Eastern Shore Dog

Nine STAR Puppies and Their Superstar Humans

By esdog, on April 22nd, 2012

This week nine AKC STAR Puppies graduated from Basic Obedience Class at the Barrier Islands Center. This is the largest class of STAR Puppies to date from the BIC’s “Dogs on the Farm” Program.

STAR, which stands for Socialization-Training-Activity-Responsibility, is hosted by the American Kennel Club for any puppy who completes 6 weeks of training with an AKC Canine Good Citizen/STAR Puppy Evaluator. The puppies learned safe and courteous greetings, leash walking, and recall (come when called), as well as behaviors such as sit, down, stay, wait, leave it, and more. The dogs were excellent students, and their people were pretty good, too. :)

Nine STAR Puppies graduated at the Barrier Islands Center this week!

The graduating class included four Labrador Retrievers (Honey, Sandy, Haze and Maya), two Jack Russell Terriers (Brewster and Rosebud), two Golden Doodles (Chewy and Rudy) and one English Cocker Spaniel (Teagan). This was an unusual class in many ways, but we had a surprise the first week. Although Brewster and Rosebud are siblings and their owners knew each other before class, we unexpectedly discovered that Sandy and Honey (the larger yellow lab puppies) are litter mates, and Maya and Haze (the smaller yellow and black labs) are litter mates! Rudy and Chewy, the Golden Doodles, are not related, and Teagan does not believe she is a dog at all – she says she is a little girl.

Three kids completed the classes with their puppies. Pictured are Tristan and Haze, Tyler and Sandy, and Olivia and Maya.

Tristan and Haze, Tyler and Sandy, and Olivia and Maya at the Barrier Islands Center

Contact the BIC at 757.678.5550 if you think you might have a STAR Puppy, too. Summer Session starts June 16.

Walk on! Beth Ann

April brings May flowers – and snakes and ticks.

By esdog, on April 12th, 2012

One of my clients reminded me that Spring brings ticks and snakes to her walks with her dog.

Remember, North American snakes are probably more afraid of you than you are of them. They are not likely to hunt you down, like a cobra might. Heck, even cobras only strike after plenty of warning. Once, in Idaho at the Snake River Birds of Prey Area with my friend Darby, I almost stepped on a rattlesnake right beside the trail. It shook its rattle and I instinctively side-stepped away from the sound like a saddle horse. Plenty of warning before it even thought about striking (if snakes even think), and before Darby had to carry-drag me back to the truck.

Ticks are another story. Google “ticks” and you’ll get all kinds of information – helpful, scary and sometimes disgusting information. Ticks are indiscriminate, hungry and sneaky (ok that was an anthropomorphism) little guys who can wreak all kinds of issues from minor irritation to serious health damage. Talk to you veterinarian about prevention and treatment – now.

I’m not going to stop walking my dogs, or playing ball with my dogs, or doing nose work with my dogs – because snakes and ticks are out there. The first doesn’t really concern me and the second is just business-as-usual in Virginia in the summer.

Snakes and ticks are this season’s reason to keep your veterinarian’s phone number close by, or even on speed dial.

Walk on – Beth Ann

BIC Classes – March 2012

By esdog, on February 11th, 2012

Parlor Manners/Basic Obedience – Learn the fundamentals of companion obedience and how to communicate with your best friend. Your dog will learn mouth manners (take it, leave it, get it, drop it), control behaviors (sit, down, stay) and safety behaviors (wait, recall). We’ll also work on polite leash walking and more. We add games and tricks to keep your dog engaged and learning. Starts Sunday March 4, 1p, 6 weeks, $100. Any dog, any age, no prerequisite. 8 dogs maximum. This class is FULL! Email Beth Ann to reserve your place in our next class.

Introduction to K9 Nosework - See January 22 post for more details about this very cool dog activity and sport that anyone and any dog can enjoy. Any dog, any age, any temperament, no prerequisite. You do not have to be an Olympic athlete to participate in this activity – all you need is a dog with a nose, a leash, boxes, and a place – and the Barrier Islands Center is where it’s at!

Two sessions – choose Saturday or Sunday afternoons:

Session 1: Starts Saturday March 10, 2p, 6 weeks, $100. Registration required, This class is FULL!. Email Beth Ann to reserve your place in our next class.

Session 2: Starts Sunday March 11, 2p, 6 weeks, $100. Registration required, 8 dog maximum, 2 spots left. Email Beth Ann to reserve your place.

K9 Nose Work – looking for a few (more) good dogs!

By esdog, on January 22nd, 2012

Hey – if you are interested in pure fun with your dog, consider joining us for Introduction to Nose Work. This is a new activity and a new sport, based on detection dog training techniques. Nose Work allows your dog to use his natural ability to detect scent and determine its source. After introductory classes, your dog will learn to find a novel scent anywhere in interior, exterior, and vehicle searches.

Bodhi, our little male Australian Shepherd, was shy, uncertain, and lacked confidence. He follows his two (adopted) sisters, looking to them for instruction and guidance. To start my education toward instructor certification by the National Association of Canine Scent Work, I took Bodhi to Nose Work camp (no kidding). We had a blast – and Bodhi had some kind of dog epiphany. He no longer gets growly at strangers when we’re out. He pees by himself – not always waiting to see where one of the sisters pees first.

And – Bodhi is a Nose Work nut! Here are links to videos of Bodhi working scent-only boxes at an intermediate seminar.

Bodhi birch – run 1, search 1

Bodhi birch – run 1, search 2

How it works:

First, we’ll re-ignite your dog’s natural desire to hunt. We do this with yummy treats and a series of exercises developing motivation. Your dog gains confidence in his ability to get the job done.
Next, we’ll challenge your dog with height and location changes, making the game more fun as your dog learns the ropes.
Finally, we’ll teach your dog to detect specific, activity-related scents, and fine-tune his scenting skills.

What I love about Nose Work:

Any dog can do it – no restrictions on breed, age, sex, behavioral issues. No obedience training required.
Any owner can do it – no running around a ring, no special techniques or skills needed.
It’s cheap – you need a dog, a leash, some cardboard boxes, a place and an open heart.
It’s dog biology friendly – your dog will problem-solve, hunt, and self-reward.
It’s fun!!

Class size will be limited to 6 dogs; 6 sessions, at Barrier Islands Center. Contact Beth Ann for start date and time.

Why your dog acts like that with me.

By esdog, on January 5th, 2012

I hear quite often – “When you work with my dog, he does everything you ask. He doesn’t behave like that for me!” Here’s what I tell people:

I love your dog. I do! This is something you and I have in common. I look at your dog and see the product of years of breeding, ages of evolution and the wonder of God. I can’t help it. As a biologist, I’m amazed at the variation I see in the world, and the individuation of similar characteristics. I love that your dog is like all other dogs in many ways – and that he is unique in others. I seriously love your dog.

I believe in your dog. I know, without doubt, that your dog is an amazing problem solver, and that he will respond to consistent leadership eventually. We might have to fine-tune some methods with some dogs – not every dog (or every person, for that matter) responds in the same way to their environment, stimuli, and situations. I am undaunted. I know that your dog will “get it.”

I have high expectations for your dog. Your dog responds to my expectations because he can. I have not met a dog that doesn’t rise to reasonable expectations, given appropriate rewards and activities. Most people bore their dogs until the poor dogs either shut down or seek other, less acceptable behaviors. You have a fabulous friend there; when you challenge your dog and raise expectations you create a relationship built on teamwork and trust.

So that’s it. I love your dog. I believe in your dog. I have high expectations for your dog. Give that a shot, and get back to me – I bet your dog starts to act like he does with me, with you, too!

Hugs and belly rubs, Beth Ann

What Leadership Looks Like

By esdog, on December 24th, 2011

I learn something from dogs every day. My own dogs demonstrate real-life “dominance” every day – that dominance is fleeting, fluid, resource-linked, and a very subtle dance communicated by body postures, glances and vocalizations. When we have other dogs in the house, or one of our dogs visits my sister’s house, the hierarchy for each resource readjusts as personalities jockey for position.

In the last month, I heard from two clients whose dogs had bitten someone. One, a beautiful GSD, fell back to an old stress behavior when he suddenly felt unsafe (which the owners quickly diagnosed and dealt with). The other, the cutest Yorkie-Schnau, has been leading her family since she came home. This couple, who are hip to her jive, now understand what leadership looks like to a dog. Whoever owns the resource is the leader – and the owner of a resource is constantly being assessed by the dog.

Now – what is a resource? And how can you easily start to train your dog to watch for your cues – which is establishing leadership (dominance). The good news: NO need for shoulder rolls or scruff grabs – that’s not how it works in the dog world and you can abandon those techniques which cause resistance and confusion for your dog. More good news: you already have two daily events that will help you. And you already have two tools in your tool box to make this happen – changing up your requests and consistently using your release word.

Using the door – any door or doorway

does the dog sit, stand, or lie down while his collar and leash are put on?
does the dog wait to be released?
who decides who goes through first?
who decides how long the wait is before someone goes through?
who decides if the dog sits, stands or lies down while he’s waiting to pass through the doorway?

Feeding time

does the dog sit, stand, or lie down as you place the bowl on the floor?
does the dog wait to be released?
who decides when, where and what the dog eats?

Challenging your dog to think about what you want goes a long way toward other courtesy and safety behaviors – not jumping on visitors, walking politely on a leash, a reliable recall. Be gentle, but firm – expect great things from your dog. I know he can do it.

Your dog is watching you – you know this! Give leadership a chance, I know you can do it.

Brag, brag, brag….

By esdog, on October 11th, 2011

Sunday was a happy dog day at the Barrier Islands Center.

Two full classes of beginner dogs that are moving forward, bonding with their owners, having fun.

Then – a Greetings Workshop with eight dogs, learning safe and polite people-dog greetings and dog-dog greetings. The highlight was having Flo and Kathleen, two observers who gave the dogs practice at safe greetings with seated people. Yes, just by sitting quietly on benches these two women gave an unexpected experience to each of the dogs and their handlers. Sometimes we just get lucky. :)

Finally, a Canine Good Citizen test with Kendra Ayersman and her beautiful Coral, a Brittany. Lovely, passed with flying colors and great ambassadors for the AKC CGC program.

Sunday’s glow is still with me, on Tuesday evening.

xo Beth Ann

BIC dog classes announced for September

By esdog, on July 22nd, 2011

Barrier Islands Center just posted the Dogs on the Farm! schedule for this autumn. Basic Obedience Class already has two dogs in it!

Basic Obedience - No pre-requisites, any dog, any age. Learn to communicate with your dog more effectively, resulting stronger bond and more fun. We’ll cover the foundations of dog obedience, using the naturals of dog behavior and our dogs’ innate ability to problem-solve. Teach your dog focus and attention, control (sit, down, stay), safety behaviors (come, wait), and manners (polite leash walking, greetings), and more. Tricks and play are added to motivate and challenge your dog. Six week session starts Sunday, September 11 through Sunday, October 16th. Cost: $100

Dog Socials & Greetings Workshops: Join the “Dogs on the Farm” family! Teach your dog the polite way to meet new people and other dogs, and brush up on canine courtesy and socialization skills. Any dog, any age, any skill level. Each session is 1.5 hour – $20 per session. Choose one or come to both. Families and kids welcome!

September 18, 2:30 pm
October 9, 2:00 pm

Recall Workshops: Does your dog come when you call, everytime you call? If not, then this workshop is for you. Get started with basic skills that build a reliable recall, and learn games that support this life-saving behavior. Your dog will also gain experience at recall in the most distracting environment of all – surrounded by other dogs! Any dog, any age, any skill level. Two week class, $40 per dog, limit 6 – registration required.

Session 1: September 25 and October 2, 2:00 pm
Session 2: October 23 and October 30, 2:00 pm

Deanna Klingel coming to BIC!

By esdog, on June 25th, 2011

Listen: If you’ve always thought your dog should be a therapy dog, please join us at the Barrier Islands Center on July 5 to meet Deanna Klingel and hear her talk about her book “Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog” and her work with her therapy dogs.

You know me, I’m a nuts and bolts kind of girl. Yet, Didi and I (yes, the same Didi who doesn’t really care for other dogs at first meeting) are waiting to start our career as hospice visitors – this is because I have a history with hospice and know the peace that a dog or cat can bring to a hospice patient. Someday, I hope someone cares enough about what I want to lay a fuzzy, four-legged being on my lap when I’m drawing my last breath – and I want everyone who wants that to have the same thing. So, yes, Didi and I are going to be on the hospice circuit as soon as we get our first call. We are also part of the Barks and Books reading team – ready to visit elementary schools and let kids read to Didi to increase kid literacy – just as soon as the Commonwealth of Virginia cooperates again. That’s another &#*% story – don’t get me started. So, yeah, I’m a nuts and bolts girl who believes that dogs get things done where mere humans can’t.

However. As a dog trainer, I meet alot of people – I mean ALOT of people who tell me they think their dog would make a good therapy dog. And many times, they’re right. But you know what? The dog doesn’t drive itself to appointments, doesn’t find the right room, doesn’t spend time alone with patients (or students) – no – there’s a PERSON attached to that leash! Guess what? The person is you. YOU have to be willing to get organized, get in the car with a dog, go into a hospital or assisted living facility, and sit while someone else handles your dog. You have to be the one to watch that the person doesn’t give your dog an Ibuprofen, or your dog doesn’t pick up an stray piece of gauze off the floor. You, you with the car keys and wallet – you have to have the heart to spend time with people who might or might not be that pleasant, might be dying, might not be feeling all that great – but who gain solace and some comfort from the presence of your dog. Owning a working therapy dog is not about you, it’s about the person who needs your dog “just for the moment” and it’s about your dog. You are the driver, the enabler, the mediator. The dog is the quiet, even silent, star of this show. Your job is to stay out of the way so the magic can happen.

Here’s the thing I love about Deanna’s writing on the subject – she points out that the dog doesn’t do the work alone. Maybe that’s obvious to you, but I can assure you it’s not obvious to everyone. This is a very realistic look at what owning a working therapy dog is like. The stories in Deanna’s book provide insight into this life and this world. This is not the “made for TV movie” version from the Lifetime channel – it’s just life. And sometimes, beyond.

I’m really looking forward to Deanna’s talk on July 5 at the BIC, and hope to see you there.

Author discussion and book signing of the book: Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog, by Deanna Klingel: Tuesday, July 5th at 7 p.m. at the Barrier Islands Center in Machipongo. “Just for the Moment” shows the often-poignant and spiritual journey of Lily and Jessie, another golden retriever therapy dog – ordinary pets who became extraordinary therapy dogs, weaving small miracles every day. Author Deanna K. Klingel lives and writes in the mountain resort of Sapphire Valley, NC. She is a member of North Carolina Writer’s Network, Society of Childrens’ Book Writers and Illustrators, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Royal Scribblers of Cashiers. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Check out BIC – SPCA dog student Trey!

By esdog, on May 29th, 2011

One of our friends, Trey, made the ES SPCA June newsletter. Check out the link at the SPCA website or at our Resources tab, under Beth Ann’s Writings/Articles.

The title is “Start Where Your Dog Is – Training Your Shelter Dog.” Good advice for all of us, including your friendly neighborhood dog trainer.

Looking good, Trey!