Look What I Can Do! Blog

Cecil Whig ON THE JOB Profile: Look What I Can Do! Dog Training.

Recently, I decided on a whim to contact the reporter writing the weekly On The Job profiles for the Cecil Whig, in Cecil County MD. I figured, why not? One of my philosophies is you don`t get anything if you don`t ask. And all they can say is no. Anyways, it worked out delightfully; Amy contacted me, I believe, the day following my email to her. By coincidence, she had already been cruising my website, but was unsure if I resided in Cecil County. With that clarified, she was good to go, came to Rainwood Kennel for the interview accompanied by Matt for the photo, and it was a wrap. I am really pleased with the results of our chat together, in the classroom of the kennel, accompanied by Bridget on a play rampage. Hopefully there will be an increase in business with the increased exposure; if not, I was able to get some points of concern into print!

Leslie Fisher PMCT CPDT-KA ABC Student Mentor

AKC CGC Evaluator Member: APDT,MAAPPPT, TrulyDogFriendly, Force Free Dog Training

Posted: Tuesday, November 2, 2010 11:45 am | Updated: 3:57 pm, Tue Nov 2, 2010.

By Amy Elliott aelliott@chespub.com | 0 comments

Dog Trainer Leslie Fisher is a strong advocate for positive, force-free training. She sees the rewards of this method every day, not only with her own dogs but also with those she trains through her business Look What I Can Do! Dog Training. The business offers many services to pet owners including in-home private lessons, behavioral consultations, new puppy consultations and group training classes held at Rainwood Kennels in Elkton.

 

How did you get your start?

I grew up with dogs. I brought the first family dog home when I was 5. Kind of like a ‘mom, look what I found' type of thing. I grew up with never any less than three dogs in the household. I've never been without a dog. I was always aware of obedience training. I went through a number of classes with different dogs I had and I was really interested in it. Then I started raising puppies for Canine Partners For Life to be service dogs. That really got me thinking pretty seriously that hey, this is something I can really do and why not?

How did you train for the job?

I did a little bit of research and found a trainer in western Maryland, Pat Miller of Peaceable Paws, and she has a national, if not international, reputation as an author and positive pet trainer. I started taking her internships. She had three that I completed with a degree of excellence and I became certified as a Pat Miller Certified Trainer. Then I went on to get certification at the national level by taking my certified pet dog trainer exam. Sadly enough, anyone can go out and call themselves a dog trainer. Even more sadly, most clients do not know the difference.

What essential skills are required?

To be a dog trainer, you actually have to like people. I've heard other dog trainers say I became a dog trainer because I like working with dogs, I don't like people. Well, the other half of the equation is the owner. It's as much if not more about educating the owner on how to train their dogs. You need to be self-motivated and be able to work independently. You need to be able to think outside the box and think on your feet. You need to be able to market if you want to stay in business.

What is the strangest request/question you've ever had?

I had a prank - I would like to think it was a prank call. Somebody called me at 11 o'clock at night and they asked me if I could train their dog to bite.

Describe a typical day.

There's always a lot going on in my days. Obviously caring for, exercising and training my own dogs. Whatever appointments I have, preparing for those appointments and going out on those appointments. If I have a class in the evening, preparing for that class. Then there's all the other stuff, the always stuff; the e-mails, the follow-ups, responding to people having problems, responding to inquiries. Then all the networking stuff that's constant. I'm always networking through Facebook, Twitter. Problem solving with colleagues and reading articles.

What's the best part of the job?

I really love those light bulb moments when people really get it, when they really get something and the dog as well. A really big light bulb moment is when a dog lays down for the first time on a verbal cue. The owner will, there will be this great big smile on their face and wow, look what my dog just did. My dog can learn and I taught my dog how to do that.

What's the biggest challenge?

The ongoing mindset of people and trainers of the whole dominance thing. You have to dominate your dog. You have to show them who's boss. All these false beliefs that are so prevalent. Obviously the ongoing situations of just encountering dogs who have had unnecessary and harsh training that keep coming to me. I network with colleagues all the time about how can we most effectively get the word out there that this is not necessary. I write blogs contributing to the Never Shock a Puppy campaign.

Who succeeds as a dog trainer?

Somebody that likes people. I think somebody that had gone to the effort to really educate themselves and has knowledge of science and learning theories. Someone who can explain what they're doing in scientific terms. You need to be able to have a plan and know why you're doing what you're doing in terms of science and learning theory. And I think people that have credibility succeed. They've trained with someone known and they have national licensure. Obviously, people that know how to market themselves. Somebody that understands that learning is never over, because it's not.

What advice would you offer someone looking at a career as a dog trainer?

I would advise people to be able to communicate with people. You're a teacher. You're teaching people. You have to relate to all different personality types. You're gonna see them all. They should join a professional recognized group like the American Pet Dog Trainers Association. In other words, become a real professional, not just someone who hangs out a shingle and says I'm a dog trainer. And handle dogs, handle dogs, handle dogs. If you can't look at a dog and say what that dog is communicating through its body language, then you have no business being a dog trainer and that's all part of what comes with continuing to handle dogs.

Senior Dogs Need Homes: Home Foreclosure Cecil County MD

In yet another sign of the times, an email received today from Brieann, director of RUFF LIFE RESCUE, relayed news of another home foreclosure, more dogs looking for homes. This dog owner, from Rising Sun MD, is of course devastated that she is being forced to choose, is only able to take one of three dogs to new housing. We all think that we are immune, but the harsh news is ,anyone reading this could suffer the same bad luck. Please read the information from Jaime. If you are anywhere near Cecil County MD and could possible assist in finding a home for one of these senior dogs, it would be a blessing.

 As follows, from the pet owner:

 

 I am looking for help with my three dogs; I need to find them a new home. We have to move, because our house is being foreclosed, we found a place to rent and we can only take one dog. No exact date yet, sometime next month (November 2010).  All the dogs will be 9 years old. Are you able to help?

 Best way to contact me is email, jmekaz@yahoo.com or cell phone  443-224-8933. I am in Rising Sun, MD.

 We have been giving the dogs their shots ourselves, as of right now they are behind in the rabies.

Bindi, female black lab, will be 9 end of this month, spayed.

Terp, male chocolate lab, will be 9 in January, neuter. He loves to play and run!

Chloe, female English Mastiff, will be 9 in August, spayed.

The labs are very friendly, the mastiff needs to get to know you then she is a big love bug. We received the mastiff from someone, just before she turned one, and that person abused her, so she needs to get to know you and trust you, then she is great. I will try and send you pictures later today or tomorrow. Thanks you for the help, I hate having to do this and I really want to make sure they are safe. I called the SPCA in Cecil County, and they said that they will not take them, I don't want to see them get put down, and they are good dogs!!Thanks again,Jaime

 

Until next time, Leslie and the labbies

 

Conquering the Evil Dishwasher Monster: Noise Phobias In Dogs

 New noise phobias can develop in dogs of any age;this happened recently with one of my own dogs. Yes, the Evil Dishwasher Monster was discovered in our midst. Five year old English Lab Talley has an anxious temperament in general, but she began to display some rather bizarre behaviors, running hiding and isolating herself in a favored cave. She spent entire evenings upstairs, wedged into her behind the bed cave. Overall her aspect became increasingly depressed and less playful. Upset with her discomfort we began searching for a behavioral cause. I noticed her looking anxious and vigilant when putting dishes into the dishwasher. The  dishwasher diagnosis was confirmed when Talley bolted from the living room corner cave, to the bedroom cave, when the running dishwasher jolted loudly . All dishes were washed by hand in my old home; this was a novel experience for Talley.  I felt supremely inadequate for failing to identify the source sooner.

Thinking back, other clues added up to the overall picture. During the period of excessive anxiety, Talley had a repeat bout of colitis, which, my Vet agreed, can be triggered by stress. Whether related or not, there were blocked anal glands thrown in, just for fun! Fortunately, noise phobias, once identified to a specific trigger, can be successfully modified. With her anxious temperament in general, it was not surprising to me that Talley developed this phobia. If left untreated, as referred to by Dr. Karen Overall, behavior will continue to deteriorate.

So, conquering the monster? As an Intern with Pat Miller, I learned this about behavior modification, and I have never forgotten; If you think you are going too slow, slow down some more. With that in mind, you need to have a definite PLAN, to begin modifying behavior in tiny increments. For instance, I began feeding Talley her meals near the non-running dishwasher.  Due also to generalized anxiety, coupled with high levels of stress, my Vet and myself agreed that Talley would benefit from Clomicalm ,until resolution of the problem. Dr.Karen Overall is a proponent of medication sooner, rather than later, for extreme stress.

• IDENTIFY STRESSOR(S)
• Plan
• Set Goals for each training session
• Identify desired behaviors
• Tiny increments

Following are the steps I took with Talley, without going into every minute detail. NOTE: With every step in your program, you will be ensuring your dog is not over stress threshold, displaying signs of anxiety such as panting out of context, ears back, tail lowered, running away, as examples. All behavior modification needs to be done within a comfort zone, below or at stress threshold. Sessions should be short. I urge anyone with a severe issue on their hands to consult a professional trainer.

1. In general, this process is desensitization (frequent exposure to stimulus in controlled environment) and counter conditioning (pairing aversive stimulus with GOOD STUFF)
2. DISH WASHER NOT RUNNING: begin feeding meals near it. Tricks and play interactions.
3. Place kibbles on floor around dishwasher, progress to kibbles on open door.
4. 
5. Hand targeting towards dishwasher. Open and close lid while eating.
6. Open close latch while tossing kibbles- Go Find it. Happy happy play.
7. Click dial on/off in association with food.
8. Begin DISHWASHER ON: motor on/off brief intervals of seconds, high value meat, then end with easier tasks with machine off.
9. Incrementally increase duration (in seconds) of time machine is running, carefully observing for excess stress. (all in association with treats, hand targeting etc) end with happy happy play/trick.
10. PROGRESS: drawing out session during a meal, alternating hand feeding, kibble toss, higher value treats randomly, hand targeting, tricks. Now happily tolerating ~ half a cycle without undue stress, ending with play, going outside. At one point Talley would not return inside when the machine was running. Now she will, staying downstairs instead of fleeing to an upstairs cave. Oh happy days.

Dogs communicate to us all the time, and bizarre behaviors happen for a reason. My labs are always giving me a new challenge, allowing me to help others with my experiences. Seeing our dogs terrified is very upsetting;can you imagine how happy I am to have my bright eyed playful English Lab restored to her normal self. Happy days are here again.  To our dogs, the offending noises truly are monsters and they rely upon us to make the monsters go away.

I am hoping readers will take the time to visit Kim Clune`s Be The Change For Animalsnew cause, the PLUS ONE MOVEMENT Find out how you can become involved (it`s easy) and help shelter animals recieve needed food. Passionate about an animal welfare cause?  Kim is looking for you, to contribute to the cause!!  Also, under Helpful Websites, on the top left of the blog, you will find a list of bloggers doing great work! This is just a start; I will be adding to the list as I get time. And, if you go to my main website, there is a new SUBSCRIBE button; you can be added to the Look What I Can Do! newsletter. Or, perhaps I will see you on Facebook or Twitter!! Happy reading!

Until next time, Leslie (PMCT CPDT-KA) and the Labbies

Learning Fear Through Shocking Greetings : Never Shock A Puppy

This blog is part of an ongoing campaign to educate people about the dangers of using shock collars, in conjunction with NEVER SHOCK A PUPPY. Feel free to share the link and the blog, if you personally know someone who has made the choice to use a shock collar on their puppy or dog. Combined individual efforts will work over time, to help change the choices people make, with education.

When greeting a stranger, do certain behaviors not occur, given your social expectations? Thinking of standard professional introductions, eye to eye contact, a smile, a cordial verbal greeting and a polite handshake: all to be expected. However, what if your greeting was unwelcome, and communicated by application of a taser to your chest? Suddenly normal social expectations went out the window. What happened? Why did that happen? You were only trying to say hello. Are people not to be trusted anymore? What if it keeps happening? What will you do? Will you become defensive? Perhaps even arm yourself? Get the person before they can get you? 

Now, imagine a puppy, leaping up happily to greet a stranger coming into his home, only to feel horrible and unexpected pain around his neck. What happened to the anticipated lovely attention? Where did that come from?  This sad scenario is one I keep imagining. Somewhere out there, a puppy  was indeed shocked for jumping up to greet a stranger. A puppy that never came to me for training. A puppy I was made aware of by a client, concerned for the welfare of the puppy. Despite their best efforts and voiced concern to the person shocking the puppy, I am supposing the shock collar was continued. What happened to that puppy? Did that puppy learn fear and aggression in response to strangers? Perhaps I will end up seeing that puppy for behavior modification.

Sadly, the puppy would indeed associate the sudden pain with the stranger in the environment, as both events occurred simultaneously. With repetition, the association is negatively conditioned. Stranger appearing equals pain equals strangers are scary. There are two choices in this event. Run away. Defend. Often, even though dogs are fearful, a defense is chosen,  learned responses evolve and become increasingly aggressive. Or, they are shocked into submission, wary, fearful and un-trusting of the world around them. Dogs need a predictable environment to feel safe. How could they feel safe when anticipating pain? Would  you? This sad situation happens. Puppies and dogs become needlessly aggressive, due to thoughtless application of shock collars. Yet the sale of shock collars goes on.

Recently I overheard a sales clerk in a pet store happily explaining all the settings on a shock collar to a couple with a dog in tow. Shocking the dog was being discussed rather matter of factly. I wonder if they went home and slapped their kids? Why is it ok to shock a dog, but have different expectations for human conduct towards others. In my first greeting scenario, with the taser, law enforcement would have been called to the scene, perhaps a prison sentence, lawyers. Yet the shocking of puppies and dogs goes on. People who know nothing about dog behavior continue to sell harmful devices. This is just inherently wrong. Perhaps people should require a license to both sell and purchase them. Even better, a complete ban, as some countries have done. Wales Bans Shock Collars/More There is an ongoing and rather interesting discussion on this link as well.

As you go through your days, think about appropriate social greetings with strangers, and the scenarios I have described. Think about painful and unexpected events taking place as you reach to shake hands with a stranger. Think about all the puppies and dogs that continue to be shocked. Think about becoming involved in some small way, even if it is just to share this blog and campaign with someone.

Happy and pain free dog training, Leslie and the labbies

PMCT CPDT-KA, AKC CGC Evaluator, ABC Student Mentor

Look What I Can Do! October Happenings Newsletter

OCTOBER NEWS AND HAPPENINGS CLASS PAGEGREETINGS TO FRIENDS OF LOOK WHAT I CAN DO!  October is an important month for those in rescue;Adopt A Shelter Dog Month My mission is to reach as many pet owners as possible, to help improve the human-canine relationship, with a wide variety of ongoing classes. Training significantly improves the chances of a dog remaining with family, and serves to strengthen the bond between two species. In keeping with this special month, I am beginning classes geared towards those who foster dogs, and would like to do something extra for that dog, to improve chances of being adopted. I am beginning a Foster Dog class, for those dogs actively being fostered, prior to adoption, at what I believe is a reasonable rate. To help me reach the many many dogs out there needing to be adopted, please forward, tweet or facebook! I appreciate your efforts to send my newsletter onwards. Class details will be outlined in a separate block. As always, I continue to educate clients about puppy mills; this is an excellent and informative link. Help Stop Puppy Mills  Feel free to send this link onwards. As always, you can find me hereand here for lots of dog training tips, discussions and articles. Hope you enjoy this article on my puppy mill rescue lab Doobie, written for Dog Star Daily  Reading is knowledge! My intent is to provide many useful sites, links and articles in each newsletter, as well as keep you posted on upcoming classes. Read on! UPCOMING CLASSES: Good Manners for the Family Pet: Tuesday October 12th, 6:30 PM Foster Dogs Clicker Course: Tuesday October 19th 8 PM Good Manners for Family Pets: Wednesday October 20th 6:30 PM Nose Games and Other Fun Stuff: Wednesday October 20th 8 PM Advanced Obedience/CGC Class: Thursday October 21st, 8 PM CGC Testing Day: Saturday October 30th 11 AM See full details here on my CLASS PAGE COOPERATION VS COERCION: WHOSE WALK IS IT ANYWAYS? COOPERATION VS COERCION Written by colleague and friend Casey Matthews-Lomonaco, talented dog trainer, writer and owner of Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in New York. Be sure to follow her blog for great training information. www.dogstardaily.com www.lab-rescue.com www.wholedogjournal.com Quicklink 1 Quicklink 2 Quicklink 3 Look What I Can Do! Dog Training 21 Sarah Court Earleville, Maryland 21919 443-350-6820 lookwhaticando@zoominternet.net Please feel free to forward newsletter to anyone in rescue, or any dog owner who may be interested. There will be a new sign up button directly on my website. Happy reading! CANINE GOOD CITIZEN GRAD MARLEY and Upcoming CGC Testing Event Very happy owners, big grins all around! NEXT CGC TESTING EVENT Working towards the goal of Canine Good Citizen is just another rewarding form of dog-canine interaction. The more we do with our pals, the closer and more rewarding the dog-human relationship. Advanced classes work towards CGC skills. Read on for class updates in the next section. SATURDAY OCTOBER 30TH at 11 AM, RAINWOOD KENNELS, ELKTON MD, will be the next test date. Dogs will be tested in order of arrival. Advance notice is required by calling 443-350-6820 or email lookwhaticando@zoominternet.net.  Let me know if I can help you towards achieving this exciting goal.   PET HEALTH CARE GAZETTE  is one of my favorite sources for the latest in pet health care issues and information, written by facebook and Twitter friend Lorie Huston. One of the most recent articles was on pet CPR, something we all need to know about. Being prepared for an emergency is the best defense! In keeping with the NEVER SHOCK A PUPPY CAMPAIGN a tip on use of shock collars, which I never recommend. When a dog experiences the pain of being shocked, there is immediate aversive and negative association to whatever is in the environment when the shock takes place. This could be: dogs, people, kids walking past the property, delivery people, visitors coming into the home. Use of shock begets fear, lack of trust, confusion for the dog (unpredictable environment and not feeling safe) as well as aggression. Get involved and join the campaign. Spread the word! I hope you are getting the chance to get out and enjoy the brilliant fall foliage with your furry friends! Keep in mind that learning is a life long process, and that ongoing mental and cognitive stimulation is beneficial to your pal. Also, knowledge is power! I hope you have found the articles and links useful; my intent is to make this a very informative and educational newsletter for everyone. Hope to see you soon! Never dull moment with the labs. The latest adventure has been to conquer the scary evil dishwasher monster for Talley, sure to be the subject of a blog. Until next time, Leslie and the labbies

$10 discount for rescued dogs in Good Manners Classes. Special rate for Foster Dog Parents class.

Follow Friends Friday Newsflash: Pet Health Care Bloggers

Nope, not Friday at all is it? Yes, a bit behind the curve keeping up to my intentions of a new Follow Friends post every week. Life happens! I always did say better late than never. Anyways, I had last made mention of Pat Millers` Peaceable Paws from my Look What I Can Do! face book page, and do wish to back track for a full write up on such a huge influence in my dog training career. For this post though, I am jumping ahead, highlighting the blogs of two friends, both of whom I met on twitter, and am now connected to on face book as well. Both write wonderful blogs and make great contributions.

Let`s begin with Jana Rade, writing as Dawg Blogger from Jasmine`s Ranch in Kitchener Ontario. Jana is a woman on a mission, and Jasmine would be her gorgeous Rottweiler. Follow the compelling story of her journey with Jasmine. When Jasmine became severely ill, indeed was nearly lost on several occasions, Jana searched for answers, and recently, Jasmine was able to swim again on her ranch.  When conventional medicine does not offer solutions, Jana searches further afield, until she finds what her dog needs. Her mission is to make current health information available to pet owners, and publish stories of those who have been on journeys such as her own, those who have traveled down difficult roads in search of good health for their dogs.You can find Jana at her Dawg Business Blog

Lorie Huston is another woman on a mission, to also educate and share knowledge, for the benefit of pet owners.With over 20 years of experience as a Veterinarian, and currently employed in Rhode Island, Lorie is the driving force behind Pet Health Care Gazette, an on-line forum helping pet owners get the information they need. Setting quite an example in the pet community, all six of Lorie's cats were rescued. Visit Pet Health Care Gazette to access an interactive and informative site, with up to date information for pet owners. Lorie is also a moderator for the popular Monday evening twitter discussion, #dogtalk, accessed by use of the latter tag, at this on-line forum. Tweetchat

Both ladies write from the heart, passionately advocate for pets, and are intent on reaching pet owners everywhere. Enjoy your journey through their respective sites; I know you will find them beyond useful. I am happy to call Lorie and Jana both friends.

Leslie Fisher PMCT CPDT-KA

Follow Friends Friday Newsflash: The Dog Trainer`s Dogs

Although worldwide, the face book and twitter communities offer the possibility of real friendships. Diane Garrod, of face book and Langley Washington, is a fellow dog trainer whom I have come to admire, respect and look to for advice. Always there with an encouraging word and an unfailingly positive outlook, Diane is a professional in her field worth following. As such, I began the Follow Friends Friday Newsflash, to share with anyone who cares to read, those who have made an impact upon me.

Well learned and immensely experienced, Diane holds a B.S. in Communication and Journalism, is a Certified Tellington Touch Practitioner, and owner of Canine Transformations Learning Center. As well, she is a steward for the Helium Channel, and blogs at this location herself. I have come to value her opinions and input to some of my more thorny issues, and hope you will take the time to learn more about Diane at her website: CANINE TRANSFORMATIONS  Often I find the most talented people are also the most unassuming; this is certainly the case with Diane. Read her ARTICLES from the attached link. Now, if I spent less time on twitter, perhaps I could have a few more credentials to my name as well! My colleague is perhaps the wiser for limiting her activities to face book. Happy reading, and I`ll be back to you next week with another Follow Friday Newsflash. 

Leslie Fisher PMCT CPDT-KA  Licensed Professional Dog Trainer

Facebook Follow Friends Friday Newsflash: The Dog Trainer`s Dogs

Never say never! Since becoming fully engaged(indeed addicted) in the world of Facebook and Twitter, the former statement has particular meaning. At one time I scoffed at the mere idea, and used delete function freely and rapidly for all facebook invitations. Flash forward. Now, I find myself writing a new blog, that will be a regular feature, the Follow Friends Friday Newsflash. This will be my way of paying tribute to  wonderful friends, those with passion, dedication, and those who have inspired and supported me.

Beginning this week with a great twitter friend, I envision alternating weekly between Facebook  and Twitter. That remains to be seen, so stay tuned. In my humble opinion, it would be worth your while to give each of these folks a follow, whether on either social media of facebook or twitter. Without further ado, I introduce with pleasure the dynamic duo, Rod and Amy Burkett, of www.gopetfriendly.comTo follow on twitter, simply use @gopetfriendly.

These good friends are dedicated to providing accurate and up to date pet friendly accommodations, on a user friendly website, for those who love to travel with their furry friends. This pair can be found on both facebook and twitter, and I know they would love to hear from you. The website is very interactive in nature; engaging with pet owners is what they do best.

Indeed, on ongoing project is extremely engaging, and crying out for your participation. Do you wish that your large dogs were accorded the same travel privileges of their smaller counterparts? Yes? Then click, do not surf, to here: http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/givebigdogsabreak  The latter link is to brainchild project of Rod and Amy: Operation Give Big Dogs A Break. Your participation could make a huge difference. So please, click, sign and do share!! I hope you enjoy meeting Rod and Amy; I know I have.

Mention of GoPetFriendly is merely the tip of the iceberg, for folks I have come to admire and respect, on both facebook and twitter, for their passion and dedication. Stay tuned each week for another Follow Friends Friday Newsflash.

Leslie Fisher PMCT CPDT-KA, certified licensed professional