tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25242570265968464552024-02-18T20:36:34.407-08:00Ci Da: Good DogCi Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-46827501690105976862016-09-19T09:59:00.001-07:002016-09-19T09:59:24.482-07:00Cohen hadokens! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dPuyagq27hs/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dPuyagq27hs?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
So, because I wanted to a) do something with my husband and b) see if it could be done, I present to you a possible worlds first: a dog performs a hadoken on cue!<br />
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Okay, so it's a little button mashy, but I'm over the moon that she did it. Video gamers and dog training aficionados seem similarity impressed. Good dog!Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-17305331410669734152016-08-04T07:14:00.007-07:002016-08-04T07:15:09.370-07:00Commercials - Somfy!Some of the commercials we filmed for Somfy were released. Yay!<br />
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Once again, very pleased with how these turned out. The people organizing the production and putting everything together simply rocked.</div>
Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-20736954148474015552016-04-11T08:05:00.002-07:002016-04-11T08:05:56.842-07:00Commercial - Interac Pets with Credit, a Dogumentary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/axQhpQWzfIM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/axQhpQWzfIM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
I couldn't be more pleased with Cohen's most recent commercial. The folks at Zulu and Interac did a fabulous job with it. It was a pleasure to be a part of it, from the very beginning to the end.<br />
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Please don't hesitate to share the video if it tickles your fancy.Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-19028935132092183732016-03-29T14:05:00.002-07:002016-10-04T12:03:43.091-07:00Twenty Things To Know To Get Your Dog On TV <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3jkUdN2_LTnT6O41b3W9kjg2tToHLUVpXunKOTdKVTa84Y0cOoHvB3lSNOI2AIKwC84WhYa-80w_J7tZcFs434Ojcryfb6RpbAnGrkQm9tU1Yp6Gs2jHHKCrAV3SuQQM5m-3fZhlcZg/s1600/clap+board+photo+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3jkUdN2_LTnT6O41b3W9kjg2tToHLUVpXunKOTdKVTa84Y0cOoHvB3lSNOI2AIKwC84WhYa-80w_J7tZcFs434Ojcryfb6RpbAnGrkQm9tU1Yp6Gs2jHHKCrAV3SuQQM5m-3fZhlcZg/s640/clap+board+photo+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><div style="background-color: #990000; text-align: center;">
TWENTY THINGS TO KNOW</div>
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TO GET YOUR DOG ON TV</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"> (or movies, or commercials, or...) </span></h3>
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Do you think your dog has star potential? Are you interested
in the possibility of doing commercial work with your pup but aren’t sure
whether it’s right for you? Do you need some pointers about how to start? <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is an article that describes some of the basics of commercial work and how to make
the most out of the opportunities that might be granted to you. It will
touch on how to get started in the industry, what sort of training might be
required, things to remember and the nitty-gritty aspects of working in it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Commercial work takes many forms: still images for print or
online, digital media, television, theatre, movies and more. For some projects, dogs or
other animals may feature prominently; for others, they may exist in the
background to add depth to a scene. The end products can vary widely, but there
are some common themes that run throughout the work. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This article is based predominantly on my own experiences; I
welcome those who have their own to share as well in the comments below.<br />
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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GETTING STARTED</div>
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1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Luck. So much luck.</span></h3>
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I’m not going to lie: <b>it takes a great deal of luck to get yourself started</b>.</div>
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Clients will make gut decisions based on photographs (or similar) and if your dog doesn’t match what they’re picturing in their mind’s eye, you’ll not be given a second thought. Your dog’s breed(s), size, colour, age, coat, expression and more all factor into these decisions, all of which are largely outside of your control. Clients might avoid flashy-looking dogs, those with blue eyes, or those with dark faces and bodies since they may not be easy to film or photograph. This doesn’t mean you’ll never get any work, but I suggest you be aware of what may work for and against your dog’s commercial candidacy.</div>
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That’s not even touching on the amount of luck you’ll need beforehand to even get your dog’s photograph in front of a client. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of people who are all interested in participating in commercial ventures with their animals, so competition is fierce. Be realistic in your expectations when you’re just starting out. It may not pan out. Don’t take it personally.</div>
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But, of course, always remember that <i>luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity</i>.</div>
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Knowing people who work in the industry helps, as sometimes opportunities come across their desks in which they cannot participate for various reasons; a recommendation for an alternative casting decision may get passed back to the production team. You may get lucky: it could be your name that gets mentioned. As with everything, networking certainly can help.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk0EEdzLxYNoOaqNnTvKSd_hAImVPY9BemHxyhxjhhd-u_kvtgjYtwBKWw3Ii_n0suXYQeZ4hrT3a4XvhyizajALBTI8_XmizIYGv5L796oGaqpVZ4OnR_hPZc53eo2BM_xJ8uxgifmQ/s1600/10827958_1550759751878068_5416289206705342_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk0EEdzLxYNoOaqNnTvKSd_hAImVPY9BemHxyhxjhhd-u_kvtgjYtwBKWw3Ii_n0suXYQeZ4hrT3a4XvhyizajALBTI8_XmizIYGv5L796oGaqpVZ4OnR_hPZc53eo2BM_xJ8uxgifmQ/s320/10827958_1550759751878068_5416289206705342_o.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Find an agent to find you clients </span></h3>
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The real first step you can take is to find proper
representation. There are a number of animal talent agencies that may agree to
represent you. <b>Find a reputable agent who is taking on new clients.</b> Get an
audition video together with your dog's behaviours to send to them with a
headshot and a full body shot. Agents may request a fee at registration and
they will take a portion of the proceeds of any work they find for you.</div>
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Got an agent already? Great. But this is just the beginning
and is by no means a guarantee of future work. As I mentioned, sometimes luck
is just not in your favour and your dog’s photo gets added to a pile of others
and never ends up drawing the eye of a client. That sucks, but sometimes them’s
the breaks. </div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">3.</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="color: #990000; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Make a great impression</span></h3>
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If the stars do align and you end up getting a call from
your agent about a job (and you accept), put your best foot forward when
meeting the clients (either at the audition or on set). Dress appropriately, be
polite and engaged and of course make sure your dog is at her best. If you do
well, your agent is likely going to hear about it (if you do poorly they’ll
likely hear about it, too). <b>Positive feedback and reviews from clients can help
push you closer to the top of your agent’s call list</b> and can launch you into
their rotation once they have a better understanding of your skills and
capabilities (and those of your dog).</div>
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4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Update your resume... </span></h3>
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<b>…and keep it somewhere that is easy to access and send to
prospective clients.</b> Adhere to the basics of resume writing: be concise and focus
on quality over quantity.</div>
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This may also come in the form of managing an online
presence that showcases the talents of your dog (this isn’t everything, but it
does help). I’ve been asked “can your dog do ___?” and I’ve been able to shoot
back a reply with an enthusiastic “YES!” and a link to a video that shows as
much. </div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Location, location, location</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>It’s simple: you will get more work if you’re where the work
is.</b> There may not be many commercial ventures in a small town located hours
from the nearest city. Traveling is a part of the job, but if you have to
travel a lengthy distance to participate, keep in mind that you may not be
reimbursed for travel expenses. Agents may also group clients by location and
contact those nearer the job first when doing preliminary availability checks,
etc. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><div style="background-color: #990000; text-align: center;">
TRAINING AND BEHAVIOUR</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">A) BEFORE YOU GO... </span></h3>
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<span style="color: #990000;">6.</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="color: #990000; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">What you should know </span></h3>
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Here is a cursory list of tricks and behaviours your dog may be asked for while on set. <b>It will be assumed that your dog has basic obedience skills, can perform off leash and respond to silent cues from a distance of 10-20 feet from the handler.</b> I emphasize: this list is not exhaustive by any means but it should be enough to get you started.</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sit/down/stand in place</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Follow an actor</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Move to a mark</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Put head down on ground, object or paws</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Head tilt</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bark</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Play dead</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Take/hold/carry/drop an object</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jump onto/off furniture</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Back up</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Recall from a distance</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Front paws on an object</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Focus on one spot without moving (often the eye line of the camera)</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Target an object with a paw</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Happy, relaxed interaction with a stranger</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Wag tail</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sit in front of food, or hold food without eating it</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Eat on cue</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkcQN7uekl7uCDSTinOUNbqKolCbr-5BJcu0Kg3phwP9Z0dw9-fTsZZfo4WtR1k5P0gbI2nVI-Ff7ZwHf9zDtWVKkgzEw7i3qNigbTD0FxArgyWtcP8YJDlpbOLjEyqA4qRZZwkiWlSU/s1600/zn2v3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkcQN7uekl7uCDSTinOUNbqKolCbr-5BJcu0Kg3phwP9Z0dw9-fTsZZfo4WtR1k5P0gbI2nVI-Ff7ZwHf9zDtWVKkgzEw7i3qNigbTD0FxArgyWtcP8YJDlpbOLjEyqA4qRZZwkiWlSU/s320/zn2v3.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">7.</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="color: #990000; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Training 101</span></h3>
<b>The stuff for which you’re hired may frequently be basic, but it had better be clean.</b> Clients will want your dog’s skills to be well beyond that of “standard family pet.” <i>(They may not always get it – I’ve heard some stories…)</i></div>
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Frequently a dog needs to be able to perform their behaviours with <i>only</i> a hand signal or non-verbal cue at a distance of 10-20 feet (or more) on camera while other things are happening. You’ll want your dog to be able to perform from a distance and do as asked the first time with little to no latency in the response. Your dog may be asked to take cues from another person on set.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Your dog may be asked to work for longer durations than you might expect without reinforcement from you. Practice behaviour chains and increasing the time between rewards so your dog doesn’t get blindsided by the realities of working on set.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You will probably have at least a few minutes to practice while things are being set up (and sometimes you’ll have quite a bit more). Use the time wisely. If you’re having trouble accomplishing what you need, say so. Plans may change. Time is money, so sometimes the preferred option is to change the plan rather than spend the time to work out the kinks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And remember, there are no leashes in showbiz (or at least not very many). Don't plan to rely on one.</div>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/aQAjyz3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://i.imgur.com/aQAjyz3.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #990000;">8.</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="color: #990000; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Temperament and Behaviour 101</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Your dog should be confident, resilient, and patient.</b> She should be level-headed, have a strong desire to please, and love to work. Your dog should be able to accept body handling and positioning without becoming unduly stressed. If she does not embody these qualities, you may want to think very deeply on whether she is suitable for this type of work.</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>“As much as you may want your pet to be a star, it isn't the right choice for every dog.” – Dana Gallagher</i></blockquote>
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Behavioural issues are, ideally, non-existent (or at the very least, imperceptible). Your dog should be safe to handle and to work in close proximity to strangers. Your dog may be asked to work with or nearby a strange dog – is this something yours can safely do? Be upfront about potential issues like dog reactivity/aggression or fear of children well in advance (these are likely things which your agent should be aware of well before you find yourself on set).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Your dog should be able to work relatively quietly and calmly. Sometimes you’ll want your dog to get crazy and make some noise, but generally you do not want a dog who barks, whines or grumbles unbidden while working.</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">9.</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="color: #990000; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">It's the simple(r) stuff that gets you hired</span></h3>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/SPgwBty.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://i.imgur.com/SPgwBty.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>So, your dog can do a backflip?</b> That’s really neat, but can she hold a sit-stay for minutes on end, despite heavy duty distractions?</div>
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Impressive, cute or crazy tricks may catch the client’s eye, but the meat and potatoes of your job will be the basics like walking from one place to another, sitting, laying down, barking, fetching, wagging her tail and interacting with an actor. This is pretty simple stuff, but it’s not as easy as it seems.</div>
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<i>Don’t ignore this simple stuff or allow it to degrade over time if you’re serious about commercial work.</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBg5edbbPS7VT16TXh6GnumWA0TktPeSL5pGOAPRJp8HFcDVeTicSTdc2mJvbBB-t1xHV7mIrzq2YGmuBj-mFAbnPjE2XT23NcazcRnyO52F7YxJd-UFY3t5h_L5zQVswrFjvtyc5CcVU/s1600/ci+da+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBg5edbbPS7VT16TXh6GnumWA0TktPeSL5pGOAPRJp8HFcDVeTicSTdc2mJvbBB-t1xHV7mIrzq2YGmuBj-mFAbnPjE2XT23NcazcRnyO52F7YxJd-UFY3t5h_L5zQVswrFjvtyc5CcVU/s320/ci+da+smile.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CHEESE</td></tr>
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10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Smile for the camera </span></h3>
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This may feel like a no-brainer, but <b>make sure your dog is
comfortable in front of a camera </b>and working in front of crowds. Perform your dog's tricks in front of people at home, at the grocery
story, at a pet store, in a group of people, etc. Make sure your dog is able to
adapt and perform in new environments with new sounds, new people and new
sights. Just because your dog can do it in your home, doesn't mean that she can
perform on cue on a set. <b>Training at home is not enough. </b>Proof behaviours in as
many locations as possible. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Dog trainer Kristen Sobanski adds that the dogs used in
media have a strong desire to please, love to work, frequently offer behaviours
during training sessions and are level-headed while working. A confident, well-trained
dog who is "over-socialized" and well prepared will come across as
cool and relaxed in front of a camera. A more novice dog may shut down and come
across as untrained.</div>
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<br /><span style="color: #990000;">11.</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="color: #990000; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Targets, Targets and More Targets</span></h3>
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I love targets. Clients may ask you to have your dog walk in from over <i>there </i>then look over <i>here </i>then go over <i>there</i>… etc. Your time will be limited and you’ll not likely have a lot of room to work, so your best bet is to set up a few targets, whip out your clicker and get to work.</div>
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Targets can be anything, but ideally they should be portable and innocuous. Coins, tape markers, books, or plastic lids all make for handy tools to mark locations.</div>
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As far as directing where your dog is looking, she will likely want to default to looking at you. But this isn’t always an option in a scene. A dog who will perform behaviours while looking away from you or at another target is a great asset. I’ve taken to using a target stick to briefly direct a dog’s gaze during practice and while filming.</div>
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Then there’s the old “follow the treat with your eyes” trick that can come in mighty handy. If you’re like me and have done any work on impulse control and not focusing on food in your hands, following a treat like this this can present a problem. Add this to the list of things you’ll likely want to work on. I occasionally use a target stick to direct the dog’s gaze.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“CLICK”</span></h3>
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I don’t go anywhere without my clicker anymore. Not everyone is a clicker trainer, and that’s fine, but I’ve found it to be an enormously helpful tool when first approaching a scene. Most of the time you don’t know exactly what is going to be asked of you ahead of time so you and your dog will likely be learning on the fly. If your dog already has a good grasp of the basics, refining their performance for the task at hand shouldn’t take more than a few minutes with a clicker and a handful of treats.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><div style="background-color: #990000; text-align: center;">
TRAINING AND BEHAVIOUR</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">B) WHILE YOU'RE THERE... </span></h3>
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13.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pete and Repeat</span></h3>
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/yKmrBGT.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://i.imgur.com/yKmrBGT.gif" width="320" /></a>Did your dog nail it on the first take? Awesome. Good job!</div>
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Did the actor? Did the camera operator get the angle he or she wanted? Did the boom mic stay out of the frame? Did everyone on set remember to turn their phone ringers off? Does the director want one more take just to be safe? (<i>Pro-tip: the director always wants one more take</i>.) <b>Be prepared to repeat things a lot.</b> This can be demotivating to some dogs; they may shut down or they may begin second-guessing themselves and start throwing other behaviours at you. A confident, resilient and patient dog is best suited to these environments.</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">14.</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="color: #990000; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Plan ahead, but be ready to change</span></h3>
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<b>The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. </b>Sometimes you’ll know what will be asked of you before a shoot; sometimes you won’t. If you do, practice! You’re being hired as a professional, and as such, you will be expected to deliver a product so make sure you can do so, and do so in new and chaotic environments. If things don’t go to plan (or if there wasn’t much of a plan to begin with), think on your feet and be ready to adapt to the changing constraints of the project.</div>
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Kristen Sobanski makes an important point when asked about what you need to learn and adapt on the fly. She notes that plans frequently change and, in turn, you will be expected to change your dog’s performance. To perform best, you need a strong foundation of generalized, trained behaviours. These dogs aren’t acting in the same way that human actors do (and directors might forget this fact). Animals pattern and chain through repetition and training. </div>
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<i>“We see [plans change] all of the time on sets. We need to be confident in our dog’s training and skills to be able to get what the director envisions without making it look difficult.” - Kristen Sobanski</i></blockquote>
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Having a very firm grasp on the basics will grant us the ability to adapt as needed.</div>
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<br /><span style="color: #990000;">15.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You are a professional problem solver</span></h3>
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As mentioned above, you are now a professional. You are on set not just to follow directions, but to act as a problem solver as needed. Figure out what the director ultimately wants, and then use your head to<b> deliver it in the most reliable and expeditious way possible</b>. It may require some thinking outside of the box. Put your thinking cap on and be an active participant in the project. Don’t be afraid to speak up and make suggestions – you are the animal expert on the set (or at the very least, you are the expert on your own animal).</div>
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DON’T FORGET</div>
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oh hi there</td></tr>
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16.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Always carry a towel… and a crate (and a bunch of other stuff)</span></h3>
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<i>The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy</i> states “a towel … is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitch hiker can have.” This is also true for dog trainers.</div>
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I don’t know about you, but my dog drools while working. (<i>Yay Pavlov!</i>) On set, you may have to periodically step in to tidy your dog up, wipe feet, tidy eyes, etc., with a quick wipe of a towel. My dog has been covered in inadvertent lipstick, mud and yoghurt on set, just to name a few things. Towels (and wipes and brushes) to the rescue!</div>
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I also use a towel as an impromptu bed or place marker when I need my dog to chill for brief periods of time. Handy!</div>
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The days can be long, so ensure your dog rests when she can. If you can find the space, set up a crate to give your dog a home base while on set. Assuming your dog is comfortable in a crate, put her away while not working to allow her to relax. Tired dogs can become ornery dogs, so it’s in your best interest to keep your dog well-rested.</div>
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In my experience, gather the amount of food you think you may need for a project and then double it. (<i>Full disclosure, my dog works almost entirely for food – your mileage may vary.</i>) <b>It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it</b>, right?</div>
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I also feel strongly that a dog should not be hungry when asked to work. Hungry dogs may be enthusiastic dogs, but they may also be stressed dogs or dogs who will tire quickly. Also, I do not think that it is fair to withhold food since the dog wasn’t the one to sign up for this – it was you who did. Be considerate of your dog’s needs.</div>
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It’s easy to get caught up in a project and forget about water, potty breaks and just some time to unwind a be a dog. Provide all of these things liberally when you can. I ensure that water is available at all times, and I bring a special favourite toy so my dog can get her “yayas” out after working for a period of time. It helps to relieve any stress that may have built up and keep her fresh!</div>
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17.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Look the part</span></h3>
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You will want the photo in the possession of your agent/client to be an accurate representation of your dog’s current condition. <b>You’re being hired for a certain look, so don’t change it!</b> This means no dyeing of dogs or surprise haircuts. Try to keep scruffy dogs at a consistent level of scruff and plush dogs equally plush year round. Frequently, you’re hired for a job on a relatively short turnaround, so there is no time to regrow coat.</div>
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Most of the time you’re simply asked to have your dog groomed prior to getting to the set. (<i>Though I have been asked not groom if the client is going for the scruffy/goofy look</i>). I’ll bring a brush with me to tidy as needed and to use in a vain attempt to try to cut down on shedding. I recommend ensuring nails are trimmed, tear stains are absent, that your dog is neither underweight nor overweight, teeth are healthy, body is sound, etc. Basically, do your best to put your dog’s best foot forward.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><div style="background-color: #990000; text-align: center;">
THE NITTY-GRITTY</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"> </span></h3>
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<span style="color: #990000;">18.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sometimes you have to say "No"</span></h3>
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In a perfect world, your animal’s wellbeing should be top of everyone’s minds. However, sometimes this world is less than perfect. <b>Your primary responsibility is the wellbeing of your dog. </b>If you are being asked to do something that is unsafe or otherwise a risk to your dog, speak up and say no. If you know something is not likely to work, or you’re not comfortable with it, say something and say it early. No one wants to see an animal hurt, and no one wants to waste their time if something isn’t going to go as originally intended.</div>
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Be open and honest about what your dog can and can’t do.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>“Your relationship with your dog is more important than any scene or job. Don't let the pressure of the situation affect how you treat the animal with whom you are working.” – Dana Gallagher</i></blockquote>
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19.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s not all sunshine and roses</span></h3>
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<b>Everyone thinks it is fun and easy. It’s not.</b></div>
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It’s a lot of work. The days are long; you could be on location for hours and hours for what ultimately becomes a two-second clip (or less – your part could even be cut completely, or the project itself may never be released!). In certain projects you may find yourself working into the night. This can be very stressful on the dog and the handler.</div>
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This is a job, and there aren’t many jobs that are 100% awesome 100% of the time. There’s a lot of money that rides on these projects and the deadlines are often tight. The pressure can be high and you and your dog will still be required to deliver what you’re there to do.</div>
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Not every dog is cut out for this sort of work. See above re: your first responsibility is your dog. <b>Be very honest with yourself about your motivations as well as your dog’s ability and desire to do the work.</b></div>
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20.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> Paperwork </span></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9zR28YVN7NNSeBLtoIGS2xJNtmvM8CDDa-0ZwJXXRB1GfL38etMLmozLYuIvYIzKS-VweWK5JVyBEHvRgnen6HLdDphAM1ndmsSC34V1bmbEtcHVkQZip78dqwr1dg62RrzrMsWXWgI/s1600/12771962_1683471835273525_7562005371990811343_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9zR28YVN7NNSeBLtoIGS2xJNtmvM8CDDa-0ZwJXXRB1GfL38etMLmozLYuIvYIzKS-VweWK5JVyBEHvRgnen6HLdDphAM1ndmsSC34V1bmbEtcHVkQZip78dqwr1dg62RrzrMsWXWgI/s320/12771962_1683471835273525_7562005371990811343_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cohen, the silent film star</td></tr>
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<b>Learn how to read a contract, and read each one well.</b> Get outside opinions on legal issues with which you may not be familiar. Contracts often come with non-disclosure and/or exclusivity agreements that may affect future work, so pay attention.<br />
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Don’t forget about claiming any income while filing your taxes. In general, expenses incurred in order to earn business income are tax deductible, so keep your expense receipts, too.<br />
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Keep copies of everything in your records and <b>get absolutely everything you can in writing</b>. I am in the habit of emailing immediately after telephone conversations to essentially parrot back the contents of the call so that I have a written record of the communication.</div>
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You’ll be asked to sign a release (sometimes at the end of a day of shooting – don’t leave without one if this is the case!). This can serve as proof of your work on a project. I take photographs of the written releases for my records just in case anything unexpected crops up in terms of payment or contract fulfillment. No one is out to rip you off, but mistakes do happen.<b> The better you document your work, the less the chance of something happening that isn’t in your favour.</b></div>
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________________________________<o:p></o:p></div>
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So there you have it. I hope you’ve found this informative
and perhaps now have a better understanding of how you and your dog might fare in the industry. If there’s one thing that you take away from this article,
I hope it is the motivation to work and have fun with your dog and the
confidence to explore commercial work if you believe it to be suitable. For me,
the best part of involvement in the industry is the motivation and structure to
train new behaviours and refine old ones. It keeps us learning and growing
together as a team. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone who allowed me to pick their brains and
who offered their help in drafting and editing this article. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you have something you’d like to add to it, please
comment below. If you’d like to link to this article to share with friends,
please do so. And finally, good luck and have fun with your dog!<br />
<br />
<i>Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CohenTheAustralianShepherd or Instagram @cohen_the_australian_shepherd.</i></div>
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© Jessica Bell, 2016<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-29322402831435554232016-02-19T10:50:00.001-08:002016-02-19T10:50:45.912-08:00Fit Dog Friday tip o' the day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZbyP-gfxy91MGR3I84s-CYWmV0st52_q1Gpg5Vr1m0z3ygN64pIUFXSK4KL65P2y5u2SedNR2G9wtHQuB9WDVPaUyQ9n2pvfnI_ErdcS5g-4nHMcxNJGzqBEVn5n1ll4tTm8dLz_ZO8/s1600/regionals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZbyP-gfxy91MGR3I84s-CYWmV0st52_q1Gpg5Vr1m0z3ygN64pIUFXSK4KL65P2y5u2SedNR2G9wtHQuB9WDVPaUyQ9n2pvfnI_ErdcS5g-4nHMcxNJGzqBEVn5n1ll4tTm8dLz_ZO8/s640/regionals.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaping maw and excessive noise optional.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Fit Dog Friday tip o' the day: We do agility (and other high impact dog sports) with a fit dog. We don't do agility (etc) to make a dog fit. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Agility shouldn't be the most intense workout of your dog's week. Heck, they should barely break a (metaphorical) sweat during practice. Practice is a time where you hone handling and obstacle skills. It is not a time where you tire out your dog. A tired do</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">g is more prone to make mistakes, and mistakes can lead to injury.<br /><br />Compliment your dog's competitive hobbies with strengthening and conditioning exercises outside of the ring. Body awareness exercises and tricks are perfect tools to teach your dogs how to use their bodies safely, and conditioning builds muscle where you need it so they can withstand the impact of jumping, turning and hitting contacts.<br /><br />I'm a huge proponent of keeping our dogs at a healthy weight and keeping them fit year-round. Ribs should be easily felt and muscles should be well developed. Keep practice sessions short and stop before your dog tires. Our pets don't live forever, but this is one way to lengthen the quality time we have with them.</span>Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-47660630174043762832016-01-28T07:24:00.000-08:002016-01-28T07:25:26.197-08:00Dog training tip o' the day: No-reward markers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnXo172jUriU6c-TjMueuYoL2EckmW4DfXgl3V9AhsNjn8whXdAVysofRErSXvMyh9hSD0-OhQ17WNFSOae9NnJ_bkVBEsdwXq1JS_K96FHKXDcHe0BSbW2dlh5pSsh_ji49PbIkCbq4/s1600/bark+beg+jan+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnXo172jUriU6c-TjMueuYoL2EckmW4DfXgl3V9AhsNjn8whXdAVysofRErSXvMyh9hSD0-OhQ17WNFSOae9NnJ_bkVBEsdwXq1JS_K96FHKXDcHe0BSbW2dlh5pSsh_ji49PbIkCbq4/s640/bark+beg+jan+9.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
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Today I want to talk about no-reward makers (aka NRMs). <o:p></o:p></div>
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In some circles, mentioning NRMs can elicit boos and hisses.
This is because a NRM is technically a positive punisher. That is, it is
actively applied in order to reduce the likelihood of a behaviour happening
again. Many people are leery of punishment in dog training, and with good
reason. So the use of NRMs is often discouraged. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But, I kind of like NRMs in certain situations. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A no-reward marker is intended to be a way to communicate to
the dog that the thing they are doing at the moment is not going to earn them a
reward. It's sort of the opposite of a clicker. Using NRMs comes naturally to
people -- most of us say no, nope, or try again if our dogs make a mistake
during a training session. It is a way to offer a bit more information to a dog
if they begin to go down an undesired path during a training session.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In a perfect world, NRMs shouldn't be necessary. A dog
should be set up to offer the desired behaviour during training from the very
beginning through management and a conscientious approach to the session. In a
perfect world, dogs should be crystal clear in what it is you are asking of
them. However, I am not a perfect trainer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I occasionally rush progression, or stall too long on a
step, or just get lazy and let my criteria slide. My dog might begin to offer
undesired behaviours that run the risk of being reinforced by subsequent steps
within a behaviour chain before I've had a chance to address them. When that
happens, mistakes can become entrenched within a chain and can be difficult to
remove once there. If I remain silent and withhold a click, my dog may grow
frustrated at not being offered a clear picture of what it is I'm looking for.
She might grumble, stress up or grow frenzied in her responses if I remain
silent. If I let her know that she is offering something that I am not looking
for and that will not be rewarded, she can gain some clarity and try something
else. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As the trainer, it's me who shoulders the responsibility for
this lack of clarity. If I found myself having to rely a great deal on NRMs, it
would be in my best interest to step back and assess where I'm going wrong in
my approach. However, as the occasional stopgap measure, I find them useful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In brief, NRMs:<o:p></o:p></div>
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... Should not intimidate or demotivate a dog. Some dogs
will wilt if they are used. For these dogs, they are the wrong tool for the
job.<o:p></o:p></div>
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... Should not be used to stop unwanted and/or nuisance
behaviours. <o:p></o:p></div>
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... Should be cheerful & motivational or neutral. They
should be free from disapproval.<o:p></o:p></div>
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... Should prompt the dog to stop what it is they are doing
and check in with you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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... Should be used sparingly at best, and avoided if
possible. Relying on them in every training session is unnecessary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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... Should be avoided when you are teaching a new behaviour.
Errorless learning is the better choice. You want your dog to understand what
is right well before you focus on what is wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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... Are best suited to polishing behaviour chains wherein a
mistake earlier in the chain runs the risk of being reinforced by subsequent
steps in the chain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, that's my spiel on NRMs. What do you think? When do you
use them? Have you changed in your approach to NRMs over time? Have you ever
put much thought into how you use them? Let me know in the comments. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Happy clicking!<o:p></o:p></div>
Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-31721814655369890162016-01-14T12:07:00.002-08:002016-01-14T12:07:41.197-08:00Dog training tip o' the day: Stimulus Control<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5W4IcvjuM5NWEAFuXD5VkX2_ccA3FnwN-Rll92xEBPzczvlRa9_jWP9roObb3rxGrBSr0CyeUwCwmMuEWtHGpIFrkUBf-DEHhb-JsgOg7fqcR_2u95FdPF4sfWmKagDlX821mHRHGUXQ/s1600/12485974_1663639187256790_7198967206221054966_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5W4IcvjuM5NWEAFuXD5VkX2_ccA3FnwN-Rll92xEBPzczvlRa9_jWP9roObb3rxGrBSr0CyeUwCwmMuEWtHGpIFrkUBf-DEHhb-JsgOg7fqcR_2u95FdPF4sfWmKagDlX821mHRHGUXQ/s640/12485974_1663639187256790_7198967206221054966_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<b>Dog training tip o' the day:</b> Do you have a dog that starts throwing every trick he knows at you when training time starts? Are you trying to isolate a single desired behaviour out of an assortment of offered ones? Time to work on stimulus control!</div>
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<b>Stimulus control: </b><br />(from <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clickertraining.com%2Fglossary%2F17%23term21269&h=nAQGsmLYJAQETnbbZvnK6DLt7CiUJSEfww5p915Fkb0Zn-g&enc=AZMh9L-_Fdb0ya3Vrgbswx4XGAE-aP_ptd3VVazLtNcmNub8qtJhXARK4C7JTLbrsRBwkLpS7fRH1QRF0e75FOMh8n_n-hq95ebqbYrurF4Zp_brBlnlSXnEAzIWzhRftJF9W2Oi1ILPIFLLWFVYRpESINFp1lMEwPtVwPQDA9LsVOcv1JqNp5ngM94Gca_upKTFwwBsRMXelux4IkpoxHTV&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.clickertraining.com/glossary/17#term21269</a>)<br />"A conditioned stimulus becomes a discriminative stimulus (or cue) when it is followed by a specific learned behavior or reaction. The response is said to be 'under stimulus control' when presentation of the particular stimulus fulfills these four conditions: the behavior is always offered when that cue is presented; the behavior is not offered in the absence of that cue; the behavior is not offered in response to some other cue; and no other behavior occurs in response to that cue."</div>
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When we teach a dog something new, the first thing we look to do is get the behaviour. Once we have the behaviour, we add the cue. Next, we polish the behaviour and fine tune it -- you can also add a new cue to this improved behaviour at this point, if desired. Then, you need to get this new behaviour under stimulus control.</div>
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Since stimulus control comes later in the learning process, it's often something that novice trainers forget about or choose to bypass because they're pleased with the behaviour as it exists already. But if it's ignored or only completed part way, you can end up with one of those dogs that throws everything they know at you, ad infinitum, as you reach for the cookie jar. Sound familiar? Some people find enjoyment in their dogs doing this and will reinforce this "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" approach. If you do, that's fine! However, you may never end up with clean behaviours, or with a dog who eagerly waits to hear what you have to say.</div>
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To get a behaviour on stimulus control requires that you go back to the teaching process. Pick one or more simple behaviours and methodically establish the criteria for each cue. This means:</div>
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- you want your pup to sit when you say sit<br />- you don't want your pup to sit when you say something else<br />- you don't want your pup to sit when you say nothing<br />- you don't want your pup to do something else when you say sit</div>
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Only reward if your dog is performing the desired behaviour when you use your desired cue. If they do something else, whoops, no reward this time, nice try buddy! Try again! If your pup is making mistakes multiples times in a row, or more than 10-20% of the time, the exercise is likely to hard. Try to make it a bit easier on them. Keep these proofing sessions very short and spaced a few hours apart, at least.</div>
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You can have fun during this process. You can also take it to new heights by alternating what you're doing when you offer your verbal cue. Spin or hide out of sight or whisper or sit on a couch or work in a new environment to change up the picture for your dog and to further cement the "sit means sit" association in your dog's head. Once your dog has a handful of actions under good stimulus control, he & you should have a significantly easier times going forward in training because he understands that specific behaviours are linked to specific cues and only cued behaviours are rewarded.</div>
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Problems with stimulus control are often seen as problems with over-arousal during training sessions. Stay tuned for my next Dog Training Tip O' The Day for some more ideas on how to address over-arousal.</div>
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This was something that was asked as part of my recent call for submissions for dog training tips. Thank you to everyone who asked about it. If you have a question of your own, feel free to submit it here, on this page or via private message. Happy clicking!</div>
Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-27357935868336528432016-01-08T08:18:00.000-08:002016-01-08T08:18:07.866-08:00Dog training tip o' the day: On the use of tools to facilitate your training<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbUtQCiHExzJVSAUL98OV7_YWBFrZ-2xNuO9Jn-hzGpH9He8c70aiMnXoRqw9FUcQ11SWmGFvEf6ep0zKQsPbvFpvUKGgNgjlo5U9D1-4xDLGM7thck7OMMdZVtABZLj-5B2DChcCUSU/s1600/GL+and+tools+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbUtQCiHExzJVSAUL98OV7_YWBFrZ-2xNuO9Jn-hzGpH9He8c70aiMnXoRqw9FUcQ11SWmGFvEf6ep0zKQsPbvFpvUKGgNgjlo5U9D1-4xDLGM7thck7OMMdZVtABZLj-5B2DChcCUSU/s640/GL+and+tools+for+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Dog training tip o' the day: Tools can make your dog training better. However, without a proper plan to fade the use of the tool, it can quickly become a crutch</b>.</div>
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Tools can give you a leg up when it comes to controlling your dog around distractions. They can be things like collars, harnesses, leashes, targets, platforms and any other things you use to guide your dog to perform a desired behaviour. They allow for greater control and communication and can be used while you work on the requisite training to fill in the gaps. Then, most importantly to me, you need to fade the use of the tool.</div>
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We humans are excellent tool users. Sometimes, however, we get a little lazy. Applying a tool can often provide an immediate change in behaviour (sometimes for a honeymoon period, sometimes in perpetuity) so it can be tempting to continue to rely on it on an ongoing basis. To me, this is, well, lazy at best and unfair to the dog at worst.</div>
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Ideally, the goal when using a tool on a dog is to get the tool off the dog as fast as you can. Commit to harnessing the extra power the tool affords you and work with your dog whenever you're using it. Don't fall on your laurels and forget to actually train your dog. As with everything, the additional work you do with your dog in the short term pays off in the long term.</div>
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Happy clicking!</div>
Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-21384617662256654642016-01-06T08:06:00.000-08:002016-01-06T08:06:22.851-08:00 Dog training tip o' the day: Extinction & extinction bursts<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUQKrAYLVyY2lnzu5Nte229FW33lb66WEWD-nnKleBjOitortv4QpLrIOKEOGR9DiZHQotgduTQ4KRwQz-2O7frEk5YxRtkRbTVuQi_LswpVRQf8FiKfRufOJX17t-5gd-44ThKSQEQE/s1600/12485882_1664108363876539_9185686198337650490_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUQKrAYLVyY2lnzu5Nte229FW33lb66WEWD-nnKleBjOitortv4QpLrIOKEOGR9DiZHQotgduTQ4KRwQz-2O7frEk5YxRtkRbTVuQi_LswpVRQf8FiKfRufOJX17t-5gd-44ThKSQEQE/s640/12485882_1664108363876539_9185686198337650490_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Dog training tip o' the day: Extinction & extinction bursts</b></div>
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Extinction refers to the process of no longer providing reinforcement for a behaviour and in the absence of reinforcement a behaviour will cease. For instance, if Pavlov stopped offering meat powder after sounding the tone for a period of time, the dogs would cease to salivate since the association between the tone and the food is no longer being reinforced. This is why ignored behaviours often stop -- the dog is no <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">longer being reinforced for offering them.</span></div>
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However, some behaviours are self-reinforcing, and therefore very difficult to extinguish. For example, a dog often finds barking to be a pleasurable response to various stimuli (barking is FUN!) so even if you ignore a barking dog they're very unlikely to stop this behaviour since they're reinforcing it themselves. That's not to say that you can't train a barking dog to bark less, but it requires a different approach than to ignore it. You need to find and stop the source of the reinforcement while rewarding an alternative behaviour instead.</div>
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Then there are extinction bursts. If a dog no longer receives reinforcement for a behaviour, they will increase the intensity of the behaviour in an attempt to earn the reinforcement once again. If the behaviour is still not reinforced after this more fierce series of attempts, it will become extinct.</div>
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You can also use the increased intensity of behaviours during extinction bursts to improve them by riding the crest of the burst and reinforcing when the dog is still fervent in its response. We use this to improve hand touch or targeting behaviours and more.</div>
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Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-86324765886215321222016-01-04T12:55:00.001-08:002016-01-04T12:55:11.005-08:00Dog training word 'o the day: Premack.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4PKZlhYhqKBgIm3Naut4iqhs7l8ISJyOFKi1f9f5r3eTBrOGZ6r1atnsdTJp99QGp93HQ5VWI9XSczWvObdn_Hb59xheP8bOksb403CsmMh-S-LSshuoUUclvzS03SZS3NpPTvGXXE4/s1600/1240062_1663639180590124_3078708164048282573_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4PKZlhYhqKBgIm3Naut4iqhs7l8ISJyOFKi1f9f5r3eTBrOGZ6r1atnsdTJp99QGp93HQ5VWI9XSczWvObdn_Hb59xheP8bOksb403CsmMh-S-LSshuoUUclvzS03SZS3NpPTvGXXE4/s640/1240062_1663639180590124_3078708164048282573_n.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This post is ever so slightly verbose, so here's a nerd photo of Cohen to compensate. </td></tr>
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<b>Dog training word 'o the day: Premack.</b></div>
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From Wikipedia: "Premack's principle suggests that if a person wants to perform a given activity, the person will perform a less desirable activity to get at the more desirable activity; that is, activities may themselves be reinforcers. An individual will be more motivated to perform a particular activity if they know that they will be able to partake of a more desirable activity as a consequence. Stated objectively, if high-probabili<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ty behaviors (more desirable behaviors) are made contingent upon lower-probability behaviors (less desirable behaviors), then the lower-probability behaviors are more likely to occur. More desirable behaviors are those that individuals spend more time doing if permitted; less desirable behaviors are those that individuals spend less time doing when free to act."</span></div>
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In dog training terms: It's no secret that performing certain actions can be rewarding to dogs. Chasing squirrels, jumping up, sniffing a tree can all be intrinsically rewarding for certain dogs. If you ask your dog to perform an "unfun" behaviour prior to being released to perform a fun behaviour, the unfun behaviour can be reinforced by what follows. Often the environment has a stronger ability to reward our dogs than we ever could hope to offer with the cookies or toys we may have in our pockets. So use it to your advantage! Ask for eye contact and a bit of self control before releasing your dog to (safely) run amok!</div>
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The beauty of Premack is that it also benefits from classical conditioning, conditioned emotional reactions and the transfer of value. For instance, eye contact can be reinforced by being released to chase squirrels. If the eye contact is routinely rewarded by extremely valuable reinforcers, offered eye contact becomes considerably stronger and, at times, innately reinforcing itself due to it now being associated with huge rewards and excitement. The "unfun" behaviour is now fun. Nice!</div>
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Like all classical conditioning, there is a degree of regular maintenance that is required to keep associations strong between action and reward. But once you learn to use it to your advantage, maintenance becomes second nature.</div>
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Sorry for the possibly obtuse, overly-sciencey sounding post today. Hopefully this nerdy photo of Cohen will make up for it. Premack has been on my mind a lot these days. I use it a great deal to build off-leash reliability and control, which to me is the pinnacle of dog ownership.</div>
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Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-82934932208158907902015-11-23T09:34:00.000-08:002015-11-23T09:34:33.359-08:00Dog training tip o' the day: Good advice on good training takes a while to take effect. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBP_OAMBHIskud-VQmZ6PTo_Sk5NbQEUn4V1bZK_4WDSkkoGE99bchvBVwNYCzSvO5XRvZMKdjx-IJZGe7QW_VxxYEK2o9avEN8ElozSKJgBkHPBP65bqwiDmLrC_HRLap5SikSzpEMI/s1600/treebound+bluffs+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBP_OAMBHIskud-VQmZ6PTo_Sk5NbQEUn4V1bZK_4WDSkkoGE99bchvBVwNYCzSvO5XRvZMKdjx-IJZGe7QW_VxxYEK2o9avEN8ElozSKJgBkHPBP65bqwiDmLrC_HRLap5SikSzpEMI/s640/treebound+bluffs+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Dog training tip o' the day: Good advice on good training takes a while to take effect. Don't dismiss a method or methodology after failure to prompt change in the short term. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It takes time for behaviour to change, especially when first the behaviour of the handler needs to change to create change in the dog. I know from personal experience that it's easy to grow discouraged and possibly suspect</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> that the advice received is incorrect for your personal set of circumstances. However, before deciding to move on from a strategy, make sure to give it a fair try first.<br /><br />I remember years ago when still very much a novice trainer and Cohen still a young dog that I was having trouble with reduction in the quality of attention and leash behaviour immediately after rewarding Cohen for good behaviour. I turned to some acquaintances to help troubleshoot the issue and one of the pieces of advice offered was to offer a series of rewards in quick succession at random intervals to encourage sustained attention. I tried it for a week or two, didn't see much improvement and shelved working on it for a while after growing discouraged and demotivated. Now, well, I have great sustained attention, and I owe it largely to that advice. It just took a while for the picture to become clear. If anyone would ask me for advice on the issue the words I would offer would mirror those that I received years ago with the added caveat of "don't give up!".<br /><br />The memory of demotivation and "well maybe it's just not going to work for us" is still clear in my mind. For those of you who ever feel similarly, time and consistency are often the two missing ingredients to creating change. Keep at it, and try not to be discouraged.<br /><br /><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/dttotd" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">#dttotd</a></span>Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-29871145939025733732015-11-19T07:25:00.002-08:002015-11-19T07:25:59.794-08:00Dog training tip o' the day: Train smarter, not harder.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkK2PIw5Ys4qyizFGgSqWRFaG-vHptxKoM2I4gKqWAOPucB60o8gVVbCjmNNghqWfZ5AmhH_w-mZYm-2mDO1BFiMEwhJmdj4W4XeGA4B_VR5r_NGWUF5QK2HR8x-BrNiEkuuEKusVvTU/s1600/11145215_1634639253490117_9171066317428589048_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkK2PIw5Ys4qyizFGgSqWRFaG-vHptxKoM2I4gKqWAOPucB60o8gVVbCjmNNghqWfZ5AmhH_w-mZYm-2mDO1BFiMEwhJmdj4W4XeGA4B_VR5r_NGWUF5QK2HR8x-BrNiEkuuEKusVvTU/s400/11145215_1634639253490117_9171066317428589048_o.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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Dog training tip o' the day: Train smarter, not harder.</div>
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The best dog trainers in the world are able to get phenominal performances out of their dogs. Their dedication to their craft is commendable and awe-inspiring. Perhaps surprisingly, they do not spend all day training their dogs.</div>
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Great trainers' training sessions are often no longer than five minutes.</div>
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Great trainers normally enter their training sessions a plan as to how they will work to improve a selection of behaviours.</div>
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Great trainers do not drill behaviours repeatedly, ad nauseam.</div>
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Great trainers keep written and/or visual records of their work to track progress and help better prepare subsequent training sessions.</div>
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Great trainers ensure that their dogs have a solid understanding of foundation behaviours before moving on to something advanced.</div>
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Great trainers do not reward substandard behaviours because if they do, behaviours will remain substandard.</div>
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Great trainers know when to end a session and to ignore the allure of "just one more...".</div>
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Great training is as much art as it is science, and very few people are able to reach the upper echelons in a given sport. We may never get there. However, we can learn from those who have. We can take these lessons and apply them to our own training and move just a little closer to becoming great ourselves.</div>
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Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-60135615400719360132015-10-23T08:35:00.000-07:002015-10-23T08:35:19.804-07:00OMG. Meditation!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/StyT_YXfEhc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/StyT_YXfEhc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
We shot some footage for a commercial at the start of September and it was just released this week. Pretty neat!<br />
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Training the eye close (in reality, just a blink) was a challenge. It was nice to have a project to work towards in the weeks leading up to the shoot. It was also stressful as I would try a few different things only to find our progress unsatisfactory.<br />
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Good dog! Yay meditation!<br />
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Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-5467768182908622622015-09-22T07:25:00.002-07:002015-09-22T07:25:15.746-07:00Ode To A Blown Coat, a poem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfAVV3b1CaecDc70VktASeCjZx97uWqI6hvilaS2BcG7vBubhIRFQtcchkoaXjKNLmWZ4VTcU-ULJVUnvcZBwbDodm1G1FZwFvK5X4sy_iusx8t0y-lumVjUCMTeNmIeFFdJlLwW2fQ0/s1600/12045601_1633054400315269_2645659089870525255_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfAVV3b1CaecDc70VktASeCjZx97uWqI6hvilaS2BcG7vBubhIRFQtcchkoaXjKNLmWZ4VTcU-ULJVUnvcZBwbDodm1G1FZwFvK5X4sy_iusx8t0y-lumVjUCMTeNmIeFFdJlLwW2fQ0/s640/12045601_1633054400315269_2645659089870525255_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Ode To A Blown Coat</span></b><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This is a poem about dogs who blow coat.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(Poodle owners, this is where you can gloat).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">If you’re lucky it’s twice,</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />Or if you’re not, then it’s thrice<br />Per annum when all dog fur floats.<br /><br />It creeps up on you slowly at first,<br />And it moves from bad then to worse.<br />You move room to room,<br />With your vacuum and broom,<br />But the roaming fur can’t be reversed.<br /><br />In corners, fur tumbleweeds hide.<br />And the dander, it flies into your eyes!<br />Clothes are carefully chosen<br />To match the fur interwoven<br />Into all that you keep stored inside.<br /><br />Dogs' coats soon look modestly bare,<br />Matching the slight disrepair<br />Of your home and your floors<br />Of your couches and doors,<br />And ev’rything still covered in hair.<br /><br />“Why do you do it?” they cry!<br />“Endure the stress and the sty?”<br />...Our dogs are our hearts<br />And we don't wish to part.<br />The fur is a gift to remember them by. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I'm getting devoured in fur right now, so I decided to write a poem to memorialize this trying time of year. This is a little reminder that I am a dog trainer, not a poet. But, hey, fun! </span>Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-17009171789097120352015-07-14T09:59:00.000-07:002015-11-19T07:26:38.166-08:00Dog training tip o' the day: "How long should I use treats for reinforcement?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVZDEKsYhRr9pu6BBwhiUvJsg20qdOzjryaFC1t8tOyejI8VyEAZaFI0WbcnxvIEyJ8tV13ucvgSNQwooUNkM04bPMD7SR6Dp1JkvBCWRE9sdpvwD1sf24hu8C0so0q3Z7ImaagIiA1g/s1600/Cohen+-+hike+edit+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVZDEKsYhRr9pu6BBwhiUvJsg20qdOzjryaFC1t8tOyejI8VyEAZaFI0WbcnxvIEyJ8tV13ucvgSNQwooUNkM04bPMD7SR6Dp1JkvBCWRE9sdpvwD1sf24hu8C0so0q3Z7ImaagIiA1g/s640/Cohen+-+hike+edit+%25281%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Dog training tip o' the day: "How long should I use treats for reinforcement?"<br />
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This is a question that gets asked a lot when training dogs. Obviously you don't want to ever have to be reliant on treats whenever you need to ask your dog to do something. Many a trainer has weighed in on how best to ensure your dog's behaviour be reliable regardless of whether you have a pocketful of chicken or not.<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> I feel like there's another question underneath the first, which is,<br /><br />"How long should I be reinforcing to my dog?"<br /><br />People use treats for dog training because they are a primary reinforcer, that is, they are intrinsically valuable to a dog. They all need to eat, and most enjoy eating a great deal. But food is not the only reinforcer available to you -- there's play, praise, access to the environment and more. I almost always start training with food due to its intrinsic strength, but if food was the only reinforcer available in a trainer's arsenal then the trainer would find themselves very limited indeed.<br /><br />The way I look at training is that you use a high degree of reinforcement to lay the groundwork for behaviours, ideally so much so that they become ingrained in a dog's behaviour patterns. For instance, when I ask Cohen to sit she complies almost instantly, and almost subconsciously -- we have done so many drills that compliance is almost guaranteed. Once that initial groundwork is laid then I'm granted more variety in the way which I choose to approach reinforcement, but I will Always. Reinforce. My Dog.<br /><br />There is a constant mathematical formula running in my head evaluating where my dog is being reinforced and by how much. (Remember, behaviour that is reinforced is more likely to be repeated.) Is going after that scrap of garbage more rewarding than listening to me? What about running after that squirrel? What about that small child smeared with ice cream? The jogger? The puppy? These mental calculations may sound like a lot of work, but they're easier than they seem, especially with practice. Then I choose the appropriate type of reward for the situation.<br /><br />This is where training and having a good relationship with your dog really shines. Training is the ultimate bonding experience. It teaches both you and your dog to communicate with one another and strengthens that special relationship that exists between a person and their four-legged best friend.<br /><br />As you spend more quality time with your dog you become intrinsically rewarding to them. Your dog will look to you for guidance and feedback because that is the pattern you've created over the months and years of hard work. If your pup is anything like Cohen, she will enjoy spending time with you and earning your attention because listening to you is both entertaining and fun. And if your pup is not like mine yet you can certainly create this type of relationship if you're dedicated to building it.<br /><br />This to me is the true payoff for training. All that time spent running drills for off-leash recalls and heeling eventually pay off by teaching both you and your dog how to listen to each other, and more importantly enjoy doing so. My presence is rewarding to my dog just the same way her presence is rewarding to me.<br /><br />So, let's again look at the question, "How long should I be reinforcing for my dog?" By now I'm sure it's obvious what my answer is. You should plan to always be reinforcing to your dog.<br /><br />When you first get your unruly puppy it might be tough to win out over all the distractions of the world without waving a piece of tripe in front of your dog's nose. You'll find yourself frustrated and wondering if you'll have to rely on these methods forever. But through being consistent and building up a relationship with your dog (ideally one free of intimidation and physical punishment) you'll find that less and less you'll have to struggle to keep your dog's attention. It's a beautiful day when you realize that your dog is voluntarily giving you her attention because she wants to and enjoys doing so. Building this reaction is a lifelong process and is probably the most worthwhile pursuit in building a relationship with your dog.<br /><br />Of course, everyone enjoys the occasionally cookie too.</span></div>
Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-84407785670403897052015-07-07T09:57:00.001-07:002015-11-19T07:27:10.396-08:00Dog training tip o' the day: Punishment will shut down behaviour but it may not address the underlying cause. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiIC9VHZJoRWv7VR-I1UfIG9MXbZUBDOljCXY6GlLF2Zl3Vn4vPKrP2A3O8AkWwepH4LuLlET4ue2dvq3s3GvkNfHXGAP3aENAGZ1pxOvoN-eT75JCgzA8uvv0R71R5dNMMRMuSGw0LA/s1600/11540831_1607971362823573_1020020683192431080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiIC9VHZJoRWv7VR-I1UfIG9MXbZUBDOljCXY6GlLF2Zl3Vn4vPKrP2A3O8AkWwepH4LuLlET4ue2dvq3s3GvkNfHXGAP3aENAGZ1pxOvoN-eT75JCgzA8uvv0R71R5dNMMRMuSGw0LA/s640/11540831_1607971362823573_1020020683192431080_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Dog training tip o' the day: Punishment will shut down behaviour but it may not address the underlying cause. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Imagine you have a pot of water on the stove. The heat is turned on beneath it and gradually the water begins to boil. Then the water begins to boil over. "No problem," you say, "I'll solve the problem of the overflowing water by putting a lid on the pot!" The lid solves the immediate pr</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">oblem of water spilling out of the pot. However the heat underneath is still on and the water continues to boil. You just can't see it. Eventually the water boils over again, more strongly this time. The lid rattles, hot water pours out and you have a mess on your hands from a problem that you thought you'd previously fixed. Turns out you only masked your problem temporarily.<br /><br />Now, to apply this to dogs, imagine you're walking your pup down the street and she sees another dog approaching. She barks, growls and lunges. You're displeased with this behaviour and don't want it to happen again (so embarrassing!) so you punish your dog by jerking the leash and telling her to knock it off to stop the behaviour. This may get her to snap out of her threat display, but it doesn't address the underlying issue. It doesn't turn the heat off under the pot, it just puts a lid on it. Your dog is likely still anxious (and may in fact be more anxious now since the leash correction and reprimand was pretty unpleasant too). That anxiety is the heat below the pot which is causing the explosive behaviour. </span>Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-55351023785104041602014-10-28T07:23:00.001-07:002014-10-28T07:23:15.230-07:00Amazing Dog Tricks brought to you by Cohen the Australian Shepherd<div>
I made a video! It was originally going to be to mark Cohen's 5th birthday, but I missed that deadline by a couple months. Whoops! But anyways, we had a lot of fun filming this video. It would mean a lot to me if you watched it, and shared it if you were so inclined. Happy clicking!</div>
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http://youtu.be/qftdlZngzgo</div>
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Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-18032338413243780382011-08-08T19:18:00.000-07:002011-08-08T19:20:32.834-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unfortunately<a href="http://ci-da.blogspot.com/2011/08/life-keeps-throwing-curveballs.html"> it's cancer</a>. So here's a photo of a puppy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLjWJaHSro17pwVdEHpjdFSh-Sph5wzzKB9mbYtHdlAQh86XuuWlJdYD-_TMLxWU2tGkZtRgS6NN4AILLoXf6WE4JbLXEkwq_YSO_TQcHOkcUTXb7bvbCcOA3qWzFslZ0o_7NSaebUQc/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLjWJaHSro17pwVdEHpjdFSh-Sph5wzzKB9mbYtHdlAQh86XuuWlJdYD-_TMLxWU2tGkZtRgS6NN4AILLoXf6WE4JbLXEkwq_YSO_TQcHOkcUTXb7bvbCcOA3qWzFslZ0o_7NSaebUQc/s400/DSC_0024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puppy cancer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After having lost my mother to cancer 5 years ago the diagnosis is pretty frightening. All told I'm doing well. I'm just relieved to at least finally have a diagnosis. Now we can actually DO something about it. Keep calm and carry on, right?Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-66431150691178810492011-08-07T08:28:00.000-07:002011-08-07T08:29:37.419-07:00Life keeps throwing curveballsThis past week has been a bit surreal. My father has been in the hospital since last Tuesday, and it's scaring the crap out of me.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>He was ill with what we thought might be bronchitis. He lost his voice two weeks ago. He went to his doctor for some meds on Tuesday, was diagnosed with an elevated heart rate and a mystery lung issue. The heart rate is being medicated, but they've not as of yet diagnosed the lung/throat issue, and they've requested he stay for tests and monitoring. Basically it could be an infection, or it could be cancer. And all the blood cultures taken have come back negative to date... </div><div><br />
</div><div>So I've been stressed, to say the least. I never thought I'd wish so hard for an infection to be diagnosed.</div><div><br />
</div><div>To keep with the topic of the blog and to cheer myself up a bit, here's a photo of my dad the day we picked Cohen out of the litter.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVBm_gY_AsqKdyEUEiVlTB0v6S5_e6GdH-nMR-8oXDKMBm2sU_ncXBTe-pI_NTYsukWu3fSQAZ-riHJjuB4egCvVpv6AJRs8byeUumuvXshQ0DdLLQotNm6sjCT-fNF19hYBDfpPeKqQ/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVBm_gY_AsqKdyEUEiVlTB0v6S5_e6GdH-nMR-8oXDKMBm2sU_ncXBTe-pI_NTYsukWu3fSQAZ-riHJjuB4egCvVpv6AJRs8byeUumuvXshQ0DdLLQotNm6sjCT-fNF19hYBDfpPeKqQ/s640/DSC_0018.JPG" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always though this photo had a Madonna-esque feel to it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div>Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-19691956791842224592011-08-05T04:03:00.000-07:002011-08-05T04:03:01.271-07:00Photo Friday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrcL3mXqnfKoGWdshj_ekrO-07atWKviCNEpFffpu-IjBlF2VCSvpv6FKYhaPxUMTF3FTUOX9dGTBUDkUrhRfg2uZI9xHbPxiVS_1Q4FeCCPRmOr70Wx7hLONyZ0slgpgz-8dRxfJxZg/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrcL3mXqnfKoGWdshj_ekrO-07atWKviCNEpFffpu-IjBlF2VCSvpv6FKYhaPxUMTF3FTUOX9dGTBUDkUrhRfg2uZI9xHbPxiVS_1Q4FeCCPRmOr70Wx7hLONyZ0slgpgz-8dRxfJxZg/s640/DSC_0034.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's hot, but she's happy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-20972802007954430792011-08-02T19:21:00.000-07:002011-08-02T19:23:15.669-07:00Boarded!I was out of town for a wedding this weekend, and just about anyone who could have watched Cohen was out of town with me. So we boarded her.<br />
<br />
As I've said before (a lot), Cohen is not an easy dog. She's rambunctious, loud, and has a history of guarding food and toys from other dogs. While talking with the woman who was boarding her, I stressed this... a lot. I wanted to make sure that she knew what she was getting in to before she was stuck with my dog while I was out of the city for five days. Better safe than sorry and all that.<br />
<br />
Well, it turns out apparently I was worried over nothing.<br />
<br />
I got Cohen back this morning. Apparently she did really well. She was fine with all the other dogs, large and small alike. Apparently her barking was under control. And most noteworthy to me, there were no reports of guarding (all food and toys were carefully controlled). The only vague negative was that Cohen could "get a bit silly"... your guess is as good as mine as for what that might mean. All in all, it was a success.<br />
<br />
All this gives me hope that Cohen and Chihuahua-Megatron will coexist peacefully when Adrian and I finally move in. Of course this won't completely stop my worrying, but it'll lessen it. At least for a little while.Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-14268644642429203002011-07-27T05:55:00.000-07:002011-07-27T06:12:55.064-07:00Diefenbaker<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-eX_Y40kA4CT3K8XcjKtT8R1PymFT1GwJT8W_pCMQ_eqJcGemTO6Zvs5AM_2EOJnX5Cug2Mk6e6DhdT1zPENWRgPz6lCGfYAgKgipuhPoXrbBuf878Xszx8QdJm32Rq-5fbclo9I-dQ/s1600/dief+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-eX_Y40kA4CT3K8XcjKtT8R1PymFT1GwJT8W_pCMQ_eqJcGemTO6Zvs5AM_2EOJnX5Cug2Mk6e6DhdT1zPENWRgPz6lCGfYAgKgipuhPoXrbBuf878Xszx8QdJm32Rq-5fbclo9I-dQ/s320/dief+snow.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">This is Diefenbaker, or Dief (pronounced Deef) for short. He was my family's first dog. We did everything wrong with him because we didn't know any better.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He was another Australian Shepherd. When we first met him we had no idea what an Australian Shepherd was (<i>uhoh</i>). We saw an ad in a local newspaper (<i>ohno</i>) when we were at our cottage near Lakefield, went out to check out the litter from a pair of farm dogs with no health testing (<i>ohmy</i>). As we were driving up for the first time my mother mutters, "Those are the ugliest dogs I've ever seen."</div><br />
We met the dam and the dam's sister, and the litter. The farmer suggested we take the tiny ball of fur chilling in the back since "he'd be the type of dog your girls could dress up." We came back a few weeks later to bring him home with us.<br />
<br />
Cue 12 wonderful (if a bit clueless) years with this really fabulous dog. Despite doing everything so wrong, things turned out pretty right. He never learned how to walk at heel (we never learned how to teach him, more accurately), he would terrorize our cats, and didn't like other dogs in his personal space. But he was relaxed, very even tempered, and A Very Good Dog.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsP13WToi807culyceXveVRL0hWCu7WZd9f5lnIFqBBhdLz0bL4lw91Vb0orBZS066v_KRU8V7pxXmTL1Lu3PtIqcXm6wVAjO7plX-HWOmEkkyKzKX50FrZynn6_4qDYV4wcUcggkUUg/s1600/DSC_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsP13WToi807culyceXveVRL0hWCu7WZd9f5lnIFqBBhdLz0bL4lw91Vb0orBZS066v_KRU8V7pxXmTL1Lu3PtIqcXm6wVAjO7plX-HWOmEkkyKzKX50FrZynn6_4qDYV4wcUcggkUUg/s640/DSC_0406.JPG" width="429" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dief about 5 months old.<br />
My sister around 10. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>He was unusually laid back, especially for an Aussie. I don't think my family could have handled much more. He was also overweight (which I really regret). He was a deep chested dog with a pretty dramatic tuck-up, so again, due to ignorance and him not looking like a sausage, we thought he was just fine. A few days ago I chatted with a neighbour while out with Cohen and the neighbour remarked how fit Cohen was, and chuckled, "not like Dief!" Man, I didn't think he was that chunky. Oh my. Embarrassing.<br />
<br />
The week he died was a strange one. He seemed fine one day, and a bit sick the next. Three days (and three vet visits) later he was put down. During those days I hand fed him his meals since he wouldn't touch them on his own. At first we thought it was discomfort from arthritis (apparently the x-rays showed that his hips were in significantly worse condition than we thought), but there ended up being a deeper, more significant issue.<br />
<br />
My dad was out of town, and my mom had died a few years prior, so it was just my sister and I in the vet's office when he went. It was a very surreal, very sad experience. He was sweet and compliant up until the end.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSW7f5HcOAk6M6G3oH-tN_KLGepcZjSwqFw30DXJE58ekmDk8eB9LfaMRYSGW-HxGjg7-jFQ2HaPKoEYfv30DsQRSxGuofxZTCjM0wmtUfqWvNwP6ZDNbgmPDQcpxvtov-gvECzqJd10/s1600/dog+in+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSW7f5HcOAk6M6G3oH-tN_KLGepcZjSwqFw30DXJE58ekmDk8eB9LfaMRYSGW-HxGjg7-jFQ2HaPKoEYfv30DsQRSxGuofxZTCjM0wmtUfqWvNwP6ZDNbgmPDQcpxvtov-gvECzqJd10/s400/dog+in+hat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The type of dog the girls could dress up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
He really set the stage for Cohen, who luckily hasn't had to suffer through nearly as much of our ignorance. I sometimes forget what it's like to just have a nice family dog (as opposed to a furry ball of energy who feeds off attention like a vampire). It's really all you need. Everything else is just gravy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjxS5jZI3WPd8jBXZ6qeF6mSXsdxFcBNBqVWJwAZxIXZcCn9E6LnT9R75QMkPJlduirGoM34pmDRUPWNK_s03EROBCgpk8qlNdDnV0UvLeFSqPVhCFVy-8jFieGPV8EDF91fPYwCzvxg/s1600/n172010407_37446632_1187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjxS5jZI3WPd8jBXZ6qeF6mSXsdxFcBNBqVWJwAZxIXZcCn9E6LnT9R75QMkPJlduirGoM34pmDRUPWNK_s03EROBCgpk8qlNdDnV0UvLeFSqPVhCFVy-8jFieGPV8EDF91fPYwCzvxg/s400/n172010407_37446632_1187.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are we having a good time? </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
He's been on my mind a lot lately, so I thought I'd share a bit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4wGhuAjefXHAoMlAy4t-VwRcM-MpLYELekDMg7oEanCjaF4q2SW2_lmNSYaMO2nvg3dyJDfUmSwGOm1nD3Z6CuGC6HpLqzfs0te8zEokrzXhw7FgJP4mgiHJDuKcvGxIvYhHMsadd04/s1600/dief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4wGhuAjefXHAoMlAy4t-VwRcM-MpLYELekDMg7oEanCjaF4q2SW2_lmNSYaMO2nvg3dyJDfUmSwGOm1nD3Z6CuGC6HpLqzfs0te8zEokrzXhw7FgJP4mgiHJDuKcvGxIvYhHMsadd04/s640/dief.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glasses make the man.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">It's probably no coincidence that in just about all my favourite photos of Dief he was wearing some sort of article of clothing. He was a funny looking guy.</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFnd0lum4w79DKYTfVcAmkWO_YFJ8bd815unrRyVsBbYzF4ugyyEE53jZHXdhyphenhyphenE3usLlrjVUAy4cZSazyPB00CKmDvT99C-XTYBuVKZjPSr7fycVp2816zOzQ1bMJWqMGRwZOeN2yP78/s1600/n172006413_36680397_5724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFnd0lum4w79DKYTfVcAmkWO_YFJ8bd815unrRyVsBbYzF4ugyyEE53jZHXdhyphenhyphenE3usLlrjVUAy4cZSazyPB00CKmDvT99C-XTYBuVKZjPSr7fycVp2816zOzQ1bMJWqMGRwZOeN2yP78/s1600/n172006413_36680397_5724.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dief after an unplanned dip in the lake pre-canoe trip.<br />
Upon showing his prowess in the water we quickly fitted <br />
him with a lifejacket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-90257957424300957072011-07-26T08:53:00.000-07:002011-08-02T11:59:49.158-07:00Docked<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGnWDOYtklkCK5kuvZZ7dTDMHPTc-LiyyW1GD84WN9_KKlCJQa2DfCi1BPtKJDo27yfbKONQ9IwxT8uILaykahuF1-dNzeKEQD1pkdaWpgdI44mZjejhidsJUvpx23ysHAU-TuMVUWAQ/s1600/DSC_0084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGnWDOYtklkCK5kuvZZ7dTDMHPTc-LiyyW1GD84WN9_KKlCJQa2DfCi1BPtKJDo27yfbKONQ9IwxT8uILaykahuF1-dNzeKEQD1pkdaWpgdI44mZjejhidsJUvpx23ysHAU-TuMVUWAQ/s320/DSC_0084.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No tail. Not a lot of brains either.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lately I've been thinking a lot about Cohen's tail, or lack thereof.<br />
<br />
The breed standard of the Australian Shepherd calls for either a naturally bobbed tail, or cropped, not to exceed 4 inches in length. These days it's largely customary and aesthetic, but historically it was meant to delineate working dogs from pets (working dogs were not taxed by the government), and to avoid fur getting tangled in brambles and burs.<br />
<br />
As well as the dock, Cohen has had her front dewclaws removed (again, as required by the breed standard). It's done mostly to give the front foot a clean appearance, and save the dog from potentially tearing it and injuring itself. (It's not uncommon for dewclaws to be attached rather loosely, and they're prone to injury.)<br />
<br />
While I've met many people who are upset that some dogs have their tails docked, I've never been particularly bothered by it. The dogs never seem particularly bothered by it either, and I admit it's nice to not have to worry about a wayward wag clearing off my coffee table.<br />
<br />
The dewclaw removal has bothered me more. Cohen has two furless patches where the dewclaws once were, and the lack of fur acting as protection means that she's prone to knocking the area while running. She often has tiny scabs there. I've also read that without a dewclaw offering stability in the foot, the way the body compensates for it can lead to tendon issues down the road. And while dewclaws often seem unused, they become important when a dog is taking tight turns at high speeds. Definitely not ideal in a sporting dog.<br />
<br />
Speaking of tight turns, dogs use their tails as ballast while running. I'm concerned that the dock automatically handicaps Cohen in this regard. I'm sure she'll perform just fine, but could it be better? I don't know. If you've watched the agility fun match video I posted yesterday, Cohen makes a faceplant shortly after she was released from the start line, as she was asked to make a tight turn into the chute. Would she have fallen if she were<i> au natural? </i><br />
<br />
I tried so hard to follow proper Dog Purchase Protocol when I got Cohen. If I had to do it over again, I think I would have to really think about whether I was comfortable docking a potential sport dog. I think Cohen will be successful regardless, and I'm confident she'll live a long happy life. Luckily another sport dog is a long, long way off so I've got plenty of time to think about.<br />
<br />
What about you? What are your thoughts on docking? Do you think your opinion would be different if you had (or didn't have) a breed who was customarily docked?Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-22356798384337562342011-07-25T05:31:00.000-07:002011-07-25T12:32:57.514-07:00Fun match videoTurns out I lied - I am going to post a video of our run yesterday. As I said, the plethora of rewards serve as pretty severe interruptions to the flow of the course, but we're still in the early stages of it all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><object height="390" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GlB_UF1z21k?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GlB_UF1z21k?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="390" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<br />
I think once Cohen has a better generalization of contacts and her overall confidence increases her speed will increase significantly. As it stands now, well, I dunno.Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524257026596846455.post-77247722498552090202011-07-24T14:30:00.000-07:002011-07-25T05:55:35.167-07:00Yeah, we do 'gility.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukqo5aJ4xa-cbBvgi__-UaTOjRkHYHXTtYmyxt8UENVpL8EEvJyju86WI7dFJLvRXUePA5omRxDP1tWZcNTfcUNZ87uBe00mi5Xsi_lYkroI1nJ_VuOgWseoT7pQhJfh7zP2ISAv2YUg/s1600/DSC_0011a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukqo5aJ4xa-cbBvgi__-UaTOjRkHYHXTtYmyxt8UENVpL8EEvJyju86WI7dFJLvRXUePA5omRxDP1tWZcNTfcUNZ87uBe00mi5Xsi_lYkroI1nJ_VuOgWseoT7pQhJfh7zP2ISAv2YUg/s640/DSC_0011a.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking particularly calm in her crate at our fun match.</td></tr>
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Unfortunately I don't have any action photos. I have some video of our runs, but since they're instructional, with lots breaks in the action and mistakes they're not particularly interesting to watch.<br />
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Today was the second trip out to <a href="http://www.daytripperdogtraining.com/">Daytripper Dog Training</a>. I sign up for their instructional fun matches -- 4 different courses with toys and food allowed in the ring, plus a walkthrough and handling tips by a judge. It's a great way to spend a day out with friends and dogs, and a fabulous learning opportunity.<br />
<br />
The courses are designed at roughly the starters level with a few more challenging bits thrown in. It's a great prep for September's potential trial.<br />
<br />
Today was filled with a lot more good than bad. Here's a summary:<br />
<br />
<b>The Good</b><br />
<ul><li>Cohen is working well at a distance from me.</li>
<li>Her contacts were much (much much) improved from last time (still not perfect, but better).</li>
<li>Her focus-front is pretty good, with room for improvement.</li>
<li>I managed to shape/lure her into the pool. She wasn't a big fan, but the water kept her perfectly cool despite the sun's heat.</li>
<li>Her jump form is nice and tidy. </li>
<li>Her teeter was great! She was almost all the way to the other end before the bang, and stuck her contacts like a pro. </li>
<li>Between runs she was much less whiny than the last time.</li>
<li>Her focus on me in the ring walking up to the first jump is adorable -- in a perfect heel, excited and ready to go.</li>
<li>She is tugging really well around other dogs.</li>
<li>She greeted other dogs at the trial politely. </li>
<li>Peeing on cue is just about the most handy thing I've ever taught her.</li>
<li>I'm really learning to trust Cohen more. I can simply point her at a line of equipment and have confidence that she'll take each properly.</li>
<li>Cohen's unusually focused on fetching when we're at Daytripper, and a few good throws are a great way to take her edge off between runs.</li>
<li>Cohen is a big hit there. People are always complimenting her to me: she's pretty, she's soft, she's fit, she's improving... :)</li>
</ul><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>The Bad</b><br />
<ul><li>Cohen got tangled in the chute and misjudged the following jump, tripping over it and knocking it around. Luckily she's pretty resilient (both physically and mentally) and suffered no lasting damage.</li>
<li>Cohen knocked a bar or two (in addition to the tumble) during the day.</li>
<li>She seems to be weaker weaving on my right side -- she popped out at the 10th pole a few times, and missed others. </li>
<li>Her table seemed unusually rusty. She didn't seem to put a lot of effort into sticking it. Maybe she was feeling some discomfort? I need to remember to decelerate in advance as well.</li>
<li>I got lost on a few of the courses, and mis-labelled an obstacle or two. (Chute =/= tunnel)</li>
</ul><br />
I went up with my friend Kat and her Ridgeback Kiki. Kat's a bit newer to agility than I, but is coming along really well. She's still struggling with contacts and motivation. Sometimes I wonder what it's like to have a dog who actually gets tired.<br />
<br />
Both dogs were thoroughly passed out on the ride home, and it's 6p.m. and Cohen is still sleeping. Maybe I won't have to walk her tonight after all.<br />
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Oh hey, more not-action photos!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ezC9MVurBuA84lgU0Y9D6yqzhQQ6JjGXwX2P1ItGml5SGgAm18M4gG4Rq_pNrIzFxrU850_f0fUKF-uqnyBjpoapjLm0WwZohyusLpBmkJXhT12RjvTCr-OghcUFB6nu7b24dOLLgG0/s1600/DSC_0007a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ezC9MVurBuA84lgU0Y9D6yqzhQQ6JjGXwX2P1ItGml5SGgAm18M4gG4Rq_pNrIzFxrU850_f0fUKF-uqnyBjpoapjLm0WwZohyusLpBmkJXhT12RjvTCr-OghcUFB6nu7b24dOLLgG0/s400/DSC_0007a.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiki and Cohen taking a break.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6arRRc-_AZK3cmgHKBhn91wtBny0A2-GXCC3F7C0TK4ykfSw9dLw6zJmq_GtepwzhuCH0-6fg7YvMF5Gy9GRgVCUYjK2ZQQavhqMInsQjDzZk0x6GRcIk7y0DXkOACKHBIewFlnqgnTM/s1600/DSC_0010a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6arRRc-_AZK3cmgHKBhn91wtBny0A2-GXCC3F7C0TK4ykfSw9dLw6zJmq_GtepwzhuCH0-6fg7YvMF5Gy9GRgVCUYjK2ZQQavhqMInsQjDzZk0x6GRcIk7y0DXkOACKHBIewFlnqgnTM/s400/DSC_0010a.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Could you say no to this face?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ci Dahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193590359905966556noreply@blogger.com1