The Compassionate Dog Handler
I have dogs because I like that animal called a dog, and because I enjoy the companionship of a dog. For me, they are fun, social, activity-oriented, beautiful to look at, and I enjoy the nurturing/caretaking/management experience. I believe that most people - who involve themselves in dog classes - feel something similar and will exceed their own expectations by learning some simple truths and techniques.
In my search for the Truth About Dogs, I have taken years of dog training classes, workshops and seminars, and have enjoyed working with my own and other people’s dogs in a variety of venues. (See “Background” below.)
However, in each seminar or workshop, the class leader has always dealt directly with the dog, allowing the handler to flounder. In other words, when teaching a student how to get their dog to sit, the trainer will show his technique, then require the student to mimic same with his dog. How well you mimic, how much attention your dog is able to pay at that moment, the age, sex, and condition of the dog, the prior experience or lack thereof of the handler — all of these things are of paramount importance in creating a successful outcome for the dog-student team, but none of these variations is typically addressed. Although most people who have attended Dog Class are able to walk away with some form of a Sit or Down on their dog, often the overall results are less than satisfying. It is not unusual for a student handler to leave a 6 week class wondering what went wrong rather than feeling the satisfaction of knowing that the dog has picked up some cues, is happier than it was before class, and with the handler feeling more calm and in control of the dog.
I hope, in my workshops, to help fill in that gap, utilizing and sharing a more holistic and intuitive approach to dog handling. Firstly, the handler is the focus of the workshop. If the handler is unable to gain the dog’s attention, if the handler approaches the dog in a negative fashion or with fear, doubt, confusion, uncertainty, disappointment, frustration, etc., if the handler does not see the dog in front of him (e.g., 6 month old animal, non-attentive, a bit hyper, smart but unfocused, etc.), and does not observe its movements and attitudes (e.g., glances often at handler but looks away quickly, shows signs of needing to eliminate, has slight limp on back left, etc.), then results will be minimal at best. After all, in the final analysis, it is always the handler who determines the success and cooperation of the dog under his control, not the dog.
THE WORKSHOPS
Our dog is always “there”; it has no ability to be anywhere else. But are WE “there” or are we home getting ready to run the kid to soccer practice? Are we happy with what the dog achieves “at that moment” or are we wishing Pup was a year older and we didn’t have to come to class anymore?
We handlers need to be honest, focused, patient, and compassionate to our charges. Next, we need to gain his happy attention. After that, we can begin to train.
Who is “the dog in front of us?” For example: Does the dog get enough exercise (enough exercise for THAT particular dog); are his nutritional requirements met properly? (not fat, not too thin, good hair coat, etc.); do we, the handler/owner/trainer/etc, have a really good vet and a good relationship with same? Do we have our dog's attention when we want it, and does he offer attention and eye contact freely and joyfully? Does our dog respect the boundaries we have set for him? Have we elicited his cooperation?
When we are able to see what (a dog) and who (our companion animal) is in front of us, we can begin to focus on building the bond with the dog; we learn how to understand and appreciate the dog we have, in its current state (age,breed,condition,etc.); we learn how to relax and be calm around dogs. Via this approach, we build cooperation in the dog, and teamwork between dog and handler.
In class, we will start with our own body-mind, beginning with relaxation (extremely simple yoga poses and breathing). Next, we approach the dog. We start with very basic leash work, and move from there to eye contact. We discuss food and rewards, use of and extinguishing. As a group, we learn observe The Dog by assisting one another and playing dog games.
The meat of the workshop will develop organically, according to the needs of the group. However, the basics above as well as proper dog walking with proper equipment, touch-and-the-dog, reliable recall, and the basis of Sit-Down-Wait, along with eye contact and the Invisible Door will all be addressed and performed hands-on.
After working out with the dog, whatever exercise we perform, we will return to calmness and touch, developing trust, and more.
Then back to breathing and a quick relaxation with a visual exercise (see you and your dog succeeding, now and in future).
STUDENTS WILL BRING
Application filled-out or mailed, w-Proof of inoculation & name/phone# of vet
Small notebook & writing implement
6-foot lead, preferably 1/4-1/2” leather; web is okay. show type lead OK
wide flat collar, adjustable type is excellent for pups
soft hair brush (10)
yoga mat and dog mat (towels are okay)
(crate or restraint)
DATES: 6 Saturdays - May 7-14-21 (28) June 4-11-18
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
WHERE: Hwy. 46, Paso Robles CA
BACKGROUND
Workshops/Seminars with the following:
- C. W. Meisterfeld (2 workshops), author Crazy Dogs and Crazy People. See:
- Job Michael Evans, formerly, [a] Monks of New Skete: How to be your dog's Best Friend ) See: Amazon's Job Michael Evans Page
- Tellington T-Touch Training. See:
- Sheila Boothe, author: Purely Positive Training: Companion to Competition and Schutzhund Obedience: Training in Drive
- Behavioral workshops(2) - with Bob & Marian Bailey, Bob Bailey, and Morgan Spector (see: Behavior Matters®, Inc.) (see: http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/the-best-animal-trainers-in-history-interview-with-bob-and-marian-bailey * and http://behavior1.com )
- Morgan Spector, dog trainer and author
- Suzanne Hetts (2), creator "Assess-a-Hand"; author; see: Amazon's Suzanne Hetts Page
- Turid Rugaas, author
- Sue Ailsby, author: "Leading the Dance")
- Sonoma County Dog Training Association, 1987-1997
Cesar Millan: the Dog Whisperer
Q: What is the one thing two dog trainers will always agree on?
A: The third dog trainer is wrong.
Since I am a behavioral trainer, avoiding coercion, one might assume I would be a natural naysayer with regard to Cesar Millan. However, I believe his foundation principles (exercise, discipline, affection) are absolutely sound, and agree that it is imperative to approach my dog, your dog, all dogs, with respect and understanding of the species. A dog must be seen as a dog, not a hairy human or child substitute in order to thrive.
Canine Sports & Activities (past and present)
Invitee: Gaines Regional Dog Obedience Trial (1988)
C.D.: Covy-Tucker Hill's Wolfgang
Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC, Byron, Certified)
A.T.T.S.: (American Temperament Test Society) ThunderHawk's Kallashnikov (Caucasian Ovcharka)
WebMaster - Ovcharka World, 1999-2003
Angel at My Shoulder, Dog & Handler Education, since 1996
Head Dog Trainer - SPCA-LA Tender Loving Care Program, Spring 2000 (for at-risk high school students and shelter dogs)
Dog Trainer - PetCo 1999
Dog Trainer - Sebastopol Parks & Recreation, 1996-97
Contributing Editor, Dog Sports Magazine, 1986-1988
Volunteer (with Byron and Wolfgang) - Pet-Assisted Therapy, 1988-1995
Dog Walker/Volunteer - Sebastopol SPCA 1990-1995
Co-Founder and President, United States Caucasian Ovcharka Preservation Society (@2000-2001)
Secretary: Western States Schutzhund Club (defunct)
Dog & Cat Rescue - the majority of my dogs and all my cats have been rescues from the streets.
Continuing Education: It has been my privilege to read, travel, collect information, and study under some of the best behavioral educators and dog trainers in the U.S. Life with dogs is a journey, not a destination. Continuing education is a must.
Related activities:
Our lives lead us to our final goals, if we are lucky, persistent, try to stay in tune. Research, activities, studies that have led me here include ©T-Touch, Massage, Yoga, Dance, Meditation, Hypnosis and Visualization, Qi Gong and the study of Chakras.
Writing, drawing, photography, each including the study of animals, have also been pertinent.
