pet parent can also practice waiting for people to pass without growling at them before going up and down the crowded aisles.

: Take Time Out

You can train your pet parent to ride in a car and be a safe driver. If your car is not suited for a dog kennel, then buckle your pet parent into a harness to keep him secure in case of sudden stops or impacts caused by your loud barking. Start with short trips and go to places where your pet parent may be reinforced with good things … and you can get treats…like at banks or the drive-through. Visit the veterinarian’s office just to say hello and ask the staff to greet your pet parent, then leave and have some more fun.

: We Rule the Roads!

If the mailman, garbage truck, paperboy or deliveryman overly excites your pet parent, have them sit politely while they reward you with treats. Sit and down stays can be reinforced while you are watching TV with them; while they are talking on the phone as you eye their favorite shoes; while they are cooking your favorite meal, and while they are eating dinner. Ask your pet parents for a chew toy to keep you quiet and relaxed while they are working at home on their computer or your children are doing their homework.

: Are Pet Parents Driving You Crazy?

Take your pet parents to a place where children ride their bikes, run and skate so that you can watch from a distance. Practice more loose-leash walking, sits, downs and stays. Over time, your pet parent will learn to relax in these highly distracting atmospheres.

Play the “recall game” in your house. When you run to the front door or window to bark at something or someone outside, have your pet parent hide in another room and call you to them and give you a treat. Be prepared to reinforce your pet parent with multiple sloppy kisses or a fun game to play so that you remain the main attraction!

: Building Benevolent Relationships

Your pet parents are good at telling you what they want. Use these behaviors to teach them “what you want.” When you want to go out, teach them to call you and have you sit politely while they put your leash on rather than hurrying to you as you bark near the door and bounce off of the door. Wait politely while they prepare your food and give it to you. When your pet parents want affection, have them ask you to sit or lay down first. You will both benefit. Whenever you ask your pet parent to do “something” in exchange for a valuable “life” reward, you are practicing “real life” training that is stress-free and rewarding to both of you. By training everyday, you will be living with a pet parent that you can be proud of!

Celebrate National Train Your Dog Month…Every Month!

: Celebrate National Train Your Dog Month

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

Your Pets View of the LeashLocket Retractable Lead

Sunday, January 15th, 2012 at 11:55 pm

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My pet parent and I attended BlogPaws 2011 where we spotted the LeashLocket retractable leash on display…and I immediately wanted to sniff the display to see if these lockets carried dog treats. I am sure your pet would view anything that is attached to their collar in the same way.

Leash Locket at BlogPaws 2011

Let me report first that Amelia has her reservations about retractable leashes due to some people having received serious injuries from the retractable corded leads. The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship even bans them from their show grounds to prevent not only human accidents but also a repeat of dogs being scared by retracting handles chasing them that they have pulled from their handler’s grip…causing them to run off into a dangerous situation. Those concerns aside, Amelia does attach a retractable belted lead to me when we are going on nature walks where strict control is not required.

Upon closer examination, we found out that the LeashLocket is a revolutionary retractable belted leash in that it actually attaches to a magnet that is on an elastic strap that snaps around my collar. Wow…how convenient to use on the trail. Now, instead of both of my pet parents having to carry a separate leash for times when they are not in the same location and have to put a leash on me, I can just return to them carrying my one and only leash! This allows them to have instant control without having to fumble with snapping a leash onto my collar.

The LeashLocket is so lightweight that I don’t even notice it. Amelia feels this LeashLocket will also be ideal to use in the agility and obedience training rings. Many handlers use a short tab that is attached to their dog’s collar but with a big coat like mine, a tab can get lost in my mass of fur. The LeashLocket will be much easier to locate.

So what else makes the LeashLocket so appealing? Both of my pet parents like the way the locket fits comfortably in their hands. An optional wrist strap attaches to the locket for those times when their hands need to be free to grab my doggie bag and scoop the ‘you know what.’

Retractable leads normally extend from 10 to 26 feet which gives the pet the ability to lead the pet parent wherever the trail leads…or not. The LeashLocket extends less than 6 feet so I remain in a safe walking zone near my pet parent. Cool.

We had a puppy try out the LeashLocket during puppy socialization time in class. The other puppies quickly knocked the LeashLocket off of its magnet but the snap kept it attached to the collar and the locking mechanism on the lead kept it close to the puppy. The puppy was not at all bothered by the dangling locket and none of the other puppies tried to grab the locket. If someone planned to use the LeashLocket during play time at the dog park, they may want to make sure the locket magnet is attached somewhere on the dog where the locket will remain secured to the magnet. The optional wrist strap can be removed and attached to a belt loop for later use.

The LeashLocket comes complete with Precautions and Instructions for Use. The top three tips suggest that the locket is only to be worn when dogs are supervised, that they are to be used on well-trained dogs only and handled only by adults. For more information, visit www.LeashLocket.com

Take time to watch our short and fun pet video review of the LeashLocket.

Disclosure
We received a Leash Locket from the company for our review. We were not paid for our review and all opinions about the LeashLocket are entirely our own.

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

Scenes Around a Dog Show

Friday, November 4th, 2011 at 3:02 pm

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Free picture slideshow customized with Smilebox

The scenes around a dog show vary greatly depending on whose point of view is emphasized. As a show dog myself, I can tell you what the pet’s view is of a dog show.

My own pet parent is a former dog groomer. She followed her passion years ago when she went to grooming school to learn the proper way to make pets both look and feel beautiful. Professional groomers are seen around a dog show. They are employed to help the dogs look their best before entering the ring. These groomers usually learn their skills from another show groomer rather than from a grooming school that focuses on pets. Often, the dog’s show handler is also the groomer.

As you stand outside the dog show ring, you notice two different types of handlers. My pet parent is an amateur handler. A professional dog handler must have a great deal of experience with showing dogs first. Then, to be successful, the handler should apprentice with a well-known handler. Many junior exhibitors grow up to be professional handlers, following in their parents’ footsteps.

The number of dog shows have increased across the country so owner-handlers often hire professional dog show handlers to show their dogs when they are not able to be there themselves. The salary range for a dog show handler varies greatly with experience and even the prestige of winning at a particular show. In my case, Amelia and I earned my show titles without hiring a professional dog handler. However, whenever we were around a dog show, we watched what the pros did very carefully to learn how to be the best we could be in the show ring.

The most respected people at the dog show are the judges…or at least they should be. I have found that dog show judges are very nice to puppies and junior exhibitors. They prefer to give helpful tips and make cheerful noises to get the puppy’s attention. They do expect more from long-time professional dog handlers though. A dog show judge must pass the test of the licensing organization and take courses and seminars to learn more about the breeds they are judging. More breeds are being accepted by the American Kennel Club. The AKC requires that judges have 12 years of documented experience with dogs.

AKC delegates who represent member clubs may judge but they receive only show expenses such as travel, parking, tolls, motels, and meals. Most starting judges receive a small fee per dog. Fees paid to experienced judges can progress from $100 upward per day plus expenses according to Ellen Shenk who authored the book “Careers With Animals.” We have known judges to waive their fees or discount their fees so that the show itself keeps the money and is able to continue having shows. It stands to reason that judges who are qualified for judging more breeds showing in the conformation ring will have more work. This is also true for judges qualified to judge both Rally obedience as well as the standard obedience trials. This allows the dog show to hire fewer judges and minimize dog show expenses.

To have a well-run show, other workers are needed around a dog show. Any dog that has pooped in the ring is familiar with the pooper scoopers. Often the show will hire 4-Hers or Boy Scouts to fill this job as a way of giving back to the community. It is really embarrassing to poop in the ring and sometimes disqualifies the entrant so there is very little work for the pooper scoopers inside the ring. With limited venues for dog shows, most dog owners and handlers have been conditioned to clean up after their dogs so that they will be welcomed back the next year. In other words, pooper scoopers will have plenty of time to watch the show!

Dog show superintendents have a special spot around the dog show so that they can be easily found. They are needed to handle the details of a dog show so that it runs effectively. They print the entry form which is known as the premium list and mail it to prospective exhibitors. They draw up the show program and then mail it to each registrant. The superintendent may also handle the responsibilities of the show secretary if no one from the hosting club volunteers for the job. They also bring the necessary ribbons and armbands to the show. Websites such as Infodog.com provide a listing of dog shows and enable online registration as well as the results of the dog show.

As the superintendent for The Fall Mountain Classic in Cumberland, Maryland, MB-F also provides the physical equipment needed for the show. Semi-trucks haul in the mats, ring standards, barriers and special equipment such as ramps and tables for the smaller breeds. The day before the show starts is spent setting up the ring barriers, taping down the mats and erecting any necessary tents.

A favorite person at the dog show is the dog show photographer.

Kurtis Photography

Winners are expected to be photographed but others can also pay the photographer to have their picture taken. In today’s digital world, the exhibitor can select the photograph that they want right at the show by reviewing the pictures on the photographer’s computer screen. The increase in the number of shows and types of dog shows will allow a new photographer to get their start. They may also fill the slot of a retiring photographer or the photographers that are not pleasing the exhibitors with the quality of their photographs.

If your pet parent’s passion is to be around a dog show, they can start by volunteering to be a steward. Stewards in a dog show assist the judges so that they can concentrate on evaluating the dogs. They help to keep the show running on time, maintain the show records, and keep the ring clean. Stewards also give the judges ribbons and trophies to hand out. Show dog handlers rely on stewards for their armbands, answers to their questions, and for calling them into the ring when it is their turn to show. Dog club members may volunteer to be stewards but if there are not enough volunteers, then a club may pay a small fee or give a free lunch to a steward.

Encourage your pet parent to follow their passion and fill one of these positions to keep the dog shows fun for everyone! Be sure to comment on the Smilebox video that we have put together from Your Pets View of the scenes around The Fall Mountain Classic dog show.

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

The Sport of Adoring Dogs

Saturday, October 29th, 2011 at 10:15 pm

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Photo slideshow customized with Smilebox

It is hard to tell who enjoys the sport of adoring dogs more…the dogs who adore people or the people that adore dogs. We were able to capture some adoring eyes at the Fall Mountain Classic held at the beautiful Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland. Over 500 dogs representing 122 breeds were shown each day of the 3-day show.

Many dog show handlers grow up adoring their pet dogs or their neighbor’s dogs. Children as young as 9 can enter the sport of dogs in the show ring. Children and adults alike develop friendships with other like-minded exhibitors who travel to show their dogs. As you can see in the slideshow, these dogs truly enjoy showing and being with their adoring audience, be it family or spectator.

AKC dog shows now include the All-American dog in the sport of performance events. These All-Americans are also known as designer dogs or mixed breeds or mutts but it doesn’t matter what they are called to those that adore them. They enjoy all of the benefits that their purebred counterparts enjoy but with less fuss about having every hair in place.

Feel free to comment about your favorite picture. Have your pet parent let us know how you feel about going to dog shows. Is there a dog that you adore that you look for at the shows that you go to? If you happen to be in the slide show, be sure to ask Amelia for a copy of your picture as you adored your pet parent!

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet companion to animal lover Amelia
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It’s another edition of Saturday Pet Bloggers Blog Hop brought to you by Two Little Cavaliers, Life with Dogs, and Confessions of the Plume! Welcome to all of you joining us for the first time. We are so excited to have you and welcome back to our regular Hoppers.

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It’s About Time That Puppy Mills Reform

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 at 3:54 pm

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Squeezed to the Limit

It’s about time that puppy mills reform their method of raising puppies and treating dogs. Missouri, with an estimated 3000 puppy mills, has long been known as the source of pet store puppies. My pet parent discovered Missouri, Oklahoma and Iowa as the source of puppies in a pet store back in the early 70′s.

The Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act was passed in Missouri but it will not take effect until November 2011. A whole year will go by with puppies living in nearly the same conditions as the large commercial dog breeders are given time to raise their standards.

Pet stores that claim to buy puppies from local breeders may do a better job of socializing the puppies once they are in the store. However, too often these puppies are placed in the store at too young an age to have learned important social skills from their mother and siblings. Rarely do pet store owners take these puppies home every night to socialize them with people and other environments. My pet parent has found that it is common for these puppies to suffer from separation anxiety and inappropriate bathroom habits.

Even on a smaller scale, any breeder who keeps pups in a garage or a barn with little food, water, space, exercise or the human touch needs to reform his ways. Puppies that are not raised properly, even minimally, tend to be turned into shelters and euthanized for poor health and lack of trainability.

Pet parents are the voice for puppies everywhere. Pups, empower your pet parents to keep on howling for better care and treatment of puppies everywhere.

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

Politicians Approve Dog Park Project !

Monday, May 24th, 2010 at 1:22 pm

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The politicians have approved the dog park project that my pet parent has been dedicated to for the last 7 years. It’s been almost a decade since the project was proposed to the City of Frostburg, Maryland. The people first behind the project moved away many years ago but fortunately, a civic-minded veterinarian enlisted the aid of two local dog enthusiasts to carry on with the dream.

As the years went by, dog obedience classes and other fundraisers were held to raise money for the park. No doubt, many thought it would never be a reality as the locations offered by the city politicians were either not of suitable terrain, would take a substantial amount of money to create or were not approved of by the neighbors.

As patience and perseverance would have it, not only did an ideal location become available, but the mood of the community and the politicians was one of full support for the project. Since all of the money needed for the creation of the dog park has been obtained through fund raising and donations, the building of the dog park can now begin!

Watch this pet video of the public presentation and approval of the dog park:

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

Supporting the Creation of a Dog Park

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 at 5:19 pm

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What does it mean to be supporting the creation of a dog park? Dog parks are the “in” place to be and attract pet parents to progressive communities. Some political officials are now running on the basis of supporting the creation of a dog park.

However, it takes a lot more than political clout to create a dog park. Local dog trainers can be recruited to develop responsible pet parents through the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy program and certify dogs as Canine Good Citizens. This will ensure that dog owners using the park will understand dog behavior and know how to encourage others to be responsible for positive behavior from their dogs.

Fundraisers such as dog walks, contests and dog splashes can also be used to raise money. People’s love for dogs brings them together to create a common ground across social and economic barriers to either contribute their money or their time to have a place for their dogs to play.

Watch this Smilebox pet video of a playground and scrapbook of how a college town in Maryland has come together to create a dog park: