Anyone wanting to see video footage of his methodology google search Cesar Milan For and Against - but beware, some of the footage will shock you!
Let me know what you think!
Cheers for now
Lou
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
BACK ON LINE
Hi Everyone,
After a frustrating month of having no real inernet, I am back up and running again. So Apologise to everyone for being so quiet!
Will be posting lots soooooonn
Cheers for now
Lou
After a frustrating month of having no real inernet, I am back up and running again. So Apologise to everyone for being so quiet!
Will be posting lots soooooonn
Cheers for now
Lou
Thursday, December 9, 2010
WHY I SHOULDNT WATCH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC!
Hi Everyone!
There are some TV shows that I just shouldn’t watch! It is a miracle that I haven’t chucked a brick through my nice new big screen television yet! (Now that could be cause for a divorce – even after 35 years lol!)
After watching The Dog Whisperer on National Geographic yet again ........... I find myself in a bit of a quandary. I rarely comment on other trainers and even less on other behaviourists but in this case I feel I just have to make an exception!
Granted Cesar Milan is a great showman I will give him that! The tight T shirt showing bulging muscle and the snugly fitted jeans might well appeal to some younger woman, but it all leaves me cold! I look past the glitz and straight onto the dog’s body language and communication messages and what I see from observing the dogs on his show makes me very sad indeed.
To avoid conflict, dogs offer a wide variety of calming or appeasement signals that are clearly visible to any person who has worked with dogs – or should I qualify that to “any person who takes the time and trouble to be able to identify these signs or signals”. (Dogs have over 30 calming or appeasement signals that they use)
Milan has made catch phrases sound like pseudo-science. “Calm acceptance” is one of his favourites, after challenging/bulling and (sometimes physically) threatening dogs into total and absolute submission. Submission is not acceptance! Submission is an “avoidance” behaviour that animals use to avoid conflict –In most of the footage I have seen; the dogs initially try to frantically defuse Milan who appears to be oblivious of their message and communications. As previously mentioned, dogs have some 30 signals (body language and facial messages) that they use to calm or defuse potentially worrying or frightening situations. However it seems that Milan has not been informed of these basic dog communications!
Milan fails to read any of these messages, and pushes and continues to push most of the dogs seen on his show, to the point where they totally “shut down” – the light is on but no one is home! This is the most basic will to survive. Dogs at this stage are beyond even total submission – which is certainly not the same as acceptance. In most cases this is a temporary behaviour and not a lasting cure, and something I find highly distressing to view!
After viewing some horrific video footage on U Tube and other social networks I am horrified to say the least! Such bully tactics belong in our dark past.
A good site to view to see the truth is to Google search “Cesar Milan for and against” which shows some disturbing footage of what can only be described as abuse. A dogs being lifted into the air and strangled wearing a pinch collars, another dog being terrified by the use of an electric shock collar to the stage where it is hiding under a chair defecating and urinating in terror. No wonder some of them try to defend themselves! However, if they do try and defend themselves the abuse intensifies and you will see dogs thrown on their backs with Milan’s knee in their chest, threatening direct (terrifying)) eye contact to get them to “submit”. It must also be noted that dogs do not do this “forced roll over” to each other. In dogs, it is an “OFFERED BEHAVIOUR” not one achieved through brute force!!!
In my humble opinion – that is not training! Nor could that be considered rehabilitation or behaviour modification. I truly fail to understand why one species. that supposedly has a superior intellect would need to resort to such lengths.
Surely responsible television should be encouraging the public to use their superior intellect to solve problems – not muscle power.
Many unsuspecting owners have been badly injured from being told not to back down from a dog challenge. Taking on a challenge that you are not likely to win in my opinion is just plain stupid! Unless you are from Mexico and a self taught “expert” from being around dogs all your life! I have two children, and have been around them for the last 30 odd years, but this doesn’t make me a child psychologist!!!!
Milan is a “self taught” expert??? He has no academic qualifications. That is fact! There are many experts who are voicing their concern about some of his methods, and one article I recently read stated that “Milan has put positive reinforcement dog training back 20 years – back to the old dark ages”!
The pack theory that he constantly spouts about, has been scientifically proved to be nonsense years ago. Dogs are not wolves, their hierarchy is not ABCDEFG – rather they work TOGETHER for the good of the group, and some view certain things as being more valuable than others, this is also not set in stone, as each one is a total individual and each dog has a different value system.
Actually dominant or high ranking dogs don’t need to be aggressive, as every other dog defers to them. High ranking dogs are generally aloof and rather distant. In a group aggression is often seen in middle ranks. Lower ranks would not dare and higher ranks don’t need to be aggressive, so why do we as humans need to use aggression and bully tactics???? It doesn’t make any sense at all (apart from getting better TV ratings)!
Why do you think the show comes with a warning “Do not try this at home”???????? That to me should be the first clue. But still, the gullible public feed on it all and lap it up like mother’s milk, believing that there is a quick fix to each and every problem!
There is only one method shown on this TV show, and that method is flooding. Now in human terms if I am afraid of spiders, and you shove me in a room (or drag me around on a pinch/spike collar) in this room full of spiders – I really don’t think it will cure me. Eventually I would .............................. yes I would .............. SHUT DOWN as my mind attempts to protect me psychologically!
My last refuge of self preservation /survival is to .............SHUT DOWN!!!
What is very sad is that most aggressive dogs have huge fear issues – so technically Milan is punishing dogs for being fearful or for communicating that fear, which really doesn’t make any sense at all!
I now come to the issue of punishing dogs for growling – I love dogs that growl!!!! If they growl they are less likely to bite! Growling is a distance increasing message - It is a warning! The dog is saying “get out of my space – go away!”
If you punish the growl out of the dog he will most likely than go to the next level WHICH IS A BITE, so again, a dog who is growling should not be punished!
Of course the cause of the growl needs to be addressed – but the growl is a message that needs to be heard not punished! Again I remind you that most aggression is based in fear! Fearful dogs should not be punished; their confidence needs to be built up not punished into shutting down! The latter makes for a very unpredictable animal that is likely to one day attack with little provocation.
Personally I do not believe there is EVER a reason to use these forms of bully tactics.
After a recent workshop we held at Paws Abilities on calming signals and canine communications, a chap was describing the method (by his dog training instructor – not from my school!) he was told to use on a Labrador who did not come reliably when it was called.
He was told to go after it, and grab it by its ear and drag it back to the position where it was called. He was told it “must listen!” and must be punished for disobedience!
Several of our delegates appeared to be visibly shocked! One lady said “Even if it worked – which logically it would not – and she continued to explain "as if your dog was punished for coming to you why would it want to ever come to you again as you would have destroyed its trust and faith in you – but again even if it worked WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO DO SUCH A THING?? That to me was the sweetest thing I had heard in a long time! Blind obedience of the public toward some dog training instructors is also something I find rather disturbing. I frequently hear “but my trainer told me to .......” Don’t people have brains anymore??
Of course logically if a dog is rewarded for any behaviour he will most likely repeat it – and coming when called is no different! If a dog or any animal is successful in its aim (be it a game of ball, a treat / whatever turns the dog on) the dog will repeat the behaviour that got him what he wanted. Success breeds success! Limit the opportunity to fail so that your can have more opportunities to succeed and reward! Sounds really simple – the thing is – IT IS SIMPLE!
I will end with the sincere hope that most humans have the intelligence to be able to work out that to successfully train a dog, you need to develop a relationship of mutual trust and respect for each other. This should not be a relationship of master servant, but two species working together not against each other! This is only achieved by using our (supposedly) superior intellect – not our muscle power!
There are some TV shows that I just shouldn’t watch! It is a miracle that I haven’t chucked a brick through my nice new big screen television yet! (Now that could be cause for a divorce – even after 35 years lol!)
After watching The Dog Whisperer on National Geographic yet again ........... I find myself in a bit of a quandary. I rarely comment on other trainers and even less on other behaviourists but in this case I feel I just have to make an exception!
Granted Cesar Milan is a great showman I will give him that! The tight T shirt showing bulging muscle and the snugly fitted jeans might well appeal to some younger woman, but it all leaves me cold! I look past the glitz and straight onto the dog’s body language and communication messages and what I see from observing the dogs on his show makes me very sad indeed.
To avoid conflict, dogs offer a wide variety of calming or appeasement signals that are clearly visible to any person who has worked with dogs – or should I qualify that to “any person who takes the time and trouble to be able to identify these signs or signals”. (Dogs have over 30 calming or appeasement signals that they use)
Milan has made catch phrases sound like pseudo-science. “Calm acceptance” is one of his favourites, after challenging/bulling and (sometimes physically) threatening dogs into total and absolute submission. Submission is not acceptance! Submission is an “avoidance” behaviour that animals use to avoid conflict –In most of the footage I have seen; the dogs initially try to frantically defuse Milan who appears to be oblivious of their message and communications. As previously mentioned, dogs have some 30 signals (body language and facial messages) that they use to calm or defuse potentially worrying or frightening situations. However it seems that Milan has not been informed of these basic dog communications!
Milan fails to read any of these messages, and pushes and continues to push most of the dogs seen on his show, to the point where they totally “shut down” – the light is on but no one is home! This is the most basic will to survive. Dogs at this stage are beyond even total submission – which is certainly not the same as acceptance. In most cases this is a temporary behaviour and not a lasting cure, and something I find highly distressing to view!
After viewing some horrific video footage on U Tube and other social networks I am horrified to say the least! Such bully tactics belong in our dark past.
A good site to view to see the truth is to Google search “Cesar Milan for and against” which shows some disturbing footage of what can only be described as abuse. A dogs being lifted into the air and strangled wearing a pinch collars, another dog being terrified by the use of an electric shock collar to the stage where it is hiding under a chair defecating and urinating in terror. No wonder some of them try to defend themselves! However, if they do try and defend themselves the abuse intensifies and you will see dogs thrown on their backs with Milan’s knee in their chest, threatening direct (terrifying)) eye contact to get them to “submit”. It must also be noted that dogs do not do this “forced roll over” to each other. In dogs, it is an “OFFERED BEHAVIOUR” not one achieved through brute force!!!
In my humble opinion – that is not training! Nor could that be considered rehabilitation or behaviour modification. I truly fail to understand why one species. that supposedly has a superior intellect would need to resort to such lengths.
Surely responsible television should be encouraging the public to use their superior intellect to solve problems – not muscle power.
Many unsuspecting owners have been badly injured from being told not to back down from a dog challenge. Taking on a challenge that you are not likely to win in my opinion is just plain stupid! Unless you are from Mexico and a self taught “expert” from being around dogs all your life! I have two children, and have been around them for the last 30 odd years, but this doesn’t make me a child psychologist!!!!
Milan is a “self taught” expert??? He has no academic qualifications. That is fact! There are many experts who are voicing their concern about some of his methods, and one article I recently read stated that “Milan has put positive reinforcement dog training back 20 years – back to the old dark ages”!
The pack theory that he constantly spouts about, has been scientifically proved to be nonsense years ago. Dogs are not wolves, their hierarchy is not ABCDEFG – rather they work TOGETHER for the good of the group, and some view certain things as being more valuable than others, this is also not set in stone, as each one is a total individual and each dog has a different value system.
Actually dominant or high ranking dogs don’t need to be aggressive, as every other dog defers to them. High ranking dogs are generally aloof and rather distant. In a group aggression is often seen in middle ranks. Lower ranks would not dare and higher ranks don’t need to be aggressive, so why do we as humans need to use aggression and bully tactics???? It doesn’t make any sense at all (apart from getting better TV ratings)!
Why do you think the show comes with a warning “Do not try this at home”???????? That to me should be the first clue. But still, the gullible public feed on it all and lap it up like mother’s milk, believing that there is a quick fix to each and every problem!
There is only one method shown on this TV show, and that method is flooding. Now in human terms if I am afraid of spiders, and you shove me in a room (or drag me around on a pinch/spike collar) in this room full of spiders – I really don’t think it will cure me. Eventually I would .............................. yes I would .............. SHUT DOWN as my mind attempts to protect me psychologically!
My last refuge of self preservation /survival is to .............SHUT DOWN!!!
What is very sad is that most aggressive dogs have huge fear issues – so technically Milan is punishing dogs for being fearful or for communicating that fear, which really doesn’t make any sense at all!
I now come to the issue of punishing dogs for growling – I love dogs that growl!!!! If they growl they are less likely to bite! Growling is a distance increasing message - It is a warning! The dog is saying “get out of my space – go away!”
If you punish the growl out of the dog he will most likely than go to the next level WHICH IS A BITE, so again, a dog who is growling should not be punished!
Of course the cause of the growl needs to be addressed – but the growl is a message that needs to be heard not punished! Again I remind you that most aggression is based in fear! Fearful dogs should not be punished; their confidence needs to be built up not punished into shutting down! The latter makes for a very unpredictable animal that is likely to one day attack with little provocation.
Personally I do not believe there is EVER a reason to use these forms of bully tactics.
After a recent workshop we held at Paws Abilities on calming signals and canine communications, a chap was describing the method (by his dog training instructor – not from my school!) he was told to use on a Labrador who did not come reliably when it was called.
He was told to go after it, and grab it by its ear and drag it back to the position where it was called. He was told it “must listen!” and must be punished for disobedience!
Several of our delegates appeared to be visibly shocked! One lady said “Even if it worked – which logically it would not – and she continued to explain "as if your dog was punished for coming to you why would it want to ever come to you again as you would have destroyed its trust and faith in you – but again even if it worked WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO DO SUCH A THING?? That to me was the sweetest thing I had heard in a long time! Blind obedience of the public toward some dog training instructors is also something I find rather disturbing. I frequently hear “but my trainer told me to .......” Don’t people have brains anymore??
Of course logically if a dog is rewarded for any behaviour he will most likely repeat it – and coming when called is no different! If a dog or any animal is successful in its aim (be it a game of ball, a treat / whatever turns the dog on) the dog will repeat the behaviour that got him what he wanted. Success breeds success! Limit the opportunity to fail so that your can have more opportunities to succeed and reward! Sounds really simple – the thing is – IT IS SIMPLE!
I will end with the sincere hope that most humans have the intelligence to be able to work out that to successfully train a dog, you need to develop a relationship of mutual trust and respect for each other. This should not be a relationship of master servant, but two species working together not against each other! This is only achieved by using our (supposedly) superior intellect – not our muscle power!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Why do people thing that homework is a chore?
WHY DO PEOPLE THINK TRAINING IS A CHORE?
By Louise Thompson (ABC of SA ©®™)
In my dog training school I nag and nag about the importance of students performing homework with their dogs. I normally advise them to perform a maximum of three to five minutes twice a day.
Now that does not sound like a lot of work. But students regularly complain that they don’t have time to perform homework! Rubbish!!! My favourite time to perform homework is whist boiling the kettle or performing some mundane daily task. Each time the kettle is boiled, simply perform one exercise. The same goes for when you are watching TV. During a programme each time an advert appears – perform one exercise.
If homework is performed during ones daily activities it is undertaken without much effort and without disrupting anyone routine. It also encourages obedience in different environments, not just at the dog training school, but also n other places.
If the dog performs the exercise well STOP .... do not repeat it. Why would you need to repeat it if the dog got it right the first time. In fact, if you repeat an exercise over and over again. Not only will the dog become stale and bored, but you will also increase the likelihood of the dog (or you) making a mistake and then you would be faced with the task of repairing or fixing the exercise. Quit while you are ahead!
In fact, what I don’t want them to do is to go outside into the back yard and perform hours and hours of mindless heelwork, or mindless repetitions of the same exercise. That makes dogs very bored. That makes handlers bored. Bored handlers and dogs are not conducive to a good working partnership.
Try to make homework a fun game. If it isn’t your dog’s favourite exercise - then end the exercise with his favourite game. This way he will remember when he performed the exercise the reward at the end was worth it. It is the reward of his favourite game that will be remembered and most likely he will associate it with the exercise.
Practice the exercises that the dog performs really well least often – in fact make that – practice the exercises that the dog performs really well rarely! If the dog is doing it well, why do you need to practice it???
Don’t get bogged down with a new exercise. If the dog doesn’t get it the first or second time. Reassess and try to work out where you have gone wrong – does the dog really understand what you want him to do? Is he confused, frightened, or overwhelmed, or perhaps he is not yet ready to move his goalposts! If you are battling with a particular exercise – break it up into segments and work on one segment at a time, perfecting each one before combining them all together.
Try to set your dog up for success. When performing homework, try to limit his options, which will help to ensure success. Success should be rewarded – thus increasing the likelihood of further success!
Keep homework sessions very short and make sure it is light-hearted! Don’t push too far, too quickly, take into account your dogs breed, age and learning opportunities, but always move the goalposts. As soon as your dog has grasped a concept, ask for more. A straighter sit, a longer stay etc. Constantly moving the goalposts stretches your dog’s intellect!
By Louise Thompson (ABC of SA ©®™)
In my dog training school I nag and nag about the importance of students performing homework with their dogs. I normally advise them to perform a maximum of three to five minutes twice a day.
Now that does not sound like a lot of work. But students regularly complain that they don’t have time to perform homework! Rubbish!!! My favourite time to perform homework is whist boiling the kettle or performing some mundane daily task. Each time the kettle is boiled, simply perform one exercise. The same goes for when you are watching TV. During a programme each time an advert appears – perform one exercise.
If homework is performed during ones daily activities it is undertaken without much effort and without disrupting anyone routine. It also encourages obedience in different environments, not just at the dog training school, but also n other places.
If the dog performs the exercise well STOP .... do not repeat it. Why would you need to repeat it if the dog got it right the first time. In fact, if you repeat an exercise over and over again. Not only will the dog become stale and bored, but you will also increase the likelihood of the dog (or you) making a mistake and then you would be faced with the task of repairing or fixing the exercise. Quit while you are ahead!
In fact, what I don’t want them to do is to go outside into the back yard and perform hours and hours of mindless heelwork, or mindless repetitions of the same exercise. That makes dogs very bored. That makes handlers bored. Bored handlers and dogs are not conducive to a good working partnership.
Try to make homework a fun game. If it isn’t your dog’s favourite exercise - then end the exercise with his favourite game. This way he will remember when he performed the exercise the reward at the end was worth it. It is the reward of his favourite game that will be remembered and most likely he will associate it with the exercise.
Practice the exercises that the dog performs really well least often – in fact make that – practice the exercises that the dog performs really well rarely! If the dog is doing it well, why do you need to practice it???
Don’t get bogged down with a new exercise. If the dog doesn’t get it the first or second time. Reassess and try to work out where you have gone wrong – does the dog really understand what you want him to do? Is he confused, frightened, or overwhelmed, or perhaps he is not yet ready to move his goalposts! If you are battling with a particular exercise – break it up into segments and work on one segment at a time, perfecting each one before combining them all together.
Try to set your dog up for success. When performing homework, try to limit his options, which will help to ensure success. Success should be rewarded – thus increasing the likelihood of further success!
Keep homework sessions very short and make sure it is light-hearted! Don’t push too far, too quickly, take into account your dogs breed, age and learning opportunities, but always move the goalposts. As soon as your dog has grasped a concept, ask for more. A straighter sit, a longer stay etc. Constantly moving the goalposts stretches your dog’s intellect!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Christmas Cheer for Township and Shelter Dogs and Cats!!!
Paws Abilities Behaviour & Learning Centre in Benoni - is also going to join the drive below for NEEDY DOGS AND CATS!!!
Please EVERYONE do you bit and contribute – SEE BELOW!!!!
Hello everyone!
This year Puppies In Balance in conjunction with Thinking Pets is holding a “Santa Shoebox” Christmas drive for the dogs and cats at various selected rescue organizations across South Africa and Mozambique. So far, we’ve selected Barking Mad, the Sandton SPCA, Kitty Shelter (Cat-a-holics) and Claw as the four JHB based rescue organizations, and we're busy identifying rescue organizations in the rest of South Africa and Mozambique. The idea behind this project is to collect necessary items that can then be distributed between the rescue organizations to help make Christmas special for all the dogs and cats in their care.
It’s really easy to participate – all you have to do if you want to take part in this project is to take an old shoe box and fill it with however many dog or cat related goodies you want – anything and everything is needed and welcome, from toys to treats, food, bowls, blankets, tick/flea control, de-worming tablets, leads and harnesses… you name it! Once you’ve put your box together, you can wrap it in gift wrapping paper or anything else you have at home, mark if it’s for a cat or a dog (and if it’s a “dog box” – please indicate size I.e. Small, medium or large breed). Then, you can either drop it off at the Practice in Bryanston or any ThinkingPets school nationwide, or you can post it to ThinkingPets by the 30th of November, 2010. We’ll deliver it to the three rescue organizations in time for Christmas. Then, email all your friends and family and encourage them to participate as well. It’s as simple as that! If you are in the east – drop it off at Paws Abilities Behaviour & Learning Centre in Benoni (contact numbers) – (082-8920-0905) louthomp@mweb.co.za (011) 969-6103
Every single contributor – be it an individual or a business – will be listed on our new website and Facebook page as a special thanks for helping to make a difference to the lives of those shelter pets and the people who look after them.
We have asked some of our supporting Vets to act as collection points for these shoe boxes or you can drop them at 177 Eccleston Crescent or 33 Devonshire Ave - both in Bryanston. Please also promote the idea to as many of your clients, friends and anyone else you can think of who may be interested.
Let’s make this a Christmas really special for all the shelter & township dogs and cats out there!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Calling dog lovers in Gauteng - Behaviour & Training Workshop
Paws Abilities Behaviour & Learning Centre
Behaviour / Training Workshops.
“Calming Signals and How Dogs Communicate“
& ”Common Behavioural Problems/Solutions”
The morning will kick off with an informative video which demonstrates amazing examples of various canine communication signals and body language. We will then have a short break for tea/coffee biscuits etc, followed by a talk and discussion on “Common Behaviour Problems / Solutions”. And then an open floor discussion. Afterwards everyone is very welcome to join us for a “Bring and Braai”. Booking is essential!
DATE 28th November 2010.
TIME From 10:00 am to (...... end of braai).
COST R60.00 per person (payable in advance to secure your place).
The cost includes an informative booklet with loads of info.
VENUE The Clubhouse
Paws Abilities Behaviour and Learning Centre
Plot 72
Fifth Road
Cloverdene
Benoni
CONTACT Leigh Macbeth @ 082-706-4374
Please let us know if you intend staying for the braai. A fire will be available for you to cook your meat on and don’t forget to please bring whatever you wish to eat and drink.
Cold drinks / tea / coffee, will be on sale at the Clubhouse, which has safe parking, seating, shade & toilet facilities
AS THIS IS A THEORY WORKSHOP
UNFORTUNATELY WE CAN NOT ACCOMODATE YOUR DOGS!
www.animal-behaviour.org.za
pawsabilitiesbehaviourandlearning.blogspot.com
Join us on Google pawsabilitiesbehaviourandlearning.blogspot.com or Facebook group-The Animal Behaviour Consultants of Southern Africa
VENUE: Plot 72, 5th Road, Cloverdene, (Van Ryn Smallholdings). Benoni
Join us on Google pawsabilitiesbehaviourandlearning.blogspot.com
DIRECTIONS TO:- PHYSICAL ADDRESS
Saturday Training Grounds & Club House Plot 72 FIFTH Road, Cloverdene, Benoni
Directions from N12 Witbank / Johannesburg Highway travelling towards Witbank.
1. Take the Putfontein off ramp and turn left into Putfontein Road
2. Take the first road to your left into 3rd Avenue / Laan
3. Turn right into 5th Road / Weg
4. The school entrance is the first gate that you come to on the right hand side. There is a sign on the 6 foot pre-cast wall with a picture of PAW PRINTS on it.
You will see our floodlights and clubhouse and the Grooming Parlour which is the small building on the left hand side.
Directions from Benoni /Rynfield suburbs, travelling away from Benoni.
1. Get onto the Pretoria Road – past the Bunny Park
2. Turn right into Vlei Road, which is the last set of traffic lights on the Pretoria Road. There is a shopping centre on your left hand side (Rynfield Terrace) and a wedding venue (called Royal Palms) on the right hand side.
3. Stay on Vlei Road. (going towards Crystal Park) After a traffic circle ( by the service entrance to Ebotsi golf-estate - which is on the right hand side) the road name changes into Cloverdene Road.
4. Turn Right into 5th Road.
5. We are the last entrance on your left hand side.
6. There is a large sign on the wall with a big picture of PAW PRINTS on it (dead giveaway!) Wrought iron gates and you will be able to see our club-house (lapa) and floodlights, and the Grooming Parlour which is the small building on the left hand side.
Behaviour / Training Workshops.
“Calming Signals and How Dogs Communicate“
& ”Common Behavioural Problems/Solutions”
The morning will kick off with an informative video which demonstrates amazing examples of various canine communication signals and body language. We will then have a short break for tea/coffee biscuits etc, followed by a talk and discussion on “Common Behaviour Problems / Solutions”. And then an open floor discussion. Afterwards everyone is very welcome to join us for a “Bring and Braai”. Booking is essential!
DATE 28th November 2010.
TIME From 10:00 am to (...... end of braai).
COST R60.00 per person (payable in advance to secure your place).
The cost includes an informative booklet with loads of info.
VENUE The Clubhouse
Paws Abilities Behaviour and Learning Centre
Plot 72
Fifth Road
Cloverdene
Benoni
CONTACT Leigh Macbeth @ 082-706-4374
Please let us know if you intend staying for the braai. A fire will be available for you to cook your meat on and don’t forget to please bring whatever you wish to eat and drink.
Cold drinks / tea / coffee, will be on sale at the Clubhouse, which has safe parking, seating, shade & toilet facilities
AS THIS IS A THEORY WORKSHOP
UNFORTUNATELY WE CAN NOT ACCOMODATE YOUR DOGS!
www.animal-behaviour.org.za
pawsabilitiesbehaviourandlearning.blogspot.com
Join us on Google pawsabilitiesbehaviourandlearning.blogspot.com or Facebook group-The Animal Behaviour Consultants of Southern Africa
VENUE: Plot 72, 5th Road, Cloverdene, (Van Ryn Smallholdings). Benoni
Join us on Google pawsabilitiesbehaviourandlearning.blogspot.com
DIRECTIONS TO:- PHYSICAL ADDRESS
Saturday Training Grounds & Club House Plot 72 FIFTH Road, Cloverdene, Benoni
Directions from N12 Witbank / Johannesburg Highway travelling towards Witbank.
1. Take the Putfontein off ramp and turn left into Putfontein Road
2. Take the first road to your left into 3rd Avenue / Laan
3. Turn right into 5th Road / Weg
4. The school entrance is the first gate that you come to on the right hand side. There is a sign on the 6 foot pre-cast wall with a picture of PAW PRINTS on it.
You will see our floodlights and clubhouse and the Grooming Parlour which is the small building on the left hand side.
Directions from Benoni /Rynfield suburbs, travelling away from Benoni.
1. Get onto the Pretoria Road – past the Bunny Park
2. Turn right into Vlei Road, which is the last set of traffic lights on the Pretoria Road. There is a shopping centre on your left hand side (Rynfield Terrace) and a wedding venue (called Royal Palms) on the right hand side.
3. Stay on Vlei Road. (going towards Crystal Park) After a traffic circle ( by the service entrance to Ebotsi golf-estate - which is on the right hand side) the road name changes into Cloverdene Road.
4. Turn Right into 5th Road.
5. We are the last entrance on your left hand side.
6. There is a large sign on the wall with a big picture of PAW PRINTS on it (dead giveaway!) Wrought iron gates and you will be able to see our club-house (lapa) and floodlights, and the Grooming Parlour which is the small building on the left hand side.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
SA Law for Fireworks
The 5th November is Guy Fawkes Day and many people still celebrate with firecrackers even though it’s harmful to animals and pose a danger to users and bystanders.
Attached are posters that form part of the SPCA’s campaign.
Know the law:
No person may light or ignite fireworks in any place where animals are present (R 1 000 fine). This includes domestic homes.
No person may allow any minor (child) under his or her control to "use, light or ignite" fireworks (R 1 500 fine). No exceptions to this rule.
No person may use fireworks on any agricultural holding or at any school or senior citizens' residence without special Council authorisation ( R 1 000 to R 1 500 fine). This authorisation must be sought well in advance of intended day.
No person can use fireworks within 500 metres of any petrol depot or petrol station without special Council authorisation ( R 1 500 fine).
No person or organisation can "present a fireworks display" unless formally authorised to do so by the Council (at least 14 days' notice before the display is required by Council to consider such an application). Authorisation is also required from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Chief Inspector of Explosives. (Multiple fines of R 1 500 are applicable).
At such a display (should permission be granted) a pyrotechnist and SA Police Services explosives expert must be present at all times. (R 1 500 fines).
No person may deal in fireworks (sell or make available) unless they hold a fireworks licence in terms of the Explosives Act as well as the written authority of the Chief Fire Officer.(R 1 500 fine).
The reign of terror which afflicts our large pet population when people indiscriminately (and often criminally) ignite noisy fireworks at all times of the day and night gets worse every year.
Firm enforcement of the by-laws will assist in reducing the noise and panic levels and allow people (and their pets) to plan for "noisy" periods thus producing a quieter, safer environment for all concerned.
Monday, October 4, 2010
NOW OPEN - DOGGY DAY CARE!
Paws Abilities Behaviour & Learning Centre
Paws Abilities Doggie Day Care Centre.
A specialised service for busy, working moms and dads.
# Does your best friend have too much time on his paws?
# Are you coming home each day to garden damage and more?
# Is your dog or puppy alone all day without adequate mental and physical
stimulation?
If you dog/pup is socially acceptable, here is your solution!
Paws Abilities Doggie Day Care Centre:
Constant supervision.
A structured day of entertainment, education, and fun, for your fur kids!
Play time and socialising opportunities.
Educational games.
Rest Time.
Good manners education (including loose leash walking, and other basic manners).
Exposure to livestock
Life skills, confidence building, and much more.
Full time, part time, half day, and casual care available.
Contact Louise on (011) 969-6103 or 082-890-0905
Or Emma at 082-923-9317
e mail enquiries to louthomp@mweb.co.za
Paws Abilities Doggie Day Care Centre.
A specialised service for busy, working moms and dads.
# Does your best friend have too much time on his paws?
# Are you coming home each day to garden damage and more?
# Is your dog or puppy alone all day without adequate mental and physical
stimulation?
If you dog/pup is socially acceptable, here is your solution!
Paws Abilities Doggie Day Care Centre:
Constant supervision.
A structured day of entertainment, education, and fun, for your fur kids!
Play time and socialising opportunities.
Educational games.
Rest Time.
Good manners education (including loose leash walking, and other basic manners).
Exposure to livestock
Life skills, confidence building, and much more.
Full time, part time, half day, and casual care available.
Contact Louise on (011) 969-6103 or 082-890-0905
Or Emma at 082-923-9317
e mail enquiries to louthomp@mweb.co.za
ST Francis of Assessi Day at AACL
Well ,yesterday I spent a wonderful morning at Animal Anti Cruelty League at Regents Park in Johannesburg and I must say it was an absolute honour to be part of their animal celebration.
The minister conducting the blessing reminded us of just how humble we should be in awe of our animal companions and gave a very touching prayer.
The dedicated staff and volunteers put together a fantastic morning with dog displays from local dog schools and trainers. Buddy the Toyota Boxer dog was also there to meet the public - (what a delight he is!)
There were lots of fun competitions and doggie activities, from look a alike competition - to the dog with the best trick and there was lots of talent around!
Lots of good food and goodies were on sale and the white elephant stall was great - I went home with lots of bargins, and all for a good cause.
On the sadder side - the kennels are full and good homes are desparately needed, and there were some wonderful characters in the kennels - just desparate to find their forever homes. So please pass the word to anyone you know who is looking for a new best friend ........................
Again a huge bouquet to the volunteers and staff of the AACL - keep on doing such a wonderful job.
Until next time
Lou
The minister conducting the blessing reminded us of just how humble we should be in awe of our animal companions and gave a very touching prayer.
The dedicated staff and volunteers put together a fantastic morning with dog displays from local dog schools and trainers. Buddy the Toyota Boxer dog was also there to meet the public - (what a delight he is!)
There were lots of fun competitions and doggie activities, from look a alike competition - to the dog with the best trick and there was lots of talent around!
Lots of good food and goodies were on sale and the white elephant stall was great - I went home with lots of bargins, and all for a good cause.
On the sadder side - the kennels are full and good homes are desparately needed, and there were some wonderful characters in the kennels - just desparate to find their forever homes. So please pass the word to anyone you know who is looking for a new best friend ........................
Again a huge bouquet to the volunteers and staff of the AACL - keep on doing such a wonderful job.
Until next time
Lou
Saturday, October 2, 2010
FINDING A GOOD DOG TRAINING SCHOOL
FINDING A GOOD DOG TRAINING SCHOOL:
By Louise Thompson (Accredited Animal Behaviourist)
This usually begins at about five and a half to six months of age ideally after an initial puppy school learning and socialising programme. In the beginning, this should be a continuation of early learning in puppy school. At this age, all learning should still be fun and mentally challenging, never putting the puppy under too much pressure.
Some schools are run by accredited animal behaviour consultants – see their website for details – www.animal-behaviour.org.za Some ABC’s run “Specialist” Schools – concentrating on one or more disciplines. Many schools offer domestic and show obedience classes, as well as other various disciplines of dog sport and fun! Participation in most dog sports requires a certain amount of basic obedience training.
KINDS OF DOG TRAINING CLASSES: Domestic obedience – All dogs should learn the basics of good manners and basic obedience such as how to walk to heel on a leash, to sit, to down, to stand for examination, to stay and to retrieve. This is not only to provide the owner with discipline and control, but also to give the dog some mental and physical stimulation.
Dog training used to be really boring! Years ago, training used to involve being marched up and down a field for an hour of military style heelwork! Not anymore! Nowadays, classes are fun and exciting for both dog and owner. An “ideal” school uses games and fun exercises to keep both dogs and people focused! Newer dog sports are available at many schools, which can be competitive or just for fun and fitness (of both the dog and owner)!
These newer dog sports include: Dog carting, flyball races, dog jumping and agility, even “heelwork to music” – dancing dogs! Some of the above are incorporated into working trials and other specialist competitions or sports. Classes should incorporate fun activates which stimulate you and your dogs minds whilst having fun and learning at the same time!
All of these activities give your dog something valuable to do and help to work his brain and keep him mentally and physically active and occupied. A dog that works is a happy, contented dog.
HINTS FOR FINDING A GOOD DOG TRAINING SCHOOL: Many dog training schools cater for dogs from puppy-hood through to adult dog training.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GOOD DOG SCHOOL: Winning prizes is not the most important thing to look for. Don’t be fooled by the trophies on the wall! Some trainers need their students to win at all costs and this can be sometimes at the expense of the dog’s well-being!
WHEN CHECKING OUT A DOG TRAINING SCHOOL: Before enrolling in a class, first visit the school WITHOUT YOUR DOG, (as an observer) So that you don’t feel pressured to join in if you are not comfortable with what you observe), and look for the following:
· Do the dogs look happy and relaxed? Are the people friendly and sociable? A friendly, fun, relaxed environment for both dog and handler is vital for learning to be able to take place!
· Is everyone shouting their dogs – screaming, “Leave” and “Foui”? Dogs are not deaf - their hearing is considerably better than ours – why do people shout?
All shouting does is to teach the dog to ignore the owner.
· Is there a lot of dog-on-dog aggression? A good school does not permit aggression to develop in a training class.
· Serious cases of aggression should be dealt with via behaviour modification and, sometimes even via private training sessions. The dog-training field is not an appropriate platform for solving behaviour problems – behavioural problems need in depth one-on-one counselling.
· Does the school provide you with contact numbers of satisfied students who have completed or are enrolled at the training centre?
· Does the instructor enquire if you are experiencing any problems at home with the dog, and either offer appropriate advice and/or refer you to a professional ABC.
· What kind of equipment are the handlers using?
· Would you consider the training equipment cruel? Are the instructors using electric shock or pinch collars? Even check/choke chains, if used incorrectly, can cause severe damage to the muscles, the tendons and even the spine of a dog. Humane, gentle training methods, using food, toys, or other forms of passive motivation are imperative to ensure a good relationship with your dog, and develop a confident, sound, stable dog.
· No instructor or handler should ever lose his temper with either a dog or handler, but should always show empathy and understanding of both dog and handler problems.
Some schools routinely use electric shock collars, and steel spike/pinch collars. Pinch collars are made up of steel links with spikes on the inside, which pinch and nip the skin when the leash is pulled! In my opinion, this kind of torture equipment should have gone out with the Spanish Inquisition! Cases are regularly reported of dogs being yanked off their feet, and even hung in trees (by the choke chain & leash) until they lose consciousness. People actually do this and condone the practice, telling you it is training!
In my book, this is not dog training, IT IS ABUSE! In my opinion - the sadists, who believe this is the way to train dogs, should find another occupation!
Good dog trainers don’t need to choke, yank, hit, yell at or electrocute dogs in order to get them to obey. Good dog trainers use gentle, modern, positive reinforcement methods of learning!
Learning should be fun for both the owner and the dog!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)