CONTROLLED WALK NOTES

                                    

 LET'S REVIEW AND REFRESH

Leash should never be tight, should always hang loosely. If pulling tight, flick leash to shake or snap chain in order to gain dog’s attention. Direct dog to move closer to you so that leash is no longer tight, and change something (direction, pace, or stop altogether). You must use your voice to get your dog’s attention and keep that attention during the change maneuver. When, for example, dog is pulling ahead,  speed up, then give a heads up snap to the lead as you suddenly slow down and at the same time cheerfully say, “GO EASY”, then right away say, ”What a good dog!” in a pleased and happy voice.

The correction should have brought dog into heel position or at least close to you and not tugging. Leash should be slack. If not, perhaps you did not do the correction properly. Practise makes perfect. You should have one hand on the leash most of the time, not two. Keep your elbows snug against your sides.  Feel where the dog is rather than look. Keep your head up and look where you are going; the dog will follow. In a controlled walk, the corrections are a snap or pop or shake the chain, change direction of travel unexpectedly and follow through with something else now and clapping. When dog is pulling ahead you can also change direction, like, go the other way suddenly. Change of direction does not give the dog a chance if he is not paying attention. He has to catch up because you are now suddenly nine feet away from him. (With the about turn while heeling (in competition), the handler actually steps around the turn to allow the dog to keep pace.) snap the leash as you change direction and laugh. “Ha Ha! Pay attention Silly!” “What a good dog!” Happy voice. 

The idea is to have the dog walk with you without tugging on the leash, at a comfortable pace. Remember, when the collar snaps, your voice should be praising the dog. “Hey! What just happened?” Act as though you had nothing to do with the correction. The leash did it; not you. Keep your voice tone ”up”.

THE IDEA IS TO HAVE THE DOG BESIDE YOU IN A CONTROLLED WALK

You must anticipate your dog’s next move and decide your next move. Use the correct signal on the lead. Use the correct tone of voice for commands. If your dog is lagging constantly, entice him to keep up using a happy voice instead of more correction. Three tries and things should work; if not try something else. Be especially aware of timing with requests, commands and corrections. Think about when it should happen.  Mix up the practise routine to avoid boring your dog.  As the walk becomes more controlled, heeling begins to happen. Happy voice, happy dog.

"WALKIES!"  and good luck!                   

 

               

WALKING IN A DECENT AND ORDERLY FASHION

PERSPECTIVES

Keep an close eye on the objective

freedom for the trained dog

someone to play with

A remarkable working dog

TO TRAIN A RESCUED DOG

ESSENTIALS FOR NEW DOG, RESCUED DOG, or ANY DOG
You must use the proper equipment or you will likely confuse the dog and yourself.
Slip collar, leather leash, gloves, crate good to go

Maddie landed under my Christmas tree.

Luckily, I already have the equipment required for a sane experience of bringing a dog into my life. I am the Dog Nana,  Maddie the Chihuahua needs:

Dog crate for the car

Dog crate for the bedroom

Dog crate for the kitchen or day area

Exercise pen for the kitchen or day area

Exercise pen for the outdoor business area

Leashes and collars

Dishes

Bedding for three crates

Day couch

Food and Water

Toy

Grooming stuff

also

File folders for documents like veterinary information, license receipts and copies

Journal and calendar to keep track of training and observations of self



enclosure and crate are new dogs living quarters indoors



exercise pen enclosure to keep everyone out of trouble

fresh water bowl at all times

exercise pen enclosure indoors extremely important

wash up new dog, check for issues

freshened up

crate essential

TA DA! happy dog

travel crate for car, safety first

Someplace safe outside enclosed to do business

suitable whisker wide dishes





Maddie three months after

All Dogs: Purebred, Mixed breed, rescued, adopted,  Sporting group, Hound group, Working group, Terrier group, Toy group, Nonsporting group, Herding group, Dogs of no particular group,  NOT FOR DEBATE WHATSOEVER … ALL DOGS need the SAMETRAINING

Be cautious about bringing new dogs into the home. Perform a rigorous check for lice. A greyhound comb helps separate longer hair to get a close look at the skin. Fleas and lice are tricky to see so I also gave Maddie a flea shampooing to be on the safe side. It beats having to clean and wash the entire abode later on because I missed a sneaky flea.



A GREAT DEAL HAS HAPPENED for ANNA LEE since June 2014

Our serenity garden

We found our New Dog Digs in Kelowna after a crazy move.



The Yard at Guisachan Place Dog House where
Anna Lee Kennels and Anna Lee Pet Services now reside in Kelowna

It is pumpkin time 2015 but .....

 

BACK UP TO EASTER  2014

 

 

We left Midnapore and moved to Sundance and Kelowna. It seems the ducks and other birds followed us, we were happy they did so. Was a surprise to see the ducks at night, but there they were, on the front at Sundance, at night! Must have been a late flight....West Jet 114.

LATE DUCK ARRIVAL at SUNDANCE 

Interestingly, our old place went up for sale again, one year after this.

I thought we had all the time in the world; time to fly a kite one last time on the whippet field. Sad and happy all at once.

                                                                                               

In two days the kennel house was sold, and three weeks later, we were gone in a puff,

The big truck came along,

And the kennel moved on to Kelowna.

Planning for your pets move is extremely important; they need to feel and see that they are being moved with everything else. They need to be reassured they will not be left behind.

The commotion can get anyone down, so have a plan for a quiet, safe, secure place for pets while the movers are moving. Sometimes a boarding kennel, dog walkers, or dog smart friends or family help out. A CRATE will always solve the problem. Just a room with closed door is not a solution because the door could be accidentally opened.

Keep pets secure during the move, but let them see their things are being packed too.

Whippets checking out the empty digs

Let them see what is going on. If they are a flight risk however take your dogs to a safe kennel.

The Little Ponies had to move over in Sundance with  the extra kennel stuff. Then they went travelling all over the world to new homes.

 Star Pupils

Bernard was in a wedding party as ring bearer

Our student Layla was in a wedding party too! In Toronto

Chris from Sundance and Bernie after the Calgary wedding

Louise and Bernard at Miss Daisy`s Kennel in Acadia

The ducks are really back

The Kelowna Crew Nana, Marilyn and Margaret

Checking in at the storage locker

Kennel manager Laura

Kelowna Social Director Getano

 

 EASY BEAUTY! WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE ABOUT THE OKANAGAN VALLEY?

New Kennel House property has many lovely trees and lovely flowers; even fruit.

 

 

 

The Guisachan Dog Studio.

 

 

So now, here we are. In Kelowna. Getting ready for All Hallows Eve 2015, when really, we should be practicing  OFF LEASH HEELING. Such a procrastinating party animal. what am I going to do with you?