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Week 16 Shana Training Journal 7/1/2019-7/7/2019

7/8/2019

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Week 16 Day 1 July 1 Monday:

Mudge (new) Bella (old friend not seen in awhile) Lucy (nemesis) Cujo (bff) Bandit (bff) and Brody (bff)
  1. Down stay while eating lunch 30 minutes (notes:  frisbee--shana's favorite---was near pen, she stuck the down stay but barked if anyone walked near the frisbee like bella or mudge)
  2. Activity frisbee a 10 minute session and then a five minute session (hot out).
  3. Down stay for 30 minutes again (not sure who was around)
RESULTS:  WHO KNOWS TOOK NO NOTES.   MAKES ME THINK THAT HER DOWN STAYS WERE PRETTY ON POINT THOUGH, OR I COULD HAVE MISSED SOME THINGS.  

Week 16 Day 2 July 2 Tuesday:
Mudge (new) Bella (old friend not seen in awhile) Sadie 4 (newish) Reggie (bff)  Mood:  did not write down, but I believe she was in a good relaxed mood today, though most likely stressed about the new dogs at the same time.
  1. Send between two places in yard a fair distance apart (pallet and picnic table) 10 minutes (NEW DOGGIES ON PORCH)
RESULTS:  HER SEND TO PICNIC TABLE WAS BETTER THAN HER SEND TO PALLET.   THE STAYS THERE WERE PERFECT THOUGH I DID NOT DO THEM FOR LONG.

Week 16 Day 3 July 3 Wednesday:
Mudge (new), Sadie the 4th (newish), Bella (old friend not seen in awhile), and Stella (friend gone for the winter getting reaquainted with)
  1. Couch to 5k 25 minutes (made no notes)
​Week 16 Day 4 July 4 Thursday:
Mudge (new) Sadie the 4th (newish) Bella (old friend not seen in awhile)
  1. Day off for Shana, plus I think I was feeling a little under the weather or that may have been later on
Week 16 Day 5 July 5 Friday:
Mudge (new) Sadie the 4th (new), Bella (old friend not seen in awhile) Cujo (bff) Bandit (bff)
  1. Day off for Shana, and I was still feeling sick
Week 16 Day 6 July 6 Saturday:
Mudge (new) Bella (old friend not seen in awhile last day)
  1. Day off for Shana, and I was still feeling crappish
Week 16 Day 7 July 7 Sunday:
Mudge (new) and Gator (old friend not seen since last summer)
  1. couch to 5 k 25 minutes (got startled by one dog along the way ----both of us Shana lunged---dog ran towards invisible fence boundary and took us both by surprise)
  2. Continuation of walk after couch to 5 k 1 hour 30 minutes
  3. Quiet in crate with Gator and Mudge in the room with me  1 hour (wasn't until 38 minutes that I got first 5 minutes in a row quiet then took the rest of the time to get the other three)
  4. Other activity:  got bath from Robert which she was none to pleased about
RESULTS:  SAW A LOT OF PEOPLE AND DOGS TODAY.   EXCEPT FOR THE ONE THAT STARTLED, SHANA MOSTLY IGNORED.  THERE WAS ONE CHIHUAHUA ABOUT TO BARK AT SHANA THAT ALMOST GOT HER GOING BUT SHE LISTENED.   WE GOT AN ICE CREAM IN THE MIDDLE AND SHARED.  SHANA DID SEEM TIRED HALF WAY THROUGH THE WALK, AND WHILE SHE WAS ENJOYING IT, I KNOW SHE WAS STRESSED.  EQUIPMENT:  ECOLLAR, MUZZLE, LEATHER FLAT COLLAR, LEATHER CONVERTIBLE SIX FOOT LEASH, FOOD AND ICE CREAM  WE ALSO MET FIVE OR SIX HUMANS THAT I HAD SHANA DO A TRICK FOR, THEN TREAT, SO THEY COULD THEN PET HER.  QUIET IN THE CRATE LOOKS BAD, BUT WE WERE IN ANOTHER ROOM, CLOSE QUARTERS, AND SHE HAD NO EQUIPMENT ON.   SHE WAS DEFINITELY WORRIED ABOUT GATOR, THOUGH THEY ALWAYS GO BACK TO BEING GOOD FRIENDS.   SHE USUALLY DOES NOT WARM UP OR BECOME WELCOMING ON THE FIRST DAY WHEN SO MUCH TIME GOES BY.   YOU CAN TELL SHE KNOWS HE IS FAMILIAR THOUGH.   ALSO MUDGE STARTED BARKING AT SHANA, WHICH IS HER TRIGGER.   WHEN NO ONE BARKS AT HER NOW OR CHARGES HER (I TRY TO CONTROL THE ENVIRONMENT BUT YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT DOG YOU ARE GOING TO RUN INTO OFF LEASH IN PUBLIC) IS WHEN SHE GETS UPSET NOW.  OTHERWISE, SHE DOES A GOOD JOB (AS COMPARED TO HER PAST) KEEPING IT TOGETHER AND TRUSTING ME TO KEEP THINGS SAFE.

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Week 15 Shana's Training Journal 6/24/2019-6/30/2019

6/30/2019

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PictureShana helping me gather wood one day. Not a great shot but a good memory.
Week 15 Day 1 6/24/2019 Monday:
Cujo (very good friend), Bandit (very good friend), Stella (friend), Brody (very good friend), and Lucy (nemesis) are here today.  Shana woke up raring to go and very vocal this morning.  She knew when Lucy got here, but has been in very good mood (though you can still tell she is stressed when Lucy is here)
  1. Couch to 5k with me through the neighborhood 22 minutes
  2. Frisbee and place while getting frisbee 3 minute place and 5 minute frisbee action with long throws and temp rising
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​RESULTS:  Did really well allowing me to do couch to 5 k with her.  I did have rabbit treats on board.  I also used her muzzle and leash (had ecollar on but had no need to use it).  We passed about four small dogs.   Two were on the loose, and one of those tried to approach us.   The other was a new neighborhood dog tethered but barking in their yard.  One was the beagle named, Daisy, who it looks like Shana is familiar with now.   Then the two possible grayish cairn terriers were the ones that were loose.   Owner came to get them.  Shana did get a little tense when she saw that one was trying to come up to us.  She did come back into line though. She seemed to thoroughly enjoy the walk and Frisbee play.  Plenty of chipmunks and birds landing in front of us when walking.  Shana was definitely interested in chasing but she kept the leash loose.  Overall in the walk there were very few times she put any sort of pressure on the leash.  She was just on her flat leather collar.  I did bring my stick to ward off or back off any dogs that might run up to us.   Shana did a very good job.

Week 15 Day 2 6/25/2019 Tuesday:
Greta (new), Sadie the 4th (new), and Reggie BFF here
  1. Stay in front foyer until released, then fetch pink ball out side, return, drop and back to foyer stay reps. 30 minutes
RESULTS:  I did not write anything down, which probably means she did very well.  I should have written how many times she was unsuccessful at this, but neglected too.  I did not write down her mood either, but I am thinking she was probably happy and relaxed because of that.

Week 15 Day 3 6/26/2019 Wednesday:

Greta (new), Sadie the 4th (new), and no other friends or daycare here.  Equipment none on, and was in good mood.   She did snip at her brother, Tommy, this morning (no biggy just being a jerk).
  1. Out of sight stays for 5 minutes.  First three were perfect, broke 4th and 5th rep when I went into mudroom with new dog, Sadie the 4th.  1 hour of these until I got the four in a row that I wanted.
  2. Activity:  Frisbee done in two sessions of one 10 minutes and one 15 minutes (warm out so shorter sessions).  Half and hour of relaxation with Brothers in the shade in between.   55 minutes
RESULTS:  GOOD FOR OUT OF SIGHT STAYS AS NO EQUIPMENT WAS ON.  GETTING FOUR IN A ROW OF FIVE MINUTES IS CHALLENGING.  OVERALL GOOD REACTION TO TWO STRANGE DOGS BEING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR.   SHE WAS NOT THAT CONCERNED ABOUT THAT AT ALL.
 

Week 15 Day 4 6/27/2019 Thursday:
Greta (newish), Sadie the 4th (new), Sadie the 2nd (BFF), Louie (good friend), and Reggie (BFF)
  1. Day off, I just let her enjoy her friends.  If I remember correctly (did not write it down), I think she was pretty tired on this day, and did not really play with her friends.   Not sure though.

Week 15 Day 5 6/28/2019 Friday:

Mudge (brand spanking new dog), Bandit (bff), Boone (bff), and Cujo (bff)
  1. Day off again, she still seemed tired and worn.  It has been stressful with the influx of new dogs to train for her.
Week 15 Day 6 6/29/2019 Saturday:
  1. Bike ride with new bike attachment for Shana.   Rough start checking it out.   30 minutes

Week 15 Day 7 6/30/2019 Sunday:
  1. Couch to 5k with Shana (did not mark down any problems) 25 minutes

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Week 14 Training Journal for Shana 6/17/2019-6/23/2019

6/23/2019

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On Monday, Shana seemed to be feeling better than last week.   The day was cooler too, and her heat is wrapping up.  Week 13 both of these things seemed to be bothering her, so I kept her days easy activity wise.  She also seemed to have less stamina than normal (probably due to the things mentioned heat and heat LOL).

Week 14 Day 1 6/17/2019 Monday:
Shana's nemesis, Lucy, is here, which she can tell right away (sound and probably smell).  Stella (friend she is cautious of), Cujo (very good long time friend), Bandit (very good friend of a couple years), Brody (good buddy of a long time), and Boone (also good buddy) are all here today.   Shana did seem in a good mood, despite her anxiety (which was apparent) at Lucy being here.
  1. Activity, allowed a bit of running after critters (she has never been able to catch them and can be called off) in the woods with her brother, Boris.   Probably one of Shana's favorite activities.  30 minutes
  2. Four 10 minute downs (not in a row, but substantially better) in and out of sight (meaning I was moving around and getting things).  60 minutes
  3. Relaxation walk with Ziggy in tow around neighborhood.   45 minutes
RESULT:  DOWNS WERE VERY GOOD.  I THINK THERE WAS A BREAK OR TWO IN THE BEGINNING.   JUST REMEMBER THEY WERE GOOD AS I HAD BORIS AND TOMMY OUT THE FRONT DOOR AND THEN LEFT THAT OPEN FOR HER TO DO THE FIRST ONE (DOWN STAY).   WALK WITH ZIGGY WAS GOOD.   SHANA WAS VERY HAPPY AND ENGAGED, NOT MUCH PULLING THOUGH STILL TELLING HER EASY WHEN I FEEL TENSION ON THE LEASH.  I THINK ONE OR TWO DARTS TO THE SIDE (MAKING THE LEASH TIGHT TO SMELL SOMETHING BEYOND WHAT THE LEASH WOULD ALLOW).  A PUPPY AT ONE POINT DARTED IN THE ROAD TOWARDS US, AND SHANA REMAINED UNINTERESTED AND RELAXED.

Week 14 Day 2 6/18/2019 Tuesday:

Greta (BRAND NEW PUPPY HERE) and Reggie were only ones here.  I probably did some training with Shana, but did not write it down.
  1. Did not notate anything on this day
  2. I am guessing based on Greta's day, that Shana did place until 30 minutes gotten in kitchen while I did sit on the dog with Greta.  No equipment on Shana and she was sometimes out of my sight, which will explain what comes next.  60 minutes    RESULT:  AT SOME POINT SHE GOT A COLLAR OFF THE COUNTER AND CHEWED IT UP.   I HAD THOUGHT I HAD CAUGHT HER AT EACH BREAK, BUT SHE MUST HAVE VERY CLEVERLY GOTTEN AWAY AND THEN SHE IS REALLY FAST AT DESTROYING THINGS.   THIS ALWAYS INDICATES THAT HER STRESS LEVEL IS PRETTY HIGH TOO (WHICH WOULD MAKE SENSE WITH NEW PUPPY IN THE HOUSE EVEN THOUGH SHE LOOKED OKAY WITH IT)
Note:  when Shana was around Greta while Greta was in her crate and behind gate, she actually went over to do a polite sniff without any other comment.   Even though she was stressed, that is a marked improvement in behavior.   Just have to get beyond the stress of it someday, and it is getting better.

Week 14 Day 3 6/19/2019 Wednesday:
Only Greta in for training today (plus some private lessons).
  1. Long Place until we got 30 minutes in a row Equipment:  she had on muzzle and electronic collar as the door to the mudroom and kitchen were open so I could see her clearly (although there was a gate across the door) 1 and a half hours  RESULT:  She obviously had a hard time with this exercise on this day.  Although she was not intent in coming over to harass the puppy at all.  She was probably trying to look for something to chew and soothe herself as she does (and it's not something appropriate).  Broke at 29 minutes, 15 minutes, and five minutes.   Last successful one, I did treats at each 5 minute interval...
  2. Activity Find it game with her brothers and sturdy rubber toy 30 minutes  (also lots of inside but supervised free time, it was raining this day)
Additional Wednesday Note:  We left the dogs on the mudroom side when we went to dinner.   Shana found a small dog long line up there and chewed it up.   So we should still crate her when we go out, especially now because she is stressed with new dogs in house, again.
Week 14 Day 4 6/20/2019 Thursday:
Greta (brand new puppy), Reggie (Shana BFF), Sadie (Shana BFF), Louie (Shana friend), and Stella (Shana friend).  Two private lessons later in the day (1 with Greta and 2 with Beau who is a brand new dog to here)
  1. Shana place for 30 minutes in a row as I handled dogs through mudroom door 30 minutes Equipment: ecollar muzzle because door open even though gate there RESULT:  EXCELLENT SHE STUCK IT FOR THE WHOLE THIRTY MINUTES
  2. Brought her out to play with her friends, but she was more interested in taking it easy.   She was fairly grumpy, so I just let her take it easy.  Probably stress.
Week 14 Day 5 6/21/2019 Friday:
Cujo and Bandit here (very good friends of Shana).  It was very rainy, and I let Shana take the day off after a pretty stressful week for her.

Week 14 Day 6 6/22/2019 Saturday:
I started having a super stressful weekend.   Shana still not feeling like her spry self.   I gave us both the day off.
Week 14 Day 7 6/23/2019 Sunday:

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Week 13 Shana Training Journal 6/10-6/16/2019

6/16/2019

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NOTE1:  WEEKS 7-9 WE TOOK OFF.  SO THIS IS WEEK 13 POSTING TRAINING ACTIVITY BUT ACTUALLY WEEK 10 OF TRAINING.  I MIGHT HAVE DONE SOME TRAINING THOSE WEEKS, BUT MY HEAD WAS NOT CLEARLY IN THE GAME AFTER RECOVERING FROM A PARTICULARLY HEAVY WORK LOAD THE MONTHS BEFORE.

NOTE2:  SHANA IS STILL IN HEAT, AND THE END OF HER CYCLE IS COMING.  COULD BE WHY SHE HAS HAD HER GRUMPY MOMENTS THIS WEEK.  SHE DOES BECOME MOODY AT THE END OF THE CYCLE AFTER THE HYPER PERIOD OF TRYING TO TEASE THE BOYS FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS.

NOTE3:  DAYS ARE CYCLING BETWEEN COOL AND HOT/MUGGY THIS WEEK.   REDUCED SHANA ENERGY COULD JUST BE BECAUSE SHE HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY ACTIVE.   AS ALWAYS I FEEL CONFLICTED ABOUT THIS, AS I NEVER LIKE TO SEE SIGNS OF MY DOGS GETTING OLDER (WHETHER THEY ARE OR NOT).  ALSO COULD JUST BE A SIGN THAT SHE IS FEELING MORE RELAXED AND FULFILLED.   THERE HAS BEEN A CONCERTED EFFORT TO MAKE SURE OUR DOGS (EVEN OUR THREE OLD MALES) ARE KEPT BUSY DURING THE DAY.  SPRING, SUMMER, AND FALL ARE ALWAYS MORE ACTIVITY.  IF SHE IS CRAZY AGAIN THIS WINTER, I WILL KNOW WHY LOL. (THOUGH I STILL TRY TO KEEP HER ACTIVE BUT IT IS STILL QUITE THE CHALLENGE)


Week 13 Day 1 6/10/2019 Monday:
Lucy, Shana's nemesis is here today.  Stella who Shana is friendly with, but doesn't like her to be overly playful is here.   Brody, everyone's favorite is also here today, and Shana is good buddies with him.  Also new lesson at 6 pm today (we will be outside, but Shana will know strange dog is outside, which she is getting used to).
  1. Put Shana in place in bedroom (door closed) no equipment on Shana.  She could hear Lucy and others through the baby monitor and open windows.   I am typing blogs and such up, while Robert is playing with daycare (Stella, Lucy, and Brody). 1 hour and a 35 minutes  RESULTS:  SHANA BROKE FIRST TIME AT 5 MINUTES, NEXT TIME AT 25 MINUTES, NEXT TIME AT 15 MINUTES THEN AT 5 MINUTES AGAIN AND THEN AT 15 MINUTES (USUALLY WHEN SHE HEARD LUCY BEING LET IN OUR OUT)  AND FINAL ONE WAS FOR 30 MINUTES
  2. Activities for the rest of the day to be more informal and relaxing for Shana.
Week 13 Day 2 6/11/2019 Tuesday:
Sage is here for Pack Learning today.  Reggie, Shana's BFF, is also here today.   Also
  1. Had Shana take the day off today.   She seemed tired after keeping it together yesterday and having to exercise so much impulse control, and being worked until she got it.   
  2. Activities today without much planned training included her favorite pink bubble gum jolly (which is almost destroyed), Frisbee, and chuck it with Boris.
NOTE:  I WOULD SAY SHANA'S MOOD WAS GRUMPY LATER ON IN THE BED, AND SHE WAS VISIBLY VERY TIRED.  I DID NOT WRITE IT DOWN SPECIFICALLY BUT I HAVE NOTED THE TREND.   MUCH GRUMBLING AT TOMMY WHEN HE CAME INTO THE BEDROOM FOR INSTANCE.

Week 13 Day 3 6/12/2019 Wednesday:
Just Sage here for Pack Learning today.  Good for Shana as she is curious and there are other dogs here to make her unduly nervous.   Also Sage is a nice calm presence for a puppy of her age and breed LOL.
  1. Did my modified exercise that I am trying to come up with a name for with Shana.   It comes from desensitization and calming plus a bastardized version of Margo's sit on the dog.  I am calling it (as a trial balloon) Leash Assisted Behavioral Enhancement.   We should probably be doing this everyday as being confined close on leash around friends and foes is where Shana is probably the most bossy and/or stressed.   She goes down right away, now it is just a matter of can she keep herself from barking on going down (where she feels most vulnerable) and can she get to where she can really relax and not boss for the full thirty minutes.   Today we got four our of six (really seven if you count the beginning) salmon treats.  There was no need to correct because she just barked the one time in two of the five minute intervals not any kind of lengthy tantrum or lung attempt.   I did have her on the muzzle, electronic collar (not using) and prong collar (just because we had finished up our release exercise which required that on her for optimal effect and I hadn't changed it).  30 minutes   RESULTS:  SHE HAS GOTTEN FOUR OUT OF SIX TREATS BEFORE.   SHE HAS DONE BETTER:)  STILL NOT A BAD DAY FOR THIS EXERCISE.
  2. Prong collar light pressure and release modeled after Mike Ellis video.   We don't do this often enough, and I did this outside with Sage on tie out playing with Shana today (which is distracting in itself).   15 minutes  RESULTS:  SHE DID WELL CONSIDERING WE DO NOT DO THIS OFTEN ENOUGH.   SOMETIMES REFUSED BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT SHE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN A TREAT FOR THE ONE BEFORE LOL, SO SHE DID NOT MOVE FAST WITH LEASH AS WE WERE TRAINING FOR (MAYBE FOUR OR FIVE TIMES)  VERY ENTHUSIASTIC AND NOT CONCERNED ABOUT SAGE WHILE WE WERE DOING THIS.   SHE WAS HAVING A GOOD TIME AND FEELING LITTLE STRESS (KNOWING HER I AM SURE THERE WAS SOME IN THERE BUT SHANA WAS LOOKING GOOD)  AS FOR ME, I FORGOT ABOUT THE JUMP BACK AND RELEASE.  MY BAD, AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DO NOT PRACTICE.   PLUS I HAVE TO KEEP GOING OVER THOSE TAPES TO BE SURE I AM DOING IT RIGHT.
MOOD LATER ON THAT NIGHT:  GRUMPING AT ZIGGY WHEN HE GOT IN THE BED WITH US.  I NEED TO WORK THESE AROUND HER SMALLER BROTHER, ZIGGY, AS WELL.   SHE DEFINITELY GETS JEALOUS OF HIM (AND TOMMY SOMETIMES, BUT ZIGGY IS 5 POUNDS AND VERY OLD)

Week 13 Day 4 6/13/2019 Thursday:
We got Sage (last week of Pack learning), Stella (friend who Shana is getting accustomed to having back here----sometimes Stella's play antics make Shana concerned), and Shana's BFF, Reggie with the silly hair cut is here today.  So sort of mid level stress and distractions today on the lower end of the spectrum, but still affecting her.
  1. Robert took over with Shana today, while I was busy with Sage.    Informal teaser ball leave it, out, lets go, down, spin, and over.   Also stay when it was Boris's turn.   15 minutes
  2. Activity:  woodsy walk with brothers 30 minutes (also many let's go).
  3. Lots of quiet time with brothers hanging out at tenants house.
Robert observed no bad behaviors then.   At night again though, grumpy if anyone was coming over into the bedroom.   Watching to see if this stops once the heat is over, might deal with it by denying her access to the bed earlier though.   She has not been that bad though.  May regret waiting later.  No notes taken on how many times Shana performed correctly in the informal session with Robert.

Week 13 Day 5 6/14/2019 Friday:
How the day is:  All Shana's very best buds over (except Reggie, Brody, and Stella---not quite best bud status but they are friends).  So Sadie, Louie, Cujo, Bandit, and Boone are all here for daycare today.   Shana very much likes all those dogs.
  1. Shana is so just grumpy and flat today, that I am having her take the day off from training.   She ran like crazy in the woods yesterday, and though it's hard to think Shana would have overdone it, maybe she did.  
  2. Other explanation is plain moody at the end of her heat, and they don't make Midol for dogs that I know of.
​OBSERVATIONS:  POOR SHANA!

​Week 13 Day 6 6/15/2019 Saturday:

Shana still looking a bit off.  She was a bit too cooperative when I cut her nails today, and then went right back to sleep.   So going to see what the day brings us today.  I would like go out and train, but I need my girl to be feeling well and happy.  Hopefully it is nothing more than end of the heat angst.   Need to remember this for November, when her next one should arrive.

Week 13 Day 7 6/16/2019 Sunday:

Sunday, Shana looking better.  Doing some of the "naughty things" I expect of her (always the double edged sword LOL).  Her friend (who she is cautious of), Stella, is here.

NOTE:  ABOUT WALKS WITH SHANA IN PUBLIC.  SHE DOES PRETTY GOOD WITH ME ALONE, AND EVEN ME WITH A STRANGE OR LITTLE KNOWN OR WELL KNOWN DOG ALSO WALKING ON THE OTHER SIDE. SHE GETS MORE ANXIOUS WHEN ROBERT IS WITH US FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON (ESPECIALLY IF HE IS WALKING IN FRONT OF US WITH OR WITHOUT ANY DOG).   POSSIBILITIES 1)  SHE IS WORRIED FOR ROBERT ON THESE WALKS 2) SHE BELIEVES HER JOB IS TO BE IN THE FRONT OF THE PACK AND 3) I HAVEN'T COME UP WITH THREE YET.   
  1. (Equipment, metal chain training collar---just because her leather collar is at the doctors, muzzle that came off and on as known loose dog houses passed, and salmon treats used to reward calmer behavior) As close to a relaxation walk as I could get for Shana.   I do have to put her in command sometimes if she is 1) pulling or trying to dart off towards prey or item of concern (which is not too often but happens still though not as hard as it used to) or 2) car is coming so I want her on the inside position.   45 minutes   ​RESULTS:  8 MINUTES OF VOCALIZATION ON AND OFF IN THE BEGINNING A LITTLE PAST THE POWER LINES, AND THEN STOPPED ONCE I GOT AHEAD OF ROBERT TO MAKE THE WALK A BIT LESS "EXTRA".  LATER ON WHEN WE GOT TO NELLIE'S PLACE, I PUT HER IN THE MUZZLE BECAUSE WE WERE GOING TO PASS SOME HOUSES THAT SOMETIMES HAVE SMALL DOGS RUNNING LOOSE.   SHE WAS STRESSED BUT ALSO CURIOUS AND ENJOYING (OR THINKING ABOUT KILLING) THE MANY BIRDS THAT WERE OUT AND SMELLS.  SHE POKED STELLA IN THE BUT IN A FRIENDLY I AM HAVING FUN GESTURE, WHICH WAS NICE.   WHILE IT MADE HER A LITTLE STRESSED, SHE SEEMED VERY MUCH TO BE ENJOYING STELLA'S COMPANY ON THE WALK.  WE DID PASS A FEW DOGS, INCLUDING BEAGLE DAISY, WHO WAS STOPPED.   SHANA DID NOT FOCUS ON BEAGLE DAISY AT ALL, AS ROBERT WAS DISAPPEARING TOWARDS THE POWER LINES, AND THAT WAS HER MAIN FOCUS OF STRESS AT THAT POINT.   LET HER RUN A LITTLE AFTER CRITTERS WHEN WE GOT HOME, BUT SHE WANTED TO SEE HER BROTHER'S INSIDE MORE.  PRETTY QUIET FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.
PERSONAL NOTE:  I AM GETTING MORE CONFIDENT HANDLING SHANA IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES.   HELPED THAT I HAD FRIENDLY NEIGHBORS SMILE AND NOT LOOK 'JUDGY' DURING THE PROCESS LATELY (COULD ALSO BE BECAUSE SHANA IS LOOKING MUCH BETTER THAN SHE DID).




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Podcast About Dog Training

6/10/2019

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I must admit that I am so immersed in dogs that I avoid Podcasts about dog training like the plague.   Plus I am new to Podcasts, and I generally listen to true crime ones.   Lately, those have been getting me down for obvious reasons.   

So yesterday, I gave Vermont Dog Trainers' podcast a try.  It was very easy to listen to, and went over topics that I am going through like now (example senior dogs, we have 3).   They discuss things that I can relate to, and I am sure other dog owners can relate to as well.  Also, if you are a dog trainer, they cover topics that we deal with all the time.  I have only listened to a few so far.

I should also mention, the podcast also does interviews with other dog trainers.   That happens to be interesting to me, since I am mostly chained to my house or I may get out to see a certain dog trainer at a seminar.   Often I don't know of many dog trainers that may be right around me.
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Week 12 Shana Training Blog 6/3/2019-6/9/2019

6/7/2019

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NOTES ABOUT THIS WEEK:  SHANA IN HEAT, HAPPY WITH FRIENDS, SEEMED A LITTLE GLUM OTHER TIMES, IT'S HOTTER OUT SO A BIT MORE SLUGGISH AND LESS ENERGY THAN USUAL.

Week 12 Day 1 6/3/2019 Monday:
  1. Shana bike ride (with Bandit, Stella, Boris, Ziggy and Tommy outside) Equipment:  leash, muzzle, ecollar (not used though))  60 minutes   Result:  She did try and correct Boris for barking at the beginning when we started, but other than that did great.  Training has been involved in this but used mostly for impulse control while in drive and behavioral development.  Later on in the day, she did try to go after Ziggy when he was on my chair.   So her mood, I would say, was she was either in a snit or she just controlled her self so much during the day that she was at her wits end.   Did not seem difficult for her before, but this is always a sign that she is feeling a bit of stress which she will try to take out on friends and brothers (if she can not take it out on the intended strange dog).

Week 12 Day 2 6/4/2019 Tuesday:
  1. Four five minute down stays and one 5 minute place (practiced until achieved) Equipment used:   none essentially, as she was off leash took 45 minutes   RESULT:  JUST OKAY TODAY.  I AM GUESSING I DON'T DO THESE MUCH WITH HER PROBABLY BECAUSE I HATE WATCHING STAYS.
  2. Fetch toys left and then placed around yard into toy box Equipment:  toy rewards used, electronic collar on (needed to vibrate a couple of times to remind her of her job, toys and bucket)  15 minutes  RESULT:   EXCELLENT, THIS WAS HER FIRST TIME BEING THIS SUCCESSFUL---16 TOYS IN BUCKET

Week 12 Day 3 6/5/2019 Wednesday:
  1. Place 1/2 hour while training Sage in dog room, Shana on place in corner Equipment used:  Leash dragging, muzzle, electronic collar (did not need to use it at all)   30 minutes  RESULT:  EXCELLENT PROGRESS WITH THIS STRANGE NEWISH (WAS HERE THREE DAYS LAST WEEK BUT SHANA DID NOT GET GOOD LOOK) FEMALE IN THE ROOM WORKING WITH ME

Week 12 Day 4 6/6/2019 Thursday:
  1. Definite Day Off

Week 12 Day 5 6/7/2019 Friday:
Nice quiet day with no client dogs here!
  1. Place in yard on Rock as I am working her with the reward of her very favorite pink bubble gum jolly ball as reward and also impulse control item 15 minutes
  2. Pink Jolly Ball as reward and impulse item, but now working come, drop, leave it, release from distance (which is kind of confusing for her as we are doing fetch all the time (and this requires her to bring it) 15 minutes
  3. Work on 10 minute stay with Pink Jolly Ball in from of her 40 minutes to get 1 10 minute stay
RESULT:   NEED TO DO MORE OF THIS KIND OF CAPPING WORK WITH HER AND HER FAVORITE ITEMS.  IT WILL COME ALONG IF I DO THIS MORE.

Week 12 Day 6 6/8/2019 Saturday:

Nice quiet day with no client dogs here!  Hotter and sunnier out today, however.
  1. [Preplanned] Rigorous informal training but hard play activity before walk (not right before, just before).   30 minutes  (did not go on walk that I had planned.   Not feeling well, did it the next day.  RESULTS:  Brought frisbee (10 minutes) back each time (on command, she was hot so tried to go into the shadows sometimes, but came when called.   No need to have her do four tricks in a row for this.   Pink ball leave it, outs, come, place with ball reward (20 minutes)  This still needs work.  She wants to charge after it after 1 minute or less if in a stay, but she used to bite me when I would keep her from her favorite object---so much improvement on impulse control.  (probably a couple to a few years since trying to do that)

Week 12 Day 7 6/9/2019 Sunday:

Cujo and Bandit, her friends, were over.
  1. ​Walk around the neighborhood in a mostly relaxed walk (except when cars were coming, et and I needed to put her in a command.  1 hour  RESULTS:   GREAT MOOD DESPITE BEING RUSHED AT THE BEGINNING BY A NEIGHBOR'S DOG.   SHE QUICKLY GOT OVER THAT AND I MANAGED TO KEEP THE NEIGHBOR'S DOG FROM GETTING TO HER.  SAW OTHER DOGS (LITTLE DOGS AT DILAPIDATED HOUSE NEAR NELLIE, HEARD AND SAW OUR FRIEND CROSBY, HEARD TERRIER NEXT TO CROSBY BARKING HIS HEAD OFF)  AND SHANA WAS IN A GOOD CURIOUS MOOD (ABOUT OUR SURROUNDING IF NOT THE DOGS).  LOOKED GREAT AND MORE RELAXED THAN I HAD SEEN HER BEFORE.
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Dog owner dog training questions:  prey drive vs cats

5/31/2019

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From E-mail received:

"I was hoping I could get some advice with a new dog. We already have two cats that are very lovable and sleep with us in bed so we need a dog that will not harm the cats, especially when we leave for 7 hr's a day. The dogs reaction worries me that it's natural prey drive is to high for our home. I'd hate to give the dog back to the shelter but if we can't get her to to be on the same level I'll have no choice. 

Is it possible to train any dog to to this level? She's a good dog other than when she sees the cat.

Thanks for any help you can provide!"

Send from us in reply:

"I can't really speak to your specific dog now, as I can't physically see her.  All dogs are different, so no, it is probably not possible to train any dog to any level (while improvement is always possible unless extreme like medical).  That being said many dogs can be trained to be safe (as in bomb proof eventually or close to), others with more supervision during their lives to stay on top of them (in other words they may not fully accept that a pack member is free from correction or chase), and still others are never a good idea to keep in certain situations (or in other words you might be able to suppress their instinct for a bit, but their perception and instinct about the situation never really changes).

It is not a good idea to leave a dog alone for 7 hours with cats for any new dog.  A crate could be your best friend as you are looking into training or some resolution for this problem.

I have had a prey drivey dog that did come to see that my cats were a valued part of the pack.  They were separated for three months at first though, and got to see each other when I passed by while training at first or through the crate.  If you are willing to put in the work, it might be possible to make it work.  If you are not, it might be better for the safety of your cats to re-home the dog.

However, I can't really experience the situation to know first hand what it is.  I hope that helps."

Additional notes to this for those seeking to add a canine, while having cats also as family members:

Most people do not want to make a decision to return a dog after purchasing them from a breeder or rescue.  As I did mention, many dogs can be trained to accept other animals as pack members although there is a sliding scale as to success.  I would not recommend seeking to go about doing this intentionally, unless you are very experienced at dog handling, training, and management.  Otherwise, it could turn into a very bloody and tragic situation.

Here are some tips to steer you on a successful purchase of a new dog in a cat household from a rescue or breeder:
  1. ​Select either a rescue or breeder that is very knowledgeable about their dogs, their litters, and their breeds (or mixes).  You want a rescue, in other words, that does not just churn out dogs but gets to know them as well as possible.  Research, research , research, ask, ask, ask.
  2. Let your needs be known to the breeder or rescue. 
  3. Try to look at general traits of breeds in order to select one that might best meet your lifestyle.   Just to get yourself familiar with them.  It is helpful to look at the tasks they were historically bred for, activity level, and so on.
  4. Some rescues allow for a trial period.
  5. Be sure to have management tools such as crates, leashes, and quality collars around.
  6. ​Take introductions slow and controlled.
There is a lot more to say here.  Not all dogs that are "excited" to see your cats necessarily want to kill your cat in a fit of prey drive.  Sometimes the results can be the same if everyone is highly excited.  You can not expect your cat to be calm while being accosted by a dog they do not know yet.   
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Shana Week 11 Training Blog 5/27-6/2/2019

5/31/2019

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Week 11 Day 1 5/27/2019 Monday:
  1. Heeling sits and look outside (except going through inside doors first) while Shaman and Marvel are around (she remembers Shaman, but Marvel makes her nervous).  When first going through the door she tried to lunge at Shaman and she barked the one time.  Other than that it went perfectly, although you could tell she was still stressed (not horribly so, but you could tell she was on edge about Marvel, who she thought Shaman was at first).  Equipment was muzzle, leash, electronic collar (just used on vibrate for the one lunge attempt) 30 minutes
  2. Place on one side of the porch with our dogs, Marvel, and Shaman sitting with me on the other side of the porch.  No problems were noted.  30 minutes
Week 11 Day 2 5/28/2019 Tuesday:
  1. Place, sits, lets go routine when new dog is in house (Sage's first day in pack learning) until out the door, calm, and under control. 10 minutes
  2. Place in kitchen where she can see me through mudroom door working with new puppy, Sage.  20 minutes
Week 11 Day 3 5/29/2019 Wednesday:
  1. Place with mudroom door open, "fencing" across so she can see, working with Sage on mudroom side with Cujo, Bandit, and Boris. 30 minutes
  2. Obedience around house while known strange dog (Sage is in).  Sits, downs, heeling, come, fuss, look and so on.   Did not notate any problems, which does not mean she performed perfectly.   15 minutes
Week 11 Day 4 5/30/2019 Thursday:
  1. Went through calm down routine (Sage in mudroom again, Stella who she knows but has not seen in awhile is in sun room) again with Shana.  When she saw Stella through the sun room, she barked at her and did barrier aggression like things.   So I sent her up the stairs, downed her, called her into fuss until we could do that four times in a row without barking.   15 minutes
  2. That was it, but made sure she hung out with her known best buddies for a half hour in the woods crittering and having fun in a more relaxed way.   She is clearly stressed by having new puppy here.   Luckily we have the weekend off for her, and no surprise guests on Friday either. 30 minutes
Week 11 Day 5 5/31/2019 Friday:
  1.  Chuck it with Cujo Boris and Boone.   Quick drops to be thrown right away.  Otherwise four tricks in a row.  Plus we worked find and fetch when another dog did not bring it back. She was pretty tired today and in heat, so we did a more laid back game than the fast and furious game we usually do.  Did not find one ball for me at the end (will look for it today). 30 minutes
  2. A lot of just relaxing with her friends on her time off today.   It was a stressful week for her, so I let her take her time off.   She was cheerful and very loving towards her friends today.   Even as Cujo was being her shadow, she just left and did not get annoyed at him.   She also hung out with him for awhile (she usually takes this oldest friend for granted).   Good spirits and good mood.  Not stressed at all I would say, though a bit tired.   Could be because of the warmer weather.

    3.  Week 11 Day 6 6/1/2019 Saturday:
  1. ​We did something, and it looks like I did not write it down.   Going to guess bike ride on leash.  60 minutes
Week 11 Day 7 6/2/2019 Sunday:
  1. DAY OFF!!!!  FOR THE BOTH OF US, STRESSFUL WEEK FOR SHANA

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Tips for being active with your dog in the warmer months

5/27/2019

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Dog Activity Tip: As summer approaches, take advantage of all the outside fun. Just please don't forget that the increase in heat takes your dogs longer to get used to, especially black dogs or dense haired dogs. Also, be sure to check that the pavement or concrete is not too hot for your dog's pads. Plenty of water should always be available, but especially so during heavy play or other activity in the summer months.
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Week 10 Shana Training Blog 5/20-5/26

5/26/2019

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I did work this week a lot with Shana, but I didn't always mark it down in my calendar so some of this will be from memory.  I always think I am going to remember, and then a week goes by, and guess what?

Shana's overall mood has been reduced stress when strange or dogs not seen for a long time are over (reduced not gone).   Very happy and playful with her known friends.   Much more so now when strange or dogs not seen for a long time are over in the house boarding.   Great progress.

Week 10 Day 1 5/20/2019 Monday:
  1. At mudroom door (Lucey on other side) lets go place and stays 45 min
  2. Frisbee drops and four in a row obedience if not dropped right away 30 minutes

Week 10 Day 2 5/21/2019 Tuesday:
  1. Bike ride training Shana with leash now for off road.  Also teaching her to not touch me with her muzzle in order to continue or start bike ride. 1 hour
  2. Down stays out of sight 5 minutes a piece until four in a row 30 minutes.
Week 10 Day 3 5/22/2019 Wednesday:
Stella's first day back after being gone for the winter.  Shana and her are friends, but Shana will want to make sure Stella remembers who is boss.  So even though they are friendly, it will be a small challenge to have Shana be obedient in some situations.
  1. Sit on the dog with Stella out (this for instance is hard because Shana is on a leash close to me---and tends not to want even her best friends coming close to me for attention)  30 minutes---four or five barks in the beginning---I did have her ecollar on but did not have a food reward on me at the time
  2. Heeling and place around Stella 15 minutes
Week 10 Day 4 5/23/2019 Thursday:
Shaman and Marvel came later on in the day.   Marvel was new when we trained him for 3 weeks, but Shana never really got to know him.   Shaman has been here before and was Shana's friend.  They both have not been here since 2017.  However, Shana was not trained around them today, but she trained around her friend, Stella, before they came instead.
  1. Frisbee drops and four in a row obedience if not dropped right away 15 minutes (warm out, dogs hot and tired)
  2. Bike ride on leash while emphasizing no muzzle on me to start or continue  later on when cooler 30 minutes

Week 10 Day 5 5/24/2019 Friday:
Trained Shana in the yard (with Boris Tommy Ziggy Cujo and Bandit) while new dogs and Stella were on the porch.   Then switched Shana to the porch later with Tommy and Ziggy (her brothers) Cujo and Bandit (old friends) while Boris, Shaman, Stella, and Marvel played.
  1. Shana heeling and stays 30 minutes
  2. Shana chuck it for drop or do four obedience commands in a row before next throw 30 minutes
Week 10 Day 6 5/25/2019 Saturday:
  1. Heeling and stays in yard with Shaman and Marvel out playing with Boris and Stella.  Shana had a few spurts where she got to the end of the leash barking when Marvel got close (not concerned with anyone else) 30 minutes
  2. Down stay for 10 minutes in house while I did some things took 30 minutes to get one full 10 minute down stay.   She broke at 9.59 minutes at least once.
​Week 10 Day 7 5/26/2019 Sunday:
  1. Down stay for 10 minutes in house while I did some things took 30 minutes to get one full 10 minute down stay.   She broke at 9.59 minutes at least once.
  2. ​Heeling with turns and auto sits with Marvel and Shaman in the yard.   Once or twice maybe a bark but no lunging.  Shana trusted that I would keep Marvel from her this time.  Got better and better as we got along.  Equipment was:  leash, muzzle, just leather collar, and treats.   30 minutes
  3. Stays around Shaman and Marvel playing with Boris just hanging out outside.   (Tommy and Ziggy on porch).   Practice for 15 minutes, Shana broke a few times when she got bored essentially.   I only know she was still nervous at new dog in yard, when she startled when another past behind her and whipped around before I started and she was in a down stay while I tied my shoes. 15 minutes
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    Author, Robin Rubin

    ​Owner and Head Dog Trainer in Maine, Robin Katherine Rubin, started her Maine dog training business in September 2004.  Our dog training facility is located in Southern Maine in York Beach and we help families enjoy their dogs more, making sure they listen reliably and resolving unwanted behaviors.

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