This quote is from the Temperament Test for Dogs website describing what temperament is. “W. Handel, German Police Dog Trainer, in his article, “The Psychological Basis of Temperament Testing,” defines temperament as ‘the sum total of all inborn and acquired physical and mental traits and talents which determines, forms and regulates behavior in the environment.’” That is the combination of Fixed Action Patterns and Learning abilities I described in an earlier blog post, and qualities that can be used in {Read More}
Trick Dog Champion
September 26, 2013 by
Here is the Trick Dog Champion Title video of my own dog, Australian Shepherd Dudley. I’m very proud of this accomplishment, and for the fun I’ve had with Dudley as we’ve trained for this title. But the fun doesn’t stop here. We are still training new tricks! If you’re interested in training your dog to do tricks, contact me! I’m a Certified Trick Dog Instructor and would be glad to work with you towards your trick dog training goals. Helen {Read More}
Fixed Action Patterns and Learning
September 9, 2013 by
Fixed Action Patterns, or FAPs, are hardwired into our dogs’ genetic make-up. They are stereotypical behaviors to a certain group: everyone has them, or each sex has them, or everyone of a certain age has them. FAPs do not have to be learned. FAPs aren’t learned, and they don’t happen by chance. There is usually a specific something that triggers them. For example, when a dog sees a quick moving object, his prey drive may be activated. A pup’s nursing {Read More}
Rolling Rolling Rolling
September 3, 2013 by
I’ve trained my Australian Shepherd, Dudley, through four trick titles: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. We are now on the border of our final title, Trick Dog Champion. Teaching tricks to your dog, whether to achieve titles or just for fun, is an excellent way to bond and have fun together. Trick training can be done inside on a rainy day or outside on a beautiful day. Some tricks require props and some don’t. Ball rolling is a great outdoor {Read More}
Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
August 29, 2013 by
This recipe was created by a friend of mine, Melani, for her own wonderful dog, Alice. I leave the instructions intact, along with her sense of humor. Melani’s PB Cookie Recipe 1-1/2 cup flour (white or whole wheat) 1/2 cup rolled oats 1 tsp baking powder 3/4 cup milk (Can be low fat but whats the point?) 1-1/2 cups peanut butter 2 Tbsps blackstrap molasses Whisk dry, stir in wet, knead for a min on a floured surface, roll, cut, {Read More}
