Name: Shanti Breed: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Hood: Gordon Head Fave hangouts: Mt. Doug beach (Winter, or Dogville (fetch in the yard) Favourite snack: Shanti likes the Bully Sticks! But she will eat anything [...]]]> Lewis and I attended Shanti's 6th birthday party yesterday — she's a few months older than Lewis so they've been friends most of their lives.

Name: Shanti
Breed: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Hood: Gordon Head
Fave hangouts: Mt. Doug beach (Winter, or Dogville (fetch in the yard)
Favourite snack: Shanti likes the Bully Sticks! But she will eat anything that will not kill her leaving no crumbs on the floors to clean up.
More scoop: Shanti LOVES fetch and will play it forever with you. She gets very excited when she meets a new person (especially children) because they simply MUST throw the ball!! She can also be a very patient model for photoshoots. (Food's the key)

Your Victoria dog could be featured here! Learn how to become on of Victoria's dogs!

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His BC stops include visits to Victoria and Vancouver, where he'll give talks on how to "unleash your pack power."

According to his website, the event will include multimedia and an entertaining live show. Unfortunately, dogs [...]]]> Cesar Millan, the hugely popular trainer with the TV series The Dog Whisperer, is about to embark on a cross-Canada tour.

His BC stops include visits to Victoria and Vancouver, where he'll give talks on how to "unleash your pack power."

According to his website, the event will include multimedia and an entertaining live show. Unfortunately, dogs will not be permitted at the event.

Cesar will perform on Oct. 26 at the Save on Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria. Tickets go on sale today at http://www.cesarmillanlive.ca/, starting at $25.

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While walking in our neighbourhood, Lewis and I met a lovely dog named Spot. Turns out he's part of the SPCA's "SOS" program, so he spends the night in a volunteer's home, and days at the shelter.

Spot's an adult fox terrier cross who was at the SPCA a few years ago. He found a lovely [...]]]>

While walking in our neighbourhood, Lewis and I met a lovely dog named Spot. Turns out he's part of the SPCA's "SOS" program, so he spends the night in a volunteer's home, and days at the shelter.

Spot's an adult fox terrier cross who was at the SPCA a few years ago. He found a lovely home, but sadly his owner passed away recently.

Spot loves his walks, and despite what it says on the SPCA site, he's a BIG cuddlebug!

He's having a tough time at the kennel, & was attacked by another dog there.

Do you know anybody who could be Spot's forever guardian?

Here's Spot's bio on the SPCA. You can meet him at the Victoria SPCA on Napier Lane!

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Some communication is so unclear that it is a miracle that dogs are able to meet any of our requests!

Sometimes they simply have no clue what we want of them.

And generally we keep asking the same thing, only with a louder voice, and more forceful actions, not realizing that the explanation needs [...]]]>

1. Lack of understanding

Some communication is so unclear that it is a miracle that dogs are able to meet any of our requests!

Sometimes they simply have no clue what we want of them.

And generally we keep asking the same thing, only with a louder voice, and more forceful actions, not realizing that the explanation needs to be delivered in a different way.

2. Lack of motivation

The dog is not motivated to do it. Lack of motivation can come from a variety of reasons.

My favourite that I like to pick on clients for is plain and simply “owners are boring”. Dogs have too many rules, and are never actually allowed to be dogs. The owners are incredibly dull, always trying to suppress their dogs from actually being dogs! Because of the constant rules, when the dogs finally get a taste of freedom, you will lose all control, as there is no way that you can compare with a running-rabbit or great dog-game. Please remember that the entire purpose of giving rules is to give freedom.

Other reasons are rewards are predictable and always present. If you ask your dog to come ten times, and each of the ten times he gets a piece of cheese, it won’t take him long to realize the food is always there, so skipping an occasion to chase a rabbit won’t kill him. But if the food is only sometimes there (variable reinforcement schedule) then he has a reason to find out if maybe this time he will get something. We want to turn our dogs into little gamblers. It is worth coming, just to find out if this time something might be given.

In addition to this, our rewards themselves are dull. Cheese? Every time? Nothing is good every time.

How about having boring kibble, some cheese, a few pieces of hot dog, and three meatballs in your bait pouch? If the first reward is kibble, the second is a meatball, the third nothing, fourth nothing, and the fifth a hot dog – wait and watch the speed of your motivated dog. Keep them guessing, guys!

Now, while this sounds like way too much work, it isn’t. All it means is on treat cutting days, you have seven zip-lock bags, and you put some of each in each bag. Toss the bags into your freezer, and grab a bag for each training session.

For all of your diligent treat preparers, once in a while pull your zip-lock out of your freezer, have it on you, and don’t dispense one single treat.Teach them that while the food might always be there, it doesn’t mean that receiving will always happen.

Feeding treats should not be an expectation your dog has of you. It is a reward given, only when deserved. Second commands never get fed. Mediocrity does not get fed. Only brilliance does. And brilliance means ten times better than last training day!

3. Lack of Respect

Quite simply, the dog does not respect you. Would you take advice from someone that you think is an idiot? Well, neither will your dog.

First he must care what you think before he actually chooses to follow your instructions. So many of the dogs that I see are self-indulged spoilt brats, and the saddest part is they are unhappy.

Your dog deserves to be happy. He deserves to have rules and boundaries so that he can be successful with his responsibilities. Don’t become a pez dispenser for treats in an attempt to fake respect. A pez dispenser is exactly that – and you will have no relationship with your dog at the end of pez-dispensing. When your treats run out, so does your dog’s interest in you. If you find yourself stuck here, come to my September Pet Manners class and I will whip you into shape. This really is not the dog’s fault, but your own.

4. Relationship problem

Handler issue…. This was Camille Fernandez’s brilliance. This is when your dog is a rescue, and your connection is not happening due to the dog’s previous baggage. Or sometimes our expectations of our puppy Labrador Retriever are to be exactly like our thirteen year old Labrador that just died.

We tend to forget in these moments how naughty the thirteen year old was when he was ten months old and we get irritated with the young dogs for behaving like a young dog (not a geriatric).

Happy Training Everyone. Enjoy this fabulous weather.

Monique Anstee
The Naughty Dogge

The Naughty Dogge is a dog training school located in Victoria, BC.  We truly are dog-trainers and competitors, bringing out the best in any dog, regardless of breed and issues. That means we teach competitive agility, Freestyle Dancing, Competition Obedience, Retrain Dog Aggressive Dogs, Teach Puppy Classes and Pet Dogs to be perfect citizens, and work with behaviour problems. There is probably not an issue that we haven't retrained! This newsletter is copyright to Monique Anstee, April 2010 and may be reprinted with full credit given to Monique Anstee at info@naughtydogge.com. You can contact us at 250.590.2664

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Dogs! Dogs! Dogs! Come down to the Blue Heron Park next Friday, Saturday or Sunday for some fun in the sun with the family! Watch as the ScallyWaggs of Victoria BC put on the Dog Agility Show of a lifetime!

Hoops and loops and [...]]]> Friday, August 20th, 2010 – Sunday, August 22nd, 2010
Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Dogs! Dogs! Dogs! Come down to the Blue Heron Park next Friday, Saturday or Sunday for some fun in the sun with the family! Watch as the ScallyWaggs of Victoria BC put on the Dog Agility Show of a lifetime!

Hoops and loops and twists and turns…watch trainers lead their pooches through weaves and tunnels and many many other obstacles for your enjoyment.

Free to watch!

Blue Heron Park
10714 McDonald Park Rd, Sidney
 

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Where to find dog cookies by Iris:

Sunday, September 12 at Galey Farms!

Registration starts at 10 am

Bring along your furry friend and join us for a great day of family fun! Enjoy a corn maze, train rides, a petting [...]]]> Lewis and I had a great time last year & will be there again — come on out!

Scotiabank & BCSPCA Paws for a Cause

Sunday, September 12 at Galey Farms!

Registration starts at 10 am

Bring along your furry friend and join us for a great day of family fun! Enjoy a corn maze, train rides, a petting zoo, an inflatable bouncer, kids' crafts, dog games, a BBQ and much more! Special rates for registered walk participants and their families.

Register today and start fundraising in support of animals who need your help. For more information, to register online, or download a pledge form at spca.bc.ca/walk

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Lucy is 7 years old. In June 2009 she was hit by a car near the Henderson Rec Centre. The injuries were serious and she underwent emergency surgery to reconstruct her right leg and repair multiple fractures.

Her spine was [...]]]> I'm posting this for Robyn Quinn. Please pass this on so Lucy finds the home she deserves.

Lucy is 7 years old. In June 2009 she was hit by a car near the Henderson Rec Centre. The injuries were serious and she underwent emergency surgery to reconstruct her right leg and repair multiple fractures.

Her spine was damaged and initially we hoped with lots of water therapy, acupuncture and meds she might recover full mobility and be able to go to the bathroom on her own. Sadly, her recovery stopped short. She does have sensation in her behind and can use her left leg but needs to be manually expressed. She is not taking medications now.

She can move around the house but if she tries to do that outside she drags along the ground and can actually hurt herself without knowing it, so when going for a walk she needs a carriage (I have two) or carrier.

She is a sweet affectionate little dog who seems to understand things are not the same. She loves to cuddle in my lap while I work on the computer and is happy just to be nearby in her bed. She can drag herself upstairs (!) and I cannot leave her unattended on the couch or bed – she will jump off and make a beeline for the nearest dog bed. She gets along great with other dogs (big and small) and cats too. She has a jogging stroller for long walks with her family and a custom wheelchair.

She sometimes sleeps over at Nirvana Pet Resort when I’ve had to be out of town for more than 6 hours and she loves to keep everyone company. She sleeps in a little bed near the person who watches over the dogs and gets along with all.

Lucy deserves a new life and she can bring a lot of love to someone who can care for her.  I have to change my work environment which means I will be away from my home for long stretches and unable to look after her.

This is a decision I struggled with – I have endured over a year of major change in my life and Lucy was my anchor. If you see her sweet face and pet her silky head you won’t ever forget Lucy, please think about making her your next companion or telling one of your friends about Lucy.

Contact: Robyn Quinn in Victoria at 250-220-4750 robynquinn@shaw.ca

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1. What type of crate should I buy for my dog?

Crates can be made from wood, metal or plastic, and the choice of [...]]]> Crates are a useful addition to any dog owning household. Whether you are at home, in the car or on vacation, a crate will make life easier for both you and your dog.

1. What type of crate should I buy for my dog?

Crates can be made from wood, metal or plastic, and the choice of material depends on your budget and what you plan on using it for. Plastic crates are easiest to move in and out of the car, whereas wooden crates are a more attractive crate to have in your lounge room. The most important thing is to have a crate that is big enough for your dog to stand up, lie down and turn around in.

2. What do I need to put inside the crate?

Your dog will appreciate a soft bed or some blankets to lie on. However, if they like to chew, this might not be a good idea and they may just have to put up with sleeping on the floor. There should always be water available to your dog while they are crated, and this is easiest done by wiring a metal bowl to the side of the crate. You can give your dog some chew toys while they are in the crate, but make sure you keep an eye on them while they are chewing.

3. Where should I put the crate?

Ideally, put the crate in the room where most of the family activity happens. That may be the lounge room or the den, or even the dining room. That way, your dog will still feel involved with their family while they are crated, and they won’t feel so lonely. If you're concerned about the crate taking up extra space, think about getting dog crate furniture. These crates serve as a piece of your living room furniture.

4. Do I need to clean the crate?

It’s a good idea to wash your dog’s bedding on a regular basis, because this is where any fleas will breed. Sweep out the floor of the crate and wipe it down with a dog safe disinfectant to remove any food spills.

5. How long can I safely leave my dog crated without a break?

The general guideline for this is your dog’s age in months plus one. So, a 12 week old puppy should be comfortable in the crate for around 4 hours. This doesn’t mean you should leave your adult dog in their crate all day. Make sure your dog has the opportunity to come out and stretch after about 5 hours, no matter what their age. If your dog will be crated while you are out for long periods of time, arrange for a neighbor or family friend to visit them and let them out.

6. My dog’s crate training was going well, but suddenly they don’t want to go inside and they appear to be afraid of the crate. What do I do?

Something may have happened while your dog was in their crate, which gave them a fright. They may be remembering that, and are worried that it might happen again. Your dog can get over this, but you may need to go right back to the beginning and retrain them to go into their crate. Don’t rush it, and even though it is frustrating for you, don’t get cross at your dog – that will only make things worse.

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Saturday, August 14  – 11am to 2pm 

See the amazing Wonder Dogs perform stunts at Island View Beach Regional Park (two show times: 12:30pm & 1:30pm).

Take the dunes tour with biologists and other dog lovers to learn about the wild side of the seaside.

This [...]]]> The dogs days of summer are super on the beach with your pet!

Saturday, August 14  – 11am to 2pm 

See the amazing Wonder Dogs perform stunts at Island View Beach Regional Park (two show times: 12:30pm & 1:30pm).

Take the dunes tour with biologists and other dog lovers to learn about the wild side of the seaside.

This special family event is co-hosted by Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT) and CRD Parks.  For more information visit Habitat Acquisition Trust.

Look for the CRD tents along Homathko Road left off Island View Road (drive 400 metres parallel to the beach, parking before the campground entrance). Call 250 995 2428 for more information, or call 250 812 7467 on the date.

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