Out & About With Tracy & Simon

Simon turns 6!!

2012-02-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

After Simon's sixth birthday this week I found myself re-reading a post on Tom Ryan's blog.... every word rings try today. I love this dog and he loves me- it really is that simple.

Link to Tom Ryan's blog:
http://tomandatticus.blogspot.com/2009/10/mount-hale-will-be-hiked-for-simon.html

Running to Remember a Fellow Woman Runner

2012-01-30T03:50:00.000-08:00

We have been shocked by the news of Sherry, teacher, wife, mom and runner who left her home one Saturday morning for a run and never returned. Her cousin is organizing a run to remember her... as a women who runs alone this is particularly poignant. Please consider joining Simon and I and walk, run, cycle or move in whatever way suits you to remember Sherry.

http://www.shutupandrun.net/2012/01/virtual-run-for-sherry-arnold-february.html

Will Simon Forgive me?

2012-01-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

I am going hiking today and I have decided not to bring Simon.... I know you are all gasping at the horror of it all. But, I am hiking with my pal Megan and her 2 daughters in the hopes of seeing one of the Snowy Owls that have come down our way this winter. I am pretty sure that having a predator along, Simon, may interfere with our possible sightings.

Fortunately, Simon and I have already had a wonderful outdoor adventure today- doing a loop that incorporated hiking trails, closed roads and an bushwhack along an abandoned trail! So.... please forgive me my four pawed pal!

Running ... again!

2011-12-31T06:44:00.000-08:00

Simon is a great running companion, but between his recent health issues and mine we have gotten off our game for the past few months. I could feel myself giving in the holiday excess and knew that a downward spiral could happen at any time. But no- that is not happening!

Simon and I are both feeling great and started our post holiday exercise with a fantastic, and easy, trail run in Acadia. I chose a trail that was relatively flat, a day that was warm and a running pal who was into tramping through the forest. We had to navigate some ice and some deeper than expected pools of water... and one of us had to take a break to swim in a couple of streams. By the end we were both smiling and I was thinking about our upcoming Canicros Race at Pineland in May.

Today we were heading out for another run and I chose a place where Simon could run leash free. He could do his thing while I tried out the first day on a Galloway plan to improve my 5k time. Next thing I knew Simon bolted for a patch of forest across the (quiet, no traffic) road from our running route. I called and called with no response and as my fears started to take hold I thought... he does not do this!.... but there have been 2 times when he acted in a similar way and both times he had discovered a deer carcass. So off I bounded into the trees and I found him close by with his prize. The deer had been picked pretty clean, but he was enjoying a bit of a chew on the skeleton. Simon was so in "dog mode" that I doubt he even heard me calling him. I clipped on his leash and finally got started on our run. I decided to keep him leashed knowing how close the temptation was to our running route. Let me tell you that Simon was jazzed and if I had had my canicross gear we would have flown!

Another day with my beloved fiend.... and another adventure!

Happy Holidays

2011-12-17T08:59:00.000-08:00

Simon and I hope you have a dog centric holiday season this year!

A(nother) Morning on Gorham

2011-10-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

It was so funny this morning as I had planned last evening that today would be a hiking day, but when I woke I really wanted to go running instead! I almost did, but then checked the weather and we are due for lots of rain tonight and tomorrow- I will run in rain, but hate hiking in rain as the trails are slick. So... a hike it was today.

I decided to hike Gorham Mt. I have a tremendous fondness for this small mountain as it was where I got started in hiking. It is a cool, crisp day for a hike and being on the trail felt great. Not long after we got hiking I had a sense that someone was watching us. I have had this experience before and it is usually worth stopping and having a closer look around. We were very near a well traveled animal path, so I had a pretty good idea of who was around. Eventually I saw a horizontal plane of brown amongst the trees- I was right it was a deer. I quietly greeted her and then we moved along.

The trail felt so much like home... it is funny to me now to try and remember just what it was that got me to hike in the first place. What started it all? I have no idea. But once I got going it was all uphill from there. Early on in my hiking days I would hike Gorham 3 or 4 times a week. Still feeling a little anxious about venturing onto other trails. However, with Simon by my side, that soon changed and we have been hiking all over the place since.

As we continued our hike I noticed, even with the small amount of altitude change, the variation in color of the huckleberry bushes. As we neared the summit they sported leaves colored a stunning red and at the trailhead the leaves were still slowly moving from yellow to red.

Just past a lovely view point, Simon became quite alert and stopped in his tracks. Moved a bit and lifted his nose to the air. I know the signs and there was someone about. In the past Simon has shown me great owls in the trees we pass, Ravens soaring high above us, killdeer, fox, grouse and coyote. I strained my eyes to pick out something in the shrubs and trees, but it was dense and I could not make out who might be around. Well, I knew the chances of it being a bear, lynx, or bobcat were incredibly slim- despite their presence on the island and despite my great desires to see one of these animals. I thought it could very well be a fox or coyote watching us, but more than likely it was a deer. Sure enough when we started to move along I saw the distinctive flash of white as the deer decided to bound off.

We reached the summit and stopped long enough for Simon to have a few treats and to gaze out at the ocean before us and the mounains behind us before heading back down. I will never tire of this view- I have been on this mountain in all seasons and each time it offers me something amazing.

On our way down Simon and I caught the scent of, what I imagined to be, a fox. There was an animal path at this point along the trail and we have certainly noticed fox activity here before. Needless to say, SImon needed a moment to savor the scent and check out this path more in depth.

Once moving again and getting close to my first deer sighting of the day, we rounded a corner of the trail and looking right at me, very close to the trail was a deer. She was adorable and I admit that I am often reminded of Simon's warm loving eyes when I see deer eyes. Behind her I caught a flash of white as another deer moved farther away. Simon stopped and looked in their direction, I do not think he saw them, but remained calm for which he was duly rewarded. In order to continue along the trail we would have to pass very, very close to her and I had a clear view of her and of her fawn standing behind her. Simon paid them no attention and I said a soft hello as we passed.

Back at the car we had water and Simon had a few more treats and then it was back home. Again, Gorham recharged my soul.

A Weekend in Crawford Notch

2011-10-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

Whew- Simon and I have been active as usual, but it has been so long since we posted. So....
a couple of weeks ago Simon and I went camping in Crawford Notch State Park in NH. I had hope to "bag" another 4000 footer, but a lack of sleep and needing to meet up with my sister, niece & nephew inspired me to change my plans. Instead, in honor of SImon's love of water, I decided that we would do a series of short hikes that involve water. It was perfect weather and Simon was ready to swim!

We topped off our hikes with a couple of short hikes to 2 of the tallest waterfalls in NH- Arethusa & Ripley. Simon and I both relished the coolness of being near such amazing sights and, yes, SImon did get in a lot of swimming- river, pond & stream. All in all a perfect camping weekend.

Dog & Cat First Aid Course Scheduled

2011-04-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Peaceful Pack Dog Training has scheduled a Pet First Aid Class for May 15th from noon to 4 pm. Bobby Silcott from the The Maine POM Project will present first aid techniques for both dogs and cats. The cost is $40, a $20 deposit is required to guarantee your spot and all proceeds will go to the Red Cross($22) and The Maine POM Project ($18)!! POM stands for Pet Oxygen Masks and Bobby is raising money to purchase enough POMs for every rescue group in the state of Maine.

So, if you attend you will receive four hours of great first aid instruction from Bobby, a First Aid manual and DVD so that you can review the material any time and the knowledge that all the proceeds from this event are helping dogs in our home state of Maine!

To register please call Tracy at 460-8548 or email me at tracy@peacefulpack.com

You may also send a check made out to "Maine POM Project" to me at:

Tracy Haskell

75 State St

Ellsworth, ME 04605

The course will take place at Peaceful Pack's Training Studio in Trenton, Maine. For folks using GPS the address is 513 Bar Harbor, Rd.

If you need directions they can be found on our website at: www.peacefulpack.com

This is a human only event. Space is limited so please register early!

Tracy to Seek the Peak!

2011-03-04T03:46:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to hike up the infamous Rock Pile- otherwise known as Mt. Washington, for years now. I have decided that this is the summer to make a summit attempt. To add a nice twist to my hike I have decided to participate in the annual Seek the Peak fundraiser for the amazing Mount Washington Observatory. This is the 11th year for Seek the Peak, so I expect there to be quite a crowd on the mountain on July 23rd when I WILL climb Mt. Washington. This will ease Larry's mind as he really is not comfortable with me hiking up there alone. I have not decided if Simon will be joining me- I usually like to have a good idea of the trail conditions before I bring him along on a hike.

Since 1932, the member-supported Mount Washington Observatory has been observing and reporting on Mount Washington's infamous conditions from their mountaintop weather station, maintaining a continuous climate record nearly eight decades long.

The data they collect is utilized in nationwide forecasting models, local and regional weather reports, landmark climate research projects and a variety of innovative educational programs. Through research and education, the Observatory is working to inspire the next generation of scientists.

If you would like to support me on this adventure and support the legendary MWO, I would welcome a supportive comment below or donations towards my hike. All gifts are fully tax-deductible, and will help Mount Washington Observatory continue their important work in the Home of the World's Worst Weather. Every dollar I raise will directly support the Observatory's mission of research and education on Mount Washington. You can find my personal page here:

http://observatory.mountwashington.org/site/TR/Events/SeekthePeak11?px=1180743&pg=personal&fr_id=1030

This should be a fun adventure and I certainly hope my steadfast hiking pal, Simon, will be there to share in the success. I'll let you know what happens!

Tracy

Polite Hikers

2011-03-03T04:12:00.000-08:00

Simon and I are avid hikers and we try our best to practice polite trail etiquette. Instead of re-writing this information I thought I would just post a link to the Daily Hiker site which has an excellent post about Trail Etiquette. We also practice the principles of Leave No Trace and I have posted a link to their website as well.

http://www.dailyhiker.com/news/hiking-and-trail-etiquette/

http://www.lnt.org/

So, get out there and enjoy yourself on the trails and help others enjoy it as well : )

The Importance of Puppy Socialization

2011-01-24T04:55:00.000-08:00

Many people have heard friends or dog trainers talk about puppy socialization. Yet, lots of folks are not sure of what this means or why it is important. I am going to try to clarify some of this for you and why we dog trainers think it is a critical component in raising a well-adjusted, well-mannered puppy.

Socialization is a process of introducing your puppy to a wide range of new experiences, people, places, things, environments and activities. This is accomplished by gradually allowing your dog to check out different looking people, children, environments, objects and dogs. The period of your puppy’s life when socialization is most critical is between the ages of 8 to 16 weeks.

When you socialize puppies, you give them the opportunity to be positively exposed to a wide variety of new experiences. This results in dogs that more easily adjust to new things throughout their lives. Well-socialized dogs are more secure and self-confident.

The process of puppy socialization should be fun, safe and positive for your puppy. It should be completely force free and voluntary for your puppy. Your attitude will matter during this process, so make sure that you are having fun introducing new things to your pup.

It is also important for you to respect your puppy’s feelings and never push or force your puppy if she is at all reluctant to meet someone or something. Let her approach new things at her own pace. Provide opportunities for your puppy to investigate new things and then let her take her time. If she is reluctant, try laughing or interacting with the new object or person yourself, but be wiling to let it go if your pup continues to remain reluctant to interact with a new object or person.

Try to avoid situations, places or people you think may be less than positive for your puppy. The idea here is to build upon lots of really good experiences so that your puppy builds up a resiliency to novel experiences. So, if someone approaches you and wants to hold your puppy, it may be best to suggest that they sit down and allow the puppy to approach them.

A well-socialized puppy means that by the time your puppy is 16 weeks old they should have had POSITIVE experiences with:

• Many different surfaces: grass, sand, cement, grates, linoleum etc
• Interacted with many different objects: a variety of toys (soft, squeaky, hard, etc), wood, paper, metal etc
• Been to many different locations: friend’s homes, the vet’s office, ponds, cars, boats, bus etc.
• Met and played with a variety of new people: kids, men, women, people wearing hats, men sporting beards, folks in wheelchairs etc.
• Have heard many different types of noises: lawn mower, snow blower, sirens, doorbell, coffee grinder, vacuum, other animals sounds (horses, chickens, cats), babies crying, kids playing etc.
• Has seen objects moving at different speeds (do not allow your pup to chase): people running, kids playing, cats running, vacuums moving etc.
• Has had a variety of challenges: climbing up and down objects, climbing over objects, walking on wobbly surfaces, seeing an umbrella open etc.
• Has been gently handled by you and family members multiple times per week: touching their paws, looking in the ears etc.
• Eaten from different containers and in different locations.
• Played with many different safe puppies and adult dogs.
• Has had an opportunity to learn that it is OK to be left alone; this should be done gradually so your pup does not experience any anxiety about your departures and arrivals.
• Experienced wearing a leash and collar.

The important thing to remember is that when your puppy is experiencing new things you must allow your puppy to approach and that the experience is a positive one for your puppy. Peaceful Pack Dog Training offers Puppy Head Start classes with new sessions starting every four weeks. These classes are a wonderful opportunity to get your pup started on the right paw- more information can be found on the schedule page of our website at www.peacefulpack.com.

January is "National Train Your Dog Month"

2011-01-11T04:21:00.001-08:00

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the largest educational and professional association for dog trainers in the world, has proclaimed January "National Train Your Dog Month." The goal of this campaign is to promote the importance of training and socialization to all dog owners.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, between six and eight million dogs and cats are turned in to animal shelters each year, and about four million are euthanized for lack of good homes. Many dogs are turned in to shelters for common behavior and training issues that could easily be solved with the assistance of a professional trainer or behavior counselor. In fact, it has been proven that training and socializing dogs when they're young reduces or eliminates behavior problems in the future.

Since January is the time for New Year’s resolutions, it is the perfect time for the dog-owners of Hancock County, and those who may be considering getting a dog, to learn about the importance and impact of training for their pet. The APDT web site has a wealth of helpful information for pet owners at www.apdt.com/petowners.

APDT and its over 5,000 member trainers are dedicated to helping to keep dogs in homes, in showing dog owners how to fully enjoy and have fun with their dogs, and to experience the joys of having a well-trained dog.

At Peaceful Pack Dog Training we believe that training your dog with current, humane and effective methods will help your dog remain in his or her “forever home”. Training provides dogs with the basc good manners we all want- from polite greetings, to walking nicely on leash to coming when called. Training builds your mutual bond, enhances partnership and enriches the relationship you share with your dog. Is there anything better?

Peaceful Pack Dog Training offers a variety of classes for your dog- from puppy headstart, basic manners to agility, Rally O, Tricks and even Canine Good Citizen Testing. Peaceful Pack Dog Training provides group and private lessons to people and their dogs. It is our business to help people and their dogs create lasting friendships with training solutions that REALLY work!

So, Simon did not go to Sargent...

2011-01-10T04:16:00.001-08:00

Although Simon the dog did not accompany me for our Sunday morning hike up Acadia's second highest peak, I thought of him often and how much he would have loved this snowy adventure. I also was thinking of what I would offer as alternative exercise when I returned home.

Exercising our dogs in the colder winter months can be tiresome, especially when we would much rather rest buy the fire. So, on those days when all you want to do is take Fido out for a potty break why not opt for some indoor mental exercise.

Dogs require both physical and mental exercise. Mental exercise is important as it engages your dog's brain and asks them to really think about what you are asking of them. Dogs, like humans, get bored and when left to their own devices may choose activities that we may not admire- such as chewing on our favorite shoes or stealing food off the counters. Mental exercise provides your dog with something to do, which helps to keep them from engaging in those activities that we frown on.

So, here are a couple of tricks to engage your dog's brain, build focus and teamwork and provide much needed mental exercise. Have fun and enjoy this time with your dog!

Spin/Twirl

The trick: Your dog spins in either a left or right full circle.

Begin with your dog facing you with a treat in your right hand. Move your hand to your right in a large counter-clockwise circle, slowly luring your dog. Give your dog the treat at the end of the circle. Only lure 3 times with food in your hand, then try to just use your hand motion.
As your dog improves and readily moves in the circle, start adding the cue word “spin” as he starts to turn in the circle.
As your dog continues to improve start making the hand motion smaller.
Repeat the steps luring with your left hand (I will admit that I taught this to my dog using the same hand to lure him- worked fine) to have your dog turn in a clockwise direction. Use the cue word “twirl” for moving in this direction.

Roll Over

The trick: Your dog rolls sideways on his back, completing a full rotation.

Start with your dog in a down position, facing you. Kneel down in front of her, holding a treat to the side of her head opposite the direction you want her to roll.
Move the treat from her nose toward her shoulder blade. This should lure your dog to roll onto her side- click and treat when she gets on her side.
When you think she is ready, continue the motion with your hand as you move the treat from her shoulder blade toward her backbone. This should lure her to roll onto her back and over to her other side. Reward the moment she lands on her other side.
As she improves and readily completes the roll add the cue word “rollover” and start using more subtle hand motions.

A Winter Hike Up Sargent

2011-01-10T03:45:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday a friend and I took advantage of the warmish weather and headed out in the morning to hike Sargent Mountain in Acadia National Park. The sky was overcast and there was a possibility of snow flurries- but the weather was due to clear as the day progressed. It was 26 degrees F when we left the house.

Sargent is the 2nd highest mountain in Acadia at 1,373 feet. Some reports suggest that the pond between Sargent and Penobscot Mountains may be the oldest lake in Maine at 17,000 years. We opted to follow the Maple Spring Trail and then follow the Grandgent Trail to the summit.

Simon did not accompany us on this adventure as I was not sure how much ice we would encounter and we had hopes of spotting snowy owls at the summit. No Snowys were to be seen, but the pure beauty of the summit was worth every step. I think Simon would have loved it!

Simon Goes to Work

2010-12-15T03:26:00.000-08:00

One of the best parts about being self-employed is that I am able to bring my dog, Simon, to work with me. We are awake early today and have fresh snow to greet us. Just waiting for it to get light enough to go play outside and then we shall begin our day of work related activities.

We shall first head out to my psychotherapy practice where Simon will offer uninhibited compassion to my clients. It always amazes me how he is able to provide comfort and to lessen stress simply by his presence and allowing my clients to stroke him. He should feel extra soft after he rolls around in the fresh snow this morning!

Then it is off to the training studio for a small class in which he may participate or just practice some down stays amid great distraction. He typically excels with 'stay'- even when other dogs come right up to him and give him a sniff!

So, I am very grateful today to be in a position to spend all day with my dog. I am even more grateful that my dog seems to enjoy this as well!

Hugs to all your dogs today...

Holiday Dog Bite Prevention Tips

2010-12-13T07:06:00.000-08:00

Visiting family and friends is part of the holiday season. Changes in routines, crowded rooms, unattended food and excited children can often lead to miscommunication between the resident dog and guests. Peaceful Pack Dog Training and Doggone Safe offer tips to keep kids and dogs safe over the holidays.
Family gatherings at a relative’s house are the source of fond memories for many. The relative’s dog may not enjoy these events as much as the rest of the family. Noise, confusion and changes in routine are stressful for dogs. Even a normally calm and docile pet may become agitated enough to bite under the extreme circumstances of a boisterous family celebration. Supervision may be lax if each adult thinks that another is watching the children. Children are the most likely victims of dog bites in this situation. Peaceful Pack Dog Training and Doggone Safe offer the following tips:
• Put the dog in his crate with a bone or favorite chew toy, at least during the most hectic times – guests arriving and leaving as well as dinner preparation and serving.
• Assign one adult to be in charge of the dog, to watch for signs of stress and protect from unwanted attention from children.
• Signs of stress include:
o The dog yawns or licks his chops.
o The dog shows the white part of his eye in a half moon shape.

• If the dog shows any of these signs, then he is worried and wants to be left alone. Put the dog in his crate or in a room away from the guests with a favorite chew toy or bone.
• If the dog licks his chops, yawns or shows the half moon eye when a child approaches or is petting him, intervene immediately and ensure that the child cannot access the dog.
• Do not allow visiting children to hug the dog. Dogs don’t like hugs and kisses. Even if the dog tolerates this under normal circumstances he may not tolerate this from strangers or in a high stress situation with lots of noise and people.
• Other signs that the dog does not welcome attention from children (or adult) guests include the following:
o The dog turns his head away, walks away or tries to hide under furniture.
o The dog freezes and becomes very still, with his mouth closed. He may be staring intensely at the person who is bothering him and may growl. This dog is a few seconds away from a bite.
o The dog growls or raises the fur along his back.

• Assign one adult to supervise each baby or toddler with no other tasks expected.
• If you have multiple dogs, consider kenneling them, crating them or keeping them in another room during large gatherings.
• Supervise at all times.

Peaceful Pack Dog Training provides group and private lessons to people and their dogs. It is our business to help people and their dogs create lasting friendships with training solutions that REALLY work!

About Doggone Safe
Doggone Safe is a non-profit corporation registered in Canada, Ontario and New York State with offices in Canada the US and Australia. Doggone Safe’s mandate includes dog bite prevention education and dog bite victim support. For general information please visit the Doggone Safe website at www.doggonesafe.com

SNOW- no classes Monday December 6. 2010

2010-12-06T03:10:00.001-08:00

As many of you may know I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of snow. Today, my wish has been fulfilled!

Schools have been cancelled in our area and as such classes at Peaceful Pack are cancelled for the day. I hope you all get to enjoy playing in the snow with your dogs and we will look forward to seeing you next Monday.

Woofs,
Tracy & Simon

Toys Wonderful Toys!

2010-12-02T04:06:00.000-08:00

Dogs are a lot like children. If you don’t give them something fun to do, they will make their own fun- and often not in ways you approve of. What’s more, dogs that get plenty of mental exercise are happier, calmer, quieter and less likely to rummage through the trash or attack couch cushions. All terrific reasons your dog should have toys and this is the season for placing a special toy of two under the tree for your beloved pooch! But do not limit your dog’s toy box to one of two toys. Dogs have distinctly individual toy preferences, depending on the day, time and situation. Do some detective work and find out what truly tickles your dog.

The best toys have a purpose. They deliver food, present a challenge, squeak, or make themselves interesting in some other way. If you are new to the world of dog toys, here are some classics to begin with: Rope toys, plush toys (with or without squeakers), Hide- A-Bee (or squirrel, bird etc.), tricky treat balls, soft rubber toys or hard rubber toys filled with tasty treats like Kongs. Once you have a good selection, develop a toy strategy. Designate a popular toy for use only when your dog will be left alone, like when you need to leave your dog in her crate, confinement area, or a spare room- stuffed Kong toys are a good bet. Then, rotate the other toys daily to keep the novelty factor high.

Some dogs are dissectors, another word for toy destroyers. Messy as it can be, it’s perfectly normal canine behavior- dogs are predators, after all, and need an outlet for those pounce and shake urges. If your dog is a dissector, provide legitimate things for her to attack and let her indulge her hobby. Don’t worry; she will not graduate to your possessions. Spare your budget by collecting the stuffing and putting it back in the toy- your dog doesn’t care is she splits apart the same stuffed alligator seven times! Or sue hand me down stuffed animals that your friends’ children no longer want, or buy in bulk from a goodwill store- just be sure to remove choking hazards like eyes and buttons. Many pet supply stores sell bags of squeakers that you can then insert for added entertainment and allure. Remember, dogs get busy. Make it with toys not trouble.

Maine Natural Health's OmegaMaine Pet ROCKS!!

2010-11-21T16:46:00.000-08:00

It really is wonderful when I am able to find a product that is both fabulous and is produced locally here in Maine. The folks at Maine Natural Health and founder Dr Leighton have been producing all natural omega 3 fish oils in a state of the art facility in Warren, Maine. I am sure that many of you have read about the research that describes many health benefits of a diet rich in omega oils- both for us and our canine companions.

Maine Natural Health has generously offered our readers a 20% discount on their Pet Products. Simon and I encourage you to give it a try! To activate your coupon, just copy and paste the link below onto your web browser address bar.

http://store.mainenaturalhealth.com/pets-c8.aspx?Coupon=SIMON

Woofs & Good Health to all!

Chewy Salmon Treats

2010-10-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Baking some Chewy Salmon Treats to bring with us to Wag It tomorrow for our Rally O trail. It is my hope that they will inspire Simon and I to greatness!

The Basic Recipe
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix All together:
14 to 18 oz. canned fish- do not drain (salmon, tuna)
2 or 3 eggs
1/2 cup cheese finely grated
1 1/2 cups four (oat, wheat...)

Spread onto an oiled 9 x 13 inch baking sheet.
Bake about 20 minutes.
A large chef's knife works well to cut them. After cutting remove from pan to cool.
Makes about a bazillion training size treats!

Feed to your dog- who hopefully relishes them- woof, woof woof!

Halloween Dog Bite Prevention Tips

2010-10-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Changes in routine and the strange sights and sounds associated with Halloween can cause stress in a normally placid family dog. Keep dogs out of the fray by securing them away from the door and providing a long-lasting chew treat. Teach kids to Be a Tree and stand still if any dogs come near them on Halloween.

Halloween is lots of fun for kids, but many dogs will be confused or upset by kids in strange costumes and by lots of people coming to the door, but never being invited in. Peaceful Pack Dog Training and Doggone Safe (www.doggonesafe.com) offer the following tips for dog owners, kids and parents:

Dog owners:

1. Secure your dog behind a closed door or in a crate in a room away from the front door or the party if children are meeting at your house.
2. Give him a juicy bone from the butcher, a sterilized bone or Kong stuffed with hotdog, Rollover or other soft dog treats or a pre-stuffed bone from the pet store.
3. Play music or leave a TV or radio playing in the dog’s room to help mask the sounds of the activity at the front door.
4. Close drapes so that the dog does not see people coming and going through the window.
5. If you have a dog that barks at the sound of the doorbell, disconnect it or watch for trick-or-treaters so that they do not have to ring or knock.
6. Puppies and dogs that like to chase can get overly excited by costumes with dangly bits or streaming material. Supervise very carefully if you have a dog that may try to play with your children’s costumes while they are wearing them. Teach kids to Be a Tree and stand still if the dog does start nipping at their costume since the more they move, the more exited the dog will get.
7. Keep your dogs (and cats) indoors around Halloween time. Pets have been stolen, injured or poisoned as part of Halloween pranks or other rituals.

Kids and Parents:

1. Avoid houses if you can hear a dog barking behind the door, you can see a dog behind a screen door or you see a dog tied up in the yard or barking behind a fence.
2. Never approach any dog, even if you know him. He may not recognize you in your costume.
3. If an owner opens the door and there is a dog there, just stay still and wait for the dog owner to put the dog away. You can tell them you do not want to come near the dog. Do not move toward the person and dog. Wait for them to come to you to give you your candy. Wait for them to close the door before you turn and leave.
4. If a dog escapes just stand still and Be a Tree (hands folded in front, watching your feet). He will just sniff you and then move on. Wait for the owner to come and get the dog before you turn away.
5. If you meet a loose dog, Be a Tree and wait until it goes away.
6. It is best to ignore other people’s dogs on Halloween if you meet them out walking. The dog may be worried about all the strange creatures that are out and about. Even if you know the dog, he may not recognize you in your costume.

Here is a great video from Emily Larlham, a truly gifted dog trainer, to get you in the spirit- enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup

Peaceful Pack Dog Training and the Peace Pups wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween!

Peace Pups on the Trails: Not Always Welcomed by Other Hikers

2010-10-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

Recently, on one of the hiking forums I belong to we have been having a months long conversation about dogs on the trails and to leash or not to leash. Below is one of my recent response. I felt the information was important enough to torment you all with : ) so here it is.

a fellow forum member wrote:
"the worst case scenario with my dog is she really wants to say hi to the other hikers"

To which I responded:
I do not mean to offend, but allowing your dog to be able to do this with anyone she meets on the trail is a path that will end up getting dogs banned on the trails or someone- human or canine getting hurt. Or worse, I am thinking here of the child who is allergic to dog saliva- yikes!

I think that there is a lot of misinformation about dogs circling about- probably could say that about anything! One fantastic educational resource is Doggone Safe. This group focuses on teaching folks, and specifically children, how to read a dog's body language and keep themselves safe in the process. Many of the ways we humans communicate are not perceived by dogs as being friendly- for example looking directly into a dogs eyes, approaching a dog straight on and hugging dogs may all be viewed as threatening to dogs. Yes, dogs can learn that these human behaviors are all ok, but I would not count on any dog I meet to have been schooled in our ways.

I think the bottom line is that there are going to be folks who adore being with our dogs and want to hike with them (myself included) and there are going to be folks that are not so thrilled with dogs on the trails. How to find a balance and make sure that both camps are respected is key. For me, the bottom line is that I am always able to control my dog so that other folks I meet on the trail never have to interact with him. If other hikers want to say hello to my dog I am all for it. The respectful, safe thing for us to do is to err on the side of politeness and safety.

Not to be preachy.... well, maybe a little bit , but the Doggone Safe website really is an amazing resource. A little bit of education can go a long way to ensure safe dog/human interactions. Here is the link to their "Speak Dog" page:

http://www.doggonesafe.com/Speak_Dog

So, even though we may not be able to completely understand this- there are actually some folks who do not enjoy our dogs as much as we do! Enjoy time hiking with your dog and try to keep this in mind when you meet up with fellow hikers. We want those Peace Pups to continue to be able to be with us as much as possible!

When Your Dog Hurts

2010-10-17T05:23:00.001-07:00

Simon and I were all packed and ready to head out the door for agility practice this morning when I turned around and he was limping towards me. I immediately dropped all of our gear and went to check him out. I could find nothing stuck between his toes and he did not seem to react when I moved his leg. But he has continued to limp and has little desire to move much at all this morning.

When one of my dogs is injured or does not feel well, I fret. I think this is one of the most difficult times in a life shared with dogs- they just can not tell me what is wrong! I try to do all the things that I think will be helpful and then we wait. We wait to see if things improve. We wait to see if a trip to our veterinarian is in order. I wait for my pal to feel better.

Times like this also teach me patience and how to stay in the moment. It is far too easy to allow my mind to travel to places where the worst case scenario reigns. If you have ever practiced yoga or mindfulness exercises- now is the time to put those skills to use.

Simon and I shall spend the day chillin' out and hoping for the best. Love your dogs extra today and remember to appreciate your time together.

Tracy Haskell, MSW, LCSW, CPDT-KA !

2010-10-15T04:39:00.001-07:00

Tracy Haskell, MSW, owner and lead trainer of Peaceful Pack Dog Training, has successfully passed the examination to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The CCPDT is an international testing and certification resource for professional dog trainers.

The CCPDT's certification program is based upon humane training practices and current scientific knowledge in the field of dog training. Candidates for certification must demonstrate that they have completed a minimum of 300 hours of training and working with dogs in group and private sessions prior to receiving permission to sitting for a psychometrically sound written examination. Candidates must also provide references from a client, a colleague and a veterinarian as part of their certification application.

The written examination tests a candidates knowledge of all aspects of the dog training profession. Areas of competency include: classroom management, instructional skills, canine ethology, the science of learning theory, humane training equipment and animal husbandry. CPDT-KAs are required to to stay informed of current scientific advances in the field and be familiar with the newest, humane, most effective training techniques. Attaining continuing education is a required to maintain certification; which is reviewed every three years. Additionally, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed follows a strict Code of Ethics.

Peaceful Pack Dog Training provides group and private lessons to people and their dogs. It is our business to help people and their dogs create lasting friendships with training solutions that REALLY work!

Cultivating Dog Smart Kids

2010-09-27T03:08:00.000-07:00

For half a century, the Lassie stereotype has endured in American hearts and minds. The ideal dog is noble, with the vocabulary of a college student and near- telepathic understanding of what is expected of him. It makes for lovely storytelling, but the imprint left on generations by Lassie and similar fictions, from Dorothy’s Toto to Disney’s Bolt, is one that sets many first-time dog owners up for disappointment and frustration. Oh, we know dogs are not people. But surely, they understand the difference between a chewie and an Italian shoe?

In fact, dogs are more akin to happy-go-lucky aliens trying to plot a course through our strange world of rules and expectations. To better help them, a good place for us to start is with greater understanding of how they see the world. Here, humane education plays a crucial role. The term brings to mind aproned children petting rabbits or fashioning cat toys from strings and feathers- and that’s part of the picture, of course. But in many humane societies and classrooms, the curriculum has greatly evolved. Children now learn about all aspects of animal behavior, training, and care. They talk about cruelty-free shopping and responsible pet guardianship; they invent socialization plans for hypothetical puppies; they witness spay or neuter surgeries and discuss animal population management; they brush dog coast and learn poop scooping technique.

This is important because children educated about dogs are more likely to behave safely around them- meaning dogs are safer, too. Also, dog-savvy children grow up to be dog-savvy adults, a necessity in a world with ever- increasing numbers of dogs living close together. Once primarily the domain of wannabe veterinarians and animal control officers, proficiency in dog behavior and training is today a vital life skill for people in cities and suburbs, whether it’s about navigating a busy sidewalk or keeping the bark frequency and pitch at a level that won’t drive neighbors to distraction. Luckily, humane education programs are more popular than ever and are expanding to allow more kids to get close and personal with pooches.

Lazy Labor Day

2010-09-06T12:32:00.001-07:00

Steamy Days of Sept!

2010-09-02T07:51:00.001-07:00

Anyone who has been awake these past few days knows how hot it has been here in Maine. The ease with which I am able to cool off greatly enhances my level of appreciation for these luscious last days of summer. Simon knew from day one how to do this as he demonstrates in todays picture. Stay cool and swim with your dog!

The Basset Star

2010-08-27T03:34:00.000-07:00

Some dogs just grab you and Esther is one of those dogs. She is a two-year-old Basset Hound with eyes that could melt even the coldest of hearts. I met Esther when she was a young pup after receiving a call from her people. I could hear the frustration in their voices and when I met them saw it is their eyes. But, I also saw an incredible love and commitment for this breed and for Esther.

Esther’s human have spent the past two years consistently working with her and encountered many challenges along the way. I will never, ever forget the moment when she did her first ‘down’. We cheered and rewarded her so much that she developed this absolutely adorable “zooming down”- she literally threw herself flat!

Not long after the success with her ‘down’ Esther started to practice for her AKC Canine Good Citizen Test and on test day she dazzled us all with her polite behavior and skillful display of whatever was asked of her. So, here is a tip ’o’ the pen to Esther and her people and the wonderful life they share together!

A Coffee Walk

2010-08-25T13:17:00.001-07:00

Simon and I walk every single morning- rain, snow, sleet, hail- we are like the ever reliable postman. The cool thing is that I enjoy each and every one of our outings. Places that we visit often in good weather can look and feel completely different on a rainy or snowy day. We vary our routes so that both Simon and I get some mental stimulation, watching the changes in our favorite places and checking out new places. We also have different kinds of outings- nice strolls, brisk cardio-enhancing walks, running, hiking and today the coffee walk.

The coffee walk is not one I do often, but it is one of my favorite types of walk. It begins with filling up a travel mug full of rich, dark, black coffee and then choosing a place where Simon can be free of his leash- as my hands will be occupied with the travel mug! A coffee walk has no particular purpose and its pace is mellow. Simon is free to explore- taking in all the delicious smells the morning has to offer, running through the woods and following up on interesting sights and sounds. I, in turn, can let my mind wander, gaze out upon mountains or the sea or whatever else we happen to pass by. As we walk I enjoy the crispness of the day while sipping on hot coffee and the perfection that life holds in those moments. It is truly a wonderful way to start the day and I highly recommend it if you have yet to try a coffee walk. Oh, and tea is an acceptable substitute!

The Down Side of 'Whispering'

2010-08-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of attention given to a certain TV personality and his self described “dog training methods”- commonly referred to as ‘dog whispering’. Many professional organizations concerned with the welfare of our canine companions have publically decried these types of methods. Included among these are The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and numerous prominent biologists, animal behaviorists and researchers.

Unfortunately, this type of ‘dog whispering’ is based upon erroneous myths about dominance and aggression. More unfortunate is the current propagation of these myths by said TV personality and the captive audience he inspires. Our dogs needn’t be and should not be controlled by intimidation and fear. I personally want my canine companions to be just that- companions. So, I choose to train rather than control. I choose to use methods that strengthen the relationship I have with my dogs. I choose methods that are humane and safe for both dogs and people.

Don Hanson and Green Acres Kennel Shop in Bangor, Maine have recently released a Position Statement On the Use of Dominance and Punishment for the Training and Behavior Modification of Dogs. Don is a gifted dog trainer and behaviorist. He has been an active member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and has served on its Board for a number of years. Don is also a very fine writer, providing clarity where there was once fog. For anyone who is still convinced ‘dog whispering’ has merit The Green Acres Position Statement is required reading. For myself, Don’s Position Statement puts into words all that Peaceful Pack Dog Training and I believe in. I would like to thank Don and all of the folks at Green Acres for the groundbreaking work they have done and shall continue to do.

The Position Statement may be found here:
http://www.greenacreskennel.com/pages/Articles/ART_Position_Dominance_Punishment.html

Also of interest is Don’s article addressing the Myth of Dominance, which may be found here:
http://www.greenacreskennel.com/pages/Articles/ART_Dominance.html

Dog Days of August

2010-08-19T07:01:00.001-07:00

Simon and I had such a peaceful walk this morning. We went to one of our favorite off leash areas and he got to romp through the woods and along the paths. I have noticed that during these off leash walks it seems like he is checking in with me more often than he used to. I like that a lot!

One of my favorite things to do when walking with Simon is to just watch him and see how his development is progressing. He has been a polite greeter on the trail for years now, so I need not worry about that. When Simon and I are out hiking one of our ‘rules’ is that whenever we meet up with other people on the trail we pull off to the side and he patiently waits for them to pass- he makes no attempt to greet them. Of course if people ask to say “hi” to him, I always say Yes! as Simon adores the attention. I am beginning to wonder if Simon is starting to do this on his own now. See what you think:

We only met up with two other parties out walking this morning. Our first encounter was a young woman out for a morning jog. At the time she came upon us Simon was ahead of me and she approached from behind us. As she passed Simon, with me watching intently to see what degree of politeness he was to offer, he merely stood to the side of the path and watched as she jogged on past him. Then he looked at me, trotted up to me and I told him he did a very fine job of being a polite dog.

The second party we met included a man, a woman and their Border Collie. We were moving towards them when Simon caught sight of everyone. He did his typical move when a new dog approaches- lying flat and waiting. The man passed by him, then the woman and he remained lying down. The Border Collie came up to him and had a sniff and he remained lying down. Then he got up did a happy dance, added in a few spins and then full of doggie happiness he ran as fast as he could to catch up with me. Of course I told him he was the absolute best dog in the entire world and celebrated his choice to be with me. Now, it used to be that Simon would leap up much sooner in his greetings, but this time he really waited until everyone had passed and it was only he and the other dog left to greet. Interesting….

Believing in our Dogs

2010-08-03T05:47:00.000-07:00

Whew! Had a wonderful week of vacation! Spent time with family who were in the States visiting from Norway- lovely, lovely people. I am feeling refreshed and ready to get back to work and back to my neglected blog.

The Manners 101 students and their dogs simply rocked last evening. We practiced lots of loose leash walking and were rewarding lavishly for focused attention. All the dogs and handler teams did very well with this. Then we played lots of recall games with added distractions such as people passing by and even other dogs moving past. Every once in a while a dog would take a brief notice of the distraction- but 100% of the time they quickly chose to get back to their person!

Here is the interesting thing: at the start of class, some dogs were not succeeding as often when their people were thinking that their dog would not do well. When I encouraged everyone to believe that their dog could succeed at a certain task, voila!, the dogs did great. I am not even going to attempt to explain the power of this type of thinking. But, I do know that when we believe in our dog’s capabilities and are asking them to do a behavior appropriate for their level of training, the dogs, more often than not, are successful at their task. What I take from this is that, once again, the relationship we have with our dogs is a foundational key to their ability to succeed at any given task we set before them. My dog and I are a team and when I embrace the team attitude and spirit and bring this to our work together, we can accomplish most anything we strive for. Author and trainer extraordinaire, Pam Dennison, also speaks of the importance of this type of positive thinking and even encourages people to visualize their dog doing the behavior being asked of them.

So, try some positive thinking next time you are training with your dog and see what happens. Do you notice a shift in yourself? Do you notice a shift in your dog- maybe better attention? Did your training session go more smoothly? Were you able to accomplish more than you thought possible? I would love to hear what your experiences are!

Introducing Rally-O

2010-07-19T02:20:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that I have posted on the Peaceful Pack Facebook page about participating in the dog sport of Rally Obedience or Rally for short. Some folks may be wondering what this Rally is all about. Well, let me just give a little intro to this completely fun sport!

Rally is a fun, less formal version of traditional obedience trials and one of the fastest growing dog sports in the United States. Competitors traverse a course of 10 to 20 stations, each marking an exercise for the dog and handler team to carry out. Unlike traditional obedience, Rally allows the handler to talk to and encourage her dog along the way, use hand signals, and go through the course along a designed route on her own without a judge calling out the exercises. The not-so-strict rules reflect the philosophy behind Rally, namely that the focus in dog training should be on teamwork between handler and dog- and should be an enjoyable experience for both. Exercises include a variety of basic and advanced maneuvers like heel, stand, turn, sit, back up etc.

There are several sanctioning bodies for the sport in the US, including the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, whose program, APDT Rally, is open to all dogs, and the American Kennel Club, which tries purebred and PAL/ILP listed dogs. For more information and to find trials, visit www.apdt.com or www.akc.org.

For events located in Maine, check out Wag It in Lincolnville, ME at www.wagitinc.com and Finish Forward Dogs in Saco, ME at www.finishforwarddogs.com

Recommended: Patricia McConnell's Blog

2010-07-16T03:23:00.000-07:00

Patricia McConnell is a gifted write, trainer, and academic. If you have not read her wonderful book, For the Love of a Dog, I would run right out and get your hands on a copy. She beautifully describes the emotional lives of our dogs and us!

In the meantime I highly recommend her blog which may be found here:
http://www.theotherendoftheleash.com/

Have a great day and get out there and play with your pups!

The Benefit of a Strong Relationship

2010-07-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

Simon and I were having an immensely enjoyable walk this morning- sniffing about and dipping into streams. Well, maybe that better describes Simon's experience than mine. I was enjoying the scent of cedar, pine and the sea all mingled together- and watching my dog have a blast!

Rounding a corner we came across a group of folks and their three dogs. All the dogs greeted nicely- although one was a talker! I stopped and chatted a bit and then we prepared to part ways. At this point all the dogs were hanging together- Simon was closer to the others than to me. The group of people wanted to stop and get Simon back to me and I was able to tell them "Please feel free to move along, Simon will come with me, not to worry." The great, cool thing was that I was completely confident in my statement. I knew Simon would come with me and not follow the other dogs. I did not cue him to 'come', I simply indicated that we were going to walk in the opposite direction. Simon eagerly followed me. Did I take the time to reward him- you betcha! I let him know that choosing to stay with me was the absolutely greatest decision: I verbally praised him, acted goofy and gave him a small treat.

What enabled Simon to be successful, and underlying this interaction, was the strong relationship that I have developed with him. I have taken the time to get to know him and his ways. I know what he is and is not capable of. He trusts me to take care of things. I even think he enjoys hanging out with me. It is this relational foundation that makes training Simon possible. I encourage you to build a solid foundation with your dogs- all your training efforts will benefit from it!

If You Don't Like It, Don't Reward It

2010-07-14T05:52:00.001-07:00

Its a simple fact of biology: All organisms do more of what they are rewarded for. If you were given twenty dollars every time you smiled, you would walk around grinning. If wearing a certain coat predictably unleashed a rain of compliments on you, chances are that coat would spend little time in your closet.

Dogs are no different. Any behavior they think works to get them something they want becomes more frequent. Say your dog drops a tennis ball in front of you and barks, and you pick up the ball and throw it. You have just trained your dog to bark to have his favorite game perpetuated. As a strategy barking paid off and sure enough, your dog will bark more. By contrast, ignoring the ball and walking away teaches the dog that barking does not work. When he next drops the ball by your feet without barking, pick it up and throw it to reinforce the delightful quiet.

This simple exercise contains the essence of the type of dog training we use at Peaceful Pack: Ignore what you don’t like and be quick to reward what you do like. The principle applies to all situations and it pays to become aware of the many ways we accidently reinforce behaviors we don’t like. We often reward a dog for jumping up to greet us, either by peting and sweet-talking the dog, or by pushing him away and saying ‘no’, which is more than enough attention to be reinforcing. Turning away or leaving is much more effective. Similarly, feeding your dog form the table reinforces begging. Better to reward Fido with a special tidbit when he is lying quietly on his bed. This has the added bonus of reinforcing calm indoor behavior.

To get a well-behaved dog quickly, always be on the lookout for ways to reinforce behaviors you like. Four paws on the floor when greeting, for example, should always earn a verbal “good dog”, a pet or a treat!

2010-06-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love getting out every morning with my labrador Simon and walking or hiking. I have explored places on our island that I may never have done with out him… his needs combat the lazy voice in my head that urges me to just sleep a little bit longer! I like to balance on leash walks or hikes with off leash opportunities for him. Our plan this morning was to go to a nice off leash area. So, despite the rain - torrential at times- off we went! We walked along paths today that were frequently littered with horse droppings. I know many other dog lovers out there who struggle to keep their dogs away from such a delicacy. Some trainers have even said they have met dogs that have been impossible to train out of indulging in a buffet of horse droppings. I have worked very hard at this with Simon and, mostly, we have success. The success started with the teaching of a ‘leave it’ cue. Building a strong foundation with this cue is key, as it is with any cue. So, do not be tempted to move fast in training ‘leave it’ - do not skip steps or add more difficult tasks than your dog is ready for. Remember, we want to try to set up our dogs to succeed in their training as often as possible. We build upon success as we train and challenge our dogs when we see them easily succeeding at any given step along the way. So start easy with the ‘leave it’ cue and build up to being able to pass by the horse dropping buffet! These days I am particularly humored when I see Simon look at the droppings, lick his lips and then look to me in anticipation of his reward. Sometimes I still reward with a treat and sometimes I reward with verbal praise or some goofy play. You can find a handout that may be helpful in teaching your dog this behavior here:
http://peacefulpackdogtraining.com/blog/

New Find: Canine Ice Cream

2010-06-25T10:49:00.001-07:00

Simon, his Noni and I are getting ready to head out for a walk along the Bar that connects Bar Island with Mount Desert Island. Since we shall already be "downtown", I thought it time to make our season premier at the Mount Desert Island Ice Cream Company.

The Mount Desert Island Ice Cream Company has announced that they plan to introduce a new Canine Ice Cream this month. We are hopeful that it will be among the scrumptious offerings today!

Spring Hiking Is Under Way

2010-04-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Simon enjoyed a lovely hike up Norumbega Mt. this past week. Located in Acadia National Park, Norumbega rises on the eastern side of Sommes Sound. We ascended via the Goat Trail, aptly named due to its rather steep ascent. The trail rises quickly before reaching the summit in a more gradual manner. Views from this summit are lovely and include the fjord of Sommes Sound as well as mountains to the east. The trail passes over the summit to descend through open conifers to the shore of Lower Hadlock Pond- which is a water resevoir so unfortunately no swimming for Simon. However all was not lost, for Simon found a nice stream in which to frolic!

The Siren Call of Rushing Water

2009-10-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

Today started out with a bit of a nip in the air, but by the end of our walk I had removed my hat and was ready to start taking off my jacket. I have to balance out the time Simon and I spend hiking on leash with time for him to run free of his leash. Today was an off leash day. We walked along some paths in privately held land that allows for off leash dogs. Simon was super thrilled as we neared the water. This was no still lake or pond, but a gushing stream singing its siren song to Simon. He was in bliss and fortunately the air was not so cold as to form ice along his coat, which has been known to happen!

Simon picked up a number of scent trails as we moved along and when he does so, I always wonder what other creatures have been roaming around in the area. I often ask him if it is a coyote, deer, fox or even a mountain lion that he smells, yet he never responds. Simon is captured in the scent and never in a mood to share those secret smells with me. Occasionally, as his nose is leading him about, I call him back to me and reward him lavishly for his return.

Although we saw no coyote or deer today, Simon did spy a nice little red squirrel. He stopped, stared at the little guy and licked his lips. Gently, I reminded him to leave the little one alone. As he turned away from the squirrel, I could see his body relax and feel mine relax as well. Times like this make me recognize where our training has paid off, but also something more perhaps. It reminds me of our the connection we share and that is bliss for me.