Scotty the Shed Dog

[wbpdeer]

Thanks Doc Brady.

I watched some YouTube videos this morning and they stressed exactly what you pointed out - 1) pressure - no pressure and 2) sharp 90 degree turns with no round corners. They do stress 180 degree turns as well.

He has resisted the prong collar so I have been using his flat collar the last three sessions. My technique as a handler has some improvement to make and then we will go to the prong collar again.

I watched one YouTube where they stress side pull on the prong collar to reduce pressure on the spine.

The last two days his mouth has been bothering him and we have slowed down on the antler work due to that. We are working on house behavior out of the crate. That is improving some - he likes to the feel of two throw rugs we have. That has improved the down behavior.

I am very lucky to get your advice - thanks for the help. Scotty and I are headed to the Brushpile on Monday after his visit to the Vet for his last round of shots.

Wayne

 

[dogdoc]

Great point doc. It's all about learning to turn off the pressure. Whether it's a pinch collar, e-collar, or ear pinch.

 

[wbpdeer]

The video I showed is Scotty with his flat collar. Currently, we have zero success with the pinch collar. He goes nuts with it on. I do believe the pinch collar is too large and i am not good at using it or have not used it correctly. I need an experienced person that knows how many links to remove.

I expect I will talk to a dog trainer in my local area to get some help on this. I have no desire to make matters worse because I lack experience.

He does okay with the flat collar and the Heel Stick. I know the difference between training and failure. Scotty may get some sessions with a paid trainer before we get headed in the right direction on leash manners.

To summarize, what I have done with the pinch collar is not working - time to stop digging in and time to wise up.

Wayne

 

[wbpdeer]

Scotty had his last round of shots on Jan 20th. He weight was 33 pounds at 3 months and at 4 months he weighs 42 pounds. He is not fat as I watch his feed volume well. He is now getting an little more at morning and evening feeding time. The Vet was pleased with his health and I got him a three month flea and tick pill (Bravecto for 44 to 88 pound dogs). That is manufactured by Merck. It is given with food and I kept him in his crate for 2 hours after he ate to make sure he didn't up chuck anything.

Scotty traveled great to Springfield, MO on Monday and the return trip home on Tuesday. I put him in the wire crate on Monday and allowed him to ride that to Kentucky / Missouri state line. Then I put him in the front passenger seat. His behavior was excellent regardless of age.

On the trip coming home he ride in the front seat for over 8 hours. There will be times he has to travel in the crate in the bed of the truck but I will acquire a cover for the crate before we do that.

Scotty had it good in the Kennel before I picked him up back in January. He was the lone pup with 7 adult dogs - he thought he was as big as them when it was time to wrestle. Since he came to my home - the opportunities to socialize with other dogs has been very limited. Fast forward to the Brushpile.

We arrive in Springfield, MO and Scotty encounters: Mattie the Cattle Dog, Elkie the tracker and Rowdy the 4 month old tracker in training. I was hopeful that the 4 dogs would get along. Mattie was excellent with Scotty. Elkie was great too and she was probably happy that Rowdy has some other dog to deal with the energy of Rowdy.

I feel in love with Rowdy - he wants for some much attention and he is affectionate like Scotty is. On Tuesday, Brad and finished his exercise pen and then Scotty and Rowdy got over 3 hours together. Scotty did great getting down on Rowdy's level. They wrestled and dig in the gravel and dirt. They played just like you would hope two 4 month old pups would.

Scotty slept soundly that evening.

Scotty has a great trip and his new friends were good for him and to him.

Wayne

 

[wbpdeer]

Update on Leash Training

On Tuesday night, Brushpile and I drove to DoctorBrady's house. Doc was interested in working with Scotty on the pinch collar. I had a wonderful time on the Brushpile but just getting to watch DoctorBrady work with Scotty was worth the long trip just by itself.

Masterful and experienced are great words but DoctorBrady has that extra touch. I was very worried about if I done any damage with my shortcoming on my attempts with the pinch collar. In 12 minutes Scotty was a different pup. He was not fighting the collar and his eyes were totally focused on Brady.

Brady worked on the down command maybe 5 minutes and Scotty understands that command.

The pinch collar was downsized to better fit Scotty's neck. I was coached up on the details I need to follow.

He got Scotty calmed down and then apply pressure (not man handling pressure like I applied). Think of a see-saw as pressure is applied and release quickly to teach the dog to heel. Scotty quickly learned how to get the pressure released.

Another thing that Brady demonstrated effectively to me - he corrected the dogs position as needed - moving him to sit or the proper heel position by grapping the hid on the rump end and collar end.

For about 4 or 5 minutes Scotty acted like he had a new master which told me the pup was not bothered at all by the firm disciplined approach. Now Scotty and I will work on leash training once or twice a day for the next 7 to 10 days. I have to improve his leash manners because my wife has lower back and hip issues. This is a safety issue to us.

I wish I was a better writer to better describe how talented and accomplished DoctorBrady is with the dogs. He has that touch and we are so fortunate that us guys from Portland, TN got one short session. I will get some Chinese Chestnuts seedlings to his hunting ground in the next couple of months.

Thank you sir. You knew you could improve the dog's behavior and you did. Thanks for the handling tips.

Wayne

 

[wbpdeer]

A photo of Scotty post workout on Tuesday night.



Brushpile has Scotty's rubber antler in the photo. Scotty did get to do a few retrieves after the heel and down session.

Thanks for reading this thread.

Wayne

 

[Doctorbrady]

Wayne, it was truly a pleasure to meet you and Scotty. Thanks for taking the time to come out to our neck of the woods. You have a great pup!

 

[wbpdeer]

I traveled some today so my time was short but I worked with Scotty on the leash and then on the pinch collar. I realized it need some more adjustment in length. Made a trip to the hardware store and got a better solution.
Got some more work in with the pinch collar and Scotty and I are now on the same page. He is responding. I will be patient and rely on repetition with short sessions.

He is a smart pup and is making progress on his discipline.

No leash work tomorrow as I am headed to Shed Dog Trial (Hunt Test) in Norman, Indiana. Be on the road before daylight.

Thanks
Wayne

 

[wbpdeer]

I just returned from Norman, Indiana where Jeff and Shannon Neal hosted a NASHDA Hunt Test for Antler Dogs. Had a real good Trial today IMO. They used 4 courses in the morning and then cut back to three later on. This was in order to get done while light was still available.

Was a cold day with snow in the air at times but none stuck. Wind chill in the high teens.

Their experience shows in how they provide a good opportunity for dogs, handlers and spectators. I got to help an assistant judge place antlers on the course and spent some time with Norm Henderson who is one their judges. I didn't see every dog but everything I laid eyes on was a lab. I saw two dogs fail and both had 5 fines out of 6 but just couldn't find the elusive 6th antler. Both dogs ran well with that one exception.

Many participants today will compete in the World Championship in MN in early April. Many conversations about that event. These folks love their dogs and rightfully so.

I made a good contact in Northern Mississippi and another in Frankfort, KY.

Thanks for reading this thread.

Wayne

 

[wbpdeer]

Update Feb 26th

Scotty is 4 months and 5 days old today. He has had a big week. He had his four month checkup and shots - got to travel to Springfield, MO. He did enjoy being with other dogs but he didn't get much exercise this week.

So this morning I did just a little antler work and followed that will 8 to 10 minutes of leash work with the prong collar. He was not in the right mood for the first minute but we worked thru that. It was product. We did many 90 degree turns and some 180 degree turns. It sure makes me feel good to see this improvement. We are going to continue this work in short time periods.

At 3 pm we went to the city park nature area and he got his exercise. He was sluggish which is natural considering how little exercise he got this week. He was very responsive on the antler work and wanted me to give him more opportunities than I did.

He is searching better when the antler is not in the location he thought it would be. He cast from left to right to find the first throw. Pup has made great progress in the month he has been with me.

Thanks for watching this thread.

Wayne

 

[Brushpile]

Scotty looks great, by this time next year he'll be finding antlers!

 

[wbpdeer]

Leash Training on Feb 27th (one week after Dr.Brady coached us up)

I have learned how to get the prong collar on Scotty without getting raising his anxiety. Believe me this works. I worked him before lunch for a short session. Later in the day I worked him about 10 minutes.

Then I headed to my son's house so my grandkids could video Scotty. Because of good coaching from DoctorBrady I am doing better as a handler. Scotty knows the prong collar now and he just don't create pressure very often. In the beginning, all he wanted to do was fight it.

Here is a video of the pup at 4 Months, 6 Days old.

Thanks for viewing this thread.

Wayne

 

[Doctorbrady]

Coming along nicely, Wayne! I will continue to micro-critique you only because you have given me permission, and I know we went over a lot in a short period of time.
First, ALWAYS address Scotty by name when giving a command. He needs to know that you are talking to him. I even like to get some eye contact when I address the dog. I think you noticed how much he looked at me during our brief session. Secondly, on any command that he already knows, there should be no need to repeat the command after you give it. Say the command..."Scotty (eye contact) heel." Then if he doesn't move into position correct physically with the collar or gently with his scruff until he finds the right position. A quick "good dog" as soon as he hits the spot, then walk. If he strays off, give a "no" with a tap of the collar or simply use the collar alone. Quick tap, then release when he gets beside you. If he doesn't pay attention on a turn, a quick tap again. He WILL learn to watch you to keep in the ZERO pressure area. Overall, he is looking great for such a young dog. Keep it up!

 

[Doctorbrady]

Also, a quick praise, "Good dog" as soon as he complies completely is JUST AS IMPORTANT to success as the pressure when he is out of step.

 

[wbpdeer]

Coming along nicely, Wayne! I will continue to micro-critique you only because you have given me permission, and I know we went over a lot in a short period of time.
First, ALWAYS address Scotty by name when giving a command. He needs to know that you are talking to him. I even like to get some eye contact when I address the dog. I think you noticed how much he looked at me during our brief session. Secondly, on any command that he already knows, there should be no need to repeat the command after you give it. Say the command..."Scotty (eye contact) heel." Then if he doesn't move into position correct physically with the collar or gently with his scruff until he finds the right position. A quick "good dog" as soon as he hits the spot, then walk. If he strays off, give a "no" with a tap of the collar or simply use the collar alone. Quick tap, then release when he gets beside you. If he doesn't pay attention on a turn, a quick tap again. He WILL learn to watch you to keep in the ZERO pressure area. Overall, he is looking great for such a young dog. Keep it up!

DoctorBrady,

You know where he was the first minute you got him last week and where he is now. A great deal of progress.

I welcome your feedback - it has eliminated a great deal of anxiety for me. Actually the leash episode has been the only frustration I have had with him - but that was certainly enough.

Thanks
Wayne

 

[dogdoc]

IMO the best crate cover is the Mud River. It's a bit pricey but is well insulated and should last a lifetime. I've had mine for 10 years. During duck season my crate never leaves the back of my truck and my Mud River cover looks brand new. Also has lots of pockets for storing training supplies.

 

[wbpdeer]

Handler's Education

Being a first time dog handler is like a rookie who starts chestnuts or acorns in rootmaker 18s. What you don't know - you don't know.

In other words - you make mistakes due to your lack of experience. Dog people are kind-hearted and great to provide helpful advice.

In the beginning I didn't know to sit the food bowl in front of the dog and make him show discipline / obedience before he was allowed to eat.

In fairness to me - I had such a long list of commands to learn, monitor and introduce. Scotty is food driven so I didn't deny what I was using to may advantage in the beginning.

He will be 5 months old on the 21st of March and he is getting stronger - so certain things become more important as he develops.

For 5 straight meal times (fed twice a day), I have leased him and sit him outside his crate. I had the food bowl ready and I place it inside the crate. The first two sessions he almost upset the foundation of the house attempting to get to the food bowl. I did my job and made him calm down and show discipline before he got his food. The third session he showed slight improvement.

The fourth session he was fast to sit but made two charges which I denied. The fifth session was tonight and he demonstrated his understanding of the expectation - he complied with only one fake charge.

Now the sit control has two levels - he starts out on the leash. He knows when I hold his collar and take the leash off. He gets more coiled when the leash is disconnected. I stroke him and praise him. I certainly wish I had of done this at 3 months.

In Skyline Drive Kennel, his release word was "Free" and I have been waiting for improvement on other commands before we drove "Free" home to him. I do think a dog needs to learn commands in sequence. Don't introduce 10 all at once and expect 10 to be learned. I believe introduce one or two and get some compliance / understanding on those and then introduce a couple more.

Scotty loves the command "Free" now because of the obedience training on the food bowl. He absolutely knows what it means. Free is the word I say to him to go eat the food.

Some people allow a dog to hit the food bowl when ever they wish for a house dog. To me that is why too many dogs become couch potatoes. I think with a lab's hip condition it is important to keep them at a good weight. We only eat inside the crate. Scotty associates things he truly loves with the crate.

Now he associates Free with the thing he loves - Food.

Scotty is very smart and it can be frustrating. He knows when he has on a flat collar, he can pull all he wants. With the prong collar he is all about avoiding pressure. The heeling command continues to be my main frustration when he is on a flat collar and wants to be in the house.

In the next 7 days I am going to do at least 12 prong collar sessions and not allow any of them to exceed 10 minutes. We will see if that provides an improvement in his behavior.

Thanks for reading this thread.

Wayne

 

[wbpdeer]

I ordered two Acme 211.5 whistles today to begin Scotty's whistle training. Jeremy Moore recommended this specific whistle and I got two should I lose one.

I ordered two brown rubber antlers todays also. I am ready to start introducing the scent on the antlers to Scotty. The brown antler will be more difficult to see. Scotty still has puppy teeth so I will have four antlers to plant and move him along so when he is old enought for a Hunt Test Course (6 months old) he will be prepped.

Regarding the leash training I decided to put the prong collar on him and leave it on him. It is loose enough he sleeps fine with it. I gave him 3 sessions of heal with the prong collar today with each session about 6 to 7 minutes with plenty of 90 and 180 turns. He did super today with only one sit down. He was in one of his favorite smell zones in the yard and that caused the sit down. I made a good choice - I talked to him and calmed him down by rubbing his head. I moved back to him and maintained eye contact.

Once the dog was collected we started again without any further issues. I made sure he got plenty of food rewards with the three heel training sessions. He starts great and maintains good position when on the prong collar. Today was very positive with the heel training. Glad to have an encouraging day on this command.

He will be fed in about an hour from now and I will leave the prong collar on him but I will attach the flat collar and use it to make him wait to get to the food bowl until he is calm and given the Free command. The prong collar is about heel training and I want to maintain a calm positive approach with the heel training. I believe that is important to improving his behavior when he is on the leash around people and dogs.

Thanks for reading this thread.

Wayne

 

[Doctorbrady]

Great progress, Wayne!

 

[wbpdeer]

Scotty is snoring away right now with his prong collar on. It is a battle getting the prong collar on him - he fights it and hates the sight of it.

However, he is staying in good position on heel training and doing everything he can to avoid pressure. With a flat collar - he is sled dog pulling me around. The Kennel owner I purchased Scotty from said to put it on and take it off over and over or to leave it on him. Not a choice to put it on and take it off so I decided to put it on and leave it on. We have a good plan in place now.

6 times on sit with food bowl in front of him and on the 6th time he didn't mount a charge. He sure understands free now.

Brady you taught him how to avoid pressure and I will forever be grateful. Find 6 to 8 spots on your farm for some Chinese Chestnut seedlings. At the right time I will get them to you. I got two grow boxes going right now.

Thanks
Wayne