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HighDesertSpice

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  1. Fetch is a particularly difficult thing for HD--due to the quick turns, et al. My dogs get lots of swimming instead. My bc girl now has some sort of problem and I'm limiting her to just straight walk - running...no playing around with her buddies as the wrestling and contorting seems to aggravate the issue. I look at my dogs as kids who need some help dealing with injuries so as to heal and not to further aggravate the injuries.
  2. yep, we do! When I get angry generally it's because I didn't have a plan or a strategy--or the correct one. Or I opened up opportunities for them that I could not trust them with or that i had not prepped them for. So with regard to dog training and behavior, my answer is anticipationg or "lack of preparation". And then there's the "why isn't this working?" So this is the "poor execution" bunny trail. At which point, I immediately quit doing what doesn't work or isn't working, take time, think it over and try again. Many times, that means slowing down, focusing on analyzing what we're doing, then moving into the training part. Have fun! Err, may your blood pressure remain low!
  3. I'll confirm that here, one really does need to check out the groomers first.
  4. The thing about the ears is: The book cover to the first edition of McCaig's original 'Nop's Hope' featured a b&w, rosebud or houndish ears, just like this r&w. Also the BC Museum included rosebud or short hound ears on BC's up until Winter of 2007--as do many of the documented and recorded illustrations and photo's of working/stock bc's. This is one of those 'fashionable' things amongst bc folks of all stripes. Prick/stand-up ears are "in" of very late; granted that it has always been thought that stand up ears enable dogs to hear better.
  5. 'Sorry to hear about this, Bill, and glad to hear you're on your way to recovery. But when you get home, you really MUST rest up--oh and cut back on that butter!
  6. Yep; employed full time. In the am's: short training or games time--most often together (both dogs at the same time). My two not-high-drive bc mutts spend most of the day (during the very cold or very hot days) in separate kennels with chew toys & treats. IN the evening, it's short play time (w/o me), then dinner, then some form of foundation training or we all head off & out to some offleash somewhere (winter - parks, walks or trails; summer - swimming). Or I head off with one of them, incorporating some training into the outing--each dog getting this one-on-one time. This could also include short jaunts in the car - as they love it and it comes in handy when it's too cold or hot, et al. Weekends is when the longer training sessions / classes typically happen...although that will most likely change now that summer is near. The main thing is that the dogs get constant consideration amongst the other things I've invovled in. Which translates to my finding ways to incorporate them into whatever possible.
  7. deleted...wasn't really necessary to comment...nothing much to add to this t'all.
  8. That is hilarious!!! Actually, the Canuks I've known are generally friendly and unjaded...nice folks.
  9. [While my comment will diverge from the main topic, I would agree that, no matter what the circumstances, one should be prepared to fend off an attack (whether on one's person or on one's dog) from another dog when out in public. With that said, a sawed-off baseball bat could be viewed as a weapon, and in many locales may even violate local ordinances. Pepper spray is NOT a good idea; some dogs only become more enraged by it.] Great advice. I'm thinking Bear spray. 'Curious to know if you think that will be ineffective? There's also the police grade spray. Either of these will stop a bear, at least for a few.
  10. I have one of each, by design. They're a good compliment and the differences helps to soften / helps them sort out the conflicts. They are close in age, although I would have preferred a bigger age difference. If I get a 3rd, it will most likely be a girl....as I'd prefer the predictable spats over possible fights.
  11. Sure Although as I"m often guilty of not taking enough time to craft my responses, i'm not sure that you have a self control thing here. The point is to instill in the dog inner self control, vs. imposed self control--which really appeals to me as I'd rather my dog think through scenarios rather than needing me to control or micro-manage whereever possible. I found it in a magazine article (I'll go find the source....). In this excercise: 1. Get something of high value to your dog (i use cheese bits). 2. Put the dog in a sit or down. 3. Sit on the floor and about a foot or so away from the dog, open your hand to display the treats. Get a cup of coffee or tea and arm yourself with a lot of patience. THis should not be done in a hurry, and should take as long as it takes. 4. If/when dog dives for treats, close fist over treats. 5. When dog pulls back, open hand again (this is a mild reinforcement--due to the dog being able to enjoy the smells). When dog dives / reaches for treats. close your fist. THis may go on for a while 6. When the dog holds composure at your fist being open, reward with another different, but higher value something (I use chicken.) This is being held in your other hand all the while, and when you go to reward, open your hand slowly, pick it up slowly, dispense it to the dog slowly, et al. IF the dog dives in at any time during this slow motion reward, don't treat, quickly close your hands and go back to #4 and start again. 7. Do several trials until dog consistently holds composure, All this time are not saying anything or giving any cues--i believe the point with this is to minimize any confusion that you could be introducing to the routine by unclear cues, or confusion the dog has for whatever reason. The handler's contribution is really pared down to the bare minimum. I think it's good to have a pleasant facial expression though... It's important that dog is not able to sneak any of the pieces at any time. You can up the ante by putting the first group of bits on the floor Adding movement to your hands. Adding toys to the bits, etc. Since we've been doing this (this week), my girl is showing generally more self-control in those otherwise frenzied-eyes glazed over moments--thank goodness! ANd it can be modified. THe point being that the higher value thing is offered but they don't get it until they demonstrate some composure / self control. Ex: sit quietly while the car door is being opened at the park. I'm absolutely sure there are others on this board who really have this down. I've just discovered it. Love it so far, though.
  12. Congrats, Bailey! Good work Diane! Diane, She's gorgeous...
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