Training and competing All American Dogs (rescue mutts) in dog sports.
There is something special when a relatively unaffectionate dog leans into your hand. I had to work hard for his trust and respect, and I always honor that with agency. He's allowed to have an opinion, and he's allowed to have his space. I also deeply cherish moments like this.
Buster's pre-shenanigans stretch.
I own socially selective dogs, so this post is particularly relevant for my dogs!
Let’s set the scene. This may become a bit sensitive for some, and I apologise in advance.
You’re out somewhere. You might be at a restaurant, a bar, a public park on a sunny day enjoying the sunshine with your family. It may be that you’re on your way home from work or trying to catch the bus. You’re just minding your own business.
Suddenly, a person comes straight up to you. They give you anxiety. What is this person going to do? I don’t know! The person is walking with a friend and the friend sees you’re a bit anxious and calls out to you saying “Don’t stress, she/he’s all good!’’ But they keep approaching you. And when they finally reach you they randomly hug you. Touch you. Walk circles around you. Start talking to you. Don’t let you leave.
What would you call that? Harassment? Assault in severe cases?
How would this make you feel?
Now, after the initial shock you find your courage and you ask the person to go away. Leave you alone. But the person doesn’t stop and instead touches your arm or your hair. “Oh come on, we’re alright. I’m not doing anything bad I’m friendly! Just let me be around you.’’You get upset and might push the person. Shout at them. If you’re a bit more of an assertive person you might punch them. Who knows.
Then the person and the friend get upset. Well? WHY are you here then? What are you doing in this public space if you don’t like being around other people? You have no business to be here, minding your own business in this park with your family without allowing me to sit with you, play with you, touch you, talk to you. Actually, you know what you should do? You should be more social! You should go more often to random groups of people.
_______
Do you see what I did there?
If you thought any of the above situation is not okay (and I sure as heck hope you do), then why do we think it’s okay to let dogs run up to strange dogs and say ‘It’s okay he’s friendly’?
What we do in the dog world is the exact opposite what we should be doing. We label the harassed dog as aggressive and the harassing dog as the victim.
Dogs have emotions. They have feelings. They have their own characters and personalities. There are many, many dogs that are not interested in making new friends or being with dogs they don’t know they can trust.
And sure, some dogs love playing with other dogs. Those are the extraverted dogs. Just like we have people that LOVE hugging or love making new friends even as adults, but to be honest.. how many of those people do you know? I think if you put it into a % its lower than the people that rather just are with their select group of people and be left alone by random strangers in public spaces.
So don’t assume the dog your dog is running towards on the beach, is willing to play with your dog. Being in a public space means you need to have your dog under effective control. And if you can’t call your dog back, it should be on a long line until you can.
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In case you’re interested.. after quite a few requests I made a video version of this blog as well.
Your dog is NOT friendly, he's harassing others
https://youtu.be/YlWf02MHKCo
Finally got in a trip to for proofing and cookies! I don't have enough strength and balance for multi-dog handling, so I'm so grateful for a van I can keep locked and climate control while two doggos wait.
Looking forward to the day when I have nicer travel crates and all my training tools organized, but making progress and getting back after it feels so good!
It doesn't look like much yet, but for the first time in my life, I have an area dedicated exclusively to dog training. Now that I'm moving better, I'm getting it organized and ready to go.
Eventually, we'll have turf and a shed for leashes, hides, jumps, cones, etc. So excited to be getting back to training my dogs!!!
So I did I thing. I've been following for a while now. Tank and I can't do weight pull in here in Florida, and surgery has put a kabash on barn hunt for the moment.
So... I decided to give Fluent Pet a try to see if Tank and I can learn to communicate more clearly. I feel like most of the time he's talking, and I don't understand what he's trying to say.
We'll see what this new adventure brings!
Having a new rescue pup when you're going through 2 foot surgeries, multiple rounds of crutches, etc. is hard. My husband isn't a dog person and is doing his best to take care of my boys.
But I want to train. I want to play with my dogs and walk with my dogs. I want my husband to see that Buster will be AMAZING once we have time to work together.
I want him to see that Tank and Bear weren't accidents. They were hours and hours of building a relationship, teaching them what I expected, and giving them a reason to give it to me.
I go back to the doctor Monday. I get the stitches out and start walking in a boot. I'll get a little more time with them. I'm so ready to start the new year with my dogs and new feet!
Bear was so bad the first 3 days at home, I wasn't sure it would work out. He ate a windowsill and threw up everywhere. He ended up being a once in a lifetime dog who not only forever changed my life but also touched the life of hundreds of people as a therapy dog. If you open your home to a rescue, give them time to open up to you.
Adopting a shelter dog is a commitment and can be challenging at first. But so rewarding once they realize you are their new forever.
Giving them routine, structure and time to adjust is key! 💟🐾
Copper Top is trying his hand at Barnhunt this morning. No more Rally means we need more sports to keep this crazy man happy and working.
When you lay down with slobber strings, sometimes you sit up with leaves. 🤣
For a little over a year, I’ve been working to manage my boy Bear’s deteriorating health. On Friday, March 24th, I had to let him go.
https://allamericandogz.com/736/letting-go-of-my-boy/
For a little over a year, I’ve been working to manage my boy Bear’s deteriorating health. On Friday, March 24th, I had to let him go. Winter 2021/2022 was really hard on Bear. He could no longer climb on the …
The best boy! I love this goofy giant monster. He's stubborn and has a mind of his own, but he's always right by my side.
The boys got new beds. Gotta love human plans vs dog reality.
I used to wonder why sleeping dogs are so cute. It’s because they’re happy and fulfilled, which takes exercise and training. Love seeing my pack asleep on the floor around my feet.
Poor Tank is such a sweet and tolerant big brother! Copper is such an annoying and persistent little brother.
Last week, we talked about capturing. This week, we'll discuss shaping behavior. What is Shaping? Shaping breaks a training goal down into smaller steps. You reward your dog as he takes each step toward your larger training goal. For example, if I wanted my dog to stand on a platform, I might start by rewarding him as he moves toward the platform....
https://allamericandogz.com/98/shaping-behavior/
Last week, we talked about capturing behavior in dog training. This week, we'll discuss shaping behavior in dog training.
Last week, we talked about luring to train your dog. This week, we're going to look at capturing. What is Capturing? Capturing is teaching your dog to perform a natural behavior on cue. You catch your dog performing the desired behavior without any prompting or guidance from you, and mark and reward him immediately afterwards....
https://allamericandogz.com/435/capturing/
Last week, we talked about luring to train your dog. This week, we're going to look at capturing.
Sad hound on this cold rainy day. He wants to go out and play, but the rain is turning to ice and snow.
Old man antics on a cold wet morning. Love my senior boy!
We love mail days! Congratulations Sir Needs A Lot RE CGCA!
The first training technique I learned was luring your dog into position. I've been very successful over the years in using luring for training. Positive Training Techniques While I will be the first to admit that I've had to use the occasional correction with more than one of my dogs, I always try positive training techniques first....
https://allamericandogz.com/97/luring-your-dog/
The first training technique I learned was luring your dog into position. I’ve been very successful over the years in using luring for training. Positive Training Techniques While I will be the first to admit that I’ve had to use …
I like toast too. 😧
My dogs aren't spoiled. 🤣 Seriously though... I love living life with my dogs. They're my greatest teachers.
I love the weird things about my dogs. Copper loves to play fetch, but his favorite thing is for you to hold his ball while he bites it. He about falls asleep in your hand.
Tank ended 2021 with another win and another personal best! He even managed to get Most Weight Pulled! We missed the first pull of 2022, because I was sick, but I am so excited to see what this boy does!
On Christmas Day, Tank and I competed in a Christmas weight pull. Not a traditional Christmas, but perfect for us! Christmas Weight Pull I'm working on getting Tank up to 12 times his body weight, so we can get his working dog title. He'll need to pull that four times over two seasons. In his last pull, he pulled personal best of 1,000 pounds, so my goal was to complete one pull over 1,000 pounds for a new best of 1,070....
https://allamericandogz.com/670/christmas-weight-pull/
On Christmas Day, Tank and I competed in a Christmas weight pull. Not a traditional Christmas, but perfect for us!
I've used SmartPak Dog Food for years. I prefer to feed a fresh diet, but when I can't SmartPak is one of my top picks. SmartPak Customer Service SmartPak customer service is hands down the best in the business. I purchased their horse supplements for years before buying their dog food. I rarely had a problem, but when I did, they took care of my quickly....
https://allamericandogz.com/88/smartpak-dog-food/
I’ve used SmartPak Dog Food for years. I prefer to feed a fresh diet, but when I can’t SmartPak is one of my top picks. SmartPak Customer Service SmartPak customer service is hands down the best in the business. I …
Currently, a popular trend on TikTok is the “bark at your dog" challenge. The goal is to get a reaction from your dog for a video.
Defuniak Springs, FL
38502
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I love the weird things about my dogs. Copper loves to play fetch, but his favorite thing is for you to hold his ball while he bites it. He about falls asleep in your hand. #allamericandog #allamericandogsofinstagram #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescueismyfavoritebreed #hounddog #houndsofinstagram
Dogs are smarter than we give them credit for. My guys know when the box is for them. This js what our Barkbox unboxings look like!
Nothing like a stroll on a beautiful day with your favorite old man. So grateful for the last decade with this wonderful death row dog. #rescuedog #allamericandog #therapydog
It's BarkBox day! The squeeker must die! #barkbox #highwaytohowl #hounddog #houndsofinstagram #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #allamericandog #allamericandogsofinstagram
We had some really great name suggestions when we were chosing a name for Copper. This video explains why we chose Sir Needs A Lot. I brushed Tank outside while Copper was watching from inside. This is what I got when I came in. The drama...🤦
Martin Ridge Redbones and kennels
Miles Martin Road
Amy's Home Pet Grooming & Boarding
W. Dogwood Avenue
