Im back! and a K 9 Corrections update

I went with my family on a little vacation. The photo may give away where. I big shout out to Perry Greene Kennel  and Kendra Hubbard who took care of all my dogs while I was away. Jack and Jenny go to the kennel and Zola went to stay with Kendra, her former foster mom since she needs extra care with all of her medications. It is much easier to relax when you know your dogs are being well taken care of.
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The two new dogs on the K-9 Corrections program did fine during the hiatus. Since they are learning the basics and to be around people not much changed in their routine with me gone for a couple sessions. (and I had people checking in on them) Dixie is still very shy. We are trying a thundershirt but she still has a ways to go in learning how to relax. She does seem to really like other dogs and prefers the company of women given the choice. Luckily her handlers are both very patient with her.

Hatfield is much more social with people. (we have been calling him Buddy) He is also a bit oral and likes to grab clothing in his mouth to invite you to play with him. I wish I had a better photo. If I had to guess I think that he is a cattle dog/chow mix based on his body shape. They are also siblings. His tongue is all black while hers just has some black spotting. She has the red coloring of a chow but is taller than him.

I am always amazed at how different siblings can be from one another. Both in behavior and in looks. The funny part is that Dixie was picked because she seemed overly attached to her brother. Once they settled in we saw the complete opposite. He wants to play and be with her more than she wants to be with him. Interesting. He also seems to love other dogs. I have taken my own dogs over and they were both very socially appropriate in their body language with each dog. (I took them separately of course.)
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They have a few more weeks to go before they are ready for a new home. It took them awhile to settle in and get comfortable to learn new things. Some dogs take longer than others to acclimate.  You can read more updates about them, and learn more about the program, on our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/K9Corrections Anyone interested in the dogs can apply to adopt them at The Humane Society Of Knox County.
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A reminder, I am more active on my facebook page than here these days. So if you want to keep current on all my "doings" make sure to like my page. http://www.facebook.com/K9SolutionsDogTraining Thank you!!

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A K 9 Corrections Update

Check out the photo of Jenny settling in to her new home. (She is playing the part of the pillow in the photo.) She has a new brother named Chester. I guess they are getting along ok. VBG Russet is also headed to his new home. Hopefully Ill get photos of him to share soon.

Here is new puppy Mason. A collie, husky, heinz 57 mix. He is 9 weeks old and needs to learn he doesnt need to be such resource guarder of his food.

And his sister Maya. They are also both very shy with people. They were born under a house so didnt learn about humans until they were a few weeks old when they went into a foster home.

Everyone loves having puppies on the program!

(Jenny is doing much better today. Her skin is less red and she seems less itchy. Hopefully it continues to improve.)

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K 9 Corrections The rest of the story

Well the story has hit the papers already. On the front page of the weekend edition no less! Here is the link to the online version complete with video:

http://bangordailynews.com/2011/08/19/news/state/k-9-corrections-program-helps-inmates-dogs-learn-to-get-along/

Im going to be a little nit-picky and add my corrections to the article:

While we are using marker training (both clicker and verbal) we also use the lure and reward method. It depends on the skill we are teaching in some cases. Asking Andy Pratt to help with Scuppers bell training was just about that specific demo for the reporter because he was more familiar with that exercise. I teach the "ring the bell" trick as a way to show the handlers how marker training works, step by step. It is also a great cue to teach the dog to ask to go outside for a potty break. Teaching this to the dog varies in the amount of time based on the individual dog and handler. I am unsure where the "It only takes 30 minutes to get it." quote came from. Perhaps that was the amount of time his dog Sadie learned it. The way it was described was also slightly wrong. When the dog looked at the bell first there was a click (or a verbal yes!) and then the treat was given. This way the dog understands what it was exactly that earned them the reward. (because we mark the behavior with a sound ~ hence the term marker training) They learn what they get "paid for" and what they dont.

I did not suspect Scupper of being a lab/rottie/boxer mix. That is what his paperwork from the shelter said he was. I would have just said lab mix if I were attempting to identify his breed with no other info. If he ever grows into his ears we are in trouble because they look like Great Dane ears to me!

But overall I am very pleased with how the article turned out. It certainly helps to have good press to get the word out for support. There are so many negative dog stories out there in the media so the good ones are always welcome.

For anyone wondering the videos and books we use on the program include the following.
Books: The thinking dog ~ Crossover to clicker training by Gail Tamases Fisher, How to teach a new dog old tricks by Ian Dunbar, Click your way to Rally Obedience by Pamela Dennison
Videos: The power of marker training by Leerburg, The language of dogs by Sarah Kalnajas, Ready to Rally by Clarrisa Bergeman
There are more but those are the major ones I can think of for now.

Im also very pleased with how well the handlers conducted themselves with the reporters and how well they handled the pressure. Public speaking doesnt phase me anymore but I know it can be hard for other people. Especially those in the public eye in a potentially negative way. I thank them and all the previous handlers for their hard work on the program. I am only one spoke in the wheel towards our success. We have to work together to get the job done properly.

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