Recall maintenance training
This is what it looks like to have rock solid recall using nothing but reward-based methods. When I call my dogs, I want them to run to me with joy, not avoidance of punishment. It takes time, but I view training as an enjoyable journey. If you’re looking for immediate results using alpha/dominance methods that became popular in the 70’s then I’m not the trainer for you!
Disclaimer: not all of my dogs have perfect recall but that is because I haven’t put the time in with them. When my dogs don’t respond the way I hope, I see it as a reflection of my training, not disobedience.
Winnie enjoying her cheese puff
Please enjoy this video of Winnie munching away on the microwaved yak chew described in my previous post. Her next follow up is in a month. She has a lot of healing and rehab to do, but her recovery is nothing short of remarkable.
Winnie is feeling good.
Winnie is starting to get some of her spark back! She is able to walk without the sling (though only a few steps) despite favoring one leg. We see the neurologist in Maine in two weeks. 🤞
Winnie is home
There is much to update but the most important news: Winnie is HOME with Ari. Don’t mind the Macdonalds trash; I bought Winnie a burger for the ride home.
The “Guardian”
He’s doing a good job pretending to be a guard dog.
Sam’s turn to do some training during a field hockey game. He’s very annoyed that he can’t say hi to everyone but it’s a skill we are working on.
New environment for training
It’s always good to brush up on training in novel environments. I discovered that Bowie gets distressed when I cheer and clap for my team. I guess he’s used to my quiet voice!
Progress with Jolene
My heart is full! While you can see that Jolene is anxious (lip-licking, yawning, whining, looking away) she fighting against those feelings and coming closer for affection. (She actually jumped up on the bed to be near me.) This is why I love the journey more than the results, no matter how long it takes.
Adopt me!
ADOPT LUCY!!
I worked with this BEAUTIFUL lady today. Lucy was recently pulled from a kill shelter and is being fostered by a loving family. If I had room I would adopt her in a second. She actually brought me to tears, I felt such a connection to her. She is sweet, loving, a little shy new situations, and a little reactive to unfamiliar dogs but no signs of aggression towards them. Seeing as how she was used only as a breeder, you can understand why she’d be nervous around dogs. I would absolutely love to see somebody I know adopt this girl, and would offer free training support. Reach out if you’re interested in learning more about her. She’s very special.
Sam’s rumble
I set up the camera to watch Sam’s body language while being hugged. He has a rumble that I worry will intimidate patients (my hope is to certify him as a therapy dog.) But it may just be a matter of educating people that a growl isn’t always a warning. In fact, you can see him requesting more affection when I move away. Enjoy this video of a peaceful morning with my misfit mutts. 😊
Counterconditioning
As per usual, there is nothing flashy in this video. But WOW if you could have seen this Aussie last week. 40 minutes of barking, charging, lunging even at the furthest distance that we could manage. No punishments or corrections were used to get him to this point where he could actually settle and coexist with Sam. We had to come up with a creative plan for this guy, and while it is still early, it seems some incredible progress has been made. Unfamiliar dogs are beginning to predict great things.
