Tuesday's Training TIP: Body Language

Watching dogs interact can be more entertaining than television (I know, that's not saying much). But, if you have more than one dog in your household, you know what I'm talking about.

Before Gus came home, there really wasn't much interaction between FLD Scout and my old mutt, Gypsy. Grouch that she is, Gypsy let Scout know (in no-uncertain-terms), "leave me alone!." Curled lip, guttural growl, and a few "air snaps" of her teeth were all it took for Scout to take heed.

But observing the behavior of dogs as they engage each other can also be a learning experience. Canines communicate a great deal just with body language!

Take a look at the communication going on between FLD Scout and Andy's daughter's two German Shorthair Pointers, Gauge and Odo, during a recent visit.

Gauge is a year younger than my Gypsy, and almost as grouchy! Here he is asserting his presence to Scout by putting his head over her. She "submits" to him by making herself smaller and lowering her head.

Gauge is crabbing at Scout, who has now taken a seated position. Notice she averts her eyes and is still "hunkering" down beneath him.

Scout hunkers down even further as Gauge is distracted by Gus, who offers a toy in play.

Gauge circles around Scout, still vocalizing. Scout moves her head in his direction and stays low.

Here Scout sits up a bit and tests the situation, turning her face toward Gauge. I wonder if she's thinking, "Awww, he's all talk!"

Whoops! Scout has second thoughts as Gauge pushes against her snout--she pulls her head back in defense. Gypsy watches from the other room.

Odo and Gus move into the discussion. Gauge gets distracted away from Scout, who now stands up. Gus rolls onto his back--he doesn't want any trouble!

Here's a blurry shot of Gus inviting Gauge to play. (He wasn't successful.)

BODY LANGUAGE HINTS DURING TRAINING

Here are some signs to look for that might indicate your puppy is starting to get overwhelmed during a training session.

• lip-licking

• yawning

• dropping the head

• dandruff--this really isn't a behavior, but it can indicate stress

If you notice any of these in your puppy, go back to something your puppy knows well--and end your training session on a positive!

Spend some time watching...you might be surprised at what you can learn.

Fourth Puppy Syndrome

I think I'm suffering from "4th-puppy-syndrome."

Not taking as many pictures of FLD Scout. Not blogging as often.  Just going with the flow.

I could rationalize it.

Frequent trips downstate. Puppy-counselor duties. Too busy with writing assignments for the Ogemaw County Voice. Cutting and stacking wood.

But I won't. FLD Scout is a very easy puppy, and now that Gus is home the two of them keep each other amused.

In photos, let me show you how my 4th Future Leader Dog puppy has grown--and some of the places she's been!

SEPTEMBER

FLD Scout at a puppy-outing to Lake Superior State College, posing next to a Leader Dogs for the Blind working harness. She looks as if she's thinking, "I can do it!"

OCTOBER

FLD Scout makes herself comfortable in the sometimes-very-uncomfortable stadium, arena, or gymnasium stands!

Here FLD Scout snoozes through Elaina's Cousino High School Marching Band performance. Drum lines, no problem!

FLD Scout yawns with a wee bit of "stress" after walking around the Lake Superior State hockey arena--blaring music, thick crowds, food distractions on the ground, all while passing other Future Leader Dog puppies walking the other direction. (Puppy-counselor Tammy holds FLD Scout so I can take a picture.)

That little bit of stress wasn't enough to prevent FLD Scout from taking a nap in the stands during the game. Even with slamming hockey pucks and players checking each other into the boards right in front of us!

FLD Scout followed the basketball for awhile during the benefit game between the Habitat Hoops and the Harlem Ambassadors at Ogemaw Heights High School. But then, nodded out again!

NOVEMBER

FLD Scout is suddenly big enough to wear her baby-blue "Leader Dog in Training" jacket. No more tiny bandana for her!

A group of FLDs and their raisers pose at the MBS Airport near Midland during a recent outing. We all got "patted down" in security--including the puppies!

FLD Scout in a nice "down/stay" while I re-lace my boots after going through security at the airport.

No Scout, we already went through security. The nice TSA man just wants to pet you.

Checking out the moving luggage turnstile. FLD Scout acts like she could have a second career as a bomb-sniffing dog.

It's not ALL work for FLD Scout!

Gus looks like he's advising FLD Scout...

...Gus says, "Look Scout, you get a BIG stick, like this!"

"Like this?" Scout asks.

Gus shows Scout what to do after playing all day.

Scout is learning!

The following two photos were taken during a recent visit at my sister's home downstate.

Scout thinks, "THIS is more comfortable!" Gus isn't convinced.

But maybe THIS is! Gus and Scout pile up with Sofia and Natalie.

Little Scout is growing up!

Assistance Dog Blog Carnival Links

Cyndy Otty, blogger of Gentle Wit has hosted the 5th Assistance Dog Blog Carnival. The theme for this edition is Achievement. Please visit her post with brief descriptions and links to posts from participating bloggers at: Assitance Dog Blog Carnival #5: Achievement.

Take a few moments to peruse these posts, they will give you a new perspective on the role these amazing assistance dogs play in real people's lives.

Thank You Veterans

Thinking of Andy's son, Josh, this Veteran's Day, who is stationed in Kuwait. His National Guard unit from North Carolina is helping to extricate US equipment from Iraq.

Keep your head down Josh!

Josh hikes through our woods last July, during our family gathering.

Thinking also of Andy's niece, Patti, who is serving in Korea. Thank you Josh and Patti, and ALL veterans, for your service.

FLD Scout helping Andy in the Habitat for Humanity Warehouse. We wish safe passage for all our troops!