The Dog Company: Newsletter

September 19, 2003 - Volume 51

Materials in this newsletter are the sole possession of the authors and Dog Company. Please do not copy or use in any fashion without written permission

I love tricks...... all dogs are eager to please...especially ourselves! We dogs need something to do. We want to be useful and we love to work. We need to feel a sense of accomplishment and we will do it for praise and treats.

For you dogs out there, you need to make sure you are obedient to your owner and use all your basic skills, follow directions, and you will get lots of praise and treats. I see some people trying to teach dogs tricks and they don't have a clue how to get it across to us ... so I am going to take the next 19 newsletters to try to teach you people how to teach us dogs a trick ...... there are all kinds of tricks, so here goes.

Our skills for scent discrimination rank high among our most astounding talents. Using our scenting abilities will give you, the dog owner, satisfaction and we, your dogs, will be thrilled to excerise and expand on these unique talents for you.

Let's start with "Discrimination Tricks"

You will need a solid "sit - wait" ability for the dog, with the person being able to move away at some distance. The initial motivation for this trick is built into its first step. Anything too smelly & yummy will be just tooooooo hard to deal with! So begin with a dog biscuit or small morsel of "dry" dog food.

With your dog in a "sit & wait," hold the food up to his nose and tell him to "smell it." If he grabs for it, tell him, "Leave it." Your hand, in this case, must be quicker than the mouth! Try again ... "Smell it." When you see his nostrils move, praise him and take the food away. Now drop or take the food a few feet away from him where he can still see it. Now tell him, "OKAY, FIND IT!" The OKAY will break the sit & wait and he will go right for the food and eat it. Yes, a leash would be a very good thing to have on your dog so you have better control if he does break. Practice this step until he neither grabs for the food nor breaks to find and eat it. Now begin to place the biscuit farther and farther away. Now, we dogs are brilliant and we will already be enjoying this game immensely because it comes with two rewards .... food and your praise.

Now your dog is ready to to find the biscuit when you hide it out of sight. Let him watch you carry it into the next room. Place it in an obvious spot on the floor so that he will have no trouble finding it straight away. This will get him to succeed every time and build his confidence in finding things.

(You must be very strict about never letting him have the "treat" while sniffing it, or break his sit or wait, before you give the "find it" command.)

Now hide the food on a slight elevation like a first step on a flight of stairs or the bottom of a book case. Continue very slowly to make the hunt more and more interesting and difficult, placing the biscuit higher or perhaps between the pillows on the floor or under a shoe.

NOW start going from room to room and let him find out which room the treat is hidden in as part of his search. If he starts to have trouble, then you have probably just gone too far, too fast for him. So slow down on the training by giving him more practice with easy finds. It is preferable to be slow and methodical and lay the solid ground work, than hurry and have to go backwards all the time. Have fun!!!!! Next week - "Find the Ball"

woof...Happy training......."Sweep"

(To our advertisers: we'd love to hear if your ad in the Woof was successful. Please drop us a line and let us know.)

Wanted: We're looking for a large size crate. If you have one you'd like to sell, please whbor@shaw.ca

Reminder: Don't forget to get your ticket for that great afternoon on Nov. 1st. Four speakers, a fashion show, door prizes and treats for the pups - what more could you ask? It's only $15.00 per person. Look for posters in a store near you and watch for a Woof special edition next week. The Brentwood Community Hall, in Brentwood Bay, at 1:00 on Nov. 1st... that's the place to be. peni@dogcompany.com for registration details.

Birthday Greetings: A belated happy birthday to Karen, from her King girls. They won't tell how many years old she is, but want her to know that they hope there are lots and lots more! Woooof from the Woof gang too.

Thank You: I'd like to take the opportunity to thank the owner/operators and staff of the Hotel Peard for the wonderful care and attention they gave me when I stayed there on Aug. 30. I was made very welcome by all, and even got to meet the famous Cleocatra. I found her very purrsonable for a cat and I do hope I was able, in some small way, to change her opinion of my canine cousins and myself.
Woooff from Winston.

Wanted: Your 'articles', your 'For Sales', your 'Want Ads', your birthday wishes, your letters to Mam'selle, your names, your ......... ????? By Wed. Oct. 1st .... for the next Woof, please...... mailto:peni@dogcompany.com

(Disclaimer: Advertisements posted by the Woof are done as a service, not as an endorsement. Please communicate directly with the ad contact for further information on any items.)

Dear Mam'selle

My name's Buddy and I'm new to the Woof. I'm 5 months old and quite a mix as far as a breed goes (quite handsome or so I'm told).

I've been learning this house training thing and doing very well. My folks seem very happy but I am having one small problem that maybe you can answer. I sometimes take a small "leak" in the house when I'm playing and get excited or get my self in trouble and get told so by my parents. Is this normal? Should I be learning something else with my house training?

Sincerely,

Bewildered Buddy

Dear Buddy,

What you are experiencing is called, "Submissive peeing." Yes, you are normal, just a bit more on the sensitive side than some. Dogs that urinate when you greet them, go to pick them up or scold them are not making a housebreaking error. This is a common behaviour problem in dogs. If your folks scold you for it, they make it worse. Submissive urination can be an inherited trait (some lines of Cocker Spaniels are notorious for it.) It can also be the result of overcorrection. By being too loud, too angry or harsh, your parents can cause you to submissively urinate.

Solutions are straight forward. If you get carried away playing and you leak - you need to go out and pee a good long pee a couple of times before coming in and playing. Better still, as soon as you've played for awhile, you need to stop and go out to pee. Even better, leave all the real playing for the outside til you're older and have more confidence.

If you are over stimulted when they get home ... you want to go outside and pee first, then .... greet the folks outside! Don't jump up; that just makes them crazy at you ....I would suggest it is time for Dog training for the whole family!

We place great emphasis on the pet/owner relationship and focus on building a mutually respectful relationship between pet and person and training for community living, rather than strict competition obedience. Our programs are designed to build confidence and good socialization skills while learning great manners! We offer fun and interactive dog training with hands-on instruction for all breeds and ages. We focus on building a lasting bond between pet and person, and preparing you, the dog, for a life in a human world and becoming a "good citizen." We will teach you how to develop a positive role with your people, allowing them to become the leaders and permitting them reliable control with compassion! I am one of the helpers, along with my sister Sweep and a few of our friends; you will feel safe and confident in no time.

Woof "Poutine" ^..^~~!

A girl was visiting her blonde friend who had acquired two new dogs, and asked her what their names were.

The blonde responded by saying that one was named Rolex and the other one was named Timex.

Her friend said, "Whoever heard of someone naming dogs like that?"

"Hellooooo," answered the blonde, "they're watch dogs!"

Jack Russell terrorist who loved everyone and everything. A tireless, jumping, running ball catcher and full time comedian. Argus loved his Flyball buddies and Flyball. His team mate, Al, at one point, thought Argus would never 'get it' in flyball. But with love and determination, the bond they formed together allowed Argus to become the steady and reliable height dog on our teams in flyball. We all knew when Al and Argus were within a mile of the park or barn. You could hear Argus's happy high pitched yelping bark. He would come flying out and greet everyone - leaping into the air, spinning and barking. Yep, that's our boy!

Argus, our "golden boy" ... keeping the jumps down for the big guys on the team. A dog with a huge heart who fought very hard to get better after a sudden illness struck him. Even at his worst point Argus had a tail wag when he heard Al's voice.

Argus is much loved and will be missed by all his friends and team mates, canine and human, on his Flyball team, Canadian Chaos. Thank you, Argus, for being such a great dog and sharing your time here with us. You have left a paw print on all our hearts that is your's and your's alone. Argus's much beloved friend and companion, Al, was at his side to help him crossover peacefully and comfortably.

Argus is now on the heavenly team. All good dogs go to heaven!

Woof.......Sweep, Truby, Rabbit, Saffron, Bela, Slick, Pouie, Jodie, Jasmine, Kayla

Fine thing... some pups get to go on holidays... I had to stay home. Just look at the fun Chase and Mindy had on their holidays.

My name is Chase. I'm an 11 month old border collie. I love to chase things .. hhmmm, I wonder if that's why th..... . Oh, never mind! .. Anyway, I love anybody who'll throw something for me - preferably something that I can make a huge leap in the air for so I can get some radical air time.

This summer was so awesome because I went to a place on the lake and there were pine cones everywhere! It was great as there was always one handy to drop at someone's feet to throw for me. It was smok'in hot too, so I spent a lot of time in the water. I was pretty freaked out by the dock and boat when I first arrived, but heck after a week or two, I was doing a cannon ball off the dock and you couldn't keep me outa the boat if my owners were going out! One day we had some big waves rolling in and I even learned how to body surf - it was so cool! Now it's back to life in Victoria .. I have to settle for playing with the cat and chasing orange balls and Frisbees, and the water at the beach really tastes bad!
Chase

July 18, 2003
Wuff, Wuff, Mom!!!

Feeling great and having fun here! Slick and I play all the time; he is very big but gentle. He even lets me snuggle him during rest time.

We are always busy here at "Camp Border Collie." I see lots of dogs everyday and I have to lie quietly while Peni teaches .......... Sweep and Poutine help me learn this ... man, it's hard to do for such a long time, but I'm getting the hang of it.

Last night I took part in the classes ...... Sweep and Poutine made sure I did what I was told .... when I started to get up or thought I would just go off and do my thing ... Sweep just gave "THE LOOK" and I knew I had better stay put!

Then the flyball ball team came to practice ... WOW ... I was so excited. Slick and I share a crate in the van .... he's such a nice guy ... he and I watched but we didn't bark ... he said we weren't allowed ..... we could shiver and quiver but no barking ...it's easy to follow his lead. He just laid down, I snuggled in and we just watched.

Well, it is breakfast time here at camp, then we go for a walk .... at 9:30 we're going to Tod Inlet for a trail walk with lots of dogs ..........tonight we are going to Butcharts and see all the flowers.

Hope you're getting in some fishing ...... I miss you ...... see you in 10 more sleeps.

Love and licks ... Mindy

July 21, 2003
Hi, Mum!

How's the fishing ....... we're all well and happy here! Poutine is playing with me now ........ between Slick and Poutine, I have lots of playtime. They are very gentle for big dogs and they never touch me; we just dance around together. Poutine likes to play a lot; she is always getting me going.

I am kept very busy. Peni has us on the go a fair amount. On Saturday we went on the trail walk. It was a great time - twenty-one dogs! We will miss next week ...... Peni & Sweep are in an Agility trial in Nanaimo. Auntie Marg and Trouble will come and take care of us until Jim get in from his golf game with Auntie Linda.

The weather is great; a bit hot during the day but our evening walks are just right. I am not limping even though I am getting more walking and playing than I'm used to. I am off my feed though. I am full of energy but have no interest in eating ... just nibbling. Could it be the heat?

I just fall into bed ......... dog tired every night.....I just love all the attention I get from my new house mates. I let Peni & Jim get the odd pat in but mostly I'm way too busy with my dog friends to pay them much attention even at night when they are just sitting around watching the "Tour de France." I heard Peni say that it has been going for 100 years. What's the big big deal! We dogs have been busting our butts in the mountains for 1000's of years!

Yes, I am being very obedient. I do exactly what Peni says and when she says it. Boy, she's very strict! Slick and the girls told me if you really want to have a great time and loads of fun just be obedient ... it works!

Poutine keeps shoving her Kong at me ... this is her subtle way of saying she wants to play again.

I must run off and and be a good house guest and play.. I miss you ... if you're missing me ... it's only 7 more sleeps till you're home!

Your little terrorist ......... Mindy

July 25, 2003
Hi Mom,

Well, today I was in an international commercial with Sweep, Spencer, Heston, Romy, and about five other dogs - I can't remember their names. Not important .. but there were only two other small dogs .. a Bichon and a Fox Terrier. The Boy F.T. was flirting with me all the time.

I was so adorable; you would have been proud. I just followed Sweep's lead and did my amazing dance. I looked right into the camera ...... I listened to what Peni said to do .... Sweep would go and do it, then I would just do the same thing but put my own little wiggle to it .... the camera guy loved us! It was supposed to be Spencer and Heston and Romy's commercial. Sweep and I were just there for the background dogs ..........YEH...RIGHT! We two red heads stole the show. We'll be getting our own video of the commercial so we can show it to everyone whether they want to see it or not!

It's O.K. if you don't get me my own B.C. I love Slick and the girls and Peni .... they're very busy all the time, but I love it and they all love me, too.......so you can drop me off anytime!

Only three more sleeps till you are home!

wooof....your little Red Terrorist .. Mindy

See... didn't I tell you? They got all the fun, while I had to stay home and play with Cleo and the folks. Not fair.

HRH the Lady Trouble (athlete with attitude)

If dogs could talk, it would take a lot of the fun out of owning one.
.... Andrew A. Rooney

Emmy, one of our Strait Chuters agility dogs, is also very much into the art scene, and tries to keep all the Woof readers up to date with what's happening in the area.

Emmy's dad (Ron Stacy) is teaching Acrylic painting for adults.
Oct 15 - Dec 3, afternoons from 1:30 - 4pm or evenings from 7 - 9:30 pm
8 fun and informative sessions in Sidney. Learn about colour, composition, materials, and techniques, includes written text. $150. call 656-9286 to register.

Emmy would also like to tell everyone about the Peninsula Studio Tour on October 25 and 26. 10 - 4 pm. Visit over 30 artist and craft studios, free, with maps available at all book stores in Sidney. call 656-7400 for info.

Emmy (Canine art critic)

GRRR ... Wuff! Yep, it's time to pop the popcorn ( I like mine with a bit of butter and a big bowl of water.)
(These are all available at the video store)

Adult: SOLARIS A dark, weird movie .... (no matter how great looking Peni thinks George Clooney is, it was just plain WEIRD.)

Family: SERENDIPITY : Yep ... a sort of Chick flick, no crying ... but funny... Dad thought it was a piece of fluff ... Hmmm .. yeh, I'm sure he said fluff. Everytime someone laughed, they were dropping popcorn on the floor...I was very busy cleaning up.

Geeesh.......... I can smell the popcorn now! REMEMBER TO LICK UP ALL THE CRUMBS OFF THE FLOOR!

Felines of the world.. unite.. one of our brethern is in trouble.. big time trouble. Just read his letter .

Dear Cleocatra:

Help!!!! I'm up to my whiskers in a filthy litter box and don't know where to turn for help. You and your faithful feline readers are my only chance.

It's like this - I've been framed by some not-so-purrrrrfect canine creatures. You know the comment you made about me living with two canines and how they destroyed my human's bedroom and I kinda got blamed for part of it? Well, it happened again. This time, I'm actually going to trial with those smelly scat-rolling, slobbering aliens. You know as well as I do that I won't get a fair trial in this "dog friendly" town. I really need your clout to get me off.

Here's what happened. On Tuesday, my human's "grandpuppy" named Burley showed up early in the morning. He's this rotten snorty bulldogge that belongs to my human's older son. Burley often spends the day helping Winston and Sage encrouch on my space. Winston is my human's overstuffed pillow on four legs; and Sage, well, she's this spinny windup doll with a tongue that constantly drags on the ground. What my human sees in them I'll never figure out.

Anyways, my human went out and left me to supervise the scat pack. When my human got home, the house was a disaster. The telephone book was totally in shreds, from one end of the house to the other. Me, well I was just laying on the slim remainder of the book with my paws crossed and purrrrrrring "Bad dogs, bad dogs! Good Blu, good Blu! Purrrrrtect book! Purrrrtect book!

Well, my human yelled "Kennel!" and the dogs ran straight into their crates - no hesitation. Haw, haw. They'll get what they deserve. Then, to my surprise, my human picked me up (not so gently), dropped me (not so gently) in my room and closed the door. The nerve of her. She wouldn't listen to anything I had to say. All I could hear was some not-so-nice human talk while she cleaned up the mess.

Those stupid canines immediately fessed up to taking part in the vandalism - weak creatures that they are. This should have saved my behind; however, they told her that it was me who started the whole thing. The nerve of those butt-smellers. Anyways, my human held a pre-trial hearing to see if it is worth pursuing this whole mess any further. I told her that I had nothing to do with it. When she asked why my paw prints were on the top shelf of the cabinet where the phone book was kept, I told her I was just helping out by dusting while the cleaning lady is on vacation. When she asked me how the dogs got the phone book, I told her Winston jumped up and knocked it down. Winston is one of those agility-type dogs. He likes to jump. Well, my human didn't believe me. She said something about Winston having short little legs and not being able to jump that high. Then, she said Winston was with her all day so there was no way he could have been involved. Well, uh, ummmmm, then I remembered. It was Sage. Yes, Sage. See, Sage has wings behind her shoulder blades. See them, right there. Yeh, that's them. "No", my human said, "those are cow licks (or dog licks) if you prefer. Sage doesn't have wings and she can't jump that high either."

Well, then, ummmmm. I didn't know what to say. I might have accidently knocked the book off the shelf when I was dusting. If I did, I don't remember. Honest. Besides, I didn't destroy the book. "How do you explain the cat claw marks on the torn up pages?". Ummmm, honest, it wasn't me. I was just trying to hold on to the book so the dogs couldn't get it. I was trying to pin it to the carpet to keep it in one piece. "Not!"

Now I'm scheduled to go to trial with Sage and Burley. Trial date is Oct. 31. This isn't fair. II should be tried by my peers. You can bet your sweet catnip that the judge and jury will be all cat-chasing canines - not a friendly feline amoungst them. Woe is me. This fantastically fine feline fellow has been framed. How am I to get a fair trial? I need your help. Please have your faithful furry feline followers voice their "purrrrrrfectly innocent" pleas for me. If you get a big enough response in your news column I might have a chance to live and scratch on my favourite post again another day. If not, I'm doomed to a life without my "King Kat" status - just another critter in my human's eyes.

Yours in feline fellowship,

Blu

Felines... write in and support Blu.. he needs our help. Letters might help to sway the judge!

Cleocatra

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