Love and Loyalty in Training Dogs

Much has been written about Positive and Negative reinforcement in dog training, so I mean to speak only of my experiences.I took a number of puppies through basic Novice obedience courses. It is the owner who must take his or her own dog through these trials, and it is the owner who must be trained. Of course the puppies (and dogs) learn along the way.What I did come across in obedience training was negative reinforcement. For example, I had to pinch my dog's ear, causing her pain, before she would take the dumbell. It truly disturbed me. Our Sheltie club joined with a sister club to invite a special dog trainer as a visiting speaker. He trained dogs for police work, bomb, and drug sniffing, etc. What startled me was his statement that he could train a dog for sixteen hours, (my memory is a bit vague here) without treats, and the dog wanted to go on. My eyes were opened. I never again used negative reinforcement.It is pleasant to see a dog walking beside its owner with no leash, ignoring everyone around it but its owner. It is true some dogs are more easily trained than others, but it is a joy to see such a responsible dog and owner knowing the work behind it.I imagine many are aware that to take a dog through trials, it must be registered, in Canada by the Canadian Kennel Club, and in the U.S. by the American Kennel Club. Some clubs offer a basic obedience class for mixed breeds. The Novice classes include Basic obedience and Companion Dog (CD), the Open class, Companion Dog Excellent, (CDX), and the Utility class (UD). The latter dogs are used in movies and television, for instance. There are many other specialized degrees and training.A wonderful poet named Anonymous wrote, "You can't buy loyalty, they say. I bought it, though the other day. You can't buy friendship tried and true. Well, just the same, I bought that too..." The poem is used by most dog breeders, so you can find the rest of it on any breeder's site. Some may think the words trite, but I have found them certainly true. The reason I mention this poem is because of the following.I took a favorite female dog through her CD degree. At the time, I belonged to a local woman's group who looked for interesting items for their meetings. I was asked to talk on my dog since they knew I bred dogs, and because we met in a hall and not a restaurant, I was able to bring my 'girl' along. I had her sitting on a small table, high enough so that all of the one hundred plus women could see her. I was in the midst of quoting the above poem, when unconsciously I put out my hand and touched her head. She looked up at me with adoring eyes, and the whole room let out a collective sigh. I promptly forgot the words to the poem, and had to think hard to get back on track. I will never forget that incident, or my darling Katya, although I took her to other gatherings, putting her through her paces.My favorite dog quote is by H. L. Mencken. "Living with a dog is easy, like living with an idealist." You are the most important person in their world. It is humbling. May we be worthy of their charge

Livestock Guardian Dogs. A Courageous and Lonely Breed of Dog

Upon reading articles and websites about the Livestock Guardian Dog, I was impressed by how lonely and courageous these dogs are, yet they have been guarding flocks for centuries.The puppies are taken from their environment at four weeks of age and placed with a flock of sheep so that they can be imprinted upon them. There they are left. The Shepherd, or Handler brings them food and water, and arranges a place of safety in case they are bothered by the flock. Their success as a Guardian Dog is based on this imprinting, and upon their innate instincts of: Attentiveness—to watch for threats from predators, Trustworthiness—to remain with the flock, and Protectiveness—to drive off predators by barking. The training period (4-14 weeks), can last up to two years, and with certain breeds up to four. If the flock is large, then two, three, or four dogs are used, but each have a different function. One is embedded, the others walk the perimeter.The origin of the practice of using Guardian Dogs goes back in time many thousands of years. Illustrations of these dogs show up on Babylonian and Assyrian (Nineveh) artifacts. For centuries Bedouins all across Europe and Asia worked these dogs with their flocks as they travelled. These shepherds developed their breeds according to their needs. Mountain dogs required heavy, double coats for winter guarding. With threatening predators, such as coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, feral dogs, bears, lynx, and such, the dogs needed to be large and strong to protect the sheep, or to frighten away predators. Lighter dogs, and less coated, were developed for desert areas.Each country has its own unique breed, for example, white dogs for white sheep, and colored or dark dogs for dark sheep or cattle. Only a few of the breeds are known to us in North America, and even less acknowledged.Turkey: The Anatolian Shepherd (brown). It was used also in Africa against Cheetahs. The Akbash (white). The Kangal (black mask with gray).France: The Great Pyrenees (white), also called Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Used by the Basque people.Hungary: The Komondor (white, with a corded coat). The Kuvasz (white), used by Kings and nobles.Tibet: The Tibetan Mastiff (various darker colors). Originator of English, Bull, Neopolitan, and Dogue de Bordeaux Mastiffs.Italy: The Maremma-Abruzzese (white), 2000years old. Used in many areas of the World, such as Australia and New Zealand.Poland: The Tatra (white), Also named Tatra Mountain Sheepdog, Polish Shepherd Dog. From the Carpathian Mountains.Czechoslovakia: The Slovak Cuvac (white). Found only in this country.Romania: The Carpathian Shepherd Dog (white). The Mioritic (white)Russia: (Azerbaijan). The Caucasian Ovcharka (range of colors), Tibet 2000 years old. The South Russian Sheepdog (white).Spain: The Spanish Mastiff (various colors, shown in photo above). The largest Guardian Dog. A large male can weigh over 200 pounds. The Pyrenees Mountain Dog (various colors).Portugal: The Estrela Mountain Dog (black) called The Portuguese Shepherd Dog. The Castro Loboriero (usually black) . Medium Sized dog. Used in small villages for 1000 years.Other countries, such as Yugoslavia (old) Sarplaninac (brown); Kerst Shepherd (gray/black, and Torijak (white and black). Bulgaria has the Karakatchan (mixed colors), Greece, the Hellenic Sheepdog (various colors), a little smaller. Armenia has the Armenian Gasmpr (brown), and Afghanistan, the Sage Korchil (brown), plus others.The Livestock Guardian Dog is not a pet—too big for a family with small children; their size could harm a child. The breeds are too reserved and territorial, although in Europe they have always been loyal to family members when guarding farms and properties. They average in height to the shoulder, 29-30 inches, females somewhat smaller. Their average weight is 125 pounds, females less, but for the Spanish Mastiff, as noted.Some of the breeds are used in North America by farmers and ranchers. Some have used donkeys, or llamas for guarding flocks or cattle, but science proves the dogs most effective.Courageous, brave, the Livestock Guardian Dogs have survived wars across the years, but the breeds have bred true. As a former breeder of pet dogs, I cannot but feel torn for the puppies of the world who must undergo such rigorous training. Take a look at them. They are big, cuddly dogs, but they cannot be cuddled, cannot be pets. All of this is sacrificed for their work. They can if they land in North America, but the majority of these dogs are in Europe still, in mountainous areas, basically alone, guarding sheep.Copyright Audrey MoorhouseYou can find a great deal of information about Livestock Guardian Dogs on the web, such as breeds, training, and statistics on European and North American studies.http://www.lgd.org The LGD site. Much information here.http://www.canismajor.com/dog/livestck.html Breed Informationhttp://www.canids.org/occasionalpapers/livestockguardiandogs.pdf The LGD current Use Worldwide (2001 paper by Robin Rigg)

Odd Events This Time of Year. Should I be Surprised

On my wildlife calendar for January sits a cold, frozen-looking Great Blue Heron. Its legs appear to be stuck in the ice. I understand that in spearing their fish in ponds and lakes, they stand like that--only their eyes (and heads at times) move. Yet, how can he see into the pond for fish when it is covered with snow? It is a puzzle.I also understand that the Great Blue Heron ranges here along the Great Lakes and Our River during winter. In summer it breeds farther north, but generally spends winters in Central America. The puzzle continues. Why would they stay in such cold?It has been dreadfully cold here the last little while, with bitter winds and furnaces going full tilt. Yet, yesterday it rained--all day. My driveway looked like a skating rink. I visited the local town the other day, and the air bit at me, the whole area frozen. What is going on with the weather? It is like a Yo-Yo. One day the birds are freezing in their nests; the next day they are trying to keep dry. With our huge snow dump recently, the birds seem grateful for the food. After that rain they must keep from being drowned. How strange!Now the weather is back to freezing again, just enough to keep things icy. We should be so grateful. Saturday night, it was freezing, and the house temperature went so low I had to change my dual energy to oil. It warmed up quickly, so I turned it down again. Something happened.I listened to scrambling, and then chewing from my attic. How did the beast get in? I thought my attic completely sealed from invaders, especially Raccoons. The only door is accessible by a tall ladder, and padlocked. They broke in through the vents? The aggression of the chewing bespoke a male. They are fat guys weighing, what...at least twenty pounds. How could they squeeze in, being that solid? The female Racoons are smaller, but even so...I heard her last night scrambling around. The weather has moderated, so no doubt the male is back to his schedule of 'leave at dusk and return at dawn.' The female stays out a shorter time.I hope they are not breeding. I thought that lovely time comes in March. Oh dear! What am I going to do now? I need advice. Once the kits arrive I legally must allow them to stay.I suppose there will always be odd events, but I am surprised about the Raccoons. It is a mystery I must solve.

The Red Squirrel, a New Visitor to My Garden

I have recently seen a Red Squirrel in my garden, and on the other side of my house. I must say that I have never seen one in all of my years in this area. Has the Red managed to take over the territory of the ubiquitous Grey Squirrel?I began to see a Red Squirrel several weeks ago, after the first snow (that stayed on the ground). Yesterday we had a substantial snowfall. Today, I saw a Red Squirrel running up my tree. I was amazed at how much smaller it was to the Grey squirrel--half the size. My Red has a gorgeous red tail. Like the Grey, the Red squirrel is a Tree Squirrel. I was also surprised to read in some places that they are an endangered species. Other places say no. Apparently the Greys carry a disease for which the Reds have no immunity, so I hope my little squirrel survives.I read that the Red Squirrel is a solitary creature, unlike the Greys who run up and down the the trees chasing one another. The only chasing done by the Reds, is when the female is in estrous, and is ready to mate. She gives off a scent the males recognize, and they chase her until one of them mates with her. She might have multiple males in her short period of reproduction. She would produce one litter a year and have up to three or four offspring. I understand there might be only one Red squirrel in a large territory. Among other things, they eat spruce buds, needles and cones. Perhaps that is what attracts them to my area now, since I have a number of pine, spruce, and even fir trees not far away.How exciting to have a small Red Squirrel running around my house and garden! I hope the squirrel can establish a territory. I am weary of looking at only Grey squirrels. Let's have a little Red. Have they found a territory among the Greys? Or is it a passing moment or two?Do you have Red Squirrels in Your Area? This photo was taken by D.Gordon E. Robertson, 2008-03-30 and the source is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Red_squirrel.jpg The file is licensed under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

Surprise Happenings at Christmastime

Today is Christmas Day. I meant to post this yesterday, but things got pretty busy. A day before Christmas Eve day we had a surprise Snow Storm--only about 2-3 inches, but perfect for Christmas. That day, when the storm subsided, I went out to clean my car. I forgot, however, about the freezing rain of the day before. It was a struggle to scrape and clean.In the midst of the work, I heard familiar sounds. It was Honking Geese. Geese? The end of December? I looked up, and sure enough, a long string of Canada Geese appeared high above me. They were finally on their way south along The River. The leader had a follower to his right to spell him off. No doubt they would reform into a V at some point, but to leave it so late? I hope they meet no storms. I began to wonder why they were late--waiting for chums to come? Warmer weather gave them false hope of a "little longer." What our animal friends do always adds mystery that makes our lives more interesting. The sight brightened my difficult work.The birds appear to be resting with little activity. I suspect with the snow so late, they had lots of time to gather food and store it in their nests. I'll soon have to clean and refill the large bird Feeder. Some of the food might have got wet. The food looks clumped. I need a chum to assist me, but Christmas is not the time to ask. A friend came and brought his new "smart" book to show me. We had some fun with it. He offered to refill the feeder, another surprise.I hope you all have had a Wonderful Christmas Day, and that you will enjoy the whole Holiday Season, and will have many lovely surprises, not only in gifts, but in the warm relationships that mean so much to all of us at this special time of year.

Memories From the Corners of My Mind

Late this summer I had memories of a gorgeous bird I saw in my garden, but other activities crowded in, and I put off writing about it. I never forgot. If you have seen a PINE GROSBEAK you will understand.At first I saw a movement to my right as I worked on my computer. A bird sat outside my window, staring at me. I had never seen such a bird before and was intrigued. It was obviously a female--mid-sized, rough feathers, with a rusty head, grey back and lighter grey tummy. She was curious about me as I was about her. I wanted to see her mate. She hopped to the chokecherry as I searched.There he was on the ground in all his glory--pecking at seeds. He looked familiar. There was something about him, but he was stunning. I went for my field glasses. Wow! And my book. The beaks did it. They were GROSBEAKS, with the familiar, fat, yellow beak. These were PINE GROSBEAKS. Some years ago the ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK came to my garden, and the more familiar EVENING GROSBEAK. These both have moved away.I watched ever so long, charmed. Of course the PINE GROSBEAKS were only passing through, but they stayed for a few days, perhaps drawn to a number of pines on my property, transplanted years ago by my husband as young trees. The trees are now mature.I called a friend. She looked the bird up, knew it, and had seen one a few years ago. If you do not know the bird, find a picture of one, or go online. I'll upload one here if I can find one. Do enjoy its beauty. You will have a warm memory if you see one.

Now Goes the Golden Autumn Far Away, Now Nearer Comes the Winter to My Door

The Title, I have quoted before. It is from a poem I love by that wonderful poet, Anonymous. The concept suits the mood of the time. I'd love to quote the whole poem to you, but, no, that would never do. Sigh! I am writing about my garden and surrounds. I must get on to my little world of activity. Autumn truly has gone. This young Goose has yet to mature for his flight south.Actually, there has been little activity in my garden of late, since we seem to be on the edge of events. The snow did not come last night, but is said to come today. The weather gradually grows colder. The nights dip below zero. Mostly rain patters down onto our roads. We have been spoiled.The Birds come and go--the little ones. Summer birds have long gone, but the Winter birds must be collecting and filling their storehouses for the coming days. They play 'least in sight.' The Spiders and Insects have long since hibernated--if that is the correct term.Soon all will be covered by layers of that white stuff, so the Birds will have some difficulty finding food. I must get a friend to refill my large feeder. The thought of dragging out my ladder tires me. It will be good to see my feathered friends come seeking once more. The BLUE JAYS have 'chewed me out' for not putting out more peanuts. I only managed to fill the ledges once. They kept up a natter I tried to ignore, I got so busy. I will go out and give them their treats eventually.Yes, Autumn has surely gone, and Winter hovers here in this area. Those of you in warm climates in the south must be pleased to miss our changing seasons. There is charm, and drama, dare I say it, in these changes? The Seasons become a Part of One.What are your Seasons like?