I was chatting the other day with a very nice couple about Border Terriers. They are hoping to adopt one soon having owned a BT previously. They were kind enough to complete a puppy application in much detail. And I realized as we talked that I knew a lot more about them than they did about me. I had wanted to meet them so I could evaluate them as a potential home for a puppy, but hopefully they were likely evaluating me as a breeder just as carefully.
I realized that I knew the breeders of my own dogs only superficially in most cases. We meet the breeder maybe over the telephone or via email, and maybe we are lucky enough to be referred to them. We have a few conversations, exchange a few pictures, answer their questionairres and maybe meet them for a few hours when we pick up the puppy, or before, if we live close by. But in both directions, it's a pretty basic acquaintance.
Do we need to know more? Not really. But we do share a dog's life that hopefully will be long and bring much joy to both sides. Our puppy homes shepard that little pup through all his life and we are the people they will turn to if they have questions or problems. They depend on our expertise in selecting breeding stock, on providing the basic socializing for the puppy, and for ensuring the initial health and disease prevention for the dog.
Some of us breeders believe that these puppy homes are part of an extended family of our dogs and ourselves. We love to hear how the dogs are doing, what they are learning and acheiving, and always enjoy seeing pictures, if not the actual dog itself. Some of us like to keep in touch while other breeders seem too pre-occupied and busy with the rest of their lives.
As a potential puppy home you need to be comfortable with how your dog's breeder treats the breeder-owner relationship. If you are a "sharer" of news and joy, but your breeder doesn't return emails or letters, etc.; perhaps you would have been happier with a more personable breeder. Much of the joy of living with a dog is sharing. Sharing activities with your dog brings much joy, and sharing this joy with others can be very important for some owners.
As breeders we need to realize that every potential puppy owner is as different as each of our puppies; and that some owners appreciate a stronger relationship than others. As a service to our potential puppy homes, we need to take a few minutes and get better acquainted with those who seek us out. We are all part of a great triangle- breeder, owner and dog. Through the dog we have been brought together, our paths have crossed and our lives somewhat intertwined. In some cases, we may discover a better friendship than we could have ever imagined. We might become partners, advisors, mentors, co-breeders, or more. It would be a shame to miss such an adventure.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Position to Win
Sometimes it seems you and your dog try and try but still can't come out a winner or get the score you need to qualify. Ever wonder how some of the pro handlers and trainers seem to always win? Here's something I was discussing with a handler the other day.
The secret to winning or getting a qualifying score is to have your dog in the position to win every time you enter the ring. Every dog is different and every dog gains the skills, experience and emotional maturity to be a winner at different times. You just have to wait for the dog to get it together mentally or physically before they can win. But even if they are mentally, emotionally and physically capable of winning, you still must place them in the position to win.
What do I mean by this? It means that they must have the basic training and skills needed to be winner firmly entrenched in their minds and bodies. For example, in conformation, they must know how to trot on a loose lead, stack both free and by hand, be at ease on the judging table when being evaluated, and have learned that the show ring is a fun place to be. In earthdog, they must learn to drive through the darkness of a complex tunnel system to the quarry, must have developed the instinct to work the quarry aggressively and learn to use their nose as a guide to locating the quarry. In Rally they must know the basic commands, hand signals and movements and know that, no matter the distraction, their place is at the heel position or where you have told them to go. In all activities, they must have had the physical development, athletic conditioning and nutrition to remain competitive throughout the length of the competition.
When you have the skills taught, you need to remember the mental aspect of your sport. Mental conditioning is as vital as the physical. When all individual skills and training have been learned, you must tie them all together in your dog's mind like you are developing a dance routine for your sport. We go here and do this, next we go here and do that, etc. It becomes routine and dogs love routine! Finally you must anticipate, and train for, the unexpected as well as those things that are expected, but are not always the same. In conformation, you need to train for the "go round" at the head of the line, in the middle and as the last dog in line. You need to train the "down and back", the triangle and the "L" because any of these can be chosen by the judge. And you need to train for getting bumped, being in a tight line-up and having the dog in front of you go very slowly. Some of these skills are for you to learn and some for your dog, but all are necessary for you both, as a team, to master.
Once you have these elements down, you can start placing your dog in the position to win. Now you refine posture and gait, enhance presence, build more enthusiasm and develop speed (in those sports where speed is a requirement). But every time you enter the ring, you do the same basic things that you trained- the basic skills. You continuously place your dog in a position to win by having the skills down. When the dog is ready, when he / she is mentally and physically prime, then you will begin to win or score. But while you are waiting for the dog to mature in their bodies and their sport, you are developing them and constantly striving to place them in a position to be a winner.
Our dogs mature at their own pace. For some it's at nine months, for others two years, for some or in certain sports, it can be many years. It's our responsibility as trainers and handlers, every time we take them into the ring or to the test, to give them every opportunity to win so that when they are ready, they can win.
The secret to winning or getting a qualifying score is to have your dog in the position to win every time you enter the ring. Every dog is different and every dog gains the skills, experience and emotional maturity to be a winner at different times. You just have to wait for the dog to get it together mentally or physically before they can win. But even if they are mentally, emotionally and physically capable of winning, you still must place them in the position to win.
What do I mean by this? It means that they must have the basic training and skills needed to be winner firmly entrenched in their minds and bodies. For example, in conformation, they must know how to trot on a loose lead, stack both free and by hand, be at ease on the judging table when being evaluated, and have learned that the show ring is a fun place to be. In earthdog, they must learn to drive through the darkness of a complex tunnel system to the quarry, must have developed the instinct to work the quarry aggressively and learn to use their nose as a guide to locating the quarry. In Rally they must know the basic commands, hand signals and movements and know that, no matter the distraction, their place is at the heel position or where you have told them to go. In all activities, they must have had the physical development, athletic conditioning and nutrition to remain competitive throughout the length of the competition.
When you have the skills taught, you need to remember the mental aspect of your sport. Mental conditioning is as vital as the physical. When all individual skills and training have been learned, you must tie them all together in your dog's mind like you are developing a dance routine for your sport. We go here and do this, next we go here and do that, etc. It becomes routine and dogs love routine! Finally you must anticipate, and train for, the unexpected as well as those things that are expected, but are not always the same. In conformation, you need to train for the "go round" at the head of the line, in the middle and as the last dog in line. You need to train the "down and back", the triangle and the "L" because any of these can be chosen by the judge. And you need to train for getting bumped, being in a tight line-up and having the dog in front of you go very slowly. Some of these skills are for you to learn and some for your dog, but all are necessary for you both, as a team, to master.
Once you have these elements down, you can start placing your dog in the position to win. Now you refine posture and gait, enhance presence, build more enthusiasm and develop speed (in those sports where speed is a requirement). But every time you enter the ring, you do the same basic things that you trained- the basic skills. You continuously place your dog in a position to win by having the skills down. When the dog is ready, when he / she is mentally and physically prime, then you will begin to win or score. But while you are waiting for the dog to mature in their bodies and their sport, you are developing them and constantly striving to place them in a position to be a winner.
Our dogs mature at their own pace. For some it's at nine months, for others two years, for some or in certain sports, it can be many years. It's our responsibility as trainers and handlers, every time we take them into the ring or to the test, to give them every opportunity to win so that when they are ready, they can win.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Ellie has 'em up a Tree!
Well, I knew my little girl was smart! Seems she remembers about the tree squirrels she saw while at summer camp!! ("Summer camp" is our term for where she was while she was being bred! )
Yesterday when I came home for lunch Ellie was standing in the dog area under one of the trees on her hind legs looking up at the tree. Now we dont have THAT many trees here as this was all a big, flat hay field when we bought it except for the few scrub oaks in the creek bed. And I can't remember seeing a real tree squirrel around here ever. Anyhow, I have planted a bunch of trees over the years and there is a nice big one in the dog run area and two bigger ones just outside. She was looking up at the one in the run. So I came over, looked up but I couldn't see anything.
Then she BOLTED over to the tree just outside the run. And sure enough, when I looked up, there was a tree squirrel up in that tree! It must have lept from tree to tree! Well, she had a grand time watching that squirrel most of the rest of the afternoon. Sometime later he must have jumped down and gone over to the neighbor's trees because when I checked him out later he was gone.
So now Ellie and Kate know about tree squirrels. (Kate learned about them long ago on one of our walks!) Now they BOTH will stop and look up at the trees as we go on walks! You never know....there may be a varmit up there! Thanks to "summer camp" my little girl is ever more educated!
Yesterday when I came home for lunch Ellie was standing in the dog area under one of the trees on her hind legs looking up at the tree. Now we dont have THAT many trees here as this was all a big, flat hay field when we bought it except for the few scrub oaks in the creek bed. And I can't remember seeing a real tree squirrel around here ever. Anyhow, I have planted a bunch of trees over the years and there is a nice big one in the dog run area and two bigger ones just outside. She was looking up at the one in the run. So I came over, looked up but I couldn't see anything.
Then she BOLTED over to the tree just outside the run. And sure enough, when I looked up, there was a tree squirrel up in that tree! It must have lept from tree to tree! Well, she had a grand time watching that squirrel most of the rest of the afternoon. Sometime later he must have jumped down and gone over to the neighbor's trees because when I checked him out later he was gone.
So now Ellie and Kate know about tree squirrels. (Kate learned about them long ago on one of our walks!) Now they BOTH will stop and look up at the trees as we go on walks! You never know....there may be a varmit up there! Thanks to "summer camp" my little girl is ever more educated!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Loss to the Breed
Linda Cribbs (LNDI'S was her kennel name) passed away this morning. A long-time Border Terrier breeder from Taft, Ca., Linda was a fixture at many S. Ca. and N. Ca. shows. Many times she would make the long trek up to N. Ca. to help support a major or a terrier show. I last saw Linda in January at the Indio shows. She wasn't in the ring, but many of her dogs, or the offspring of her dogs, were. She always treated me with a kind "hello" and we occasionally compared notes about her leg problems and my knee problems. She bred the type of dog she liked and tried to remain true to the Border Terrier breed standard. She will be missed.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Best Dog He Ever Had
I was out walking my dogs this evening and a family passed by with a mixed breed dog. Off leash but very well behaved. Part Chihuahua and part Corgi?? As we passed by, I asked the owner the usual questions: How old? What mix? Etc. etc.
His response was enlightening. She was a pound-puppy and the best dog he had ever had. Didn't know exactly what she was but she was six years old. She was smart and listened to him and was very obedient. And she had never had one obedience class.
His response triggered something in my memory. Long ago when my wife was starting to breed dressage horses, we imported a mare with a filly at side and a foal inside. A 3 for 1 package. The filly was nice but my wife didnt think she would ever be a top level dressage competitor and so we sold her to a nice home with an experienced trainer. Long story short, the filly became an FEI level (WORLD CLASS!) dressage horse! From then on I always believed that the horse was the least critical of the partnership elements. When asked how far a horse might go in competition, I always said that, given good health, I thought the horse would usually NOT be the limiter.
And I think the same is true for our dogs. No matter if a pure bred or a mixed breed, given a good sendoff and start in life by the breeder, all dogs are very likely capable of much more than we sometimes think they can achieve. It's usually our poorly conceived training, our ill-timed cues and responses, our lack of quality time with our dogs that limits their acheivements. The man this evening and his little girl are proof of that.
His response was enlightening. She was a pound-puppy and the best dog he had ever had. Didn't know exactly what she was but she was six years old. She was smart and listened to him and was very obedient. And she had never had one obedience class.
His response triggered something in my memory. Long ago when my wife was starting to breed dressage horses, we imported a mare with a filly at side and a foal inside. A 3 for 1 package. The filly was nice but my wife didnt think she would ever be a top level dressage competitor and so we sold her to a nice home with an experienced trainer. Long story short, the filly became an FEI level (WORLD CLASS!) dressage horse! From then on I always believed that the horse was the least critical of the partnership elements. When asked how far a horse might go in competition, I always said that, given good health, I thought the horse would usually NOT be the limiter.
And I think the same is true for our dogs. No matter if a pure bred or a mixed breed, given a good sendoff and start in life by the breeder, all dogs are very likely capable of much more than we sometimes think they can achieve. It's usually our poorly conceived training, our ill-timed cues and responses, our lack of quality time with our dogs that limits their acheivements. The man this evening and his little girl are proof of that.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Images from Virginia
I was back in Virginia the past two weeks while Ellie was being bred. Unfortunately I couldn't stay the entire time- had to come home for work issues. But the two short stays I had there were filled with wonderful images. Here are some of my favorites:
The first image is one of Ellie's co-breeders (and the stud-dog's owners) standing in the family room of their home next to the indoor kennel. She is trying to figure out and keep track of which dog she has given Frontline to. She is using her memory of where they are kenneled to keep track. Thre are sixteen Border Terriers swirling around at her feet, glad to be out and happy for the attention. She reminds me of Santa Claus with her elves! A true mother hen with her brood. Saint Francis of Assisi comes mind as well. She dotes on her dogs- the young ones full of promise, the middle aged ones still raring to go, and the elder "statesdogs" needing a little more time and a little more love. She and her partner are truly credits to the Border Terrier breed and all dog-dom!
The next is of Ellie enjoying "summer camp"! She is running full tilt toward the meadow where she had previously seen the squirrel. Tail stiff at the ready, flying over the grass and ground, bounding through the leaves. A sight of rapt attention and pure joy! When you see them this way, you know what a blessing they are and why God made them.
The next is the home of my friends. Just beyond the road, next to a grassy meadow and in the middle of a wooded glen, the dignified home stands. Strong and solid but without any hint of pretense. Hewn stone walks and steps lead up to the entry. Lovingly furnished- full to the brim with Border artworks, mementoes and treasured memories. A cozy family room downstairs next to the kennel combines the best of home, hearth and heart as evidenced by the Wall of Champions- framed pictures of each dog winning and their AKC CH certificate below. Throughout the home, Best of Breed and Best in Show ribbons hang beside beautiful Border Terrier art pieces. A private place where two people's lives are being defined, shared with their dogs and filled with love.
The first image is one of Ellie's co-breeders (and the stud-dog's owners) standing in the family room of their home next to the indoor kennel. She is trying to figure out and keep track of which dog she has given Frontline to. She is using her memory of where they are kenneled to keep track. Thre are sixteen Border Terriers swirling around at her feet, glad to be out and happy for the attention. She reminds me of Santa Claus with her elves! A true mother hen with her brood. Saint Francis of Assisi comes mind as well. She dotes on her dogs- the young ones full of promise, the middle aged ones still raring to go, and the elder "statesdogs" needing a little more time and a little more love. She and her partner are truly credits to the Border Terrier breed and all dog-dom!
The next is of Ellie enjoying "summer camp"! She is running full tilt toward the meadow where she had previously seen the squirrel. Tail stiff at the ready, flying over the grass and ground, bounding through the leaves. A sight of rapt attention and pure joy! When you see them this way, you know what a blessing they are and why God made them.
The next is the home of my friends. Just beyond the road, next to a grassy meadow and in the middle of a wooded glen, the dignified home stands. Strong and solid but without any hint of pretense. Hewn stone walks and steps lead up to the entry. Lovingly furnished- full to the brim with Border artworks, mementoes and treasured memories. A cozy family room downstairs next to the kennel combines the best of home, hearth and heart as evidenced by the Wall of Champions- framed pictures of each dog winning and their AKC CH certificate below. Throughout the home, Best of Breed and Best in Show ribbons hang beside beautiful Border Terrier art pieces. A private place where two people's lives are being defined, shared with their dogs and filled with love.
Happy Birthday!
Today is my Ellie's second birthday. And also the birthday of the three sisters and one brother in her litter. I dont know exactly where the one sister and brother are, but her other two sisters are in Virginia and doing fabulous! "Tilda" is owned by her breeder and the stud dog's owner. She is a finished CHampion earning four majors on the way. Absolutely the nicest of the litter with the prettiest head and with a wondeful owner. "Reed" is owned by another of Ellie's co-breeders and she has three majors under her belt- just looking for a few minor points. What a family!
Happy Birthday to them all!
Ellie had some special steak tonight- NY Steak Prime cut. And she got four new toys to play with and share with Kate and Devlin.
Happy Birthday, my sweet Elllie! You are two years old, barefoot and I hope PREGNANT!! But in whelp or not, you're my little girl and my snuggle bunny in bed! I love you lots and lots!!! Thank you for a wonderful first two years! They have been a blast!
Thanks forever to her breeders!
Happy Birthday to them all!
Ellie had some special steak tonight- NY Steak Prime cut. And she got four new toys to play with and share with Kate and Devlin.
Happy Birthday, my sweet Elllie! You are two years old, barefoot and I hope PREGNANT!! But in whelp or not, you're my little girl and my snuggle bunny in bed! I love you lots and lots!!! Thank you for a wonderful first two years! They have been a blast!
Thanks forever to her breeders!
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