Jax Teaches a Kid Tug!

Jaxxy Doing Work.

This video has two purposes. Well, 3.

One is celebrating my little idiot. God dammit I love that dog.

Two, is showing progress to anyone following his little story.

And, last, but not least….. Showing training doesn’t have to feel like this piece of shit chore. There was only about a third more of these activities that weren’t on film. This really is indicative of the amount of time I “worked” him.

Embed the training throughout the day. Train through game play.

Make it fun for YOU. And then you may do it.

Anyway….. Here’s Jaxxy doing some work. Enjoy:

Truth Bomb

Motivational Quotes:

“If you want someone to hear you, talk louder. If you want them to listen…… whisper.”

&

“People always do too much, too late. Do less, sooner.”

I got both of those from Chad Mackin. Not sure where he got them. But, both lines have effected my training. I hope they do the same for you.

First Nights Recording!

We just recorded almost 3 hours of the most epic stuff ever.

So many amazing trainers, I literally can’t even name them all. But the biggest names in the business. And, it was just a warm up for tomorrow. Honestly, one of the coolest experiences ever. So much talent. And, all sitting and talking like colleagues. No ego. Was beautiful.

 

Those “Graduation” Moments

This is Firkin. She used to be super reactive. If anyone listens to the Podcast…. She’s the one that snapped the long line and went Zombie style on the door I narrowly exited.

But that was then…….

THIS. Is now.

This was outside a Starbucks in a strip mall. There’s a grocery store, a pet store, and a children’s bus stop there. No small feat!

Notice, the leash. Definitely prepared in case there’s a mistake…. But, loose from Firkin’s perspective. Not adding any negative energy. Her owner is learning to trust her ability to make good decisions.

New life for Firkin!

Good job.

Another Second Chance Dog

Advanced Socialization Seminar: Saco Maine!

Finish Forward Dogs presents…

Pack to Basics™ Advanced Socialization Solutions
with Chad Mackin!

When: Saturday April 26 & Sunday April 27, 2014

Where: 30 Spring Hill Rd. Saco, ME. 04072

Contact: Shannan Nutting, Jay Jack, and Amanda Buckner
info@finishforwarddogs.com
207-251-2296

Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Both days, may run slightly longer.)

Fee: $349 per person/dog

*All spaces are on a first-come-first-serve basis, and space is limited.

A system that builds dogs’ social skills to balance their lives…

The key to Pack To Basics is to use the dogs’ naturally strong social behavior to reduce stress and fear; build confidence and language skills, allowing for many common behavior problems to slip away. This is an approach like none other! No punishment and no traditional training is needed to radically improve a dog’s behavior in and out of the home.

Dog aggression? Reduced or resolved in a couple of hours in many cases.

Rambunctiousness? Dogs quickly learn to moderate their own behavior.

Excess energy? Drain your dog of the frustration that causes destructive chewing, anxiety and much more.

Pack to Basics is a comprehensive approach to canine socialization, specifically geared towards dogs with known socialization issues. It includes everything from the initial evaluation to pre-training dogs before they can enter the social arena and preparing the questionable dogs to safely enter the socialization classes.

Pack to Basics is an advanced socialization process that focuses on the dogs that are typically excluded from doggie daycares and other socialization venues. Because of this fact, Pack to Basics offers us an opportunity to help dogs that otherwise might not be able to ever run with other dogs.

Our Pack to Basics classes are revolutionary in their approach and in their results. By allowing dogs with difficulties getting along with other dogs to interact with the right kinds of dogs, they learn not merely to control their aggressive behavior, but to actually enjoy getting along with other dogs.

The two day Pack to Basics workshop is a fun and informative workshop designed to enable dog trainers to share the benefits of Pack to Basics socialization with their clients and their dogs.

Pack to Basics is a unique system for socializing dogs who otherwise might not be allowed to socialize in dog parks and doggie daycares because of anti-social tendencies. We have seen amazing results in hundreds of dogs who have been labeled dog aggressive or dangerous by other dog professionals.

Included in your Pack To Basics Workshop:
• The causes of aggression, the number one reason dogs fight, and how to quickly stop a dog fight. • How to recognize true dog aggression versus bad manners and poor social skills.
• How to evaluate dogs, and their owners prior to the class.
• How to prepare dogs and clients who need some work before socializing.
• How to safely run a class, and how to recognize trouble brewing before it becomes trouble. • When to let things go and when to step in, as well as how to safely step in.

We use a combination of videos, live demonstrations, active socialization sessions, and discussion to reach all students. While the workshop is designed for dog professionals, many dog owners have attended these workshops over the years and all have learned a lot and had a great time. Running Pack to Basics classes is the most valuable thing I offer my clients and it allows me to quickly solve problems other trainers take months or even years to solve.

What is Pack to Basics?
Pack to Basics is the best answer to the socialization question. It is more than merely letting the dogs run together. It begins with proper evaluation of the dog, continues through pre-training dogs who aren’t ready to socialize off leash, and finally it ends with safely socializing dogs who are ready. Workshop attendees can expect two informative days about dog aggression, canine body language, canine socialization. Each day will include lecture, practical work, and video presentations. Every workshop is different because the dogs at each workshop will be different.

Who should attend P2B workshops?
P2B workshops are open to any adults who want to attend. While the workshops are geared for professionals, there is usually one or more dog owner attending who just wants to understand their dog better. The feedback from them is always positive. The program avoids a lot of jargon and instead relies on plain English to communicate ideas so people of all backgrounds can usually follow. However, the material is best-suited for those with dog experience.

Are you a dog trainer?
Learn how to cure your clients problems quicker than ever before possible in a way that will be fun for your owners and their dogs. Bring clients back over, and over again into your business by offering occasional social classes. Your services will be so unique that you should expect more referral business than ever before.

Own or work at a Doggy Daycare?
Learn how to evaluate dogs to determine who is safe to play and who is not. You’ll immediately benefit as you avoid damage to your clients’ dogs. By offering a solution for problematic dogs, you’ll turn unacceptable dogs into your customers…and those people will bring their friends. Also, bring your key staff members. Help them learn dog handling and dog safety rules for dogs at play. Keep your staff and your investment safer.

Are you a pet sitter or dog walker?
Know what to look for when socializing dogs together in your environment or theirs. Make progress with dog behaviors that the average sitter or walker will never understand. You’ll become the “go to” professional in your location.

Can I bring a dog?
Please do! While the workshop could be done without any dogs (we have enough videos to make up the difference) there is a real benefit to having dogs there for practical demonstrations and practice. Any kind of dog will be useful. Some dogs are not suitable for socialization sessions, but they are valuable for the workshop nonetheless because their evaluations are the most important. However, all dogs should be crate trained, attendees will need to provide their own crate.

Can I see video of what this all looks like?
You can see a video at www.packtobasics.com. The focus of the video is a dog named Ringo who was in danger of being euthanized by Southeast Texas Lab Rescue because of his aggressive behavior towards other dogs. After a little less than two weeks we shot the video of Ringo running with a group of other dogs in an 2,000 square foot room.

Who is teaching the workshop?
Chad Mackin will be teaching the workshop. Chad has been training dogs professionally since March of 1993. He developed Pack to Basics after being introduced to Large Field Socialization by Dick Russell. Chad immediately recognized the value in what was happening and set about finding a way to make it work in smaller spaces. Chad brought all his years of experience with difficult and aggressive dogs to the problem and over time Chad developed the program presented in workshops today. Chad is a former President of The International Association of Canine Professionals, as well as the current Director of Training for A+ Dog Obedience in Webster, TX. He has presented on Pack To Basics at the IACP Conference in Hutto TX, and at National K-9 school for dog trainers, as well as private facilities across the US and in Canada.
Please see his website for more information: www.PacktoBasics.com You can also join his on-line community at: www.facebook.com/Pack-to-Basics and www.twitter.com/PackToBasics

Will I receive a Certificate of Attendance?

A Certificate of Attendance will be provided!

When: Saturday April 26th & Sunday April 27th, 2014 Where: 30 Spring Hill Rd., Saco, ME 04072
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Both days, may run slightly longer.)
Fee: $349 per person/dog

To Register – Mail Check & April2014 – Socialization – Maine to:
Finish Forward Dogs Inc.
30 Spring Hill Rd.
ME 04072

For more information, please contact Jay Jack:

Email: 3badbullies@gmail.com

Phone: (207) 712-5955

Freeeeeedom (think braveheart)

Chad Mackin, renowned dog rehabilitation expert, told me once that “The slack leash should be the primary reinforcer”.

I know from my stints of wasted time at the various correctional facilities of my youth, that being restrained is infuriating.

The problem is, the way most people use the leash, it is strictly a device of restraint. It keeps them from getting to things they find interesting. So, the leash is a source of serious frustration and stress.

Here’s the real problem…. We aren’t even consistent with that!!!!!!! Sometimes, we give up because the leash frustrates us as much as it frustrates them. So…. We say “screw it”, and give up on restraining them just let them pull us to whatever it is.

That is HORRIBLE!!!!!

That’s because studies show that intermittent reinforcement INCREASES motivation!!!

Yep. That’s right. It’s like lottery tickets. If you win just often enough…. It keeps you playing.

So the way it plays out is this:

The dog wants to get to something and is restrained. This creates huge frustration….. So he tries really really hard. And sometimes….. Sometimes….

Sometimes, it works if he just pulls HARD ENOUGH.

That makes him more motivated to pull, and when he is not successful, he gets even more frustrated…… and yep…..

pulls harder….. and gets MORE FRUSTRATED!!!

AAAAARRRGH!

Well, neato, that’s what’s wrong. What the hell do you do about it.

You have to change how you see the leash. It isn’t a handcuff on a rope. It’s the “string between two cans” we use to listen to our dogs.

You, AND your dog have to view the leash as the way you communicate, and navigate.

The biggest reward you can give a dog (or a person for that matter) is freedom, and autonomy.

You have to TEACH them how to make the right choices. And the leash helps you do that. The leash used masterfully, reduces frustration. It’s a beautiful thing to see. Here’s a clip of Chad working with a dog at a socialization seminar. Watch the details. It’s super subtle. But man it’s profound.

I have been studying and practicing this method religiously for a few months now, and the improvement in my dogs, and the dogs I work with has been nothing short of miraculous.

If you want help with your leash skills and you’re in Maine, contact me and I’ll try to help. And if you want to learn from the master….. Check out Chad at Pack To Basics!!!

5 Pit Bulls That Are Giving The Breed A Good Name

I found this on petsadvisor.com and wanted to share. I know we deal with a lot of the dogs that fall into the “difficult” category, but they aren’t all “bad” bullies! Here’s some awesome examples of ambassadors of the breed!

5 Pit Bulls That Are Giving The Breed A Good Name:

Many dogs have been victims of breed-specific legislation (BSL) in the past, and no breed knows this better than the Staffordshire bull terrier breed.

Purebreds, mixes or dogs with “block heads” get labeled as pit bulls, and media stories have sensationalized the supposed dangers of these dogs. Their owners have been fighting back for years and continue to advocate for them.

Despite these reportedly “dangerous” dogs, there are many of them contradicting the hype by being ambassadors of the breed through their work. Here we look at some of the pit bulls giving the breed a good name.

1. Blueberry

Blueberry loves to visit with people as a therapy dog. By: Blueberry the Pit Bull Therapy Dog

The 6-year-old pittie with a fruit-related moniker was adopted from the Milton Animal League and works as a therapy dog in Massachusetts. Blueberry, affectionately called “Booberry” by her owner, visits rehab hospitals, nursing homes, humane societies, hospice patients, universities, and homes for the deaf and blind. When this dog is not working, Blueberry’s favorite activity is rolling in the grass.

Patients confined to a facility, some temporary or permanent, look forward to Blueberry’s visits to ease the loneliness or remind them of life at home. One of Blueberry’s regular visits is to a patient named Dottie, who said the visits make her happy. “I am so lonely here. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to feel a dog — her ears and body and soft fur. It is so … perfect.”

When Blueberry isn’t spreading cheer with patients, she attends BSL awareness walks with her owner and continues to change people’s minds “one pit bull at a time.”

2. Lilly

Lilly is a symbol of canine bravery and loyalty. By: Lilly the Hero Pit Bull

The dog that made headlines when she moved her unconscious owner off train tracks and took the hit of a freight train continues to be an ambassador for the breed. The 8-year-old pit bull named Lilly was adopted by David Lanteigne from the Animal Rescue League in Boston a few years before the event, and he and his family were by her side continuously during her recovery.

Despite losing a limb and having regular therapy appointments, Lilly bounced back and has been a familiar face in the fight against BSL. She attends BSL awareness walks with Lanteigne, makes public appearances and even has her own kissing booth. Lanteigne and his family set up a charity in her name to help other pitties in need.

The Lilly the Hero Dog Fund tries to help place homeless pitties by regularly listing dogs up for adoption or in need of fostering in addition to donating time, money and supplies to shelters and rescues. The fund regularly advocates against BSL, spreads awareness, holds events and fundraisers, and provides financial assistance to dogs in need. Lilly’s so busy with her fans (and meeting new ones) that she has a schedule!

READ MORE…….