I noticed that a link to The Loved Dog is on the page regarding puppy mills on Oprah.com. It seems that Oprah has shifted from Cesar Millan to Tamar Geller.
That Geller disagrees with Cesar is evident on her views on treadmills, choke chains, and alpha rollovers all of whom Cesar makes use of.
I have no quarrel with Geller's methods. But the question I would have is how Tamar would handle the cases where Cesar uses these methods. Or whether she could handle those cases at all. (FWIW, see Lee Charles Kelley review of her book.)
Still the fact that Oprah (whom I regard highly) endorses Geller is something I do not take lightly.
* * *
Surfing some more, I came across this anti-Cesar page from Seattle Dogworks. My summary would be that, even if Cesar's technigues might work for him. It might not work so well when performed by other people and in fact might be detrimental or even dangerous. In other words, do not attempt these techniques without consulting a professional. (Then again, that professional might tell you to kill your dog, so what do you have to lose? OTOH, he might not and have alternative techniques.)
I see they (Cristine Dahl) have a book out called Good Dog 101 with good reviews on Amazon.
Interestingly, I see that the whole staff of Seattle Dogworks are all women. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!)
*** [5/17/10]
I'm considering getting Tamar's book since I see a copy available at paperbackswap.
Looking at a review for the book , I see a recommendation for Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson who wrote Good Owners, Great Dogs which gets good reviews. Maybe I'll add it to my paperbackswap list. The reviewer also likes Dog Talk by John Ross. (So you know he's an old school guy -- Kilcommons worked under Barbara Wodehouse.)
From another review, Outwitting Dogs is recommended (only $5.18 from Amazon).
So maybe I'll look into this too.
There are 104 reviews of Tamar's book. 58 are five-star. 24 are four-star. I'd say that's pretty good. Maybe I'll get the book. After all, she WAS on Oprah.
***
[5/17/10] Another book I see available on paperbackswap (linked on the Amazon Dog Listener page for example, though I'm not positive that where I saw it, maybe it was the paperbackswap Outwitting Dogs page) is How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves by Sophia Yin. It gets good reviews (currently 15 out of 20 five stars, 1 four star, 4 three star) on Amazon but one of the less positive ones is by none other than LCK. Here he actually says that Cesar's techniques are damaging to the dog. (After watching every single episode), that's something I definitely disagree with. But I can see if people misapply them, that could be true. Actually three stars from LCK is pretty good by him.
***
[5/20/10] Tamar Geller on youtube
Friday, May 30, 2008
puppy mills on Oprah
An eye-opening show on Oprah about the inhumane conditions of puppy mills.
Key takeaways.
Why breed puppies when there are so many animals available for adoption who are being euthanized?
Don't buy puppies from pet stores, but get them from rescue organizations.
And spay or neuter your pet.
[7/18/13] the above link doesn't work, here's another link. Not sure if it's referring to the same show. I think so.
And here's an article from Best Friends,
Back in 2008, Best Friends launched our puppy mill initiatives after identifying puppy mills as one of the primary sources of animals entering our nation’s shelters.
A revealing Best Friends–led study, just published in the current issue of the “Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association,” adds more weight to that analysis. Led by Dr. Frank McMillan, director of well-being studies at Best Friends, in collaboration with a highly regarded research team, the study compared the behavior profiles of pet store puppies with those acquired from hobbyist, noncommercial breeders. It is estimated that 99 percent of pet store puppies are sourced from high-volume commercial breeders, which is to say they come from puppy mills.
Dogs acquired as puppies from small, noncommercial breeders were selected for comparison for the following reasons:
1. They enter their new homes at approximately the same age as pet store pups do.
2. Their history prior to purchase is known.
3. They are, for the most part, purebred dogs.
In fact, the only difference then between the sampled groups was the nature of their breeding, whelping, weaning and prolonged, stressful transport. One is set in a commercial breeding environment with hundreds or even thousands of other dogs, while the other is set in a hobby breeder’s home environment with only a mother dog or a small group of household pets.
The difference in findings between the two groups was profound, but not surprising.
Problem behaviors exhibited by pet store dogs read like answers to a shelter surrender questionnaire, with the strongest effects observed in relation to aggressive behavior. For example, sexually intact pet store dogs were three times as likely to have owner-directed aggression as were sexually intact dogs acquired from small breeders. Pet store dogs were nearly twice as likely to have aggression toward unfamiliar dogs.
Additionally, pet store dogs were also 30 to 60 percent more likely to have stranger-directed aggression, aggression to other household dogs, as well as fear of dogs and nonsocial stimuli, separation anxiety, and touch sensitivity. Other undesirable behaviors included escaping from the home, sexual mounting of people and objects, and most forms of house soiling.
This Best Friends’ research effort is a follow-up to a 2011 study conducted by Dr. Frank and the same research team that compared adult puppy mill survivors to a sampling of dogs without any puppy mill history. The results of that study were equally dramatic, but likewise not at all surprising.
The adult breeding dogs from puppy mills showed significantly elevated levels of fears/phobias, compulsive/repetitive behaviors, and heightened sensitivity to being touched. “The most prominent difference was in the level of fear,” says Dr. Frank. “Compared to normal pet dogs, the chance of recovered puppy mill dogs scoring in the highest ranges for fear was six to eight times higher.”
The physical abuses associated with puppy mills are well documented. Puppy mills are just another version of factory farming, where the profit margin for the mostly rural mill operators is small. Production cost savings are paid for on the backs of the dogs held captive for breeding and their pet store–bound puppies.
For example, small cages mean that more animals can be crammed into limited space. Understaffed workers provide only subsistence level care for the dogs and pups. Low-cost, low-quality food results in dietary deficiencies and chronic disease. Puppies are force-weaned at an earlier-than-appropriate age so that they can arrive at the pet store at eight weeks of age. Veterinary care is nominal and is limited to the replacement cost of the animal. A puppy miller typically sells a pup to a middle man for as little as a couple of hundred dollars so the incentive to invest in medical care is essentially zero. Every corner that is cut represents a corresponding slice cut from the quality of life of the puppy mill dog.
This newly published research fills in the picture of the invisible psychological damage that puppy mills inflict on innocent, young dogs.
The entire pet trade industry — from breeder to pet store — is a disgrace and needs a major overhaul. Needless to say, there is often a considerable desire to “save” pet store puppies by buying them, but that sentiment is misguided because it merely makes room for another victim. The best way to fight puppy mills is to never buy from a pet store or an online retailer.
Many thanks to Dr. Frank and his research colleagues, James A. Serpell, PhD and Deborah L. Duffy, PhD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, along with Elmabrok Masaoud, PhD and Ian R. Dohoo, DVM, PhD from the Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Your work has given us another compelling argument in our campaign against the shame of puppy mills.
Key takeaways.
Why breed puppies when there are so many animals available for adoption who are being euthanized?
Don't buy puppies from pet stores, but get them from rescue organizations.
And spay or neuter your pet.
[7/18/13] the above link doesn't work, here's another link. Not sure if it's referring to the same show. I think so.
And here's an article from Best Friends,
Back in 2008, Best Friends launched our puppy mill initiatives after identifying puppy mills as one of the primary sources of animals entering our nation’s shelters.
A revealing Best Friends–led study, just published in the current issue of the “Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association,” adds more weight to that analysis. Led by Dr. Frank McMillan, director of well-being studies at Best Friends, in collaboration with a highly regarded research team, the study compared the behavior profiles of pet store puppies with those acquired from hobbyist, noncommercial breeders. It is estimated that 99 percent of pet store puppies are sourced from high-volume commercial breeders, which is to say they come from puppy mills.
Dogs acquired as puppies from small, noncommercial breeders were selected for comparison for the following reasons:
1. They enter their new homes at approximately the same age as pet store pups do.
2. Their history prior to purchase is known.
3. They are, for the most part, purebred dogs.
In fact, the only difference then between the sampled groups was the nature of their breeding, whelping, weaning and prolonged, stressful transport. One is set in a commercial breeding environment with hundreds or even thousands of other dogs, while the other is set in a hobby breeder’s home environment with only a mother dog or a small group of household pets.
The difference in findings between the two groups was profound, but not surprising.
Problem behaviors exhibited by pet store dogs read like answers to a shelter surrender questionnaire, with the strongest effects observed in relation to aggressive behavior. For example, sexually intact pet store dogs were three times as likely to have owner-directed aggression as were sexually intact dogs acquired from small breeders. Pet store dogs were nearly twice as likely to have aggression toward unfamiliar dogs.
Additionally, pet store dogs were also 30 to 60 percent more likely to have stranger-directed aggression, aggression to other household dogs, as well as fear of dogs and nonsocial stimuli, separation anxiety, and touch sensitivity. Other undesirable behaviors included escaping from the home, sexual mounting of people and objects, and most forms of house soiling.
This Best Friends’ research effort is a follow-up to a 2011 study conducted by Dr. Frank and the same research team that compared adult puppy mill survivors to a sampling of dogs without any puppy mill history. The results of that study were equally dramatic, but likewise not at all surprising.
The adult breeding dogs from puppy mills showed significantly elevated levels of fears/phobias, compulsive/repetitive behaviors, and heightened sensitivity to being touched. “The most prominent difference was in the level of fear,” says Dr. Frank. “Compared to normal pet dogs, the chance of recovered puppy mill dogs scoring in the highest ranges for fear was six to eight times higher.”
The physical abuses associated with puppy mills are well documented. Puppy mills are just another version of factory farming, where the profit margin for the mostly rural mill operators is small. Production cost savings are paid for on the backs of the dogs held captive for breeding and their pet store–bound puppies.
For example, small cages mean that more animals can be crammed into limited space. Understaffed workers provide only subsistence level care for the dogs and pups. Low-cost, low-quality food results in dietary deficiencies and chronic disease. Puppies are force-weaned at an earlier-than-appropriate age so that they can arrive at the pet store at eight weeks of age. Veterinary care is nominal and is limited to the replacement cost of the animal. A puppy miller typically sells a pup to a middle man for as little as a couple of hundred dollars so the incentive to invest in medical care is essentially zero. Every corner that is cut represents a corresponding slice cut from the quality of life of the puppy mill dog.
This newly published research fills in the picture of the invisible psychological damage that puppy mills inflict on innocent, young dogs.
The entire pet trade industry — from breeder to pet store — is a disgrace and needs a major overhaul. Needless to say, there is often a considerable desire to “save” pet store puppies by buying them, but that sentiment is misguided because it merely makes room for another victim. The best way to fight puppy mills is to never buy from a pet store or an online retailer.
Many thanks to Dr. Frank and his research colleagues, James A. Serpell, PhD and Deborah L. Duffy, PhD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, along with Elmabrok Masaoud, PhD and Ian R. Dohoo, DVM, PhD from the Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Your work has given us another compelling argument in our campaign against the shame of puppy mills.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Dogster
Yes, now even dogs have blogs.
Dogster.com has been called the MySpace for pets. Like human social networking websites, Dogster allows your dog to have its own profile, post photos, list likes and dislikes, join groups and start an online dog diary.
Wacky? Yes. But the free pet networking site is booming.
Dogster and its companion site, Catster.com, currently have more than 500,000 pet profiles, including more than 12,000 dogs and cats from New Jersey. Hundred of new pet profiles and blogs are being added every day, according to the California-based site.
* * *
The site includes the Dog Owner's Manual courtesy of veterinarian Dr. David Brunner and author Sam Stall. It seems to be quite well done.
Rage Syndrome is mentioned (this is covered in Chapter 2 of The Dog Who Loved Too Much). I thought Kimo might have had this, but now I think he doesn't as his aggressive episodes seem to sparked by certain situations.
They also have a section on the Japanese Spitz which is supposedly Kimo's breed.
Not the type to sleep the day away or wander alone outdoors, the Japanese Spitz thrives on human contact. Fearless, alert and protective, the Japanese Spitz can be slightly suspicious of new people. With a loud and forceful bark, it makes a very effective watchdog — especially for city dwellers.
Yep, Kimo thrives on human contact and is an effective watchdog.
Dogster.com has been called the MySpace for pets. Like human social networking websites, Dogster allows your dog to have its own profile, post photos, list likes and dislikes, join groups and start an online dog diary.
Wacky? Yes. But the free pet networking site is booming.
Dogster and its companion site, Catster.com, currently have more than 500,000 pet profiles, including more than 12,000 dogs and cats from New Jersey. Hundred of new pet profiles and blogs are being added every day, according to the California-based site.
* * *
The site includes the Dog Owner's Manual courtesy of veterinarian Dr. David Brunner and author Sam Stall. It seems to be quite well done.
Rage Syndrome is mentioned (this is covered in Chapter 2 of The Dog Who Loved Too Much). I thought Kimo might have had this, but now I think he doesn't as his aggressive episodes seem to sparked by certain situations.
They also have a section on the Japanese Spitz which is supposedly Kimo's breed.
Not the type to sleep the day away or wander alone outdoors, the Japanese Spitz thrives on human contact. Fearless, alert and protective, the Japanese Spitz can be slightly suspicious of new people. With a loud and forceful bark, it makes a very effective watchdog — especially for city dwellers.
Yep, Kimo thrives on human contact and is an effective watchdog.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Keith's house
Kimo now goes wild or at least reacts when he walks on or approaches the sidewalk at Keith's house.
What's funny is that sometimes I take him up the sidewalk when Pat is walking up the street so Keith is not home. But he still looks up at the window and reacts like he wants to go after Keith in the house (even though he can see Keith up the street). I guess Kimo (or dogs) can't put 1+1 together.
Anyway I tried bringing Kimo up to Keith's sidewalk approaching from Ito's side. Both Keith and Kimo went wild. I went a few times hoping they would get tired of going wild. The idea is to reinforce when they don't go wild or go back to a state of calmness. I did it like three times and Kimo went wild each time. I was going to do it again, but Stanley and Sam came walking by so I joined them.
Later, I had Kimo trail Keith while Pat was walking. Keith kept looking back and Kimo would go wild when Keith passed. But I persisted. Finally Pat took Keith home but stopped on the driveway and I stoppped on the curb. After a while they calmed down and sat and looked at each other for a while. Good enough. And I left on a high note.
I think I may try this exercise again.
What's funny is that sometimes I take him up the sidewalk when Pat is walking up the street so Keith is not home. But he still looks up at the window and reacts like he wants to go after Keith in the house (even though he can see Keith up the street). I guess Kimo (or dogs) can't put 1+1 together.
Anyway I tried bringing Kimo up to Keith's sidewalk approaching from Ito's side. Both Keith and Kimo went wild. I went a few times hoping they would get tired of going wild. The idea is to reinforce when they don't go wild or go back to a state of calmness. I did it like three times and Kimo went wild each time. I was going to do it again, but Stanley and Sam came walking by so I joined them.
Later, I had Kimo trail Keith while Pat was walking. Keith kept looking back and Kimo would go wild when Keith passed. But I persisted. Finally Pat took Keith home but stopped on the driveway and I stoppped on the curb. After a while they calmed down and sat and looked at each other for a while. Good enough. And I left on a high note.
I think I may try this exercise again.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
sniffing Koa
Today Koa was loose up the street as I took Kimo out for his walk.
If Koa was loose and Kimo was behind our fence, he'd be going wild. But I slowly approached him as Kimo seemed mostly unconcerned though Koa looked a little apprehensive. I kept the leash loose to avoid unneccessary tension. Eventually we got close enough and Koa turned away so as to allow Kimo to sniff his butt. I'd count that as a score.
We continued on and on our way back, Koa was standing on the road near his house watching us come back. We got to his property and I let Kimo sniff around. And Koa eventually came around and sniffed Kimo's butt. Another score.
He did bark a couple of times. I'm not sure why. But Kimo didn't react to it. So I'd say this was a positive encounter. At least, it was mostly absent of negatives.
* * *
Koa was out again in the afternoon. Or maybe he was out all day? He was by the kids up the street and the kids looked pretty apprehensive though Koa seemed pretty calm and friendly. The grandma seemed a bit worried though and kept telling Koa to go home. So I went and got one of big Koa's leashes and brought along Koa on our walk (with Yokomoto and Chung).
When I brought him back home, I was going to tie him up in the front. But Kimo was sniffing around and Koa seemed interested in sniffing him. Toni heard us outside (didn't know anybody was home) and let Koa in. She apparently knows the problem but they are unable to stop him from getting loose. I told her he squeezes under the fence. She said he still gets out despite them putting rocks under there.
Well, actually I'm OK with Koa getting out since it's one more dog for Kimo to get sociable with.
If Koa was loose and Kimo was behind our fence, he'd be going wild. But I slowly approached him as Kimo seemed mostly unconcerned though Koa looked a little apprehensive. I kept the leash loose to avoid unneccessary tension. Eventually we got close enough and Koa turned away so as to allow Kimo to sniff his butt. I'd count that as a score.
We continued on and on our way back, Koa was standing on the road near his house watching us come back. We got to his property and I let Kimo sniff around. And Koa eventually came around and sniffed Kimo's butt. Another score.
He did bark a couple of times. I'm not sure why. But Kimo didn't react to it. So I'd say this was a positive encounter. At least, it was mostly absent of negatives.
* * *
Koa was out again in the afternoon. Or maybe he was out all day? He was by the kids up the street and the kids looked pretty apprehensive though Koa seemed pretty calm and friendly. The grandma seemed a bit worried though and kept telling Koa to go home. So I went and got one of big Koa's leashes and brought along Koa on our walk (with Yokomoto and Chung).
When I brought him back home, I was going to tie him up in the front. But Kimo was sniffing around and Koa seemed interested in sniffing him. Toni heard us outside (didn't know anybody was home) and let Koa in. She apparently knows the problem but they are unable to stop him from getting loose. I told her he squeezes under the fence. She said he still gets out despite them putting rocks under there.
Well, actually I'm OK with Koa getting out since it's one more dog for Kimo to get sociable with.
the food is mightier than the cat
Yesterday, the black cat came around as I was bringing his food. Though he was torn toward barking at the cat, the food was enough to attract him and he went into the garage instead of going crazy at the cat.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
drop it
I was told recently by a friend, with great authority, that you can quickly force a dog to unclench a jaw-hold by going in back of the dog and lifting both rear legs off the ground. Apparently they have no choice but to let go of whatever they have gripped in their jaws. My daughter tried it recently when her large dog did not want to relinquish a pillow he had grabbed onto — as soon as she lifted his legs up, he dropped the pillow.
* * *
The above was a letter to the editor. However I could not find anything on the internet that substantiates this.
* * *
The above was a letter to the editor. However I could not find anything on the internet that substantiates this.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sunday walk
I decided to take Kimo on a long walk on Sunday something I haven't done for a while. I don't think I did this since before he had the mange the last time.
There used to be a old dog on Laki Lane, but now there's a different dog there. It's a brown dog, around Kimo's size, but with short hair. This is one of the dogs that doesn't bark at Kimo. In fact, after some fence sniffing, it seemed he wanted to play with Kimo. He went up on the fence (actually the fence isn't that tall and I think he could jump over if he really tried). Then he kind of whimpered as we left.
There's another dog on Liliha Street that doesn't bark at Kimo, near the crosswalk at Bates on the Ewas side, but today I didn't see him. Don't know if he's still there.
Then there's Kimo's "brother" on the DH side of Liliha a few doors down from Lorianne's house. He was down the driveway around the corner of the house. He peeked around the corner and saw Kimo, then came running to the front. He seems to like Kimo, but Kimo seemed pretty indifferent. Kimo had been catching up to him in the fur department. But now Kimo's fur seems pretty scruffy in comparison. One day, I'd like to get a picture of both of them together.
One thing I notice about taking Kimo on these walks is that he rarely barks at the dogs that are barking at him. Whereas I know if these dogs came to our neighborhood, he'd be barking his head off.
There used to be a old dog on Laki Lane, but now there's a different dog there. It's a brown dog, around Kimo's size, but with short hair. This is one of the dogs that doesn't bark at Kimo. In fact, after some fence sniffing, it seemed he wanted to play with Kimo. He went up on the fence (actually the fence isn't that tall and I think he could jump over if he really tried). Then he kind of whimpered as we left.
There's another dog on Liliha Street that doesn't bark at Kimo, near the crosswalk at Bates on the Ewas side, but today I didn't see him. Don't know if he's still there.
Then there's Kimo's "brother" on the DH side of Liliha a few doors down from Lorianne's house. He was down the driveway around the corner of the house. He peeked around the corner and saw Kimo, then came running to the front. He seems to like Kimo, but Kimo seemed pretty indifferent. Kimo had been catching up to him in the fur department. But now Kimo's fur seems pretty scruffy in comparison. One day, I'd like to get a picture of both of them together.
One thing I notice about taking Kimo on these walks is that he rarely barks at the dogs that are barking at him. Whereas I know if these dogs came to our neighborhood, he'd be barking his head off.
another non-scaredy cat
Today the fat cat at the end of the street came out down the driveway when I was with Kimo and Hershey. Hershey howled a little and Kimo went close and barked a bit (my memory is a little hazy). (I think Kimo might be attracted to him (her?) because he's roughly the same size and color as Oliver. Well I guess he's a little bigger than Oliver.)
But then the cat continued to advance and meowed (or made some kind of sound).
Hershey kept his distance and I gently tugged Kimo back. And they pretty surprisingly went quite willingly. I think they were a little intimidated by the cat.
On the way back, Paco came out. Hershey reacted pretty mildly. And Kimo reacted slightly. Paco then lied on his back, but I continued them on the way so as to prevent any trouble. So it looks like Hershey is getting a little more used to the cats.
However, he still has trouble with Betty as he howled at her when I was picking up Hershy on the way back on our walk. Kimo went a little wild but became manageable after waiting him out for like 20 seconds (or whatever it was).
But then the cat continued to advance and meowed (or made some kind of sound).
Hershey kept his distance and I gently tugged Kimo back. And they pretty surprisingly went quite willingly. I think they were a little intimidated by the cat.
On the way back, Paco came out. Hershey reacted pretty mildly. And Kimo reacted slightly. Paco then lied on his back, but I continued them on the way so as to prevent any trouble. So it looks like Hershey is getting a little more used to the cats.
However, he still has trouble with Betty as he howled at her when I was picking up Hershy on the way back on our walk. Kimo went a little wild but became manageable after waiting him out for like 20 seconds (or whatever it was).
wake-up call
Kimo is sometimes the most dangerous when he's sleeping. Or right after he sleeps.
If anybody is near him when he wakes up, he instantly goes into attack mode. Obviously this is a dangerous and scary thing.
And he doesn't even have to be in a deep sleep. Sometimes he just nods off and if you happen to be near him when he wakes up, look out.
This seems like a tough one to fix. One thing I'm trying is to stay by the front door inside while he's lying down outside the door by the railing. A couple of times he woke and when into attack mode while I was safe inside. Then he eventually calms when he recognizes me (or vice-versa). I'm hoping eventually he'll realize that there's nothing to worry about when he wakes up.
But I dunno. He's a highly reactive dog that responds immediately with the slightest stimulus. I don't know if that's his breed or something that happened to him in the past. Probably both.
Well press on.
If anybody is near him when he wakes up, he instantly goes into attack mode. Obviously this is a dangerous and scary thing.
And he doesn't even have to be in a deep sleep. Sometimes he just nods off and if you happen to be near him when he wakes up, look out.
This seems like a tough one to fix. One thing I'm trying is to stay by the front door inside while he's lying down outside the door by the railing. A couple of times he woke and when into attack mode while I was safe inside. Then he eventually calms when he recognizes me (or vice-versa). I'm hoping eventually he'll realize that there's nothing to worry about when he wakes up.
But I dunno. He's a highly reactive dog that responds immediately with the slightest stimulus. I don't know if that's his breed or something that happened to him in the past. Probably both.
Well press on.
Friday, May 16, 2008
AllExperts.com
allexperts.com is a place where you can ask questions (and get answers) for "experts" (all volunteers). Here's a list of questions asked on Canine Behavior. The oldest question I see is from 8/19/06. I don't know if that's the first question ever asked or if they delete the older responses (I hope not).
Lee Charles Kelley is one of the experts. The first question I see him answering is from 10/25/07.
Lee Charles Kelley is one of the experts. The first question I see him answering is from 10/25/07.
Kimo's eating habits
I've gotten Kimo used to sitting down, lying down, shaking hands, etc. before he gets to eat.
But now, a lot of times, he'll start eating and stop and wait for me to give him the OK to eat again. That's OK, but then I have to spend the time watching him eat.
Once in a while, like yesterday, he stops eating and when he comes back, he paws at his bowl like he wants tip the bowl to spill the food on the ground. He more readily eats the food off the floor than from his bowl.
Sometimes, to get him to finish his medicine, I'll take the food out of the bowl and put it on the floor and then he'll eat it.
I'm guessing it's instinct. It's more natural to eat off the ground than from a bowl.
But now, a lot of times, he'll start eating and stop and wait for me to give him the OK to eat again. That's OK, but then I have to spend the time watching him eat.
Once in a while, like yesterday, he stops eating and when he comes back, he paws at his bowl like he wants tip the bowl to spill the food on the ground. He more readily eats the food off the floor than from his bowl.
Sometimes, to get him to finish his medicine, I'll take the food out of the bowl and put it on the floor and then he'll eat it.
I'm guessing it's instinct. It's more natural to eat off the ground than from a bowl.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
(non)Scaredy Cat
When Donna, Alvin, and Christie leaving on Sunday, Kimo was barking at something in the bushes. It turned out to be a black and white cat (I forget whether it was black with white spots or white with black spots).
Despite the barking, the cat didn't run away. On the contrary, it came right up the railing and he (or she) and Kimo were practically nose-to-nose. I don't know if the cat wanted to be friendly or was teasing the dog.
Today (Wednesday), Kimo saw another black and white cat at Malia's house. Stanley said it's Malia's cat. I don't think it was the same cat but Kimo started acting up. And when I held him, he started to get wild and I had to hold him tightly with both hands to prevent him from biting me. I don't know if the holding him made him worse, or if I should have turned him away.
I figure if I turn him away, I'll be avoiding the problem and it'll never get solved. On the other hand, if I constantly force him to face unpleasant situations, maybe I'm making him more crazy.
I'm looking at the Tallulah episode of IMOTD. Victoria is preventing situations from escalating by making a noise to distract the dog and turning and walking away. On the other hand, I've seen her walk a dog together with another dog (who he doesn't get along with) under protest and eventually they walked together OK.
[5/17/08] The cat came back today. At least I think it was the same cat. It went under mom's car while Kimo was in the garage. I was wondering what he was barking at until I looked under the car. The cat was there for quite a while as I tried to calm Kimo and try to get him used to the cat. He still wants to go after the cat, but didn't seem so intense today.
When the cat walked away, I saw it was a black cat with white paws and a purple collar. So it's somebody's cat. Maybe it's tame because it didn't get wild (no arched back or anything) when Kimo barked at it. We'll see if/when this same cat comes back.
Despite the barking, the cat didn't run away. On the contrary, it came right up the railing and he (or she) and Kimo were practically nose-to-nose. I don't know if the cat wanted to be friendly or was teasing the dog.
Today (Wednesday), Kimo saw another black and white cat at Malia's house. Stanley said it's Malia's cat. I don't think it was the same cat but Kimo started acting up. And when I held him, he started to get wild and I had to hold him tightly with both hands to prevent him from biting me. I don't know if the holding him made him worse, or if I should have turned him away.
I figure if I turn him away, I'll be avoiding the problem and it'll never get solved. On the other hand, if I constantly force him to face unpleasant situations, maybe I'm making him more crazy.
I'm looking at the Tallulah episode of IMOTD. Victoria is preventing situations from escalating by making a noise to distract the dog and turning and walking away. On the other hand, I've seen her walk a dog together with another dog (who he doesn't get along with) under protest and eventually they walked together OK.
[5/17/08] The cat came back today. At least I think it was the same cat. It went under mom's car while Kimo was in the garage. I was wondering what he was barking at until I looked under the car. The cat was there for quite a while as I tried to calm Kimo and try to get him used to the cat. He still wants to go after the cat, but didn't seem so intense today.
When the cat walked away, I saw it was a black cat with white paws and a purple collar. So it's somebody's cat. Maybe it's tame because it didn't get wild (no arched back or anything) when Kimo barked at it. We'll see if/when this same cat comes back.
It's Me or The Dog (episodes online)
I see that some It's Me or the Dog episodes are on AOL video. These apparently are the U.K. versions of the show.
Season 2
1 - Pugsley (British Bulldog) [youtube]
2 - Toadie and Smartie (great dane/lab crosses) [youtube]
3 - Rufus (dachsund) [youtube]
4 - Bailey (Yorkie) [youtube]
5 - Max (Gordon Setter)
7 - Tallulah (hairless Chinese Crested, the hound from hell)
Season 3
1 - Jodie Marsh
2 - Bramble and Benjy (cocker spaniels)
3 - Little Lucy
4 - Pixie and Tyson (Pomeranian and Maltese)
5 - Doogle and Bumble (English sheepdogs)
***
[9/12/09] It appears the videos are no longer on aol, but have been transferred to veoh.
[12/11/11] a few were found on youtube (while searching for Dog Whisperer episodes)
Season 2
1 - Pugsley (British Bulldog) [youtube]
2 - Toadie and Smartie (great dane/lab crosses) [youtube]
3 - Rufus (dachsund) [youtube]
4 - Bailey (Yorkie) [youtube]
5 - Max (Gordon Setter)
7 - Tallulah (hairless Chinese Crested, the hound from hell)
Season 3
1 - Jodie Marsh
2 - Bramble and Benjy (cocker spaniels)
3 - Little Lucy
4 - Pixie and Tyson (Pomeranian and Maltese)
5 - Doogle and Bumble (English sheepdogs)
***
[9/12/09] It appears the videos are no longer on aol, but have been transferred to veoh.
[12/11/11] a few were found on youtube (while searching for Dog Whisperer episodes)
Monday, May 12, 2008
Kimo gets loose
On Friday, puppy Koa was being walked. Kimo pulled the screwdriver out the ground and charged down the side of the house.
He stopped a few feet away and was barking before I was able to snag the chain.
The bad thing is that he charged the other dog. The good thing is that he stopped short of actually attacking. So he's protective, but not aggressive. If you define aggressive as attacking.
This was similar to when Kimo first got here and he broke the rope and charged Amy walking Miki and Shammy. That time he stopped short too.
I seemed to have the Miki and Shammy problem squared away. But then Harold passed away. And the dog walking duties passed to Reina. That went OK for a while until I took Kimo to the MDP and he growled at Miki and Miki attacked him. Now he growls whenever he sees Miki and goes wild if I press him to get closer.
Kimo's pretty good with Koa behind the gate. Well most of the time. Now if I can get Koa to calm down when he's free then it might be OK. Koa seems to be getting better at staying in control when I feed him behind the gate. Actually Keith is the only other dog that I see getting walked regularly. Well, Max and maybe Bobby too. But I don't see them.
It might be OK if Koa got walked every day, and I could walk Kimo next to him, but I see him getting walked only on rare occasions.
He stopped a few feet away and was barking before I was able to snag the chain.
The bad thing is that he charged the other dog. The good thing is that he stopped short of actually attacking. So he's protective, but not aggressive. If you define aggressive as attacking.
This was similar to when Kimo first got here and he broke the rope and charged Amy walking Miki and Shammy. That time he stopped short too.
I seemed to have the Miki and Shammy problem squared away. But then Harold passed away. And the dog walking duties passed to Reina. That went OK for a while until I took Kimo to the MDP and he growled at Miki and Miki attacked him. Now he growls whenever he sees Miki and goes wild if I press him to get closer.
Kimo's pretty good with Koa behind the gate. Well most of the time. Now if I can get Koa to calm down when he's free then it might be OK. Koa seems to be getting better at staying in control when I feed him behind the gate. Actually Keith is the only other dog that I see getting walked regularly. Well, Max and maybe Bobby too. But I don't see them.
It might be OK if Koa got walked every day, and I could walk Kimo next to him, but I see him getting walked only on rare occasions.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Ian Dunbar interview
While searching for growl classes mentioned in another article, I came across this interview with Ian Dunbar. There are other interviews linked at the top. I recognize Jean Donaldson and Joel Walton, so I must deduce the rest are noted dog behaviourists too.
Here's a couple of excerpts that stood out for me.
[pyr]
what are growl classes?
[Bazzer]
Classes where aggressive dogs get together to try to sort out their problems
[IanDunbar]
The whole thing about growl classes are that we have checked out all the dogs and the fight, and they are obnoxious but have not caused harm - not sent a dog to the vet the growl class therefore offers a safe forum (without embarrassment) for the owners and dogs to learn two things -1. How to control their dogs around other dogs all of the owners will learn this
[Bazzer]
That's about right. But they're wearing muzzles - just in case. What would you suggest if they lunge at each other
[IanDunbar]
2. some dogs will also learn to play off-leash, so we muzzle them (mainly for the owners sake) because none of these dogs have ever bitten and then we see what happens because the dogs have been tested to be safe we have many options
[pawsnlearn]
Do you hold them indoors or outdoors??
[Bazzer]
But if they lunge at each other while on lead, what should the owner do?
[IanDunbar]
to let them growl or scrap it out or to intervene - The best way to stop lunging or any obnoxious behavior is to praise the dog when it stops
[Bazzer]
Not shout or jerk the lead? How would they intervene?
[IanDunbar]
we can not do this in normal everyday living but we can in the growl class
[Gill123]
so a "set up" so to speak?
[IanDunbar]
By setting up a troubleshooting situation with one dog on leash and still and the other 7 walking by the dog will be exposed to the same dogs over and over the first few passes will be horrendous but what else is new we just ignore the dog's tantrums and wait - soon, usually after five or six passes the dog's enthusiasm for growling and lunging starts to wane. Now we can start praising the dog - Important point:
[Bazzer]
What about tethering the dog to a pipe or something sturdy and the owner moving away when he lunges?
[IanDunbar]
if we punish the dog for lunging or growling from the outset the approach of another dog becomes the contingent cue for our punishment - hence the dog will growl MORE - Once we have praised the dog for not lunging and for being quiet, this will not be the case and so then you may reprimand if you like I would never jerk or tighten the leash when doing this - no longer anyway - I used to but it just makes things worse
[pawsnlearn]
Do you find dogs get highly stressed in growl classes??
[IanDunbar]
Yes! - Initially it is very stressful for everyone and if a dog looks too stressed take it out immediately
[pawsnlearn]
So - how quickly do things chill down??
[IanDunbar]
But for most dogs it cracks me up, They are all growling and lunging on leash and the owners are sweating and then I say let them off leash and most of the dogs go quiet. In fact it gets very quiet. and usually a couple will sniff and even start to play. I should reiterate though that growl classes are only suitable for dogs that have not caused damage that's a whole different affair
[pawsnlearn]
We do this outside with a lot of space - never tried indoors
[pyr]
so, with these dogs it's all show? - what is different if they have caused damage?
[IanDunbar]
poor prognosis for them because they have not learned their bite inhibition in puppy hood
[pawsnlearn]
Yes .........
[IanDunbar]
The greater the number the fights the dog has had, usually the better the prognosis. If they have caused damage, all you can really teach is for the owners to learn how to control their dogs around other dogs
[pyr]
more fights = better prognosis?
[IanDunbar]
But a lot of these dogs are relentless and a single one can ruin a good growl class
[pawsnlearn]
I can imagine
[IanDunbar]
More fights usually means no damage done unless the owner is a fool -Three fights lots of damage = poor prognosis
[pawsnlearn]
Do you run them indoors Ian??
[IanDunbar]
lots of fights and no damage = excellent prognosis because the dog is just scared and full of bluster
[pawsnlearn]
I mean a hall
[IanDunbar]
Look at Shogun on the videos ...... If you hear the growls and barks it is scary but...if you watch it without the sound you will see all the bent elbows, playraises, licks and playbows the dog obviously wants to play but dare not
* * * [well Kimo has done damage to me, and Miki and Nalu have attacked but I don't think damaged Kimo, physically anyway. And I don't think Kimo has damaged Hershey. But he sure hasn't learned bite inhibition. It ain't going to be easy.] * * *
[Tina1234]
I would like to know how to stop -self reinforced barking. i.e. one dog barking at the rest of the pack when they are resting
[IanDunbar]
I would probably feed each of the other dogs one piece of kibble for every time the other dog barked. I love doing things like that - gets attention quicker than anything then tell the barker to settle down and shush and after a while give all dogs a piece of kibble
[Gill123]
God I love your way of thinking!
[Tina1234]
umm ok ! I will give it a try thanks!
*** I wonder what would happen if try this when Keith barks from the window? ***
Here's a couple of excerpts that stood out for me.
[pyr]
what are growl classes?
[Bazzer]
Classes where aggressive dogs get together to try to sort out their problems
[IanDunbar]
The whole thing about growl classes are that we have checked out all the dogs and the fight, and they are obnoxious but have not caused harm - not sent a dog to the vet the growl class therefore offers a safe forum (without embarrassment) for the owners and dogs to learn two things -1. How to control their dogs around other dogs all of the owners will learn this
[Bazzer]
That's about right. But they're wearing muzzles - just in case. What would you suggest if they lunge at each other
[IanDunbar]
2. some dogs will also learn to play off-leash, so we muzzle them (mainly for the owners sake) because none of these dogs have ever bitten and then we see what happens because the dogs have been tested to be safe we have many options
[pawsnlearn]
Do you hold them indoors or outdoors??
[Bazzer]
But if they lunge at each other while on lead, what should the owner do?
[IanDunbar]
to let them growl or scrap it out or to intervene - The best way to stop lunging or any obnoxious behavior is to praise the dog when it stops
[Bazzer]
Not shout or jerk the lead? How would they intervene?
[IanDunbar]
we can not do this in normal everyday living but we can in the growl class
[Gill123]
so a "set up" so to speak?
[IanDunbar]
By setting up a troubleshooting situation with one dog on leash and still and the other 7 walking by the dog will be exposed to the same dogs over and over the first few passes will be horrendous but what else is new we just ignore the dog's tantrums and wait - soon, usually after five or six passes the dog's enthusiasm for growling and lunging starts to wane. Now we can start praising the dog - Important point:
[Bazzer]
What about tethering the dog to a pipe or something sturdy and the owner moving away when he lunges?
[IanDunbar]
if we punish the dog for lunging or growling from the outset the approach of another dog becomes the contingent cue for our punishment - hence the dog will growl MORE - Once we have praised the dog for not lunging and for being quiet, this will not be the case and so then you may reprimand if you like I would never jerk or tighten the leash when doing this - no longer anyway - I used to but it just makes things worse
[pawsnlearn]
Do you find dogs get highly stressed in growl classes??
[IanDunbar]
Yes! - Initially it is very stressful for everyone and if a dog looks too stressed take it out immediately
[pawsnlearn]
So - how quickly do things chill down??
[IanDunbar]
But for most dogs it cracks me up, They are all growling and lunging on leash and the owners are sweating and then I say let them off leash and most of the dogs go quiet. In fact it gets very quiet. and usually a couple will sniff and even start to play. I should reiterate though that growl classes are only suitable for dogs that have not caused damage that's a whole different affair
[pawsnlearn]
We do this outside with a lot of space - never tried indoors
[pyr]
so, with these dogs it's all show? - what is different if they have caused damage?
[IanDunbar]
poor prognosis for them because they have not learned their bite inhibition in puppy hood
[pawsnlearn]
Yes .........
[IanDunbar]
The greater the number the fights the dog has had, usually the better the prognosis. If they have caused damage, all you can really teach is for the owners to learn how to control their dogs around other dogs
[pyr]
more fights = better prognosis?
[IanDunbar]
But a lot of these dogs are relentless and a single one can ruin a good growl class
[pawsnlearn]
I can imagine
[IanDunbar]
More fights usually means no damage done unless the owner is a fool -Three fights lots of damage = poor prognosis
[pawsnlearn]
Do you run them indoors Ian??
[IanDunbar]
lots of fights and no damage = excellent prognosis because the dog is just scared and full of bluster
[pawsnlearn]
I mean a hall
[IanDunbar]
Look at Shogun on the videos ...... If you hear the growls and barks it is scary but...if you watch it without the sound you will see all the bent elbows, playraises, licks and playbows the dog obviously wants to play but dare not
* * * [well Kimo has done damage to me, and Miki and Nalu have attacked but I don't think damaged Kimo, physically anyway. And I don't think Kimo has damaged Hershey. But he sure hasn't learned bite inhibition. It ain't going to be easy.] * * *
[Tina1234]
I would like to know how to stop -self reinforced barking. i.e. one dog barking at the rest of the pack when they are resting
[IanDunbar]
I would probably feed each of the other dogs one piece of kibble for every time the other dog barked. I love doing things like that - gets attention quicker than anything then tell the barker to settle down and shush and after a while give all dogs a piece of kibble
[Gill123]
God I love your way of thinking!
[Tina1234]
umm ok ! I will give it a try thanks!
*** I wonder what would happen if try this when Keith barks from the window? ***
Thursday, May 8, 2008
What's next on the Dog Whisperer?
You can find out at locatetv.com. Other shows like It's Me or the Dog and Good Dog U too. I see that Good Dog U was from 1998-2000. And that there were only three episodes made of Dog Town.
[5/10/08] It's Me or the Dog TV schedule at Animal Planet
[5/10/08] It's Me or the Dog TV schedule at Animal Planet
How to stop a dog from biting
I googled in the above phrase in google and got some results of various helpfulness.
First was an article that mentions older dogs that bite when startled. These are dogs that are deaf or blind and react in fear when startled. Well, Kimo isn't deaf or blind, but he doesn't react well when startled. The advice? In essence, take precautions and be careful.
Next was an article which categorized biters into three age groups: puppies, year-old, two to four years old. "Beyond the age of four years old, most dogs who have viciously bitten someone have been euthanized or otherwise disposed of." This is discouraging because Kimo is now five years old. The advice is to get a qualified obedience instructor to gain the status of pack leader. I don't know if Kimo thinks he's the pack leader. I'm pretty sure I'm the pack leader most of the time anyway. Though evidently not completely because he doesn't listen right away all the time, especially when he's aroused.
This one says, among other things, to spay or neuter your dog. An unneutered dog is more than 3 times as likely to attack. I'm wondering though whether it's too late with Kimo because of his age. Still that was part of Victoria Stilwell's solution for Pongo and Cesar Millan's solution for Vito or was it Rocco?
This article says trust and respect inhibits biting. And to Never hit, kick or slap your dog. This is the quickest way to erode the dog's trust in you.
Here's a promising article from paw-rescue on Teaching Bite Inhibition partly based on an article by Ian Dunbar. It mentions daily grooming to help the dog get used to human touch. But that's in the context of a puppy. I don't know if it would help adult dogs, but I guess it couldn't hurt. Dunbar also recommends a muzzle if the dog is taken to public areas. In training dogs to get along, he recommends to praise the dog or even give him treats when the other dog enters. Even if he's growling. [I dunno about this, maybe you're rewarding the growling?] I wonder if this would work with Kimo and Miki?
Another thing it says. Do not yank on the dog's leash or spank him or yell. If you constantly reprimand the dog whenever another dog is present, you will reinforce your dog's negative feelings for other dogs. I think that's why Dunbar doesn't like Millan, because you always see him yanking the chain. Dunbar might see that as punishment. Millan views it as redirecting the dog's attention.
So what am I taking away from all these articles? Well I guess I'll try the muzzle thing. Not sure if I'll try the treat thing with Miki but I'll continue trying to make his exposures with Keith and Miki not unpleasant.
First was an article that mentions older dogs that bite when startled. These are dogs that are deaf or blind and react in fear when startled. Well, Kimo isn't deaf or blind, but he doesn't react well when startled. The advice? In essence, take precautions and be careful.
Next was an article which categorized biters into three age groups: puppies, year-old, two to four years old. "Beyond the age of four years old, most dogs who have viciously bitten someone have been euthanized or otherwise disposed of." This is discouraging because Kimo is now five years old. The advice is to get a qualified obedience instructor to gain the status of pack leader. I don't know if Kimo thinks he's the pack leader. I'm pretty sure I'm the pack leader most of the time anyway. Though evidently not completely because he doesn't listen right away all the time, especially when he's aroused.
This one says, among other things, to spay or neuter your dog. An unneutered dog is more than 3 times as likely to attack. I'm wondering though whether it's too late with Kimo because of his age. Still that was part of Victoria Stilwell's solution for Pongo and Cesar Millan's solution for Vito or was it Rocco?
This article says trust and respect inhibits biting. And to Never hit, kick or slap your dog. This is the quickest way to erode the dog's trust in you.
Here's a promising article from paw-rescue on Teaching Bite Inhibition partly based on an article by Ian Dunbar. It mentions daily grooming to help the dog get used to human touch. But that's in the context of a puppy. I don't know if it would help adult dogs, but I guess it couldn't hurt. Dunbar also recommends a muzzle if the dog is taken to public areas. In training dogs to get along, he recommends to praise the dog or even give him treats when the other dog enters. Even if he's growling. [I dunno about this, maybe you're rewarding the growling?] I wonder if this would work with Kimo and Miki?
Another thing it says. Do not yank on the dog's leash or spank him or yell. If you constantly reprimand the dog whenever another dog is present, you will reinforce your dog's negative feelings for other dogs. I think that's why Dunbar doesn't like Millan, because you always see him yanking the chain. Dunbar might see that as punishment. Millan views it as redirecting the dog's attention.
So what am I taking away from all these articles? Well I guess I'll try the muzzle thing. Not sure if I'll try the treat thing with Miki but I'll continue trying to make his exposures with Keith and Miki not unpleasant.
a muzzle
In the wake of the bite, I decided to buy a muzzle for Kimo. I haven't used it yet, but I think I'll at least use it when I take him to tennis and maybe when I take him for the morning walks.
That way, I'll feel more at ease when people pet him. And maybe the other people will feel more at ease. And the more positive interactions he has with people can only lead to good. I hope.
That's the plan anyway. Now the challenge will be to see how he reacts to putting on the muzzle. It might not be too bad. Because I remember when he had wear the hood when he had the mange, when I kept him calm he didn't seem to fight much if at all. Whereas Donna and Alvin had a heck of time putting it on, at least once.
We shall see.
That way, I'll feel more at ease when people pet him. And maybe the other people will feel more at ease. And the more positive interactions he has with people can only lead to good. I hope.
That's the plan anyway. Now the challenge will be to see how he reacts to putting on the muzzle. It might not be too bad. Because I remember when he had wear the hood when he had the mange, when I kept him calm he didn't seem to fight much if at all. Whereas Donna and Alvin had a heck of time putting it on, at least once.
We shall see.
Walking at a distance
Kimo is still reacting to Keith. When Keith barks, he barks and I wouldn't categorize it as a peaceful bark.
Today when I took him out for a walk, Pat took Keith out. It seemed I was about to pass Keith successfully (Keith was coming up the street and Kimo was coming down the sidewalk and kind of looking a bit at Katherine's cat in the garage). But then Keith barked and Kimo went wild for a moment.
Not time to give up. I went up the street and when Keith turned around, I decided to follow at a distance. That way, Kimo would have some interaction with Keith at a safe distance and could practice not being wild in his presence. When Pat started to turn around, I turned Kimo around too, so Keith could have that same experience. I took it kind of slow trying to be gentle when Kimo wanted to turn back to look at Keith. We went up and down a couple of times with minor reaction. So I would categorize this walk as a success.
Today when I took him out for a walk, Pat took Keith out. It seemed I was about to pass Keith successfully (Keith was coming up the street and Kimo was coming down the sidewalk and kind of looking a bit at Katherine's cat in the garage). But then Keith barked and Kimo went wild for a moment.
Not time to give up. I went up the street and when Keith turned around, I decided to follow at a distance. That way, Kimo would have some interaction with Keith at a safe distance and could practice not being wild in his presence. When Pat started to turn around, I turned Kimo around too, so Keith could have that same experience. I took it kind of slow trying to be gentle when Kimo wanted to turn back to look at Keith. We went up and down a couple of times with minor reaction. So I would categorize this walk as a success.
The latest bite
This is getting a little discouraging as his bites are getting more frequent. There was a stretch of months where I didn't get bitten. But there probably were cases where I would have gotten bitten if I were in closer proximity, because, now thinking about it, there were a number of occasions when he went wild and out of control.
This time it was something new. In the past I would get bitten when Kimo didn't want to move from a certain area and I would grab him to move him.
The other times was when I was sitting by him while he was sleeping or snoozing and he would wake up and go after the first thing he sees.
This time it was food possession. I took him and Hershey back to the Tsutsui's steps and they were in their usual spots. The only unusual thing was that he was sniffing at the Tsutsui wall when I don't remember him doing.
Anyway, I was feeding them as usual. Putting the treat on the ground and making them lie down and wait before letting them have it. I don't remember exactly what happened, but I saw his paw in an unwanted position, it might have been covering the food or on my hand and I went to move it. And when I did, he bit my hand and went wild.
I made him lie down and lay him on his side under mild protest. His eyes seemed kind of glazey at first but then seemed to relax a little after a while. In the meantime, Hershey went to the grass at a safe distance because I think Kimo went after him when he went wild. Hope that didn't mess up Hershey because he's the closest to a dog friend that Kimo has.
Then Kimo didn't want to get up. I didn't want to force him up because the leash was under his legs. So eventually I enticed him by putting a treat on the ground just out of reach. Then he got up to eat it and I took him in the back.
He sat down as usual and I sat on the chair. But then he wanted to lick the wound area, even jumping up on my leg to reach the wound. I let him lick some, but stood up when he went up on my leg. I gave him the sad face (and I was really sad thinking of the possibility of euthanizing him). I doubt if the sad face really did anything. But who knows?
What's worrisome now is how I'm going to treat this problem now that I'm aware of it. He's not supposed to do this to the pack leader. So either I'm not the pack leader or he quickly loses control of his emotions when something doesn't go his way. Well I know the latter is true. And the former is probably partially true at least.
* * *
Another worry was he didn't growl first in warning and just immediately attacked.
* * *
Once again, Kimo seemed to know that he bit me or at least that I was hurt as he went to lick my wounds when I sat down in the chair and petted him. He would even jump up to try to reach the most wounded area, but I stood up to discourage that. I'm still thinking his saliva might have medicinal properties. Like that Man Among Wolves special where the guy would get bitten by the wolves and the wolves would lick him later.
This time it was something new. In the past I would get bitten when Kimo didn't want to move from a certain area and I would grab him to move him.
The other times was when I was sitting by him while he was sleeping or snoozing and he would wake up and go after the first thing he sees.
This time it was food possession. I took him and Hershey back to the Tsutsui's steps and they were in their usual spots. The only unusual thing was that he was sniffing at the Tsutsui wall when I don't remember him doing.
Anyway, I was feeding them as usual. Putting the treat on the ground and making them lie down and wait before letting them have it. I don't remember exactly what happened, but I saw his paw in an unwanted position, it might have been covering the food or on my hand and I went to move it. And when I did, he bit my hand and went wild.
I made him lie down and lay him on his side under mild protest. His eyes seemed kind of glazey at first but then seemed to relax a little after a while. In the meantime, Hershey went to the grass at a safe distance because I think Kimo went after him when he went wild. Hope that didn't mess up Hershey because he's the closest to a dog friend that Kimo has.
Then Kimo didn't want to get up. I didn't want to force him up because the leash was under his legs. So eventually I enticed him by putting a treat on the ground just out of reach. Then he got up to eat it and I took him in the back.
He sat down as usual and I sat on the chair. But then he wanted to lick the wound area, even jumping up on my leg to reach the wound. I let him lick some, but stood up when he went up on my leg. I gave him the sad face (and I was really sad thinking of the possibility of euthanizing him). I doubt if the sad face really did anything. But who knows?
What's worrisome now is how I'm going to treat this problem now that I'm aware of it. He's not supposed to do this to the pack leader. So either I'm not the pack leader or he quickly loses control of his emotions when something doesn't go his way. Well I know the latter is true. And the former is probably partially true at least.
* * *
Another worry was he didn't growl first in warning and just immediately attacked.
* * *
Once again, Kimo seemed to know that he bit me or at least that I was hurt as he went to lick my wounds when I sat down in the chair and petted him. He would even jump up to try to reach the most wounded area, but I stood up to discourage that. I'm still thinking his saliva might have medicinal properties. Like that Man Among Wolves special where the guy would get bitten by the wolves and the wolves would lick him later.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Hershey at Play
Hershey is my former neighbor's dog who brings him over to his mom's house (who is still my neighbor) on weekdays.
Today I was up early and Kimo was too. Keith was barking at Mr. Yokomoto and naturally Kimo joined in. So when I saw Mr. Yokomoto (he's 89 and still walks well), I took Kimo out.
Later the senior women joined in (my mom, Harriet, Amy, Betty) and I walked with them. Then we met up with Betty's daughter's friend (who has an unusual name, I forget but he's a musician).
We veered off to Betty's driveway as the garbage truck was coming. The Cheung family car was coming out and veered off too. Melinda happily waved at Betty, but ignored me.
Anyway, the friend came over to pet Kimo and I kind of pulled him away explaining that he gets scared. And that he doesn't like it if you approach him directly overhead. But then he kind of persisted and I let him smell his hand a little before pulling him away (but not too hard as that would be counter-productive). I guess it would be OK, but I'm still thinking of getting a muzzle for him just to be on the safe side.
Anyway (again), after the walk, Gerald brought Hershey. I was done walking, but I brought Kimo over. Kimo usually ignores Hershey at first, going over to sniff and pee in the bushes. Hershey kind of crouches down, I assume to entice the dog to come close then gets up and kind of chases them away. It's kind of a give and take. He chases Kimo a bit and Kimo backs off. Then Hershey backs off and Kimo chases him a bit. Then before things get out of hand, Hershey lies down on his back and allows Kimo to sniff him. Then abruptly gets up causing Kimo to back off. Etc.
So I guess that's how dogs play. Which is good since Kimo never does this with any other dog.
Today I was up early and Kimo was too. Keith was barking at Mr. Yokomoto and naturally Kimo joined in. So when I saw Mr. Yokomoto (he's 89 and still walks well), I took Kimo out.
Later the senior women joined in (my mom, Harriet, Amy, Betty) and I walked with them. Then we met up with Betty's daughter's friend (who has an unusual name, I forget but he's a musician).
We veered off to Betty's driveway as the garbage truck was coming. The Cheung family car was coming out and veered off too. Melinda happily waved at Betty, but ignored me.
Anyway, the friend came over to pet Kimo and I kind of pulled him away explaining that he gets scared. And that he doesn't like it if you approach him directly overhead. But then he kind of persisted and I let him smell his hand a little before pulling him away (but not too hard as that would be counter-productive). I guess it would be OK, but I'm still thinking of getting a muzzle for him just to be on the safe side.
Anyway (again), after the walk, Gerald brought Hershey. I was done walking, but I brought Kimo over. Kimo usually ignores Hershey at first, going over to sniff and pee in the bushes. Hershey kind of crouches down, I assume to entice the dog to come close then gets up and kind of chases them away. It's kind of a give and take. He chases Kimo a bit and Kimo backs off. Then Hershey backs off and Kimo chases him a bit. Then before things get out of hand, Hershey lies down on his back and allows Kimo to sniff him. Then abruptly gets up causing Kimo to back off. Etc.
So I guess that's how dogs play. Which is good since Kimo never does this with any other dog.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Food Fetch
Kimo doesn't know how to fetch. When he was a puppy, I would throw his little rubber tree branch and he would go fetch it. But now that toy is lost, and he doesn't seems to have lost the instinct to fetch.
So what I do now, is throw these tiny bits of vegetarian kibble (I bought this when I was experimenting with food and he didn't seem to like it plus it gave him the runs) and he goes and gets it and comes back for the next one.
Anyway, this works pretty well. But after playing, he gets rambunctious and starts nipping at my heels, or nipping at the bottom of my sweatpants, or jumping on me, or chews on his leash. Things he usually doesn't do. I guess the fetch/play brings the instinct out of him. Which might be good, but I don't know what the next step should be. Maybe I gotta get that Natural Dog Training book.
So what I do now, is throw these tiny bits of vegetarian kibble (I bought this when I was experimenting with food and he didn't seem to like it plus it gave him the runs) and he goes and gets it and comes back for the next one.
Anyway, this works pretty well. But after playing, he gets rambunctious and starts nipping at my heels, or nipping at the bottom of my sweatpants, or jumping on me, or chews on his leash. Things he usually doesn't do. I guess the fetch/play brings the instinct out of him. Which might be good, but I don't know what the next step should be. Maybe I gotta get that Natural Dog Training book.
Nalu's dogs
Yesterday, I decided to go up to Nalu's two dogs. I think it was after Koa was being walked and I followed them back up the street.
These two sometimes bark when I go past, but not every single time. I guess it depends on how awake they are. One has an anxious bark, the other seems a little more assertive.
Anyway, everybody's scared of these two dogs because one of Nalu's dogs got loose and attacked Ann's dog and also Miki pretty severely. But when I happened to chat with Nalu a while back (last year?) he said he got rid of those dogs. So these are supposedly two new dogs. Both look like pit bulls or pit bull mixes.
Anyway, I went up with Kimo with them and they barked but didn't seem aggressive. At least not baring their teeth and growling ferociously. Surprisingly, Kimo seemed fairly calm though when their barking increased, he barked too.
I tried to feed them to the fence, looking for signs of aggression so as not to get bitten. They really didn't seem attracted to the food. Though eventually one of them licked the apple treat and I forget if he took it.
Later that day, on the afternoon walk, I was talking to Amy, Charlotte, and Roy outside. Nalu's dogs started to bark again, so I went up to them. I had a couple of half-biscuits from WalMart, but they didn't seem attracted to them. So not really a successful outing. I did notice that one of them seems more dominant. The anxious one was barking and I was trying to see if he would take the biscuit, then the other came and kind of shoved the first one aside and started to bark.
So, not really successful, but at least I have seen how they react. Maybe I'll try again after the weekend is over.
These two sometimes bark when I go past, but not every single time. I guess it depends on how awake they are. One has an anxious bark, the other seems a little more assertive.
Anyway, everybody's scared of these two dogs because one of Nalu's dogs got loose and attacked Ann's dog and also Miki pretty severely. But when I happened to chat with Nalu a while back (last year?) he said he got rid of those dogs. So these are supposedly two new dogs. Both look like pit bulls or pit bull mixes.
Anyway, I went up with Kimo with them and they barked but didn't seem aggressive. At least not baring their teeth and growling ferociously. Surprisingly, Kimo seemed fairly calm though when their barking increased, he barked too.
I tried to feed them to the fence, looking for signs of aggression so as not to get bitten. They really didn't seem attracted to the food. Though eventually one of them licked the apple treat and I forget if he took it.
Later that day, on the afternoon walk, I was talking to Amy, Charlotte, and Roy outside. Nalu's dogs started to bark again, so I went up to them. I had a couple of half-biscuits from WalMart, but they didn't seem attracted to them. So not really a successful outing. I did notice that one of them seems more dominant. The anxious one was barking and I was trying to see if he would take the biscuit, then the other came and kind of shoved the first one aside and started to bark.
So, not really successful, but at least I have seen how they react. Maybe I'll try again after the weekend is over.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Christie
Kimo seemed happy to see Christie and he ran into the house and jumped on her.
We sat down and were petting him. Me from the side and her from the front. Then he got spooked and growled and I pulled him away. He got wild for a few moments and I held him up with the leash until he calmed down. I think he gets spooked if you approach him from the front right over his head. Like something's going to happen to him. Which is why I try to approach him from the side. Still he shouldn't do that to someone he knows so well. (Or to anyone.)
Very disheartening as he had never done that before with Christie. I dunno if he's getting worse.
We sat down and were petting him. Me from the side and her from the front. Then he got spooked and growled and I pulled him away. He got wild for a few moments and I held him up with the leash until he calmed down. I think he gets spooked if you approach him from the front right over his head. Like something's going to happen to him. Which is why I try to approach him from the side. Still he shouldn't do that to someone he knows so well. (Or to anyone.)
Very disheartening as he had never done that before with Christie. I dunno if he's getting worse.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
engage or avoid?
Today the senior women were out. Amy and Harriet were first, joined by mom and Betty. I decided to go out earlier than usual since Betty was out, though Amy went home by the time I went out. Gerald brought Hershey soon after and Harriet went over to talk to him about some possible business or something.
Anyway, I went up the street and Reina was out with Miki and Shammy. Kimo started breathing heavy and seemed ready to erupt. So I turned him away and he reacted badly as I turned him away. Like a kicking and screaming child throwing a tantrum. I think turning him away while he wanted to go the other way might have made matters worse. So it's a no-win scenario.
This afternoon, Koa was being taken for one of his infrequent walks. I don't know the neighbor's name that was walking him, but he's kind of a burly muscular guy. I think that was his wife with him, don't know her name either. And a bunch of neighborhood kids. Don't know their name either.
Anyway, Keith and Kimo were going wild. I was going to let him be in the back, but when they returned unexpectedly, I decided to take Kimo out. Also unexpectedly Pat had taken Keith out too. Kimo went wild, but this time instead of turning back, I held him tightly until he calmed down. Meanwhile Koa was made to sit and seemed to be behaving well. That's a good sign.
Then I followed the group up the road, trying to control Kimo. It was kind of like when I first met Miki and Shammy. I would follow them and eventually caught up with them. Then after doing this every day for a few weeks, Kimo stopped reacting and even became friendly to them.
Tragically Harold passed away. Harold kept Miki and a short leash and would hit her on the head when she misbehaved. While I don't recommend hitting dogs, this would keep her in control. And often Miki and Kimo would walk side-by-side sometimes even bumping each other like two ships going parallel in narrow channel. Unfortunately, I can't do that with Reina since she lets Miki out on a loose leash and lets her walk in front.
Anyway, lately Kimo has been acting up when he sees Miki. (Though, strangely he doesn't do so when Miki's behind her fence. Though he shies away from the fence and doesn't want to go close.) So I'm wondering what I should do. Should I continue to turn away? Or engage like I used to. I'm thinking I should engage now. When he acts up, I'll need to turn him away and hold him tightly until he calms. The problem is that sometimes Miki acts up too. And sometimes Kimo goes really out of control into the red zone. So I dunno.
[5/9/08] Dunbar suggests teaching the command, "GENTLY," which can be useful in diverting dogs from a fight. "SIT" and "OFF" are also important commands. It is important to be able to redirect your dog's attention to you -- and thus away from another dog who may be engaging in challenging eye contact and aggressive or otherwise undesirable behaviors. [I guess that's what I'll try to do. Redirect him to me. If you call turning him in a different direction redirecting :)]
Anyway, I went up the street and Reina was out with Miki and Shammy. Kimo started breathing heavy and seemed ready to erupt. So I turned him away and he reacted badly as I turned him away. Like a kicking and screaming child throwing a tantrum. I think turning him away while he wanted to go the other way might have made matters worse. So it's a no-win scenario.
This afternoon, Koa was being taken for one of his infrequent walks. I don't know the neighbor's name that was walking him, but he's kind of a burly muscular guy. I think that was his wife with him, don't know her name either. And a bunch of neighborhood kids. Don't know their name either.
Anyway, Keith and Kimo were going wild. I was going to let him be in the back, but when they returned unexpectedly, I decided to take Kimo out. Also unexpectedly Pat had taken Keith out too. Kimo went wild, but this time instead of turning back, I held him tightly until he calmed down. Meanwhile Koa was made to sit and seemed to be behaving well. That's a good sign.
Then I followed the group up the road, trying to control Kimo. It was kind of like when I first met Miki and Shammy. I would follow them and eventually caught up with them. Then after doing this every day for a few weeks, Kimo stopped reacting and even became friendly to them.
Tragically Harold passed away. Harold kept Miki and a short leash and would hit her on the head when she misbehaved. While I don't recommend hitting dogs, this would keep her in control. And often Miki and Kimo would walk side-by-side sometimes even bumping each other like two ships going parallel in narrow channel. Unfortunately, I can't do that with Reina since she lets Miki out on a loose leash and lets her walk in front.
Anyway, lately Kimo has been acting up when he sees Miki. (Though, strangely he doesn't do so when Miki's behind her fence. Though he shies away from the fence and doesn't want to go close.) So I'm wondering what I should do. Should I continue to turn away? Or engage like I used to. I'm thinking I should engage now. When he acts up, I'll need to turn him away and hold him tightly until he calms. The problem is that sometimes Miki acts up too. And sometimes Kimo goes really out of control into the red zone. So I dunno.
[5/9/08] Dunbar suggests teaching the command, "GENTLY," which can be useful in diverting dogs from a fight. "SIT" and "OFF" are also important commands. It is important to be able to redirect your dog's attention to you -- and thus away from another dog who may be engaging in challenging eye contact and aggressive or otherwise undesirable behaviors. [I guess that's what I'll try to do. Redirect him to me. If you call turning him in a different direction redirecting :)]
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Fat Cat
Another thing that happened on today's walk was that Kimo wanted to go up Max's driveway. The fat cat was near the car of the back house instead of at Max's house.
I let Kimo up a little ways and the cat started walking down. So I let Kimo approach him. He slightly circled to the right. But the cat started looking apprehensive and pawed Kimo when he got in range. I was little surprised that Kimo didn't act back. But I didn't want to take a chance and took him away to continue the walk.
I let Kimo up a little ways and the cat started walking down. So I let Kimo approach him. He slightly circled to the right. But the cat started looking apprehensive and pawed Kimo when he got in range. I was little surprised that Kimo didn't act back. But I didn't want to take a chance and took him away to continue the walk.
Calm-Assertive
Calm-assertive is of course one of the catch phrases of Cesar Millan.
Today I happened to catch part of the Greta-Hoss episode. The owners asked will the dog eventually learn? Cesar replied. Eventually you learn. If you learn to become calm-assertive, they will become calm-submissive. There is no other way.
If he threw in a "grasshopper" in there, it would have been complete.
So this morning I worked on my calm-assertive energy. It's almost like working on your chi. Kimo was growling around the corner. I went next to him but he was still growling. So I figured maybe he couldn't see me. So I went in front of him, went down the side of the house to look in the front, saw nothing, walked back confidently and shushed him back from the corner. Later I saw him lying down relaxed on the slab.
To me, to move assertively is to move like Michael Jordan. He would trot light-footedly on the court, almost like a dance. Currently, Kobe's footwork is somewhat similar. Another one with a similar type of movement was Bruce Lee. He was also very light footed. Probably influenced by the fact that he was a cha-cha champion. And of course, they were both very confident, on the edge of being cocky. Or maybe over the edge.
I recently got the Kung Fu Season 1 DVD set (which was on sale at Amazon.com, come to think of it, I bought it with the NBA Legends DVD which featured Michael Jordan). On the first episode, Caine calms down a horse. When I think of Kwai Chang Caine, (beside the kung fu), I think of calm. I'd say he's the epitome of calm. But with inner strength.
Cesar of course is another good example. His walk can best be described as confident.
So if you combine the energy of Cesar Millan, Michael Jordan, Bruce Lee, and Kwai Chang Caine, you might wind up with a calm-submissive dog.
Anyway, today I tried to walk more confidently. And the walk went fairly well. I walked in short sections past Keith and he remained silent. A couple of times, Kimo wanted to look over and I just tugged the leash to turn his head back.
The only thing that went wrong was that a emergency medical vehicle (pseudo-ambulance) went to the Wong's house. When they first passed, I turned Kimo into somebody's driveway and away. But when the vehicle parked, I was forced to pass them. Kimo kind of acted up, but I corrected him a couple of times while continuing to walk.
Now that I think about it, he did act up when coming back from the Hayashidas. I don't know what it was, but I saw Flores in the distance, so maybe it was her. But he usually doesn't react to her much at all. Maybe she was wearing something different. Or maybe he just forgot.
After that it was food fetch on the steps which went fairly well. Though he missed going once. So I did one more and he got both of them. So I figured I'd quit while I was ahead.
Today I happened to catch part of the Greta-Hoss episode. The owners asked will the dog eventually learn? Cesar replied. Eventually you learn. If you learn to become calm-assertive, they will become calm-submissive. There is no other way.
If he threw in a "grasshopper" in there, it would have been complete.
So this morning I worked on my calm-assertive energy. It's almost like working on your chi. Kimo was growling around the corner. I went next to him but he was still growling. So I figured maybe he couldn't see me. So I went in front of him, went down the side of the house to look in the front, saw nothing, walked back confidently and shushed him back from the corner. Later I saw him lying down relaxed on the slab.
To me, to move assertively is to move like Michael Jordan. He would trot light-footedly on the court, almost like a dance. Currently, Kobe's footwork is somewhat similar. Another one with a similar type of movement was Bruce Lee. He was also very light footed. Probably influenced by the fact that he was a cha-cha champion. And of course, they were both very confident, on the edge of being cocky. Or maybe over the edge.
I recently got the Kung Fu Season 1 DVD set (which was on sale at Amazon.com, come to think of it, I bought it with the NBA Legends DVD which featured Michael Jordan). On the first episode, Caine calms down a horse. When I think of Kwai Chang Caine, (beside the kung fu), I think of calm. I'd say he's the epitome of calm. But with inner strength.
Cesar of course is another good example. His walk can best be described as confident.
So if you combine the energy of Cesar Millan, Michael Jordan, Bruce Lee, and Kwai Chang Caine, you might wind up with a calm-submissive dog.
Anyway, today I tried to walk more confidently. And the walk went fairly well. I walked in short sections past Keith and he remained silent. A couple of times, Kimo wanted to look over and I just tugged the leash to turn his head back.
The only thing that went wrong was that a emergency medical vehicle (pseudo-ambulance) went to the Wong's house. When they first passed, I turned Kimo into somebody's driveway and away. But when the vehicle parked, I was forced to pass them. Kimo kind of acted up, but I corrected him a couple of times while continuing to walk.
Now that I think about it, he did act up when coming back from the Hayashidas. I don't know what it was, but I saw Flores in the distance, so maybe it was her. But he usually doesn't react to her much at all. Maybe she was wearing something different. Or maybe he just forgot.
After that it was food fetch on the steps which went fairly well. Though he missed going once. So I did one more and he got both of them. So I figured I'd quit while I was ahead.
Chasing Koa
Today [4/28] Koa was loose again and Keith and Kimo were barking. Koa was up the road, on the side toward his his house. I decided to let Kimo loose and see what he would do. Reason would tell me that they wouldn't fight since they're both fearful dogs. But my reasoning doesn't always work that well with Kimo. I was hopeful that maybe they would end sniffing each other or something.
So what did Kimo do? Instead of chasing Koa (like he did briefly last time I let him loose when he was near the fire hydrant), he ran instead across the street to the Fong's house and went down the stairs. For some reason, he seems to like to go there. Actually it's a pretty nice place for a dog with nice grass and lots of plants and stuff. And it's enclosed except for the two stairways on each side of the house.
Anyway, he sniffed at the entrance to the lower floor (it's like a big laundry room), but didn't go in and proceeded to go in the back. Mr. Fong was back there and I guess he was surprised. Luckily he didn't try to pet him. I grabbed his leash and escorted Kimo back up the steps. No mishaps except for a pee on some object in the garage. I sprayed it and hoped nobody noticed.
Anyway, I took their newspaper and bottles down to Lanakila. I asked about the bottles and they were more than agreeable. (I guess that's why the bottles were outside next to the paper.) So we still seem on good terms.
So what did Kimo do? Instead of chasing Koa (like he did briefly last time I let him loose when he was near the fire hydrant), he ran instead across the street to the Fong's house and went down the stairs. For some reason, he seems to like to go there. Actually it's a pretty nice place for a dog with nice grass and lots of plants and stuff. And it's enclosed except for the two stairways on each side of the house.
Anyway, he sniffed at the entrance to the lower floor (it's like a big laundry room), but didn't go in and proceeded to go in the back. Mr. Fong was back there and I guess he was surprised. Luckily he didn't try to pet him. I grabbed his leash and escorted Kimo back up the steps. No mishaps except for a pee on some object in the garage. I sprayed it and hoped nobody noticed.
Anyway, I took their newspaper and bottles down to Lanakila. I asked about the bottles and they were more than agreeable. (I guess that's why the bottles were outside next to the paper.) So we still seem on good terms.
A Garden Fence?
I'm looking to build a fence in the back so Kimo doesn't have to be chained all the time back there.
Chain link seems pretty labor intensive. So does a wooden fence. So I'm thinking maybe putting up a garden fence. That should be enough to keep Kimo in, since the flimsy temporary fence in front of the garage seems to be working (except for the few times Kimo knocked it over when he got excited when Donna comes over). It might not work for Hershey since he figured how to push the "gate" open to get out. Hope Kimo wasn't watching.
Doing a quick search on the internet, I came to gardenfence.com and they have a section on light-duty pet fences. A 3-1/2 foot high x 50 foot fence kit costs $169.00 (deluxe $189). 6 foot x 50 foot costs $295. (This last one looks the same as their deer fence. Acutally it's the same product but they market it for difference uses.)
That's a lot cheaper than chain link. And installation looks much easier. No digging holes and pouring concrete. You just pound the stakes into the ground. I think a chain link gate alone would cost as much as (or more than) the whole kit. Plus they say it installs in about 30 minutes. So maybe 3 or 4 hours for me.
Here's a review. Sounds promising to me.
Chain link seems pretty labor intensive. So does a wooden fence. So I'm thinking maybe putting up a garden fence. That should be enough to keep Kimo in, since the flimsy temporary fence in front of the garage seems to be working (except for the few times Kimo knocked it over when he got excited when Donna comes over). It might not work for Hershey since he figured how to push the "gate" open to get out. Hope Kimo wasn't watching.
Doing a quick search on the internet, I came to gardenfence.com and they have a section on light-duty pet fences. A 3-1/2 foot high x 50 foot fence kit costs $169.00 (deluxe $189). 6 foot x 50 foot costs $295. (This last one looks the same as their deer fence. Acutally it's the same product but they market it for difference uses.)
That's a lot cheaper than chain link. And installation looks much easier. No digging holes and pouring concrete. You just pound the stakes into the ground. I think a chain link gate alone would cost as much as (or more than) the whole kit. Plus they say it installs in about 30 minutes. So maybe 3 or 4 hours for me.
Here's a review. Sounds promising to me.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Calming Signals
Amazon periodically emails me recommended items based on items that I have purchased from them in the past. On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals is one of them (recommended because I bought a used copy of Don't Shoot The Dog).
It gets a lot of enthusiastic reviews. Even Lee Charles Kelley gives it three stars. Three stars from him is like five stars from anybody else. I don't remember him giving any book more than three stars other than Natural Dog Training and Playtraining Your Dog.
I think I do a little of it now. I learned from Cesar to approach from the side rather than from head on. That's what I do with Kimo and how I am sometimes able to get close to Koa when he's loose. Yawning I believe was mentioned by McConnell though she said it could mean one of several things. I don't see it in The Other End of the Leash, so maybe it's in For The Love of a Dog. I notice Kimo often yawns after I call him back after he's been barking from the side of the house and have him sit. I interpret as him trying to relieve his tension. Maybe I should try it myself. Like taking a deep breath.
The author, Turid Rugaas, has a website, and an article called Calming Signals - The Art of Survival. I don't know because I don't have the book. But it sure looks like a lot of the material in the book is in this article. I might get the book for more details. And for the author to get her $1 cut or whatever if I buy the book.
Reading the article, I see that one of the signals is Walking Slowly. I notice this with Keith. If I walk briskly, I notice that Keith tends to bark more. And if I walk slowly and carefully, Keith sometimes doesn't bark at all. Like trying not to trip the motion sensor in the movie Sneakers (one of my favorite movies).
[4/28] Today while doing the slow walk past Keith, I notice that he licked his tongue. I guess that's a good sign. That was the second try. The first try going up, Keith barked and Kimo acted up.
[5/9/08] Here's another article on calming signals
[6/5/20] Lee Charles Kelley with his take (psychobabble?) on calming signals
It gets a lot of enthusiastic reviews. Even Lee Charles Kelley gives it three stars. Three stars from him is like five stars from anybody else. I don't remember him giving any book more than three stars other than Natural Dog Training and Playtraining Your Dog.
I think I do a little of it now. I learned from Cesar to approach from the side rather than from head on. That's what I do with Kimo and how I am sometimes able to get close to Koa when he's loose. Yawning I believe was mentioned by McConnell though she said it could mean one of several things. I don't see it in The Other End of the Leash, so maybe it's in For The Love of a Dog. I notice Kimo often yawns after I call him back after he's been barking from the side of the house and have him sit. I interpret as him trying to relieve his tension. Maybe I should try it myself. Like taking a deep breath.
The author, Turid Rugaas, has a website, and an article called Calming Signals - The Art of Survival. I don't know because I don't have the book. But it sure looks like a lot of the material in the book is in this article. I might get the book for more details. And for the author to get her $1 cut or whatever if I buy the book.
Reading the article, I see that one of the signals is Walking Slowly. I notice this with Keith. If I walk briskly, I notice that Keith tends to bark more. And if I walk slowly and carefully, Keith sometimes doesn't bark at all. Like trying not to trip the motion sensor in the movie Sneakers (one of my favorite movies).
[4/28] Today while doing the slow walk past Keith, I notice that he licked his tongue. I guess that's a good sign. That was the second try. The first try going up, Keith barked and Kimo acted up.
[5/9/08] Here's another article on calming signals
[6/5/20] Lee Charles Kelley with his take (psychobabble?) on calming signals
Koa^2
This (Sunday) morning Keith was barking at something and naturally Kimo had to join in. So I went in the front and looked and saw Koa up the road, heading home.
I grabbed the leash and went up the road, he kind of paused when he saw me. But then proceeded on his way.
When I took Kimo for his morning walk, not long after, Koa was in his neighbor's yard which is partially fenced in. I managed to coax him close enough to put the leash on him. All the while, Kimo kept his distance. He didn't act friendly, but at least he wasn't barking and growling at him.
The idea was to walk them together to get them used to each other. Kimo walked about normally, though maybe a little more tense due to the unfamiliar situation. Koa was kind of pulling and I tugged and released numerous time to only very short success.
Coming back, the pulling was a little more pronounced. I think he wanted to go home. When he got to his house, I stopped on the driveway and noticed that Koa's tail was between his legs. So he was fearful of the whole situation. I kind of straightend out his tail and took off the leash. Koa went to the front door but couldn't get in. Then he went to the fence that he usually goes under. But it's like now he couldn't fit under. So he went back to the door and I opened it to let him in. Kimo was pretty much a bystander with all this and he went along with it with no incident as I could tell.
On the way back, I stopped by Big Koa. He gets excited when he sees me and jumps up on the fence. I had the Big Bonz treat (or whatever you call it). So I got him to sit down and tried to make him stay and calm down before I would give it to him. I did that a couple of times. Kimo doesn't like big dogs and growled on (I think) three different occassions. But he wasn't out of control as I when I heard the growl, I pointed for him to sit and he did so.
I suppose this was a successful walk. Although we have one fearful dog, one excited dog, and I guess another fearful dog (Kimo).
I grabbed the leash and went up the road, he kind of paused when he saw me. But then proceeded on his way.
When I took Kimo for his morning walk, not long after, Koa was in his neighbor's yard which is partially fenced in. I managed to coax him close enough to put the leash on him. All the while, Kimo kept his distance. He didn't act friendly, but at least he wasn't barking and growling at him.
The idea was to walk them together to get them used to each other. Kimo walked about normally, though maybe a little more tense due to the unfamiliar situation. Koa was kind of pulling and I tugged and released numerous time to only very short success.
Coming back, the pulling was a little more pronounced. I think he wanted to go home. When he got to his house, I stopped on the driveway and noticed that Koa's tail was between his legs. So he was fearful of the whole situation. I kind of straightend out his tail and took off the leash. Koa went to the front door but couldn't get in. Then he went to the fence that he usually goes under. But it's like now he couldn't fit under. So he went back to the door and I opened it to let him in. Kimo was pretty much a bystander with all this and he went along with it with no incident as I could tell.
On the way back, I stopped by Big Koa. He gets excited when he sees me and jumps up on the fence. I had the Big Bonz treat (or whatever you call it). So I got him to sit down and tried to make him stay and calm down before I would give it to him. I did that a couple of times. Kimo doesn't like big dogs and growled on (I think) three different occassions. But he wasn't out of control as I when I heard the growl, I pointed for him to sit and he did so.
I suppose this was a successful walk. Although we have one fearful dog, one excited dog, and I guess another fearful dog (Kimo).
Saturday, April 26, 2008
staying positive
I remember both Cesar and Silverman saying that you should end the session with success.
I'm trying to do this with the come. Kimo barked a couple of times, but came readily. I coaxed him back to the area between the chair and doghouse. And when he said, I praised and petted him somewhat lavishly. The hope is that he'll come more and more readily despite stronger stimuli (like Keith outside).
I guess that made us feel good. Temporarily anyway.
Later on, I took Kimo out and saw Keith and Pat coming out. We were coming down and I left the leash loose so Kimo could lead. He went to the driveway and into the garage. So I took him to the back of the garage and waited until Keith passed.
Then we went up the hill toward Melinda's place and stayed at a distance as Pat walked Keith (or vice-versa). After Keith finished, I slowly led him back with no problem.
All seemed well, but then Nalu's mom (I think that's his mom) came walking with Nalu's son. And Koa came loose again. Come to think of it, the Sakuda kids were out with David. All of them led to barking. But Pat let Keith bark, while I tried to quiet Kimo.
Press on.
I'm trying to do this with the come. Kimo barked a couple of times, but came readily. I coaxed him back to the area between the chair and doghouse. And when he said, I praised and petted him somewhat lavishly. The hope is that he'll come more and more readily despite stronger stimuli (like Keith outside).
I guess that made us feel good. Temporarily anyway.
Later on, I took Kimo out and saw Keith and Pat coming out. We were coming down and I left the leash loose so Kimo could lead. He went to the driveway and into the garage. So I took him to the back of the garage and waited until Keith passed.
Then we went up the hill toward Melinda's place and stayed at a distance as Pat walked Keith (or vice-versa). After Keith finished, I slowly led him back with no problem.
All seemed well, but then Nalu's mom (I think that's his mom) came walking with Nalu's son. And Koa came loose again. Come to think of it, the Sakuda kids were out with David. All of them led to barking. But Pat let Keith bark, while I tried to quiet Kimo.
Press on.
sit Koa
This happened on Tuesday. After I took Oliver home, I saw Koa's gate open. I went in and he jumped on me. I turned and got him to sit for food a few times. But the guy's so big he scratched my side right through my tee-shirt.
Well maybe I'll get to try this again one day.
Well maybe I'll get to try this again one day.
the snowman
Kimo has a snowman toy that he rarely plays with. In fact, he very rarely plays with any of his toys. But today (4/21) he pulled it down from the roof of his doghouse and brought it inside.
Don't know why. But I found it curious. Maybe he's getting his prey instinct back a bit.
Don't know why. But I found it curious. Maybe he's getting his prey instinct back a bit.
the hothouse slab
I don't know if Kimo is the swiftest thinker. Something might be wrong with his brain.
Sometimes he goes on the hothouse slab and seems stuck there. I have to go up and lead him down the steps. Maybe he's just scared to come down since those two steps are kind of steep and he doesn't want to jump down.
Or maybe he just ain't that smart. I guess it doesn't matter. I just have to cope with the situation.
Sometimes he goes on the hothouse slab and seems stuck there. I have to go up and lead him down the steps. Maybe he's just scared to come down since those two steps are kind of steep and he doesn't want to jump down.
Or maybe he just ain't that smart. I guess it doesn't matter. I just have to cope with the situation.
Friday, April 25, 2008
hats
I took Kimo and Hershey for their morning walk. Kimo lately doesn't want to play despite Hershey's efforts. So Hershey seems kind of disappointed and doesn't seem to try as hard (or maybe I'm just imagining this).
Kimo pooped while Hershey peed at the Flores. Hershey was kind of pulling. It was probably because he wanted to poop (why didn't he poop at the Flores?) And he went at Betty's yard. After that, Hershey walked pretty well.
No reaction from any of the dogs while passing Koa. Kimo and Hershey didn't even look.
Keith was quiet as I greeted him when he popped his head to the window. Again no reaction.
Melinda drives by shielding her eyes from the sun. I think she's avoiding me since she greets Reina and not me. Well, as long as she don't call the cops again I guess.
Kimo goes poop again at Hayashida. So all seemed to be going well, but then they spotted Mrs. Iha coming out in her yard. Kimo barked or growled. And I know Hershey definitely howled. I pulled back to the Ito curb and sat down. I tried to get Kimo to sit by touching his hind and he kind of snapped. I pulled up so as not to get bitten. Then waited until he was calmer.
Then we proceeded OK.
Usually Kimo has no problems with Mrs. Iha. But not all of the time, especially if she comes close to him at our house. This time, I think the dogs were spooked because she was wearing a large hat which she usually doesn't wear.
That reminds me of the story in one of Patricia McConnell's books where the dog barked because the owner was wearing a parka. I can't find it in The Other End of the Leash (which I bought), so maybe it's in For The Love of a Dog (which I borrowed from the library).
Kimo pooped while Hershey peed at the Flores. Hershey was kind of pulling. It was probably because he wanted to poop (why didn't he poop at the Flores?) And he went at Betty's yard. After that, Hershey walked pretty well.
No reaction from any of the dogs while passing Koa. Kimo and Hershey didn't even look.
Keith was quiet as I greeted him when he popped his head to the window. Again no reaction.
Melinda drives by shielding her eyes from the sun. I think she's avoiding me since she greets Reina and not me. Well, as long as she don't call the cops again I guess.
Kimo goes poop again at Hayashida. So all seemed to be going well, but then they spotted Mrs. Iha coming out in her yard. Kimo barked or growled. And I know Hershey definitely howled. I pulled back to the Ito curb and sat down. I tried to get Kimo to sit by touching his hind and he kind of snapped. I pulled up so as not to get bitten. Then waited until he was calmer.
Then we proceeded OK.
Usually Kimo has no problems with Mrs. Iha. But not all of the time, especially if she comes close to him at our house. This time, I think the dogs were spooked because she was wearing a large hat which she usually doesn't wear.
That reminds me of the story in one of Patricia McConnell's books where the dog barked because the owner was wearing a parka. I can't find it in The Other End of the Leash (which I bought), so maybe it's in For The Love of a Dog (which I borrowed from the library).
Kimo and Paco
Kimo generally doesn't like cats and barks at them when they come in range of the house. But he gets along with Paco. Or maybe it's vice-versa. Paco is used to dogs because since he's lived with Mochi and Fifi since he was a kitten.
Paco comes up to Kimo and headbutts his chest which is kind of a funny sight to see. Then he lies down and Kimo smells him. There was that one time that Paco started pawing him too much and Kimo went after him. But that was the only time and Paco came back the next time with no fear. (He does seem to know not to come around when I have Hershey with me.) I pull Kimo away after a little while just in case. But I think once or twice, I just left the leash loose and he or Paco just would walk away after a little while.
The other cat Kimo seems to get along with is a fat cat that lives at Max's house. This cat doesn't come to him, but doesn't run away when Kimo comes to him. I've let him go over and sniff a couple of times.
Kimo is kind of neutral to Katherine's cat. He usually passes by without much reaction. Though once in a while, he seems to kind of want to go after him/her. Hershey is another story. He doesn't react well to cats (though he seems to be getting better with Paco). And when Hershey reacts (usually by howling), Kimo sometimes gets wild.
Other than those, Kimo doesn't like cats. Though there was the time when he was barking at a cat lying on the stonewall at Pat's place. After I calmed him down, he seemed to tolerate the cat even though the cat just lay there for quite a while.
Lately there's been a cat behind the fence on AOP's side. Kimo don't like that and sometimes would go up on the hothouse slab. A couple of times, mom would clap to try to scare the cat away. But the only one who got scared was Kimo and he went a bit wild both times.
Paco comes up to Kimo and headbutts his chest which is kind of a funny sight to see. Then he lies down and Kimo smells him. There was that one time that Paco started pawing him too much and Kimo went after him. But that was the only time and Paco came back the next time with no fear. (He does seem to know not to come around when I have Hershey with me.) I pull Kimo away after a little while just in case. But I think once or twice, I just left the leash loose and he or Paco just would walk away after a little while.
The other cat Kimo seems to get along with is a fat cat that lives at Max's house. This cat doesn't come to him, but doesn't run away when Kimo comes to him. I've let him go over and sniff a couple of times.
Kimo is kind of neutral to Katherine's cat. He usually passes by without much reaction. Though once in a while, he seems to kind of want to go after him/her. Hershey is another story. He doesn't react well to cats (though he seems to be getting better with Paco). And when Hershey reacts (usually by howling), Kimo sometimes gets wild.
Other than those, Kimo doesn't like cats. Though there was the time when he was barking at a cat lying on the stonewall at Pat's place. After I calmed him down, he seemed to tolerate the cat even though the cat just lay there for quite a while.
Lately there's been a cat behind the fence on AOP's side. Kimo don't like that and sometimes would go up on the hothouse slab. A couple of times, mom would clap to try to scare the cat away. But the only one who got scared was Kimo and he went a bit wild both times.
Where does Kimo sleep?
Usually Kimo sleeps in his doghouse. But lately he's been sleeping in the dirt area in the afternoon. I guess it's been hot, and it's cool over there. Actually he used to sleep there all the time, but I moved him to the garage when we had a wet spell and he got used to sleeping in the doghouse.
But then, I started moving him in the back after Melinda complained that he would wake her up when he barked at the Advertiser van in the early morning.
The difference this time is that I faced the opening of the doghouse toward the door (instead of away). I think he feels more secure this way because he can look and see the back door and the light coming from the house. With this arrangement, he always slept in the doghouse.
However, tonight he decided to sleep in the dirt. Something he hadn't done in a while. I don't know whether he feels more secure and confident now and didn't need the security of being in the house. Or maybe his chain got stuck and he couldn't reach the house.
[4/25] Kimo was howling at the siren. I went outside and he was still in the dirt area. I went over and encouraged him out. Then he wanted to be petted and I directed him to the space between the chair and his house. And finally he went inside. I really don't know how smart Kimo is. Sometimes it's like he doesn't know how to move out of his spot. Or doesn't want to.
I went out and noticed the chain kind of stuck on the brick, so that he wouldn't be able to make it all the way back to the slab in the back. But usually if this happens, he barks to let me know he's stuck. Well, we'll see what happens tomorrow night.
But then, I started moving him in the back after Melinda complained that he would wake her up when he barked at the Advertiser van in the early morning.
The difference this time is that I faced the opening of the doghouse toward the door (instead of away). I think he feels more secure this way because he can look and see the back door and the light coming from the house. With this arrangement, he always slept in the doghouse.
However, tonight he decided to sleep in the dirt. Something he hadn't done in a while. I don't know whether he feels more secure and confident now and didn't need the security of being in the house. Or maybe his chain got stuck and he couldn't reach the house.
[4/25] Kimo was howling at the siren. I went outside and he was still in the dirt area. I went over and encouraged him out. Then he wanted to be petted and I directed him to the space between the chair and his house. And finally he went inside. I really don't know how smart Kimo is. Sometimes it's like he doesn't know how to move out of his spot. Or doesn't want to.
I went out and noticed the chain kind of stuck on the brick, so that he wouldn't be able to make it all the way back to the slab in the back. But usually if this happens, he barks to let me know he's stuck. Well, we'll see what happens tomorrow night.
Snoopy
Snoopy is a little brown poi dog that lives at the house behind Iha's house and comes up to our street every once in a while. He used to come more often but Diane (Diana?) Max's owner (Max is a Jack Russell that lives at the beginning of the street) said somebody complained about Snoopy pooping and they chain him up now.
Well I guess they don't chain him all the time as I see him once in a while. (Mr. Fong doesn't like him coming into his yard and put up a little doggie fence by his stone steps.)
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago (4/11), I heard Keith barking. I took Kimo out front and saw Snoopy by Hershey. I let Kimo loose to see what would happen (I did that one time with Koa and Kimo started to chase him home). To my pleasant surprise (I wasn't sure what was going to happen), Kimo went over and sniffed him without incident. Soon after, Snoopy wandered off and went behind Sakuda's house. We'll see what happens next time.
Well I guess they don't chain him all the time as I see him once in a while. (Mr. Fong doesn't like him coming into his yard and put up a little doggie fence by his stone steps.)
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago (4/11), I heard Keith barking. I took Kimo out front and saw Snoopy by Hershey. I let Kimo loose to see what would happen (I did that one time with Koa and Kimo started to chase him home). To my pleasant surprise (I wasn't sure what was going to happen), Kimo went over and sniffed him without incident. Soon after, Snoopy wandered off and went behind Sakuda's house. We'll see what happens next time.
Bark and Yap
I noticed this looking at this google ad that has appeared from AdSense and I see that this is a CD designed to stop your neighbor's dog from barking.
I don't know if I would recommend it. When Kimo lived at my neighbor's house, they had an ultrasonic device that was supposed to stop dogs from barking. I didn't see it in action, but from what I can surmise, this device made Kimo even worse. Not only did it not stop the barking, I believe it made him bark more in reaction and made him probably more crazy.
I remember talking to the neighbor when we were outside the courtroom when Kimo's case was being discussed inside. I mentioned the device on him and he became very defensive, backed away toward the lady who was the instigator behind the complaint, and roared that the dog was a nuisance and would take it all the way to civil court if need be. Well, from my perspective, if you get that defensive, there's something wrong with your end. Fortunately, some of the other neighbors were more friendly and could talk more calmly and peaceably.
I don't know if I would recommend it. When Kimo lived at my neighbor's house, they had an ultrasonic device that was supposed to stop dogs from barking. I didn't see it in action, but from what I can surmise, this device made Kimo even worse. Not only did it not stop the barking, I believe it made him bark more in reaction and made him probably more crazy.
I remember talking to the neighbor when we were outside the courtroom when Kimo's case was being discussed inside. I mentioned the device on him and he became very defensive, backed away toward the lady who was the instigator behind the complaint, and roared that the dog was a nuisance and would take it all the way to civil court if need be. Well, from my perspective, if you get that defensive, there's something wrong with your end. Fortunately, some of the other neighbors were more friendly and could talk more calmly and peaceably.
Koa
The other Koa in the neighborhood actually lives next door to the younger Koa. He's a poi dog and looks like he might be part greyhound. He live indoors with Ricky a dalmations who's deaf, but periodically (some might say regularly) gets loose. I guess it was last year, he was loose and started growling at Reina walking Miki and Shammy. And naturally Miki reacted back. After a couple of times of that, Reina never walks her Miki and Shammy toward that house and only goes a couple of times to the beginning of the street.
Once or twice I was able to get Koa to come to me and I put a leash on him and walked him. One time, I even walked him with Miki and Shammy. It was a struggle at first. And nothing ever came to that. I don't know if Reina liked that idea.
Anyway, Koa seems pretty friendly (when he's not scared and growling) but shy. So it looks like he's showing fear aggression. When Kimo went to sniff, Koa would shy away. Of course Kimo's shy too and one or the other reacted and Kimo shows fear aggression toward him and growls back. Not good.
When Koa gets loose, he generally goes to the end of the street and both Kimo and Keith go wild. On Sunday (if I recall correctly) Kimo went wild when Koa ventured near our house. I took Kimo up the street to see if I could get them closer and surprisingly they didn't react much to each other. Kimo even sniffed his butt with Koa turned away. A good sign. But then Koa quickly turned toward him and Kimo backed off. And I took him away. So this Koa is another challenge.
Lately Koa has been seen wearing a hood. I think his nose has been bitten possibly from a fight in the past and maybe the hood is to protect him from further injuring it. Dunno.
Once or twice I was able to get Koa to come to me and I put a leash on him and walked him. One time, I even walked him with Miki and Shammy. It was a struggle at first. And nothing ever came to that. I don't know if Reina liked that idea.
Anyway, Koa seems pretty friendly (when he's not scared and growling) but shy. So it looks like he's showing fear aggression. When Kimo went to sniff, Koa would shy away. Of course Kimo's shy too and one or the other reacted and Kimo shows fear aggression toward him and growls back. Not good.
When Koa gets loose, he generally goes to the end of the street and both Kimo and Keith go wild. On Sunday (if I recall correctly) Kimo went wild when Koa ventured near our house. I took Kimo up the street to see if I could get them closer and surprisingly they didn't react much to each other. Kimo even sniffed his butt with Koa turned away. A good sign. But then Koa quickly turned toward him and Kimo backed off. And I took him away. So this Koa is another challenge.
Lately Koa has been seen wearing a hood. I think his nose has been bitten possibly from a fight in the past and maybe the hood is to protect him from further injuring it. Dunno.
Play
Kimo doesn't usually play with his toys. But once in a while he gets in the mood. Last Saturday after I fed him and walked away, he nipped on my heels and jumped up on me. It's like he was in heat. I gave him his toy (the little orange man which was a present from Hershey) and he played with it for a while. I'm not sure why he chose this day to play.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Biker
There's a guy who passes by on a racing bike once in a great while. He must be a biker since he's wearing a racing bike helmet.
The last time Kimo saw him, he was in the front and he went wild.
This time he was in the back. Keith started barking and then Kimo joined in. Keith normally doesn't bark at cars, but apparently he barks at bikes. I got Kimo to come with minimal difficulty, tugging and trying to be cheerful in my come.
But right after that, the UPS truck came. I got Kimo to come and sit. But when he heard the noise of the truck, he went a bit wild. I had to hold him tightly so I wouldn't get bitten. I grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and pulled him up slightly and that seemed to calm him down.
I don't know if that's the right thing to do, but I do whatever seems to work. On the other hand, it kind of reminds me of the Teddy Pom Pom episode (I think it was) of It's Me or the Dog when the lady pulled the dogs off the ground with their leash when they barked too loud. Victoria didn't seem too pleased with that method.
I'm trying not to pet until he seems "calm-submissive" as I just watched an episode of the Dog Whisperer this morning. Looking it up, it was the Eppie episode. You don't want to reinforce the wrong state of mind.
The last time Kimo saw him, he was in the front and he went wild.
This time he was in the back. Keith started barking and then Kimo joined in. Keith normally doesn't bark at cars, but apparently he barks at bikes. I got Kimo to come with minimal difficulty, tugging and trying to be cheerful in my come.
But right after that, the UPS truck came. I got Kimo to come and sit. But when he heard the noise of the truck, he went a bit wild. I had to hold him tightly so I wouldn't get bitten. I grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and pulled him up slightly and that seemed to calm him down.
I don't know if that's the right thing to do, but I do whatever seems to work. On the other hand, it kind of reminds me of the Teddy Pom Pom episode (I think it was) of It's Me or the Dog when the lady pulled the dogs off the ground with their leash when they barked too loud. Victoria didn't seem too pleased with that method.
I'm trying not to pet until he seems "calm-submissive" as I just watched an episode of the Dog Whisperer this morning. Looking it up, it was the Eppie episode. You don't want to reinforce the wrong state of mind.
Big Koa
After Keith seemed safely home, I took Kimo for his afternoon/evening walk. Koa got loose and I'm guessing came running to me when he saw me. Maybe it's because I feed him treats sometimes that he came to me. Koa is actually a puppy, less than a year old I think. But he's a chocolate lab and is like 80+ pounds. Compared to Kimo, who's less than 20.
I think Koa is friendly but gets excited and came running out to sniff Kimo, I think. But Kimo seemed scared and growled defensively. After about the third time, he went into wild wolf mode. I held up on his leash, so he wouldn't bite me, so he was up on his hind legs. It took maybe six or seven seconds (though it always seems longer) before he came back to his senses and recognized me and calmed down. After that the walk proceeded more or less normally.
Though he did act up a bit at Keith in the window and vice-versa. But this is manageable. I don't know if I'm making progress, but what choice do I have but to press on? Maybe I am. And so I shall.
I think Koa is friendly but gets excited and came running out to sniff Kimo, I think. But Kimo seemed scared and growled defensively. After about the third time, he went into wild wolf mode. I held up on his leash, so he wouldn't bite me, so he was up on his hind legs. It took maybe six or seven seconds (though it always seems longer) before he came back to his senses and recognized me and calmed down. After that the walk proceeded more or less normally.
Though he did act up a bit at Keith in the window and vice-versa. But this is manageable. I don't know if I'm making progress, but what choice do I have but to press on? Maybe I am. And so I shall.
Come Again
As soon as I came home from taking Uncle Bobby home, Kimo started barking. Apparently he was quiet in all the time I was away.
Kimo's sending Keith and Pat and running to the side and barking. I'm tugging at the chain and at least he's coming back to me. I'm now making him sit on my left side in between his doghouse and the chair I'm sitting on. We'll see how that goes.
Kimo's sending Keith and Pat and running to the side and barking. I'm tugging at the chain and at least he's coming back to me. I'm now making him sit on my left side in between his doghouse and the chair I'm sitting on. We'll see how that goes.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
How To Teach An Old Dog New Tricks (by Ian Dunbar)
[4/17/08] I was doing a search about Ian Dunbar (since he's one of the big names in the dog world) on ebay and saw that his book How To Teach An Old Dog New Tricks was available. (I had earlier been considering his book An Owners Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet.) I looked at the book at amazon and read an interesting excerpt on unexpected aggression (coincidentally this was the day of the latest bite -- before I was bitten). The book got good reviews by the amazon readers, so I placed a bid on the book.
Actually I now see the book is actually titled How To Teach An New Dog Old Tricks. If I had noticed that, I might not have been as inclined to buy it. Still it should be interesting and give me that viewpoint of a noted authority. I won the bid and am awaiting its arrival.
[4/28] eBay sent me a notice that I should get my money back on this item. Evidently the guy selling it hasn't been delivering, or some such problem. Email to him got no reply. Guess I'll go through PayPal. Good thing it wasn't for that much.
[5/23/11] Bought Dunbar's book After You Get Your Puppy at Book Off for $3. In the meantime, I won the bid for HTTANDOT on ebay (we'll see if it arrives this time). Now I see that two of Dunbar's books: Before You Get Your Puppy and After You Get Your Puppy are available for free as pdf files at dogstardaily.
Actually I now see the book is actually titled How To Teach An New Dog Old Tricks. If I had noticed that, I might not have been as inclined to buy it. Still it should be interesting and give me that viewpoint of a noted authority. I won the bid and am awaiting its arrival.
[4/28] eBay sent me a notice that I should get my money back on this item. Evidently the guy selling it hasn't been delivering, or some such problem. Email to him got no reply. Guess I'll go through PayPal. Good thing it wasn't for that much.
[5/23/11] Bought Dunbar's book After You Get Your Puppy at Book Off for $3. In the meantime, I won the bid for HTTANDOT on ebay (we'll see if it arrives this time). Now I see that two of Dunbar's books: Before You Get Your Puppy and After You Get Your Puppy are available for free as pdf files at dogstardaily.
Come
A week ago Thursday, I was reading more on Natural Dog Training and Lee Charles Kelley.
I'm not exactly sure this was the first time I did it. But Kimo was barking around at the side of the house. Usually I would go to the side of the house and carefully edge in front of him to claim his space. But this time I decided to softly tug on the chain and say "come" in a playful voice. And to my surprise, he came.
Later I tried just saying come without tugging and he came (at least it worked a couple of times). Then on the front steps, I just tried going past him and saying come as I walked down the steps and that worked a few times. And when it didn't work, a soft tug on the chain accompanied by the come worked.
Unfortunately this was also the day that he bit me. (As I basked in my first success, I just sat on the cement with him lying down behind me.) I'm not sure but I'm guessing he might have nodded off when he heard the bark and woke up and bit my hand. I'm not sure because I wasn't looking. I guess I need to keep my eye on him at all times especially if he's lying down. It seems he can nod off really quickly. (And get up even quicker :(
[4/25 am - looking through my logs I see that on 4/19, I did the come while he was barking at the fence at the front of the garage. I walked passed him toward the laundry room and told him to come. And he did. I guess that's good.]
I'm not exactly sure this was the first time I did it. But Kimo was barking around at the side of the house. Usually I would go to the side of the house and carefully edge in front of him to claim his space. But this time I decided to softly tug on the chain and say "come" in a playful voice. And to my surprise, he came.
Later I tried just saying come without tugging and he came (at least it worked a couple of times). Then on the front steps, I just tried going past him and saying come as I walked down the steps and that worked a few times. And when it didn't work, a soft tug on the chain accompanied by the come worked.
Unfortunately this was also the day that he bit me. (As I basked in my first success, I just sat on the cement with him lying down behind me.) I'm not sure but I'm guessing he might have nodded off when he heard the bark and woke up and bit my hand. I'm not sure because I wasn't looking. I guess I need to keep my eye on him at all times especially if he's lying down. It seems he can nod off really quickly. (And get up even quicker :(
[4/25 am - looking through my logs I see that on 4/19, I did the come while he was barking at the fence at the front of the garage. I walked passed him toward the laundry room and told him to come. And he did. I guess that's good.]
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Bark Busters
[10/26/08] Another Midweek article.
Scott Argus, owner of Bark Busters Hawaii, says he can teach a dog to instinctively focus on the owner and follow cues as to what it should do and should not do.
Argus visits the home of the family for a private training session lasting about two-and-a-half hours (four hours for multiple family members). He suggests a good time to do it is in the morning, or whenever the owner is able to concentrate on learning to “speak dog,” as there is a lot of information to absorb. Most of the time Argus’dog Rufy accompanies him to the home to help teach people how to communicate with their dogs.
* * *
I mentioned Bark Busters in a previous post on my original blog.
I notice on their website, there's a book written by Sylvia & Danny Wilson evidently explaining the Bark Busters method. The book is called Training Dogs The Aussie Way. It's available at Amazon. I'll add this to my list.
[10/26/08] I'm looking at the Amazon reviews on the book. It got three five star ratings and one one star rating. The one star review is by Tom De Luca who is a professional who advocates of positive reinforcement methods. Different strokes says the three star review.
Scott Argus, owner of Bark Busters Hawaii, says he can teach a dog to instinctively focus on the owner and follow cues as to what it should do and should not do.
Argus visits the home of the family for a private training session lasting about two-and-a-half hours (four hours for multiple family members). He suggests a good time to do it is in the morning, or whenever the owner is able to concentrate on learning to “speak dog,” as there is a lot of information to absorb. Most of the time Argus’dog Rufy accompanies him to the home to help teach people how to communicate with their dogs.
* * *
I mentioned Bark Busters in a previous post on my original blog.
I notice on their website, there's a book written by Sylvia & Danny Wilson evidently explaining the Bark Busters method. The book is called Training Dogs The Aussie Way. It's available at Amazon. I'll add this to my list.
[10/26/08] I'm looking at the Amazon reviews on the book. It got three five star ratings and one one star rating. The one star review is by Tom De Luca who is a professional who advocates of positive reinforcement methods. Different strokes says the three star review.
Hawaii Dog Foundation
I was wondering if there were any animal shelters in Hawaii, along the lines of DogTown on the National Geographic Channel.
A google search turned up this site which linked the Hawaii Dog Foundation. The following is from their FAQ.
1. What is HDF?
We are a small 501c3 nonprofit organization that takes homeless dogs and finds loving, nurturing homes for them. We currently use a network of foster homes but plan to build a shelter as soon as possible.
2. Who are you affiliated with?
The Hawaii Dog Foundation is independent from all other organizations. Although we used Best Friends as a guide when establishing our organization, we are not directly affiliated with them. There are a lot of wonderful groups working to better animals lives. We support most of the animal rescue organizations.
3. Do you support the "no-kill" movement?
Yes! It's actually in our mission statement. We believe that every healthy adoptable dog should have the chance to find a family - no matter long it takes.
A google search turned up this site which linked the Hawaii Dog Foundation. The following is from their FAQ.
1. What is HDF?
We are a small 501c3 nonprofit organization that takes homeless dogs and finds loving, nurturing homes for them. We currently use a network of foster homes but plan to build a shelter as soon as possible.
2. Who are you affiliated with?
The Hawaii Dog Foundation is independent from all other organizations. Although we used Best Friends as a guide when establishing our organization, we are not directly affiliated with them. There are a lot of wonderful groups working to better animals lives. We support most of the animal rescue organizations.
3. Do you support the "no-kill" movement?
Yes! It's actually in our mission statement. We believe that every healthy adoptable dog should have the chance to find a family - no matter long it takes.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Oliver
My neighbor Wendy got her rent raised by the guy who bought the property. She's moving, but can't take Oliver (one of dogs that I take walking with Kimo) since the place where she moved doesn't take pets.
I'm looking for someone to adopt him, so I took him to tennis (instead of Kimo) tonight. Everybody liked him on first sight. [He's a pomeranian, which I suppose is synonymous with being cute.] I was surprised he was so sociable and would come when you called his name. Ann took to him. And, surprisingly, so did Bob. Bob played with him and took him walking.
I was hoping that Cathy's mom might take him. Or maybe Ann. But Cathy said he was too small and would squeeze through the fence. And Ann said their cat might not get along with him. Well, the word is out.
Ann (the neighbor) said they can't take another dog (they already have Mochi and Fifi plus Paco the cat). And Malia said they have too many dogs (Petey, Chloe, and Shirley plus a couple of cats).
One problem is that Oliver is not housetrained and is tied outside all day. That's why I was surprised he was so sociable.
I don't have a picture of Oliver handy. But he kind of looks like this.
[4/23] After taking home Hershey and Kimo, I took Oliver for a long walk today. That's the first time I ever walked him past the street. Around past the teahouse, I came across another small dog who was near red zone when I walked Oliver passed his gate. Oliver didn't react much to the barking, whereas Kimo might have gone wild. I wanted to see how long the dog would bark, but the lady who lived there came home. So I kind of started going and the barking subsided. Then I started going down the Alewa Drive hill and passed a man who said he used to have pomeranians. One lived to like 17 years old. Then I think I went on Woodlawn (I think) where there were three small chihuahuas barking behind a fence. Then there was a lady coming back from walking her small dog. But when I passed there were a couple of small dogs barking at me. I didn't realize there were so many dogs in that area. And barking is par for the course.
I walked to Puunui Park where a small group of seniors were doing tai chi. I tried to give Oliver some water out of my hand but he wouldnt take it. Further on, I saw a couple of young girls playing in a wading pool with a small dog. Opportunity for a new home for Oliver? Unfortunately, the small dog started barking at the fence when I got close. Never mind.
Finally I decided to walk past David's house. At first I wasn't certain that was his house and kind of doubled back. David happened to not have work today (and this week and last) and saw me and opened the garage door. That's the first time I saw him in a while. He gave Oliver some water and Oliver lay down on the floor. After talking about home repair and home improvements (I told him about our gutter and roof and that I wanted to build a fence), I mentioned that I might have to carry Oliver home. He offered to drive me back home and I accepted. I put Oliver on my lap, something I would be very leery of with Kimo.
Naturally Kimo barked when we go there. But subsided somewhat but didn't stop even when he saw me. After showing David where I wanted the fence to go, I went walking back Oliver with Hayashida's daughter who was visiting the old house. And I brought Oliver back home and he seemed to want to go to sleep in the shade of the house.
Tonight after walking Kimo, I saw June outside and was going to get Oliver to show her. But when I went to get him, Wendy had come home and said Oliver was gone. He had gone to a dog breeder (James Lee?) who wants to breed him. [I guess that means he's been put out to stud.] It's kind of sad that Oliver's gone but at least he'll have a yard instead of being chained up all day. I'll miss him. And Kimo too (he'll probably still want to go down the driveway to look for him). But at least everybody got to meet him at tennis and I had one good long walk with him.
Wendy said she put an ad on Craigslist with Oliver's picture and she got a bunch of phone calls. But I guess she deleted it because I couldn't find the post. And by coincidence, she said she's moving to the area where I happened to walk Oliver today.
I'm looking for someone to adopt him, so I took him to tennis (instead of Kimo) tonight. Everybody liked him on first sight. [He's a pomeranian, which I suppose is synonymous with being cute.] I was surprised he was so sociable and would come when you called his name. Ann took to him. And, surprisingly, so did Bob. Bob played with him and took him walking.
I was hoping that Cathy's mom might take him. Or maybe Ann. But Cathy said he was too small and would squeeze through the fence. And Ann said their cat might not get along with him. Well, the word is out.
Ann (the neighbor) said they can't take another dog (they already have Mochi and Fifi plus Paco the cat). And Malia said they have too many dogs (Petey, Chloe, and Shirley plus a couple of cats).
One problem is that Oliver is not housetrained and is tied outside all day. That's why I was surprised he was so sociable.
I don't have a picture of Oliver handy. But he kind of looks like this.
[4/23] After taking home Hershey and Kimo, I took Oliver for a long walk today. That's the first time I ever walked him past the street. Around past the teahouse, I came across another small dog who was near red zone when I walked Oliver passed his gate. Oliver didn't react much to the barking, whereas Kimo might have gone wild. I wanted to see how long the dog would bark, but the lady who lived there came home. So I kind of started going and the barking subsided. Then I started going down the Alewa Drive hill and passed a man who said he used to have pomeranians. One lived to like 17 years old. Then I think I went on Woodlawn (I think) where there were three small chihuahuas barking behind a fence. Then there was a lady coming back from walking her small dog. But when I passed there were a couple of small dogs barking at me. I didn't realize there were so many dogs in that area. And barking is par for the course.
I walked to Puunui Park where a small group of seniors were doing tai chi. I tried to give Oliver some water out of my hand but he wouldnt take it. Further on, I saw a couple of young girls playing in a wading pool with a small dog. Opportunity for a new home for Oliver? Unfortunately, the small dog started barking at the fence when I got close. Never mind.
Finally I decided to walk past David's house. At first I wasn't certain that was his house and kind of doubled back. David happened to not have work today (and this week and last) and saw me and opened the garage door. That's the first time I saw him in a while. He gave Oliver some water and Oliver lay down on the floor. After talking about home repair and home improvements (I told him about our gutter and roof and that I wanted to build a fence), I mentioned that I might have to carry Oliver home. He offered to drive me back home and I accepted. I put Oliver on my lap, something I would be very leery of with Kimo.
Naturally Kimo barked when we go there. But subsided somewhat but didn't stop even when he saw me. After showing David where I wanted the fence to go, I went walking back Oliver with Hayashida's daughter who was visiting the old house. And I brought Oliver back home and he seemed to want to go to sleep in the shade of the house.
Tonight after walking Kimo, I saw June outside and was going to get Oliver to show her. But when I went to get him, Wendy had come home and said Oliver was gone. He had gone to a dog breeder (James Lee?) who wants to breed him. [I guess that means he's been put out to stud.] It's kind of sad that Oliver's gone but at least he'll have a yard instead of being chained up all day. I'll miss him. And Kimo too (he'll probably still want to go down the driveway to look for him). But at least everybody got to meet him at tennis and I had one good long walk with him.
Wendy said she put an ad on Craigslist with Oliver's picture and she got a bunch of phone calls. But I guess she deleted it because I couldn't find the post. And by coincidence, she said she's moving to the area where I happened to walk Oliver today.
Lee Charles Kelley vs. Cesar Millan
Like many others, I'm a fan of Cesar Millan. Kelley seems to have respect for Cesar's abilities but believes his philosophy is fundamentally wrong.
For one thing, he says the dominance theory comes from observing wolves in captivity (and scavenging dogs) not behavior in the wild. Well, to me, I would think the dominance theory would still apply to pet dogs since, when you think about it, they actually are in captivity and not in the wild.
And as I read further, there's is a lot of overlap in their methods. In any case, both get good results. (I wish I could obtain a fraction of their success with dog rehabilitaton.) And that's really what counts.
Anyway, while googling, I found this post by Eva in the DogWhispererFans Yahoo group.
DogWhispererFans is actually only the fourth most popular (as counted by number of members) in the Dogs/Training and Obedience category on Yahoo. Number 1 is agbeh (aggressive behaviors in dogs group). I'll be wanting to check this group out.
For one thing, he says the dominance theory comes from observing wolves in captivity (and scavenging dogs) not behavior in the wild. Well, to me, I would think the dominance theory would still apply to pet dogs since, when you think about it, they actually are in captivity and not in the wild.
And as I read further, there's is a lot of overlap in their methods. In any case, both get good results. (I wish I could obtain a fraction of their success with dog rehabilitaton.) And that's really what counts.
Anyway, while googling, I found this post by Eva in the DogWhispererFans Yahoo group.
DogWhispererFans is actually only the fourth most popular (as counted by number of members) in the Dogs/Training and Obedience category on Yahoo. Number 1 is agbeh (aggressive behaviors in dogs group). I'll be wanting to check this group out.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Lee Charles Kelley's Amazon blog
It's kind of hard to navigate through LCK's amazon blog, so I've started this (orignally lck.htm) table of contents.
4/19/06 - And So It Begins
4/23/06 - What’s so Positive about Positive Training?
4/24/06 - Boomer's First Day, and Today
4/25/06 - Boomer & Malachi Go on a Walk Together
4/26/06 - Guilty Secrets
4/28/06 - The Slower You Go, the Faster You'll Get it Done
4/28/06 - Dougie Throws Me a Ball, Boomer Plays Fetch (a Little, Sort Of)
4/30/06 - Summer in Carroll Gardens, A Visit to Grey Gardens
5/1/06 - What's So Right About Dogs
5/2/06 - The Spoon Game
5/3/06 - Boomer's Progress
5/4/06 - Knowing When to Quit
5/5/06 - To Jump or not To Jump, To Prong or not To Prong
5/6/06 - Lost Post
5/7/06 - Never Scold the Alpha!
4/19/06 - And So It Begins
4/23/06 - What’s so Positive about Positive Training?
4/24/06 - Boomer's First Day, and Today
4/25/06 - Boomer & Malachi Go on a Walk Together
4/26/06 - Guilty Secrets
4/28/06 - The Slower You Go, the Faster You'll Get it Done
4/28/06 - Dougie Throws Me a Ball, Boomer Plays Fetch (a Little, Sort Of)
4/30/06 - Summer in Carroll Gardens, A Visit to Grey Gardens
5/1/06 - What's So Right About Dogs
5/2/06 - The Spoon Game
5/3/06 - Boomer's Progress
5/4/06 - Knowing When to Quit
5/5/06 - To Jump or not To Jump, To Prong or not To Prong
5/6/06 - Lost Post
5/7/06 - Never Scold the Alpha!
pawing the pillow
Here's an answer as to why Kimo paws at the towel and cushion before lying down? According to Yahoo Answers it's called cushioning the area.
Question: Why do some dogs move in circles and paw at the ground before they lay down to go to sleep?
Answer: All dogs do this, it is called cushioning the area first...they tend to think, the pawing and scratching of the area first will make it more comfortable.....for real this was in Dog World a few months back....
Question: Why do some dogs move in circles and paw at the ground before they lay down to go to sleep?
Answer: All dogs do this, it is called cushioning the area first...they tend to think, the pawing and scratching of the area first will make it more comfortable.....for real this was in Dog World a few months back....
howling at the siren
Another thing he does is howl at the siren. Like an ambulance or firetruck. It sounds more like a cry then a howl. I don't know if he does it because he's scared or is trying to communicate with it. He didn't do this when he first got here but started doing it some months ago.
There's a discussion at seefido with no real answer. But according to this linked page on dog communication, it's a wolf-like effort to communicate. Well, Kimo does look like (and at times acts like) a wild baby white wolf.
There's a discussion at seefido with no real answer. But according to this linked page on dog communication, it's a wolf-like effort to communicate. Well, Kimo does look like (and at times acts like) a wild baby white wolf.
bit again
I'm starting this blog after getting bitten by Kimo again. This time it was something new. I was sitting down with him (not looking at him) on the back slab. Then he heard Keith bark, went wild and went after my hand. I'd rate this the third worst bite after the first bite when he bit me on the front steps when I was reading the paper and he woke up. That about ties with the time he claimed a kleenex and took it to his area in the back (near the air conditioning unit) and I tried to take it away with my foot while he was growling. The first two I went to the doctor and got anti-biotics. This time, I think (I hope) I can get away without going to the doctors. It doesn't look that swollen. To me, anyway.
The fourth worst was a couple of weeks ago when I was on the front steps and he was on the landing just below me. He must have dozed off and when he awoke he went after my arm. Luckily most of the attack was blunted by my sweatshirt. (This sounds like I'm in denial at the dangerous behavior. Maybe I am.)
One thing I did this time was kind of moaned and said ow after he bit me. I don't know if that did anything. But he did seem to look remorseful. He even licked my wound later on. I let him lick my back of my hand earlier and today I let him lick the heel of my hand (which has the heavier wounds).
I've been reading the reviews and blog entries of Lee Charles Kelley. Something new I tried (I think I started just before I got bitten, but I don't think there's a connection) was to try calling him with a playful voice to come. It seems to work when he's barking in the back with his head around the corner of the house (he can just reach with the leash and chain (not really a chain) on. I also tried it today when he was barking at the fence in the garage. I walked past him while and said come as I walked to the back of the garage. And he came.
Today after feeding him (he didn't eat all), he nipped at my heels and jumped on me as I was leaving. So I gave him a toy to play with (the gift from Hershey). And he played with it for quite a while whereas in the past he generally ignored it. Except for the times, I would hide food under its feet and he would tip it over.
I don't know if this is related (maybe partly), but I tried a little of the feed and push technques as expained by Lee Charles Kelley and Neil Sattin. I would be rubbing his chest as I fed him and gave very slight pressure. If I gave too much pressure, then he wouldn't eat. Maybe he doesn't like the food THAT much.
He was barking on the landing just now and I tried to get him to come. I had to tug slightly at the leash and encourage him and he eventually came. Though it's early, (8:26 PM) as I write this, I gave him his favorite pillow with a blanket on top. He growls as he arranges the blanket with his foot. And I don't know why. He does the same thing with the towel in his doghouse. And actually he kind of does the same thing with the pillow itself. Maybe he's trying to dig into it like he does with dirt?
He just now was barking at the landing and I walked quickly past him down the steps and said come. And he followed me. I doubt that it would work if he's barking fiercely at a dog or big truck though. But I guess it's a start.
The fourth worst was a couple of weeks ago when I was on the front steps and he was on the landing just below me. He must have dozed off and when he awoke he went after my arm. Luckily most of the attack was blunted by my sweatshirt. (This sounds like I'm in denial at the dangerous behavior. Maybe I am.)
One thing I did this time was kind of moaned and said ow after he bit me. I don't know if that did anything. But he did seem to look remorseful. He even licked my wound later on. I let him lick my back of my hand earlier and today I let him lick the heel of my hand (which has the heavier wounds).
I've been reading the reviews and blog entries of Lee Charles Kelley. Something new I tried (I think I started just before I got bitten, but I don't think there's a connection) was to try calling him with a playful voice to come. It seems to work when he's barking in the back with his head around the corner of the house (he can just reach with the leash and chain (not really a chain) on. I also tried it today when he was barking at the fence in the garage. I walked past him while and said come as I walked to the back of the garage. And he came.
Today after feeding him (he didn't eat all), he nipped at my heels and jumped on me as I was leaving. So I gave him a toy to play with (the gift from Hershey). And he played with it for quite a while whereas in the past he generally ignored it. Except for the times, I would hide food under its feet and he would tip it over.
I don't know if this is related (maybe partly), but I tried a little of the feed and push technques as expained by Lee Charles Kelley and Neil Sattin. I would be rubbing his chest as I fed him and gave very slight pressure. If I gave too much pressure, then he wouldn't eat. Maybe he doesn't like the food THAT much.
He was barking on the landing just now and I tried to get him to come. I had to tug slightly at the leash and encourage him and he eventually came. Though it's early, (8:26 PM) as I write this, I gave him his favorite pillow with a blanket on top. He growls as he arranges the blanket with his foot. And I don't know why. He does the same thing with the towel in his doghouse. And actually he kind of does the same thing with the pillow itself. Maybe he's trying to dig into it like he does with dirt?
He just now was barking at the landing and I walked quickly past him down the steps and said come. And he followed me. I doubt that it would work if he's barking fiercely at a dog or big truck though. But I guess it's a start.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Keeping Dogs Friendly
In a pack, dogs communicate by barking, whining, tail-wagging, licking, and, once in a while, by biting. The trouble is, most dogs don't live in packs anymore -- they live with us. Yet they haven't learned to communicate the way we do. As a result, every year dogs bite about 4.7 million people, most of them children.
That number is on the rise despite ongoing efforts by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Veterinary Medical Association, and other groups to get the word out on bite prevention. A big hurdle faced by groups like these is that much of the popular wisdom on keeping dogs friendly is just plain wrong. Here are a few of of the most enduring myths and the correct information for understanding dogs and staying safe around them.
MYTH Approach the dog and stick your hand out so it can sniff you.
TRUTH Yes, it is important to let a strange dog smell you, but always let him approach you. Sticking your hand in a dog's face may be construed as a threat. Stand still with your hands at your side or crossed in front of you for protection, says Liam Crowe, dog trainer and head of operations for Bark Busters, an in-home dog training company with branches throughout the US and Canada. Always ask an adult owner for permission to pet before touching the dog. When you pet the dog, stroke him along his upper body or under his chin, which is less threatening than a strange hand coming at his head. Never allow children to hug a dog. Kids think it's friendly but, in a pack, a dog equates covering another's body with establishing dominance. A dog that disagrees may snap.
MYTH A wagging tail indicates a friendly dog.
TRUTH Tail wagging means a dog is excited, says Wayne Hunthausen, a veterinarian at Westwood Animal Hospital in Westwood, Kansas, and author of Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. But that may be a good excitement or a bad one. "It is the quality of the wag that tells you what is going on."
If a dog is friendly, his tail will wag low (horizontal to or lower than his body) and his whole back end will move. Beware the dog that is holding his tail high and wagging stiffly.
MYTH Try to get away from a dog if it starts to attack.
TRUTH Stand tall and still and avoid direct eye contact. Do not curl up into a ball unless you have already been knocked to the ground. If so, stay quiet and cover your ears with your fists for protection. The dog may see this as submission and walk away.
MYTH Your family dog will never bite you.
TRUTH "Parents come into my office and brag about how tolerant their dog is, but all dogs bite when they've had enough," says Hunthausen. Never leave anyone under the age of 12 alone with a dog. Kids' small size and sudden movements can startle a dog into snapping its teeth. Unfortunately, all too many times the dog connects and it results in an injury that was never intended.
-- LORI NUDO, Better Homes and Gardens, May 2006
PACK BEHAVIOR
More and more, dog obedience schools are teaching owners using knowledge of pack behavior. Because these behaviors are hardwired into dogs, this kind of training makes it easier for your dog to learn, says Liam Crowe, head of U.S. operations for Bark Busters, a company that uses such techniques. A whole course can take as little as 2 hours. Learn more at 877/280-7100 or barkbusters.com.
[transplanted from Unclassified Information, 10/13/11]
That number is on the rise despite ongoing efforts by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Veterinary Medical Association, and other groups to get the word out on bite prevention. A big hurdle faced by groups like these is that much of the popular wisdom on keeping dogs friendly is just plain wrong. Here are a few of of the most enduring myths and the correct information for understanding dogs and staying safe around them.
MYTH Approach the dog and stick your hand out so it can sniff you.
TRUTH Yes, it is important to let a strange dog smell you, but always let him approach you. Sticking your hand in a dog's face may be construed as a threat. Stand still with your hands at your side or crossed in front of you for protection, says Liam Crowe, dog trainer and head of operations for Bark Busters, an in-home dog training company with branches throughout the US and Canada. Always ask an adult owner for permission to pet before touching the dog. When you pet the dog, stroke him along his upper body or under his chin, which is less threatening than a strange hand coming at his head. Never allow children to hug a dog. Kids think it's friendly but, in a pack, a dog equates covering another's body with establishing dominance. A dog that disagrees may snap.
MYTH A wagging tail indicates a friendly dog.
TRUTH Tail wagging means a dog is excited, says Wayne Hunthausen, a veterinarian at Westwood Animal Hospital in Westwood, Kansas, and author of Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. But that may be a good excitement or a bad one. "It is the quality of the wag that tells you what is going on."
If a dog is friendly, his tail will wag low (horizontal to or lower than his body) and his whole back end will move. Beware the dog that is holding his tail high and wagging stiffly.
MYTH Try to get away from a dog if it starts to attack.
TRUTH Stand tall and still and avoid direct eye contact. Do not curl up into a ball unless you have already been knocked to the ground. If so, stay quiet and cover your ears with your fists for protection. The dog may see this as submission and walk away.
MYTH Your family dog will never bite you.
TRUTH "Parents come into my office and brag about how tolerant their dog is, but all dogs bite when they've had enough," says Hunthausen. Never leave anyone under the age of 12 alone with a dog. Kids' small size and sudden movements can startle a dog into snapping its teeth. Unfortunately, all too many times the dog connects and it results in an injury that was never intended.
-- LORI NUDO, Better Homes and Gardens, May 2006
PACK BEHAVIOR
More and more, dog obedience schools are teaching owners using knowledge of pack behavior. Because these behaviors are hardwired into dogs, this kind of training makes it easier for your dog to learn, says Liam Crowe, head of U.S. operations for Bark Busters, a company that uses such techniques. A whole course can take as little as 2 hours. Learn more at 877/280-7100 or barkbusters.com.
[transplanted from Unclassified Information, 10/13/11]
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