RE: Bad Experience in Class
Hi Cindy, I wouldn't even go one more week. This instructor is not using motivational methods at all and punching a dog in the nose is not acceptable. You can teach good manners for treats by having Nicco sit in front of you with the treat in a closed fist, do not offer the fist nor move it. You just hold your fist in front of him and brace yourself for some nibbling and chewing and poking at your fist. Do not retract your fist nor speak to him, the very second he sits back and doesn't touch your fist you open your hand flat and tell him take it. Repeat a few times and extend his wait time and at some point he will glance at you and you reward by telling him to take it. You should also be teaching him leave it and this is done by having a treat under your foot and pivoting your foot off the treat and telling him leave it the treat is only exposed for a second and quickly covered with your foot if he moves to take it. The second he looks at your foot and then looks towards you tell him to take it while pointing at the treat. These two methods will soon teach him that you are the dispensing machine and there is an order in which he gains the food or attention. Sitting nicely in front and waiting:-) If he is still grabbing like a shark take a small soft treat and hold between your thumb and forefinger and when he goes to snatch get in there with the treat and press onto the roof of his mouth, he will likely back off as if he has something stuck and think about his approach. It is an old method of flicking the nose when baiting to prevent the dog eating the handler's fingers but it is a long way from punching on the nose. I think your trainer would probably potty train a kid by sticking their head down the toilet!! Definately find yourself a more experienced and up to date trainer and you may find someone on the Association of Pet Dog Trainers that has a website site. Rose T.
Test Post for Hugh - Please ignore
This is a test email post for Hugh.
re:skittish dog
Lisa, Your dog sounds very much like what we went through 5 years ago. Based on your secondary descriptions I would guess that your dog attacked the JRT out of fear / lack of confidence. Here are some things which we found worked the best for us. 1. We learned not to feel sorry for the dog or comfort the shyness. This reinforces the shyness and the dog takes our comforting as an OK to act in this manner. Any time our dog acted shy we told him calmly but firmly no and required him to act in a confident manner. We accomplished this but simple things such as having him sit or give a paw etc. followed by praise. 2. We engaged the dog frequently with mini training episodes. He never got praise or hugs without a trick once we learned how to work with him. He had to earn his treats and affection. This gave him many chances to show how smart he was which helped develop his pride. He came to want praise as he became less shy so the tricks came easier and his confidence grew quicker. 3. We learned to make sure he got lots of exercise. A tired dog is a good dog is a phrase which seems to apply to so many different dogs and issues. I found that Berners minds are always in gear and if they are not given enough to do they find their own mental distractions. The result of that in a shy dog is very negative. 4. For on leash work I was taught a great trick. Take the dog at heel with the dog against something to their immediate left such as a fence, wall or guard rail. Make frequent but random turns left into the dog making the dog have to stop and back up so that you can accomplish the about face. This helps the dog to learn to watch you for direction and guidance. 5. We put our dog on leash inside the house at random times. We forced said in the gentle manner) our dog to accompany us around the house. There was never any physical force used beyond just telling come and just enough leash pressure to bring him along but he was taught to accept being with us. In other words we didn't allow him to be shy. We told him to be a proud dog and that this was the only behavior we would accept and reward. Best wishes with you girl. I offer any help you need with this dog. Doug Smith Enfield, NH
Collars
Karen, I just wanted to second Vilma's post that prong or pinch collars, if used properly, are very useful, humane tools for most dogs. As I also thought they looked like a medieval torture device, I was shocked to see at my first Berner specialty that most of the dogs were wearing one!! My Maddie was just beginning the pulling problem, and I had tried no-pull harnesses, a Gentle Leader, and LOTS of positive training methods, to no avail. My stand like a tree whenever she pulled resulted in her just standing there, gazing at her surroundings, for 10 or 20 minutes -- she just didn't get the point I was trying to make that if you pull, we stop. Anyway, I tried a new obedience class instructor who HATES the traditional choke or slip collar but strongly recommended the prong/pinch collar. I tried it and was amazed at the results. All it took to remind Maddie to walk on a loose lead was a subtle, quick pop. This made the collar tighten slightly all around her neck and quickly got her attention. It does not dig into the dog's neck, and most important it works without pressure against her throat. She very quickly learned what I wanted, and I was able to discontinue regular use of the prong collar. It's simply a tool and does not need to be a permanent crutch if used properly. Maddie has since earned her Novice A Obedience title, and demonstrated EXCELLENT off-lead heeling skills in draft demonstrations and tests -- and both my Berners are wonderful, well-behaved certified therapy dogs. I learned the hard way that dogs will sometimes be dogs, and walking my two together in public can sometimes lead to blood, bruises, and scrapes on my body. So when I have 200 pounds of Berner enthusiasm and muscle on my flaccid, old arm, they are both wearing their prong collars and I have much better control should one of their best doggie friends suddenly appear down the street. They are, for the most part, well behaved and under control -- but they can also do very stupid things at times. Anyway, I think the prong collar, used properly, is an excellent and safe tool. Hugs to Stevie -- what an inspiration you both are! Vicky Whitney in Bozeman, Montana _ STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
RE: Bad Experience in Class
Cindy, I am reiterating what you have already seen in response to the class: turn and run the other way. It's good that your dog had the flight response to a bad (painful) experience, rather than the fight response. What a dog! I can't say I would have been so composed, but then I am not a dog. It is just as likely that her method will teach dogs to bite! Depends on the dog's threshold among other things. There are very effective, non abusive methods to teach your dog to not be a shark about treats.Some dogs grab at treats more than others and take a little more time to learn, but it is about learning. They don't just automatically know that humans are such wimps about teeth on flesh. :) If you can't find a trainer who teaches without brutality, then you _can_ learn how to train through books and videos. Classes help for other reasons but if an instructor, or anyone is doing anything to hurt a dog it isn't worth the damage. Listen to your dog: he doesn't want to be near that instructor! Neither would I and I hope you won't either. Best of luck and give a hug to Nicco, Jill Evans with Indie NAJ, OA, HIC, CGC Delta Society Pet Partner and Gabby NA, NAJ, HIC, CGC, TDI
Conditioning with a Bicycle and Springer
I decided that my Major Noodlehead could use some additional muscle conditioning, so I bought a used mountain bike. I already take him out daily to an off-leash area, where he gets lots of free-range exercise. But with a bike, I planned on getting in an extra mile or two at a controlled trot, which should improve his gaiting in the show ring. You know what they say about remembering how to ride a bike? HA!!! Well, I fell off the darn thing TWICE during my first 15-minutes. The first time was trying to get my feet into the little stirrups, and the last time was when I stopped and forgot to remove my feet from the stirrups. The stirrups are now in little pieces in my garbage can. It will take a while for the scrapes and bruises to heal, however. Good thing my left elbow and arm scars had healed well from last fall when my guys bolted, pulled me over onto my face, and proceeded to drag me down our main street sidewalk in their enthusiasm to greet Berner friends down the street. I'm getting too old for all these dog-related injuries! I spent Sunday afternoon attaching a springer to the bike so I could safely attach Major to the bike. In two short outings, it went very well -- he's learning the term ride to mean trot nicely next to the bike. We also incorporated some of our draft commands to go right, go left, slow, and stop. The only problem was as we returned home last night. The springer and dog are positioned on the RIGHT side of my bicycle; as we steered left into the driveway, Major somehow leaped around to the LEFT side of the bike. It wasn't enough to cause me to lose control or fall, but it sure surprised me! I immediately stopped and had a struggle to get him back on the right side. Does anyone else use a springer with your dog and bike? Any experience with the dog getting on the wrong side? What can happen? Can you just continue riding and the dog will go back on the correct side, or must I immediately stop and reposition him? Vicky Whitney in Bozeman, Montana _ Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail
Puppy Books
Thanks to all the breeders and ob instructors who've ordered puppy books to provide as part of their package, I just mailed a check for $1116.00 to the BMD Fund of the AKC-Canine Health Foundation. I continue to get thumbs up feedback from new puppy owners, thanks from breeders (less phone calls g), and just right from Basic Ob Puppy-K teachers. THANKS to all who've participated in this Win-Win-Win program... ~ Sherri Venditti PS- Could someone post this info to the BMDbreeder-L?
BMD rapid city SD
Do we have any members in here that are from or around Rapid City, SD. We are moving in September and would like to meet other owners of this magnificent breed. Thank you. Glenn and Peggy Timbol Spangdahlem, Germany From: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: BERNER-L digest 4434 Date: Wed, 28 May 2003 00:01:04 CDT BERNER-L Digest 4434 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) Re: New CD!! by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 2) Finger Lakes Bernerfest by "Cindy Reid" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 3) Bad Experience in Class by "Cindy Reid" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 4) Re: Bad Experience in Class by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 5) Re: Bad Experience in Class by "Mary-Ann Bowman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 21:26:44 EDT Subject: Re: New CD!! To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In a message dated 05/27/2003 12:56:06 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Timber earned his third leg in Novice B obedience yesterday He had gotten the first two legs on May 10th 11th. :-))) Wow! What a BIG congratulations to you and Timber, that's pretty impressive. Anne Copeland, Flash,TDI/CGC (Berner, 8 3/4 yrs.) Gypsy TDI/CGC(Rescue Cavalier,2 yrs.) BMDCA Corresponding Secretary NE ILL [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ty's memorial page: http://www.geocities.com/workingyorkie/ty.html Gypsy's page:http://hometown.aol.com/annes4/Gypsy.html -- Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: "Cindy Reid" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "berner-l" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Finger Lakes Bernerfest Date: Wed, 28 May 2003 22:05:00 -0400 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Could someone in the know post the date for the Finger Lakes Bernerfest on Cayuga Lake? I have heard it may be as soon as this Sunday or possibly the following Sunday on June 8. Thanks. Cindy Reid Corning, NY -- Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: "Cindy Reid" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "berner-l" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Bad Experience in Class Date: Wed, 28 May 2003 22:32:22 -0400 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I just went through a not so nice experience in an obedience class...The instructor was trying to get ten month old Nicco to quit being such a shark for his food rewards by teaching him "easy". She would keep the bait in a closed fist and rap him on the nose when he was not being gentle enough...this was not a gentle tap and once was a pretty good punch. Nicco's reaction was to try to flee from her...I was not happy about his reaction. It was the first time I have ever seen him try to flee from someone. I also did not like the way the instuctor yanked the dogs around when they headed off in the opposite direction when walking on leash. I have been through other obed. classes and I know a good "pop" is effective...I didn't like the rough yanking I saw in this class. Am I just showing my inexperience or does any of this sound kinda rough? I am going one more week but if I come away with mixed feelings again then I'll quit this instructor and go elsewhere. Thanks, Cindy Reid -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 23:00:43 EDT Subject: Re: Bad Experience in Class To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In a message dated 05/27/2003 9:33:09 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I am going one more week but if I come away with mixed feelings again then I'll quit this instructor and go elsewhere. My own feeling is - go with your "gut" feeling. I have made it a policy of my own that no one works with my dog but me. I will ask for an instructor's advise and suggestion and if it "feels" right to me, I will do it. Berners are sensitive dogs and usually should not be subjected to rough treatment. Most of them do not forgive easily and tend to have memories like the proverbial elephant. It is often best to observe an instructor doing a class before signing up to be sure their methods and your comfort level are on the same wave length. Your boy could easily have been taught not to "snarf" his treats without the "punching". Anne Copeland, Flash,TDI/CGC (Berner, 8 3/4 yrs.) Gypsy TDI/CGC(Rescue Cavalier,2 yrs.) BMDCA Corresponding Secretary NE ILL [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ty's memorial page: http://www.geocities.com/workingyorkie/ty.html Gypsy's page:http://hometown.aol.com/annes4/Gypsy.html
Re: Conditioning with a Bicycle and Springer
Hi All, I have learned to use the springer and a slip collar or gentle leader and leash when training a dog to go along side of the bike. The additional tool helps me to direct traffic, so to speak. terry thompson missoula, montana Vicky wrote: I spent Sunday afternoon attaching a springer to the bike so I could safely attach Major to the bike. In two short outings, it went very well -- he's learning the term ride to mean trot nicely next to the bike. We also incorporated some of our draft commands to go right, go left, slow, and stop. The only problem was as we returned home last night. The springer and dog are positioned on the RIGHT side of my bicycle; as we steered left into the driveway, Major somehow leaped around to the LEFT side of the bike. It wasn't enough to cause me to lose control or fall, but it sure surprised me! I immediately stopped and had a struggle to get him back on the right side. Does anyone else use a springer with your dog and bike? Any experience with the dog getting on the wrong side? What can happen? Can you just continue riding and the dog will go back on the correct side, or must I immediately stop and reposition him?
baby teeth
My 6 month old puppy has got nearly all her adult teeth. I noticed that both baby fangs on the bottom are still there and the adult fangs have come in behind. Will the baby ones eventually fall out on their own? Tracy North Saanich, BC
I-Worm/SoBig.B Virus
Hi All, Somewhere, somehow, I had this virus try to creep in on my 'puter last night! Well, I went to bed last night and all was well! Turned on the 'puter this evening and I was infected! AVG picked it up and cleaned my system! Just been looking into it and seems I was not fully infected, normally deposits itself in three files, on my system was only two! Spreads by sending out from your address book, have phoned a few people on my book and they did not receive emails from me last night so praying I have not passed it on!! My AVG program did not pick up last night, yes, I had a load of pics and attachments come in but far as I know were legit. But picked up when I switched on tonight! Albeit found in only two out of three files! Is a very recent adaptation of an earlier worm virus, think may be coming in now through spam porn mail! I am doing Mailwasher faithfully but when I am downloading a load of pics to my IE program, inevitably the odd spam mail slips in there! Guess biggest reminder of all to keep anti-virus software totally up to date! I had skipped an update last night as I was busy! Aaah, Me!! Did it later and was still mostly protected but guess that new version of virus had slipped through though diminished! Had updated AVG before I went to bed last night and was big file! And tonight was Big Headline You are Infected! Biggest hugs you all out there, go update anti-virus program now! Better safe than sorry! This is a weird one! I am gonna go and put the goats in the shed, will mail you all again later! All love, Jean, Sunny, Simmy, Barney and the Gang X http://www.angelfire.com/anime3/longlease/index.htm
Potty Training Question
Hi Everyone, I have returned to the mailing list to ask a training question. We have installed a potty area in our backyard to get our 2 year old boy to use the same spot and eliminate him distroying the grass. It is made of timbers dug in the ground (5 x 7), filled with pea gravel to drain and topped with mulch. He does not raise his leg, but squats. I thought we would have no trouble because he does know the go potty command. He has refused to go here and will hold off urinating all day and into the night. I've felt bad and let him go in the grass eventually thinking his holding it could hurt him. My vet says a dog will go before he hurts himself. Any expert training ideas on how to get him to go there? We have dumped some of his own urine in the area and am keeping the event positive. He is one stubborn boy! Anyone else ever tried this? Can it be done? Thanks! Diane Hanson (Lucas)
Sunny Vet Visit today!
In the middle of all other things going on, my Sweet Sunny Girl had her trip to the vet today and whether more x-rays needed! Funny thing on the gum where tooth was extracted was much reduced today! Ros had taken x-ray when tooth was extracted so not lurking bit of root here! She thinks the weird lumpy thing is maybe gum settling down after extraction of that big back tooth and maybe chewing on hard stuff again! We will keep careful eye here! But was very much smaller today and Sunny is eating well and Happy Lady! Sunny's Bad Back! She is doing great! Have been managing to keep her sort of quiet, she has been happy to walk further each day! Has been on supplements the last week and she is doing very well! Yes, Sunny has Spondylosis and have to watch her carefully now, no more chasing around but lots of carefully controlled exercise! Well, My Girl was happily walking many miles each day before this happened, hoping over the next few weeks we will slowly get her back to this! Tonight I am relieved! Sunny head on my lap now is thankful she did not have to have more x-rays done. Will sleep peacefully tonight! All love, Jean, Sunny, Simmy, Barney and the Gang X http://www.angelfire.com/anime3/longlease/index.htm
Just a Thank You
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Re: Bad Experience in Class
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Photos from Ottawa,5-23-03.doc
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Bad Experience in Class - Update
Thanks everyone for all of your advice...lots of good advice and training experiences have been shared. In hindsight, I wish I had been quicker to react and challenged the instructor's actions when they happened but I didn't. I did return to the facility this evening and explained to the instructor why Nicco and I would not be returning. I let her know, nicely, that I am going to continue to work with Nicco but that it would not be in that class or that facility. I did explain what made me uncomfortable in the class and what I did not agree with. I do know better. Last year when Nicco was 5 months old we attended a class with a really positive, upbeat instructor...had also trained with her years ago with our first berner, Travis. Hers has always been a fun class that I and my dogs look forward to going to. Thought I would try this other facility a little closer to home...lesson learned. Know I know firsthand the different types of training methods out there, the good and the bad! Best advice from the list...don't let someone you do not know handle your dog! Nicco is a confident, outgoing pup and that instuctor made him flee from her by bopping him in the nose with her fist. I know all I have to do to get him to take a treat gently is to withhold the food, ask for gentle, and he gives me gentle. Thanks again for all of the experiences shared...this kind of thing happens alot. Cindy Reid and Nicco Corning, NY
RE: Choupette is 11!
Tim, You mentioned the way Choupette jumps straight up in the air. Our Socrates does this and he has never been on a chain. When he was a little younger, that was the way he would show excitement once we got outside for our walk. He could easily get right up in my face when he did it. Now at the age of almost ten, he does most of his "berner bounce" with just his front end, but when he's feeling particularly frisky, the rear will still leave the ground too. Sounds to me like Choupette is very lucky girl. Suzanne Deering High Point NC - Original Message - From: Timothy Forman To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 5/26/2003 3:35:52 PM Subject: Choupette is 11! Our rescue girl Choupette turned 11 today! I actually had Christl call the folks at the shelter in Switzerland and ask them to check if they had made a mistake on her age. She thinks she is a puppy. She has only the slightest trace of gray in her muzzle and easily keeps up with Holly who turns1 in three more days. It's an interesting coincidence that rescue has come up as topic on the list. We have had Choupette (French for "little sweet thing" also a brand name in France for a line of lollipops) for several months now and the poor girl certainly has some issues. The folks at the shelter told us she had been kept chained up in a dark barn for ten years with one other dog (a Lab). Apparently she had been beaten and was terribly hand-shy and aggresive toward men when they first took her in. We were told that her owner was an alchoholic who was finally turned in by a neighbor for animal abuse. The Swiss have a lot more power in dealing with such things, the animals were removed and, after working with her for several months, they rehomed her with us. Christl picked her up while I was away and the rescue folks were somewhat anxious about how Choupette would react to me. When I came home Christl met me at the train station with all three dogs. I guess when Choupette saw Gandalf and Holly jumping all over me she decided I must be O.K. and started jumping too. Choupette does the strangest thing I have ever seen a Berner do. She will rear up on her hind legs and jump straight up and down when she wants to get your attention. I watched her do this several times before I realized what I was seeing. If a dog is chained and straining at the end of it, that is exactly how they would have to jump. Even though the chain is gone forever in some ways it is still there. But at the ripe old age of eleven she can jump straight up into the air and clear the ground by a good foot or more! Heck, I can hardly do that! Dealing with her issues hasn't been a bed of roses but teaching her what a toy is, and watching her learn to play for the first time can really put a lump in your throat. When morning cuddle time came around and she climbed up on the bed for the first time, flipped over on her back between Gandalf and Holly and wiggled like a madman to get in on the cuddles was something you never forget. Yeah, she's got issues, but she's all Berner and even after all she's been through she is full of love (although not for small white poodles!) So she had a special day today, lots of cuddles, a big towel hot out of the dryer to wriggle around on to her heart's content after coming in out of the rain(something she really likes to do) and something the Germans call pansen (not sure about that spelling). This is basically air-dried intestines which removes all of the water but absolutely none of the stink, whew! The doggies think it's Ambrosia! A good time was had by all, except me because I am still in Jeddah hearing about it all over the phone. And now you know about it too. Tim Christl, with Gandalf, Holly and Choupette in loving memory of Urmel, Frodo, Baerli and Magic Domaine Bernois Nimes, France (except me!) STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE*
thanks for the help
Hi Everyone: Thanks to so many of you who responded to my plea for suggestions re. Bogey's diarrhea, seagull, skate, constipation episode. I learned a lot from your responses and really appreciate it. Martha and Bogey
sorry
I forgot to give the update on Bogey's progress. He is slowly getting back to his usual regularity. He doesn't, and never did, seem very sick and things are moving smoothly! Martha and Bogey
Re: Conditioning with a Bicycle and Springer
The only problem was as we returned home last night. The springer and dog are positioned on the RIGHT side of my bicycle; as we steered left into the driveway, Major somehow leaped around to the LEFT side of the bike. Hi Vicky!!! One of the problems I am having with Halley in Agility class is her insistence on being on my left side. We don't do a lot of obedience work, but she has been trained to heel on the left. I find that I also tend to walk her on my left side. My instructor recommends also teaching them heel on your right side. That way they are comfortable on either side you ask them to be on. Just a thought. As for the springer, I thought that was some kind of Spaniel... Janice Parky Cape Cod, MA
Re: BERNER-L digest 4435
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Degenerative Myelopathy - Sunny - Amazing Milestone
Today, our wonderful Sunny Bunny turned 9 years old. When he was diagnosed almost 3 years ago, we never thought we would see this day. He is noticeably failing. He falls more and can no longer go down normal steps. I am impressed to watch the ways he has learned to compensate for or avoid certain situations.I am pleased that he has been doing especially well the last few days. One of his favorite games is to carry the toys outside. My part in the game is to bring them back inside. Some toys are stored in a flower pot on the porch. Others are not supposed to go outside to get wet and buggy. Today (for his birthday) he was allowed to carry anything he wanted outside. He was very proud of himself because he knew he was pulling a fast one on his mama. Both boys got Frosty Paws topped with a strawberry for dessert. IF they tasted it before they inhaled it, I think they both liked it. My favorite part of Sunny is the wonderful soft fur on top of his head and his beautiful eyes. Happy Birthday, dear friend. I am glad you came into our lives. Nell -- Nell and John Ward -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] New Bern, North Carolina Sunshine - 9 y.o. male Bernese Mountain Dog, CGC Pilgrim - 6 year old male Bernese Mountain Dog CGC/TDI In memory of Merlin (Berner), Kasey Anne (Aussie), and Sasha (Amer. Eskimo)
Re: Dog show photos
At 07:39 PM 28/05/2003 -0500, you wrote: Bonnie and I entered a DDX test in Ottawa last weekend - didn't pass, but none of the other DDX dogs did, either. Four of the seven DD dogs earned titles, though! We'll probably be trying again in the fall - plenty of time to practice! http://community.webshots.com/album/74339692zxvcwH Bonnie is on the second page, last photo. Jana Bonnie We saw this dog in action and she did an amazing job. All the dogs were superb, but the amazing part is that Bonnie is blind. Congrats on a job well done, Jana! You'll get that title next time for sure! And guess what! My baby Tyra is photo number 8 in the same album! Wendy Beard, Ottawa, Canada http://www.beard-redfern.com
RE: Conditioning with a Bicycle and Springer
Hi Vicky, Easy with the bike conditioning! Don't forget to warm up Major beforehand with a walk before cycling off at a brisk trot, also don't forget to work down as well. My husband dragged out the antique Raleigh one time to take Boomer for a trot and later that afternoon I wondered what on earth was up with the poor dog hobbling around the garden. I got him indoors and examined him and his pads were swollen and hot. Cool compresses for the dog and a quick vent of my anger on the hapless man and all was resolved! Pounding the pavement can be detrimental to young joints better to find a sand track or grass and run with him:-)) Rose
RE: baby teeth
Hi Tracey, It is quite normal for the adult canine teeth to erupt inside of the baby ones, the roots on these adult ones are enormous and the baby one will be pushed out the way. Sometimes they need a little help in coming out as they lie against the new tooth, you have to take a piece of paper towel and stroke the tooth upwards in the direction it grows and help slide it up and out. These teeth do not wobble side to side because of the size of the root even in the baby ones. Occasionally they need to be extracted by the vet if the gum is reddening or the adult one is drilling a hole in the roof of the mouth, while the puppy is changing teeth their breath can smell like rotten meat but if it gets particularly foul the dying root may be causing infection. Rose T
training,others taking dog
We have a training school, and teach a lot of the classes at the school. I often demo/work with someone else's dog. I don't' believe the students want to see me working with my own trained dogs. I NEVER correct someone else's dog, and never do anything with the dog or puppy that isn't fun for the puppy/dog. I think at times it is good for puppies in particular, to work with other people, as long as they have fun. Much of what I demo is tricks, and or little agility steps, such as intro's to front cross footwork, where dog gets a cookie for making a turn in the right direction etc. I do ask for permission to work with a dog, but don't get refused, as my students know that the situation will be a positive one for the dog. So, it isn't necessarily absolute taboo to allow someone else to work with your dog. Make sure you are comfortable with the person who is doing so, and with the philosophies used. If you aren't comfortable with the things an instructor may do with your dog, you may actually not be comfortable with the techniques used in general. Make sure that it is a training program you are happy with deep down. Kris Clark and Kris Osojnicki and the Bevy of mostly Berners Haley, Mara, Lexi, Cassie Niko ( Pearle the Border Collie) Chalet Tiki (both in loving memory) [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Training to Use a new Potty Location
Hi ~ Having a designated potty location is a great idea and the one you have described sounds like it will be great once your dog understands this is where he has to eliminate. Often times, dogs develop a *substrate* preference and making a transition to a new one (in your case, from grass to mulch covered gravel) confuses the dog. This often is the case when making a transition from paper to the outside. Your boy seems to prefer grass. Sogive him grass! It may help if you take several pieces of sod from the garden store and place them in (and perhaps around) your new potty location for your boy. You may even want to place a piece or two where he usually relieves himself and then take *that* piece of sod and place it into the 5X7 potty area. Besure you reward him heavily for eliminating where you want him to. You will want to use a leash (not sure if you just let him out at this point) and walk him to the desired area. He will get the idea soon enough especially if he is rewarded generously and enthusiastically. Good luck ~ Helen Hollander, CPDT The Educated Pup, LLC Lawrence, NY APDT # 5888P x12//03 Be mindful that happiness is not based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.
re: training spirited puppies
I would love to read about training methods that work with spirited puppies. I have had dogs all my life and at times was completely befuddled with Han. If I had been a newbe I might have given up. As it is, he is developing into a wonderful dog. I have a list of things that I tried (some worked and some didn't) but I would appreciate any and all posts for the next time around. Beverly Arnold and Han (I'm a work in progress) Gainesville Fl
Re: Conditioning with a Bicycle and Springer
At 07:39 PM 28/05/2003 -0500, you wrote: Does anyone else use a springer with your dog and bike? Any experience with the dog getting on the wrong side? What can happen? Can you just continue riding and the dog will go back on the correct side, or must I immediately stop and reposition him? Vicky Whitney in Bozeman, Montana Hi Vicky, This got me wondering - how have you attached your dog to the springer? I always use a harness with my girl when going out on the bike. The lead is then attached at the left side of the harness. It would be very difficult for her to get round the wrong side of the bike from the right. I don't have photos of the springer up at the moment but I have a couple of shots I made about a month ago when I was test-driving a couple of alternative devices. http://www.beard-redfern.com/bikerdog I would guess that your lead's too long if he's getting on the wrong side of the bike. Are you using the one supplied with the springer with the quick-break plastic thingy? If he does happen to get on the left side of you, I'd stop and put him back. You don't want the lead hitting your back wheel! Wendy Beard, Ottawa, Canada http://www.beard-redfern.com
