Tracking Practice - June 29, 2008

I got a kitten two days ago on Friday evening so I can train Dino for cat detection. Hopefully, I can use him to train other dogs in the future.

Today, Sunday, I went out on a search in Larkspur with Donna with her two dogs, I brought Dino along to train with afterwards. During the search we found a cat under a house nearby. After the search, I took Din over there while Donna set up the trap. Dino went right to the area and definitely smelled the cat. He was also interested in the tuna Donna had along.

After we left that house we went to a shopping center nearby to set a trail for Loki and then work Dino. We walked all around the center to lay a trail for Loki. When we got to a part of the center in the back, we ran Dino through these runs:

1. Kibble 1 1/2 feet apart in a wide inverted "C"
2. Kibble 1 1/2 feet apart in a wide "S" pattern
3. Kibble 1 1/2 feet apart in a wide inverted "C"
4. Kibble 1 1/2 feet apart for about 10 feet, closer toward the left turn, then a left turn, keeping the kibble close for about one feet and then back to 1 1/2 feet apart for another 10 feet.

He did really good on the tracks, closely following along and finding the kibble.

To work on:
1. Same as #4 over and over until solid and following track
2. At the start, put down my scent article (hairband), putting kibble about 1 1/2 foot apart for 10 feet, making closer for 1/2 foot near left turn and then back to 1 1/2 foot for another 10 feet to end.
3. Same left turn for ten feet, left turn and then another 10 feet. During the 10 feet, place the kibble random like maybe at 1/2 foot, then maybe at one foot, then back to 1/2 foot and then up to 1 1/2 foot.

MAR Dog Training Begins

The posts from this point on are about Dino's MAR dog training that are not covered in his MAR dog training posts because of the dates. I am not able to add dates prior to the existing dates, so I was not able to go back to add these in.

So in June 2008 in San Jose I took Dino to a seminar put on by Missing Pet Partnership (www.missingpetpartnership.org). They train the handler to search for missing pets with the help of a search dog. They also teach you about lost pet behavior and what to look for in a lost pet. It was fascinating, and I brought Dino with me and they tested him on the basics on how he likes cats and other dogs. They wanted to know if he would be good to look for cats and dogs both or just cats or just dogs. They definitely thought he would be a great dual-purpose dog because of his all around personality with both dogs and cats. The seminar was six days. I drove back and forth from Hayward. It was wonderful. I had a great time, and I couldn't wait to start Dino on his training. I would be working with Donna, the person who taught the seminar. She has two dogs she uses for her searches and her full time business of looking for lost pets.

Dino Practices Lure Coursing!

Dino Practices Lure Coursing!

Basenji Club of Northern California

May 31, 2008

Dino's Agility class at Braveheart Dog Training

Dino's Agility class:

Six week class. Started with just little things like targeting and turns. Then started on weave poles, tunnels, jumps. Dino did real good. He really enjoyed the obstacles and the action. On the last class we did sequences with all the obstacles. Dino was very excited and fast. We will sign up for classes with Kathryn Horn eventually. The beginning class is at 7PM on Thursday. Currently, I am working until 7 PM and I don't feel comfortable asking to get off early at this point. However, next week, Suzanne wants me to start at 11 AM to 6 PM, so I will be able to do the class. I wanted her to do that on her own without me asking. Also, the class is $120, so, since I am taking the agility class with Vicki and the CGC class, I need to wait for a few weeks for the money and the time. I want to give Dino the time properly and that will be difficult with the two classes on Saturday.

Dino Participates in Herding Training!

December 16, 2007

Santa Rosa, CA

I think I should work Dino before going into the pen because he is so pumped up and not paying attention. I can walk him around the yard doing some heeling and downs and sits. I wasn't sure if this would diminish his drive but I think it would put some focus on him.

Joyce said it didn't look like he was really herding, just chasing the sheep and he kept fading in attention. We had to keep pulling him back. She suggested that he may need some maturity and focus before he would be ready for any competition. She suggested coming about once a month to see how his maturity is coming.

There is a trial at her place June 2 and 3. She suggested doing a Herding Instinct test with Dino. I would definitely be interested.

Frisbee Practice

I took Dino and Scout to the high school to play with the frisbee. It had been a while for Scout. She really enjoyed it though she was sore afterwards, but I know she really liked keeping it away from Dino. Dino just tried to bite her which I repremanded him for doing that. He seemed to feel like he didn't know what to do if he couldn't bite her. I explained to him that I was showing him the game and what to do with the frisbee and that I wanted him to learn from Scout.

The next day I took just him to the high school with the frisbee and tossed it around having him jump up. He really was enjoying it and liked jumping up and catching it. He took it and ran around with it briefly and then I had him come back. I gave him a treat for dropping it. We have been practicing this at home with a toy in the living room and he seemed to put it together. He is still too young to be doing the full running and jumping. His body is not completely formed yet. Maybe not til a year and a half. Right now I can have him chasing it and doing light catches nearby. I think he will be really great at frisbee.

Looking into Herding Training

I went to American Herding Breed Association website, which allows mixed breeds to compete, to look for a trainer. I found the closest trainer in Lodi. They also show under ASCA and other groups. They have a ranch and breed and show Aussies and Border Collies. I emailed them and got a response back that they do private lessons and classes. She said they have a Corgi/Aussie mix also. I thought that was interesting. Once I finish my taxes and turn them in, I will call her for lessons.