For 30 years, Marilyn Pona, founder of Assistance Dogs for Living, has been training dogs: rescued, traumatized mutts; show dogs; obedience-school dropouts; neurotic dogs in danger of exile from their families; and service dogs of every kind.
“There’s one thing nearly every trainer does too soon,” she confides. “Train.”
The usual impulse, she explains, is to jump in and try to impose control immediately. Pona learned patience from her work with service dogs: When you’re transferring a dog from his trainer to his new person, you can’t rush it.
What are the signs that tell you it’s time? When ears and tail change position, the body relaxes, breathing slows, and the dog is not hypervigilant or showing any stress signals—that’s when you know the dog’s finally getting a calming message: This is all that’s required of you.
[via Pos-4-ReactiveDogs]
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Koa comes
let Kimo out of jail, go eat breakfast
Kimo doesn't want to walk
take Hershey out for a half-lap, then take home
pick up Koa (still dog-watching until Saturday), retrieve Fifi
retrieve Hershey (had to coax him to come down from steps)
go for a couple of laps until panting / Kimo watching
take Hershey home, take Fifi home, take Koa home
feed the fish, water a little, feed Koa
That afternoon..
take Kimo out for a slow half-lap
poop is soft & yellowish, but at least not a puddle
retrieve Koa
Keith is out, bring Koa closer, Keith gets wild/excited, but Koa wags his tail
dig some weeds w/ Koa on leash with me
take Koa back on flexi-leash
see Fifi out, daughter (Alyssa?) calls Fifi to come and Koa comes to her too
Steven is jogging / take Koa to jog a bit w/ him too, I don't last too long
Tuffy barks at us, wait, but he still barks
feed Koa / visitor left him a full bowl of food, empty most of it back
another day w/ Koa..
[Thu 2/17, posted 2/26]
Kimo doesn't want to walk
take Hershey out for a half-lap, then take home
pick up Koa (still dog-watching until Saturday), retrieve Fifi
retrieve Hershey (had to coax him to come down from steps)
go for a couple of laps until panting / Kimo watching
take Hershey home, take Fifi home, take Koa home
feed the fish, water a little, feed Koa
That afternoon..
take Kimo out for a slow half-lap
poop is soft & yellowish, but at least not a puddle
retrieve Koa
Keith is out, bring Koa closer, Keith gets wild/excited, but Koa wags his tail
dig some weeds w/ Koa on leash with me
take Koa back on flexi-leash
see Fifi out, daughter (Alyssa?) calls Fifi to come and Koa comes to her too
Steven is jogging / take Koa to jog a bit w/ him too, I don't last too long
Tuffy barks at us, wait, but he still barks
feed Koa / visitor left him a full bowl of food, empty most of it back
another day w/ Koa..
[Thu 2/17, posted 2/26]
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Turid Rugaas on exercise
Here's another view of exercise by Turid Rugaas (of calming signals fame) [as expressed by Jennifer Ng at Pos-4-ReactiveDogs]
I'm not convinced dogs require a lot of physical exercise. I realize that many trainers use the phrase "a tired dog is a good dog" but I don't agree with this. A tired dog "behaves" simply because he is exhausted - this is temporary and doesn't teach the dog to truly be calm or relaxed, or how to cope with triggers.
And in fact, over time, excessive exercise can create a dog who is very fit and needs more and more exercise to get worn out enough to be tired. But the underlying causes of any behavior problems are not addressed at all, and the physical exercise (especially fast-paced chase games like fetch) actually increases chronic stress and adds to the problem.
I attended the Turid Rugaas seminar that Beth mentioned in her reply. One topic she discussed that really made me think was regarding exercise. I've known that Turid feels that repetitive, fast-paced chase games (like fetch with a ball or frisbee) are unnecessary and detrimental, contributing to chronic stress.
However, she took the concept a step further, indicating that physical exercise really isn't necessary at all. She commented that there is no need to walk a dog strictly for exercise, that such walks are "meaningless." She feels that all walks should be leisurely walks where the dog is allowed to sniff and explore the surroundings. Turid stated that there is no such thing as a high energy or hyper dog - those dogs are stressed. And that dogs are "very good at doing nothing" and don't get bored.
Turid used the example of observing wolves in a naturalistic setting at Wolf Park, where there is very little activity for the majority of the day. There are short periods of activity at dawn and dusk, most of which is slow-paced exploring. And in the wild as well, the majority of time that wolves are active is spent tracking and searching for food, which is not stressful.
The actual chase to catch prey once it is found is pretty much the only fast-paced activity wolves do, and it only lasts for a short period and may only happen at intervals of a week or more. Once the prey is caught, there are many days of low stress recovery, spent eating and resting.
Another example Turid used was border collies, which she says is the most misunderstood breed. Most people seem to believe that BCs need hours of activity every day to keep them happy and satisfied. Turid said that those people should take a trip to Yorkshire and see how BCs really work and live on farms. The actual work of herding sheep is only for short periods at certain times of day, and they spend the majority of the day just hanging out on the farm.
I thought this view of physical activity was very interesting. I have always accepted the fact that a certain amount of physical exercise is necessary, and what that minimum amount is depends on the individual dog. I've also thought that if a dog doesn't get his required minimum amount of physical exercise, it can lead to boredom and unwanted behavior.
However, Turid seems to be saying that this is not true. That dogs don't require exercise beyond normal everyday interactions, and enjoying the mental stimulation from occasional exploratory walk. I would have to say that my experience with my own dogs supports what Turid is saying, but I'd always assumed that my hounds just have lower exercise needs than a lot of other breeds.
Perhaps the traditional assumptions about exercise are wrong. Turid believes that behavior problems in dogs with limited activity are due to other factors, not too little activity. And especially as I think about it more, I think it makes a lot of sense.
Jennifer
I'm not convinced dogs require a lot of physical exercise. I realize that many trainers use the phrase "a tired dog is a good dog" but I don't agree with this. A tired dog "behaves" simply because he is exhausted - this is temporary and doesn't teach the dog to truly be calm or relaxed, or how to cope with triggers.
And in fact, over time, excessive exercise can create a dog who is very fit and needs more and more exercise to get worn out enough to be tired. But the underlying causes of any behavior problems are not addressed at all, and the physical exercise (especially fast-paced chase games like fetch) actually increases chronic stress and adds to the problem.
I attended the Turid Rugaas seminar that Beth mentioned in her reply. One topic she discussed that really made me think was regarding exercise. I've known that Turid feels that repetitive, fast-paced chase games (like fetch with a ball or frisbee) are unnecessary and detrimental, contributing to chronic stress.
However, she took the concept a step further, indicating that physical exercise really isn't necessary at all. She commented that there is no need to walk a dog strictly for exercise, that such walks are "meaningless." She feels that all walks should be leisurely walks where the dog is allowed to sniff and explore the surroundings. Turid stated that there is no such thing as a high energy or hyper dog - those dogs are stressed. And that dogs are "very good at doing nothing" and don't get bored.
Turid used the example of observing wolves in a naturalistic setting at Wolf Park, where there is very little activity for the majority of the day. There are short periods of activity at dawn and dusk, most of which is slow-paced exploring. And in the wild as well, the majority of time that wolves are active is spent tracking and searching for food, which is not stressful.
The actual chase to catch prey once it is found is pretty much the only fast-paced activity wolves do, and it only lasts for a short period and may only happen at intervals of a week or more. Once the prey is caught, there are many days of low stress recovery, spent eating and resting.
Another example Turid used was border collies, which she says is the most misunderstood breed. Most people seem to believe that BCs need hours of activity every day to keep them happy and satisfied. Turid said that those people should take a trip to Yorkshire and see how BCs really work and live on farms. The actual work of herding sheep is only for short periods at certain times of day, and they spend the majority of the day just hanging out on the farm.
I thought this view of physical activity was very interesting. I have always accepted the fact that a certain amount of physical exercise is necessary, and what that minimum amount is depends on the individual dog. I've also thought that if a dog doesn't get his required minimum amount of physical exercise, it can lead to boredom and unwanted behavior.
However, Turid seems to be saying that this is not true. That dogs don't require exercise beyond normal everyday interactions, and enjoying the mental stimulation from occasional exploratory walk. I would have to say that my experience with my own dogs supports what Turid is saying, but I'd always assumed that my hounds just have lower exercise needs than a lot of other breeds.
Perhaps the traditional assumptions about exercise are wrong. Turid believes that behavior problems in dogs with limited activity are due to other factors, not too little activity. And especially as I think about it more, I think it makes a lot of sense.
Jennifer
diatomaceous earth
I thought I posted about this in the past, but I don't see it so...
Anyway, I was walking with Malia maybe like a year ago and she told me she was using this fine white powder which is called (I believe) diatomaceous earth.
She said it's supposed to help prevent fleas and gave a bottle of it (she had a lot because she bought a bag from a feed store or something).
Anyway, I didn't really use it for a long time. But when I saw (what I thought might be) flea dirt on Kimo, I put some on him.
Don't really know if it helped or not though cause I still see specks of flea dirt on him. (But no fleas.)
*** [6/22/11 a good link]
Food grade diatomaceous earth is OMRI (Organic Material Review Institute) listed, does not poison our pets, and simply dehydrates fleas and ticks that come in contact with it within 72 hours. Food grade diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled in your home carpeting, on dogs, cats, and other animals, applied in their bedding, and in all dry outdoor areas that fleas congregate. If your pet currently has fleas, it is essential to feed food grade diatomaceous earth daily at double the recommended daily dose to address the tapeworms your dog, cat, ferret, or other pet will have from ingesting fleas.
5/28/12 - some comments
6/15/12 - another link
Anyway, I was walking with Malia maybe like a year ago and she told me she was using this fine white powder which is called (I believe) diatomaceous earth.
She said it's supposed to help prevent fleas and gave a bottle of it (she had a lot because she bought a bag from a feed store or something).
Anyway, I didn't really use it for a long time. But when I saw (what I thought might be) flea dirt on Kimo, I put some on him.
Don't really know if it helped or not though cause I still see specks of flea dirt on him. (But no fleas.)
*** [6/22/11 a good link]
Food grade diatomaceous earth is OMRI (Organic Material Review Institute) listed, does not poison our pets, and simply dehydrates fleas and ticks that come in contact with it within 72 hours. Food grade diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled in your home carpeting, on dogs, cats, and other animals, applied in their bedding, and in all dry outdoor areas that fleas congregate. If your pet currently has fleas, it is essential to feed food grade diatomaceous earth daily at double the recommended daily dose to address the tapeworms your dog, cat, ferret, or other pet will have from ingesting fleas.
5/28/12 - some comments
6/15/12 - another link
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Hawaii Fi-Do
In this ultra-modern world where laser beams adjust people’s sight and hyperbaric chambers mend their bones, Susan Luehrs, founder of Hawaii Fi-Do, eschews technology in favor of a more natural way to heal people’s bodies: man’s best friend.
“There is documentation that people with service dogs don’t need as much medical assistance, need less care and don’t go to the doctor as much,” says Luehrs, who was formally trained at the Assistance Dog Institute in Santa Rosa, Calif. “Psychologically, they feel better and they don’t use as many meds.”
The idea of formally training dogs to aid the afflicted is a fairly new one. A pioneer in the field, Bonnie Bergin came up with the idea 20 years ago after watching guide dogs helping the blind and wondered why they could not assist people in other ways. Through her institute and its offshoots, like Hawaii Fi-Do, they are training dogs to open doors, turn on the lights, pull wheelchairs, use medical alert buttons and even fetch help if their owner becomes incapacitated.
Luehrs founded the nonprofit Hawaii Fi-Do 12 years ago after having great success using dogs to aid in her previous profession as a special-ed teacher at Kahuku High School.
“There is documentation that people with service dogs don’t need as much medical assistance, need less care and don’t go to the doctor as much,” says Luehrs, who was formally trained at the Assistance Dog Institute in Santa Rosa, Calif. “Psychologically, they feel better and they don’t use as many meds.”
The idea of formally training dogs to aid the afflicted is a fairly new one. A pioneer in the field, Bonnie Bergin came up with the idea 20 years ago after watching guide dogs helping the blind and wondered why they could not assist people in other ways. Through her institute and its offshoots, like Hawaii Fi-Do, they are training dogs to open doors, turn on the lights, pull wheelchairs, use medical alert buttons and even fetch help if their owner becomes incapacitated.
Luehrs founded the nonprofit Hawaii Fi-Do 12 years ago after having great success using dogs to aid in her previous profession as a special-ed teacher at Kahuku High School.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
day 1 with Koa: three's a crowd
Koa is loose in the morning. Decide to Kimo out and Koa home.
Toni is out, preparing to leave with Troy and friend.
OK, go to get Fifi too.
Uh oh. Koa starts growling. Kimo gets wild and jumps Koa. Hold Kimo's leash up and get the under control. Continue.
Down Lolena. Dogs barking. Retrievers reacting (but not super intense). Koa & Kimo too.
Cross to the park. Small dog is in the volleyball court. Bring dogs over to sniff and they do with no problem.
Go up hill. Then practice walking at the basketball court and volleyball court.
Kimo gets excited (Miki barking) and runs back and forth.
walk Fifi & Koa on leash. Kimo follows
then walk Kimo on leash, Fifi & Koa follow
take Fifi home. treat them at door step. tie Koa to water faucet (just in case).
take Koa home / Kimo eats Koa's food
let them walk around in back a bit / correct Kimo before he pees on table leg (or whatever it was)
Kimo on steps / occassinally soft barking at Lana
OK, time to watch some Dog Whisperer on recorded DVD.
Later that afternoon,
Yokomoto out for walk
go get Koa & Fifi and walk w/ him
then see Amy walking
walk w/ her | dogs walking pretty well/panting
go back to Koa's house
feed fish, Fifi drinks fish water
take them inside, Fifi finds a bone and chews it all up
feed Koa, doesn't quite eat all
2/5/11 [posted 2/11]
Toni is out, preparing to leave with Troy and friend.
OK, go to get Fifi too.
Uh oh. Koa starts growling. Kimo gets wild and jumps Koa. Hold Kimo's leash up and get the under control. Continue.
Down Lolena. Dogs barking. Retrievers reacting (but not super intense). Koa & Kimo too.
Cross to the park. Small dog is in the volleyball court. Bring dogs over to sniff and they do with no problem.
Go up hill. Then practice walking at the basketball court and volleyball court.
Kimo gets excited (Miki barking) and runs back and forth.
walk Fifi & Koa on leash. Kimo follows
then walk Kimo on leash, Fifi & Koa follow
take Fifi home. treat them at door step. tie Koa to water faucet (just in case).
take Koa home / Kimo eats Koa's food
let them walk around in back a bit / correct Kimo before he pees on table leg (or whatever it was)
Kimo on steps / occassinally soft barking at Lana
OK, time to watch some Dog Whisperer on recorded DVD.
Later that afternoon,
Yokomoto out for walk
go get Koa & Fifi and walk w/ him
then see Amy walking
walk w/ her | dogs walking pretty well/panting
go back to Koa's house
feed fish, Fifi drinks fish water
take them inside, Fifi finds a bone and chews it all up
feed Koa, doesn't quite eat all
2/5/11 [posted 2/11]
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