Designer Dog Blogs

by elvisandmojo on 7/23/2010 at 2:17 PM in Training

We finally broke down and bought the invisible fence on line and installed it last weekend. I stupidly didn't check the setting on the collars which is adjustable (5 levels) and we ended up shocking Elvis and Mojo silly. Now I have them turned to beep and flash only but they are still not keen on wearing the collars.

Last night I put the collars on and did not lead them on their leashes. We just played golf and walked many laps around the house to try and assure them that we have OK places that they have to get used to. I am going to repeat this tonight. It is almost pathetic how docile they act when wearing the collars but am preferring this to their running off.

This is going to be a long process!
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by sands904 on 7/18/2010 at 8:15 PM in Training

K9 Nose Work is an up and coming new doggie sport. As all dog owners know dogs LOVE to use their noses. This sport just builds on that drive and turns it into a skill giving the dog an outlet for their hunting instinct. It is a great way for dogs to burn both mental and physical energy.

I have played 'Find It' with all three of my dogs for a while but never pursued it further than that. A few months ago the trainer I am working with invited me to attend an upcoming K9 Nose Works seminar with her. I was intrigued by the idea that our little 'Find It' game could turn into more. With two reactive dogs, thought this could be a great way to burn some of that mental energy and hopfully cut down on their reactive tendencies.

The seminar was today and I had so much fun! My dogs did not go but I learned a lot of valuable information and came right home to start them all on their way. Logan who loved searching for his toy when I hid it did great except for a slight fear of takiing the treat out of the box at first but he worked through that very quickly. Lacey did great! Lance was more interested in the treats in my pocket and offering behaviors to try to get them (a side effect of the shaping and clicker-training we do) but once I got him interested in the boxes he did good.

I am going to continue with them in their work and maybe someday in the distant future we can compete...

Any of you interested in this sport can check out their website at: k9nosework.com
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