It's the SnuggieDog, from the creator of the Snuggie!
How did they know exactly what dogs have been waiting for?
Friday, July 31, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
BCDC Earthdog trial day 2
Today was the second day of the Bay Colony Dachshund Club earthdog trial. Spot was entered in Master again. I actually got up a little earlier and got there in plenty of time. Spot was in the second brace again. This time he was paired with a smooth fox terrier who already had a title.
Spot was excited to be there. As soon as we took of the leashes, they started up the trail. Spot checked in as usual, several times. The judge had us call the dogs over to check out the false den, and they both did. Then when it came time to mark, Spot saw the rats, but didn't bark. The other dog was marking, so Spot actually came over to stand by me, and I thought Uh Oh, but the judge just said how polite he was! Then I told him to go show me and he stared, then barked, and we were good.
Spot had to honor first, and he barked a bit, but I pet him and he was quiet. I also encouraged him to dig in the dirt near the tie-out. When it was our turn to go, Spot was so wiggly I almost dropped him. He went in like a bullet, and I could see him moving through the tunnel. He came out the false exit and went right back in. He worked the rats the whole 90 seconds. When it was time to take him out, we opened the cover from the back, so I was able to actually get my hand in behind him, and he didn't back up! I grabbed him and praised him and was able to pull him out. I was sooooo happy!
So now the next thing is practice at Gardner next Saturday, then the GBAEC trial August 8-9.
Spot was excited to be there. As soon as we took of the leashes, they started up the trail. Spot checked in as usual, several times. The judge had us call the dogs over to check out the false den, and they both did. Then when it came time to mark, Spot saw the rats, but didn't bark. The other dog was marking, so Spot actually came over to stand by me, and I thought Uh Oh, but the judge just said how polite he was! Then I told him to go show me and he stared, then barked, and we were good.
Spot had to honor first, and he barked a bit, but I pet him and he was quiet. I also encouraged him to dig in the dirt near the tie-out. When it was our turn to go, Spot was so wiggly I almost dropped him. He went in like a bullet, and I could see him moving through the tunnel. He came out the false exit and went right back in. He worked the rats the whole 90 seconds. When it was time to take him out, we opened the cover from the back, so I was able to actually get my hand in behind him, and he didn't back up! I grabbed him and praised him and was able to pull him out. I was sooooo happy!
So now the next thing is practice at Gardner next Saturday, then the GBAEC trial August 8-9.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
BCDC Earthdog trial day one
This weekend Spot is entered in the Bay Colony Dachshund Club earthdog trial in Master both days.
Check in was at 8:30, and of course I got out of bed a little later than planned, but I managed to get there by 8:15. The judge did her briefing at 8:45. She was a very open judge, meaning she would evaluate each dog and kind of see the situation through the dog's eyes and judge them on intent as well as actions. For example on the mark, if the dog looks in and sees the rats, then goes and tries to get into the tunnel another way, she would see that as marking, as well as if they barked directly at the hole. As I understand it she does hunt, so she wants a dog to display hunting behavior.
We were in the second brace, which was great, because there were 8 braces! Usually it's like 4 or 5. I guess this is the most they've ever had at this trial. It was Spot and Darby, a Border terrier. They both did well on the walk up, going up and coming back. The judge asked me to direct Spot to check out the false den which he did by sticking his head in. When we got to the tunnels, Spot saw the rats, then came back and looked at me, and I told him to show me, and he went over again, but no barking, and was kind of wandering. Darby went over and marked, so then his handler picked him up and I went closer and asked Spot to show me, and he finally barked.
So Darby went first, and Spot was barking a bit while honoring, but I was able to pet him and get him to dig a bit and it was fine. When it came to our turn, Spot was ready. He went right in the tunnel, and then I saw him come out the false exit, but went right back in and got to the rats. He started working right away. He worked the full 90 seconds, which I was worried about, because last time we practiced, he didn't stay and work.
When it came time to take him out, they opened the cover, which was nice and big, by the way, and I almost grabbed him, but he scooted back. I tried getting him to come up, but he went out the false exit. I called him back, but he stayed back from the opening. The judge was very nice and told me to let him take his time coming out. After another time coming out the false exit, I actually went and picked him up. The judge said it was a shame because the rest of the test went very well. We'll see what happens tomorrow. At least I know what to work on, but there's only 2 weeks until the GBAEC trial on August 8-9. Maybe I'll break down and pay for a private session with Carolyn.
Check in was at 8:30, and of course I got out of bed a little later than planned, but I managed to get there by 8:15. The judge did her briefing at 8:45. She was a very open judge, meaning she would evaluate each dog and kind of see the situation through the dog's eyes and judge them on intent as well as actions. For example on the mark, if the dog looks in and sees the rats, then goes and tries to get into the tunnel another way, she would see that as marking, as well as if they barked directly at the hole. As I understand it she does hunt, so she wants a dog to display hunting behavior.
We were in the second brace, which was great, because there were 8 braces! Usually it's like 4 or 5. I guess this is the most they've ever had at this trial. It was Spot and Darby, a Border terrier. They both did well on the walk up, going up and coming back. The judge asked me to direct Spot to check out the false den which he did by sticking his head in. When we got to the tunnels, Spot saw the rats, then came back and looked at me, and I told him to show me, and he went over again, but no barking, and was kind of wandering. Darby went over and marked, so then his handler picked him up and I went closer and asked Spot to show me, and he finally barked.
So Darby went first, and Spot was barking a bit while honoring, but I was able to pet him and get him to dig a bit and it was fine. When it came to our turn, Spot was ready. He went right in the tunnel, and then I saw him come out the false exit, but went right back in and got to the rats. He started working right away. He worked the full 90 seconds, which I was worried about, because last time we practiced, he didn't stay and work.
When it came time to take him out, they opened the cover, which was nice and big, by the way, and I almost grabbed him, but he scooted back. I tried getting him to come up, but he went out the false exit. I called him back, but he stayed back from the opening. The judge was very nice and told me to let him take his time coming out. After another time coming out the false exit, I actually went and picked him up. The judge said it was a shame because the rest of the test went very well. We'll see what happens tomorrow. At least I know what to work on, but there's only 2 weeks until the GBAEC trial on August 8-9. Maybe I'll break down and pay for a private session with Carolyn.
From the NY Times-Little Dogs, Big Instincts
I came across this article from the NY Times back in 2002 talking about an earthdog trial in Harwinton, CT. It's not quite 100% accurate on what's required for each level, but still interesting.
Little Dogs, Big Instincts
By SHERRI DALEY
Published: Sunday, November 17, 2002
ON a muddy field in Harwinton, several dozen people stood around with their dogs tucked under their arms. Others had dogs on leashes, or dogs in cages, or dogs that peered politely out of the windows of parked cars. Just a lot of people hanging around with their dogs doing nothing -- or so it seemed.
That is because all the action was set to take place underground where yapping little dogs would soon disappear into dirt tunnels and skitter around in search of rats in cages.
The dogs and their owners had come together for the annual Connecticut Earthdog trials last month on the grounds of the Scottish Terrier Club of New England in Harwinton.
The event, not exactly a spectator sport, is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club and is open to selected breeds, primarily small terriers and dachshunds.
There are four levels of Earthdog -- intro to quarry, junior, senior and master -- in which the tunnels get longer and more challenging. (Intro to quarry is not a title event.)
In the title events, the dogs have 30 seconds to enter and find their quarry at the end of a 30-foot tunnel that is 9 inches tall and 9 inches wide. The dogs must work the quarry, that is bark, scratch, growl and otherwise annoy the rats, for another minute.
During the process, a judge sits on top of the tunnel with a clipboard and a stopwatch and simply listens to evaluate the dog's activities.
The handler may give one command on release, then must stand quietly at the release point throughout the test.
''What's appealing is that the dogs need very little, if any, training,'' said Gordon Heldebrant, the American Kennel Club's executive field director for performance events. ''It's not uncommon to bring a dog with no practice or training at all and have him earn a passing score. It's all about instinct.''
One competitor, Arthur, is an 8-year-old West Highland white terrier owned by Kathleen May, who lives in Rocky Hill.
''These dogs were bred to hunt small animals that live underground, like rats and foxes and badgers,'' Ms. May said. ''They were used by farmers and orchard keepers to get rid of nuisance wildlife. They'd burrow underground, find their prey, and then bark until the farmer came.''
When Vanessa Fleming of Middletown sat her Lakeland terrier, Keaton, on the ground, the dog immediately went into a show-dog stance: head lifted, tail straight up.
''See that tail?'' Ms. Fleming said. ''The dogs are bred with thick, sturdy tails. A dog can be snatched out of harm's way by his tail.''
Simulated tunnel tests for fun and sport have been around for a long time. The Germans have been running such events for more than 100 years. The idea caught on in the United States in the 1930's.
The American Working Terrier Association started holding what it called den trials in 1972; the kennel club sanctioned the sport in 1994. Competitions are now held all over the United States.
As for the event, some people like to give their dogs a chance to practice. They build tunnels out of cardboard boxes or take their dogs to clubs that have permanent tunnels snaking through their grounds.
For competitions and practices, some clubs borrow rats from local pet shops, returning them unharmed (although perhaps a little excited). Some people raise their own rats, which become family pets as well as weekend quarry.
''Only once we had an animal control officer attend a test,'' Mr. Heldebrant said. ''He watched the event and the way we handled the animals, and he left the site without any problems.''
Digging the tunnels for the competition is a formidable job, as John and Joyce McNabney of Harwinton, the hosts of the Earthdog trials this year, know all too well. They are do-it-your-selfers.
''Some people have a backhoe come in and do it,'' Ms. McNabney said, ''but we think it's all part of the experience. If the dogs have to work, we can, too.''
Jo Ann Frier-Murza, a retired wildlife biologist and author of the book ''Earthdogs In and Out,'' said, ''I think once people attend an Earthdog event, they see their dogs differently.''
She also runs classes and practice events for Earthdog enthusiasts on her farm in Crosswicks, N.J.
''After an introduction to Earthdog tests, owners see their dogs as animals with natural instincts, not pets or toys,'' she said. ''Instead of just taking their dog along with them when they go places, they might actually consider what the dog would like to do. Sort of the way a parent would take a child to a soccer game or a birthday party.''
Mr. Heldebrant said that people do not generally think of terriers and dachshunds as hunting dogs.
''People wouldn't think of leaving a Golden Retriever closed up in a room or tied up in a small yard all day, but they do that to a terrier and then can't figure out why the dog was yapping all day or digging up the carpeting,'' he said. ''Terriers were bred to be active and dig and bark; they need the same stimulus as the larger dogs.''
Mr. Heldebrant added, ''They were bred to work alone.''
That is unlike sporting dogs, who work alongside their masters and are commanded to retrieve.
Since some owners spend hours training their dogs not to bark and not to chase after small animals, sometimes the dachshunds and terriers are reluctant to follow their instincts.
''At his first Earthdog test, Arthur just sat and stared at the rats,'' Ms. May said.
In the intro to quarry class, the tunnel is only 10 feet long. Judges can direct the dog to the den's entrance (which is scented with rat urine) and get the dog's interested in the rats by shaking or tapping on the cage.
The dog must reach the quarry within two minutes and then work the quarry for 90 seconds in order to qualify for the higher categories.
The Master Earthdog test works two dogs at a time. There are two entrances to the den; one is blocked and the dogs must find the rear entrance. The dogs must find and work the quarry one at a time. The nonworking dog is staked a few feet away and must watch with interest but not cause a distraction. Both dogs must work the quarry and act as ''honoring dog'' in order to qualify for a Master Earthdog title. There are no cash prizes.
Alice Carter from Stamford is hoping her dachshunds, Julia, Rory and Schatzi, will earn titles some day. ''They already have obedience and agility titles,'' she said.
If they earn Earthdog titles, they can compete in the Dachshund Club of America's triathlon in May in Syracuse.
Carol Perkins of Manchester, a judge at the introductory level, said: ''It's the one performance event where the dogs don't get ranked or compete against one another. There has been talk about creating some sort of ranking so that dogs who get to the master's level have something to shoot for.''
But Ms. Perkins hopes that never happens. ''I like the atmosphere the way it is,'' she said.
Little Dogs, Big Instincts
By SHERRI DALEY
Published: Sunday, November 17, 2002
ON a muddy field in Harwinton, several dozen people stood around with their dogs tucked under their arms. Others had dogs on leashes, or dogs in cages, or dogs that peered politely out of the windows of parked cars. Just a lot of people hanging around with their dogs doing nothing -- or so it seemed.
That is because all the action was set to take place underground where yapping little dogs would soon disappear into dirt tunnels and skitter around in search of rats in cages.
The dogs and their owners had come together for the annual Connecticut Earthdog trials last month on the grounds of the Scottish Terrier Club of New England in Harwinton.
The event, not exactly a spectator sport, is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club and is open to selected breeds, primarily small terriers and dachshunds.
There are four levels of Earthdog -- intro to quarry, junior, senior and master -- in which the tunnels get longer and more challenging. (Intro to quarry is not a title event.)
In the title events, the dogs have 30 seconds to enter and find their quarry at the end of a 30-foot tunnel that is 9 inches tall and 9 inches wide. The dogs must work the quarry, that is bark, scratch, growl and otherwise annoy the rats, for another minute.
During the process, a judge sits on top of the tunnel with a clipboard and a stopwatch and simply listens to evaluate the dog's activities.
The handler may give one command on release, then must stand quietly at the release point throughout the test.
''What's appealing is that the dogs need very little, if any, training,'' said Gordon Heldebrant, the American Kennel Club's executive field director for performance events. ''It's not uncommon to bring a dog with no practice or training at all and have him earn a passing score. It's all about instinct.''
One competitor, Arthur, is an 8-year-old West Highland white terrier owned by Kathleen May, who lives in Rocky Hill.
''These dogs were bred to hunt small animals that live underground, like rats and foxes and badgers,'' Ms. May said. ''They were used by farmers and orchard keepers to get rid of nuisance wildlife. They'd burrow underground, find their prey, and then bark until the farmer came.''
When Vanessa Fleming of Middletown sat her Lakeland terrier, Keaton, on the ground, the dog immediately went into a show-dog stance: head lifted, tail straight up.
''See that tail?'' Ms. Fleming said. ''The dogs are bred with thick, sturdy tails. A dog can be snatched out of harm's way by his tail.''
Simulated tunnel tests for fun and sport have been around for a long time. The Germans have been running such events for more than 100 years. The idea caught on in the United States in the 1930's.
The American Working Terrier Association started holding what it called den trials in 1972; the kennel club sanctioned the sport in 1994. Competitions are now held all over the United States.
As for the event, some people like to give their dogs a chance to practice. They build tunnels out of cardboard boxes or take their dogs to clubs that have permanent tunnels snaking through their grounds.
For competitions and practices, some clubs borrow rats from local pet shops, returning them unharmed (although perhaps a little excited). Some people raise their own rats, which become family pets as well as weekend quarry.
''Only once we had an animal control officer attend a test,'' Mr. Heldebrant said. ''He watched the event and the way we handled the animals, and he left the site without any problems.''
Digging the tunnels for the competition is a formidable job, as John and Joyce McNabney of Harwinton, the hosts of the Earthdog trials this year, know all too well. They are do-it-your-selfers.
''Some people have a backhoe come in and do it,'' Ms. McNabney said, ''but we think it's all part of the experience. If the dogs have to work, we can, too.''
Jo Ann Frier-Murza, a retired wildlife biologist and author of the book ''Earthdogs In and Out,'' said, ''I think once people attend an Earthdog event, they see their dogs differently.''
She also runs classes and practice events for Earthdog enthusiasts on her farm in Crosswicks, N.J.
''After an introduction to Earthdog tests, owners see their dogs as animals with natural instincts, not pets or toys,'' she said. ''Instead of just taking their dog along with them when they go places, they might actually consider what the dog would like to do. Sort of the way a parent would take a child to a soccer game or a birthday party.''
Mr. Heldebrant said that people do not generally think of terriers and dachshunds as hunting dogs.
''People wouldn't think of leaving a Golden Retriever closed up in a room or tied up in a small yard all day, but they do that to a terrier and then can't figure out why the dog was yapping all day or digging up the carpeting,'' he said. ''Terriers were bred to be active and dig and bark; they need the same stimulus as the larger dogs.''
Mr. Heldebrant added, ''They were bred to work alone.''
That is unlike sporting dogs, who work alongside their masters and are commanded to retrieve.
Since some owners spend hours training their dogs not to bark and not to chase after small animals, sometimes the dachshunds and terriers are reluctant to follow their instincts.
''At his first Earthdog test, Arthur just sat and stared at the rats,'' Ms. May said.
In the intro to quarry class, the tunnel is only 10 feet long. Judges can direct the dog to the den's entrance (which is scented with rat urine) and get the dog's interested in the rats by shaking or tapping on the cage.
The dog must reach the quarry within two minutes and then work the quarry for 90 seconds in order to qualify for the higher categories.
The Master Earthdog test works two dogs at a time. There are two entrances to the den; one is blocked and the dogs must find the rear entrance. The dogs must find and work the quarry one at a time. The nonworking dog is staked a few feet away and must watch with interest but not cause a distraction. Both dogs must work the quarry and act as ''honoring dog'' in order to qualify for a Master Earthdog title. There are no cash prizes.
Alice Carter from Stamford is hoping her dachshunds, Julia, Rory and Schatzi, will earn titles some day. ''They already have obedience and agility titles,'' she said.
If they earn Earthdog titles, they can compete in the Dachshund Club of America's triathlon in May in Syracuse.
Carol Perkins of Manchester, a judge at the introductory level, said: ''It's the one performance event where the dogs don't get ranked or compete against one another. There has been talk about creating some sort of ranking so that dogs who get to the master's level have something to shoot for.''
But Ms. Perkins hopes that never happens. ''I like the atmosphere the way it is,'' she said.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Police dog attacks another dog
This is probably horrible to say, but it makes me feel a little bit better about Shelby and her issues when I see that a highly-trained police dog would go after a smaller dog on the street.
Police dog attacks woman in Mattapan
July 22, 2009 03:35 PM Email| Comments (46)| Text size – +
(David L. Ryan/Globe Staff)
By Matt Collette, Globe Correspondent, and Andrew Ryan, Globe Staff
An off-duty Boston police dog bolted from its handler today in Mattapan and attacked a 60-year-old woman who was walking by with a small, Chihuahua-like dog on a leash.
The police dog apparently went after the Chihuahua and bit the woman in the face, stomach, and leg when she tried to protect her small pet, according to police and one witness. An ambulance took the woman to Boston Medical Center, where she received stitches in her lower left leg and was treated for "superficial wounds" to her belly and cheek, according to police Superintendent William Evans.
"This is just a case of a dog going after another dog and unfortunately another woman got involved," Evans said at a press conference outside the hospital. He added, "Obviously the dog was loose and that's something we'll have to look into."
Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis visited the woman in the hospital and "was very apologetic and he took full responsibly for what happened," Evans said.
Police described the dog's handler as a veteran of the department's canine unit, but they would not release his name. Dogs live with canine officers in kennels in their homes. This officer lives in Mattapan on Sturbridge Street where the attack occurred, in a home with a fenced-in yard.
Police responded to the home at 10:35 a.m. for a report of a person being bitten by a dog, according to Officer James Kenneally, a police spokesman.
A neighbor who witnessed the attack told the Globe that the police dog was off the leash and attacked the woman, who was walking a Chihuahua-type dog. The neighbor did not want her name published because police were involved.
The woman was walking her small dog by the police officer's home, the neighbor said. At that moment, the officer opened the door to his police cruiser and the German shepherd-type dog bounded out off the leash.
"The dog spotted the woman's dog and charged right at her," the neighbor said. "So to protect her dog, she leaned down."
The canine officer and his wife were also both taken to the hospital. "Both the officer and his wife were very shaken up by the event," Evans said. "They knew the harm they had caused to the woman."
Charles Donald, 57, went outside of his Sturbridge Street home and said he heard the woman crying for help. Within moments, police and emergency responders arrived.
"It's just so awful, I can't believe it," Donald said. "It's normally been quiet over here."
Gregory Jacquet, 19, lives around the corner on River Street and said he was friendly with the officer.
"The [police] dog seems so harmless," Jacquet said. "I think it's a tragedy, especially for the woman who got bit."
Police have not yet decided whether the animal will be put back in service, said Evans, who was not aware of any previous issues with this particular police dog.
"Our dog involved in this will be treated like any dog would be," Evans said.
The smaller dog was taken to Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. A spokesman for the hospital said he would need the owner's permission before releasing information about its condition.
This afternoon a uniformed policeman stood guard outside the canine officer's house and said no one was home.
Police dog attacks woman in Mattapan
July 22, 2009 03:35 PM Email| Comments (46)| Text size – +
(David L. Ryan/Globe Staff)
By Matt Collette, Globe Correspondent, and Andrew Ryan, Globe Staff
An off-duty Boston police dog bolted from its handler today in Mattapan and attacked a 60-year-old woman who was walking by with a small, Chihuahua-like dog on a leash.
The police dog apparently went after the Chihuahua and bit the woman in the face, stomach, and leg when she tried to protect her small pet, according to police and one witness. An ambulance took the woman to Boston Medical Center, where she received stitches in her lower left leg and was treated for "superficial wounds" to her belly and cheek, according to police Superintendent William Evans.
"This is just a case of a dog going after another dog and unfortunately another woman got involved," Evans said at a press conference outside the hospital. He added, "Obviously the dog was loose and that's something we'll have to look into."
Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis visited the woman in the hospital and "was very apologetic and he took full responsibly for what happened," Evans said.
Police described the dog's handler as a veteran of the department's canine unit, but they would not release his name. Dogs live with canine officers in kennels in their homes. This officer lives in Mattapan on Sturbridge Street where the attack occurred, in a home with a fenced-in yard.
Police responded to the home at 10:35 a.m. for a report of a person being bitten by a dog, according to Officer James Kenneally, a police spokesman.
A neighbor who witnessed the attack told the Globe that the police dog was off the leash and attacked the woman, who was walking a Chihuahua-type dog. The neighbor did not want her name published because police were involved.
The woman was walking her small dog by the police officer's home, the neighbor said. At that moment, the officer opened the door to his police cruiser and the German shepherd-type dog bounded out off the leash.
"The dog spotted the woman's dog and charged right at her," the neighbor said. "So to protect her dog, she leaned down."
The canine officer and his wife were also both taken to the hospital. "Both the officer and his wife were very shaken up by the event," Evans said. "They knew the harm they had caused to the woman."
Charles Donald, 57, went outside of his Sturbridge Street home and said he heard the woman crying for help. Within moments, police and emergency responders arrived.
"It's just so awful, I can't believe it," Donald said. "It's normally been quiet over here."
Gregory Jacquet, 19, lives around the corner on River Street and said he was friendly with the officer.
"The [police] dog seems so harmless," Jacquet said. "I think it's a tragedy, especially for the woman who got bit."
Police have not yet decided whether the animal will be put back in service, said Evans, who was not aware of any previous issues with this particular police dog.
"Our dog involved in this will be treated like any dog would be," Evans said.
The smaller dog was taken to Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. A spokesman for the hospital said he would need the owner's permission before releasing information about its condition.
This afternoon a uniformed policeman stood guard outside the canine officer's house and said no one was home.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A training opportunity at Williards Woods
On Saturday, after earthdog, I took Spot and Shelby to Williards Woods with Tanya and Hallie.
I kept Shelby on the retractable lead the whole time because I didn't really want to deal with any issues. There were a few dogs there, mostly larger, so no issues.
Until we were leaving. A woman came in with a corgi and little black mix. I was waiting for Spot so I could leash him up, so Shelby and I were standing on the side of the path. The corgi came up and Shelby started growling. So I immediately told her no and asked for a sit, and made her look at me. She sat next to me and let the corgi come close to me. She was staring somewhat though. The corgi didn't seem phased by it. Then the little black dog came over and Shelby didn't growl, so I let them sniff each other and it was fine. And then the corgi came over again and everyone sniffed.
I was glad to have an opportunity to correct Shelby's behavior with smaller dogs.
I kept Shelby on the retractable lead the whole time because I didn't really want to deal with any issues. There were a few dogs there, mostly larger, so no issues.
Until we were leaving. A woman came in with a corgi and little black mix. I was waiting for Spot so I could leash him up, so Shelby and I were standing on the side of the path. The corgi came up and Shelby started growling. So I immediately told her no and asked for a sit, and made her look at me. She sat next to me and let the corgi come close to me. She was staring somewhat though. The corgi didn't seem phased by it. Then the little black dog came over and Shelby didn't growl, so I let them sniff each other and it was fine. And then the corgi came over again and everyone sniffed.
I was glad to have an opportunity to correct Shelby's behavior with smaller dogs.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Earthdog training day-Gardner 7/11/09
Today we had training at the Fish and Game club in Gardner.
It was a medium-size group.
We had 5 master dogs, some junior dogs and several IQ dogs.
I got there around 9:15 and Nancy was starting master. I guess she had gotten there earlier than I realized and the tunnels were scented and the rats were there and everything. For the first brace, I was the rat steward. We had one person new to master. When it was time, I forgot to take the bars off the false exit. Whoops!
Then it was Spot's turn with Rizzi. Spot actually marked without my asking him to, which was great. I encouraged him to mark some more and then let Rizzi mark. I put Spot in the tunnel and he did the usual come back out to turn around, but then made it to the rats. He worked them for about 30 seconds, then I could hear he had backed up, but was still working. Then all of a sudden he leaves the rats! I think he is learning if he stays there, I'm going to open it up and take him out. I want to work on that this weekend. If he keeps doing it, I'm not sure I'll enter him at the trial in 2 weeks.
Shelby did IQ. We started with one tunnel length, because it seems she is wary of the tunnel now. She went in slooowly, but when she got to the rats she worked really well, digging and whining and barking, which was great. We made the tunnel longer, adding just the corner, and she went in and worked. Once she did it a few times I took her out. I brought her back in once all the other dogs had taken a turn, but she wasn't as into it. So I need to work on her tunnels, which is strange because over the winter she had no problem with the tunnel. She would run in, but then just stare at the rats! So I don't think she'll be trialling this year, but we'll see.
It was a medium-size group.
We had 5 master dogs, some junior dogs and several IQ dogs.
I got there around 9:15 and Nancy was starting master. I guess she had gotten there earlier than I realized and the tunnels were scented and the rats were there and everything. For the first brace, I was the rat steward. We had one person new to master. When it was time, I forgot to take the bars off the false exit. Whoops!
Then it was Spot's turn with Rizzi. Spot actually marked without my asking him to, which was great. I encouraged him to mark some more and then let Rizzi mark. I put Spot in the tunnel and he did the usual come back out to turn around, but then made it to the rats. He worked them for about 30 seconds, then I could hear he had backed up, but was still working. Then all of a sudden he leaves the rats! I think he is learning if he stays there, I'm going to open it up and take him out. I want to work on that this weekend. If he keeps doing it, I'm not sure I'll enter him at the trial in 2 weeks.
Shelby did IQ. We started with one tunnel length, because it seems she is wary of the tunnel now. She went in slooowly, but when she got to the rats she worked really well, digging and whining and barking, which was great. We made the tunnel longer, adding just the corner, and she went in and worked. Once she did it a few times I took her out. I brought her back in once all the other dogs had taken a turn, but she wasn't as into it. So I need to work on her tunnels, which is strange because over the winter she had no problem with the tunnel. She would run in, but then just stare at the rats! So I don't think she'll be trialling this year, but we'll see.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Cats on a plane? Tabby flies in style on Pet Airways - Daily Business Update - The Boston Globe
I think I would probably use this...
Can't bear to put Fifi in cargo when you fly? Try booking her a ticket on Pet Airways instead.
The pet-only airline is launching service Tuesday July 14 out of New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles, and plans to expand into Boston by early fall.
"We've had a tremendous amount of requests from pet owners in Boston," said director Alyse Tognotti.
The airline, based in Delray Beach, Fla., has partnered with Suburban Air Freight cq to transport cats and dogs in 19-passenger Beech 1900 aircrafts. Up to 50 "pawsengers" will travel in carriers in the main cabin -- the seats and overhead bins have been removed -- and be taken care of by a pet attendant. Inter-species fights will be kept to a minimum by separating the dogs and cats; other household pets such as birds and gerbils will be allowed onboard in the near future.
The airline is starting out with one round-trip flight a week, beginning in New York and stopping in Washington D.C., Chicago, and Denver on the way to LA. One-way ticket prices range from $149 to $299, depending on the pet's size and destination, and demand has been high so far: The first two months of flights are sold out.
Husband-and-wife owners Dan Wiezel and Alysa Binder came up with the idea for Pet Airways when they moved from Silicon Valley to Florida five years ago and had to put their beloved Zoe, a now 17 1/2-year-old Jack Russell terrier, in cargo. The idea of their dog being stuck in the belly of the plane made the former high-tech recruiters anxious, Tognotti said: "She's not baggage."
Pet Airways has pet lounges set up in each of its airport, which include major facilities such as Baltimore-Washington International Airport and regional operations such as Republic Airport cq on Long Island. The airline's staff members all have backgrounds in animal training and handling, Tognotti said, including a round-the-clock veterinary staff.
The airline is aiming to attract people who are moving, traveling, or rescuing animals and plans to serve 25 cities within two years.
Can't bear to put Fifi in cargo when you fly? Try booking her a ticket on Pet Airways instead.
The pet-only airline is launching service Tuesday July 14 out of New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles, and plans to expand into Boston by early fall.
"We've had a tremendous amount of requests from pet owners in Boston," said director Alyse Tognotti.
The airline, based in Delray Beach, Fla., has partnered with Suburban Air Freight cq to transport cats and dogs in 19-passenger Beech 1900 aircrafts. Up to 50 "pawsengers" will travel in carriers in the main cabin -- the seats and overhead bins have been removed -- and be taken care of by a pet attendant. Inter-species fights will be kept to a minimum by separating the dogs and cats; other household pets such as birds and gerbils will be allowed onboard in the near future.
The airline is starting out with one round-trip flight a week, beginning in New York and stopping in Washington D.C., Chicago, and Denver on the way to LA. One-way ticket prices range from $149 to $299, depending on the pet's size and destination, and demand has been high so far: The first two months of flights are sold out.
Husband-and-wife owners Dan Wiezel and Alysa Binder came up with the idea for Pet Airways when they moved from Silicon Valley to Florida five years ago and had to put their beloved Zoe, a now 17 1/2-year-old Jack Russell terrier, in cargo. The idea of their dog being stuck in the belly of the plane made the former high-tech recruiters anxious, Tognotti said: "She's not baggage."
Pet Airways has pet lounges set up in each of its airport, which include major facilities such as Baltimore-Washington International Airport and regional operations such as Republic Airport cq on Long Island. The airline's staff members all have backgrounds in animal training and handling, Tognotti said, including a round-the-clock veterinary staff.
The airline is aiming to attract people who are moving, traveling, or rescuing animals and plans to serve 25 cities within two years.
Monday, July 06, 2009
The Amazing Treat Machine
Ok, my two would rip apart the cardboard in order to get the treats directly! But I could see that this could be effective for a lower-energy dog.
Or maybe if it were made out of plastic...
Or maybe if it were made out of plastic...
Friday, July 03, 2009
Video of some GBAEC activities-Spring 2009
Here is a video showing some of the tunnel preparations, training and pics from the May trial.
You can see Shelby in intro not really getting it and trying to go into the wrong tunnel. :-)
You can see Shelby in intro not really getting it and trying to go into the wrong tunnel. :-)
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