Fly and Me

Visit to Susan Garrett's

2012-01-05T16:11:00.002-09:00

Fly and I went to Susan Garrett's for 4 days of classes. I learned so much and we have so much homework to do.It has been about 4 weeks since we got back and some stuff is beginning to show. Having cold weather and a dog stuck inside (cold feet make stays out outside very short). Focus on me is still my biggest mountain to climb.

Recallers 3.0 Starts Today

2011-12-05T11:36:00.002-09:00

Today is the official start of Recallers 3.0. We have been doing the Pre-Course games and logging our work. I am also going to Say Yes for four days of classes. We leave Tuesday night and have two days of traveling to get there. ~14 hours flying (Fly in the kennel the whole time and then a 10+ hour drive. The weather looks good right now. I am excited.

Ultimate Handling

2011-11-11T10:24:00.002-09:00

The Ultimate Handing is going very well. Fly really seems to follow me. Acceleration and deceleration seem to be going smooth. This morning I tried something. When Fly has the frisbee in her mouth she come up and faces in front of me. If I step straight back she move with me and if I step forward straight she moves straight back. So I wanted to see what body positions would turn her. Wow what control dropping a shoulder and a turn and she followed. We did all sort of moves and I got Fly to go where I wanted.

Lesson 1 Jumping .m4v

2011-11-07T10:27:00.000-09:00

Ok Here is the video from You Tube

Fly working on the Set point for Jumping

2011-11-07T09:16:00.002-09:00

Here is a bit of a long video of Fly working on the set point for jumping. I am following Susan Salo's DVD.

Ultimate Handling Day 1

2011-11-07T08:42:00.002-09:00

This lesson was easy and fun. I can't out run Fly but it is fun to try. It was snowing early this morning.

Now during the week all our training will be in the dark. Sunrise is about 9 am and sunset about 4 pm now with us loosing 7 minutes a day till December 21.

I also plan to keep up with Susan Salo's Jumping.

2011-11-04T20:18:00.001-08:00

Fly and I signed up for Ultimate Handling at http://ultimateagility.com/ with Greg and Laura Derrett. Looking forward to understanding handling better.

Goal - Contacts Stop without command

2011-09-28T10:51:00.002-08:00

Right now Fly knows to stop at the end of the contacts. We have been doing good with all four feet on vs 2 on 2 off. She will stop on my "Wait" command. She will stay until I release her about 90% with very temping distractions such as tennis ball or football.
My goal is to get her to stop and stay until I release her without me having to give the command. She sort of does it now but not well. My first contact will be with the teeter. She loves the teeter and has been know to play on it without me.

Long Gap

2011-09-28T10:41:00.011-08:00

I wasn't home much this summer but Fly did learn a lot (good and some bad) this summer. We now have a yard full of equipment.

The Yard Needs Grass

2011-05-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

Now that the snow is almost gone it will be time to get serious about the field and getting grass to grow after leveling it. The hill on the east side will have a terraced area for watching the action.

12 Weave Poles

2011-05-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

April 14, 2011 my 2x2 weave poles arrived. That night we started training. I followed Susan Garrett's 2x2 Weave training DVD. We trained 2-5 times a day for 5 minutes. About 10 day in we had to take a break, the yard was either to muddy or too slippery with ice to train for about a week. For the last two days we have successfully run 12 weave poles 100% of the time. Fly is getting more drive through the poles every day now. We still need to build the confidence from a less easy angles on the approach. It is so much fun to see her run the weave. It is great she just knows what to do.

Tire Jump

2011-03-13T19:10:00.005-08:00

This Saturday I built a new tire jump for Fly. We had been practicing run up to jumps and doing them, or the cone and circling it. So I ran with Fly toward the tire and she pop right through. She did it with me and Steve too. THe first picture is Sunday after some practice, the second picture is me running with Fly and the third is Steve with Fly. It was good to see her work for him too.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T15:44:00.002-09:00

It is about -30F at the house this morning but Fly just doesn't seem to notice! We played ball for a while. Then we worked on so foundation stuff and self control in the presence of a flying soccer ball. She is getting good at that. My big this this week is to get a good retrieve. Fly goes and gets it and brings it back but then leaves again or drops it 10 feet away. I want her to put it in my hand. So we are work close in right now with the throw toy in a line so coming back to me is the only option.

Cold Weather

2011-01-21T11:05:00.002-09:00

Winter up here comes with cold days -30 to -40 F. Fly seems to not notice how cold it is most of the time. She is too busy working. She has lots of things down solid and others that need work. The latest problem is herding shadows and light refections on the walls. FLy s lots of fun and she is really my dog.

Christmas Coming

2010-11-13T20:09:00.003-09:00

We did pictures for the Christmas card today and then made them.

Crate Games - Regroup

2010-11-02T11:05:00.003-08:00

Tonight we are going back to Crate Games Basics. The sit has disappeared when I tough the latch. Other training is going better.

The day to day things are working well. Waiting to be released at the door is going well. Long and short distance recalls are great. Going potty and poopie on command are good too. The big break through this week was "Give Me Five". Fly finally figured it out. The touches are great with nose wrinkling smashes.

7 months

2010-10-18T14:43:00.002-08:00

Fly turned 7 months today. So much to still learn. Somethings are good, lots need work. I love her and watching her learn. Lots of fun!

Snow

2010-10-07T16:00:00.002-08:00

Fly got her first introduction to snow yesterday and today we go even more. She is still trying to figure out snowballs when I throw them and they break up. I build her a snowman.

Having Fun

2010-10-05T20:33:00.002-08:00

We played lots of games in the dog yard tonight.

Dog in A Box!

2010-10-01T10:28:00.002-08:00

We have been having a good time in the new dog yard! Here is Dog in a Box. That is my kennel command. The transfer from the crate to the X-pen worked well. Here is a quick movie.

Distance Work

2010-09-15T11:12:00.002-08:00

Part 1 of distance training is working well. Starbuck working in the X-pen at 50 feet and Fly at 25-30 feet.

New Toys - Hoops

2010-09-14T09:08:00.005-08:00

First Picture: Fly testing out the new Hoops.

Second Picture: The six hoops, still need to be glued and end caps put on.

Third Picture: The south east corner of the new dog yard.

Sunday Fly and I went the NADAC fun match. We haven't had NADAC agility trials here in Fairbanks so this was learning event for everyone. It was fun! New events, the tunnels was a blast. They use hoops which was new to Fairbanks. The night before they got built for the event. This was great. Something to play with Fly with without jumping. Last night I built 6 hoops. Having my new miter saw it was real easy. I need to finish gluing them tonight. Starbuck and Fly had fun with them last night. It was getting dark when I finished. These are a few pictures from the new dog yard. It is really nice having that working space.

Morning Training

2010-09-08T08:18:00.002-08:00

The sun doesn't rise now till about 7am so it is pretty dark at 5am. We go out at 5 for a potty break and then do some tugging, sitting stays ans close in work. We then went inside and with some top class treats did sits, stands, downs, touch's, and target's. Trying to get those really snappy. The nose touch's are good hard nose wrinkling touch's.

Pictures Again Soon

2010-09-08T08:15:00.002-08:00

My good camera broke! But there was a really great rebate ($400) if you bought a printer and a camera together. It happened to be the printer Max wanted and the camera I wanted. I was able to order the camera body for half price that way. Yippee for a change I found out before the offer went away or bought the printer alone. So more good pictures soon.

Brilliant Recall Class Finished

2010-09-08T08:07:00.002-08:00

The Brilliant Recall Class Finished with the daily games. There are still 2 bonus games coming and one more Distraction Webinar. This was a great class. I know it sound funny to do a dog training class over the web but it worked. Each day a new game got posted with hints for trouble shooting and a video. There were lots of comments from other students who were also working things out. There were a few live webinars too. Everything we did in the class helped all that I am doing with Fly. So many of the games built the relationship. I now have a new tool box to work with. If you haven't check out Susan Garrett's stuff you should. I really like the way she trains her dogs. Susan Garrett's web site.

Fun Puppy Class

2010-08-16T22:25:00.002-08:00

Puppy class went pretty good. Weak sports are heeling and a real strong desire to play with all the other dogs. We had fun running in the yard tonight. It is starting to get darker now. Still not total darkness yet.

Mirror Me

2010-08-13T08:13:00.002-08:00

This morning I was doing recalls with Fly. I sat her in position and walked away a bit. When I went into the ready, crouched position, she crouched down too. Then I tried standing up and she went back to a normal sit. The dogs are loving running in the new yard in the dirt. It will be so nice when it is grass!.

Just Wow

2010-08-12T08:27:00.002-08:00

I have been working on the Brilliant Recall E-Course with Susan Garrett since the first of August. The homework has done amazing things with Fly and especially with Starbuck. Last night I did some rally practice with Starbuck. He was glued to my side or where he was suppose to be. He has focused on me so strong. We normally do the equivalent of one course and he has enough. Last night we kept going and going and he was loving it. This morning I took him for a walk on his long line(50'), still don't trust him. The dogs next door came to the fence and started carrying on. He headed over to check it out. I called him and he turned and came right back to me and even better he park himself at my side in the Reward Zone. I had no treats (opps) but he loves being rubbed and patted real hard as he rolls in the dirt. He got a good reward and we both had a big party right then. I also took my puppy out and she is on a 6' lead in case I need to catch her. She got to run and again the dogs next door started in their noisy things. She ran along the fence with them until I called and she came right away. Tugging is her top reward. I let her run again a few more times and when she was involved in something other than me I called and she came. I have had a bit of trouble when I call her she locks on me, sits and waits for something. Today she came. We need to tighten up the position in the reward zone, but it has moved from out front to my side. All where at distances over 100'. Oh what fun we are having!

Toy Pile Reward

2010-08-05T13:38:00.006-08:00

All the ball flat and full and eaten along with other goodies are piled along side of the front lawn. This is the reward pile. After Fly has worked with me she gets to go pick a toy and play for a while. Round balls she rolls to me and we kick and herd it around. Flat balls she runs laps with and brings to me to throw. After a bit I put the toy away and we work. I have "Pick a Toy" as a command that allows her to grab the goodie of her choose. I have "Toys Away" when I put it back on the pile and we go do something different. The toy pile gets a look every now and then. The closer we "work" near the pile the bigger value the distraction. In the last week we have only had a few escapes to the toy pile and it was when I work to long and I knew it. Just trying to get one more in. I am getting better at stopping sooner. I always want to finish on a high note. These four pictures are selecting the flat ball after being given the command pick a toy. She goes over an pokes around a bit before selecting what we will play with. I had a cup balanced on top that just had to be nosed over.

Doing Homework Day 1

2010-08-01T13:47:00.004-08:00

Starbuck works for food much better than Fly. Fly is much more easy to distract, a bee, a leaf, or a vole taking a short cut. Even getting Steve to take pictures was a distraction.

Looking Forward

2010-07-31T21:44:00.002-08:00

Tomorrow starts the online class for a Brilliant Recall. I am really looking forward to it. I now try for 5 to 7 short sessions with Fly and 3 or 4 with Starbuck each day. I have had such great luck with Susan Garrett's training books and DVD's. I know so much is to be consistent with the dogs. Good treats really help getting started on anything new. I think my family only thinks I cook and shop for the dogs.

Starbuck is resting up for his hard working month. Really he has found the best place in front of the fan. It is hot here.

Self Control

2010-07-31T00:08:00.003-08:00

Tonight we played IYC with cookies, great toys, and the soccer ball! Amazing control around the soccer ball, but not perfect. Fly was in control if I threw or rolled the ball but a good hard blast from my foot was too much. I backed off and worked on making it solid.

COOKIES!!!!!!

2010-07-30T15:33:00.003-08:00

Fly just discovered you can look over the top of the table and the kitchen counter. She didn't manage to get a cookie but came real close. There were great homemade dog treats on the table too that she missed.

Game 4 - Great Success

2010-07-30T08:18:00.002-08:00

Last night I played The ItsYerChoice Game with Fly. In five minutes we were both watching a juicy bit of steak sit on her paw. This morning we played it some more between tugs, breakfast, and other fun. It only gets better. She seems proud of being able to wait. I think with the Crate Games I had a great base. Take the treat away (close my hand) = close the crate door. The only problem might be she is so programed to sit in the crate and that is what she does in this game too. She also runs up and sits for me to give her the tug toys. I get pictures tonight.

Dog Treats

2010-07-30T08:11:00.002-08:00

I had to keep going to Susan Garrett's blog to find these so I copied them all and now can find them.

Sardine Snacks
Put into a Blender
3 raw eggs
1 can of sardines packed in olive oil
1 package (an inside sleeve not the entire box) of graham crackers
Mix until liquidy then pour onto a cookie sheet and spread out. Back at 350 F for approximately 20 minutes until it looks rubbery and light brown on top. Let cool then cut. Have at ‘em, Feature loves them and I think they are terrific.

I use this recipe alot
Tuna Fudge
2 cans of tuna (do not drain) or 15 oz can of salmon undrained
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4C parm. cheese
1 TBSP garlic( reduce for less smelly treats)
mix all together and put in a greased 9×9 pan
bake at 350 for 20 mins
cut into small sizes for training.
It make alot but it freezes well.
from
Aliza Smith

Baby Food
One of my students came up with this receipe:
1 jar of baby food (chicken, ham, banana-strawberry, whatever)
1/4 cup skim milk powder
1/4 cup cream of wheat (plus a bit more to thicken if necessary)
Mix ingredients, should be kinda like cake batter consistancy, spread on to cookie sheet very thin, bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes.
She’s been bringing all kinds of flavors to class and every dog seems to love them!

Sunshine Liver Brownies
I have never seen a dog that did not adore these sunshine liver brownies:
• 3 to 3 1/2 lbs of liver, beef or chicken
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 4.25 oz jar fresh minced or crushed garlic
• 2 cups white flour
• 1/2 cup corn meal
• 1 med shaker of grated parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover cookie sheet with foil, coat with cooking spray, sprinkle lightly with corn meal and set aside. Process liver and garlic in food processor or blender until it looks like milk chocolate. Pour into large mixing bowl and blend in the rest of the ingredients. Spread evenly onto cookie sheet (the mixture will be thick) and sprinkle lightly with corn meal. Bake until no pink is left. Bake them for about 30 min for one pan and then turn the oven off and let the pan cool inside. Cut the brownies and freeze. They last for months in the freezer and this recipe makes a large amount.

Oatmeal and Banana
1 small jar of applesauce
2-3 crushed bananas
( during blueberry season I add blueberries and a little more oatmeal
1/2 envelope of gelatin
add oatmeal to make brownie like batter( about 2.5 cups) pour into baking pan
bake 325 for about 25-30 minutes

Meatballs
8 oz of any kind of meat canned or cooked( if using turkey, chicken, hamburger, pork or fish I use a food processor to shred it).
2 eggs
about 1 cup of potato flour
about 1 cup of oatmeal
1 T of olive or canola oil
a couple of shakes of garlic powder with parsley)
1 envelop of gelatin
Mix and pour into baking cookie sheet
Bake 325 for 25-30 minutes..
Homemade meatballs ( for special training)
Mix 1-2 eggs, 1 cup of oatmeal and a few shakes of garlic powder mixed with parsley into about 1 lb of ground turkey, pork, or beef.
make little balls and cook on stove top until meat is done.
I double and triple the recipes and put in the freezer until ready to use.
Happy baking

Crunchy Treats
These are more crunchie but can be cut into shapes and are really neat as just a reward here and there. They look quite cool since the parsley is baked in little splotches here and there.
-6 oz of canned salmon
-3 eggs
-2 cups of rice flour
-½ cup of fresh parsley (1/4 if dried)
-roll the dough to ¼ inch
-bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes
KEEP REFRIGERATED

Tuna & Cheese
Another recipe
Have yet to try these but a good friend on facebook let me have this recipe and swears that her dogs can’t get enough of it. I imagine they are similar to the tuna fudge.
-1 large can tuna
-2 cups flour
-1 cup whole wheat flour
-1 cup corn meal
-2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
-2 tablespoons parsley flakes
-2 teaspoons canola oil
-1 cup water
-puree the tuna and oil together until smooth
-mix with other ingrediants in large bowl
-add water last, a little at a time and mix until dough is formed
-Roll out and cut with any shape cookie cutter
-bake at about 325 degrees for about an hour or until fingernail won’t easily penatrate
KEEP REFRIGERATED

Beef Heart Cookies
Cook a beef heart sprinked with garlic powder in the crockpot over night, add 1 to 2 cups water depending on size of heart – blend/process it with the resulting juices. Add a half dozen eggs and some parsley, spread it thin on a large cookie sheet (sprayed with Pam and then lined with parchment paper)Bake at 350 until dry (about 35 – 40 mins). Turn off oven and leave for about 30 minutes. The dogs love it (why I can’t imagine as it tastes a lot like cardboard). No mess or grease on the hands. I never met a dog who didn’t love these!!

A beefheart recipe that is widely used in these parts is:
Beef heart – slice and boil with a whole bunch of garlic and drain.
Cut up into 1 inch size chunks, put on foil lined baking sheet, now put slices of bacon overtop and bake at 350 for 5 min. toss around, more baking, toss…ummmm yummy or what..and the bacon goes nice and crispy and can be used for an extra special treat…I just do a whole bunch at once and then freeze till needed..

Slice beef heart and bake on parchment paper lined cookie sheet at 350 for 20-30 minutes. Cool and cut in cubes. I freeze it in small bags and bring it out for training. My dogs go nuts for this.
They also love roast chicken hearts. I get each by the pound at the local Asian market in large quantities for less money than the smaller amounts at my grocery store.

Dried cooked liver slices
As soon as porc liver is on sale here (living in France) I buy lots. Preparing takes time but you can prepare a lot and keep in dry place in paper bag. put slices in your coat pocket on walks, during training or whenever you want. You can easily break off small pieces or for jackpot giving a whole slice. Kind of smelly to prepare.
- Cook in water (about 30 minutes for 1 kg of liver)
- Slice cooked liver in very thin slices (as thin as you can)
- Put slices on baking sheet with baking paper or paper towels.
- Dry in the oven (with door open) at about 130 to 150 F until slices are hard and dried (about 3 hours).
- Store in paper bag in dry area. Will keep for months.

Puppy Class & After Party

2010-07-27T08:39:00.003-08:00

Last night was the last puppy class. She does good for about 1/2 the class. I always have the sit and targeting to slow and control things.

Sniffing & Hunting

2010-07-26T10:44:00.003-08:00

Fly caught and ate her first vole! She was real proud of it too. So now she is on the hunt when off the mowed lawn. She also has her nose to the ground sniffing a whole lot more than before. A new big time distraction when outside.

I am switching the dogs over to a raw diet. Slowly changing food. Starbuck loves it. Fly wasn't so sure about a turkey leg. She spent a long time licking it. I cut some meat off for her to get her going. She loved the meat, just needs to learn how to attack the big piece.

Dragon Flies Everywhere

2010-07-22T10:32:00.003-08:00

Last night when I went outside to work with Fly it was close to impossible. We were dive bombed by dragon flies. They were really neat looking but Fly got caught up in chasing them. We went inside and worked in the kitchen.

Who Me

2010-07-21T10:06:00.003-08:00

Fly has started a bit of an independence streak! I have found I need to work a good play session first and get her focused on me. If we don't there are plenty of other good smells, flowers to pick, or voles running by to grab her attention. I also had to shorten up a bit on recalls and do no more than three in a row right now. We are continuing to play the Collar Grab Game and I am building my distraction list. Looking forward to the online Recall Class to start on August 1.

Puppy Class

2010-07-20T09:23:00.002-08:00

We did pretty good at class last night. The biggest problem is heeling. You would think that Fly had never heard of heeling. We did great at stationary stuff, sit, stand, down, stays of all kinds, even moving a little with targeting all went great but once in motion the ears plug. Come works great too. Tugging is the best thing, treats are good and cheese is OK, but a rough and tumble tug is great!

Sit and Wait

2010-07-19T16:34:00.002-08:00

I am getting pretty good at sitting and waiting till I am released or called.

Rain, Thunder, Lightning!

2010-07-17T20:56:00.003-08:00

A real soggy doggie day. We were able to play outside some this morning with just a little light rain that no one cared about. This afternoon the dam burst and it poured and poured. Big and lot of rain drops. I measured over 2" of rain. We get about 11" of rain in a normal year. The dogs stood at the door and watched. Neither one had any interest in going out when they saw the downpour. Starbuck was afraid of the thunder, Fly seem uninterested in it all. We finally had to go out for a potty break. We got caught in a gusher.

We did work on our homework twice today so far with the collar grab game.

So much for getting the lawn mowed. It just keeps growing and growing.

Start of a Brilliant Recall Day -16 - Bonus #1

2010-07-16T20:03:00.007-08:00

Today we started our brilliant recalls. The Class starts August 1 but we got Bonus Game #1 today. I was able to play it three times today, at lunch, before dinner, and after dinner. Maybe we will get one more play in later tonight, sunset isn't until 11:56 pm. We are just having too much fun. I did recalls after dinner but I didn't have a holding person to do restrained recalls. The lawn is getting thicker and some of the new grass is starting to peek up in my patches. When you feed the lawn it grows faster along with the right amount of sun and rain.
We also took time to smell the flowers.

Soccer - Well Herding Really

2010-07-15T08:32:00.003-08:00

Fly loves the soccer ball reward. She has great fun, speed and position with the ball. Later this fall it will be cool to see her on sheep. Here is a very tight turn, see the leash following her.

Techie Stuff

2010-07-14T16:04:00.002-08:00

I turned around in my office and looked at the floor. I had dumped out most of my backpack this morning looking for my Magic Mouse. What a techie collection (DSLR camera, Point & Shoot camera, Flip Video Camera, two extra hard drives, one GPS, a Case of camera bits, pouch of every cable and connector I might need, a spare mouse, 2 pair of glasses) and my dog training books - Shaping Success is sticking out and Ruff Love is inside along with my wrist GPS and a bunch of batteries. I took this with my iPhone.

Dirt Work

2010-07-14T14:38:00.002-08:00

Last night I met with the bulldozer guy - College Hoe. He is going to start work this week. The stuff at the top needs to be done before the part I really want, but it is a start. This will also get the right dirt work done around the house that was never finished. Only 27 years later after the construction.

If I can stay employed we can keep picking at it.

Watch this change, this summer or fall I hope!

Added Distraction - Too Much

2010-07-12T20:26:00.002-08:00

I was working restrained recall with a person holding. I ran my run right next to the soccer ball. Whoops, too much of a distraction. Herding that ball is one of Fly's favorite reward play events. Right over the ball was too much. I set it off about 8 to 10 feet from my track and Fly flew right by. Wish I could get the dragon fly to show up on cue. The little insects that were major distractions in the evening have been over come. Fly doesn't case each one. Wonder what a firefly would do to her. We don't have them and it doesn't get dark here till August.

Explosive

2010-07-12T19:49:00.009-08:00

We been working on flying across the yard. Taking a break after working hard. Sorry most are not well focused but running and taking pictures and training is hard. These are fun!

Communications

2010-07-12T13:45:00.002-08:00

We are getting so much better communicating both ways. When I say go "Go potty", "In to the House", "Dog in a box", "Get a Drink", along with "sit", "down" and "stay" there is no doubt what to do. She has a barkish noise that means I really need to go out and if she need to poop when I am bringing her in after playing she has a special down that tells me to turn around to the potty spot, we turn around, she does here thing and we head back in with out goofing off.

New Toys

2010-07-11T08:38:00.004-08:00

Grandma sent new dog toys. Fly is sitting in her kennel waiting to be release and pick a new one to play with. Three of these are great tug toys and the ball is lots of fun. Crate Games is wonderful teaching control. We keep it up every time in and out of the kennel. It is amazing though, Fly knows if you know the rules and will take control if you don't.

Homework Practice

2010-07-08T13:19:00.002-08:00

RR practice number 1 & 2 (well just recall, no one home to do the restrain part). I went home at lunch and after the potty stop we did three recalls. I did these from a sit at 10 - 15 feet with a tug toy as a reward they were a blast. I ate lunch played with my other dog and brought a crate outside, then I decided to do a few more. I got fly and used cheese as the reward. The first recall was great but with only food the next one was not as exciting. I will work with the crate tonight. The is one of the recalls coming out of a sit only about 10 feet apart.

Recall

2010-07-07T23:53:00.002-08:00

He comes Fly on a recall, low distractions.We had a good series of training fun sessions today. All went well until Spark, Ana, and Lilly showed up. Fly knows there was no control when she stayed with them. Everything goes and it sure is fun. After a round with them I did a whole lots of Sit, Down, and Stands with Fly with Buckie and Lilly in the room. It went well. Outside with Lilly or Spark all hell breaks loose! Thanks for the crate games to go back to when chaos erupts.

Controlling the Enviroment

2010-07-07T14:32:00.002-08:00

Home for lunch. After a potty stop did 10 fairly short recalls of 10 - 14 feet. Back inside with a great "Dog in the Box!" (that is my command to get in the kennel), a few kisses, and a good treat. Inhaled my lunch and I was off back to work.

Steve is out in the field now for 12 days and I just got him trained to help with recalling. Guess I need to get Max t help me now. He sleeps all day and does his school work at night - on-line classes. He needs training to help me, he he he he he he he.

Training help = car keys
Empty dishwash = stock the right food
Laundry (wash, dry & fold) = bandwidth

Come!

2010-07-07T10:09:00.003-08:00

Just a quick little video. Steve got his new iPhone 4 yesterday and needed a reason to take video.

Four Days of Work Celebration!

2010-07-06T22:23:00.003-08:00

We went to Hot Licks for an ice cream to celebrate all the good work we did this weekend. Fly managed to get much more than her share of the ice cream because everyone keep talking to me about the cure puppy.

Steve held Fly for explosive recalls so I didn't have to do them all from sits by myself. Fly flies! This really helped. We still have some trouble outside when the big dragon flies swoop down in front of Fly's nose, a level 10 distraction. Airplanes, helicopters, loud trucks on the road, the dogs barking next door (so constant it is background noise to Fly now), other road noise don't seem to provide any distraction to Fly. The bugs circling her nose are a big time problem. They are worse after 10 pm. We are light all night right now and that is wonderful. The sun sets after midnight. Tomorrow back to work for money and home to work for love.

The weekend is Still Busy

2010-07-06T11:00:00.005-08:00

It is great to have four day weekends. I got to go to the agility trials three days, train my dogs, survey the land to get the dirt work done to make my agility yard (if there is money), build three more jumps so I can practice puppy jump stuff. We had lots of rain this weekend but some really nice times too. It is great now when most people have to go back to work.

NOW FOR MY HOMEWORK

Snacks/Cookies/Treats my dog loves.

1. Cheese in a can - cheddar is all I have tried so far (A+)
2. Steak (A)
3. Cheese chunks - Cheddar (A)
4. Cheese chunks - others (B+)
5. Yummy Chummies (B)

Toys - Reward I can tug with
1. Red Dog
2. Duckies (tug toy)
3. Pink Dog
4. Life Ring
5. Rope tugs - assorted
6. Fire cracker

Toys for play
1. Soccer Ball - she goes in to full tilt herding
2. Tennis Balls - loves to chase and round up a group
3. Frisbee - sometimes she really gets into it, this is the only thing that gets her barking

Fun for reward
1. Soccer (A+)
2. Run laps with tug toy! She wins! (A)
3. Chase me (B+)
4. Play with Lilly (dog) not often, but when she comes for a visit (A+)

Reward she wants to do
1. Get the charcoal out of the fire pit or chew at the burned wood
2. Chase Buckie round the house, big husky that is not fond of her yet.
3. Dig at the bed
4. Play catch me if you can
5. Pick flowers

For a while every time I put her back in her kennel she popped right away, even after have been given a opportunity outside. This got her out of the kennel again. I then put her in her small airline crate she has really out grown while I cleaned up. Presto no more popping in the crate! Broke that little self reward.

Recalls are good for a short while from any distance but after five minutes I need to bee within ten feet to keep them reliable. The tug reward is far better than any food reward. She will look for the tug but take the treat but has a non enthusiastic body language. She is just 3.5 month and keeping the longer attention is hard. I need to keep changing what we are doing to keep her interested when outside. Inside it is easier to keep working and treating in a less distracting setting.

First Trial

2010-07-04T16:06:00.002-08:00

It is a big weekend here in Fairbanks with the three day Agility Trials being held at the fairgrounds. Fly gt invited to come camp in the tent with Luna and Piper who were competing. We were set up right at the front by the jumping events and right near the practice jump. The jump kept getting moved until it was right in front of Fly's kennel. Fly got to visit lots of people. Nothing like being a puppy! We also practiced recalls and sits and downs and targeting. Fly did real well with all the dogs and people around. After watching lots of runs there is no way me and my dog are going to any agility beyond puppy jumping until I have the slid recall. I saw lots of people in all classes have problems getting their dog back. Not many people were confident on their dog's hold and release at the start. I saw a lot of people not always watching their dog and "loose" them. Many dogs to a lot of work to down on the table, not so much when it was a sit. There were many a handler that could use some time at the gym. So I need to:

Get a super recall
Watch my dog
Keep and get in better shape
Build a confident start
Sits, Downs, and Stand need to be like clock work.
Have great FUN! with my dog.

Morning Fun

2010-07-02T09:17:00.004-08:00

This morning we just played. Yes there were recalls and sits and chasing but the focus was fun. Fly got to win at the tug and take some victory laps around the yard with the pink dog. She herded the soccer ball and then dribbled it to me so I would kick it again. Slowly the dribble it to me is developing as part of our game playing. Steve mowed the lawn last night and it was much easier out there this morning.

Recall

2010-07-01T08:14:00.002-08:00

Last night Steve was playing soccer with Fly. Soccer is one of Fly's most favorite things right now. Herding the ball is so much fun. I use it as a reward to play. I came outside and stood to the deck. They were playing and I called come once and Fly broke off the soccer game and flew to me around the cart, up the stairs, and made the U-turn on to the deck and sat at my feet. Wow! This picture wasn't that recall but another one. It is hard to take a picture and focus on the dog.

But it is Mine!

2010-07-01T08:10:00.004-08:00

Fly sitting and waiting with a toy right there. Then the explosive joy once released to get the toy!

Wait at the Door

2010-06-30T12:03:00.002-08:00

I applied the crate games waiting to the front door today. It was easy because it is a glass door (covered with nose prints) and Fly could see me on both sides and it was a quick learn. It is so exciting when she picks up something new. I am looking forward to four days of free time to play with Fly. When Fly sees the crate now she flies into it and sits - YES! It make me so happy.

Recalls!

2010-06-30T11:56:00.002-08:00

It has been raining now, sometimes hard all day. We were out in the soggy grass that needs to be mowed doing recalls. Fly didn't like to sit in the wet grass but she got over it when the tug toy appeared, the butt hit the ground. Ah! she let me know she would and then it went well. We had fun and then got a soccer game reward. I am trying for five to seven short sessions of different recalls a day. I am changing jobs and the last week and this week have been busy but I have made a priority to have fun with Fly. Today I am totally out of one and into the new one. So back to lots of doggin time.

Back to Play - Work

2010-06-29T15:38:00.002-08:00

Monday I was back at work. Fly and I did our training and Monday night we went to puppy class. We need to work on leave it. Also heeling on a leash is hard for me to treat her and have to leash and bend over and all that. It seems much better of the lead. With the holiday and other stuff we have no class then next two weeks. We will return with an awesome heel. The sit, stand, down with a stay are all great. We practiced at the end of class with all the people and dogs moving around.

Camping Weekend

2010-06-29T10:08:00.003-08:00

Fly and I went camping and got to learn about lots of new stuff. Visited the lake, saw a camp fire, meet lots of people and had fun. Fly did real well in the truck and the camper. I went back to the smaller kennel to fit in the camper. It was small but not too small but Fly enjoyed getting out and being able to run around. We did some training but not a lot directly. We did lots of recalls, played target, and watch me.

Don't Miss Lunch

2010-06-25T21:16:00.001-08:00

I didn't go home for lunch to train today and things weren't as smooth this evening. Fly was full of silly dog totally unfocused. We will try later now that Fly got to burn off steam.

Good Morning

2010-06-25T05:34:00.002-08:00

Sunny blue skies and a early morning training session. Up before 5 am for a run in the dew covered grass. The birds are singing everywhere.

Red Dog

2010-06-24T23:04:00.003-08:00

We had lots of fun with the red dog toy tonight.

Puppy Jumping

2010-06-24T22:40:00.003-08:00

I don't have speed bumps yet. Expensive to get them but I am working on it. Dog is good handler needs work.

Lots of Fun

2010-06-24T09:02:00.002-08:00

Fly and I go out now for many short training(play) sessions. We are working the recall between sits, stands, downs, and other fun. The crate game continues to improve. I now have her racing to the crate from a short distance but give free will further back it isn't happening yet. From 2 - 4 feet it is an explosive charge into the kennel! When Fly came back for Sparks she had picked up a bad habit of crying for attention. I have now put a stop to that thanks to Susan's Crate Game video.

I had success calling Fly off the soccer ball, Starbuck, and a visitor. She really wants to play with Starbuck but he isn't ready for it yet. Starbuck is really doing much better heeling for Rally and we are getting a good solid stay at a distance. We will test the long stay at Rally class tonight.

Recall

2010-06-23T08:04:00.002-08:00

I spent day yesterday really working on recall games. This morning again I worked with Fly on recalls. It is going great. I did find a big distraction that didn't happen right away - I cleaned the fridge last night and the garbage bag was very tempting. I called and no response but as soon as I turned and walked away I had a little dog at my side.

It is so fun to sit your dog and then move off while she waits and then call her or call her and run and then play super tug! I hate having to leave her in the kennel and go to work. I would like to do more short sessions but I am keeping aware to not go long.

Lunch Training and Flower Picking

2010-06-22T14:33:00.005-08:00

I went home at lunch and worked with Fly. I worked on the 1-2-3 Game. I am at Stage 3 and should start Stage 4 tonight. I can get Fly to sit and I can get back 25' before I say "Tug" and run. Fly has a good idea about sit means sit and stay. I have to be careful about attention span with any one game. We did assorted recalls from a sit to me standing or running facing both ways. I also Had Starbuck out in the yard talking to me as a good distraction. I also let fly get a drink while were out and do a small about of sniffing so I could call her to me. Head-up and rocket to me when I say "Come." Not high distraction maybe a 3 or 4 on Fly's list. We did a little targeting to my hand and to the paw disc. I was hot for us today so we played in the shade some. The grass needs to be mowed. It rained Sunday, mowing day and now the dandelions have pop up. Fly finds these fun to pick when allowed to run free. She can run right by them when we are working.

So many things to do when we are in the yard. My biggest thing to remember KEEP IT SHORT.

Puppy Class

2010-06-22T09:03:00.002-08:00

Fly is by far the youngest puppy. She did good at sit, stand, and down. We played targeting while other things were happening to keep her focused on me. We played watch me too. She picked up heeling. It is a long way down to her to keep treat in front. She did great recalls right to me like a bullet. In class they were using food as a reward and she wanted the toy in my back pocket instead. Lots of dogs went right by their owner to the people around, Fly stuck to me! I introduced her to "Leave it" - chicken on the plate and she wanted it. Instead of going nose first to the plate she tried to pounce on it. We will work on leave it. I worked on proofing her stay in the kennel with the door open. It was going great until Susan got up at the end and was so excited and finished with "You did great!" in a very excited happy voice and Fly flew out of the kennel right to her. It got a laugh and we need to work on the kennel a bit more. But Fly did well with other dogs running around in front and waiting to be released.

Puppy Class Tonight

2010-06-21T12:10:00.001-08:00

Tonight we are going to puppy class. Fly missed the first two classes but she has been being clicker trained and it seems like she might be ahead in some things. Still haven't got a successful down so hope class helps. The play with the other puppies will be great and she will love it. Hope I remember to take pictures tonight.

Crate Games - At the Beginning.

2010-06-21T11:48:00.002-08:00

Try this. Look at the Crate Games from the beginning video with Fly from my Facebook page.

Crate Games Day 3

2010-06-21T06:26:00.003-08:00

We are doing great! Fly stayed in the crate in a sit even when I threw 4 toys in front of her and played with the ball. Great Dog (puppy) at 13 weeks.

Crate Games Day 1

2010-06-18T22:04:00.002-08:00

This was our first day doing Crate Games through Stage 3. It took us about 20 minutes. The video is about 20 minutes long. I have it here for my records. Fly caught on right away. I had some trouble getting the leash hooked to her collar. The snap and the collar ring are small. I switched to the bigger snap on a different leash. Later we went to the smaller airline carrier and everything transferred well. Fly has been "living" in the airline carrier but she will be outgrowing it soon. Later when I got her out it took one door reminder and she did well. Yer Out-Yer In needs work. She is slow to go back in. I will keep working on it.Fly will catch on soon. The collar grab will be fun!
I am going to have to break the movie up, it won't load.

Up Early and Focued

2010-06-18T09:43:00.003-08:00

Fly is always ready to go early in the morning. Between 5am and 6am is her time with me. I was a little late this morning but we still got lots of play/work in before I left for work. I hope we can start the weekend off tonight with crate games. Starbuck took to it so well and I know Fly will. I will try to record the event and make a short video.

Sit and Tug Reward

2010-06-18T09:26:00.002-08:00

Sitting for the tug reward is so good. Anything t play tug. I think she enjoys the tug game better than the food rewards.

Dance

2010-06-17T18:25:00.003-08:00

It was a busy day. We practiced lots of things. Fly is so good at the target. Recalls are weak. We played frisbee today and fooled around a lot with the balls. Fly got puppy shots and chipped today at the vet. She is the first dog I know that just had a great time at the vet. Being a puppy she got lots of love too. Starbuck has Rally class tonight so Fly is going to stay home.

I am Good at Touch

2010-06-17T08:27:00.002-08:00

Here is a movie from this morning training. We worked on targeting, sitting, coming, and playing tug. We ran and chased and clicked and had a ball two training sessions before I left to work. Here was a bit of the more quite moments. I can't hold the camera and run. Tonight maybe I will work with the tripod.

Touch, Touch, Touch, Take!

2010-06-17T06:05:00.006-08:00

We have been getting good at targeting but every so often take is much more fun than touch!We worked outside on the deck by the fire pit and then again near the hot tub. Lots of barking from the dogs next door to provide distraction. A few bugs flew by too. We worked on recalls and sits also.

Recall & Crate Games

2010-06-16T08:41:00.004-08:00

The recall is where we need the most work. Fly is very speedy and can catch me in no time. I worry about stepping on her. That will be our thing to work on a lot this week. The targeting is going real well but if I go to long she starts to steal the target. She is so much fun! We are also going to do crate games this evening. I need to move her out of her airline kennel she came in. Her legs have gotten real long. I have a new wire crate for her which will be easier to do Crate Games. This worked so well with Starbuck. It is well worth getting the DVD and doing this with your dog.

Back to Work

2010-06-15T20:50:00.001-08:00

Today we were back on track of training. The targeting is going well to the paw print disc. The sitting on command and when seeing something she wants is great.Come needs lots of help. Fly is teenager shaped, long legs. Her speed is faster. The tug game is real important to Fly. I made the new cookies tonight and she likes them but not like the cheese we had earlier.

We had toe nail Tuesday. It is getting to be a game to trim the nails. I have been very careful to not cut them to short.

Home

2010-06-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

I am so glad to be home with Fly. We played a lot last night. I went over targeting and sitting to get the tug and no puppy biting. She chased me too! Her legs got a lot longer and her neck grew. I loosened the collar. She was real good last night. I did get up and take her out about 4 am. I was still on east coast time. I had time to work with Starbuck too. He was happy to get to practice and get TREATS. Tonight I need to make some of the new treats. I will get a new picture tonight.

Buddies

2010-06-12T03:31:00.000-08:00

I got to play with Lilly (on left) and Spark (in middle) all week. Spark and Lilly are really cool! Monday Dianne gets home and we can go back to training. Dianne has found some new recipes for dog training cookies.

Long Week

2010-06-11T03:11:00.000-08:00

I miss working with and loving Fly. We will start puppy class on Monday nights when I get home. Also Starbuck has a rally class to go to on Thursday nights.

Visiting

2010-06-05T08:56:00.001-08:00

Fly is spend the next ten days with Spark and Ana while I am out of town. Fly went over to their house with training instructions. I hope they don't spoil her too much. I have been getting a really nice foundation on her training. Fly was very happy to go home with Ana. I don't think their dog Lilly was real happy to see the puppy get in the car. I miss fly and I hope they send pictures. I will have time to read and reread the training books and watch the videos again

Fun Evening

2010-06-03T20:33:00.000-08:00

This evening it was raining. That is good we need it. So we played inside in the kitchen. We spent a lot of time targeting. I got this paw print for a target. It went really well for a long time and then we hit a problem. Fly stole the target. We worked a bit more and now the target stays put. We worked on attention with Starbuck laying down right net to us. It went well. Playing tug with the sit is going well. I have added the cue but I am not sure yet it is connected in Fly's mind. The tug has good shifting weight to her back end real well. During one play/training session I tried going limp in the tug and placing a food treat on her nose. She let go. I was able to do it again but I could tell we were getting to the end of useful training time.

Playing Hard!

2010-06-03T08:17:00.001-08:00

Fly is doing very well on hand targeting. We were just doing outside in the yard but last night we did it inside in the kitchen and sitting in bed with lots of distractions. Fly loves Steve and gets so excited when he appears. Starbuck was roaming around too. Fly so bad wants him to play with her. He slowly is coming around. This morning he came in and laid down right up against Fly's kennel.

Tug is working great with the sit. I have started to add the cue "Sit" with it.

Going potty on a lead seems to be no problem.

Distractions are plenty, road noise, bees and bugs and butterflies, Steve, Starbuck, birds (lots of robins land in the yard), sticks, and other things in the grass. I am always worth chasing above all right now.

The puppy biting is mostly under control. I did have to hold her up a few times this morning to remind her we don't play if she bites.

Fly's New Dog Yard

2010-06-02T19:46:00.000-08:00

The trees and brush are almost cleared in the new dog yard. Fly got to run across it tonight. What a change!

Just for Fly, Well Sort of

2010-06-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

Here is the tree cutting for Fly's new dog yard! It is really a fire break that will be all dressed up! The forest fires have been bad already this year. The area we live in is just a tinder box. We finally did the clearing necessary around the house. At least 30' all around, we went for more. On the down hill slope side it is recommended 100 feet so we are doing more to get a nice working area. The plan is to have a 100' by 166' fenced in area when all is done.

They are doing a great job! TJ's Land Clearing

Target!

2010-06-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

This morning Fly targeted on my hand so well. Just like a little push button game. Hand out, either one and a little puppy nose right into the palm with a little tap, click and treat! She took to putting on the head halter pretty easy again, I treated her to sniff it, click it, nose through the loop, hang on her nose and finally put it all on. Then we played some rough and tumble tug.

Today is a big day. The clearing people are coming to clear the trees for our new practice area. Next some dirt work, and then fence and we will have an awesome work area once we can get some grass to grow.

Head Halter

2010-06-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight I brought out the head halter. It went real easy. Fly didn't object to as I click the clip, let her sniff it, take treats through the loop, place the loop on her nose, and then fasten it around her neck. We played tug and had more treats. She did object a bit as I tightened it up but not for long and we played tug. I then took it off and we played tug with the sit. I paused a little longer for Fly to sit till I let her have the tug rope. We also play come with a chase in it.

Inside a little earlier she was getting far to carried away with puppy biting. I just stopped and held her out and stayed still. I had to repeat it three times and now the biting me has stopped. Outside she went for my pant legs. I just stopped and grabbing my legs was no fun. After a few pauses I am bite free of the puppy on my pants.

Back to Work

2010-06-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

Now that Fly had a "Junk Food" day we got back to focus in the evening and this morning. Fly has a solid sit when she she sees the tug toy. Tonight I will add the cue "Sit" and see how that goes. The hand targeting is going great too. I need to find a disc to now move from my hand to the ground. I have been very happy with the house breaking. She goes outside on command off lease right now. Fly has her place. I now need to add the lease and see if I can still get the "Go Potty" command to work. Well this is how it is going and the red stuff is what we need to focus on. This is along with playing in the rocky coaster and time to add some new obstacles to play on and get the whole dog involved.
Where we are in Training

Game #1 Attention - rapid fire now with treats. She look to me now a lot.
Game #2 Tug - solid - she loves it and will break from anything I have distracted her with to play tug. I need to add a "Tug" cue.
Game #3 Smoke Ya - Fly loves the chase and has picked up on the correct side, I need to confirm she is making the side decision and not me.
Game #4 Sit, Tug - Wow is this ever solid. As soon as the tug toy appears the butt hits the ground. I need to add the "Sit" cue to this now.
Game #5 - Smack da Baby - This only makes the tug game a whole lot more fun. Fly loves it!
Game #6 - The Out Release - I need to start this. I made one attempt and Fly didn't even notice the food or I had stopped and then there was another distraction I had to attend to. I need to get this started.
Game #7 - Come - This takes someone to play with us. I have been doing 5' - 10' stationary. I need to add the run into the game and do more. We may have 15 -20 tries at this and it has been real successful so far.
Game #8 - 1-2-3 Tug - Time to start this. Fly sits and waits now till the tug comes down to her so we can start to grow the waiting time now with a count to "Tug".
Game #9 - Hand Targets - We have had three great hand target sessions. I have used 100% food reward with clicks. I have had success with both hands. This is a fun game! I need to find a target and progress to a disc.

I am very happy for two weeks of progress. Since I am going to be gone a week I want a set of things for Spark and Ana to practice with Fly while I am gone. No bad habit s need to start.

Big Day

2010-05-31T20:06:00.001-08:00

We started the day off going to the dog show. Fly help at the ticket both and welcomed everyone. Dianne and Starbuck did rally. Starbuck is getting better but still no qualifying run. We still had fun. Later fly went Hot Licks for ice cream after two runs to the dumpster with brush. Then after two more loads to the dumpster Starbuck took Fly to McDonalds for a "Buckie Buger" (a double cheese burger). Starbuck helped Fly eat hers. Nice hot summer day.

A Day with Fly

2010-05-30T22:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a short video if what the day is like with Fly.

Paws

2010-05-30T20:00:00.000-08:00

Today was a fun day! Fly started learning how to target to my hand. She caught on really quick. We had fun doing it. We also working on "Come." The collection of balls continues to grow as I find them hidden everywhere. This Halloween one was the most interesting one this evening. We also did toe nails. With all but one white it is easy to not cut them too short, even with a squirming puppy.

Cone Head

2010-05-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

Playing games and with toys on the coaster. Lots of rocking and rolling. Fly just enjoys the fun!

My Turn

2010-05-29T16:19:00.000-08:00

I took Starbuck to the Rally Trial. Fly stayed home. Starbuck got a qualifying score in Novice much to my surprise. We went to learn and get comfortable in all the noise. So Fly was really happy so see me when I got home. Then Fly got her turn to play. I work some today with her coming when I call. It is going good at short distances, about 10 feet and low level distractions.

Tippy

2010-05-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

Tonight we played with the ball on the coaster sled to get used to surfaces that move. Fly didn't even care it moved, just get the balls.