A day in the life...

Bailey and I have been slowly getting back into the groove of working together. Now that he is two, well time we resumed with training and a few tricks. As they say...life happens...or in Bailey and my case health issues.

The dog learns... once the handler "gets" it.
Many of the mistakes a dog makes during a training session is due to the handlers mis-communication with the dog. If you watch our video...today I started working with Bailey to get into the bin (yeah, there is a reason for this ).
I started out using a kennel lead to help him along...placing him where I wanted him to be. I also used a clicker to mark wanted behavior. Once I started holding the camera, well things did not go as smoothly. With camera in one hand, ball in the other to lure, no kennel lead for I was out of hands and holding the bin so it would not topple....and of course bad hands. There was just no way to use the clicker... Sloppy to start but we will both improve our skills with our daily practice.

The images tell the tale and breaks all he has to learn...positioning. The best way to get in is head on, not off at an angle. Learning to get in....effortlessly...we will work at it...and getting out....he has this down. Of course the reason he does it....a toss of the ball is a wonderful reward.
Notice how I was using his ball to lure and as his reward!!!




I find making use of the video helps teach you to be a better trainer....though I suggest having a helper, or in my case using a tripod (we shall see about that).
In my case... I really need to work through how to manage with bad hands, and forget how I used to do things...which is very frustrating for me....and Bailey to sometimes learn new things. There is a 100 ways to get it done....Bailey and I will find our way...together!





So...back tracking where we left off. We are in major need of distractions. Training will consist of traveling about...practicing our sit, down and stays....of course heeling with distractions will be a huge challenge for him. Also...working around other dogs as part of our distractions.



With the cooler temps there is just no reason to not work with him. Slowly agility equipment will be moved from Atlanta to Fl. For that helps to improve attention, and is also so much fun for both dog and handler.



Happy training !



"To err is human,to forgive canine. ”

A Dogs ABC's

We are surrounded in our daily lives by creepie crawlies...some scary and some, not so much. My images show just a couple of the creepie crawlies that can be found in our yard on a daily basis. Above, the banana spider...or Golden Silk. they do bite, though the most that will happen is a welt...that I am aware of anyway. I make sure to walk the yard when we are out and about and if I run across a web that is anywhere the dogs will be...I remove it. Thus forcing the spider to move elsewhere.




Now, like many I am not crazy about snakes and would very much prefer if they understood boundaries....as in the fence is there to keep them out. They don't and here in FL there are several that are poisonous. The above....I am guessing to be a pygmy rattler...and yes...poisonous.
Hey....if I am wrong about the type of snake please do correct me.

Sadly...these snakes can hide pretty well...as this one did. While out with pooper scooper in hand I stepped over it, as did the dogs sniff it before realizing what it was. Dogs were told leave it....and inside. Now...I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and have never happened across a snake...so my knowledge of them is....well not enough.

I placed a dog toy near it (by tossing rather then walking up to it) so as I knew the exact location, then left it alone for I was not sure if alive or dead. Later on...it was gone. I am so much more of a "brave" individual with a camera in hand...and did manage this one pic.

the dogs and I were indeed very lucky. I recommend all those living in areas with snakes to be aware of First Aid for your dog...just in case....and of course teaching recall (here or come) and leave it until your dogs are proficient with these commands.

If like me you live in an area that has it's fair share of these scary creepie crawlies....be aware. Have a safety plan for your dogs to help keep them safe...or an emergency plan. Keep grass low, bushes trimmed...fencing to keep your "curious" dogs away from certain areas. Enjoy your space...just as we do (shown below)...just be aware of creepie crawlies and things that go bump in the night!


The pack enjoying a Beautiful Fall day!
For those interested in viewing the video...sorry...i usually do not add music to any videos added here....so, scroll down and turn off the site music otherwise it will be very annoying!

Creepie Crawlies...

Time has gone by way too quickly.
It feels as though just yesterday I was making my way north to pick up my furry little....yes little, puppy Bailey.




Two years....two years old. He is a Big Dog now....still, such a puppy spirit. While it may seem crazy to some...we did take the time to acknowledge his special day. Lots of pampering and hugs throughout the day. An adventure out and about.




Play...play and a little more play!
Pup muffin recipe:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Augstine/Rocky-Bailey/278744685697?ref=ts




What would a Birthday celebration be without a cake...or in bailey's case...Pup Muffins. Made with baby food (beef, thank you very much) stuffed with a Bi Jac treat. Paw lickin good!




Oh and Birthday hats...all birthday dogs should be made to wear one...oh and of course their friends as well...what good sports they are for they left them on while I was baking the pup muffins.




All in all....a great day. An adventure, play, presents...pup muffins and all the hugs he could handle...oh, yep...a couple of presents as well.
All four dogs are sound a sleep, no doubt dreaming of play, presents and pup muffins.

Fun was had by all!

Happy Birthday Bailey ;-)

Birthday Dog...