Today we brough Shasta in to have be spayed, have her stomach tacked and have xrays done on her hips and elbows. Quite a day at the vet. And they all turned out as well as we could hope. Yes!
Hips and elbows both looked very good to Dr. Jim Winsor. And growth plates are extremely close to closed. Which means once she is done recovering from the spay we can start jumping and weaving! There were certainly no indications of any troubles with her joints but it's a relief to get the official news (and Dr. Winsor is official for us).
As for the spay and the stomach tack, she is home and in our care tonight. Very groggy of course. I am sure she is uncomfortable as well. But she is resting well and has already managed to pee and poop.
What a relief.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Her "First" Invitational and Beach
We just returned two days ago from our trip to the Florida panhandle coast and the agility Invitational in Orlando. It started with three wonderful days in a beach house near Cape St. Joe with the Larsons. It was very dog friendly and nearly private. We took a lot of walks along the beach with the dogs, most of it off leash. I couldn't get Shasta interested in the water. I did many "test/reinforce" recalls and felt very comfortable having her off leash. She really enjoyed playing and chasing with mostly Tori but with the rotties some too. It was nice to have a young dog I could trust and we had a great time with all the beach walks.
Then there were the exhausting days at the invitational. Long, long, long walks from the hotel to the show site and back. She didn't get much attention but I did walk her around the rings a couple of times, doing my "acclimation walk". She handled those walks around the ring really well. She was focused doing her tricks and seemed happy and comfortable walking around in that environment with lots of energy, noise and stress.
One thing I did notice was that Shasta seemed a little more independent in the shared beach house. Not sure why but she didn't hang around me as close as she does at home. I can't determine if that was a bad, good or neutral thing as far as performance goes but I didn't like it because I missed having her close by.
Then there was the spongy Florida grass, especially the grass at the hotel that was incredibly thick. And spongy. And Shasta wanted NOTHING to do with it. She jumped straight up in the air the first time she walked on it, about two feet! Pottying was an adventure all three days. We hard many stories of other dogs having the same issue but it's hard to imagine many had the same level of hatred toward that grass!
Then there were the exhausting days at the invitational. Long, long, long walks from the hotel to the show site and back. She didn't get much attention but I did walk her around the rings a couple of times, doing my "acclimation walk". She handled those walks around the ring really well. She was focused doing her tricks and seemed happy and comfortable walking around in that environment with lots of energy, noise and stress.
One thing I did notice was that Shasta seemed a little more independent in the shared beach house. Not sure why but she didn't hang around me as close as she does at home. I can't determine if that was a bad, good or neutral thing as far as performance goes but I didn't like it because I missed having her close by.
Then there was the spongy Florida grass, especially the grass at the hotel that was incredibly thick. And spongy. And Shasta wanted NOTHING to do with it. She jumped straight up in the air the first time she walked on it, about two feet! Pottying was an adventure all three days. We hard many stories of other dogs having the same issue but it's hard to imagine many had the same level of hatred toward that grass!
Training - What's That Again?
Life. It gets in the way. There has sadly been very little of it. Unless bringing her along to dog shows counts as training. We did do another class or two, still skipping jumps, weaves and the dog walk. And she continued to do awesome at it. Still total focus, no sniffing in the dirt, no obstacles concerns. Solid and very motivating to see.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Managing Expectations
We can never know about the days to come
But we think about them anyway, yay
And I wonder if I'm really with you now
Or just chasin' after some finer day
Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'
But we think about them anyway, yay
And I wonder if I'm really with you now
Or just chasin' after some finer day
Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'
(Carly Simon - Anticipation)
I'm a little worried about having unrealistic and, frankly, unfair expectations of Shasta. Everything is going so well to this point. I am very impressed with her work ethic and her understanding of the concepts I've taught. I'm impressed with her attitude and her control. She is happy in working and training without being gleeful.
I can feel it, in my honest moments with myself, the expectations that are already building in my near-subconscious thoughts. I'm not speaking about titles or tournaments or accomplishments. But the building expectation that we won't have many struggles. That we won't have the usual struggles that even a great agility team usually have when they are young. I recognize and know that it's not fair to Shasta. I recognize and know that it's not fair to me. Yet it's not like it's something I can really control except to recognize it and hope that being honest with myself tempers it to some level.
I've always thought and often said, the key to an accomplished agility dog is to have a dog that keeps bars up, doesn't develop serious weave issues and doesn't have fear issues. If you have those three things you are 90% of the way "there" in agility. Yet, I haven't started jumping or weaving with Shasta yet. How irrational is it, then, to have building expectations at this early stage when I haven't even started to train two of the three things most likely to derail a "career"?
So, that's it. I've made a decision. I am not going to subconsciously have such high expectations. Yep, that's what I have decided. ;-)
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Shasta Is A Classy Dog
Last night I brought Shasta to our first class. She was --- awesome. It was an agility class, level 4. It was in our winter horse arena which has horses in it during the day. Shasta is a floor "snarfer" at times and I expected it to be a tough process to work through in the barn. But she didn't care about the dirt at all. No snarfing. I was surprised. Pleasantly surprised.
To her it was all new, the obstacles, the place, the other dogs, the waiting around . She handled it all brilliantly. She had no issues generalizing the obstacles, had no issues being distracted by the other dogs and had total focus on working with me and the sequences. Thrilling!
We did jumps at zero, didn't weave and didn't do the dog walk (we haven't done a tall one yet). Much like I recall doing with Roxy at this age. I can make up a lot of sequences while skipping those obstacles.
We did do two a-frames which I introduced to her last week in our back yard (did three of them in our back yard). She is doing the downside slowly but right now I like that because it is being really easy on her body. I now won't do any a-frames until we start jumping except for the one or two I do in class every once in a while. And if she speeds up too much I'll bypass them as well.
The school has an all-aluminum teeter which can vibrate differently and I expected her to struggle with it a few times. But she had no issues with that either. No issues with the doghouse chute. No issues with the level four sequences.
She ran about 75-80% of the time. Every so often she would slow down, seemingly a little tentative. Like I've said in this blog before, she more than most dogs, will be fast only when she is confident. Something about my cues made her question the path which slowed her down. Which does not bother me a bit, my cues will get better and better with time.
It was a great first class. Both exciting and a relief.
To her it was all new, the obstacles, the place, the other dogs, the waiting around . She handled it all brilliantly. She had no issues generalizing the obstacles, had no issues being distracted by the other dogs and had total focus on working with me and the sequences. Thrilling!
We did jumps at zero, didn't weave and didn't do the dog walk (we haven't done a tall one yet). Much like I recall doing with Roxy at this age. I can make up a lot of sequences while skipping those obstacles.
We did do two a-frames which I introduced to her last week in our back yard (did three of them in our back yard). She is doing the downside slowly but right now I like that because it is being really easy on her body. I now won't do any a-frames until we start jumping except for the one or two I do in class every once in a while. And if she speeds up too much I'll bypass them as well.
The school has an all-aluminum teeter which can vibrate differently and I expected her to struggle with it a few times. But she had no issues with that either. No issues with the doghouse chute. No issues with the level four sequences.
She ran about 75-80% of the time. Every so often she would slow down, seemingly a little tentative. Like I've said in this blog before, she more than most dogs, will be fast only when she is confident. Something about my cues made her question the path which slowed her down. Which does not bother me a bit, my cues will get better and better with time.
It was a great first class. Both exciting and a relief.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Crosses Groundwork
Life continues to interfere with our training recently. Disappointing when the temps are cooler and winter is approaching. But life is what life is.
Nothing new in our training of late. The little I've done has just been reminding Shasta of the things she already knows.
A week ago or so Kris did film a small piece of the crosses groundwork I am doing. It includes front crosses, a blind cross, a rear cross, a couple of rear crosses on the flat. And what I think is some pretty good lateral distance as well.
First sequence includes a Front cross, Blind cross, Rear on the Flat, Front and Front cross.
Second sequence has a Front cross and a standard Rear cross.
Third sequence is a Rear on the Flat and a Front cross.
I'm pleased with her speed and skills at this point. She does a great job of reading my body and the cues. Sequence-wise there already is not much that she can't do, in the comfy confines of our back yard.
Nothing new in our training of late. The little I've done has just been reminding Shasta of the things she already knows.
A week ago or so Kris did film a small piece of the crosses groundwork I am doing. It includes front crosses, a blind cross, a rear cross, a couple of rear crosses on the flat. And what I think is some pretty good lateral distance as well.
First sequence includes a Front cross, Blind cross, Rear on the Flat, Front and Front cross.
Second sequence has a Front cross and a standard Rear cross.
Third sequence is a Rear on the Flat and a Front cross.
I'm pleased with her speed and skills at this point. She does a great job of reading my body and the cues. Sequence-wise there already is not much that she can't do, in the comfy confines of our back yard.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
A Whole Lotta Nothing
It's been three weeks since I've posted anything and it's fitting because there has been a whole lotta nothing going on. Between three day show weekends, work, weather, mom and general malaise on my part, I have not done much training with her the last few weeks.
The one thing of progress is that I have moved Shasta on to the full height teeter. I had gone so slowly and incrementally with the puppy teeter, bringing it almost to the same height as the full size, I expected moving to the full size teeter to be no big deal. That was not quite right. It was not incremental to Shasta to go from a wood, sanded teeter to an aluminum, rubber teeter. I think the vibration was different for her.
Her first couple she got off as soon as it tipped. Then she refused going up. A teeny bit of gentle pressure got her back up the teeter but she didn't want to stay on it. It took about 10-12 tries over two nights before she finally was comfortable enough with it to stick the bottom. Now, it's all systems go.
Her dogwalk is now great, no apprehension at all. Somehow, my "break" command got more confusing during our lack of training. I have some work to do there.
The one thing of progress is that I have moved Shasta on to the full height teeter. I had gone so slowly and incrementally with the puppy teeter, bringing it almost to the same height as the full size, I expected moving to the full size teeter to be no big deal. That was not quite right. It was not incremental to Shasta to go from a wood, sanded teeter to an aluminum, rubber teeter. I think the vibration was different for her.
Her first couple she got off as soon as it tipped. Then she refused going up. A teeny bit of gentle pressure got her back up the teeter but she didn't want to stay on it. It took about 10-12 tries over two nights before she finally was comfortable enough with it to stick the bottom. Now, it's all systems go.
Her dogwalk is now great, no apprehension at all. Somehow, my "break" command got more confusing during our lack of training. I have some work to do there.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Dogwalk Transition
Shasta is eight months old today! I can't believe she is already eight months and I can't believe she is only eight months. If that makes any sense.
About a week ago I decided to make the transition from the puppy dogwalk that we have to the "regular" dogwalk which for us is the old small size AKC dogwalk.
It's tough to know exactly when to make these changes. She was very confident on the puppy dogwalk, approaching it with good speed. She was able to navigate slightly crooked entries. She had lost her balance a few times on the puppy dogwalk and she jumped off the dogwalk every time, never just fell off. Exactly what I was looking for. So I felt like we were ready.
I was a bit surprised by how different she was initially on the higher dogwalk. To me it didn't look like that much of an increase in slope. Clearly Shasta didn't agree with my assessment!
I spent the first few days debating if she had become too tentative and if I should go back to the puppy dogwalk. But I guessed that it wasn't that she isn't ready for the higher walk but that it was a transition we would have to work through regardless of when we moved up in size. So we continued to work on it.
As of tonight, I felt like I saw a big improvement. She is still approaching it with what looks like great concentration, a bit slow. But she looks very relaxed and comfortable to me now when going up and over it. I think the speed is going to pick up soon. As I've mentioned a couple of times in this blog, I continue to be convinced that for her more than the most dogs, speed will go with confidence.
About a week ago I decided to make the transition from the puppy dogwalk that we have to the "regular" dogwalk which for us is the old small size AKC dogwalk.
It's tough to know exactly when to make these changes. She was very confident on the puppy dogwalk, approaching it with good speed. She was able to navigate slightly crooked entries. She had lost her balance a few times on the puppy dogwalk and she jumped off the dogwalk every time, never just fell off. Exactly what I was looking for. So I felt like we were ready.I was a bit surprised by how different she was initially on the higher dogwalk. To me it didn't look like that much of an increase in slope. Clearly Shasta didn't agree with my assessment!
I spent the first few days debating if she had become too tentative and if I should go back to the puppy dogwalk. But I guessed that it wasn't that she isn't ready for the higher walk but that it was a transition we would have to work through regardless of when we moved up in size. So we continued to work on it.
As of tonight, I felt like I saw a big improvement. She is still approaching it with what looks like great concentration, a bit slow. But she looks very relaxed and comfortable to me now when going up and over it. I think the speed is going to pick up soon. As I've mentioned a couple of times in this blog, I continue to be convinced that for her more than the most dogs, speed will go with confidence.Friday, August 17, 2012
Sequencing Video
A quick 45 second video of Shasta doing a little jump sequencing. The first half has two front crosses and a serpentine. The second half has two rear crosses. And a wrong course!
Good speed, good skills. I am very happy where we are at.
Good speed, good skills. I am very happy where we are at.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Cik/Cap, Zig/Zag
Training continues to go well right now. We are working on some really nice sequences of jumps (bars on the ground). She is now happier about doing "just jumps". Previously she knew the rewards came fast and furiously on the teeter and dog walk so anything else was understandably second-rate to her. I am really happy with the sequencing. I'm already quite comfortable with most front crosses, blind crosses, rear crosses, wraps, 180s. It's going really well.
We watched Sylvia Trkman's Cik/Cap video. It's her way of teaching collection and tight turns. It's basically doing the cone work that I've already done with the dogs but with a few tweaks and a slightly more detailed process. I watched it for Sonic and am going to try it with Sonic (at least for a while). But while I'm doing it with Sonic I figured I might as well do it with Shasta too. We'll see how it goes.
Sylvia uses the commands Cik (pronounced like "sick") and Cap (pronounced like "sap"). I wasn't sure I could use those without confusing myself so I decided to use Zig and Zag. If it does work out, I'm sure the commands will be confusing to others watching us!
We watched Sylvia Trkman's Cik/Cap video. It's her way of teaching collection and tight turns. It's basically doing the cone work that I've already done with the dogs but with a few tweaks and a slightly more detailed process. I watched it for Sonic and am going to try it with Sonic (at least for a while). But while I'm doing it with Sonic I figured I might as well do it with Shasta too. We'll see how it goes.
Sylvia uses the commands Cik (pronounced like "sick") and Cap (pronounced like "sap"). I wasn't sure I could use those without confusing myself so I decided to use Zig and Zag. If it does work out, I'm sure the commands will be confusing to others watching us!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Patience, Clark, Patience
Nothing much new in the process this week. I raised the teeter a couple of links and it made no difference in the performance that I could tell. I've been doing slightly longer sequences with the mini jumps and the few other obstacles we do and it's going very well.
Now we are at that point. That point where I know I need to show a little patience. She is progressing very nicely. It's that point where I am wanting to train the things that she is not physically ready for.
I don't think it's impatience with progress. I'm not in a hurry that way. I think it's mostly from wanting to know. Wanting to know if dropping bars will be an issue. Wanting to know if she will have the great weaves that Roxy and Sonic have had or not.
There is also wanting to avoid trouble. Our back yard is filled with full height obstacles for the other dogs. I am looking forward to the time when Shasta is doing those obstacles so I don't have to worry about her taking one without my intention and without being prepared for that step.
And, quite frankly, it would be convenient. To be able to use the same teeter, the same dog walk (we have the old AKC short height walk), leave jumps at 20 inches and put the puppy stuff away.
Patience. I've heard it's a virtue. Hopefully I can be virtuous for a while.
Now we are at that point. That point where I know I need to show a little patience. She is progressing very nicely. It's that point where I am wanting to train the things that she is not physically ready for.
I don't think it's impatience with progress. I'm not in a hurry that way. I think it's mostly from wanting to know. Wanting to know if dropping bars will be an issue. Wanting to know if she will have the great weaves that Roxy and Sonic have had or not.
There is also wanting to avoid trouble. Our back yard is filled with full height obstacles for the other dogs. I am looking forward to the time when Shasta is doing those obstacles so I don't have to worry about her taking one without my intention and without being prepared for that step.
And, quite frankly, it would be convenient. To be able to use the same teeter, the same dog walk (we have the old AKC short height walk), leave jumps at 20 inches and put the puppy stuff away.
Patience. I've heard it's a virtue. Hopefully I can be virtuous for a while.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Shasta - This is a Great Dog
This has nothing to do with training but I want to write again, Shasta is a great, great puppy. Yesterday I was finally cleaning my closet and 5 minutes into it, there is Shasta, literally lying in the closet. Love how she finds herself close to me all the time without being shy or lacking confidence. I don't know what the future holds in the ring but she is an awesome companion.
I know it's the "Roxy factor" but I am already worrying about how short of a life she will have. Hopefully I can get over that to a certain extent, at least not worry about it consciously as I do now.
We've been training some over the last week but it's hard to do much when it continues to be HOT. Or more accurately, HUMID. What a stretch. Dewpoints 65-75 for over a week. Maybe over two weeks.
But the little I've done has continued to go well. She fell/jumped off the mini-dog walk once. That's a good thing, I want her to learn how to fall off while it's low. She might not be a mudder. That is, if we show outside in the rain, I don't think she is going to be a willing participant. She really hates the rain at this point. But she might be a good... what... heater? ;-) Shasta is showing me that she can work focused and with normal drive in the heat.
A post or two ago I mentioned how fast she does this short little sequence that she is comfortable with because we've done it a number of times. Here is a 20 second video of it.
I know it's the "Roxy factor" but I am already worrying about how short of a life she will have. Hopefully I can get over that to a certain extent, at least not worry about it consciously as I do now.
We've been training some over the last week but it's hard to do much when it continues to be HOT. Or more accurately, HUMID. What a stretch. Dewpoints 65-75 for over a week. Maybe over two weeks.
But the little I've done has continued to go well. She fell/jumped off the mini-dog walk once. That's a good thing, I want her to learn how to fall off while it's low. She might not be a mudder. That is, if we show outside in the rain, I don't think she is going to be a willing participant. She really hates the rain at this point. But she might be a good... what... heater? ;-) Shasta is showing me that she can work focused and with normal drive in the heat.
A post or two ago I mentioned how fast she does this short little sequence that she is comfortable with because we've done it a number of times. Here is a 20 second video of it.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Teeter Success
After having an issue with the teeter last night that scared Shasta and caused her to balk at the teeter, I was very pleased to see tonight's teeters done as if yesterday's issue never happened. She was speedy and confident from the first teeter on. It's interesting to wonder if the large amount of foundation work I've done to this point helped. Regardless, nice to see her not carry any worry over. At least not to this, the first night.
With the placement of the puppy teeter, there are two different sequences that I tend to do to approach it. Shasta is really running fast when I do either of those two sequences. Which further supports what I said in yesterday's blog, that I think Shasta, more than the average dog, will have her speed dependent on her confidence level. Something important for me to keep in mind in our early showing career when she is likely to be less confident.
With the placement of the puppy teeter, there are two different sequences that I tend to do to approach it. Shasta is really running fast when I do either of those two sequences. Which further supports what I said in yesterday's blog, that I think Shasta, more than the average dog, will have her speed dependent on her confidence level. Something important for me to keep in mind in our early showing career when she is likely to be less confident.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Teeter Troubles?
I snuck out in the heat for a little training tonight and, wouldn't you know it, Shasta almost slipped off the teeter and hung on through it. But it scared her. And she refused it after that.
I helped her across a few times and she didn't freak but she didn't want to do it. Next, we went to the baby dogwalk. Sure enough, totally balked at that too.
I started by back-chaining the dogwalk. Lifted her up and put her on the downside. She went to bottom position fine. Lifted her up again and put her on the top board. She continued on fine. Went to do the whole dogwalk and she did it apprehensively. Went to do the whole dogwalk again and she was back to happy Shasta with it. Did it a couple more and she was back to running at it.
I went to do a little mini-sequencing and she almost took the teeter even though I wasn't asking for it. So, I did a little mini-sequence and sent her to the teeter. She did it great at speed. I tried again with speed and she balked so I asked again and she went over it but it was without speed. We did it two more times without speed but without help and she did them fine.
Hopefully tomorrow the weather cooperates and we'll see where we are at. It will be interesting to see if the foundation we've done will help keep this as a short-term issue or if it is a longer-term issue. I don't have a good feel this time how it will go tomorrow, I could see it being no issue, I could see her being worried and putting on the brakes again to start.
I helped her across a few times and she didn't freak but she didn't want to do it. Next, we went to the baby dogwalk. Sure enough, totally balked at that too.
I started by back-chaining the dogwalk. Lifted her up and put her on the downside. She went to bottom position fine. Lifted her up again and put her on the top board. She continued on fine. Went to do the whole dogwalk and she did it apprehensively. Went to do the whole dogwalk again and she was back to happy Shasta with it. Did it a couple more and she was back to running at it.
I went to do a little mini-sequencing and she almost took the teeter even though I wasn't asking for it. So, I did a little mini-sequence and sent her to the teeter. She did it great at speed. I tried again with speed and she balked so I asked again and she went over it but it was without speed. We did it two more times without speed but without help and she did them fine.
Hopefully tomorrow the weather cooperates and we'll see where we are at. It will be interesting to see if the foundation we've done will help keep this as a short-term issue or if it is a longer-term issue. I don't have a good feel this time how it will go tomorrow, I could see it being no issue, I could see her being worried and putting on the brakes again to start.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
How Much Drive Does/Will Shasta Have?
Drive. It's something we are always looking for, especially in agility. And I think it's tough to tell in puppies, especially berner puppies. Shasta's drive? I don't know yet. I know she isn't a slug. I know she isn't insane. But there is a huge range in between and it seems to me she could still be anywhere in that range.
I've been a tiny bit concerned about it. When trying to analyze it unemotionally, I think her drive is pretty good. But I'm not sure. Am I seeing something that's making me wonder? Or is it just the natural questioning I've usually done at some point with every puppy?
I know part of it could be the "Sonic" factor. He's so incredibly driven in agility, and that's what I've been working with lately and that's the most recent puppy I've trained. How much has he understandably skewed my viewpoint?
The following statement is true with all dogs but I think it may be more of a factor with Shasta than the average dog. And that is that her drive will depend greatly on her confidence. I don't say that because she is a worrier, she isn't. I say it because I believe she is a thinker. Not to humanize her too much, but I believe she wants to understand what it is I am asking of her.
The irony of posting this tonight is that I trained her somewhat briefly tonight, after being at a show all day yesterday and today, on a hot and humid evening, and she was pretty much flying through our mini-sequences. That said, we were not introducing anything new, supporting my theory that she will be fast if she understands the task at hand.
I've been a tiny bit concerned about it. When trying to analyze it unemotionally, I think her drive is pretty good. But I'm not sure. Am I seeing something that's making me wonder? Or is it just the natural questioning I've usually done at some point with every puppy?
I know part of it could be the "Sonic" factor. He's so incredibly driven in agility, and that's what I've been working with lately and that's the most recent puppy I've trained. How much has he understandably skewed my viewpoint?
The following statement is true with all dogs but I think it may be more of a factor with Shasta than the average dog. And that is that her drive will depend greatly on her confidence. I don't say that because she is a worrier, she isn't. I say it because I believe she is a thinker. Not to humanize her too much, but I believe she wants to understand what it is I am asking of her.
The irony of posting this tonight is that I trained her somewhat briefly tonight, after being at a show all day yesterday and today, on a hot and humid evening, and she was pretty much flying through our mini-sequences. That said, we were not introducing anything new, supporting my theory that she will be fast if she understands the task at hand.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Residual Teeter Fear? Appears to be--No!
Two nights ago I posted about Shasta running through and flying off the puppy teeter. She showed no concerns that same night but it usually manifests the next time, especially with berners. I was able to train last night and tonight and, voila, no issues! Yea!!
There is still fear/stress at the chute but it's improving a lot over the last week or two. With Kris' help I've spent some time focusing on treating her low coming out of the chute, trying to help her understand she doesn't need to pop the chute up. I think that has helped a lot. Last night she did all chutes with no hesitation. Tonight she hesitated briefly on the first one but went in without much of a stop or a re-approach.
The last two nights have continued a stretch of really good training sessions. She looks really happy. She is very focused. She is learning. Speed and drive is increasing. I am really happy with what I am seeing. It's early, really, really early. But I love how things are going so far.
There is still fear/stress at the chute but it's improving a lot over the last week or two. With Kris' help I've spent some time focusing on treating her low coming out of the chute, trying to help her understand she doesn't need to pop the chute up. I think that has helped a lot. Last night she did all chutes with no hesitation. Tonight she hesitated briefly on the first one but went in without much of a stop or a re-approach.
The last two nights have continued a stretch of really good training sessions. She looks really happy. She is very focused. She is learning. Speed and drive is increasing. I am really happy with what I am seeing. It's early, really, really early. But I love how things are going so far.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Flying Shasta - More Ways Than One
The heat finally broke and we got some chances to train this weekend and today. All the sessions have gone really well. I raised the teeter three links. I also raised the puppy dogwalk a little and, more importantly, switched to a regular middle plank instead of the two tables.
For some reason, her speed seemed to pick up this weekend, especially in the tunnels and "jumps". One could say she was flying for her. She's cute with her ears pinned back.
She continued to attack the teeter and still willing to pounce the upside as well. She doesn't really "pounce" anymore like it was early on where she jumped on the upside. Instead she is showing her intelligence now that it is higher and getting on in the middle and riding it down when I say pounce.
She also handled the change in the dogwalk well. Smartly she slowed down the first few times figuring out the increased slope and the skinnier middle plank. But her speed quickly picked up pace again. The downside plank is a little slow, I am pretty sure she is thinking hard about how to find her bottom position.
We do have one dogwalk issue. She hasn't fallen/jumped yet. I want her to do so a few times at this low height so she learns to jump off and not fall off. Not sure if I can just be patient and wait for it to happen or if I need to do something to get it to happen. Need to think on that one, don't want to do anything stupid.
Her flying wasn't just the increased speed. Tonight I went out to play ball with Sonic, Shasta and Pearle (Pearle doesn't play ball but enjoys hanging outside). Shasta played with the ball longer than she had in the past. But the slightly concerning part was she was following Sonic as she often does, Sonic runs right at the puppy teeter and then veers off at the last second. Shasta runs right up it and flies off. Glad it wasn't the full size teeter! She seemed unfazed by it. I put Sonic and Pearle away and we did some more puppy teeters, everything seemed fine. Of course, I won't really know if there were no repercussions until we do it again tomorrow. But it sure didn't look like it was going to bother her at all.
For some reason, her speed seemed to pick up this weekend, especially in the tunnels and "jumps". One could say she was flying for her. She's cute with her ears pinned back.
She continued to attack the teeter and still willing to pounce the upside as well. She doesn't really "pounce" anymore like it was early on where she jumped on the upside. Instead she is showing her intelligence now that it is higher and getting on in the middle and riding it down when I say pounce.
She also handled the change in the dogwalk well. Smartly she slowed down the first few times figuring out the increased slope and the skinnier middle plank. But her speed quickly picked up pace again. The downside plank is a little slow, I am pretty sure she is thinking hard about how to find her bottom position.
We do have one dogwalk issue. She hasn't fallen/jumped yet. I want her to do so a few times at this low height so she learns to jump off and not fall off. Not sure if I can just be patient and wait for it to happen or if I need to do something to get it to happen. Need to think on that one, don't want to do anything stupid.
Her flying wasn't just the increased speed. Tonight I went out to play ball with Sonic, Shasta and Pearle (Pearle doesn't play ball but enjoys hanging outside). Shasta played with the ball longer than she had in the past. But the slightly concerning part was she was following Sonic as she often does, Sonic runs right at the puppy teeter and then veers off at the last second. Shasta runs right up it and flies off. Glad it wasn't the full size teeter! She seemed unfazed by it. I put Sonic and Pearle away and we did some more puppy teeters, everything seemed fine. Of course, I won't really know if there were no repercussions until we do it again tomorrow. But it sure didn't look like it was going to bother her at all.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Hot, Hot, Hot
Literally nearly no training this week. Show last weekend that Kris was part of show committee, meaning long days. This week it has been possibly, literally, the hottest week here in my lifetime. 95 to 101 every day and dewpoints in the 70s the entire week. Hopefully it breaks when they say it will Friday night and we can get some training in this weekend amongst all the yard work that is so far behind.
Could I be training in the basement? Yes. Have I been? No.
Could I be training in the basement? Yes. Have I been? No.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Roller Coaster
It's time for
the training roller coaster. Especially with puppy training. After two great
training sessions, we trained again the last two nights and they were both....
eh.
Not bad sessions, just a bit blah. A small step back with the chute as she needs me to guide her at the opening. Not a big deal long term, just a lack of progress. Her drive wasn't as high as the previous two nights in releasing off the contacts or in the "jump" sequences. Just, kind of, eh.
I'm reminded again that I am not a good trainer at getting drive off the contact release and start lines. Shasta's start line release is actually pretty good, but not the contact release. I have great contact bottoms, but I think that something I do in that creates a little indecision on the dog's part on when it is ok to release.
Below is a video Kris filmed on Sunday of Shasta doing the teeter. I really do like how the teeter is going.
Not bad sessions, just a bit blah. A small step back with the chute as she needs me to guide her at the opening. Not a big deal long term, just a lack of progress. Her drive wasn't as high as the previous two nights in releasing off the contacts or in the "jump" sequences. Just, kind of, eh.
I'm reminded again that I am not a good trainer at getting drive off the contact release and start lines. Shasta's start line release is actually pretty good, but not the contact release. I have great contact bottoms, but I think that something I do in that creates a little indecision on the dog's part on when it is ok to release.
Below is a video Kris filmed on Sunday of Shasta doing the teeter. I really do like how the teeter is going.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Fun Sessions
The last two nights have been really good sessions with Shasta. Complete focus on the tasks at hand, good drive, did the specific tasks well. Fun.
The chute issue is already fading. I had to help her first time last night then she was fine. I didn't even have to help the first time tonight.
Earlier this week we were doing the "pounce" on the teeter and, for reasons I couldn't see, it made her sad. I did two straight-on teeters and then didn't do any more. Apparently a good choice as she has been right back to running it and banging the pounce ever since.
Here is a short video of her running through the jump sequence. I had a tough time beating her to the front crosses. Yea! And another video of her working the puppy dogwalk. She knows her bottom position well.
The chute issue is already fading. I had to help her first time last night then she was fine. I didn't even have to help the first time tonight.
Earlier this week we were doing the "pounce" on the teeter and, for reasons I couldn't see, it made her sad. I did two straight-on teeters and then didn't do any more. Apparently a good choice as she has been right back to running it and banging the pounce ever since.
Here is a short video of her running through the jump sequence. I had a tough time beating her to the front crosses. Yea! And another video of her working the puppy dogwalk. She knows her bottom position well.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Oh Chute!
Life always seems too crazy in May and June. Every year I'm excited to be able to start training outside and every year I realize that I get to do very little training. Between mowing, and a string of shows, and mowing, and work and the training school, and mowing...... Poor puppy has not had much training time.
Oh Chute! It's happened before. Often enough that I should be more careful. I am referring to the "accidental obstacle" in the back yard. I had Shasta, Sonic and Pearle out to run around in the backyard while I grouped our obstacles together, getting ready to mow. I folded the chute up and put it under our short dogwalk. Somehow, Shasta found the opening and tried to go through. Got quite tangled in the chute (maybe a good thing, if she had gone right through, probably would have run into a dog walk leg). Problem was, because it was under the dogwalk, I couldn't unfold the chute for her. After a bit, she finally figured to back out of the chute.
At that point, I have a puppy worried about the chute. So out it comes and we go into training mode. She was hesitant with the first few but was able to do them with minimal help. But I knew it wasn't over, that the next day would really tell the tale. Out she came the next day and she was hesitant again. Running by it when I approached it "normal" but willing to do it when I did a restrained approach. That's all the farther I have gotten, now it's off to another show out of town, so it will be a few days until we get to try again.
Overall, I am fairly pleased with her reaction to this point. It would have been great if she went right back through with total confidence. But the reaction I did get was reasonable and understandable for what she endured. She was not freaky, just hesitant. It will be interesting to see what she thinks next week but I expect it won't be an issue for long.
Oh Chute! It's happened before. Often enough that I should be more careful. I am referring to the "accidental obstacle" in the back yard. I had Shasta, Sonic and Pearle out to run around in the backyard while I grouped our obstacles together, getting ready to mow. I folded the chute up and put it under our short dogwalk. Somehow, Shasta found the opening and tried to go through. Got quite tangled in the chute (maybe a good thing, if she had gone right through, probably would have run into a dog walk leg). Problem was, because it was under the dogwalk, I couldn't unfold the chute for her. After a bit, she finally figured to back out of the chute.
At that point, I have a puppy worried about the chute. So out it comes and we go into training mode. She was hesitant with the first few but was able to do them with minimal help. But I knew it wasn't over, that the next day would really tell the tale. Out she came the next day and she was hesitant again. Running by it when I approached it "normal" but willing to do it when I did a restrained approach. That's all the farther I have gotten, now it's off to another show out of town, so it will be a few days until we get to try again.
Overall, I am fairly pleased with her reaction to this point. It would have been great if she went right back through with total confidence. But the reaction I did get was reasonable and understandable for what she endured. She was not freaky, just hesitant. It will be interesting to see what she thinks next week but I expect it won't be an issue for long.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Figures - As In Eight
I have felt bad for Shasta of late, I have not had much time for her. She's been along for everything. And has taken a number of walks during our RV weekends. So that is something. But not the time to spend like I would like with a five month old dog.
Before talking training, I again have to say that I love Shasta the companion. I had to work from home today and she was right there at my feet about 90% of the time. Yesterday I fell asleep on the couch for a bit in the RV watching TV with her sleeping on my chest. So cute!
The minimal training we have done continues to go well. I've added a second table to the puppy dogwalk to create a feel more like a middle plank. I've never done that before but it seemed like a good step. Having seen it now, I like that she has to concentrate on where she is to take the downside plank, a nice side benefit. The bottom position is going really well. Once there she is very close to totally understanding to wait for my release, we are proofing just about anything. Getting into the bottom position is fine for me at this point. If she is going fast she runs slightly off and puts herself back on. If she is going over it slower, she goes to position. I'm good with that interim point.
Teeter has crept up a couple of links of the chain and she is still doing the teeter and doing the "pounce" on the upside great. She really enjoys the "pounce". I need to video it, for cuteness reasons.
Tonight we started working the figure 8 exercise. That is where I have tunnels at the ends and five jumps in the middle, allows me to work on front crosses, blind crosses and rear crosses (when I get to those) on jumps. She did pretty good for one of the first times at it. I try to add a bit of lateral distance already at this point and she gets out to the "jump" fairly regular. I have to focus more on rewarding her more often, I know I am not reinforcing enough but I get a bit caught up in it while I am training.
Before talking training, I again have to say that I love Shasta the companion. I had to work from home today and she was right there at my feet about 90% of the time. Yesterday I fell asleep on the couch for a bit in the RV watching TV with her sleeping on my chest. So cute!
The minimal training we have done continues to go well. I've added a second table to the puppy dogwalk to create a feel more like a middle plank. I've never done that before but it seemed like a good step. Having seen it now, I like that she has to concentrate on where she is to take the downside plank, a nice side benefit. The bottom position is going really well. Once there she is very close to totally understanding to wait for my release, we are proofing just about anything. Getting into the bottom position is fine for me at this point. If she is going fast she runs slightly off and puts herself back on. If she is going over it slower, she goes to position. I'm good with that interim point.
Teeter has crept up a couple of links of the chain and she is still doing the teeter and doing the "pounce" on the upside great. She really enjoys the "pounce". I need to video it, for cuteness reasons.
Tonight we started working the figure 8 exercise. That is where I have tunnels at the ends and five jumps in the middle, allows me to work on front crosses, blind crosses and rear crosses (when I get to those) on jumps. She did pretty good for one of the first times at it. I try to add a bit of lateral distance already at this point and she gets out to the "jump" fairly regular. I have to focus more on rewarding her more often, I know I am not reinforcing enough but I get a bit caught up in it while I am training.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Who You Looking At?
Still not much training lately, still catching up from vacation. And we were in Fargo this last weekend, with Kris and Kiva getting their MACH2. Tonight was mostly yard work but I got a little training in.
I set up the figure 8 exercise for Shasta that I loved doing with Sonic. I'll post a video somewhat soon of it. I am doing jumps at 8 inches. The theory is that I want her to understand the difference of going between uprights and around uprights. I also want to teach her responsibility for keeping the bar up early without yet "learning to jump" and obviously stressing her body.
It's clear, though, that I am going to have to work on getting her not to look at me over the jumps. Hardly a new issue with berners yet not one that I have a good plan or program for. I'll have to think about what I want to do for it. Doing the Mecklenburg jump program will help when I get to that point but I'd like to address it now some how.
I moved the table from 8 to 16 inches on our "puppy dogwalk". As you can see from the picture, first time on it she must have instinctively knew she should run harder since it was higher and she didn't quite know how to handle the middle section. But she figured it out on the next one without slowing down.
Her two-on-two-off work continues to be outstanding. She gets it and she gets the proofing. The release is improving ever so slightly, we still have work to do there.
I set up the figure 8 exercise for Shasta that I loved doing with Sonic. I'll post a video somewhat soon of it. I am doing jumps at 8 inches. The theory is that I want her to understand the difference of going between uprights and around uprights. I also want to teach her responsibility for keeping the bar up early without yet "learning to jump" and obviously stressing her body.
It's clear, though, that I am going to have to work on getting her not to look at me over the jumps. Hardly a new issue with berners yet not one that I have a good plan or program for. I'll have to think about what I want to do for it. Doing the Mecklenburg jump program will help when I get to that point but I'd like to address it now some how.
I moved the table from 8 to 16 inches on our "puppy dogwalk". As you can see from the picture, first time on it she must have instinctively knew she should run harder since it was higher and she didn't quite know how to handle the middle section. But she figured it out on the next one without slowing down.
Her two-on-two-off work continues to be outstanding. She gets it and she gets the proofing. The release is improving ever so slightly, we still have work to do there.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
My Name is Shasta and I Live in a Crate
I feel bad for Shasta right now. It's a tough stretch for me as vacations are really just shuffling of work that needs to get done. At least I get to enjoy the vacation, the reality for a puppy is that a specialty trip typically means a lot of crate time. And now that we are home, it's not extra crate time, but not much attention from me as I try to catch up on work, yard work, house work, Animal Inn work.
This week, because of the temps, it's Shasta's first time being in at home in the pen while both Kris and I are at work all day long. We do have the network cameras and she has been doing fine, sleeping and lying contently. At least until the last hour or so when she starts to get a little restless.
I did get a chance to do a little "official" training tonight. On the agility equipment in the backyard. She certainly didn't forget anything, it all went quite well.
One thing became apparent that I need to start to address. Like most of my dogs, so it's a training weakness of mine, she is not good at the "break" command from her contact bottom. She holds it when I say break or breaks but comes to me hesitantly. It's not clear to her that it's not proofing. I've never gotten very good speed off of contacts (Sonic the exception) and I've had similar issues with Pearle and Roxy getting speed off the start line. I need to come up with a plan for trying to do better on this with Shasta.
This week, because of the temps, it's Shasta's first time being in at home in the pen while both Kris and I are at work all day long. We do have the network cameras and she has been doing fine, sleeping and lying contently. At least until the last hour or so when she starts to get a little restless.
I did get a chance to do a little "official" training tonight. On the agility equipment in the backyard. She certainly didn't forget anything, it all went quite well.
One thing became apparent that I need to start to address. Like most of my dogs, so it's a training weakness of mine, she is not good at the "break" command from her contact bottom. She holds it when I say break or breaks but comes to me hesitantly. It's not clear to her that it's not proofing. I've never gotten very good speed off of contacts (Sonic the exception) and I've had similar issues with Pearle and Roxy getting speed off the start line. I need to come up with a plan for trying to do better on this with Shasta.
Friday, May 11, 2012
The Specialty Comes to an End
It's been a rather boring week for Shasta. First there were the five days of all-breed agility. We had Shasta into both environments, she handled them fine, no issues.
Next, on to our specialty in Gettysburg. Again, pretty boring for her. I tried to get her around some but as it seems to happen with specialties, we don't do much but somehow the clock goes quickly not doing much.
Shasta did great meeting every0ne happily with her tail wagging. She is definitely hit and miss with other puppies and dogs. She continues to react opposite of how they react. If they are pushy, she backs away. If they back away, she pushes into them. And if they are neutral, she is neutral. Maybe more berners are pushy but it seemed like she was backing up from most dogs this week.
I took her to the conformation area and encountered our first time of not being confident in a new place. First it was the huge generator trailer outside the building, she did not care for that noise. Then I brought her in the door by all the grooming and her ears were back a little and she was a little flinchy. I took a seat on the floor with her somewhat near the door, started doing all of her mini-tricks and she got much better before we left. I also did the "wait for her to look at me" and give her a treat game and that did wonders for her as well. Bad me, I never made it back again. But next conformation show for Sonic we'll have to bring Shasta and get her used to it.
Next, on to our specialty in Gettysburg. Again, pretty boring for her. I tried to get her around some but as it seems to happen with specialties, we don't do much but somehow the clock goes quickly not doing much.
Shasta did great meeting every0ne happily with her tail wagging. She is definitely hit and miss with other puppies and dogs. She continues to react opposite of how they react. If they are pushy, she backs away. If they back away, she pushes into them. And if they are neutral, she is neutral. Maybe more berners are pushy but it seemed like she was backing up from most dogs this week.
I took her to the conformation area and encountered our first time of not being confident in a new place. First it was the huge generator trailer outside the building, she did not care for that noise. Then I brought her in the door by all the grooming and her ears were back a little and she was a little flinchy. I took a seat on the floor with her somewhat near the door, started doing all of her mini-tricks and she got much better before we left. I also did the "wait for her to look at me" and give her a treat game and that did wonders for her as well. Bad me, I never made it back again. But next conformation show for Sonic we'll have to bring Shasta and get her used to it.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
SHOCKing Experience
We've spend the past two days traveling to Pennsylvania. Shasta is proving again that she is an excellent rider. She settles in, nothing bothers her, she entertains herself with toys when she is awake and sleeps comfortably the rest of the time.
It was a very rough ride out as well. The Interstate had constant construction and it needed it. The lanes we drove in were awful. Extremely rutted. Or.... maybe not. Turns out, we arrive at our destination here in Edinboro, turn into the parking lot and -- crash -- one of our front shocks falls to the ground. Hmm, did the awful road cause our shock to fall off or did the soon to fall off shock cause the rough ride? We may never know. But I guess we proofed Shasta extra on this ride. ;-) She seemed not to notice the difference though.
Shasta did go on her first official leash walks around a campground last night and this morning. She did great, wasn't obnoxious on the leash at all. Trotted along fine.
She's has seemed a little mellow tonight. Kris took a look at her mouth and said Shasta has good reason to be a little off tonight, poor girl is teething big-time right now. She has been for a while but Kris said she is at her worst right now.
Too hot to do much once we got here. Hopefully it cools down soon.
It was a very rough ride out as well. The Interstate had constant construction and it needed it. The lanes we drove in were awful. Extremely rutted. Or.... maybe not. Turns out, we arrive at our destination here in Edinboro, turn into the parking lot and -- crash -- one of our front shocks falls to the ground. Hmm, did the awful road cause our shock to fall off or did the soon to fall off shock cause the rough ride? We may never know. But I guess we proofed Shasta extra on this ride. ;-) She seemed not to notice the difference though.
Shasta did go on her first official leash walks around a campground last night and this morning. She did great, wasn't obnoxious on the leash at all. Trotted along fine.
She's has seemed a little mellow tonight. Kris took a look at her mouth and said Shasta has good reason to be a little off tonight, poor girl is teething big-time right now. She has been for a while but Kris said she is at her worst right now.
Too hot to do much once we got here. Hopefully it cools down soon.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Hanging Around
A week all about getting ready for the specialty so not much to report. Lots of stuff I've already talked about. First and foremost, Shasta continues to show that she is dog that likes to be part of the group. She hangs close. Loves to lie with me, moves rooms as I move rooms, likes to be around. And I am appreciating it.
As for training, there has been nothing new, I've only been working on solidifying what she knows. It's been going well. She knows her right, left, sit, down and wait all quite well right now. I guess I have done one thing new. We have begun to "pounce" on the adult teeter at just about it's lowest height. It's a bigger board and more noisy but she continues to have no issues jumping on it from any angle. Her waiting for release from the bottom position is also going really well.
The 30 second clip below shows her working on the teeter. You can see she breaks her bottom. You can also see some of her dandelion eating. But you can also see the good pounce and the good mini-proofing on the bottom as well.
All-in-all, more good, positive signs. Now we'll see how she does around all the berners at the specialty!
As for training, there has been nothing new, I've only been working on solidifying what she knows. It's been going well. She knows her right, left, sit, down and wait all quite well right now. I guess I have done one thing new. We have begun to "pounce" on the adult teeter at just about it's lowest height. It's a bigger board and more noisy but she continues to have no issues jumping on it from any angle. Her waiting for release from the bottom position is also going really well.
The 30 second clip below shows her working on the teeter. You can see she breaks her bottom. You can also see some of her dandelion eating. But you can also see the good pounce and the good mini-proofing on the bottom as well.
All-in-all, more good, positive signs. Now we'll see how she does around all the berners at the specialty!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Still Sort of Dandy
Yesterday I observed the first situation of Shasta acting a little afraid. Very little, but a little. What got her to be a little flinchy? Dusk! Same as Roxy reacted to as a puppy. Roxy reacted more severely and for many months. Shasta was in the back yard last night at dusk and was flinching at the regular bird/neighbor noises outside the yard. After seeing it with Roxy I am not concerned at this point. But I found it interesting.
We had another outdoor training session. And the dandelions? Well, I'm not yet as exciting as the dandelions but I would upgrade me to being a serious distraction to them. ;-)
As for the training itself, we made big strides with her holding her bottom position while I move away, holding out a treat, etc. I'm surprised by this one because I wasn't even focusing on teaching it yet. I was just kind of trying it here and there and she picked up on it really quickly. I did, however, teach wait on the sit, not around obstacles, for a few minutes in a couple of sessions the last few days. It clearly carried over but, wow, she does not know it very well at all in the original situation to carry it over as well as she did tonight in holding her bottom position. Cool!
We had another outdoor training session. And the dandelions? Well, I'm not yet as exciting as the dandelions but I would upgrade me to being a serious distraction to them. ;-)
As for the training itself, we made big strides with her holding her bottom position while I move away, holding out a treat, etc. I'm surprised by this one because I wasn't even focusing on teaching it yet. I was just kind of trying it here and there and she picked up on it really quickly. I did, however, teach wait on the sit, not around obstacles, for a few minutes in a couple of sessions the last few days. It clearly carried over but, wow, she does not know it very well at all in the original situation to carry it over as well as she did tonight in holding her bottom position. Cool!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Just "Dandy"
Today we ran into our first frustrating training session. I went out to the back yard to play around on the puppy dogwalk, the tunnel and a few jump standards. Simple enough, it's all stuff we've done before. Oh, but this was the first time doing it with fresh dandelions in the yard! They overwhelmed Shasta. As I said, I think it's possible to have too high of a food motivation. And Shasta considered them food.
I tried doing simple things close to me, I tried waiting it out, I tried verbal "icks", I tried ignoring her, I tried running to a different part of the yard without the dandelions, I tried being us upbeat as I can be. I could not find a way to be more interesting than those dandelions. Ugh.
I'm not panicked over it. I know that long term it's not going to be an issue. Still, it was a little disappointing and a little frustrating to deal with it in the short term. And it's really tough not to personalize it, to feel like she is "choosing them over me". In a rational moment I know that's silly but it's still the initial, emotional reaction.
We quit the session without a great deal of success. We did have some success running the puppy dogwalk and getting the bottom position on one side of it without any dandelions around (well, none remaining after she ate them!).
We called it quits, and I put together our full size but adjustable teeter in the yard, setting it at the lowest setting (nearly lying flat on the ground). I brought her back out, did about 5-8 "pounces" on the teeter, had success and called it quits again.
On the plus side, at the show today, it seemed as though the left turn was starting to kick in. To go along with being a wonderful puppy at the show again and lying at my feet as I type this post.
I tried doing simple things close to me, I tried waiting it out, I tried verbal "icks", I tried ignoring her, I tried running to a different part of the yard without the dandelions, I tried being us upbeat as I can be. I could not find a way to be more interesting than those dandelions. Ugh.
I'm not panicked over it. I know that long term it's not going to be an issue. Still, it was a little disappointing and a little frustrating to deal with it in the short term. And it's really tough not to personalize it, to feel like she is "choosing them over me". In a rational moment I know that's silly but it's still the initial, emotional reaction.
We quit the session without a great deal of success. We did have some success running the puppy dogwalk and getting the bottom position on one side of it without any dandelions around (well, none remaining after she ate them!).
We called it quits, and I put together our full size but adjustable teeter in the yard, setting it at the lowest setting (nearly lying flat on the ground). I brought her back out, did about 5-8 "pounces" on the teeter, had success and called it quits again.
On the plus side, at the show today, it seemed as though the left turn was starting to kick in. To go along with being a wonderful puppy at the show again and lying at my feet as I type this post.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Return Home
It's been 11 days since I've posted to this blog. I guess a business trip will do that. I spent my first nights away from Shasta, five days, while I was at a conference in Vegas.
One of the good parts of a trip like this is returning home to the overwhelming reception from the dogs, right? Right?? Umm, not so much from Shasta. I guess that was expecting a bit much from such a young dog. It was more of a "Hi Dad", ok, back to the routine. Pretty much the same reception as a work day.
That notwithstanding, she is still being a super sweet puppy. I've mentioned it before but I miss a dog that is so willing and happy to cuddle. Zenna's been that and it's appreciated. But she is "Kris' dog" and it isn't quite the same as it being with one of "my dogs". Shasta's filling a void for me. Ridiculous void to have with five other dogs in the house but it's there. Sonic is an awesome dog and super sweet, but not a cuddler. Pearle was a cuddler but not as much now in her senior years.
As for training, not much has happened, being gone and the extra work hours before and after. But we did do a little training session in the basement tonight. Mostly the basics, sit/down/left/right. I might be frustrated wondering if she will ever pick up on the left command but I recall Roxy having the same hurdle. I also started to add in a "wait" command to the sit. That went quite well.
It's another show this weekend and we will be working all classes we aren't running in so it will be long days. Hopefully we get home in time for me to get outside with the dogs a little bit.
One of the good parts of a trip like this is returning home to the overwhelming reception from the dogs, right? Right?? Umm, not so much from Shasta. I guess that was expecting a bit much from such a young dog. It was more of a "Hi Dad", ok, back to the routine. Pretty much the same reception as a work day.
That notwithstanding, she is still being a super sweet puppy. I've mentioned it before but I miss a dog that is so willing and happy to cuddle. Zenna's been that and it's appreciated. But she is "Kris' dog" and it isn't quite the same as it being with one of "my dogs". Shasta's filling a void for me. Ridiculous void to have with five other dogs in the house but it's there. Sonic is an awesome dog and super sweet, but not a cuddler. Pearle was a cuddler but not as much now in her senior years.
As for training, not much has happened, being gone and the extra work hours before and after. But we did do a little training session in the basement tonight. Mostly the basics, sit/down/left/right. I might be frustrated wondering if she will ever pick up on the left command but I recall Roxy having the same hurdle. I also started to add in a "wait" command to the sit. That went quite well.
It's another show this weekend and we will be working all classes we aren't running in so it will be long days. Hopefully we get home in time for me to get outside with the dogs a little bit.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
A Sequence of Events
As I believe I said in the last post, I've been working on "jumps" with Shasta. I somewhat unintentionally put them into a sequence and that seemed quite natural to both of us (video above).
I understand that some people are actually following this blog. Who knew? As such, I probably should mention, I intuitively do a lot of rewarding for "come to hand". Nearly all recalls are with me facing away/running away from the dog, dropping one of my hands and rewarding at the hand. Formal recalls, calling into the house, calling up the stairs, coming out of a tunnel. So I think things like front crosses are pretty easy for Shasta to understand.
As for the more "passive" things I've been working on: the sit, down, left, right. Sit and right, the first two things I taught, are really good. Downs finally made a pretty good stride the last couple of sessions on it. But lefts? Not so good. Is it because I taught right first? Or is she naturally left handed? I don't know, but she is definitely not picking it up as quickly as she did her rights.
Outside of training, the emotional connection continues to get stronger. She has spent numerous times this last week lying on my feet when I'm on furniture, lying with me when I'm on the floor, generally hanging around me. LOVE IT! And miss it since I've lost Roxy. Thanks Shasta.
Below is a quick little clip of Shasta running our super-mini dogwalk. I just think it's cute.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Hup There It Is
I'm oddly impressed. Shasta has now been chewing on a rubber toy for close to 30 minutes straight as I write this. Really??
Busy week at work, the Inn and home. But the weather has been too nice to ignore some outdoor training time. I decided to throw in some "grid work" by using the jump uprights, with the bar on the ground, for the first time. It feels younger than I've done it before but, as usual, I don't really remember.
She really seems tireless when training. We're outside with leaves, twigs, grass and dirt and there is very little distraction and she is going 15-20 minutes at a time. And I'm still the one choosing to quit.
As I send Shasta to a "jump", I am using the term "hup". Kris continues to insist that I haven't used the term hup in many years and she hates it, says it reminds her of our early, corrective obedience days. I swear I have always used hup when teaching. I feel sure I never say "jump". It may seem impossible to not know what I use with Sonic or Roxy but it's because I never really use a jump command once they have learned to jump, I don't think I ever use one on course.
Shasta quit chewing, went for some water. I think about 35 minutes total. Her mouth should be tired and sore! Hopefully ready to sleep.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Emotional Connection
I've liked this puppy all along but in the last week I feel like the emotional connection has blossomed. Not how she feels about me but how I feel about her. I am now feeling fully invested, so to speak.
I also previously wrote that I love my routines and I really struggle with how puppies disrupt the routines. The disruption is greatly diminished now. It's still a disruption but it's not overwhelming. Which leads to the question, is my feeling of the emotional connection blossoming from our relationship or is it really just a result of Shasta becoming part of our routines? I'll never know for sure.
As for training, we've been doing more of the same: sits, rights, introduced lefts, puppy teeter, shaping on the beverage tray. What's new this week is introducing her to some of the obstacles in the yard. I put out the puppy dog walk, two planks and the table top sitting on the ground. We've been running the walk (see photo above, she thinks it's fun!). I've also shaped her to putting herself in a bottom position on the planks. I have not yet put it together. But the bottom position is going great. I've always lured it in the past, this time it's purely shaped, to this point anyway. It will be interesting to see if it's more entrenched or not over time.
Shasta is also going through curved tunnels and we introduced the chute. She quickly learned to blast through the chute without assistance. That "suction effect" of a chute did not seem to affect her at all.
I also previously wrote that I love my routines and I really struggle with how puppies disrupt the routines. The disruption is greatly diminished now. It's still a disruption but it's not overwhelming. Which leads to the question, is my feeling of the emotional connection blossoming from our relationship or is it really just a result of Shasta becoming part of our routines? I'll never know for sure.
As for training, we've been doing more of the same: sits, rights, introduced lefts, puppy teeter, shaping on the beverage tray. What's new this week is introducing her to some of the obstacles in the yard. I put out the puppy dog walk, two planks and the table top sitting on the ground. We've been running the walk (see photo above, she thinks it's fun!). I've also shaped her to putting herself in a bottom position on the planks. I have not yet put it together. But the bottom position is going great. I've always lured it in the past, this time it's purely shaped, to this point anyway. It will be interesting to see if it's more entrenched or not over time.
Shasta is also going through curved tunnels and we introduced the chute. She quickly learned to blast through the chute without assistance. That "suction effect" of a chute did not seem to affect her at all.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Reality Check
I'm not sure why I started this blog. It had something to do with memories. Maybe I wanted to help my memory when training a future dog. Maybe, with Roxy's recent passing, it has something to do with memorializing Shasta in the years to come. By that I mean, something out there to help me remember as much as I can about the entire journey. What I wouldn't give to have kept such a blog with Roxy.
Regardless of why, I know it's not about idolizing Shasta, documenting only the good things. I want it to be about the entire picture.
So far, early indications are that Shasta could be a great dog. Great. As a companion. As a show dog. But it's time for a reality check. What have I seen already that may cause an obstacle in the future?
One known thing, she is vocal and she is loud. Not over the top. Yet. But the potential is there.
Maybe there is an indication of not being easily forgiving. She caught her toe very briefly getting out of a crate in the early days with us and she is still hesitant coming out of the crate. What I can't recall is if she was hesitant before getting the toe caught briefly.
I could see situations where if I don't keep things interesting enough that she could decide to find her own fun. She has a quality I can't quite define. It's sort of an impatience but that's not quite it because she can stay at a task for a long period of time, she can try all sorts of behaviors during shaping exercises. However, when in "training mode" she clearly wants something to do and if I disconnect or pause, she isn't going to wait for me.
Lastly, at this point I consider it a positive trait but maybe it's possible it becomes an obstacle. And that is that I don't recall any of our other puppies being THIS food motivated. She is super crazy about food. I know I rely too heavily on food in my training. Could she be too food motivated for my training methods? Maybe.
To this point, after observing her for 6.5 weeks, that's all I can come up with. I know other things can and will crop up. But it's an honest assessment of what I've seen so far. It seems to me to be further indication that she could be a great dog to only have this small and minor list of potential future obstacles.
Hmm, with that conclusion, maybe this wasn't much of a reality check after all....
Regardless of why, I know it's not about idolizing Shasta, documenting only the good things. I want it to be about the entire picture.
So far, early indications are that Shasta could be a great dog. Great. As a companion. As a show dog. But it's time for a reality check. What have I seen already that may cause an obstacle in the future?
One known thing, she is vocal and she is loud. Not over the top. Yet. But the potential is there.
Maybe there is an indication of not being easily forgiving. She caught her toe very briefly getting out of a crate in the early days with us and she is still hesitant coming out of the crate. What I can't recall is if she was hesitant before getting the toe caught briefly.
I could see situations where if I don't keep things interesting enough that she could decide to find her own fun. She has a quality I can't quite define. It's sort of an impatience but that's not quite it because she can stay at a task for a long period of time, she can try all sorts of behaviors during shaping exercises. However, when in "training mode" she clearly wants something to do and if I disconnect or pause, she isn't going to wait for me.
Lastly, at this point I consider it a positive trait but maybe it's possible it becomes an obstacle. And that is that I don't recall any of our other puppies being THIS food motivated. She is super crazy about food. I know I rely too heavily on food in my training. Could she be too food motivated for my training methods? Maybe.
To this point, after observing her for 6.5 weeks, that's all I can come up with. I know other things can and will crop up. But it's an honest assessment of what I've seen so far. It seems to me to be further indication that she could be a great dog to only have this small and minor list of potential future obstacles.
Hmm, with that conclusion, maybe this wasn't much of a reality check after all....
Sunday, March 25, 2012
First Motorhome Trip - The Weekend
We were at the Fargo shows this weekend. Nothing too special to report except that Shasta did really well again. She did well in the RV, played with the other dogs at times but also spent late evenings lying at my feet at the table.
Not sure if I mentioned this before, but I find how Shasta first meets another dog rather fascinating. It's probably true of many dogs but so very clear with her. And that is that when she meets a dog she reacts exact opposite of them at first. If they push into her, she backs off. If they back off, she pushes into them. If they just kind of hang in there and sniff, that's what she does too.
Look out Zenna, here comes Shasta!
Not sure if I mentioned this before, but I find how Shasta first meets another dog rather fascinating. It's probably true of many dogs but so very clear with her. And that is that when she meets a dog she reacts exact opposite of them at first. If they push into her, she backs off. If they back off, she pushes into them. If they just kind of hang in there and sniff, that's what she does too.
Look out Zenna, here comes Shasta!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
First Motorhome Trip
This is Shasta during her first motorhome trip showing that she is clearly stressed about it. She is a great rider, car or motorhome. Don't know about a motorcycle. ;-)
Not much training this week. Tuesday night was mostly about doing some fix-up work on some of our puppy agility equipment, Wednesday was teaching night. Tonight was about traveling to Fargo.
After our arrival in Fargo, I took her out to play and run around for a while to release some energy after doing nothing all day. And she spent a great deal of that running around time with the Flexi leash in her mouth and playing with it. Cute! Kris said it was nothing new for her, she always play with the Flexi that way. I guess I haven't used a Flexi much because it was new to me. Adorable look, she looked so proud with it.
Monday, March 19, 2012
First Thunderstorm Today
In March? In Minnesota?? Yes. 80 degrees and thunderstorms came through. Not terribly bad, they were good "introduction" storms for Shasta. ;-) No surprise but she did not seem to react at all. Except, she is not happy at all about pottying in the rain so she may not be a "mudder" in agility.
She has now solidly learned her position of front two paws on the ground and back two paws on the beverage tray. Getting it 90%, comfortable and holding the position for a few seconds until I click. Finally, I taught something that will have "direct" value for later showing. ;-)
I started teaching "right" last night. It demonstrates again that I train "by the seat of my pants". I wish I was a note-taker. All my dogs have had pretty good lefts and rights when all is said and done. But I can't ever remember how I taught a past dog. I can never decide if I should teach both left and right at the same time (seems very complicated for a pup to differentiate) or if I should start with one before the other (which would seem to create a stronger turn in the original direction). Well, Shasta is going to learn "right" first and I will add the left later. Not too much later, but later. Maybe this blog will help me remember for future dogs!
She has now solidly learned her position of front two paws on the ground and back two paws on the beverage tray. Getting it 90%, comfortable and holding the position for a few seconds until I click. Finally, I taught something that will have "direct" value for later showing. ;-)
I started teaching "right" last night. It demonstrates again that I train "by the seat of my pants". I wish I was a note-taker. All my dogs have had pretty good lefts and rights when all is said and done. But I can't ever remember how I taught a past dog. I can never decide if I should teach both left and right at the same time (seems very complicated for a pup to differentiate) or if I should start with one before the other (which would seem to create a stronger turn in the original direction). Well, Shasta is going to learn "right" first and I will add the left later. Not too much later, but later. Maybe this blog will help me remember for future dogs!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Cute Video - Crate Games Puppy Version 101
Cute video of 3 month old Shasta crated next to Toni's 9 month old border colllie puppy. I love the killer border breath part at the end, it's exactly how it looked.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6P94SZ5gaI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6P94SZ5gaI
Not A Hot Weather Dog?
I guess it's been a few days already since I posted. It's been a VERY strange stretch of weather, it's March and it's HOT. 80 and humid! 40 degrees over average and dewpoints in the 60s. And Shasta has not thought highly of the temps, she is panting pretty easily and lying only on tile the last two days.
We have an in-town show this weekend and today Shasta showed fear for the first time. I took her outside to pee and as we were walking back in a motorcycle with an intentionally loud muffler drove up behind us. Little Shasta hit the end of the leash with ears back. Sadly I didn't have any treats with me but after a few seconds she settled and I let her watch it for about 5 seconds as it drove past us and we went inside. Later we were back outside with quieter motorcycles 50-100 feet away or so and she didn't react at all. This motorcycle was LOUD, can't say I really blame her.
As for training, still going really well. Last night she was hot and tired, she wasn't as intense but trained some. Tonight we actually turned the a/c on a little and she was back to being a little nuts about our little training session. Her down is now going very well. The sit is going pretty well although right now I think she thinks it's jump up and then go down into the sit. As for the beverage tray, it took about three sessions but she was somewhat reliably putting her two back feet on the tray, two front feet on the ground and holding it for about a second.
She also spent more time a few nights ago again with the large tennis ball and she was loving it.
We have an in-town show this weekend and today Shasta showed fear for the first time. I took her outside to pee and as we were walking back in a motorcycle with an intentionally loud muffler drove up behind us. Little Shasta hit the end of the leash with ears back. Sadly I didn't have any treats with me but after a few seconds she settled and I let her watch it for about 5 seconds as it drove past us and we went inside. Later we were back outside with quieter motorcycles 50-100 feet away or so and she didn't react at all. This motorcycle was LOUD, can't say I really blame her.
As for training, still going really well. Last night she was hot and tired, she wasn't as intense but trained some. Tonight we actually turned the a/c on a little and she was back to being a little nuts about our little training session. Her down is now going very well. The sit is going pretty well although right now I think she thinks it's jump up and then go down into the sit. As for the beverage tray, it took about three sessions but she was somewhat reliably putting her two back feet on the tray, two front feet on the ground and holding it for about a second.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Furniture! Now can we teach her how to safely get off.
She figured it out today, how to get on the couch and the recliner every time. And she thinks that is fun. Now we need to teach her how to safely get off without the puppy leap.
The beautiful weather continues this week and today we had a chance after work to go out in the yard and play. Sonic, Shasta, me and Kris. I brought a larger tennis ball and a leather "riot stick" out as toys. Shasta played with both of them, she really likes her toys. I recall that many of our puppies do, I think her drive is stronger than past puppies but I'm not sure. It will be interesting to see if I can keep the toy drive high as she matures. But I would be shocked if she doesn't continue to like the tennis ball. I can't believe she could already carry around the bigger tennis ball.
Monday night was our first night of training that didn't go all that well. I decided to try and shape for her to lie down and I didn't feel like I got anywhere. I even lured some and couldn't get any motions that I felt I could shape. She is content being down or on her back, it wasn't resistance, just confusion. Maybe she was too excited for that position, I don't know. Then I went to the beverage tray and decided to try and step up the criteria and work toward getting her to have her two back paws on the tray and her front paws on the floor. Again, I felt like we got nowhere on it. I brought the teeter out and finished with success on what she knew well but otherwise it felt like not much was accomplished.
We went at it again tonight. Started again with the down. It was about five minutes of more of the same, just not getting it. But, finally, it clicked. It started with her sitting and sniffing the floor that I clicked and she did that numerous times. Then one time she lied down to sniff and, bingo, that seemed to get it done. We'll see if it sticks for next time. We also worked some on the back paws on the tray, we didn't make huge progress but I think we did get a little closer. The incredible part is that even in the sessions with less success, she is willing to try and try and try.
The beautiful weather continues this week and today we had a chance after work to go out in the yard and play. Sonic, Shasta, me and Kris. I brought a larger tennis ball and a leather "riot stick" out as toys. Shasta played with both of them, she really likes her toys. I recall that many of our puppies do, I think her drive is stronger than past puppies but I'm not sure. It will be interesting to see if I can keep the toy drive high as she matures. But I would be shocked if she doesn't continue to like the tennis ball. I can't believe she could already carry around the bigger tennis ball.
Monday night was our first night of training that didn't go all that well. I decided to try and shape for her to lie down and I didn't feel like I got anywhere. I even lured some and couldn't get any motions that I felt I could shape. She is content being down or on her back, it wasn't resistance, just confusion. Maybe she was too excited for that position, I don't know. Then I went to the beverage tray and decided to try and step up the criteria and work toward getting her to have her two back paws on the tray and her front paws on the floor. Again, I felt like we got nowhere on it. I brought the teeter out and finished with success on what she knew well but otherwise it felt like not much was accomplished.
We went at it again tonight. Started again with the down. It was about five minutes of more of the same, just not getting it. But, finally, it clicked. It started with her sitting and sniffing the floor that I clicked and she did that numerous times. Then one time she lied down to sniff and, bingo, that seemed to get it done. We'll see if it sticks for next time. We also worked some on the back paws on the tray, we didn't make huge progress but I think we did get a little closer. The incredible part is that even in the sessions with less success, she is willing to try and try and try.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
A Beautiful Weekend
It's been a tremendous weekend, weather-wise. Crushing record temps, it's been near 70 both days. Part of the day on Sunday was Shasta, Sonic and I playing tennis ball in the backyard. Shasta loved chasing and strutting around with her own ball. For whoever says berners don't love tennis balls, you can't convince me with this line.
The above video is a 20 second video of Shasta tipping the puppy teeter by pouncing on it. I love how comfortable she is with the movement. I'm going to try my best to see that she stays comfortable later when we go to full teeter height.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Couch Time
Today was a day for errands so not much puppy time. But today was also the day for Shasta to make it up on to the couch. And the futon. And the porch chair. And to go down the stairs to the basement. A whole new world opened up for Shasta today while the older dogs lost their safe haven!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
First Time at Agility Class
Tonight was agility class night, first as students, then as teachers. I brought Shasta for the first time. While other dogs ran, I had her out with me. While Sonic ran, she was in Sonic's crate. Again, she adapted to it all amazingly. New place and she walked into it with confidence. She met other dogs confidently. It's a horse arena with horses in it during the day. But she spent most of her "non-crate" time engaged with me. She preferred me over sniffing and eating some very enticing dirt! When it came time to run Sonic, she was attentive but calm in the crate.
We even quickly introduced her to the chute between classes. It took about 10 seconds to get her to see that I was on the other end of the long chute (as I held it up of course) to run through it the first time. But the second time she bolted right through. Third time too. It was time to call it quits. But she just kept pulling on her leash to get back to the chute. C'mon dad, one more!?
When it was time to teach, I kept her in the crate in the arena. For two hours she relaxed in the crate, watching some, sleeping some, greeting dogs that would sniff her crate. I was especially happy to see her relaxing in it while an anxious dog was whining very loudly next to her for a few minutes at a time.
Another impressive night for Shasta. How she sometimes chooses to sleep is not as impressive (see below).
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Shasta and the Cone - First Video
Here is a video of Shasta going around the cone.
Is she a cute worker or what? Nice to see that she is happy working away from me. We did more tonight and she was really, really comfortable pushing that teeter down in any way in any spot.
Is she a cute worker or what? Nice to see that she is happy working away from me. We did more tonight and she was really, really comfortable pushing that teeter down in any way in any spot.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Latent Unlearning?
We started tonight's training with a little "sit" work. It went so well two nights ago and, tonight, it was pretty much "huh?". Seemed she had never been clicked for a sit before. Is there such a thing as latent unlearning?
But on to the work of running around the cone and she was back in great form. I quickly moved back again to about 25 feet this time and out she went to that cone, to the back side and running back once she hears the click. Next it was to true latent learning. I went back to the puppy teeter, this time deciding I was only going to "pay" for her tipping the board, however she did it. Previously she had understandably seemed a tiny bit hesitant to do the tip side. But tonight right from the start she was slamming that board down and looking for the treat.
On Sunday it was another day at the show. Shasta had a great time since she got to play with puppy cousin Smokin for quite a while. She also got to play for a bit with slightly older portugese puppy Jacky Kott.
But on to the work of running around the cone and she was back in great form. I quickly moved back again to about 25 feet this time and out she went to that cone, to the back side and running back once she hears the click. Next it was to true latent learning. I went back to the puppy teeter, this time deciding I was only going to "pay" for her tipping the board, however she did it. Previously she had understandably seemed a tiny bit hesitant to do the tip side. But tonight right from the start she was slamming that board down and looking for the treat.
On Sunday it was another day at the show. Shasta had a great time since she got to play with puppy cousin Smokin for quite a while. She also got to play for a bit with slightly older portugese puppy Jacky Kott.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
A Smile on a Tough Day
I'm not in a good mood today. And I've always believed that no training session is better than a bad training session so I wasn't go to do anything with Shasta tonight. But for some reason I decided to.
I started by working on a sit. It went well. Nothing special but she was doing just fine with it. Next, I took out one of our cones and I decided I would try and shape having her go around the cone. It didn't take long at all to not only have her going around the cone but I moved about 15 feet away and she was running away from me to go around it. Watching her figure that out brought a smile to my face on this tough day. Thanks Shasta!
Again, I had to be the one to quit, she was willing to keep going. I think we were working at it for about 20-25 minutes.
At the show a friend came with her two young girls, ages 7 and 10. They wanted to see Shasta. Great by me, our dogs get very little socializing with young kids. I brought Shasta to them and after about 30 seconds of observing, I gave the leash to the older girl and backed away. Shasta did great with both girls. No reason she shouldn't have, both girls were very good with her. Still, it was great to have the opportunity and have her do well with it.
I started by working on a sit. It went well. Nothing special but she was doing just fine with it. Next, I took out one of our cones and I decided I would try and shape having her go around the cone. It didn't take long at all to not only have her going around the cone but I moved about 15 feet away and she was running away from me to go around it. Watching her figure that out brought a smile to my face on this tough day. Thanks Shasta!
Again, I had to be the one to quit, she was willing to keep going. I think we were working at it for about 20-25 minutes.
At the show a friend came with her two young girls, ages 7 and 10. They wanted to see Shasta. Great by me, our dogs get very little socializing with young kids. I brought Shasta to them and after about 30 seconds of observing, I gave the leash to the older girl and backed away. Shasta did great with both girls. No reason she shouldn't have, both girls were very good with her. Still, it was great to have the opportunity and have her do well with it.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Vet Visit #2
Yesterday was Shasta's second vet visit for shots. It was uneventful and she was again checked over and said she is in great shape. She did seem a little tired during the evening hours from the shot though.
Today was day one of the TCOTC shows. I was told that she was really barking and growling and wanting to join the action when my sister Toni was playing with her puppy Smokin right outside Shasta's crate. They said she was a jealous pup.
Today was day one of the TCOTC shows. I was told that she was really barking and growling and wanting to join the action when my sister Toni was playing with her puppy Smokin right outside Shasta's crate. They said she was a jealous pup.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Working from home
Due to a snow/ice storm, I worked from home today. Shasta spent about 90% of the day under my chair while I worked. A great way to endear herself to me!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
What You Got In Mind Dad?
Quite the look in that photo, isn't it? It was more shaping fun with the puppy teeter tonight. I was working on getting her to tip the board on her own however she wanted. What I ended up shaping was the chain of behavior where she would get on the board in the middle, go to the end that didn't tip, turn around on the board, then walk across the board until it tipped! Over and over again.
What did dawn on me tonight is that every time I've taken her to shape on the puppy teeter, I'm ready to stop before she is. I'm not a training fanatic but for a 9-10 week old puppy, that strikes me as rather amazing.
I have noticed that she is hesitent to go through doorways. Is that a normal puppy deal? I can't remember. Not that she won't but she pretty much always stops and waits for me to invite her through. Hopefully it's not an indicator of some future issue, I've been down that road with Mara.
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