Toys, Treats, Love, and Respect

I had the best class tonight at Competition Obedience. Our heeling was lack-luster, sits were crooked, we couldn't even do a proper recall but man was it the best ever! Why was it so great? Because my dog relaxed and actually offered to play with me! This particular dog isn't even destined for the obedience ring. 
So, why was I even there with a dog that would have no future in the sport of Obedience? Because I realized that my little agility future super-star needed to learn to work and be around other dogs and people with confidence. This realization came to me not too long ago at our last agility trial when I kept getting "Poopy Puppy" who was holding back and not showing much joy for what he was doing. That is, until the very last class of the weekend when we were the very first team on the line. We were able to walk in the building and into the ring without the usual crowd of dogs and handlers waiting their turns. That meant a happy and more confident dog who was willing to play tug with his leash just a little bit before our start. We NQd but the realization hit me smack between my eyes as if someone slapped their hand there shouting "You could've had a V-8!" 
I was managing my dog's insecurities without really working on them. I was also turning into a proverbial "Soccer Mom" who was plotting and planning my little angel's whole career with lots of trophies and ribbons dancing in my mind, not taking into consideration if my little dog saw the same thing or not. 
I spent time learning that you must have lots of different rewards in your tool chest, that you must get your dog's heart rate up, get him moving before he can ever show enthusiasm. I knew I should be keeper of the fun, offering to start a game and ending while he still wanted more. 
It all sounds good in theory and it actually is a very good thing to have. But, there is one important element I hadn't given much thought. It came to me tonight as I was driving home from this wonderful session. One of the biggest impacts on me occurred during a company training event years ago when I and my peers were learning how to train. The instructor said "As an instructor, it is your job to ensure that your learners feel safe in their environment." This of course was said in the context of human learners but it holds just as much merit for our dogs. 
If you brought me to some foreign land with scary-looking people from some remote tribe somewhere and then invited me to play a rousing game of tag, I doubt very much I could oblige no matter how much I might enjoy such frivolity. Neither can my dog oblige my invitation to grab that tug toy in the midst of strange and scary looking dogs and people. 
In my Type A personality way, I was compartmentalizing and categorizing all the things that needed to be done to create that agility champion who would fly through the course without a hesitant step. What I neglected to put into my formulas of training behaviors and handling moves were two very important ingredients; Love and Respect. Did I love my dog enough to respect him for who he is? Did I love my dog enough to see how he truly felt about me? Does he love me? I'd like to think so. Does he fear me? I'd like to think no, but deep down, I knew there was an element of fear in there too. 
I don't hit my dogs, I've turned to Positive Reinforcement based training several years ago and would never go back to the yerk and jerk of yesteryear. But, he did fear me in certain situations. Some of this is probably his history before coming to me. But to be honest with myself, the majority came squarely from me. How? I never hit, I try to play with my dogs every day and give them fun activities. I am human though, with all the flaws and

insecurities that I bring to the equation as well. I can yell, I admit it. Especially in the mornings when I am half awake and the dogs won't stop barking as they leap from the bed and bound down the hallway to the back door. Or, Jack decides not to come when I call so I have to go out and get him and pull him back by his collar.

During these emotionally charged occasions, I am not the most gentle of creatures and can let my emotions shine through. Most of the time, these outbursts and fits of anger are not directed at Aidan, my little agility dog. But, he has been witness to them all. Yes, I've seen the look in his eyes as I drag Jack back in the house or lean over and yell at Missy to just stop barking! That look is not of love or respect but one of fear. I am not proud of this and am working to change things for the better. 
That's what tonight was all about. I went into the room with Aidan by my side, armed with lots of yummie treats and his favorite tug toy. Instead of insisting on play, we just sat and watched the comings and goings of one class transferring into the next. Each time a dog or human made a move Aidan got lots of treats. When he started to relax and feel more secure we played shaping tricks where he could offer anything he wanted for a treat. His body started to soften, and so did mine. We did some heeling, we did some recalls, we walked around strangers, all the while feeding lots of treats. 
While waiting for our turn I got down to his level, petted him using long, smooth strokes, asked for kisses I know he likes to give, encouraged him to climb up on me where he loves to bury his head in my chest; all the things I know Aidan would enjoy or not find

over-bearing. I bowed to him, curving my head slightly where I could look up at him, sideways, inviting a little bit of silliness. He relaxed some more. His ears started moving forward and his tail started wagging more. He still noticed everyone in the room and what they were doing but he was willing to notice them less and less. And then it happened, near the end of class, in a corner not occupied by anyone else; in the safety of open space, Aidan grabbed his leash. I saw a sparkle in his eye I only see when he plays with his brother and sister or when I bring out the Frisbee in the back yard. It was there, fleeting, but there.
I held "Soccer Mom" at bay and gently tugged back, encouraging him for a little more. Aidan jumped over the broad jump with his leash as the reward even though I had tons of treats all over me in every pocked on my clothes. He didn't jump that enthusiastically, but he tugged and he liked it and I rejoiced inside, silently holding it all together as I saw my little agility super star come out of his shell. We spent a few more moments sitting together, on the floor. Aidan's head shoved into my chest with his eyes closed as I stroked him with all my love and pride. There's my little champion! I knew you were in there all along. At the end of the night we achieved more than we have in a very long time. I didn't violate any of the "rules" regarding toys and play and humans and dogs and the order of things. At the end of tonight, I learned that in order to get what I want, I need to give what my dog needs and respect him for who he is. We've got a long way to go, but the future looks bigger and brighter than it has in a very long time.

Taking for Granted

I have been thinking about taking things for granted for a while now. With so much tragedy happening to fellow agility folks, it seems fitting to write about it. It's funny how life sometimes socks you square in the face while at other times, it just gives you a little tickle, something you may brush off and not think anything more about.

I realize there are many things I tend to take for granted in my life. I took for granted my pups were strong and healthy. Jack and I campaigned hard to try for a spot in the AKC Invitational for 2012. Then I noticed a little reluctance for him getting in his crate in the car. He must need an adjustment, no big deal. After all, Jack was running the best runs of his life, not only placing in the very competitive 16" division in AKC but winning! 
We went to Dr. Matthews for an adjustment only to find out it wasn't an adjustment problem but a strained Iliopsoas muscle. I took Jack's health for granted. No Invitational for us.


I took for granted both Missy and Aidan as I made the trip to the Mid-Atlantic USDAA Regionals, knowing my steady boy, Jack, would be on the sidelines this time. I had no expectations for my kids, just to enjoy the experience and have fun. I took for granted how competitive both of them can be against competition neither of them should even be breathing the same air. I took for granted that I have three really wonderful pups, each with his or her own special qualities. 


I took for granted I would have a steady job that would always be there. Then in March, my company gave us all the sad news that they were selling off the division I work for. I was safe for now, but for how long. I took my job for granted.  
I took for granted I would be in Connecticut for a long time, enjoying my house, my yard and all my agility friends. But then, knowing my job was on borrowed time, I started applying for jobs not only to earn but to also practice. 

 One of those positions happened to be in Georgia. I took for granted that I would only use this as a practice run. But then, I started talking to the people down there and liking what I heard. I saw how much cheaper housing was down there and started entertaining the idea of possibly move. 
But, nah, that's crazy talk! It's too far, I have a house here, I like all the agility trials I have to choose from and great people to run with. I took my home for granted.
I took my abilities to make such a big move in a very short time for granted. I got the job I never expected to get past the second interview on. I took for granted it would be fairly easy to rent a house for me and my dogs. I took for granted I would be able to sell my house or rent it quickly. 

It wasn't that easy! I am still not finished finalizing a place to live and a house being sold or rented. I took for granted yet again and underestimated so many things! Now my dogs feel my stress and tears they don't understand. Jack doesn't even want to stay in the house any more and prefers to hang out in the yard away from my drama. Missy is trying to stay even closer to me if that is possible and Aidan just doesn't know what to do.
I took for granted how wonderful my pups are, every one of them and how they love me so much no matter what is going on in my life. I took for granted I would be able to stay with them as a family. But maybe not, I might have to leave one or two behind until I can find something suitable for all four of us. 

I took for granted what wonderful friends I have who are so generous in their support and ideas. I no longer feel I am doing this all on my own. I have a great support network in friends, family and acquaintances. I hope I never take any of you or anything for granted again. 
I am going to cherish each run I have with each of my pups, whether in the competition ring or just out for a hike. I am going to enjoy the last few days I have here in Connecticut and savor every minute with such great friends and family. I am going to enjoy seeing Jack run again in agility and see the big smile he always has on his face. 

But, I will take something for granted in the future. I just hope it doesn't take a tragedy or major life event to make me realize I took it for granted.

April Fools

I tried keeping up a blog a few years ago and failed miserably. But, I figured I'd give it another shot. 

 

Today, I received a new title in the mail for Aidan:

 

It was such a nice surprise to see this. I hadn't really kept up with the requirements for this title for Aidan but I can't believe how far he has come in just one year of competition. 

Sure, we are still chasing away some demons in the ring in the image of the judge, but his potential is boundless! 

This weekend will be April fool's day. I am spending it taking care of my latest temporary foster dog, Jessie. 

She will be with us for just one more week, then off to Maine until she finds her forever home. She has only been able to play with Aidan since Jack is injured with an Illiopsoas strain which means only leash walking. Of course, Missy is not to meet the new girl since they will probably not get along.

In the mean time, I've been working with Aidan and Missy in the yard on some agility equipment. Aidan's dogwalk is coming along very well! I've thrown turns as him and he still nails it! The hardest turn is a 90 degree angle coming off when I pull laterally. That's still a work in progress.

Here's a video from this past weekend's AKC trial. I didn't trust his turn so I turned him on the flat instead. Not pretty but it worked:

 

Missy is doing well too. She was so happy the last time I ran her at a competition and in the yard she is really having fun and staying upbeat. A couple of times I pushed it a bit too much and she decided to go lie down in the grass in stead of keep playing. There were a couple of areas we had to push through like taking an off course obstacle instead of collecting to turn with me. But we got through it and she figured it out. I think it really boosted her confidence! 

I'll try to get some video soon, after the snow we are supposed to get tonight.