Downeast Rhodesian Ridgebacks

05/20/2022

Sometimes it feels like someone is watching me!

02/17/2022

Roux isn't always comfortable with new people and in new environments. Here we are playing our favorite Controlled Unleashed 1-2-3 Pattern Game to help her feel more comfortable around new people. You can see we have a gate for safety but she has quickly learned the pattern of 3=food and return and look at me. This game also works great on walks and in the car.

11/21/2021

The puppies all turned 1 this month. I wonder how they are doing? Banshee spent the Fall exploring National Parks from Big Bend to Glacier. He loves to go for car rides and get special treats in the drive thru (He actually drools in anticipation). He excels at ”place” but still needs a little help with his behavior around other dogs when on leash. Let’s just say he really wants to play and has trouble containing that frustration and excitement. Other dogs don’t want to play with him and I don’t always blame them. He is a little rude but working on his manners.

06/20/2021

Roux and Banshee meeting their new friend Ben! Koda couldn't participate. He got tutored! :)

06/06/2021

Great information on why dogs jump and how to stop this behavior from Florida Veterinary Behavior Service.

Most often, dogs jump for attention. It’s natural to want to be up near the hands of the face of someone who may pet you. Unfortunately, owners do generally pet dogs when they jump up. This...

05/21/2021

05/19/2021

They remembered each other and us:)

05/17/2021

Excellent way to help a fearful puppy! Remember what is considered scary is from the dog's perspective and not ours. It is impotent not to force interactions but rather give them time to process while pairing what is scary with good things.

Thank you Breanna Norris!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CO5KSzMH9Cb/?igshid=16whee2xufkgd

05/16/2021

Banshee 6 months old and still growing!

05/05/2021

Happy 3rd Birthday Koda!

04/25/2021

1,2 3... all three

04/24/2021

Mom I want to play!!

04/23/2021

A little confusion on what sit means but that is ok!

04/03/2021

I haven't posted in awhile... I guess life got in the way. We had an outing to the beach today. It was Banshee's first trip to the beach. I would say he enjoyed it!

02/23/2021

Banshee learning "place" Such a good boy!

02/19/2021

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLe4d7xBan2/?igshid=1bxaezc4ckjrh

02/16/2021

Training using food involves so much more. There is an evidence-based plan in place.

(Edit: we learned that The Pet Behaviourist - Vanessa Ward created this infographic. Thank you, Vanessa, for this representation of the nuance of animal training!)

02/15/2021

Treats please!

02/06/2021

Roux

02/04/2021

It is important to have a variety of reinforcement values when training. https://www.instagram.com/p/CK31yiclQLf/?igshid=19qhjiyvlo9b0

02/03/2021

Took Banshee for a walk today!

01/30/2021

Don't forget to ask first:

https://www.facebook.com/197384430333200/videos/1103160919755542

01/28/2021

Bites to children is common with a family or friend's dog most likely to bite. Monitor body language and don't put your dog into situations where they are uncomfortable.

https://www.jennifermalawey.com/post/someone-s-going-to-get-bitten?fbclid=IwAR1p05_GSkotZ7A1APKnJRQx1C9nAM0t-wSttF3Y3sPh8FtxoWmqn4svUO8

My partner likes to annoy me. He's just playing. He's having fun. It's funny. Right? Sometimes it's really not a big deal. He'll block my way as I'm moving about the kitchen. We laugh and then carry on. Sometimes it bothers me a bit more. He adds "joke items" to our grocery list. Why is milk on here...

01/27/2021

This is AMAZING! All with Positive Reinforcement Training! Great job Emily Larlham!

https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/24/us/world-record-for-most-tricks-by-two-dogs-in-a-minute-trnd/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0FFUyH6HRZzj2yzDRkw84H7gml6_hAi6E0cdxIRUY4abtp7Pxvlfvn_vo

Can you do 28 tricks in a minute? Two border collies named Wish and Halo can, and they have set the world record.

01/27/2021

We love seeing how the puppies are growing and having fun in their new lives! Banshee misses you all! Thank you all for sharing! Made my day.

01/26/2021

Why punishment doesn't work!

https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2018/12/dont-punish-your-dog-for-peeing-in-house.html?fbclid=IwAR3TkVQkmqh9hga6w8_TkliMi3trOJxQOeMkV6UZXdxQ_OZzfqvisq9CYLo

How to house train your puppy or adult dog (and why punishment should be avoided).

01/25/2021

Finding and working with a dog trainer can be one of the most important decisions that you make which will affect the rest of your puppies life. Choose a good one!

https://www.facebook.com/forcefreeoregon/photos/a.118236209631427/388762365912142/

If your dog's trainer uses any of the terms on the left, time to find a new trainer!

01/24/2021

How you train is important!
https://www.facebook.com/fearfreepets/photos/a.790584367744551/2148157565320551/

In this study, “owners who did not attend (nor planned to attend) puppy classes, and owners who reported they used a mixture of positive reinforcement and positive punishment or positive punishment only training methods at 9-months had increased odds of reporting a problem behaviour in their dogs at that age.”

Read more: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159120302355

01/23/2021

Went to Petsmart. Made some new friends and learned about what we find scary. Needed more hotdogs and cheese.

01/23/2021

Ahhh housetraining!

https://www.facebook.com/AfroPupTraining/photos/a.166093518481489/213679077056266/

This morning, my 8.5 month old puppy pooped inside while I was still in bed. Here are the disciplinary measures I took:

1) Cleaned it up.
2) Took her out so she could do whatever she hadn't already done.
3) Rewarded her with a game of chase & keep away.
4) Identified that the moment I took this picture was actually an earnest request for attention, not just her being cute and whiney.
5) Forgave her for just trying to meet her basic needs.
6) Forgave myself for not seeing those needs because I was trying to take care of my own.
7) Came back inside and snuggled her up.

Raising a puppy isn't just about setting rules and boundaries. (Honestly, that's one of the least important steps.) It's about sympathy, empathy, and understanding. It's about building a relationship with a creature who is going to be your best friend for the rest of their life.

So take a good look at that pup that's staring at you with those big, mischievous, adoring eyes. Figure out what they need. Figure out what you need, too. And then, for every day of the next 10-20 years, love them - and yourself - for who you both are.

01/22/2021

Shouting is often non-productive when it comes to disciplining your dog. It can even make your dog more anxious around you. Instead of shouting, think about what behavior you would rather see from your dog and reinforce it instead.

It could have negative consequences in the future

01/18/2021

What is in your fridge? Mine has a bowl of hot dogs, hot dog juice, and dog kibble all for Banshee's training.

01/17/2021

Training Tuesday...
But WHY is my dog misbehaving?

01/13/2021

Poor Banshee has hurt his leg. We don't know how but currently hoping it is just a sprain and not something more serious. Initial xrays show no broken bones. He came to work with me which made him a little nervous but in the end, he made a new friend.

The importance of teaching puppies to be on their own and entertain themselves.... Otherwise Zoom meetings turn into this. 😁

01/12/2021

Banshee is settling in without his siblings. Vader and Monkey are his new BFF's!

01/12/2021

Banshee is settling in and making friends without his siblings. Vader and Monkey are his new buddies!

01/09/2021

Delivering the last puppy. Banshee is along for the ride!

01/09/2021

Last puppy being delivered today. Banshee along for the ride!

01/06/2021

Sniff Walks are an important form of enrichment for your puppy and your dog. Especially, Rhodesians! Roux is an excellent tracker! Grab a long lead and go for a walk. Your puppy will thank you later! Excellenet information from Mim Coward and Problem Solved, LLC Dog Training! https://fb.watch/2QQIgUck8_/

01/06/2021

What else is in the bag??

Two great books!

Decoding your Dog by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists includes information on a variety of different problem behaviors but but also includes chapters about canine communication, learning, and many, many, more.

Doggie Language by Lili Chin gives you a guide to better understand and communicate with your dog.

Enjoy!