Dog Behaviour Illustrated!

Really worthy of your time....

Must See TV: Dogs that Changed the World

Cat vs Dog

How Sheepdog Trials Relate to Practical Farm Work

The American Border Collie Association, the principal registry for border collies in the United States, presents this video illustrating the different phases of work at sheepdog trials, and how they relate to practical work situations on the farm. 

You can visit the ABCA at www.americanbordercollie.org

Craig - The Story of a Sheepdog

Documents the training of a sheepdog (in 1946). Filmed by Sid Atkinson at Ryecroft Farm, Dore, Sheffield. Narrated by Richard Farnsworth in 2009.


Not precisely the way things happen today, but a fun series to watch nonetheless! 


Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Tricks for Treats!

Ok, so maybe the title of this post isn't exactly timely, but this is a neat little video showing several 'tricks' this human has taught her dog. The dog is 11 months old, and while young dogs are sponges, older dogs can easily learn the same tricks. With cold weather coming, indoor activities help prevent boredom and work to solidify the human/canine partnership and many times, can curb negative activities such as chewing, pacing, and barking. A dog tired in mind and body is a good, good dog, and a trained dog is a listening dog!

A couple of things to note:

• while the human in the video is using a clicker, you can teach tricks simply using treats and makers (YES!, GOOD!, YAY!), the clicker simply makes the job easier because it teaches independent thinking and offering behaviours. 
• Note that the tricks are simple. She is using household items (bowls) and children's toys that could be purchased inexpensively at a second hand store. Be creative.
• If tricks aren't your thing, teach your dogs things like finding and retrieving his leash, your slippers, the newspaper. Cliche yes,but your dog doesn't know that.
• Build on behaviours your dog already does. If he hands you his paw, put that on command. If he sits at the door to go out, teach him to ring a bell you hang on the door knob.If he dances when he thinks you are going to do something fun, give that a name...you get the idea.
• It only takes 5 or 10 minutes each day to teach a new behaviour. Work in tiny increments so that you and your dog don't get bored. Don't expect him to won the new behaviour on the first day.  It might happen, but it is more likely to not happen. Owning behaviors takes time.
• Once your dog has one behaviour under his belt, move on. Dogs get bored faster than we do. Review owned behaviours on and off during the day, but during training sessions...new and fun is where it's at.
• Most importantly, note his person's voice. Upbeat, happy, and excited. That is a very important component. If you are getting frustrated, stop training. Review an owned behaviour and go do something fun with your furry friend. Go back to the training later when you are relaxed and feeling better about training. Trust me, your dog has already forgotten and is ready to move on too!

Please remember, this is all about having fun and building that bond between you and your dog. 

Preventing Obesity in Pets

Obesity is one of the most common preventable health problems in pets. It's estimated that 40 percent of all dogs and cats in America are overweight. Dr. C. A. Tony Buffington, professor of clinical nutrition in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at The Ohio State University, gives easy to understand advice to pet owners on how to keep pets trim and healthy.

A Funny for Your Day

Silly ditty from Britain's Smith and Jones . Watch 'till the end, it is worth it!

Sheepdogs on Sesame Street!

Sesame Street-Sheepdog.AVI - YouTube:

Laddie the sheepdog on Sesame Street in the early 70s. Click through to watch. Fun little piece!

'via Blog this'

The Uprising on Vimeo

The Uprising on Vimeo:

Another little video from my friend Michelle. The sheep at this trial were tougher, hence the musical choice!

The Uprising from Michelle Dobbs on Vimeo.


'via Blog this'

Belle Grove Sheepdog Trial

My friend Michelle makes fabulous videos, this one is from a recent trial and I thought you all might enjoy seeing dogs at work in a trial situation. The venue is the same spot as last year's National Finals.


Belle Grove Sheepdog Trial from Michelle Dobbs on Vimeo.

Adoption Update: Pepper

Barbara,


Here's a video from Wednesday morning of pepper playing with another dog Indiana in the park by our house.

He's doing great, the trainer is really helpful and our recall is pretty good, we go for off leash hikes every morning in the woods for about an hour, He loves it and he gets along great with everyone and every other dog, there's many dogs off leash playing together more on weekends but often at the last hour before sunset.

Barbara... He's really changed my life, I have a great pace for the whole day when I walk with him in the morning,

He can catch a ball pretty well now and only chewed up one pillow.
Thanks and have a great day.



Brian

Adoption Update: Jak

I've compiled a video (link above and below) of our special boy over the years since our adoption.

Thanks to all the rescuers that helped him and the many dogs of the MABCR come to their forever homes

Cracker Jak!

Christine & Jak

(Note from Sarah: Jak came into rescue because he was a juvenile delinquent. He was out of control and was chasing the children in the neighborhood. He illustrates perfectly the result of taking a 'bad dog' and introducing focus and training to turn him into a 'great dog'!!)