Kimo vs. Tuffy

home from the volleyball tournament. whew, Joey is still on the steps.

JoJo returns. Let Jojo and Joey out.

Uh oh, Keith is coming out.

Keith (on the leash) and Joey are going at it. Keith shows no sign of let up. Eventually Pat pulls Keith away and I take away Joey.

Since Keith is now out, I take Kimo out and go up the street. Hey, that looks like Tuffy.

It is Tuffy. He must have gotten loose. Tuffy comes close. Kimo escalates. Fight.

I let Kimo loose so he is free to fight or run away. They got at it for a little while and to my relief Tuffy breaks it off, backs off, and heads home.

WTH (I crazily thought), let me try walking them together. [do not attempt these techniques without consulting a professional]

First I tied Kimo, Jojo, and Joey at the Taylor gate. Get Fifi's leash and retrieve Tuffy. (Sorry Fifi, not today.)

Bring Tuffy to the gate, holding him in one hand and untie the dogs with the other hand. I was hoping for the best, but as might be expected, Kimo goes nuts and Tuffy reacts too (probably the other two were going wild too, but I concentrated on the bigger two). I held Kimo and Tuffy up by the leash so they wouldn't attack each other, but in the meantime I got bit in the leg (the inside of my left knee). Not sure by who, but probably by Kimo.

So seconds (or minutes) later, they were settled down enough, so that I could proceed with the walk. Tuffy isn't a crazy puller but he pulled enough to not make it easy. But I managed to make it down the street and I think to the end of the street.

I took Kimo home (I think maybe on the way) and then Joey too.

Up the street I saw Roy, Charlotte, along with Amy out walking. So I decided to walk with them. Amy kind of separated from us (I think she might be scared of Tuffy), but I caught up to Roy and Charlotte. Charlotte seemed to get anxious though when Tuffy got near her.

After a little while, I handed Jojo's leash to Roy. And we walked for a while.

Then after a little while more, Charlotte wanted to try walking Jojo so she got the leash from Roy. She seemed pretty pleased that she was able to do it because she was always fearful of dogs since she got bitten when she was younger.

I stopped with Tuffy in the driveway and Kimo reacted. Not greatly, but he was barking and pawing at the fence. Tuffy didn't respond and in fact sat with his back to Kimo. After a while, Kimo settled down. And I retrieved Joey.

Caught up to Roy and Charlotte and handed Joey's leash to Roy. So now it was three humans and three dogs. Amy saw us and probably was amused. I told her she could grab Kimo and join us (no deal).

Charlotte went home to make dinner. Then Janice came by and picked up JoJo.

Roy finished his walk and went home. I took Joey home and that left me with Tuffy.

Wasn't sure what to do. So I walked a couple more laps and took him home. Couldn't find where Tuffy escaped from. Luckily there was a rope nearby and tied him to the gate (nobody was home).

After dinner, I went to check on Tuffy. Still nobody was home.

Then I decided to check on Koa. Saw Toni outside watering and we started talking (her more than me). After quite a while, I finally got on my way, but not without first getting a free bag of lentil sprouts.

I noticed Nalu and Kristen got home and were in the car outside. So I let them know what happened.

Got home like 11:40 PM.

[Sunday 7/24, posted 7/27]

got poo?

Hey I do it for nothing!

Look At That!

I noticed this from Control Unleashed Yahoo Group which came from the book Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt (well-regarded by the positive trainers).

Here's some explanation of what it is.

We first learned about the “Look at That” (LAT) game from Leslie McDevitt’s brilliant book “Control Unleashed.” One of the most common dog training issues is on-leash reactivity. Our gut instinct is to tell Fido to knock it off or to try to console them and make them feel safe by patting them and speaking in high pitched voices. Unfortunately for a lot of dogs our attempts at canine communication are often misinterpreted and we see an increase in snarling, lunging and barking at approaching triggers like animals, people or moving objects. If we scold our dogs for acting like a lunatic when triggers approach, we run the risk of creating an even more negative situation for our already stresed or anxious friends. When we try and reassure Fifi that everything is going to be OK, they don’t hear our words but may assume based on our high-pitched tone that we like it when they are nervous and scared and they may enjoy the extra attention it gets them.

Although it goes against our human nature, the Look at That game diffuses both of these situations and quickly results in increased confidence and focus on mom or dad instead of incoming triggers. For a detailed description of the “Look at That” game, we encourage you to check out Leslie McDevitt’s web site and buy her easy-to-understand book or videos but we wanted to give you a brief overview of the exercise because the Clicker Leash makes it so easy to do.

The key is to keep your dog below threshold (ie quiet and calm) while teaching them to look at a stimulus they do not normally like and rewarding them for looking at it. To train LAT, use your Clicker Leash to click and reward your dog the second they look at a trigger as long there is no reaction. If your dog is too intense with the triggers being used, start with a neutral target like a piece of paper or other item your dog has no association with and again click as soon as they look at it. When your dog is offering a quick glance towards the target, name it “look.” Your dog will quickly start to look at their triggers and turn back to you for a reward. If your dog does not turn quickly, it is likely because they are over threshold. You should increase the distance between you and the trigger and try again.

How Many Dogs Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb?

Australian Shepherd: Just one. While the rest herd the property for any more light bulbs or even light switches that need to be replaced.

Pit Bull: As long as I'm here, nobody can change ANYTHING. Not as long as I'm around. NO WAY.

Golden Retriever: It doesn't matter. Even if someone breaks in, I will find the flashlight for them and show off all of my toys and will play fetch nonstop. I still got lots of toys that squeak.

Rottweiler: Won't you-- MAKE ME!!!â ¦..Just try it.

Labrador: Oh me, me!!!!! Huh? Huh? Pleeeeeeeeeze let me change it! Can I? Can I? You sure you only want me to change it? Too bad these bulbs float, or else I would even change the ones from way under the pool.

German Shepherd: Roger that. First of all, I need to see if that is truly a light bulb or a bomb. Second, I should check for any intruders still left in the premises. And third, see if they are still around, so I can sink these nice set of canines in that arm and keep on swinging from it. Not really. Any arm will do.

Maltese: Let the German Shepherd do it. Cocky bastard. You can fix my hair. Yes. Of course piggy tail. What else?

Saint Bernard: Man, I still got the hangover from last night and you're worry about a stupid lamp. Look. I threw up a few times and can't even wipe my own slobber. Those bitches once they're in heat, REALLY know how to party and I got hammered.

Border Collie: Just one. And then I'll replace any wiring, check for any hazards, and let you know how long that light bulb will actually last.

Weiner Dog: Yeah right. You know that I can't reach that stupid bulb! Hello? Besides, those big scary dogs just love to floss their teeth with me. And with/without any light they always find me. I guess it's because I just can't shut up. Can I?

Siberian Husky: You mean just yank it out of that ceiling and take off with it for miles without even looking back?

Minature Pincher: Why? I can still bite ankles in the dark.

Jack Russell Terrier: Dude, I have cats to chase, rabbits to hunt, and make my owners catch me if you can game. Besides, I will pop it again with my constant bouncing around anyway.

Bassett Hound: Leave that thing off. I am so tired and sleepy and I love it when it's dark. Too much light hurts my eyes. Why do you think my eyes are so freaking red all the time? Noooooo. I told you a million times that I DO NOT smoke pot. Gosh!!!. I only slept fifteen hours today and you kept on bugging me. ZZZZZZzzzzzz.z.z.z..z..z..z.

Chow Chow: Nope, don't change that light bulb, don't brush me, don't bathe me, don't medicate me, and don't ever mistake me with a goofy bear.

Poodle: Oh come on. Give me a break. Who wants to mess up the hair for a stupid light bulb? What if the minute I even try to install it, it burns my fro. I mean come on. The fro is back in style and these curls don't just happen, you know. Did I tell you I just got my nails done at Poodle Nook Salon today?

Lhaso Apso: Why change it? I can still mark every corner of this house blindfolded.

Doberman: Let them break in. I always wait in that corner and never make a sound. By the time they notice me, my teeth will meet their crotch. Then we'll talk about who's really going to get neutered tonight. GRRRRRRRRR.

Beagle: Light bulb? I don't sniff any light bulbs? What's the point. I will pop it again with my long barks anyway.

Boxer: Come on dude. Listen to my name.. BOXER? Who needs to change a light bulb when I can just box and knock out the intruder. Once they grab me by the collar, then I'll show you my psycho dance, that is guaranteed to break those fingers.

Chihuahua: Yo quiero TACO BULB?

Pomeranian: Hey, I was a chow in my past life. So don't you dare make me do anything.

Bulldog: No way Jose! Last time I tried that crap, I landed flat on my nose.

Bichon Frisee: Let the bulldog or the pug do it. Cute dogs don't have to work. Besides, all they do is snore and snore alllllllllll night anyway.

Pointer: I see it. There it is. That one right? Yep I see it. There it is. Right there.. hmm.. although it is not moving. I wish they have light bulbs in the jungle. That way I could point out those squirrels even better.

Greyhound: I told you people that I only move off that couch for rabbits! Plain and simple.

Afghan Hound: Light bulb? What? Huh? I'm sorry, what is that? Back in mountains there are no light bulbs. Besides, everybody knows that I don't need a silly lightbulb to prove how gorgeous I really am.

Written by Kevin Salem - Head Instructor of Sacramento's Real-Life Dog Training. [via Jody W. Ianuzzi]

Just Koa today

Kimo was on the steps, but didn't look like he wanted to go out today.

Jojo didn't come this morning.

So decided to see if CB was outside today (even though it's a holiday).

But as I come near, Koa spots me and is out on the walkway. So I get him. (I'm an easy sell.)

Decide to walk Koa a bit before getting CB. See Dorothy outside then the Yamamoto daughter comes by and they start to chat. So Koa learns to wait around on the leash.

Finally go back and go downstairs. See CB's leash on the table, but no crate outside. Maybe she took him with her? As we go back up, I hear barking, so apparently he's still inside.

So onward with our walk. Position the leash up and have him walk next to me. Goes fairly well. It's a balance of trying to keep the leash loose as much as possible but not having him out in front pulling me.

Notice a small black spot on his head. Thought it was a tick or something so try to pull it off. Koa yelped, so I stopped and looked like part of it came off. Still not sure what it is.

Picked up his poop on the grass (several days worth apparently) and went home.

Say Please

Like some dog behaviourist have a problem with the word "dominance", they also have a problem with NILIF (Nothing In Life Is Free).

The new phrase is Say Please.

But some still have a problem with even that, preferring an equal two-way conversation between the human and the dog. (.. insert your own phrase here ..)

ColtB

Jojo comes to the back, take Kimo in front, goes up steps.

Go to retrieve Koa, Mochi shows up, Ann comes to retrieve, Malie is loose too following Ann. I found that kind of funny, but maybe Ann didn't.

Ann calls Pomai to retrieve Malie

Retrieve Fifi. So I'm walking with Fifi, Koa and Jojo. Dorothy sees me and asks if I knew how to get the run roof of her Lexus down.

So I tie Koa up to the mailbox or something and take a look.

In the meantime (of all times), Melissa comes by with Rudy and Blue. And Koa acts up. Good thing the flexi-leash didn't reach all the way across the street (and was strong enough).

No luck with the sunroof, so I continue slowly.

Here comes Rudy and Blue on the way back. And the dogs all want to go after each other. (Good thing Melissa's strong.)

Head down to my house. Let Fifi and Jojo play. This time Jojo is growling while playing. That's sort of something new. And he's not running away so much now but turning and jumping on Fifi.

Koa kind of stays on the side. And Kimo gets a bit excited watching Jojo and Fifi.

Time to take the dogs home. RMAS is coming down, but decide to let them pass and take the dogs home.

Take home Fifi. Then take home Koa. Toni tells me about Summer downstairs and that she possibly might want me to walk her dog too.

Her dog escaped a couple of times and she had to retrieve him on the street.

Take Jojo with me. See the dog which is a pom/chihuahua mix with big unblinking eyes.

Jojo wants to play. But ColtB (the dog's name - stands for Colt Brennan) is defensive.

Take Jojo up to the fence and tie him there while Summer puts on ColtB's harness.

Take them out and pass RMAS coming back. Jojo still wants to play but have to correct him a bit as I just want them to walk parallel.

Take them to the driveway and Kimo doesn't act up too much.

Go to end of street and catch up to them as they go to the beginning of the street.

ColtB doesn't walk bad, though wants to pull a bit.

After I take them back, I tell Summer that it didn't go too bad, but not 100% back. I went to touch CB or something and he lightly nipped at me. At least it looks like he has bite inhibition (I hope).

We'll see how it goes next time.

[Sun 7/3, posted 7/4]

Kimo hits the street / Take Five

I was taking Kimo and Jojo out from the back. Or rather I was letting walk out from the back to the front.

Then suddenly Kimo runs on the street. It was RMAS along with Harriet. He stopped short of Shammy but was barking fiercely. Amy was kind of blocking him with her golf club and Harriet was yelling at him to get away.

I went out and stepped on leash and grabbed him until he calmed down. It took probably about a minute (maybe more or maybe much less).

Then I took Jojo and Kimo back the other way as RMAS continued up the street and retrieved Hershey.

Then Koa saw us and started whining, so I retrieve him too.

WTH, retrieve Fifi too. Looped Hershey and Koa on the post by the driveway and went to get Koa. Had Kimo up by the stonewall.

Brought up Fifi, but evidently she went too close to Kimo and he had another outburst. Grabbed him by the back of the neck then held him two hand on the collar until he regained his senses. Caught me a bit on the inside of my left wrist (just above).

Kimo (the man) was out and commented that Kimo doesn't really attack. I told him he when he gets excited, he just goes insane and doesn't know what he's doing.

With five in had, decided to take them to the park. It was slow going, but wasn't quite as bad as I thought it might go.

Ran up the hill, then to the volleyball court.

Mostly the dogs walked around on their own. But then Fifi started to run around and Jojo kind of chased her. (Jojo seems to be appearing more aggressive because a couple days later [yesterday?] when he was playing with Fifi he was growling.)

So this ties my record of five dogs (last time though it was Joey instead of Jojo, and Koa happened to be loose that time and I leashed him on the way).

[Fri 7/1, posted 7/4]