Diary of a Dog Trainer

A Film Called 'Fetch'

2011-08-23T21:05:00.004+01:00

Dinky my Leonberger was in a short film called 'Fetch' where she had to carry a severed arm around a farm!
The film directed by Jack Davies has been selected for the best of boroughs film awards, which is in September. I get to go to BAFTA with the rest of the film crew to watch them!

http://filmlondon.org.uk/best_of_boroughs/fetch/

There are lots more photos and screen grabs on the 'Fetch' facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Fetch-Movie/164983960227239

Training Workshops and Quick update

2011-08-06T20:02:00.003+01:00

I have updated the training workshop page with all confirmed dates for September and October

Ive finished my first year of the BSc at Bishop Burton, its has been a bit of a rollercoaster and hoping next year will be better.

I'm part way through my CAP Assessors Course and have completed 3 supervised CAP1 Assessments. On Monday Im off to Worcester to the Learning About Dogs Teaching Diploma Course for a week and then back the following week to Helen Phillips Advanced Gundog Week. Tommorow is CAP3 training at WaggaWuffins. I think Helen might be sick of the sight of me by the end of the month!!!

Waggawuffins is Closed From Monday the 15th to Friday the 19 August and reopens on the Saturday as myself and Matt are on the Advanced Gundog Week.

Ive been mad busy trying to fit everyone in for home vists etc before i go and feel I need the break now! Puppy Classes are busy as ever and we only have a couple of places left in August! We have had some very very sweet pups come to classes :-)

Thats all for now I need to chop treats for tommorow!

Blackrod Scarecrow Festival 2nd and 3rd July 2011

2011-07-04T14:35:00.013+01:00

The annual Blackrod Scarecrow Festival in Bolton is run over a weekend with each day being at one of the two schools in the village. Saturday I was asked to do something and due to us working Saturday morning I agreed to go and do a clicker training demonstration in the afternoon so I took Dinky with me and Carole and Tess met us there.
Sunday we had arranged for all of us to be there all day. Carole thankfully brought all the gear in her trailer for us. We did several displays through the day, Agility, Canine Freestyle, Gundog, Triebball and Clicker Training

We took Samson and Tess the Border Collies, Teal and Cara the Springer Spaniels, Dinky the Leonberger, Pickles the Working Cocker and Diesel the Rottie.

The weather was beautiful and we had already picked a spot prior that would have shade! So the doggies were fine. The dogs met lots of people and this was Diesel and Dinkys favourite part as they got lots of fuss!

Sarah and Samson did a Freestyle demo

Matt and Teal did a Gundog Display

The others helped with Triebball and Agility Demos

There are lots more photos on the WaggaWuffins Facebook page

New Spring Summer Workshops

2011-05-02T20:31:00.003+01:00

I have updated the Training Workshops dates on the website

http://www.waggawuffins.com/Courses%20and%20Workshops.htm"

We have Agility, Shaping, Puppy, Treibball, mixed Activites and Hetty van Hassel is coming to do a Heelwork to Music Workshop of the 26th June 2011

Here is a video of Hetty doing a Heelwork to Music Demonstration at Discover Dogs in London

Wagga Wuffins Launch Puppy Life Skills Sessions - 'Training and Socialisation in the Real World'

2011-04-26T11:32:00.002+01:00

We have had many discussions about what pet owners really need to help them turn their puppies into well behaved sociable adult dogs.
We run very successful puppy classes at Waggawuffins where we include controlled socialisation, basic training and education of owners.

We have found that some people find it hard to transfer these skills outside into their day to day environment and some people don’t have the confidence to allow their dogs to got off lead or socialise with other dogs without our supervision.
We always train dogs and puppies in controlled environments such as fields, halls and centres and although they are safe and controlled having many advantages, we should also be out there in the real world supporting the training and socialisation there too!
So we have designed WaggaWuffins Puppy Life Skills Sessions!
These sessions have been developed by our behaviourist Jane Ardern with the support of one of our trainers Matthew Phair and are training sessions of small groups in public places. One is a visit to Bury Town Centre and the others are Local Parks (Heaton, Phillips, Burrs)
If you think you might be interested in these sessions please visit our website for more information
http://www.waggawuffins.com/lifeskills.htm

Irresponsible Dog Owner!

2011-04-24T20:01:00.003+01:00

Today I met up with my Brother, his wife, my nephew and their chocolate lab for a nice Easter Sunday Stroll round Phillips Park. I took Pickles with me.

We were having a lovely walk and stopped by the Hall in the Gardens while Charlie my nephew who is 2 was blowing bubbles. Suddenly two very large black Labradors came charging over towards us off lead with their owner calling them and they totally ignored her.

The largest lab spotted my sister in laws bag and made a bee line for it, went straight in and dragged out little Charlie’s body warmer running around with its new trophy, then the other lab ran up trying to get it and the two dogs started to play tug quite aggressively with it tearing itand slobbering all over it!

I picked Charlie up in my arms quickly not happy that these dogs where having a great time tearing something apart that was covered in my little nephews scent!

The dogs then dropped the body warmer and pummelled Pickles into the Pond who then couldn’t get out as the Labs were all round where she was trying to get out. The owner went to the pond where my sister in law was trying to get Pickles, asked was Pickles her dog, put hers on lead and just walked off!!!

My sister in law came back to us with a torn slobbered jacket and I asked if she apologised, she said no she just asked if Pickles was her dog.

Very angry I shouted that an apology would be nice and she just looked at us and walked off!

Her friend who was with her had a Lab on lead all the time, maybe she should take a leaf out her friend’s book and be more responsible and keep her out of control dogs on a lead, or maybe get them trained!!!!

Clicker Training Days At Waggawuffins

2011-04-19T17:53:00.004+01:00

Clicker Pre Sports Puppy 8th May 2011
10am till 4pm £30 per handler - Max 8 dogs
A day for anyone that is planning to do sports with their puppy or if you just want some fun training ideas! The day consists of self awareness through shaping, targeting and object interaction, finding your puppy’s motivators and reinforcers and training games to build a stronger bond and focus

Clicker Free-Shaping Day 22nd May 2011
10am till 4pm £30 per handler - Max 8 dogs
A full day of learning about Free-Shaping
Free-Shaping builds stronger more reliable behaviours.
The day focuses on teaching object interaction to help with directional and distance control, agility and assistance dogs support, physical movements from paw lifts and head turns to tail wags and lips licks, directional movement’s like spins, turns and backwards circles

Foundation Agility Workshop 12th June 2011
10am till 4pm £35 per handler - Max 6 dogs
For Pet Dogs! The day involves introducing your dog safely to all the equipment using clicker shaping and capturing. We teach the dogs to work the equipment independently, confidently and safely. Our methods enable your dog to be calm and focused while having loads of fun!

Treibball Training Workshop 19th June 2011
10am till 4pm £35 per handler - Max 6 dogs
Learn Treibball with your dog. It’s not just for Collies, ball herding suitable for any breed. We teach the foundation exercises with clicker training. During the day we will teach the outrun to the dogs, then introduce the dogs to the gym balls where eventually we look at teaching the push/drive and directional control

All workshops instructed by Jane Ardern FdSc CBT, DipCABT, CAP2, CAPBT, MAPDT1058

Contact: Jane@waggawuffins.com or call 0161 762 0174 to book

www.waggawuffins.com www.youtube.com/waggawuffins

A long awaited update !

2011-04-17T20:11:00.000+01:00

Well thought I’d better write a blog, it’s been a while! We have regular updates and photos on our facebook page the link is http://www.facebook.com/pages/WaggaWuffins/123960610972841

Firstly Matt took his Grade Three Gundog Test with Teal his Springer Spaniel at Leaming Bar and Passed with Distinction! Well done Matt, Grade 4 to work towards now!

We had Bronze Good Citizen Tests on Saturday and 8 dogs passed! Photos on our facebook page, well done to their owners!

College has been weird since Pauline left, we have had little support, haven’t even seen or spoke to the new course manager! Plodding through but very unmotivated by it all. It’s not a course I would recommend to people at the moment in its current state!

On the bright side we have had Helen coming to train Clicker again and we have her booked for the rest of the year and all places are taken, we have a really good bunch of clicker mad, like minded positive trainers from all over the UK!!

Helen came up for the whole weekend last time and myself and Gillian had a CAP Assessor training day on the Saturday. We are both training to be CAP Assessors, we have assignments to do and also observed assessing. We are also doing the LADs Teaching Diploma which I’m really excited about, there is a lot of work involved and it’s very much about teaching people.
Once this is all completed I will be able to run CAP Courses at WaggaWuffins! How cool is that?

On the Saturday evening I had a good chat with Helen about my dissertation and she gave me lot things to think about and got me really motivated to do it! I’ve also booked 3 weeks gundog training with Helen over the year with Pickles!

Me and Matt took Snoopy and Teal for a photo shoot a few weeks back and last week me and Dinky were doing a film shoot for a short film called Fetch!

Classes are ticking along nicely and so are the workshops, we plan to do these on a regular basis now. We have PreSports Puppy for dogs under 12 months and Clicker Free Shaping workshops in May. We have had some really good feedback from the workshops!

That’s all for now!

Clicker Workshops at Waggawuffins, Lancashire

2011-03-17T15:09:00.001Z

Clicker Training Workshops at WaggaWuffins - Lancashire

Foundation Agility Workshop 10th April 2011
10am till 4pm £30 per handler - Max 6 dogs
For Pet Dogs! The day involves introducing your dog safely to all the equipment using clicker shaping and capturing. We teach the dogs to work the equipment independently, confidently and safely. Our methods enable your dog to be calm and focused while having loads of fun!

Triebball Training Workshop 17th April 2011
10am till 4pm £30 per handler - Max 6 dogs
Learn Triebball with your dog. It’s not just for Collies, ball herding suitable for any breed. We teach the foundation exercises with clicker training. During the day we will teach the outrun to the dogs, then introduce the dogs to the gym balls where eventually we look at teaching the push/drive and directional control
Dogs must have previous clicker experience to attend the course and be able to target an object at more than 5 paces

Pre Sports Puppy 8th May 2011
10am till 4pm £30 per handler - Max 6 dogs
A day for anyone that is planning to do some fun canine activities with their puppy in the future. The day consists of self awareness through shaping, targeting and object interaction, finding your puppy’s motivators and reinforcers and training games to build a stronger bond and focus

Clicker Free-Shaping Day 22nd May 2011
10am till 4pm £30 per handler - Max 8 dogs
A full day of learning about Free-Shaping
Free-Shaping builds stronger more reliable behaviours.
The day focuses on teaching object interaction to help with directional and distance control, agility and assistance dogs support, physical movements from paw lifts and head turns to tail wags and lips licks, directional movement’s like spins, turns and backwards circles

All workshops instructed by Jane Ardern FdSc CBT, DipCABT, CAP2, CAPBT, MAPDT1058

Contact: Jane@waggawuffins.com or call 0161 762 0174 to book
www.waggawuffins.com www.youtube.com/waggawuffins

www.waggawuffins.com
*Powerful Positive Dog Training*

Study, Study and More Study

2011-02-08T17:26:00.002Z

I’m part way through my first year BSc top up in Canine Behaviour and Training. It’s been weird just before Christmas Pauline our Course manager that we have had for the last 3 years for the FdSc announced she was leaving. It was quite a shock and feeling of uncertainty, which is still going on now! We have a new course manager and get to meet her in person at college next week. It was also then announced that Lynda is leaving the course, this again was disappointing. I’ve learnt a lot from Lynda especially on the practical side and was looking forwards to doing advanced instructing with her. I think Depending on whom takes over this will depend upon if I take the option now. I feel it’s really important that the teachers are good for you to get the best out of a course. I need to get stuck into my dissertation and do some pilot studies this month, I’ve got Marion for my dissertation support which is fab!

Pauline has set up her own business called Canine Tutor so its good that we actually still can have her support if we need it. If your struggling with a course and need some extra support I would recommend her http://www.caninetutor.co.uk/

I have also been given an amazing opportunity to train as a CAP Assessor for LADs which starts in April. I’m also starting their Teaching Diploma as well as doing my CAP3! I’m really excited about this as I was planning to focus on teaching skills more and this is just ideal.
It’s going to be hard work, like I haven’t got enough on my plate but will be worth it, so lots of study for me this year again!

We have finished the CAP Courses we were offering with Helen for now and Helen is just coming to do training with the Staff at WaggaWuffins who will be continuing to work through their CAP Levels and I’ve allowed a couple of my college friends to come along too.

I feel this last few months I have really found where I want to go and will now be focusing on Dog Training and Behaviour only at Waggawuffins it’s what we excel at!

Winalot Family Moments Exhibition

2011-02-08T17:04:00.000Z

I got tickets from Editor Beverley Cuddy from Dogs Today Magazine to the Winalot Family Moments Exhibition in London in December
I got to take Dinky my leonberger along and as we were representing Dogs Today magazine I had an exclusive interview with Ben Fogle. There is a full write up of the day in February’s Edition of Dogs Today magazine

Finishing off 2010

2011-02-08T16:46:00.005Z

Since new year it has been really busy and hectic so here's the end news for 2010 better late than never!
November 2010 we have our CAP2 Assessments and myself, Matt, Jayne, Jackie, Cas and Gillian all passed with Distinction

Well done everyone !

Dog of The Year Awards 2010

We had our Christmas Parities in December and gave our annual awards which were as follows
Puppy of the Year 2010 was Casper the Chihuahua
Young Dog of the Year 2010 was Jet the Patterdale
Agility Dog of the Year 2010 was Ralph the Collie
Dog of the Year 2010 was Jasper the Staffie

Well done to all the winners at the parties and thank you to Caroline from Vets4Pets and Claire from Woof n’ Tumble for being our Judges
My Fav was Diesel the Rottie in his Fancy Dress Outfit

I was meant to go on a gundog training day with Helen in December but the weather was bad and we decided not to risk it which was good job because the Frontera broke down again !

Happy New Year

2011-01-18T21:59:00.002Z

Well we have been that busy I've had no time to update my blog and I have loads to talk about...but thats not unusual!

I will split the news into separate blogs as we have CAP2 success, christmas parites and dogs of year awards, Shoot up Training day with Pickles, College News, Plans for the New Year, my Trip to London to the Winalot Awards and much more................
watch this space!

College, Graduation, Training Days and Poorly Doggies

2010-11-13T15:29:00.005Z

loads of stuff has been happening over the past few weeks. Matt started his FdSc in Canine Behaviour and Training, I started my BSc in the same subject. Matt has done a block weekend and has a block week coming soon. I had a block week in October.

I’ve decided on my dissertation and I’m going to research the time it takes to train dogs using different methods.

We had two CAP2 training days which have been really good the last one is next Sunday.
I did my first Clicker Free-Shaping Workshop with was full and got lots of great feedback so more of those to come. It’s the Clicker Gundog Training Day tomorrow, really looking forwards to it!

Last Saturday I graduated a Beverley Minister in East Yorkshire with FdSc in Canine Behaviour and Training. Jon and my Mum and Dad came along, it was a great day!

And finally I have a featured behaviour case history in Decembers Dogs Today Magazine, its their 20 Year Anniversary edition!

I’ve been keeping updated with the Animal Training and Behaviour Council and the changes the organisations are making to fall inline with the plans. It looks good.

Pickles has been poorly and ended up at the vets on a drip, but is much better now. Taz had to have 2 lumps removed and tested, thankfully they are benign. So we’ve had a few visits to the vets over the last few weeks and lots of stress!

I have decided to close the Doggie Daycare for the time being due to other work commitments we have for 2011. We have been sending enquiries over to Mypetstop in Denton which is a great place just off the M60. We are still offering a dog walking service.

I’m currently (along with everything else) writing courses and setting up a new business venture, more of that soon!

The shop is full of doggy goodies for Christmas and I have Christmas Parties to Plan next week!

My PC crashed and died this week so have lost all the emails received, so if you have sent an email and had no reply, please resend or phone the office with your enquiry

That’s all for now!!!

Beginners Pet Dog Agility Training Day, Bury, Greater Manchester Lancashire

2010-10-19T14:56:00.003+01:00

We have an Agility Training Day In December for Pet Dogs

Controlling Predatory Chase Behaviour Using Positive Reinforcement

2010-10-19T08:36:00.005+01:00

Thought I would share a story of overcoming an issue with one of my own dogs.

Dinky my leonberger has a very high chase drive and as a pup was a nightmare she was into everything but me! When I took her out she would totally ignore me.

I know the ignoring me was an operant thing meaning a choice and I needed to be more exciting but I also had this predatory recall issue.

There is a big difference between a poor recall and predatory chase behaviour. A poor recall is when the dog chooses not to come back becuase is just would prefer to carry on doing what it is doing.
A dog with a strong predatory drive chases things, other dogs, cars, small furries etc. The movement of the 'prey' triggers the dogs predatory motor pattern into play. This is like a reflex action and the dog is then in prey drive. This is hard for the dog to control and is very intrinsically rewarding. They enjoy it and can start to become obsessed looking for opportunities to do it. If you have a dog with predatory chase behaviour you will know because you can see the dog 'switch' especially when playing with another dog.

By 10 months Dinky just wanted to stalk and chase everything living. She had also learnt that if a dog was not running if she ran up and scared them they would run and she could then chase them. Not really appropriate when you’re a dog trainer and your huge dog is going up to toy breeds in the park to scare and chase them!!!!

She chased two sheep half down a mountain on holiday, I was mortified and just stood on the top of the hill hyperventilating as the farm was at the bottom of the hill and I thought she was going to get shot!! Dinky ran into a tree and came back!

I couldn’t let her play with dogs that ran because she would ‘switch’ into predatory chase behaviour.

She would look for birds, ducks, cats, dogs, rabbits, squirrels and if there was nothing around she could always stalk and chase Snoopy my other dog.

I spent lots of time trying to find motivators/rewards etc to distract her. Toys, food forget it!!

The thing is with a leonberger is its not like a collie and they don’t become ball obsessed. There is big difference to a live animal and a toy and they know it.

I spoke to a friend who advised me on the chase recall. She said if you can’t call her of a ball you won’t get her off an animal. The issue was I could call her off a ball!! Although the concept of the chase recall and starting with easy stuff was my step forward.

I had also read Ray Coppingers book 'Dogs' and understood the predatory motor pattern and applied the advice to this, if I can’t get her attention off ‘eye’ or ‘stalk’ then I can forget chase.

I took Dinky to a 'positive' trainer and we let her off. She chased one of the other dogs and one of the comments was ‘***%^*$$”* that dog can move!!’ I was advised that this behavior could'nt be solved with positive reinforcement the most effective solution was a shock collar!!

I was getting frustrated and desperate and I thought about it. I was so disheartened, was all this positive training rubbish when it came to serious problems.

I decided ethically it goes against everything I believe and as a positive trainer I must prove them wrong, this behaviour can be changed using positive methods.

So taking all the little tips I’d got from different trainers I set to work, first getting Dinky’s attention in a distracting environment. I used a tip from one trainer and went on the field held her lead, ignored her and waited for her to offer attention (Instead of my usual begging for it).

17 minutes and 23 seconds later, freezing my **&% off Dinky eventually looked it me and I clicked and treated bounced about and had a play with her. The next day we went out and it lasted 5 minutes before she looked at me and we played. Then every time we went out she would offer me her attention straight away, I started to introduce some basic training into the play and treats.

Now I had managed to get her to acknowledge I existed we started with some ‘leave’ training. I took Dinky in a 6ft lead to all sorts of places and worked on leave. My initial criteria for ‘Leave’ was you can look at it but your lead must be loose. ‘Self control’ I also worked on stepping back and getting her to come away. We did this where other dogs were playing, by the lake with swans, geese and ducks in the woods with squirrels and on the field with the black crows.

The Crows were probably my biggest help as they do 2 circles low to the ground and then fly up and off. This was a ‘safe’ chase. So when she did a good ‘leave’ I’d clip her off and give her permission to chase. This beat balls, tuggies and food and motivated her to leave.

My main aim was to break to ‘eye’ behaviour and once I could get her to look away to the cue ‘Dinky’ from the distraction we moved on.

We then moved onto the stalk, I found as I had a good ‘down’ when she started to stalk Snoopy I could get her to drop into the down, but I couldn’t break the stare initially once she had started to stalk. So I worked on getting the down and approached dropping treats on the floor between her front legs. She took the treats and this actually distracted her. We progressed to putting the treats at the side of her so she was turning away for them. Then I attached her lead and walked her out rewarding her. Sometimes I let her chase with permission.

So we had progressed I could control the eye and stalk, so lets ‘cut to the chase’

It took months of hard work to get to here………………..

I incorporated the really reliable recall training and started with the chase recall. I would throw a ball and then call her off it, which I could do, her reward was that I ran and she chased me. Chasing a human is better than a ball!

So my recall motivator was stronger. When I work with other breeds that are toy motivated I call off a hand thrown ball and reward with owner running and then launching ball in ‘chuck it’ With Dinky I got out a tuggy and she could grab that once she caught up to me.

All this did was give me the opportunity to give high value rewards and Dinky started to like them, they were good fun.

I just gave her more and more freedom on the line as we progressed. Never moving on until I had 100% control at a specific distance. Which was a permanent loose lead with all distractions.

If she ever ignored me or attempted to chase the consequence was we went home. Game over!
Using my non reward marker of ‘Whoops’ I like this word as it’s hard to say in an angry or frustrated tone as some people do with a non reward marker.

As we progressed I found sometimes Dinky would try really hard to control herself and couldn’t. The training had made her become aware of her behaviour and she now had to learn to control these drives, this wasn’t easy for her.
This was a turning point actually understanding that this was really hard for her to do. Sometimes she would chase and come back as though she was really disappointed in herself when Id seen her try to stop herself initially.

I realised at this point how much she needed my help, support and encouragement now more than anything and how unethical punishment would have been. It would have been like electrocuting someone for falling off a tight rope when they had never walked one before.

Dinky was learning how to control her predatory chase behaviour. This in the end was the most rewarding thing to her, she is so proud of herself when she stops herself now.

A fast moving animal will still trigger her but she can stop herself and come away. So after over several months work and it wasn’t all great we had many set backs, bad days etc I could walk her off lead and get her to leave other dogs, squirrels, birds, cats and Snoopy.

Sheep The Ultimate test!!

Two years ago I took her on a herding day which was brilliant. Dinky took her initial assessment with the sheep and didn’t have any herding behaviour and the shepherd said she just wanted to chase or play with the sheep. (yeh I knew that)

After an introduction to sheep in the pen, he let out two sheep from the pen and Dinky chased them round the pen, I could see her getting that ‘mad determined look’ and he told me to call her, I think he saw it too!. I think it was panic type screamy recall at her but she came off them!!!! Hurrah job done!!

Now wherever I go Dinky only wears a lead when she needs to like at roads and she can play with other dogs that run, because I can call her away if she ‘goes predatory’

So if you’re struggling with anything keep going and don’t give up and.....................

You can modify predatory chase behaviour without the use of Positive Punishment.

Teaching your puppy Loose Lead Walking or 'Heelwork' using Clicker training

2010-10-15T10:58:00.003+01:00

I added some videos to our youtube page of Pickles learning to walk nicely by my side.

As this method is hands off, no yanking or jerking, I would only actually use a lead if I needed to secure my dog because of safety or distractions.

Lessons One and Two

Lessons Three and Four

Gundog Training Day

2010-10-04T15:48:00.005+01:00

We have arranged one more event.

An introduction to Gundog Training for Pet Dogs.

We are planning to run a Clicker Gundog Day with Helen Phillips in the New Year and this course is preparation for that.

Grim Reaper spotted on the A1 and Show Ring Success

2010-10-01T08:54:00.008+01:00

I took Snoopy to Driffied Championship Dog Show on Thursday

The journey was a bit hectic, the traffic was terrible on the M62 and I was running late. Once we got onto the A1 it was much better and thought I would just make it in time. As we got close to the junction a lorry cut infront of me and drove me over into the fast lane and an oncoming chunk of wood bouncing down the lane!!! Where it come from I dont know, the wood hit the bumber and bounced off and up and headed towards the windscreen!! I thought my number was up it was like a final destination moment. The wood hit it right infront of me but it did'nt break!!! Lucky!!!

In all my stress I missed the junction! I arrived at the show at 9.15 and judging started at 9! I just got snoopy out and his lead and swifly made my way to the ring, they had put judging back 30 mins due to the traffic, pheeewwwwww!

There is a great big dent in the bumber which is metal so it must of took the force of the wood saving my windscreen and me!

Anyway the day improved greatly, we came first in Open Dog and the Good Citizen Class. Then went on to win the Reserve Dog Challenge Certificate!

Snoopy now has 3 Reserve CCs and 1 CC

It was a nice day and got to catch up with everyone including my leonberger friends. It was shame that where was some poor sportsmanship around the Polish Lowland Ring especially after seeing the support and friendliness around the leo ring. It certainly doesnt do anything for the popularity of the breed its a shame!

No more Shows for Snoopy now till 2011

Freeshaping day is nearly fully booked up, get in touch soon if you want a space!

Clicker Training Day - FreeShaping

2010-09-28T12:38:00.004+01:00

We have organised a clicker Training Day on 24th October 2010 at WaggaWuffins

The Results Are In!!

2010-09-20T11:57:00.004+01:00

I got my results for my degree on Friday and I passed! I can now use the letters FdSc CBT after my name. That’s a Foundation Degree in Canine Behaviour and Training. I graduate at Beverley Minster on 5th November 2010
I start the BSc next month.

We put two dogs through their bronze last week and both passed, well done Izzy and Boris. Sue McCafferty from Dogs Can Do assessed them for us.

It’s the second CAP2 this weekend, looking forward to that and Snoopy is at Driffield next Thursday. Pickles is great loving training her. There are videos on our youtube page if you want to have a look. http://www.youtube.com/user/WaggaWuffins#p/a

We have our new safety floor in reception which we think looks great!

September is nearly here already!!

2010-08-31T09:36:00.002+01:00

A quick update, my puppy has been keeping me busy over the last 4 weeks, she is 12 weeks now and allowed to go out. She is fab and so much fun. We went to the Cheshire Game fair on Monday with Jayne and her husband, we took Pickles and Taz and Jayne took Cara.
Jayne took Cara in the Scurry. She ran out really well but stopped before the dummy which went much further, so Jayne did a great retrieve instead :-) !
Pickles wasn’t bothered by anything, dogs, people, chainsaws, gunshots so we were really pleased. She got tonnes of attention!!

It was the first CAP2 last Sunday we have two new additions to the course, Rae from club and also Gillian who came all the way from Glasgow who is on the Bishop Burton degree! Everyone got on really well and we had a great day. It was good to get some more stuff to do. I’m freeshaping Dinky to wag her tail along with some other stuff.

Matt is off this week, he has gone to France with Teal on a road trip to visit Teal’s breeder for the week!! So I’m dog walking all week and training everynight! I’ll probably need a week off when he gets back! At least the weather looks good for walking this week! Poor Matt has got soaked recently, it will take him a week to dry out!

We were business of the month in the Bury Times for August, many people commented on what a great write up it was.

Its been quiet this last month but always is with everyone away on holidays etc, September is booking up now, puppy classes have around 5 places left for September across all 5 classes and DayCare is busier in September than its been so far so that’s good. The Bronze Course for September has one space left due to a cancellation.

We finally laid a new floor in the office last week which has been bare since the flood! We are getting a new floor delivered this week for the reception area, its non slip polyfloor, this is going to enable us to expand the daycare having an additional quiet area!

I get my results for my Degree in the next week or so, scary!!!

Show Success for Ringcraft dog

2010-08-12T09:52:00.003+01:00

Holly the Hungarian Puli and her owner Elaine attended their first ever Championshipship Show last weekend, Elaine said Holly behaved really well and gained a 2nd place in Puppy. This means they have qualifed for Crufts 2011. A massive well done to Elaine and Holly.

Silver Awards and a New Arrival

2010-08-09T13:19:00.004+01:00

Sue from Dogs Can Do came on Sunday and put 4 dogs through the Kennel Club Silver test and all passed with flying colours! Well done Carl and Bonnie, Sue and Zac, Gail and Branston and Dee and Diesel.

I’ve finished my degree now, just waiting on results, it seems so weird waking up with no assignments to stress about! Guess it will all start again in November!

I picked up my new puppy on Wednesday from Country Durham, we have called her pickles, she is a liver working cocker spaniel and is 8 weeks old.

I’m hoping to do agility, heelwork to music and field trials with her! She has been introduced to the clicker and is very smart, there is a video on the WaggaWuffins YouTube page. The field trials is something totally new to me to we will be visiting Helen Phillips for that. It’s CAP2 first day on Sunday I’m really looking forwards to that.

WaggaWuffins Kennel Club Good Dog Citizens

2010-07-27T15:39:00.000+01:00

We had our Kennel Club Bronze tests on Sunday and 7 dogs passed. Our Assessor was Keith Davis
Well done to Chris and Mille, Mike and Willow, Bev and Ellie, Natalie and Ruben, Carl and Bonnie, Catherine and Indy and Kate and Brae.

It’s a Silver Test next on the 8th of August with Assessor Sue McCafferty and another Bronze and Gold at the beginning of September.

Lots of Local Fun Shows this weekend!

2010-07-16T10:58:00.003+01:00

There is loads on this Sunday 18th July for some fun with your dog!

The Lancashire Dog Training and Behavior Centre and Rochdale MBC have an Exemption dog show at Queens Park, Heywood, 1pm reg, 2pm start

Bury and Oldham RSPCA have a Summer Fair with a fun show at Rhodes Bank Oldham 11.30am

Pets In Need have Summer Fair on at Greenmount Old School 11am

Bury Dog Club have an open fun day at Phillips Park 11am

ABTC - Animal Behaviour and Training Council

2010-07-05T09:02:00.002+01:00

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council is the newly formed regulatory body that represents animal trainers and animal behaviour therapists to both the public and to legislative bodies.

It sets and maintains the standards of knowledge and practical skills needed to be an animal trainer or animal behaviour therapist, and it will maintain the national register of appropriately qualified animal trainers and animal behaviourists.

It promotes the welfare of animals in their interactions with humans, lobbying for humane methods in training and behaviour modification, and for the education of the animal owning public.

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council has developed out of a working party co-ordinated by VETNET LLN. This was formed in response to the invitation from the Companion Animal Welfare Council (CAWC) to respond to its recommendations for the self-regulation of the dog training and behaviour therapy sector.

The Council has followed CAWC’s lead and has initially focused on animal behaviour therapists and dog trainers, as dog trainers form the largest group of animal trainers in the UK. However, trainers of other species will soon be included and organisations representing their interests will be invited to join the Council in April-May 2010.

The Council is made up of the major professional organisations from the veterinary, re-homing, behaviour therapy, and dog training sectors of the industry. The Council is supported and guided by Lantra, Defra and the Animal Welfare Departments of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments.

Im a member of two of the current members of the council the APDT1058 and also CAPBT

More info here.....................
http://www.abtcouncil.org.uk/

Last Block Week and Sunshine and Success at Blackpool

2010-06-30T12:34:00.006+01:00

I had my last block week at college last week, My Mum, Matt, Jayne and Stewart looked after WaggaWuffins for me. Thanks Guys!
We had some lectures at college and also got to spend time in the lab analysing dog food! It was really interesting and a bit scary, we had to break down the food and find the ash, protein, fat, fibre contents and calorific value. Then compare to what it said on the packet. I had Hills T/D.
The weather was lovely and most of us were staying at Robeanne, so we had a good laugh in the evening together, it was more like a holiday than college. We had to do a presentation on the Thursday for the Psycho Pharmacology module and we all passed that, it was the last practical assessment to do! I have 2 assignments to complete and then I have finished. We get our results in September and Graduate at Beverley Minster in November. I have received provisional offer of a place on the Bsc in Canine Behaviour and Training 2 year top up too.

Sunday was Blackpool Champ Show and it was very hot, I took Snoopy and Dinky. It was Dinky's first show in 3 years and Matt had a go at handling her something he has never done before, Matt did a great job but Dinky didn’t get placed.

Snoopy however won a strong Open Dog Class and took the Dog Challenge Certificate. We were very pleased and I think I got my showing bug back!! Snoopy has 2 Reserve CC's but this is first CC, two more and he gets the title of Champion, I will certainly be chasing those now!

Jayne entered Jed her Swedish Vallhund in post graduate dog and he got a 2nd place which means he has qualified to compete at Crufts 2011.

Well done Jayne and Jed!

We should have more show results from our friday ringcraft class dogs as two of them have their first shows in August and September.

Happy First Birthday WaggaWuffins

2010-06-17T09:14:00.003+01:00

We are coming up to our 12 months anniversary soon and I will also have finished my degree about the same time!

It’s been a chaotic year, stressful, exciting, tiring, educational and scary. Lots of people have been supportive and helpful. I have met some lovely people and their dogs and made many new friends.

It’s nice to see how the WaggaWuffins has grown out of Elton Dog Club. It’s not been easy, but I wouldn’t change it for the world! I’m one of those few people who love change and moving forwards so I know Wagga-Wuffins will never get stuck in a rut and I love the challenges it brings me.

We now have 18 classes a week and struggle to accommodate everyone. The daycare started only 3 months ago and is picking up nicely and we have some wonderful dogs, it is certainly the best job in the world.

We also are becoming an educational base for other instructors who come to us to develop their skills and knowledge and pick up some tips. We’ve had dog trainers attend courses at Wagga-Wuffins from Bolton, Rossendale, Swinton and even as far as East Yorkshire.

It is also nice to see my own trainers continually develop and improve themselves, they have all achieved great things over the last year and I’m very proud of them.

My Plans for the next 12 months are starting a 2 year top up BSc in Canine Behaviour and Training and a new Puppy. Plans for the centre are more events and instructor courses along with the continual improvement and development of our current courses.

Distinctions all Round!

2010-06-08T10:49:00.005+01:00

It’s been a busy week! Jayne finished her COAPE ‘DogWise’ course and her results came through and she passed with distinction. Well done Jayne.

On Saturday we got together for a bit of a training session and an injured homing pigeon found it way into the centre! Brave thing when there were two spaniels and labradoodle there!!!
We put it in a dog cage in the daycare room with some water and bird seed and reported it online as it had a ring on its leg.

Sunday was the final CAP1 workshop and assessment day. Everyone did exceptionally well and we all passed CAP1 with distinction. A massive well done to everyone, Stewart, Jayne, Matt, Anne-Marie, Jackie, Cas and Sue.

Matthew got the Teachers Award off Helen, Helen got her Kentucky and Sue’s husband happens to keep pigeons so she got to take the pigeon home!

We start CAP2 next in August and Helen got us started with ideas of what behaviours we are going to do. We have definitely 1 space available and maybe another on the CAP2 which is 4 workshops run over 4 months. If you are interested email me jane@waggawuffins.com

We had our first Heelwork to Music Training class on Wednesday which was great fun and it’s our first Friday of classes this week, Mixed Activities, Puppy Socialisation and Ringcraft.
We are all off to Blackpool Champ Show in a couple of weeks so we will be practicing for that on Fridays!

Finding Suitable Care for Your Pet While on Holiday

2010-06-04T11:29:00.006+01:00

With the sunny season approaching several of our customers have been asking advise on boarding and suitable care for their pets when they go away.
There are now lots of options as to what you can do with your pets while you are away on holiday.
• Boarding Kennels
• Pet Sitting
• Home Boarding
• Dogs stays with family and attends a crèche during the day
• Or take them with you!

People are always weary and concerned about leaving their pets and quite rightly so.

It is important when choosing that you consider the following:

• Always go and have a look round first make sure you are happy with the facility and also the staff, as these are the people who will be looking after your pet.
• Check they have a valid boarding license (Kennels, home boarding and crèches require then)
• Check they are fully insured
• Make sure they are conforming to the license and insurance conditions as if they are not they may be putting your pets as risk and their insurance may not be valid if conditions are breached
• Make sure anyone coming to sit at your home is CRB checked
• Home boarding should not have kennels or crates as you are paying for the luxury of your dog being in the comfort of a home environment.
• The number of dogs allowed on the license is not being exceeded.
• If you are leaving your pet in a boarding establishment of any kind you will need to make sure vaccinations are up to date and also your dog has been vaccinated against kennel cough.

Licenses are there to protect the safety and welfare of your pet. You can check your local council’s license conditions by contacting the council.

Happy Holidays

Polish gets Pampered in Prestwich

2010-05-10T15:56:00.002+01:00

On Friday I booked Snoopy my polish lowland sheepdog for a groom at Woof ‘N’ Tumble on Whittaker Lane in Prestwich.
Snoopy had a full groom and nails clipped at a bargain price, the staff followed all my specific requirements and he came back well groomed and looking just great. I was very pleased and I would highly recommend them.

May Update

2010-05-10T15:53:00.001+01:00

We had our CAP1 second session on the 4th of May which was really good. Matt has free shaped Teal to stand all four feet on the box which is very cute and little Cara took to the target stick really well doing a beautiful figure of eight.
Everyone enjoyed the day and Helen got her Kentucky Fried Chicken Treat for lunch! It's assessment day next time and we all have plenty to work with till then.

Daycare is picking up we have 3 new dogs, Molly, Inca and Harvey and another coming to view this week.

We have new classes starting in June. On a Friday we have another beginners mixed activities as all the others are full, another puppy socialisation class and also weekly ringcraft, there is also Heelwork to Music/Freestyle starting on a Wednesday at 6.20pm.

I am now only available for one to ones in the daytime Monday to Friday. I’m currently not doing any behaviour consults but we have someone we can recommend should you require that service.

I sent off for an order for the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme Stationary today including rosettes and it came to over £100!! I can understand why so many clubs didn’t renew this year with the new charges and membership increase. When I was only doing 2 nights at the Church I would have struggled to afford it, but then I wouldn’t have needed as much stuff as I do now.

As we will now have 18 classes per week we may have an opportunity for a qualified and experienced positive dog trainer to join our team in the next month or so.

Matt and Teal get a special mention

2010-05-07T10:25:00.002+01:00

Leaming bar report on the Gundog Club Website

http://www.thegundogclub.co.uk/presscentre/pressreleases/FTdays/leemingbar2.htm

Dog Walker in Wigan, Leigh and Lowton

2010-04-21T12:45:00.007+01:00

Emma Hill who used to help out with our training classes at Elton Dog club and WaggaWuffins has finally set up her own business Dog Walking.

We'd like to wish Emma the best of luck with her business

Emma is very experienced with a Degree in Animal Behaviour, she has great empathy with animals and we highly recommend her services, so if your in Wigan or Leigh and looking for someone to look after your dog while your at work Emma is the person to contact.
To find out more about Emma and her services check out her website

http://muddymutt.co.uk/

Easter Holidays and CAP1

2010-04-21T08:11:00.005+01:00

As usual I have been rushed off my feet! Matt was away over Easter on holiday working on a farm in Wales!! Lucky Amy who came to our puppy socialisation classes was back home from Bristol University where she is studying veterinary science and helped the week Matt was away with doggy daycare etc. Amy brought her working cocker Archie who got on great with Xanthe, I think she’ll miss him. We also put Archie through his silver good citizen and he passed. Well done Amy and Archie , I wasn’t surprised after Amy practised her 2 minute stay in the daycare with dogs running around and he did it no problem. Archie and Amy do Gundog Training with Helen Phillips.

Daycare is picking up nicely, we now have 7 dogs who come regularly

All the dogs get on really well, we have a new sofa donated by my brother for the daycare rest room which the dogs like alot.

We have a new staff member Natalie who started this week to help with Daycare. Natalie has lots of academic qualifications and practical experience related to animal care and came highly recommended, she also has the cutest Chinese Crested Powderpuff called Lola.

On Easter Sunday we had our first CAP1 training day. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. There was me, Matt, Stewart and Jayne, two handlers from our classes Jackie and Anne-Marie and 2 APDT trainers Cas from Yorkshire where Matt did his gundog tests and Sue from Dogs Can Do in Rossendale. Everyone was really nice and we had a really good day. Helen is a great instructor and we all learnt a lot from her.
I have requested some dates for CAP2 starting in summer and we are looking at K9 Multisports.

I got some new material for the posts so they are now blue and match the rest of the centre!!

Its really busy at the moment, I’m booked up till the end of May for one to one and behaviour but hopefully our new addition to the team will enable me to commit more to this, I now have clients travelling from as far as Preston and Cumbria!!! We have a waiting list for mixed activity classes, puppy class availability is from the end of April and Adult beginners is May!!

I had lots of enquires for Freestyle/HTM classes so we will be starting these in the next few weeks.

Congratulations Matt and Teal

2010-03-23T11:22:00.005Z

Just a quick update! Matthew and Teal went back to Leaming Bar this weekend to take their grade 2 Gundog Club Hunting Retriever Test. They passed with yet another distinction with a score of 99% dropping just 1 point on heelwork.

They are now preparing for Grade 3!

We have the first session of our clicker Workshop with Helen Phillips in a couple of weeks, cant wait for that! We have 1 space available due to a cancellation if anyone is interested in a space.

We are hoping to hold some more events in Sundays this year with a Canine Freestyle Workshop in the pipeline. I’ve started on a whole new routine and piece of music with Dinky.

Classes are busy as usual and day care is picking up and achieving our projected targets. Trawling through course work amongst everything else at the moment we have 2 new modules started, the last ones I think!! Nutrition and Behaviour and Psychopharmacology!

Daycare and CAP1

2010-03-02T10:50:00.001Z

Just a quick update! We have been really busy over the last few weeks. Our Day care has opened and we have a few regular dogs having fun each day with us. Because the daycare has now opened we have a job vacancy for a dog walker which needs to be filled in the next few weeks. Matt is currently covering the dog walking and I am in the centre.

Our Mixed activity classes are full so we need to look at setting up another to accommodate the demand for these. We had some fun on our last tricks session and taught the dogs a behaviour and then added a cue which was a card with the behaviour written on instead of a verbal one, so it looked like the dogs can read! It was Games week last week and it was fun to see everyone’s competitive edge come out. This week is scent week, the dogs just love it!!

We have booked Helen Phillips from Wagmore Barn to come and do a Clicker Trainers Assessment Program Workshop at the centre. This is called CAP1. The course runs over 3 months and includes a daily attendance once a month. The dates are Sun 4th April 2010, Sun 2nd May 2010 and Sun 6th June 2010 9am start till 4.30pm. The course is limited to 8 places and there are 4 available as of writing this blog. The course covers foundation clicker training and is really good.

That’s all for now, must get back to playing with dogs!!

Defra, Doggy Dancing and Doggy Daycare

2010-02-10T15:04:00.001Z

Well this month has been chaotic, it took three weeks for the floor to dry. We are all back to normal how except we still need to get a new office carpet. The reception, training area and day-care are all sorted. The landlord supplied us with lots of fans and dehumidifiers and also some guy came and sprayed the centre with some antibacterial stuff, that kills bacteria and stops mould growth and stuff. He used this machine that looked like Nu Nu off the Tellytubbies

I went to college on the 25th for a block week. It was my birthday on the Tuesday and we all got together for some drinks in the evening which was fab. I even got a chocolate birthday cake.

My freestyle assessment for the advanced dog training was at 9am on the Thursday and the practical coaching assessment for the counselling skills and case histories was at 10am!

On the Wednesday some researchers came from Defra to explain some research they are doing on electric shock collars. They are testing the resistance across the skin of different dogs and also on wet and dry skin. They have this specially altered collar that sends an extremely mild current and records data. They are also doing some research into stress and cortisol levels. They asked if any of the students would let them test on their dogs. They were allowed to feel the current themselves first and also could stop the testing at anytime if they felt they wanted to. Some of the students did and most of the dogs did not even react in any way, but a couple showed a response that they felt something. As they were looking ideally at small dogs I decided not to. I will be interesting to see the outcome.

Wednesday afternoon I took Dinky into the training area and ran through our routine, she did it perfectly, which was a little worrying, would she do the same tommorow??

I didn’t sleep well Wednesday night and was up bright and early. We got to the training area and I had a bit of play with Dinky and did some moves to get her going.
Pauline and Lynda turned up armed with assessment papers and video camera.
I was a bag of nerves and Dinky picked up on it and decided to switch off. The routine started pretty badly and at one point I was considering just stopping! I was determined not to turn it into a training round and get my treats as I would lose 50% straight away for this. So we carried on, we managed a full routine, I got Dinky going again several times and we got through it and I passed!!!!!

I was really disappointed as I had worked so hard at it and it came down to those 3 1/2 minutes, but I guess that’s just dogs for you!!!

My 10am assessment was much less stressful. I went over time a bit and was penalised for it but I passed.

Thursday I was shattered and set off back home. I was back in Work Friday walking dogs and then training later. Matt walked all the dogs for me and Stewart, Jayne and Matt ran the classes while I was away.

We started another puppy class on Saturday due to the others being fully booked up till March!

As the last of the flooring was laid at the weekend we made an appointment on Friday for the council to come and inspect the daycare facility and they have issued us with a boarding license.

So we start offering daycare as from Monday.

Oh and in all my busyness this month I forgot to enter Crufts!!! It will be the first time in 15 years I have not competed!!

It never Rains it Pours!

2010-01-14T14:23:00.007Z

At 5.45am Monday morning I got a phone call!. It was the landlord, I thought oh no whats happened. He said the electrician was at the mill and had seen water pouring out of the fire exit at the back of the unit. I thought great the pipes must have burst or something.

Panic, clothes on and in the car! I was driving there half asleep trying to convince myself that it’s not that bad the floor is rubber and can be dried and carpet tiles can be dried out. As I arrived and opened the door I could hear gallons of rushing water, it was deafening, my stomach turned I didnt want to go in.

I switched on the lights on. There was water everywhere and I waded to the toilet. All the pipes were fine!!
Then I noticed there was water dripping from the ceiling in the toilet, I stepped back out and then looked up. There was water pouring in all along one side of the unit down the wall and through the ceiling. I quickly left the building and rang the landlord to tell him it was coming from above. He sent the electrician to find the leak. Jon had arrived at this time and we found the electrician on the top floor drenched holding on to a split pipe gushing with water that he could not stop. I said ‘just bend it out of the window’ and so he did. He then found the stop tap and switched the water off.

Jon the electrictian and some of the other mill workers then started to sweep the water from the top floor, then the next one and then got to mine. The water was obviously still coming through but was easing off. It was about 7.50am and I thought my alarm is going to go off in a minute and I’ll wake up in bed and it will have been a bad dream. I was beginning to feel a bit sick at this point, when would the water stop, how long will it take to dry? what’s ruined? how long will we have to close? I have a heelwork to music routine assessment in two weeks, this wasnt in my schedule!!!!

As the water had come in through the ceiling it had soaked the office, kitchen and daycare area and come through those ceilings. We got a pump and started to pump the water out from one side of the unit and then onto the other. The running water had eased off now too, I started to feel a bit better seeing the water level inside the unit go down. The rubber floor is sealed except for the edges so we knew the water would have got under there.
We mopped the excess water off the rubber and then began to lift the floor with the help of Matt who has been out walking all the dogs for me!! The rubber floor weights just over 2 ton! Once we has lifted and rolled all this we dried the DPM and then lifted that. The concrete floor was wet but not too bad. We mopped the excess off and lifted all the carpet tiles and put them all on their sides to dry. The office and kitchen were fine except for the floor and carpets which had to be ripped up and binned. The daycare is all UPVC lined and tiled so most of this is fine but the ceilings have some damp patches that need to dry.

We decided that the show must go on and after some last minute contingency planning we laid out our old rubber mats from the church hall which I still had and ran classes as usual. Stewart did Mondays classes and I went home to bed! We even managed agility but we had to have all the contacts low and on the rubber mats. We decided due to the restriction of equipment we would have to be creative and set up a mixed agility and rally obedience course which the classes thoroughly enjoyed.
The centre is drying nicely now thanks to the help from people at the mill and lots of fans and humidifiers and we should be able to re-lay the floor at weekend and back to business as usuall!!

The carpet tiles and rubber floor are all dry and nice and clean, my books are fine and the water was clean water so its not soo bad! Lucky for us there is actually very little damage at all.

Must get on with that routine!!!

WaggaWuffins Jingle

2010-01-08T10:08:00.004Z

One of our Customers sent us this Jingle,

Thanks Ann and Brian with Amy :-)

If you want to train your dog instead of doing nothing,
come on down to Bury town and come to Wagga Wuffin’s.

We will help you train your dog to walk and sit and stay,
and you will feel your confidence grow stronger every day.

Your dog will train to do its bronze, its silver and its gold,
and very soon you will find your dog starts doing as it’s told.

And when you finish training there are other things to do,
like agility, and finding treats and jumping thru hoops too.

And if you decide to come along, you will find lots of friendly staff,
who are always there to lend a hand and also have a laugh.

Happy New Year

2010-01-07T14:51:00.002Z

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year.

Snoopy decided on Christmas Day Evening while we went for a nap to steal the leftover turkey off the side!!! It was Christmas Carnage on Boxing Day and Snoopy ended up spending most of the day outside!! We were worried that the cooked bones would splinter but he’s all ok now. The dogs never take anything off the sides, but the turkey must have been too much temptation!!

We are all back to normal now at work. I have managed to dig the car out of the snow and get on with things. Me and Matt have managed to get to most of the dog walking customers by car and some I have parked up and walked where it’s bad.

We had some disruptions due to the show, the Christmas Party was cancelled and rescheduled.
Some of the Evening Classes were cancelled but we are all back to normal now and hoping there is not going to be anymore snow!

The extra time has meant I can get on with the boring paperwork. I’ve uploaded some videos of the parties and also updated the website.

We have made a few changes to the classes. Firstly deciding to change the beginners training into mixed activities for beginners so it’s not all obedience training making it much more fun.

In the mixed activities we have also swapped the ‘Competitive Obedience’ Night to ‘Rally Obedience’. I have got all the stuff and we had a trial run with the Monday class this week and all the feedback was good.

If you want to know more about Rally O click on this link http://www.apdt.co.uk/rally.asp

It’s been cold in the centre but thankfully we got the heaters fitted in December just at the right time!!!

Jayne has been updating me on her puppy antics and sent me some cute pictures, cant wait time she joins the puppy classes

I have managed to get my assignments completed in time, but not done much on my routine and starting to panic a bit now!
I’m currently reading Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman which is a really good book and may help me a bit with the comparative psychology assignment.

It’s been a busy and tough year but no regrets. Here’s to the next one!

More Snow

2009-12-22T15:33:00.005Z

Today was a bit of a mission for walking and have cancelled classes tonight! The Roads are terrible!! When I got to Phillips park today it was snowing, I again made the decsion to park up and walk into the park. It was far to deep for little Ollie today and he got full of snow balls on his fur so I carried him home where he was much happier.

Snow !

2009-12-22T09:41:00.004Z

Well it looks like we are going to have a white Christmas this year.

We decided to postpone the Christmas Party on Sunday due to the weather conditions and people not wanting to venture out.

Dog walking was fab, I had to park up and walk to 2 of my customers houses, one in phillips park and the other up Castle Hill road. Decided it was safer to walk than get stuck in the dog bus.

Everyone is liking the new heaters alot and Im off to purchase the rest today. We close tommorow for Christmas but I still have lots of work to do especially with organising the daycare. We have lots of enquries and dogs are coming in for assessment ready for when we open. I also need to employ someone to take over the dog walking for me in the new year so need to sort out a job ad for that and catch up on emails etc!!

All my assignments are completed and the next one is due on January the 8th. We have also started 2 new modules, Comparative Psychology and the History of Cynopraxis. Looking forward to getting my teeth into those assignments.

Im also hoping to work put plenty of work into my practical assessment for the Advanced Dog Training which is in January too!!

The Pitter Patter of Tiny Paws and Parties

2009-12-18T10:14:00.002Z

Jayne picks up her new Springer Spaniel Puppy on Sunday, we cant wait!!! Also Bobbies owners are getting a new Whippet Puppy and also Freddies owners have a new puppy too that is also a whippet!!
We had our Christmas Puppy Party on Sunday which was Judged by Dog trainer Keith Davis. Boris won Young dog of the Year, Mollie won Puppy of the Year and Freddie was the Obedience Winner, well done to you all and everyone else who attended. Pictures and a full list of winners will be uploaded onto the website over the Christmas Period.

Its the Adult Dog Party this Sunday, can't wait.

Finally we had heaters fitted inside the training area on Wednesday with the rest to go up on Tuesday, just in time for the freezing temperatures!!!

Congratulations!!!!

2009-12-12T16:56:00.006Z

Well I have a bit of spare time so will do some updates over the next few days. Firstly Matthew took Teal to Leeming Bar last weekend and took the Gundog Club Grade 1 Hunting Retriever Test and passed with a distinction gaining a faultless 100%.

Saturday was a training day and Sunday was test day. The tests were organised and set up by some of the Bishop Burton tutors and students and I managed to get Matthew a place. Matthew plans to take his Grade 2 in March 2010
Matthew has also been accepted and offered a place on The Bishop Burton Foundation Degree in Canine Behaviour and Training starting September 2010.

On the 28th of November we had a staff training day and both Jayne and Matt successfully completed Part Two of our Instructor Development Program.

Wolf Dog Weekend and Update

2009-10-30T13:36:00.004Z

Its been a while since I posted, finding the time to anything these days is a mission!
The centre is really busy and all classes are full. We have no places for beginners till January now. Puppy places are getting booked up again. Saturdays are proving popular and we have just set up another class for the puppies in the socialisation classes to move into. The pre puppy agility course booked up in 2 days! We may think about another one.

Last weekend I went to the annual CAPBT Personal Development Event and CABPT launch in Exeter. I took Jayne and Stewart along as a treat. The Saturday was all about wolf lookalike dogs and wolf dogs, mainly the Saarloos and the Czech Wolfdog. As well as the behaviourist speakers there were also some breeders who brought their dogs and we got ask them about the breeds and what they are like. It was really informative and educational.
Saturday evening there was a meal which we attended, it was good to catch up and meet new friends everyone was really nice.
The Sunday was for CAPBT members only so Jayne and Stewart were taken on a day out by Kirstys husband Alan. We had to do some practical work and our group had to work on a Hedonic Budget for the Czech Wolfdog, we then has a lecture on Savannah Cats which was really interesting and then a talk on the future of CAPBT and some case studies.

I’ve been practicing my routine and Dinky has got backward circles off now and keeps doing them all the time, I’m going to improve on confidence and balance before I put it under stimulus control.

We had a staff training day the other week and both Jayne and Matthew passed part one of our Instructor Development Programme with flying colours. Part 2 is next month!

The Kennel Club contacted Stewart again to provide dogs for the Silver Assessors Course, however it was on the weekend we were away. A couple of the dogs from the club attended though, Cath and Biscuit and Dee and Diesel, a big thanks to them.
We have our Good Citizen Tests in November, Bronze Silver and Gold!

Sarah and Samson are in the Bury’s Got Talent Final next week doing canine freestyle, so we are wishing them the best of luck and can’t wait to hear how they got on!!

Oh and Jayne is waiting for puppies to be born!! If all goes to plan she will be adding a Working Springer to her family!!

Doggy Fun at WaggaWuffins

2009-09-29T10:05:00.001+01:00

Dinky, Teal and Jed having a play session after our Staff Training Day on Saturday

Bronze Assessors, Assessments and Teamwork

2009-09-25T21:38:00.005+01:00

Well Saturday after puppy class we met up at the centre ready to head off to the Kennel Club Bronze Assessor Course, there was me and Dinky, Matt and Teal, Stewart and Storm and Dee and Diesel.
As there were only 4 of us and there are 4 cages in Stewarts van we all piled in there together. Getting Diesel the Rottie on the top bunk was fun! We arrived at the new Guide Dog Centre in Atherton, very nice place I must say. We met a few others dogs and owners who had volunteered to come.

We joined the group while they were having lunch and then spent the afternoon doing Bronze exercises over and over and over again as all the wannabe examiners where assessed. Everyone was really nice and friendly and there were also some dogs from a boxer club too and they were all lovely.

We went back to see the awards and certificates given out and Heidi from the Kennel Club asked if we would be available for the Silver in November and we said yes.
We set back off to Waggawuffins and let the dogs have a good play there before we all set off home.

Sunday was clicker Sunday with Lynda and we did mainly heelwork to music stuff. It was great to see the Sunday people again. I got through quite a few things and Lynda gave me some good pointers. There are Progress awards in November and I need to get cracking with a routine for it.

I headed home and got in at 5pm to leave again at 5.30 picking up Sarah and Samson and set of to the centre for the Bronze Good Citizen tests.
There were 5 dogs tested and all 5 passed, our assessor was Dog Trainer Keith Davies. So well done Dee and Diesel, Sarah and Samson, Lisa and Ripley, Jackie and Cassie and Jayne and Jed.

Keith also took 2 dogs from another club through their Gold at the centre and they both passed so a big well done to those two.

Our next test dates are in October and we will be doing Bronze, Silver and Gold. Due to my ever growing schedule of work Stewart is now in charge of all the Good Citizen stuff.
I’ve started back at college and we are doing Work Based Learning and Counselling Skills and Case Histories. I managed to miss the first live online lectures due to some technical difficulties but it’s all now fixed thanks to Matt’s dad.

The centre is growing from strength to strength all thanks to my team, we all have the same passion, beliefs, we all support each other and get on so well. I couldn’t have done it without them.

Its staff training day tomorrow and I’m looking forwards to a day off on Sunday!

Classes, Courses, Days Out and Free Stuff!!

2009-09-17T15:02:00.007+01:00

Wow how busy have I been! New Puppy Classes started on a Saturday two weeks ago and are now full, it’s the first time I have taught in the day and keep having to remember not to say ‘tonight’!!.

We have a new helper at the Club, Matthew who has been helping me on a Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Matthew has trained his Springer Spaniel up through the club since a puppy so has really good experience and knowledge of how we do things at the club and is a great clicker trainer, he also has a great natural ability and understanding of dogs and good empathy with people. Matthew took Teal his own dog through his Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze, Silver and Gold before he was 12 months old with us, has experience in gundog training and is now doing agility. Matthew has been looking at some courses to help with his development.

Jayne has started her Dogwise course with COAPE and is really enjoying it, she has access to the Waggawuffins library of over 200 dog books which is proving quite useful.

I’m halfway through reading Reaching the Animal Mind by Karen Pryor which I would highly recommend to anyone. I’m trying to get it finished before I get my reading list next week when I start back a college for my final year.
Next weekend we have a staff training day on Saturday afternoon where we will be covering training equipment, operant and classical conditioning, learning styles, understanding stress and practical instructing.

This weekend is packed with dog stuff, The Kennel Club contacted Stewart the other week to supply some dogs for the Good Citizen Scheme Assessors workshop on Saturday in Atherton, so we are all off up there Saturday afternoon with dogs after morning classes. Sunday it’s a Clicker Sunday with Lynda and then our first bronze good citizen tests at Waggawuffins on Sunday evening.

I also have to get some dogs together for a photo shoot for a large pet company’s advertising, this is still in negotiations though at the moment.

We have set up a youtube channel where we have already uploaded some videos, there will be more to follow. http://www.youtube.com/user/WaggaWuffins

As a member of the APDT I received some free samples of James Wellbeloved and money off vouchers for my customers. Four boxes arrived this week, WOW there are small sacks of food, training treat bags, carrier bags and treats!! This alone is worth my membership costs. I have also ordered some clickers as I’m running out.

We started a new agility course and again have some really nice dogs, Sarah and Samson who came to our puppy classes joined to have a go at agility, Sarah is competing in Bury’s Got Talent on Saturday with Samson, we are sure she will do well and are wishing her the best of luck.
That’s all for now!

College Soon for Two of Us!

2009-08-31T20:54:00.004+01:00

Daniella got her GCSEs this week, she got 4 Bs and 5 Cs which is more than she needed for college, I was very proud. She enrolled on Thursday after she got her results. She is doing Business, Accounting, Economics and Psychology! Daniella has been helping me dog walking over the Summer but she will be in college now from next week. I start back at Bishop Burton at the end of September.

I went to the RSPCA last week to assess a couple of dogs and I’m back there tommorow. We discussed putting together some rehabilitation programs for each dog and also reducing the barking in the kennels using a clicker method by Karen Pryor. They have some really nice dogs in at the moment. They have a show this weekend coming at Clarence Park so we will be there.

We have been working on the daycare rooms at Waggawuffins this weekend and also finishing off the artwork. Jamie, Wordsworth and Hong Kong Phooey are complete. One rest room is complete and the main room just needs a couple of finishing touches. Dinky, Snoopy and Taz have been with us at the centre playing all weekend.

I have been arranging with a couple of students to have a clicker training weekend at the centre which we plan to do in October. Really looking forwards to that, it will be good to catch up on where everyone is up to with the Advanced Dog Training Module.

APDT Assessment

2009-08-21T10:51:00.004+01:00

On Saturday I had a practical assessment with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).
I set off to Bradford around 12pm, my assessment started at 1.45pm. Along with the stress of having assessment it decided to leather it down and driving over the Pennines on the M62 was not much fun.
My assessment was in an equestrian centre, once I got there everyone was really nice and friendly, I met my class and their dogs and chatted with them for a bit.

The assessment!
I had my class plan and notes, loads of treats, clickers and some cones. I’d put a little note on the top of my sheet reminding myself to breath! I was really nervous.
I taught a down, leave and loose lead walking. All with clicker, as the dogs and owners had not used clickers before I had to do a quick crash course at the start. I then progressed each of the exercises.
After the practical assessment I had a 15 minute break before the oral assessment which took 45 minutes. After that I had another brew and set off back home. They told me that it can take up to 2 weeks for me to receive the results.

I’ve been staring at my email account ever since lol waiting for that email!!!!

Yesterday I was just printing off stuff for training class wondering how I was going to survive through the weekend without knowing and the email popped into my inbox……….

I Passed!!

The feedback said that they would Highly Recommend me for membership, so my application form is in the post!!! I was so pleased and relieved. The waiting was driving me insane.

The APDT is the biggest dog training organisation in the UK and has a strict Code of Ethics regarding the use of positive methods only. Their assessments are very thorough and members must have demonstrated not only that they use positive methods, they truly believe in them and also have excellent training and teaching skills.
This means that people looking for a dog trainer know they are going to get a skilled dog trainer and their dog is not going to come to any harm.

Of all the things I have achieved in studying dogs and training, this to me is my biggest personal achievement.

I’m really proud to be able to become a member

Rain Drops, Clicks, Ducks and Petitions

2009-08-12T17:41:00.008+01:00

We it doesn't seem to have done much other than rain over the past few weeks!! I seem to be carrying most of my clothes in the van with me. The other week I got caught in a shower and went into sport soccer soaked and bought a T shirt and pants to change into. I dont mind the rain or getting wet its when the weather changes and I get caught its not much fun. Non of the dogs I walk mind the rain at all except for Ollie the Shitz Tzu he would rather stay on the sofa and watch TV. Ive added a short video of some ducklings me and Xanthe the Cocker Spaniel were watching in the rain the other day, very cute!!

I went on Lynda's Clicker Saturday this weekend which was great. We had to free shape Lynda to do a behaviour we had written a training plan for and then did some targeting. I got Dinky to touch the side of a tiny cone out of a toy car set with the bottom of her paw. The cone is about an inch tall. This got me a beautiful ballet type move so going to do the other foot, fade out the cone and use it for my HTM routine. I've decided to do my routine to Mudfootball by Jack Johnson. We also made some progress on spinning on the box as I was struggling to get Dinky to turn her back on me to get a full turn, but I free shaped her to look away from me. My homework is to get a backwards circle round an object.

Sunday I popped down to the RSPCA show, it was great to see everyone and catch up. I also saw one of the dogs from classes Ozzy, he managed to get himself a free bath in the Dial a Dog Wash Van and his picture taken by the local press. Steven from Dial a Dog Wash has just set up his business and I had a good chat with him, he seems really nice.

Dinky slammed into a parked car a few weeks back, well she tried to fit between a parked car and a post that was only half as wide as she is and damaged her shoulder so I havent been doing anything with her for a while as she has been resting. She is much better and getting backinto things

Finally CABPT that I am a member of have set up a petition against harsh dog training methods, please take some time to sign it and support positive methods . Its called Ask Why Say No.

http://www.coape.co.uk/aswn.html

Wagga-Wuffins Activity Centre Update

2009-08-02T20:52:00.006+01:00

Well a long awaited update!

I think this has been one of the hardest things I have done in my life.WaggaWuffins is open!!! My office/consulting room is still a work in progress and there are still some bit and bobs to do and the Daycare chill out room is still a work in progress too. The Environmental Health sent me a huge document by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health with regards to Pet Sitting and Daycare which has enabled us to make sure we meet all their requirements in the building work.

The new Windows and Front Door have finally been fitted!!!! Its looks smart from the outside now and the grills will be fitted this week. There was a little accident while removing the old windows and I am now minus a toilet lol!! A new one is being fitted tommorow. The posts are all padded up too in florescent orange water proof material.

I took my dogs for a test run before we opened and they loved it. Snoopy was running round with a ball in his mouth, he never plays with toys. Everyone who came really likes the place and are very impressed especially those who have already been training with us. The dogs really like it to.
Quite a few people have come to watch the classes before they book on too, it’s great to have the space to do this. I love having my own place, its been hard but so worth it.

We filled the beginner’s classes on the Wednesday with some really nice dogs and have just one place left for the August course.

I picked up the agility set last Sunday which is all painted in red and blue to match the centre colours, its looks really smart, the instructors gave it test run Sunday afternoon, after I gave them a team building exercise to put it together! The first course starts on the 4th August which is fully booked. Next one will start at the end of August.

Then I will focus on getting the RingCraft going on a Friday. Saturday training will start at the end of August as I have other things booked in August on some weekends.

I’ve finished my second year degree and have a bit of well needed rest now until September when I start my third and final year.
Promise there will be photos this week I keep forgetting the camera

Blackpool Championship Show

2009-07-21T22:18:00.003+01:00

As you can imagine I have been really busy so just a quick update for June and more news on the centre to follow soon.
I took Snoopy to Blackpool Championship Show,which was our first show this year since Crufts. Snoopy got 1st prize in Limit Dog and then went onto win the Reserve Dog Challenge Certificate. This is his second reserve CC.
As you can see his coat is looking much better than at Crufts

The Last Block Week and Gianni's Herding Day

2009-06-16T09:36:00.003+01:00

Well I’m back from College and the Herding Day and back working on the centre

College was great and good to catch up with other students. We had lectures on Separation related disorders, training plans and using stooge dogs. There was lots of opportunity for training and Dinky is really coming on I’m very pleased with our progress, especially as we haven’t done much over the past weeks.
I had my Behaviour Counselling assessment at 9am on Wednesday morning, the first one, that’s what happens when your Surname begins with A!
I was quite nervous as this was my first practical assessment at Level 5, but I sailed through getting a total of 91%. What a swat!!!

On Thursday me and another student has some free time as assessments where taking place so we took the dogs on the Westwood for a run. This is a large grassed area near Beverley Racecourse where cows graze. Denise’s dog had got spooked the other day and she thinks it was the Cows and he did not want to go out onto the Westwood so we left him in the car and took Dinky. When we headed back and got over the hill toward the cars, poor Brody was sat in the car surrounded by about 70 Cows!! We had to wait till they had moved so we could get to the cars.

Saturday was Gianni Canopoli's herding Clinic, what an experience. It was great. The place was lovely and so were all the people. Lynda and Pauline were there who are tutors at Bishop Burton. Lynda has already done some herding with her working line bearded collies and her young dog was amazing to watch work. Gianni asked if she was for sale! It was really interesting watching the dogs and seeing the natural instinct kick in and if it didn’t seeing how Gianni help to encourage it. There were mainly beardies, but also Pauline’s Spanish Water Dog, a Spitz, Border collie and Canaan dog and of course Dinky and Snoopy.
Snoopy was scared of the Sheep as I expected and ran away trying to get out of the field much to the rest of groups amusement. You can always guarantee wherever I take him he shows me up and makes people laugh! That’s why I love him, so I officially have a sheepdog that is scared of sheep.

Dinky however was really liking the sheep. What was good was when the sheep were out of the pen and she chased I was able to stop her and call her back. After 2 sessions I decided not to take it further as Dinky seemed to want to just chase or play with the sheep and Gianni said she may, but probably would not want to herd them as she is more of a flock guardian than a herder. As she has a strong drive to chase and have worked hard to control it I was pleased that even on full flight I could stop her. Gianni said he works a lot on the continent with dogs like leos training them not to chase and commented on the good control I have with her.
I’m planning to take my trainers on one of the summer ones as it is really educational just watching.

Now I’m back working on the centre and the classes are booking up fast!

Wagga-Wuffins K9 Activity Centre

2009-06-06T13:46:00.004+01:00

The centre is starting to take shape now, still waiting for windows though! We have a new fire exit door and the wiring is going in this weekend then Jon can finish putting the ply on the walls. I’m off to college for 4 days on my last block week of the year and an assessment doing a behaviour consultation! Then Im back Friday and then Saturday I’m off to Gianni Canopoli's Herding Clinic in Scarborough!
On Tuesday I’m off to the Pet Behaviour Centre in Glasgow to see the Creche and how they run things up there. Then on the Saturday is the CAP2 and the week after is Blackpool Champ Show!

AND I have the centre to sort out, that still looks like a building site!

We are actually still on schedule at the moment. I have ordered the agility equipment and rubber floor, the website is now live http://www.waggawuffins.com
And we are having a fire risk assessment the week after next when I get back from college.

All the printing of advertising material is nearly complete. Alison at Sugarloaf Designs has done an amazing job with the logos, branding and design.
We also have a new addition to our team Jayne.

That’s all for now, I'll update when I’m back from college and herding!

Centre Update

2009-05-26T09:37:00.002+01:00

Well we’ve been really busy and I’m quite shattered today. Jon my OH has put all the stud walls up, the plumber has fitted a new toilet and sink in the existing toilet. My dad fitted 23 meters of electric cable to the wall so the electrician can fit an electric box in the office. We have laid the office and kitchen floor and filled with insulation. I started to clean the loose pain off the walls ready for new paint! The windows have been measured up and the new ones will be fitted this week.
Next weekend we can start fixing the ply to the walls.

Also we found the little baby pigeon had died yesterday that has been squatting in the centre. I think it was probably the stress caused by all the building work but were not sure!

Well I’d better get on with my assignment, I have lots of dogs walking and training this week and an assessment to do for the RSPCA

Dominant Dogs?

2009-05-22T09:47:00.001+01:00

There has been a research paper released link here http://www.bris.ac.uk/news/2009/6361.html

This has also hit the newspapers today which is great! This is not something new and most good dog trainers have been aware of this for a long time and the reason why we use only positive techniques.
I am what you would call a cross over trainer which means I started out using old school check chains and correction years ago but have changed. Over time I have studied and tried many techniques and now only train using positive methods because it works the best and is safe and kind and I love dogs and don’t like being mean to them.

It is sad that I visit many homes where dogs suffer because people are led to believe by other trainers and TV programmes that they need to dominate their dogs and become a pack leader. This only leads to confusion and a dog/human relationship that is in permanent conflict.

Dogs are pack animals but they don’t have the structure that wolves do and are behaviourally very different to a wolf. The studies based around using rank reduction techniques was done on wolves not dogs. Humans love hierarchies, we are surrounded by them and probably the reason we bought into this theory even though there was never any real substantial research to back it up. Humans trying to behave like wolves to train dogs is as ridiculous as it sounds!

Recent studies question if dogs even understand what you are doing when make attempts to assert dominance and leadership over them. I could go on all day about the behavioural difference between dogs and wolves!

Also ignoring a dog and only ever giving it attention when you want is actually random positive punishment for any social species, meaning that it happens irrespective of the dogs behaviour and that causes stress. Research shows that if this type of social depravation is successful in reducing aggression it is because it is a variant of learned helplessness caused by the loss of control over social contact. Not a nice psychological mind state to live in day to day.

Also many of these techniques are confrontational and aggressive such as alpha rolls and pinning. If you have ever seen a true alpha/leader (wolf or dog) you will notice that they are totally non aggressive and don’t even have to make any physical contact with another to gain respect or status, why? because they were born with it!

If an owner has been aggressive or uses physical violence on the dog using correction techniques such as scruffing, hitting or pinning the dog will think this is the way to do things. Aggression causes aggression.

I have a relationship with my dogs where we respect each other, my dogs do things because they want to not because they have to. They don’t live with the daily fear that if they make a mistake they may experience pain or punishment which sadly many dogs do. They love learning and training because together we achieve great things. My aim as a trainer is to share my knowledge and experience with others and see more happy dogs.

Its All Go!

2009-05-12T13:44:00.005+01:00

The work on my centre has begun. Ive attached a photo of the centre before anything was done and the new floor now partly laid. This should be finished tommorow and at the weekend the stud walls go in for the office, kitchen etc.

Then there is the toilets, new doors, windows, painting, padding for posts,rubber mats, carpets etc!!

Its going to be like Grand Designs for Dogs!

Im mad busy arranging stuff at the moment and trying to do assignments!! I also start my CAP2 on Saturday! I could do with cloning myself at the moment.

The new Website should be up the end of next week and we will be taking bookings for all new classes then too, we have Pet Dog Agility, Flyball, Games, Ringcraft, Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme and much more.

We plan to open on the 06/07/2009

CAP and Planning

2009-05-01T16:15:00.001+01:00

A quick update, firstly I passed my CAP1 with full marks gaining a distinction and I’m now starting CAP2. For those that don’t know, CAP is a Clicker Trainers Competency Assessment Program run by Learning About Dogs.

The council have granted my planning permission for my training centre. So I’m going to be really busy for the next few weeks as there is a lot of work to do. We hope to be up and running in 6 to 8 weeks.

Heelwork to Music, Holidays, Herding, Hit something Hard, and Hubble

2009-04-07T09:40:00.004+01:00

Well I haven’t made it to water training for 2 weeks! The first week I ended up Heelwork to Music Training, last weekend I did some more HTM Training and we decorated Jon’s Dining room, it looks fab!
We all had a bit of stress with our first inappropriate canine behaviour assignment but got a weeks extension as we all got the wrong end of the stick. It’s quite weird now working at level 5 and you’ve really got to put the work in. I’m enjoying learning from it though. We have a two week break for Easter but I’m hoping to use that time to get ahead with my assignments, especially my training plan.

I’ve booked Dinky and Snoopy in for beginner sheep herding sessions in June at Scarborough. First they get assessed for natural instinct and then if they pass we get to have a go. It will be interesting as Dinky’s breed should have no herding instinct.
My gut feeling is Snoopy will be scared of them and Dinky will scatter them or make friends with them like Babe! Baaaa Ram Eweee…..

This week I am back training with Lynda Edmondson and looking forwards to it I feel I have hit a learning plateau and need some direction, it’s also the last CAP1 training day this month. Its funny how you can train people, support them, identify problems and see things plainly but when you are doing it yourself it’s totally different as you’re not looking as an outsider. I’m finding videoing and watching back helps as I can evaluate my session then.

This weekend I also managed to bump or should I say battered my Granvia in a car park, I was parked next to the trolley bay and hit the barrier as I pulled out. What a Muppet! I have a great big dent and have scraped all the paint off the bottom of the side sliding door, I’m hoping that it can be repaired as opposed to a new door!!

The window is still in though!!

I got a bit of surprise last week when the Bury Times ‘exposed’ Project Hubble, they had obviously been scanning the planning applications for something interesting and picked up on mine. I knew nothing about it until one of my customers mentioned it, thankfully it is a good write up, and it has certainly set tongues wagging with the dog owning community. There is not much I can do except plan and prepare until I get planning permission so was keeping it quiet.
When I first looked into my own premise for training I had no idea it was so complicated, I thought I’d just lease a unit and away we go, it’s been an interesting learning experience and I felt I have prepared myself well, I knew I was going to come across obstacles in the way and had to take risks and fight my corner. I knew nothing about planning policy change of use and employment generating areas before this.
We expect a decision in May and it will be full steam ahead after that. I’m trying so hard not to get excited in case the council say no!

Why I called it Project Hubble? I’ll let you guess that!! A free brew at dog club for the correct answer!!

College and Wales

2009-03-22T17:16:00.007Z

Well college was great, made progress with practical training, Dinky does full backwards circles round me now. The Inappropriate Canine Behaviour Lectures were all on aggression, different types, identifying them and what you would consider in a treatment plan. We stayed at Robeanne House which is always nice and good to get together in the evening for a glass or wine or two and a chat with other students.

This weekend me and Jon when down to South Wales as I was asked to do a clicker demo and training session for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Club of Wales.
As we have not had a holiday for over a year and looks like we are going to be far too busy over the next 6 months to have one, we decided to make a weekend of it. So Friday night we set on the lovely journey down the M6 and M5!
Surprising the only bad traffic was coming out of Manchester and we arrived in Tintern Village at 9.30pm. We had booked in The Old Rectory B&B as they were happy to accept 3 dogs. The owners were really nice and have dogs or their own. Our room had its own entrance which led to the garden, this was very convenient. We also had Sky TV and a bath as well as a shower, I was impressed!!
We took the dogs a walk down the lane but didn’t go too far as it was very dark, then we settled down and had a few glasses of wine. The next morning we had arranged to have breakfast at 9am, so took the dogs a good walk first. When we went for breakfast it was really quiet and no one was up!! There was a bell so we rang it and eventually the owners got up, apologising for sleeping in. Then they announced they had no sausages and they would either give us extra bacon or if we waited they would go to the shop. We opted for extra bacon. Then the owner put on some music as she went back to the kitchen the CD started jumping. We were laughing by this time and I think Jon made some mention of faulty towers. Then the owner came back and asked about clicker training, Jon told me afterwards I was rather aloof with my answer. I told him I was thinking to myself at the time, my breakfast is late and I have no sausages and now you want some free dog training advice!
Anyway we went off to the next village called St Arvans to the AGM. I did a demo and then somehow we ended up discussing dominance and pack theory. I started with someone asking about the dog believing its in control of its rewards and is this good, I went on to discuss perceived control as a stress reducer and what learned helplessness is and then it went on to dominance and training. We had a short training session and I did some hand targeting with the dogs. I was a really good day and everyone was really nice and friendly. We then went for lunch in the pub and more chatting dog stuff. The secretary asked me if I would I consider doing the same for the UK Club and of course I agreed.
We took the dogs for a good a walk along the river, Tintern is really a lovely place. When we arrived back to our room, there were wine classes (we used cups the night before) and also some flowers, which was lovely, also in the morning we had a full breakfast with sausages and the owners gave us some Tintern sausages to take home as a gift.

Next weekend its water rescue training!!

Off to College

2009-03-13T10:03:00.004Z

Well Im off for a weekend session at college tommorow, 9am start in Hull. We are doing advanced dog training and inappropriate canine behaviour. Our lecture on Wednesday was on Aggression and really interesting so looking forwards to this weekend.

My plan with Dinky is to work on going round out wide using the target stick and more duration on trotting, I may work on the foot lift but will see how we do with that this afternoon.

Ive spent £80 on grooming products for Snoopy from Plush Puppy and they have devised me a concoction for using on his coat to help growth and protect it from breaking. What a ridiculous amout of money, I must be mad..............................I hope it works!! Here is a picture of Snoopy's brother winning Best of Breed at Westminster dog show in the USA, this is how I want Snoopy's coat to look!!

As for the 'current climate' I must be on another planet, I have never been this busy with work!!

Whats really nice is some of the enquirys I've had have come by recommendation and by more than one person. One lady said 3 of her friends who dont know each other, from different social circles recommended me. A lady yesterday said said 2 different people in the park recommended me.

Disgusted

2009-03-11T09:03:00.003Z

As a trainer and also exhibiter of 13 years I was horrified while walking through the benches at Crufts to spot 2 dobermanns wearing prong collars. Also a friend of mind has told me she saw a shepherd wearing one too.
I have never in the years of showing seen these awful things at a show. I can’t believe in a time when dog training has moved forwards so much with the welfare of the dog in mind and so many positive methods out there to train a dog, I am now seeing show dogs on prong collars.
If these dogs are so out of control that their owners have to stick spikes in their necks to control them, should they be showing them!!

Crufts 2009

2009-03-08T23:13:00.006Z

Well I was up at 4am after not much sleep. Got ready, Snoopy knew something was happening and he was going somewhere after all the grooming and faffing. I picked my mum and Sue up at 5am and off we set. We had a slight detour to Stoke on Trent where we picked Brenda from the ADTB and her gorgeous border collie Jade. We had a couple of u turns due to the AA directions having notes of Travelodge’s which confused my mum.
Anyway traffic was fine and we arrived nice and early and I went off to buy a show lead as about 10pm last night I realised it was in the box at dog club!

Snoopy’s first class was limit dog and there were 9 dogs in this class. Snoopy was impeccably behaved and shown beautifully winning 2nd place! We then went on to the Good Citizen scheme class where there were 2 entries, as Snoopy has already beaten the other dog in limit so he was automatically awarded 1st place.

The judge commented on Snoopy’s condition and muscle tone saying you can tell he gets good exercise which was nice.

It was great to catch up with everyone, Snoopy’s breeder came over from Poland and I got a lecture on grooming as Snoopy does not have enough coat. I need to be washing him every week and only brushing him when he is wet and has conditioner on so it doesn’t split his coat. So I spent a small fortune on coat care and we will see what happens!!
Did lots of shopping, Crufts wasn’t as busy as it has been but this made shopping a little easier. Thankfully we were not impacted at all by the protesters and managed to have a great day.

Anyway, I am shattered and off to bed

Watch Crufts on the Net

2009-03-05T11:13:00.002Z

Im currently watching the canine freestyle on http://www.cruftslive.tv/

The only chance you ever get to see the really good stuff at Crufts was by going there, this year the BBC ( who only ever show the breed judging and a bit of the sports) refused to air crufts because of all the controversy with the pedigree dogs exposed documentary. So Crufts/Kennel Club have decided to show it live over the internet.
So you can watch all the agility, heelwork to music, junior handling etc and even register and watch it on demand for a small fee.

And the whole world can see what crufts is really all about.

Im glad the BBC dropped Crufts :-)
Jane

The results are in

2009-03-03T15:29:00.002Z

Ive just got home and had a letter from Bishop Burton. Its a notification of module results from Hull University for the last 18 months and I have passed all my modules for the first part of the course, this means I now have a total of 120 Credits at Level 4 and means I can continue with the degree and begin the study a level 5.

Woohooo!!

Training Videos

2009-03-01T23:56:00.004Z

Thought I would share a couple of training videos, the first one is Dinky learning a back foot target which will eventually (hopefully) be a leg lift.

This one is Snoopy learning to lip sync!!

8 Days To Go

2009-02-28T17:55:00.005Z

I cant believe a week tommorow we'll be at Crufts!

Im competing with Snoopy on the Sunday, so he will be being pampered this week preparing for the big event. Snoopy had a Reserve Challenge Certificate which means he is qualifed for Crufts for life.

We have'nt done much showing this last year in fact Snoopy's last show was Crufts last year so we're a bit rusty!!

Snoopy is entered in Limit Dog and also the Good Citizen Scheme Class.

Im looking forwards to it and I will also be doing lots of shopping.

Dancing, Walking, Training and Swimming with Dogs

2009-02-24T15:42:00.002Z

Well my Heelwork to Music lesson was rather interesting. The first thing we did was have 15 minutes to make a routine to 1 minute of Elvis and demo it in front of the group. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end and we don’t really have any moves as such. Anyway I did it, it wasn’t great or amazing but I got up and did it. This was I thought going to be my biggest hurdle and now really glad I have done it and wasn’t actually that bad.
Well Dinky wasn’t that bad however I think I might need to attend some dance classes!

I learnt lots about how to present your moves to the judges, using the space available and positioning, along with making sure you include time/beats to change from doing one movement to another.
So I’ve got loads to work on, I have decided to do leg weaves with Dinky and see what they look like. I’m also teaching her to go round out wide and to go round close backwards, I think the kitchen table is going to have to go in the shed so I have more training space in the kitchen, we will have to eat on our knees in front of the TV from now on so I can create my masterpiece!!

On Saturday I did some training with my dogs in Heaton Park Car Park which was busy with Dogs, Cars, People and Children, both Dinky and Snoopy worked really well with the distractions. I also did some videoing and saw I have started to turn into a serious silent clicker trainer. This just doesn’t do it for Dinky so I need to start being a bit more ‘fun’ again.

When doing heelwork I’ve found Dinky drops her head as we set off, only for a split second, I think its confidence thing to just look where she is going. I have been clicking as soon as I move, before her head drops, as she is following a hand target and she catches the treat from my hand so the click is keeping her head up to catch the treat. This seems to be working and reckon I just need to build duration. If anyone has any other ideas or tips for this, do tell.

I lost my first customer to the credit crunch this week but I have 3 new really nice dogs to walk that live in a beautiful area and the walks are just fab, I’m completely full now Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with walking. Monday is a long day now with 6 hours of walking then 5 hours dog training. I have to say my legs are aching a bit today.
My diary is full for the next 2 weeks with walking and training, all my Training Classes are full at the moment and puppy classes are booked up till April. Let’s hope it stays like that!

Last night we spent around 15 minutes playing Gena clicker games with the advanced class, I think some of the members are not to sure about it , but it certainly helps you to become aware of the importance of timing of rewards and withholding rewards regardless of if you are using a clicker or not. I will see what my Thursday advanced class think of it!

Water Training starts again at the end of next month and I have just renewed my membership with the Lancashire Rescue Bears. Like I have nothing else to do!!! I’m not looking forward to getting in the water though after such a cold winter brrrrrrrr

Dog Training and Wolf TV

2009-02-18T17:45:00.003Z

This weekend I did my CAP1 first training day and on Sunday I did a full clicker training day. Tonight I’m off to a heelwork to music class. I would highly recommend CAP to anyone into clicker training.
Looking forwards to a weekend off!!

Dinky’s training is coming along nicely must get some video footage. I’ve also been working with Snoopy and I am free shaping him to mime, it’s really funny he can currently open and close his mouth 6 times.
I’ve been busy with dog club and walking but not much training although next week is busy. College is quiet and just planning my training plans at the moment and still deciding on what moves to do.

I have also been very busy with Project ‘Hubble’, can’t say anymore about this at the moment as I don’t like to tempt fate but all will be revealed in due course!!

I watched 2 wolf programs this week, the first was on Animal Planet and was called ‘Living with Wolves’ this was really interesting as it was a couple living close with a pack and studying them. They introduced 3 youngsters to the pack and one female was really bullied and stayed at a distance it seemed she was going to be an omega, then when they all come into season the alpha male picked her and she became the alpha. It was also interesting to see how the brother of the male omega stuck by him all the time. It was a good demonstration that their behaviour was not as black and white as we think. I like this a lot and would recommend it.

The other was Mr and Mrs Wolf, I’m not sure about this guy at all I think its more entertainment than educational. I’m not a believer in trying to behave like an animal, I respect that any animal can see we are a different species. I don’t think he is part of their pack, I think they tolerate him because he brings food. They were also very aggressive, maybe down to drama editing but the wolves I have observed did not show aggression like that.

I have the best Job in the world

2009-02-02T16:45:00.000Z

Most people who work outside would not be happy with today’s weather. My only problem was getting to some of the places where I walk dogs. I just stuck to the main roads and walked the rest of the way where it was bad so my vehicle didn’t get stuck.
First this morning was Poppy and Lily who are in boarding kennels at the moment. They luuurrrved it and Poppy made lots of snow angels.

Then it was Charlie and Ollie who again had a great time and even took some time out to pose for a super photo.

Then Minnie and Ollie. Ollie the Shitz Tzu was not happy about the snow balls attached to his coat and would probably have preferred to stay at home in front of the fire.

Then there was Rosie and then finally was Kim.
So I spent most of my day playing with dogs in the snow and throwing snow balls for them to catch AND I got paid for it!!!!

Well 4 hours of training to do now.

Assessment Day

2009-01-26T15:15:00.000Z

I have really progressed well with Dinky at college, she is walking back 2 meters and targeting a mat with her back foot. I have begun to elevate the target to 2 mats on wood, so it’s about an 2 inches high.
She is also targeting a box with her front feet and now doing a rear movement quarter circle to the left and right on the box. She is just the best dog ever!
Wednesday was assessment day, me and Dinky were stooges for 2 assessments. Dinky decided to do ‘dead’ in one when practicing down. I have free shaped Dinky to play dead and its kind of her default behaviour so if she’s not sure she offers ‘dead’. Dinky was also very well behaved and good demo dog for my fellow students.

My assessment was on Thursday. I woke up at 3 am on Thursday morning and couldn’t get back to sleep for ages thinking about my assessment. Then when I eventually managed to get to sleep I just kept dreaming about my assessment going horribly wrong.
At least in the morning I was well prepared for every eventuality of it going wrong. I was so tired, I’d been training (in my head) for hours!!

For my assessment I taught ‘Leave’ ‘Stay’ ‘Touch’ and Loose Lead Walking all with Clicker Training. Thankfully all went well and I passed, one of my tutors commented that she can see I really know my stuff and the other asked when I was moving to Hull so she can come to my classes. How cool is that!!!
Then my tutor asked if they could use my lesson plans as examples for next year’s students. I’m such a swat, I’ll have no friends left at this rate!!
Me and Dinky stooged again for 1 more assessment.

Ah don’t you just love that great sense of relief when it’s all over and it went well.

In the afternoon a vet came who does alternative therapies and we watched her do acupuncture on one of the tutors old shepherd with bad hips. Wow!!
It was really interesting as she explained how the needles work and what they do from a science medical point of view and how they create energy flows. She also explained it works well used alongside modern medicine and the importance of tests etc to diagnose a condition so the acupuncture is appropriate for the specific condition. She said used incorrectly could make a problem worse. The needles increase blood flow in the area they are inserted so an inappropriate example would be if the discomfort was caused by as tumour, the last thing you want around a tumour is increased blood flow.
Watching the difference in the shepherd’s movement afterwards made me well up a bit it was quite significant.

Our tutor then gave us a little taster of the inappropriate canine behaviour module which we begin in March. I’m really looking forwards to this module and I’m hoping I already have most of the books for this already in my ever expanding dog stuff book collection.

Well back to work, training and finishing those last few assignments before our short break in February.

Christmas, Cold, Courses, Cabins and Clickers

2009-01-20T18:40:00.000Z

Well Christmas is over and all is getting back to normal, not sure I like this cold weather, its freezing, The good thing is as everything is frozen the dogs stay clean but I think Id prefer to be warm with muddy dogs.
We had dog club parties they were great, the atmosphere at the dog party was fab. Then 2 weeks off for Christmas. I got new walking boots for Christmas which I was in desperate need of.

Just before Christmas I attended Lynda Edmondsons obedience classes in Wigan. As Lynda is regarded as one of the best trainers in the UK I though I would go get some help with training for college. Lynda is lovely and I learnt loads it was fab. I took Dinky and I have been to more sessions this month including a full clicker training day on Sunday which was awesome. I now have to teach Dinky to spin on the box and also to do a back foot target. Lynda has also helped me alot with my competitive heelwork. I have direction now and I’m feeling motivated and positive.

I’ve decided Im doing HTM with Dinky for my advanced dog training at college.
College for the last few months has been hard and many of us have had low marks on our assignments which seems to have demotivated everyone. I feel I have hit a turning point and Im finding writing assignments a bit easier, but hey lets see what the tutors think about them lol.
Im at College now on a block week, I brought both Dinky and Snoopy with me. Stewart is holding the fort at dog club for me. Its freezing and rained all day yesterday which has horrible. Didn’t do much training with the dogs yesterday so took them for a run on the westwood at Beverley racecourse. They were filthy and needed a hose when I got back. My cabin was bit cold yesterday but has now warmed up nicely. The dogs settled and slept all night, got up in time for breakfast but was nearly late due to talking dog stuff at breakfast with other students.

I had a practice run at my assessment today which was good, it’s the real thing on Thursday. Today I got Dinky to walk back 1 meter and target 2 mats on top of each other with her back feet. She also is turning 1 pace to the left and right on the box. I was pleased as she only did this for the first time on Sunday and progressed in a different environment today.
Back at the Cabin now the dogs are crashed out and Im off for pizza in a bit

I have plenty planned for the first half of the year, Snoopy is at Crufts in March, I’m also doing my CAP 1 and maybe 2 with Lynda, Im doing a clicker demo for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Club of Wales and College of course always keeps me busy. I have also been asked by the newfy club to do an obedience session, but need to check my diary.
Ive had no internet for nearly 2 weeks as its broke, so the only access I have is when I visit my mums, I felt like I had lost an arm, but now I actually like and have begun to realise how much of my life wastes away in front of the PC. It’s a pain when doing course work if you need to do a search for info, but other than that lifes not that bad without it.

Are chocolate labradors the secret to fertility?

2008-11-28T17:36:00.000Z

So this last couple of weeks, we have had 4 human baby births and all the parents have chocolate labradors!!
How weird is that?
We thought there might be something in the tea at Elton Dog Club but one of them is a one to one customer.
So congratulations to Debbie and James with baby Harper James, Alan and Beth with baby Isla, Karen and hubby with baby Oscar, Gary and Al with baby Charlie who arrived last night.

Breaking and entering with a Whippit

2008-11-19T23:12:00.000Z

So what a day, when you live with a polish lowland sheepdog life is never dull!!

Snoopy IS certainly ‘special’

I got up normal day walked 6 dogs and did 2 hours behaviour work at the RSPCA. Got in about 3.30pm, piled the dogs into the car and went to the park. They had a good run round and then I did some training. I worked them together for a while on the car park. Both dogs were great. Dinky is doing nice left circles. I’m very proud and her heelwork is really nice now.

I headed back to the car and thought I’ll do some more work with Dinky using the whippit. Those of you that don’t know what a whippit is, it’s a horses lunge whip with a toy tied to the end. You get them from Learning About Dogs and they are used to teach control. I use it to motivate Dinky as she loves to chase things. This gets her really motivated.

So I put Snoopy in the car, chucked in the leads, toys, my bag and keys and got out the whippit

We played for a bit and then did some heelwork. I was thinking Dinky is fab and then suddenly I heard Beep, Click

Oh no, that wasn’t the car locking was it, it can’t be, oh please that did not just happen!!I walked back to the car and Snoopy is stood on the seat on my keys. Noooooooooooo. I lifted the handle and it was locked.

Ok keep calm think, phone, it’s in the car, money, it’s in the car, dog lead, it’s in the car, house keys, in the car. Arrhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

So I have a leonberger (with no lead) 2 poo bags, a handful of liver cake and a slobbery wet dog toy tied the end of a bloody horse whip. Great!

Snoopy is sat innocently looking at me inside the car. I looked at him shaking my head and said ‘you have no idea do you’

It’s now 10 past 4 and the park gates are locked at half past.

So I’m luring Snoopy about from outside the car to get him to stand on the keys again hoping he might accidentally unlock the car but he just kept setting the alarm off!! Its just not going to happen is it?

So try something else, I know phone my mum. There is a bloke walking into the park with a small dog. I stop him and say. ‘Excuse but my dog has just locked itself in the car with my keys in it and I need to ring somebody, could I borrow your phone?’

Quite understandably (I do live in Manchester) he says sorry I left my phone at home. Then his phone beeps in his pocket (how very funny)He says ‘oh I’ve got it with me, I thought I left it at home and hands it to me’. I ring my mum and she is not in so I leave a message, ‘Mum if you get this message in the next 20 minutes can you come to the park, I’m in the car park’.

The guy then comes over to help (now he’s realised I’m telling the truth however ridiculous it may have sounded and I’m not going to steal his phone!!)

I’m now thinking to myself, time is running out fast and which window would be the cheapest to replace!!!Snoopy is still looking vacantly at me from inside the car with that dumb Jim Henson creature look on his face.

The side window had a fastening missing and you can actually prise it open a bit. My plan now is slide the whippit in and try and hook the keys on it. I held the window while the bloke pushed the whippit in the gap. Id also had to explain that I don’t horse whip my dogs and it’s actually a toy!!!He managed to get the keys on the end, hurrah………. but they just slid off with the weight. Damn it!!

Then the next thing there is a popping crunchy type of noise, the glass shattered. The guy started apologising. I really didn’t care by this point. I’d got my keys and was able to get out of the park before it shut. I moved Snoopy safely to the front of the car away from the glass, thanked the guy and drove home.

When I got in I rang the company I bought the car, a Japanese Import off and asked if they could get me a new window as I had smashed it. He said ‘Jane why did you smash that one! I explained and he said ok I understand, but a front passenger window would have been cheaper. I told him he needed customers like me when there is a credit crunch. A new window is £115 + vat.

So lesson learnt, don’t leave your keys in the car no matter how much you think it is unlikely the dog will stand on the lock button on the key fob and lock the car, Oh and teach Snoopy to retrieve keys.

Mud, Sticks and Cake

2008-11-13T13:28:00.000Z

I'm very pleased with myself, I had this weeks assignment completed by Tuesday this is not like me at all.
I’ve done lots of dog walking this week and 1 behaviour case. My puppy classes are full till next year. The only downfall to classes being busy is you have to turn people away and they get a bit upset because you can't accommodate them.

On Wednesday the RSPCA were understaffed so they didn’t need me for training. As I was free I went and helped instead. I exercised all the dogs. I was caked in mud when I left and I smelt really really bad but I felt great!

I have bought a stand alone target stick and my dogs think it is the most amazing thing ever. They already love targeting, I think Snoopy might break it though, he got really excited when he touched it and it bounced back on his nose. Must take it to club tonight for my advanced class to have a play with it.
I have also got the Learning about dogs 'Dances with dogs' book so will be getting on with that this weekend I think. Stuff the house work!!
Snoopy seems to have lost the plot at the moment and gets too excited. Ive been teaching Dinky to cross her paws and she seems to be getting that.

I made some liver cake the other day but it was really crumbly, think I need more eggs. Im obviously not a cakey bakey type of woman. However give me a piece of steak to fry or a joint to roast and you'd be impressed.
Three Classes tonight so must go and prepare.

Busy Week

2008-11-10T23:27:00.000Z

Last Tuesday we went to Mypetstop in Denton to a cabaret Evening with Mary Ray. I have few videos and books of Mary but this was the first time I attended a demonstration. Stewart the trainer at my club came and one of our members with her friends.
It was great Mary covered heelwork to music, obedience and a bit of contacts for agility. She is very entertaining and got some good ideas to help with some problems I’m having. One is getting Dinky to use her backend so we can do decent left turns, the other is getting the trot while I’m walking. Dinky does a beautiful dressage move at fast pace but she just walks when I walk. I’m really thinking about doing Heelwork to Music with Dinky for my advanced dog training next year. I bought Mary’s new book ‘Superdog’ and 6 targets sticks for dog club.

Friday I completed my assignment on genetics and covered von Willebrands Disease in Dobermanns. I got some really interesting information by analysing the health scheme results. Will maybe cover that in more detail another day.

Saturday I was planning draught training with Dinky, but had far too much house work and dog club stuff to catch up on. How boring!!

Sunday we had a club dog walk in Phillips Park, it was muddy and wet, but a great time was had by all. I think many people who live in North Manchester don’t realise what great green space we have on our doorstep.
The dogs love it and its great watching how different breeds with different drives interact as a group. We had 2 collies, a Leonberger, a German Shepherd, a Swedish Vallhund, a Springer, a polish lowland and a cross breed. I managed to get some pictures this time. We are planning a trip to Hebden Bridge and Hardcastle Craggs for the next one.

Weekend at College

2008-11-03T16:54:00.000Z

I’m back home and recovering from my weekend college sessions. I drove over to Hull on Saturday Morning with Dinky my Leonberger. We arrived on time and started the day with coffee and catching up. Our first session was canine systems, then off to do some practical handling and teaching for the Organising Classes and Instructing Module. We have a practical assessment in January, so this was an opportunity to prepare and practice. We took turns in handling, observing and teaching. It’s really hard teaching your peers!! You feel like your being judged all the time but we were all very nice and supportive to each other.

At the end of the day we decided to take the dogs onto the racecourse for a run. One of my fellow students got her 4 wheel drive stuck in the mud and we pushed her out. I never thought two girls could move a truck but we did.

Then back to the B&B. Not only was I mentally drained but physically too. My fellow student we had pushed out of the mud knew where the B&B was so said I could follow her, but in all the stress of getting out of the mud, she flashed me out in front of her. I pulled out and set off as far as I knew. After I drove round the roundabout twice with her behind me, she must have remembered I didn’t know where I was going and over took me.

Eventually back at the B&B we had pizza, wine and long chats about dog stuff and course work and what we have been up to.

I had ordered 3 DVDs from my tutor and took the lap top so I could watch them on the Saturday night. When I got to my room and logged on the DVD player needed a decoder. There was broadband access so I logged on and downloaded a decoder for £10. Little did I know that a £100 cash withdrawal in the morning and a late night internet transaction to Luxembourg would scare the fraud department and they the put a caution on my card.
In the morning checking out, I couldn’t pay for the room on my card, how embarrassing, thank god for my flexible enemy!!
Sunday was much of the same, lectures and practical handling, then the boring drive home. The M62 was busy and it was chucking it down.

We have to start our advanced dog training in January, so I need to get thinking about what activity to do and with which dog.
I’m thinking
Heelwork to Music with Snoopy or Dinky (They both like tricks and Dinky loves targeting, Dinky would be the less typical breed for this, I’d have to forget leg weaves!!)
Working Trials with Dinky. I like this but it’s hard to motivate Dinky with the control exercises, but I like the challenge.
Water Rescue with Dinky. The problem with this is its seasonal and I can’t really practice at home, but she loves it, it’s all about natural drives, no clicks or treats required)
Anyway I’m off to see Mary Ray at one of her Cabaret Evenings Tomorrow to see what I think of HTM

Bonfire Night - Keeping your pets safe

2008-10-27T15:33:00.000Z

It’s that time of year again that all the pet owners dread. Bonfire night

If your dog suffers from fear of fireworks it is worth considering guidance from a behaviourist who can create you a desensitisation program for your pet. To be done properly this takes time and you may want to consider doing this in the next few months ready for next year.

Here are some tips for helping reduce anxiety and stress and preventing incidents caused by Fireworks

• There are several remedies on the market that you can get for your pets from the pet shop and the vets that can help reduce anxiety and stress caused by fireworks
• Keeping your pets indoors after dark
• Make sure your dog gets a good walk before dark. This will elevate their general mood state.
• If your dog is scared of Fireworks, keep them on a lead. Loud bangs can trigger a flight response and they can bolt, many dogs get lost during this time of year.
• Make sure your dog is wearing an Identification Tag at all times. This should be your surname, address and phone number.
• Keep curtains closed, and the TV or Radio on to disguise the noise.
• Stay in with your pets.
• Don’t confine your pet to one room. Fear can trigger a flight response and your pet will feel better if they can move about.
• Do fun things such a playing with toys and problem solving games to keep their minds off what’s going on outside.

The Regulation of Animal Training

2008-10-24T15:38:00.000+01:00

The Companion Animal Welfare Council is currently looking into regulation of Dog Training. A report was released recently by CAWC with recommendations. The CAWC report can be viewed here http://www.cawc.org.uk/080603.pdf

Currently there is no regulation and anybody can set themselves up in businesses and call themselves a dog trainer, behaviourist, whisperer or listener. There is also a wide variety of prices too.

Until there is regulation all I can say is buyer beware.

Dog Training
When looking for a training class. Look for clicker trainers or ones that use food and toys. Go and have a look first. One bad experience for your dog may take months or years to rectify.

Puppy Training
Badly run Puppy socialisation classes cause behaviour problems. These are the most important weeks of your puppy’s life and these should be taken by experienced instructors. Letting the learner instructors take a puppy class shows the head instructors lack of understanding of the importance of getting it right at this time.
Some socialisation classes are just training classes with puppies in and there is not much if any socialisation going on at all.

Dog Behaviour
All dog trainers should have a basic understanding of dog behaviour but if your dog has behaviour problems then the chances are a class is not the ideal environment for your dog.
I would recommend if your dog has behaviour problems then seek the advice of a qualified behaviourist, meaning they have recognised certificates and/or University Qualifications. Behaviour is a science and should be studied.

What is reward based training
Choices of which methods you use show your consideration of the mental well being of your pet.
People and some trainer’s perception of what reward based training is can vary a great deal.

Dogs being checked on half checks, choke chains or pinch collars for pulling on the lead is not reward based training.
Rattle Cans/Bottles are not reward based training
Water Sprays are not reward based training
Spray, remote or electric collars are not reward based training
Scruffing or alpha rolls are not reward based training
Throwing chains at dogs is not reward based training
These are very ‘old school’ methods and the more current kind methods work better and take into consideration the mental wellbeing of the animal. These old school methods remind me of how years ago bears dancing was acceptable. It saddens me that dogs are still allowed to suffer in the name of dog training.

Also be aware giving a few random treats during a class is poor reward based training
Reward based training is where the good behaviour is reinforced using timing methods that have been extensively studied over many many years. The triggers/motivators of the bad behaviour are identified and removed, an alternative is then offered and taught. This means the animal does not suffer any pain, or fear and can learn effectively without stress. Most importantly the animal still feels it has some control of its life.

Qualifications and Membership
Look to see if the trainer has any qualifications or memberships and what these organisations criteria are. There are some out there that only require payment of membership. Some have their own courses that anyone could pass, some are just theory. Others only give a few weeks training and you can declare yourself an expert!!
The CAWC report gives an overview of the main organisations and how they work and details of the courses trainers can do. You should know what these letters mean after peoples names, before you buy into them and put your pet under their supervision.

Years of Experience
There are some excellent trainers out there with no formal qualifications but have been on many seminars, training days and are very good at training dogs. There are others who have trained for years and have always been rubbish at it and still are.

Hobby Clubs
Some clubs are run by people who like dogs, have a bit of experience in training and enjoy it. These people may not have the ability to work outside of the box when something doesn’t go to plan and can address a issue in a highly inappropriate manner. These trial and error situations can be at the expense of your dog. A puppy was recently seriously injured on a choke chain by a hobby dog trainer.

A Day with Wolves

2008-10-19T12:32:00.000+01:00

We set of on Friday Afternoon to make the 200 mile journey down south to the Wolf Conservation Trust. There was me, my partner Jon and Stewart who trains at my dog club with me. The day was organised by Kirsty Peake, who is a tutor for The Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE). The day was arranged as part of the COAPE Wolf Behaviour Course. I was invited to attend as I am a member of COAPE.
We arrived at the Travelodge around 6.30pm and checked in. We decided to grab some tea at the services. Expensive!!!
Then we set off to find some alcohol. Luckily we found a shop and had to get screw cap wine as no one remembered a bottle opener.
The next morning we got up and set off towards the trust, hoping to find somewhere for breakfast on the way. Max’s café. This is a proper truck stop, you can't see out of the windows because of the grease. I had deep fried sausages on a muffin ugh. I decided to give the brown sauce a miss, as it swished around in the bottle when I picked it up!! I was already feeling a bit queasy about meeting wolves, this breakfast certainty wasn’t helping settle my stomach.
We found the trust and immediately saw the wolves in their compound as we pulled up. I thought they would have been bigger that they were.
They began to howl, this is a really eerie sound when you hearing it for real and after watching dog soldiers 2 nights before.

The day started with an introduction and about the trust, the work they do to keep wolves in the wild in Europe and the wolves they have there by Toni Shelbourne of the wolf trust. We then got the opportunity to see the wolves in their compounds. The wolves are hand reared and socialised and behave quite dog like around the trust handlers. Stewart took millions of photos!
We went back and Kirsty did a presentation on the history of Yellowstone and the re-introduction of wolves into the park. Kirsty then shared some of the experiences of wolf watching in Yellowstone and wolf behaviour. This has to be the best lecture I have ever attended, Kirsty is a great speaker.

I was fascinated to learn how wolves actually kill their predatory competition such as other packs and coyotes. I thought they just hunted for food. Kirsty explained some of the hunting behaviour and how they adapt strategies for different prey. She also told us a story of how a pack of wolves set them up at the dens of another pack where there were 3 females with cubs in the dens. The females could not leave the den to feed and hunt as they needed to protect their young. Eventually the wolves left and the females emerged without cubs. The wolf expert with Kirsty believed the females had to eat their puppies to survive. This was the biggest and strongest pack until this year because they didn’t produce surviving young. The competing pack became the strongest pack.
I spoke to Toni about the pack structure of the wolves and it was interesting that the natural alphas were aloof and non aggressive. There was very little conflict or disputes and a pack lead by a natural leader was harmonious. One of the other packs had a female who was not a natural leader but was always seeking status of alpha. This pack had problems Toni said because she is a poor leader. It’s interesting that people believe they should be pinning and growling at their dogs to show them they are alpha because that’s what wolves do. Yet this is the behaviour of a poor leader. The true leader is calm confident, fair and non aggressive.
The one thing I learnt was dogs and wolves have many similarities but they are also very different. I do not have a wolf in my living room and I wouldn’t want one, not even a hand reared socialised one.
In the afternoon they brought out 2 females from the Mackenzie pack. Each wolf had two handlers. We had to line up and allow the wolves to walk down the line to inspect us. The first one walked right passed, they took interest in some people and ignored others. The second wolf stopped sniffed me and rubbed up against me, strangely like a cat does not a dog. Being so close is amazing, i was excited but a bit scared too. These animals have double the jaw strength of a pit bull.
We then walked with the wolves and were allowed to meet and stroke the wolves one at time. It was the wolves walk and we walked behind them and they were really allowed to do their thing, it was only when they stopped and relaxed we could approach. The wolves ignored some people and got really friendly with others. You were only allowed to touch the wolf on its belly. Not on the head or back as people do with dogs. The coat is surprisingly coarse like a wiry terrier coat. One of the females was definitely more sociable than the other and it was interesting to see a group of behaviourists edging towards meeting the more sociable relaxed one.
We finished around 4pm and set of back to Manchester. I was a great experience and would recommend it to anyone.

Diary of a Dog Trainer

A Film Called 'Fetch'

Training Workshops and Quick update

Blackrod Scarecrow Festival 2nd and 3rd July 2011

New Spring Summer Workshops

Wagga Wuffins Launch Puppy Life Skills Sessions - 'Training and Socialisation in the Real World'

Irresponsible Dog Owner!

Clicker Training Days At Waggawuffins

A long awaited update !

Clicker Workshops at Waggawuffins, Lancashire

Study, Study and More Study

Winalot Family Moments Exhibition

Finishing off 2010

Happy New Year

College, Graduation, Training Days and Poorly Doggies

Beginners Pet Dog Agility Training Day, Bury, Greater Manchester Lancashire

Controlling Predatory Chase Behaviour Using Positive Reinforcement

Teaching your puppy Loose Lead Walking or 'Heelwork' using Clicker training

Sponsored Dog Walk in Bury This Sunday!

Gundog Training Day

Grim Reaper spotted on the A1 and Show Ring Success

Clicker Training Day - FreeShaping

The Results Are In!!

September is nearly here already!!

Show Success for Ringcraft dog

Silver Awards and a New Arrival

WaggaWuffins Kennel Club Good Dog Citizens

Lots of Local Fun Shows this weekend!

ABTC - Animal Behaviour and Training Council

Last Block Week and Sunshine and Success at Blackpool

Happy First Birthday WaggaWuffins

Distinctions all Round!

Finding Suitable Care for Your Pet While on Holiday

Polish gets Pampered in Prestwich

May Update

Matt and Teal get a special mention

Dog Walker in Wigan, Leigh and Lowton

Easter Holidays and CAP1

Congratulations Matt and Teal

Daycare and CAP1

Defra, Doggy Dancing and Doggy Daycare

It never Rains it Pours!

WaggaWuffins Jingle

Happy New Year

More Snow

Snow !

The Pitter Patter of Tiny Paws and Parties

Congratulations!!!!

Wolf Dog Weekend and Update

Doggy Fun at WaggaWuffins

Bronze Assessors, Assessments and Teamwork

Classes, Courses, Days Out and Free Stuff!!

College Soon for Two of Us!

APDT Assessment

Rain Drops, Clicks, Ducks and Petitions

Wagga-Wuffins Activity Centre Update

Blackpool Championship Show

The Last Block Week and Gianni's Herding Day

Wagga-Wuffins K9 Activity Centre

Centre Update

Dominant Dogs?

Its All Go!

CAP and Planning

Heelwork to Music, Holidays, Herding, Hit something Hard, and Hubble

College and Wales

Off to College

Disgusted

Crufts 2009

Watch Crufts on the Net

The results are in

Training Videos

8 Days To Go

Dancing, Walking, Training and Swimming with Dogs

Dog Training and Wolf TV

I have the best Job in the world

Assessment Day

Christmas, Cold, Courses, Cabins and Clickers

Are chocolate labradors the secret to fertility?

Breaking and entering with a Whippit

Mud, Sticks and Cake