Evolution Boxers & Mini Bulls

LEADERSHIP CHECKLIST:

Dogs NEED leaders. They operate on a "pack" system: there are leaders and there are followers. If this system does not exist in a household, often the dog will slip into the leader spot. In their mind, SOMEBODY needs to be the leader. Although many dogs would rather not have that spot, they will still end up there. To dogs, leaders have certain roles, privileges and honors. Leaders are responsible for pack safety. Leaders are responsible for providing food and shelter sources and THEY have dibs on the BEST stuff. Leaders have the best and highest sleeping spots. Leaders decide when the rest of the pack eats, sleeps, eliminates, and plays.

Some breeds of dogs tend to be more dominant in nature. Others are more submissive or easygoing. To start out right with ALL dogs, leadership needs to begin in puppyhood. This leadership isn't nasty or violent, but it is ALWAYS firm and fair. Some behaviorists may discuss shaking a dog up or alpha rolling. These methods have a place ONLY in a fair and non-violent way, and should NEVER be started with half-grown or adult dogs. . With some dogs your leadership position is easy to have and maintain. Other dogs must be reminded daily, if not more often.

The following leadership checklist includes things every dog owner should follow. How strictly the list is followed depends on how dominant the dog is. Most of the items on the list, however, should be followed to some extent; some people don't realize how dominant their dog really is. Many dogs are quietly (or not so quietly) pushy.

Most items are very self explanatory. Most items you can start today and do yourself. If you have ANY trouble understanding anything or if your dog growls or snaps at your for any reason, you need to enlist the help of a trainer who has knowledge about leadership behavior.

Your dog will thank you for the structure and leadership you provide!

Leadership Checklist

Feed scheduled mealtimes (No free-feeding)

Feed AFTER humans eat.

Dog goes AFTER humans through doorways.

Never play tug-of-war.

If you establish eye contact, dog must avert gaze first.

Dog is NEVER allowed to bite or mouth ANYONE, ANYWHERE! (this includes play)

No sleeping on the bed with ANYONE

Petting or attention to the dog should be given when the HUMAN decides attention is to be given (absolutely NO PETTING when the dog nudges or paws you or your hand)

Puppies or small dogs who demand to be picked up and held and/or demand to be put down should not be picked up until they sit or some other acceptable quiet behavior and should not be put down until they settle quietly in your lap or in your arms.

Games with toys, especially fetch, are initiated AND ended by the human.

Never put yourself in an equal or lesser height position than your dog (i.e. - kids don't get to lay on the floor to watch TV when the dog is out and no one plays on the floor with the dog)

To go along with the above, dog is NEVER allowed on furniture, especially if uninvited.

Enforced time-outs in crate - no reason, and not used only when dog does something bad! Also not only used when you are not home.

A simple obedience command, such as "sit" should be obeyed before any pleasurable interaction (eat, pet, play, etc.)

Dog should be taught NOT to pull when on leash.

Dog should NEVER be left unsupervised with children or ANYONE who cannot maintain leadership over dog.

Dog MUST MOVE if in your path on a floor or stairway, etc. even if you are able to step over him.

When on a walk, dog must not be allowed to sniff or eliminate anywhere he wants (for males, one mark against one tree is enough!)

Everything belongs to you: the toys, the crate, the bowls, the bed, etc - they are only on loan to the dog! You should be able to clean, move, handle or remove any item at any time without hassle from the dog.

Dog should be taught an "out" or release command ("give", "release", "out") for things in his mouth. Dog should not be allowed to steal things and if that happens, they should be able to release item on command.

Pam Young LVT
Dog Behavior Consultant & Trainer
pamlvt@aol.com

We are working on our CGC awards for Duey, Vegas and Carlos. Started in 1989, CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life. We sincerely hope that CGC will be only a beginning for you and your dog and that after passing the CGC test, you'll continue training in obedience, agility, tracking, or performance events.

CGC Training/Testing
CGC Test Items:

Before taking the Canine Good Citizen test, owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge. We believe that responsible dog ownership is a key part of the CGC concept and by signing the pledge, owners agree to take care of their dog's health needs, safety, exercise, training and quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by doing things such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting dogs infringe on the rights of others.

After signing the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, owners and their dogs are ready to take the CGC Test. Items on the Canine Good Citizen Test include:

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.

Test 5: Walking through a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.

Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.

Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.

Test 10: Supervised separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g, "there, there, it's alright").

 

Does your bullie like barking at the rats at the petstore? Earthdog may be for you...

The initial test is called Introduction to Quarry and it is an instinct test for terriers and dachshunds. The behaviors tested are willingness to follow a scent to the entrance; willingness to enter a dark den; and willingness to "work" the quarry . The dog may work the caged rats by barking, digging, growling, lunging, biting at the protective bars or any work that the judge feels displays a desire to get to the quarry.

If you have rabbits or squirrels in your area, you can start your dog following the scent by taking him to places where he will have the opportunity to follow these scent trails. When you see a rabbit or squirrel run into the bushes or trees, take your dog over to the spot and quietly encouraging the dog to put his nose to the ground by patting the scent line. Once the dog shows interest in the scent, you can just see what he does. You have just taught him the most important step to qualifying in Earthdog...to recognize that you help him find the scent. Once your dog is easily dropping his nose onto the scent line when you indicate one, it is time to start him following scent into a tunnel.

You can start by building a set of 9 inch by 9 inch wooden liners (3 sided) and installing them in your yard, but if that is not feasible, you can easily build a simple set with cardboard boxes. At this stage you just want to introduce your dog to going into a dark place. Once you build a maze of tunnels with boxes you can start the dog by throwing a toy or ball in there for him to retrieve.
The official tunnels are 9 inches by 9 inches. See: http://www.akc.org/events/earthdog/index.cfm

We are also interested in the AKC Tracking Competitions for Ripley. Here is a little info on Tracking Titles with the AKC:

You've seen their pictures in the newspaper. A police department's K-9 unit dog has tracked down a criminal, or a Search and Rescue dog has found a child who was lost in the woods. These are tracking dogs and tracking is an activity that you and your dog can do while enjoying the great outdoors.

The AKC's tracking tests allow dogs to demonstrate their natural ability to recognize and follow human scent. Tracking is a fun, outdoor activity that provides great exercise, fresh air, and fun for both dogs and their owners.

Unlike Agility and Obedience events that require a dog to qualify three times to get a title, your dog only needs to complete one track successfully to earn each title. In tracking, dogs can earn the TD (Tracking Dog), TDX (Tracking Dog Excellent) and VST (Variable Surface Tracking titles. Dogs who have earned all three titles earns the prestigious title of Champion Tracker.

See University of Wisconsin site: http://www.uwsp.edu/psych/dog/work2.htm