Hold

I really do know how to hold a pvc pipe in my mouth.  We had to go back a few steps but once we did I did great. Mom put her hands one on top and one on the bottom of my muzzle just saying yes when I was calm and I was and got a treat.

I was not even real hungry but I must have made mom crazy in the house so she took me out to train which to me is play because I just like interaction.

Us dogs are like that especially me at my wild child age.

The next thing we did was mom put her hands back around my muzzle and pulled me forward by pulling on my collar a little (it was a flat collar), and she moved me to come forward with her hands around the muzzle. I did. And yes and treat. Then she put her hands around my muzzle and pushed back a little and I went into a sit. Yes and treat.

We did this a few times and then the pvc pipe. She just put it in my mouth with her hand under my muzzle and petted my nose. I like being petted. Then yes and treat. Next time a little petting and yes and treat.

Then we played hose fetch. I love to get it and come back and play keep away or tug hard with mom, but today I came back and let go more easy cause I know I get to run and chase it cause she throws it out for me.

Today we did a little different, she held my collar and threw it into the high grass. I pretty much saw the area it went so just sniffed a little and found it. I tried to watch where it landed but then she held me she waived her hand in front of me so I got distracted and threw my hose toy (which by the way I made from chewing up the entire hose). She let me see it go but did not let me see where it landed. Of course I checked the closest places first and where it had been the last few times but nope it was not there. I searched and searched and mom said not one thing of encouragement so I didn’t know if I was close or not but I was not giving up and kept searching till I found it. Yippeeeee,,, and I came running back to mom. The next time she threw it even though she held my collar she let me see where it landed but the grass was high so I used my nose too and thought this game is the best…

Fetch

This is my sock and these are the little strings mom trys to move me with.  Was not working for us.

Each week mom asks the trainer Jason Davis from Karma k9 one thing to improve on.  It was the hold because we missed some steps and Jason thought we were farther along.  That is why pulling on those strings on my socks made me crazy to shake my head and play like with the tug.  It was supposed to be gradual.

So I heard a dvd today with someone talking about it.  Mom must have pulled out the Michele Ellis Retreive training or something.

We worked with Jason a bit and all is clear what we are to do so I am sure we will this week.

Before Jason came over to us we played with the muzzle but I got a little confused because I only learned click treat.

She put the muzzle on me but when she said yes instead of the clicker I was surprised because we only trained the muzzle with click treat.  Today it was "Yes" treat.  But that didn't take me long to realize Yes treat..

I did a down stay and some good some bad so we will work on that I am sure all times.

For our bite work exercises we started out with the defence of handler.  I am getting it better and better each time and we are making strides.  Mom still is not sure when it is time for me to bite but heck I do cause I am facing the decoy following us. 

Im not sure what you call these just yet but I run loose and chase the decoy and he trys to get away from me.  I was not as fast today because I am starting to think to get to that bite and when and where. 

When I get to that part that I don't have to think and just do it watch out decoys cause Ima catch ya....  French Ring and I would think with Mondio is the dogs need to think more.  In Schutzhund they just bite on the middle of a sleeve.  In knpv they show the dogs were to bite.  In these ring sports where you bite is where you bite and it can always be different.

I have to run farther to mom for the whistle now and one time I came fast for the tug bite after biting on the suit that mom was surprised and did not have a hand on the leash.  Once I realized this I droped the tug and ran back to bite on the bite suit.  Mom said, nope and the decoy kinda said no also so I did not bite him and proceeded onto some victory laps.  Finally after many Cali Comes, I came back to mom and I know she was a little mad but she was happy to see me come back to her.

I felt a few nudges when she called me but did not understand them.  Well no fun running on my own so I came back.



So off to the start we went again.  I love to chase the decoy...

Training

I love my training.  We train every day.....  Can not wait until tomorrow to train with Jason Davis from Karma K-9 cause he has lots of great ideas ...

It is funny because there is no one way.  Mom watched Michale Ellis dvds and really likes them.  We went back to them now....

I go crazy with those strings on my sock.  It is like play a way and I tug and i pull but missing the entire exercise because of it. 

Now I learn the way hold no matter what it is.

My Sock

This is my sock that I have to bring back to mom.  She put these little yarn braids on them and now I have to sit with it in my mouth.  I am confused.

She saw the trainer do it and it was a much differnt picture than mom and me. 

I was taught "Hold" early in life but for some reason can't get the 2 words together.  sit and hold.  and then when holding go from a sit to moving with still holding.............  omggggggggg

A great day...

Today I went to learn more things for French Ring.  Me and mom worked on a few things on our own while the trainer worked with another dog.  We did our touch pads but I am still a little slow or hesitant or impatient to do it the 3rd time.  Finally I did and yippeeee,,, the toy...

Mom took me to the other part of the field and played with the 2 balls.  Maybe it was more then we should have done because I was tired for the rest, but it was fun anyway.  I think this part of the training is more for mom to learn so I just went through the motions cause I was a little tired and hot.  Those will be our new fun games to do during the week.  How cool is that.

I know I am past my limit in the heat when my desire for the toy is low.  It is hot here. 

Then for the bite work.  Mom talked to the trainer before today to tell him she wanted me to have more fun.  Ommgggggg,,,,, and we did.

I did a little defence training.  I think mom is not sure when I am to go and does not want to correct me so is not consistant with that.  Today she learned the when I am to bite without looking back. 

After that I got to do free bites.  No bungie, no line, no cones, no barrel, just run loose and bite.  My decoy had fun trying to get out of my way but I am more confidant to just bite and not think where to bite because I already learnd that.

I loved the chase and going to get faster.  Head on I barrel in but the little moves to make me faster are so cool and I will get faster...

I was pretty hot after the bite work but the problem with that is I am getting used to going swimming.  Hope we stay there for a long time or I will miss that.

Mom takes me to the pond near where we train and throws my orange floating dumb bell.  I love to jump in and swim.  The water is airated and constantly moving so not so many misquitos breeding and the water feels cool to me.

I hope Milt comes back to Jacksonville and finds a good home for his Ultimate air dogs pool.

One year old today

So much has happened since I last came on here.  That's me alright sitting pretty with my blue ribbon on.  I won in the Jr division at an ultimate air dogs show.  How cool is that.  I am sure that was a few months ago as the pool has been moved elsewhere.

Mom and I have been working really hard these last months.  We still go to Sunday morning training with our French Ring Sport friends and during the week we do so many cool things.  We even have been going into stores with our service dog in trainig vest on. 

Most days we train at moms work.  Sometimes inside and some times out side.  She got me a basket to start me to put my feet in it and I get a bite and she plays with me and is teaching me when to let go and go back to the basket.

And also a real fun new toy but I can only play retreive with mom and this fun toy.  I even know who rolled it up for mom cause I smelled him on the socks. 

This is our new retrieve toy for French Ring.  They told me it could be a sock rolled up, a glove or a gasses case.

And ofcourse some fun bite work and that is going really good.  I am just starting to bite the upper body.  Mom has to go and get a barrel for me to jump over. 

It is more serious these days but mom still keeps it fun for me and her.  I try real heard but being my age it is not so easy. 

Training on Sundays

On Sundays we have been meeting with some of mom's friends and training friends.  When it was our turn for obedience when we got to the field we were greeted by mom's friend Brian.  He said he is our new mentor to get us real trained.  I had fun ofcourse but this was serious time.  Sit means sit and I better do it or else I feel that little pinch.  I got treats on the touch pad for going back and forth from one to the other and rewarded with the tug for the sit and staying.  I am now learning to stay in a sit and a down.  If I get up mom says Nope and puts me back in my place.  We will practice this all week and I know I will get it quick.

Today Brian was feeling better and even put the suit on for me to bite.  Wow he is a tall guy.  I was put on a bunjie cord and when I got to the end it got tighter but the leg I was to bite was in reach.  Except for one time I just hit the end and went to bite but did not close my mouth fast enough and I went tumbling over cause that bunjie is like a rubber band and pulled me back.  The next time I did not miss. 

Before I go for the bite I now have to stay in a down and look at mom until she tells me the word "attack" and off I go.....

We did a second session and this time mom's friend Jason had the suit jacket turned backwards and I got to bite on the upper body.  That thing is heavy but I carried it as far as a could after the bite.  We did this a few times and each time I won that jacket and got to carry it.  When I was done I almost made it all the way to the car carrying that jacket but it was really heavy so I had to let it go..  awwww,,,,

A Great Sunday

Sorry no picture or video today but none was taken.  But I had a great day anyway because training is so much fun for me. 

On Sunday Afternoon mom took me to the spot where we meet our friends for a fun time of training.  I did my touch pads, back and forth but still a little slow.  I get off fast because mom has that good ole tug toy for me to bite but getting there I am a little slow.  I have not yet figured out if I get there fast I get off fast and all the quicker it is to get my bite tug and play. 

We worked a little on our down stay and I think that will work out in time.  Just time and paitence

Then for some more fun tug play.  Mom holds my collar and throws the tug over the jump.  She lets me go fly over the jump and then runs over to where I am and we play tug.  How much fun is that.  I love to jump and love to play tug.  Kinda like the two birds with one stone theory here.

We did our heeling with the tug under moms arm to get my pretty little head looking towards her.  We are making progress with this but it takes time and paitence and me and my mom seem to both have this.

After me and mom did our thing the others took out their dogs to play.  I had to wait in the crate in the car.  I am starting to be more paitent and quiet while waiting.

Then comes my turn for the bite work.  Yiiipppeeee,,,,,

I have to get all dressed up for this with my harness, prong collar, flat collar and mom brings all her tools.  When I got to the field they added another prong collar on me for one of the exercises but I was a little figity with this so mom took it off of me for now.  We never did do the exercise that needed those two collars so it never went back on that day.

Today they had this long bungie cord tied to a tree.  They tied my harness to it and made me lay down.  I am not allowed to go bite until mom tells me "attack" the word used for my bite work.  I am also learning not to go to the field like a barking fool and to have some composure about my self and heel with my mom.  I think mom likes this better also because I am not pulling her arms out of the sockets dragging her to the field.

Anyway, I have to look at mom from my down stay and then she tells me to "attack" and away I run for the bite.  Being tied to the bungie lets me sping into the bite and the decoy can have me bite where he wants. 

Well today as I was biting a big fluffy dog came to join me on the other leg.  I did not know what to do or what the other dog was going to do so I stopped biting.  But the other dog was taken away and again I resumed my bite work. 

We did this bungie attack quite a few times and each time I got better with my down stay and look at mom and she got better with when and what to say to me.  I think this day was a success all around.

Our Private Spot

Mom's friend told her of a hidden park where not many go to unless there is an event or Baseball game.  There are a lot of trees before the baseball field so we can train in the shade.

Yesterday we worked on our Heeling, our retreive, and ofcourse our famouse outs and downs.  I think mom is very relaxed there because she laughs alot when training with me.

Yesterday we did our heeling and then the outs and downs.  When we were done with that mom did some hold work with me but I was all panting and stuff so we stopped that and went back to a few heels and out downs.

I am a little cheater and if I get the chance "whoops" I will take a sneaky bite.

Today we did the retreives first and I am magnificant on the holding part but when I run out to get this orange floater dumb bell I pick it up from the end and not the middle.  I think it is frustrating my mom.

I hold real well and come into her front and sit but when she throws that thing with the big ends and middle pole I pick it up from the ends and not the middle.  hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..... 

People say training is fun and it is.  You just have to have the right human to do it with.

I am sure mom will figure out a way to convince me to pick up that dumb bell from the middle. 

Stay tuned for more....

Loving the bite work

Yes, I bite but on the bite suit.  I really love people and if you knew me you would know that. 

After my fun jumping time I got to practice my bite work.  Jason (mom's friend and Great Decoy) put on them big ole pants and I got to bite on them.

Mom told me to down and waited until I paid attention to her (looked her in the eyes) and then she told me to "attack".  That is the word she uses to tell me ok to go get him and bite. 

My head is spinning a little bit because first she tells me to lay down, then she wants me to look at her and then go bite.  When she says the "attack" command I hesitate because I am not sure but a second later I know the decoy is calling me to the challenge and I go. 

I am a true lefty.  I turn to the left on spins and look for the left leg to bite.  But, in this sport I have to bite a certain leg only not sure which one yet. 

Being young is great and I am sure with great humans around me I will be the best little Malinois girl I can be.

Jumping, jumping, jumping,,,

I'm not sure who is having more fun.  Me jumping or Mom being my cheer leader.  This is the first time I jumped the Ring Sport Jump and with the help of a French Ring guy we had a blast.

Ok, so I can jump in the pool but my back legs still touch it.  I think as I grow bigger and stonger I will clear that pool also.

I jumped and I played.  Click the videos to see.

My first Blue Ribbon

Me the little fish in the water.......

I know mom has gotten off the beat in track and not writing so much the past few weeks but things got bizzy and yes we did some training but not so much. 

My big adventure of a few weeks ago was a Dock Diving Competition.  I just started and was a youngster there so put in the JR. Division.  I even won my first blue ribbon.  First place diving out 13.5 feet in the water.  How much fun that was. 

Although I think I should have a handicap in all this cause my mom is the worst thrower in the world.  She throws it to the side, over the edge right where I jump and sometimes way in the air so I can't see it.  But inspite of her I had fun and I think so did she cause she just laughed and said, sorry Cali, you have the worst thrower out here.  Hope she will practice as she and I do with all the stuff we do.

Milt the pool guy (actually the man who runs the pool events and owns the pool), loves to play with us dogs throwing stuff for us in the pool.  A bad thing happened.  Not to me but to the pool stairs.  They went missing at another place so there was no way to get into the pool.

Good ole Milt taught me to jump over the side instead of using the stairs.  Just so that I could swim and retreive my bumper toy.  I tried this a few times and wallaaaa,,,  I loved it. 

I will admit I do love to swim and the weather is getting warmer.  Now when mom throws the bumper into the pool I go in and get it and just swim around like a little fish.  I take my time to get out and just enjoy the water and swimming.  How much fun is that. 

Now I am helping other dogs to learn to jump in from the side because who knows when the stairs will get there.

The other day there was a very handsome boy dog out there a big Pit Bull dog who I ran around and showed off my bumper toy.  I thought he wanted my toy but I think he was fresh on me.  He wanted to follow me so bad that he saw me in the pool and when they put him in to follow me out he swam so fast that his head was on my back.  I did not like this so growled at him to back off.  He did being the nice dog that he was. 

We did train once or twice with our freinds in French Ring but life happens and they have not been able to make it to train with me.  Mom says me and her are gonna go back to having fun training and working at her work place until we all meet up again.  Maybe I will really let go for once in my life.

Hard for a cutie pie like me to think the world is serious.

Bite work training

Mom met some really nice people who I get to bite on.  One of them is new to me and on Saturday night she took me to a field where they would be.

The first round on the new guy was great because he wore the leg sleeves which I am familiar with.  I did the usually dirty outs and not wanting to down but he convinced me to do them.

The 2nd round he put on the full bite suit and mom held me tight on the harness and he came in and gave me a bite.  I did not commit like usuall because this felt and tasted different in my mouth.  The decoy knew this so petted my head.  Oh, he even kissed me on the head  I think that is #3 decoy to do this.  Guess I am a cutie pie.

Anyway, the decoy sensed my reluctance but I still held on.  He started to play more with me and move more and to me I bit harder.  As they say "Game on".

It was harder for me to care to let go and down but he helped me into it so all was well.

The next day I worked on who I knew and all went well.  Still slow or re-bity with those outs but the decoys help me there.

The next round I bit on the new guy and getting pissed at all his help with the outs and downs.  The next thing I knew it was not him.  It was the other person behind him.  I was still getting pissed but outed and downed anyway.

I know the reason that they did this was because the decoy was correcting me to much and I need to fight him.

Reviewing the Seminar

When we finally got home I had a day off.   I don't like that cause I don't get to play with mom so much.  I think Mom wanted the day off.

The next day and in these past few weeks mom would take me to train at all different places.  We would practice the heeling and outs and downs and sits.  When we train at her work there is a jump there so we started using the touch pads for me to go back and forth over the jump.  I know the touch pad so she is just training me the jump and what to do when I get to the other side.  But when I say jump I do not mean it is high.  I think about 6 inches or maybe 12 inches as of now.  Being a puppy mom wants to watch my growing bones.

Mom and I usually train alone but a few Sundays ago we went out to the Schutzhund club to train around other people. 

I waited, waited and waited until finally it was our turn.  When we got to the field there was another dog working with a squeaky toy.  It was hard for me to pay attention to anything else even mom.  But when she got out my brand new tug toy I was loving playing with mom and started to ignore that other dog with the squeaky toy. 

We worked on our healing and a little sits, downs and stays with an occasional stand put in there.

The other dog left to go do the jumps so we played on the field having so much fun.  Mom's friend was there watching and helping out which mom appreciates because she can not always see what she needs to when training.

On Monday mom's friend came over to her work so we could train all the more.  That was great and mom loved the help.  We did our heeling, sits, downs, stands, stays and worked on the jump with the touch pads.

The Seminar Day 1, 2 & 3

Picture will come soon

I knew something was going on because all my dog family came to work with Mom today.  hmmmm  what can it be.  We all got baths and the car was full of crates.  Usually just mine is in the car.  We all went home after the big bath day and did the usuall with me playing in the yard, eating dinner and then sleepy time.

Mom got up earlier than usuall and loaded us all up.  We even had a little rescue dog going along.  Then all the suit cases and the cooler full of dog food. 

We drove about 3 or more hours and then we were there.  The place was familiar.  I know it from a previous visit.  Yep, we were gonna have fun now at a Dog Training Seminar.

Ivan B who is one of the best trainers (my Mom thinks), in the world was holding a 3 day seminar and my Mom got a ticket for me to go.  The other dogs were just along for the ride but I think enjoyed hanging out with Mom when on a break.

I waited paitentaly for my turn and then it came.  Mom got all my gear on me,  collar, pinch collar, harness, treats in her pocket, balls in another and the fun tug.  We went to the training field and Ivan asked Mom to show how she was starting my "heeling".  We started with food along the fence since I was a youngster.  You know the Muscle Memory Stuff..  Well my muscle is memorized to stay up. 

BUT, "Mom" told Ivan she did not know how to get off of the fence to do some real "Heeling" with me.  Ivan asked what else I knew in words.  She said, "Sit" and "Down", which I did but when she said the down word my mind went blank.  I think part is because she is now switching all my commands to English instead of French.  Makes it easier for Mom to not have to think of another language.  I think it is hard enough for her to teach me in English so we changed.

She even said the "Down" word in French, but again my mind went blank.  I think Mom was a little nervous being our first day and everything. 

Ivan said, just take out the tug and lets learn the game.  Wow, I love games.

I am learning at such a fast pace but always like to get in those cheapy shots,

We played the game for a few days and on day 3 Ivan showed us the correct way to do the heel or to start it anyway.

He told mom to put her left hand outside of my left ears and go to under my chin to pull my head up to say watch me.  I did and got a toy.  But then she took a few steps and said the word heel (which is to walk by her side) and I had no clue so put on the brakes.  That is when Ivan stepped in and showed me how.  Again I put on the brakes because I had no clue why he was pushing my behind down and pulling my neck up with the collar.  But every time I stressed he threw the tug toy and we got to play.  I forgave him and back to learning again so we could play.

This was all a little tough on me because it was new so when Ivan was done with me we played and it ended. 

Mom and me practiced since we came home only she is going slow so I don't learn the wrong way.  That is ok cause we get to play all the more.

We always practice our sits and downs and outs with something added in there.

I really love training because training to me is like playing only I am learning,

We did obedience each morning and bite work in the afternoon.  Since I am now doing French Ring we are biting on the legs or puppy leg sleeves.

Mom tied me to a post with my harness hooked up and I jumped and barked until Ivan put one of those legs in my reach to bite.  This was all a little different to me so I did not bite so hard and whoops the leg went out of my mouth and I had to lure him back in to get to bite,  He teased me alot at first which made me a little more determined that I was gonna bite that leg.  I bit and hung on for all it was worth.  We played this game until I was way tired and then I got to run to the car with the leg sleeve.

On day 2 Ivan knew how I was so wanted to work on making me miss a leg and go for the one closest not the one moving away.  In French Ring they judge the dog on the seconds it takes to get to the bite so biting the closest leg is the better choice.

But me being a puppy likes the movement of things.

By day 3 I was finally getting it and bit the leg closer rather then the one moving.

On day 3 we trained inside a building because it was a little hot outside.  That did not phase me in the least.  All I could see was getting a bite.  This time Ivan made my mom tell me to down stay before he came to give me a bite.  This was very hard for me to do but finally with a little persistance I did it.

Still my outs and downs were a little sloppy but mom says that will get better with time.  I am just so excited to bite that I hate to let go,,,

Something New with Heeling...

Today mom took me out to the training field and we worked on a few sits, downs and stands.  Gotta love the treats so happy to do what the words are telling me.  Then she told me to "Sit", which I did and then came over to my right side (her left) and with her left hand she lifted my head to look up at her but more like her arm pit and then she dropped this ball from her arm pit.  WOW, I was not expecting that. 

I've seen other dogs that do this and the first time the owner takes the head this way the dogs resist but not me.  I think it was all that puppy stuff we did with the muscle memory.  That was what she did near a fence with food.  She would take the food over my head and I would put up my nose to it and there was some food.  We did this many days. 

We also did the retrieve with her using her hands around my muzzle in the beginning.  When ever she did this and I was calm about it she said the famous "Yes" and I would get treats. 

So the hand holding my head up was very comfortable for me and getting the ball this was was fun.

After I got the ball she would show me another ball so I would drop that one and go after the other one.  By the time I got back to her the other ball was not in sight.  She would take the ball I had and then tell me to "Sit" and come to my side.  Again she would hold my head up and wallaaaaa,,,  there came the other ball.

We did this a few times and I think I am understanding this.  She did not walk or move.  She just wanted me to keep my head up and it worked.

Hopefully she will be taking some pictures of me because I am sure getting big.

Can't wait to share them with you all.

Getting back to Training

Sunday was a beautiful warm day so in the morning mom took me for a walk in the neighborhood.  I got to see some cats, dogs, and people. 

In the afternoon we went to her friends place and did a little training.  As you know I understand the word down so sometimes a few of my other words get mixed up with this.  When in doubt sometimes I just do the down.  BUT, I am learning fast to listen for that word.

We worked on out touch pads, with me going to one and then another.  That was fun because I know the touch pad and they were pretty close.  Since I know the word Sit, mom is telling me to sit when I put my front feet on them.  This is getting a little confusing as I have always gone and just stood with my front feet on them.  Another thing to learn for me and more training treats to get.

Now I am working on the "Stand" word.  While I am sitting Mom fills her hands with treats and pushes into my nose so that my body has to move backwards getting me on my feet.  This is fun because I get lots of treats.

Next we worked on a little tug work.  I get the let go part but don't like to give it up so easy.  Keeping my cool calm composure is not always easy especially when it comes to letting go of that tug thing.

When I do I get the yes and more tug.  This time when she told me let go I did and then she slowly moved the tug closer to the ground and said "Down". As soon as I made the down a big yes came and I got to bite and play with mom.  We did that a few more times and worked with the tug on the word sit.  She would say "Sit" and as soon as I did a big "Yes" came and I got to bite again.

This was a fun day and very relaxing learing time.

Lazy Days

Last week we did not train so much.  Mom let me swim in the pool and have some fun dock diving for a few days in a row.  That was great.  Here in Florida the weather is pretty nice so we took advantage of that.

We went to the park after work one day and I just got to walk and sniff.  Ofcourse I still got to do some training and enjoy a few treats. 

Lazy days and a Lazy week... 

A Great Sunday

This is me at 5 1/2 months old practicing my biting tecquniques

Today we had another great day.  Me and my mom.  We went to a big open field and met with some friends.  One being the man who lets me bite on him (with bite equipment on ofcourse) and his wife who also trains her Belgian Malinois Boy in the same dog sport as I am in. 

First mom had to show them my down but being my teenage self, I roamed a bit and then came back for some yummy treats.  I did it only from the front of her like we practiced yesterday but I did it. 

Then she got out the touch pads and told me to touch one and then to the other one.  I did but then she told me to sit.  I know this word but it seemed strange to keep my little feet on the touch pad and sit at the same time.  She helped me with a food lure and my leash and collar.  It was a warm day so we did this a few times and then practiced on my bite work.

I have the best decoy who I really think likes me and for sure likes me to bite on the suit he is in.

First we started with the puppy or medium puppy I should say bite legs.  He can take them off and I can run around and back to him for more fun.

After a lot of me holding on, mom came up to the side of me where I could see she also had a tug for me to play on.  She blew her wistle and I came right off the decoy and bit on the tug to play with mom.  Ofcourse my mom's playing is not as exciting as the decoy so I let go and wanted to go back and play with him. 

During my bite I heard my name called which means to let go and not bite until he moves or I am told.  I still take those little cheating bites but no so much.  This time mom told me to down after I let go.  This was a tough one since I was used to doing this in front of my mom.  Now mom is behind me and the decoy in front.  hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,,,,,,  The decoy helped me to understand by helping me down using my collar and sometimes just pushing me down.  I caught on quick because the second I let go and went into the down I got another bite.  How sweet is that.

I was getting pretty hot from all this activity so we ended for the day or so I thought.  Mom took me for a cool down walk, gave me some water and put me in my crate so the other dogs could have a turn.

When the big dogs were finished mom got me out again.  I was amazed to bite on the big dog suit.  So was mom as she was cheering me on.  Again we worked on the "Out" "Down" and I got to bite.  I think I amazed everyone because I just caught on so quick.  

It was not as easy as I am telling it because I did take some little nips sometimes and had to get some help for the down sometimes but by the end of this session I think you can call me a pro at this part of the game.

I can't wait to train again... 

The Down and Stay & Touch Pad

This is me at 3 months old putting my feet up on the touch pad

Yesterday was my Birthday.  January 21st and I am now 7 months old.

We just went to the Training Field at moms work cause sometimes it is easier when I know a place.  I am less tempted to visit other smells.

Mom is teaching me the dowb word now.  I know the position with her hands going to the ground and for sure will follow them because I know there is those good tasting treats.  Then she started with a word and still the hands to the ground and then treats.  I caught onto the word the other day with me in the front of her and her hands full of food.  She would say down and there I would go.  She would say good meaning I am doing a good job but the exercise is not over.  She would still give me the food while saying good and then the big "Yes", I did good and the down is over.

I am only doing it with her standing right in front of me so not 100% sure of the word.  Still working off some type of body language.  I am sure in time the rest will come.  But for now mom is so pleased that I am getting the idea of the word without the big jesture.  How cool is that.

As you see in the picture above my little front feet are touching off the ground.  Mom glued a frisbee to the top of a dog food bowl because it is supposed to be off the gound in the beginning or until I get the idea.

We are past that part so now she just used the frisbee part or 2 frisbees about 10 feet apart to send me from one to the other.  I am getting the hang of it but not very fast yet.  She sends me and says yes so I know the exercise is over and then tells me touch and sends me to the other one.  That part I understand.  You know understanding what a human wants is a beautiful thing cause when I do good I get either a great treat or get to play tug with mom.  Love it.....

Finally Understood

Just so you know this is not me in my best "down" moment.  This is me at the beach just playing.

Yesterday I thought we were on our way home from mom's work but as usuall she makes a few stops on the way and I wait paitently to get to home so I can run in the yard and play.  This time was different. 

Mom did go into the store but then came back out and took me out for a walk.  I knew she had the liver treats so knew something exciting was going to happen.  We walked a bit and then she called my name and I came closer to her and walla,,  a liver treat for me.

Mom kept the leash on me because it was a busy parking lot, but that is ok because after I sniffed around a bit, mom had my full attention with those great tasting liver treats.  First we did a little refresher course on something I knew well.  Mom told me to "sit", I did and then came the "Good" and some treats.  I know "Good" means I am doing good but the position I just went into is not over.  Then mom said "Yes" and I got up and was given more treats.  Yummmmm

Mom said the "down" word and I just looked at her so she bent at the waist like she was going to motion me down with the food.  I beat her to the punch and was down as soon as I saw her body starting to move.  She said "yes" and I got up.  Mom tried with the word again and again I looked and she began to bend.  When this happened I immediatley went down with only a partial bend from mom.

I think my little brain was catching on.  Not really catching on because before the words were put into play we had months of just bending jestures from mom showing me the postition.  This was a new subject for me was to understand the words without body posture help from mom.

In the beginning when I knew the gesture and food was to come I immediatley went into the position, but when the words came and mom just stood still I was confused.  I am glad she thought of a way by just telling me the word and not bending and then just a bend after the word.  I think she started with the bend with the word and then only did the bend after the word when she knew I did not understand.  But yesterday we had a breakthrough when she said the word and did only little and then less of a bend until she just said the word "down" and so I went.  I got what they call a "Jack-Pot" full of treats then.  We did this a few more times and home we went.  How much fun is that?

Training at the Schutzhund Club January 15, 2012

Today is Sunday so mom took me to her freinds training field where they do Schutzhund.  I am no longer doing Schutzhund because I love that bite suit all the more and in Schutzhund they only use a sleeve.

We only did obedience because there was no Ring Sport Decoy for me to bite on.  But I was happy to be out with mom so we had fun.

Our first plan of action or at least I think was for me to pay attention to mom.  I love everyone so had to say hi since I have not seen them for a while.  BUT, when I go to them they just froze up making me choose to go right back to mom who gave me a treat.  After a few friendly visits I found staying with mom and playing with her was more fun because she gave me treats.

Mom had those touch pad things laying on the ground and sent me to one and told me good girl and gave me a treat.  Good Girl means I am doing good but the exercise is not over.  She is wanting me to hold myself on their longer and longer.  She would say "yes", so I could get off and as soon as I got my treat sent me to the other one which was about 8 or 10ft away.  This was fun and I clearly understood what she wanted.

She wanted to do the retrieve but saw I was panting so decided to just play with the tug working on my letting go.  I still had some of those little re-bites going on but think I am figuring it out.  After I let go I see mom waving it in the air and am very paitent waiting for her command to get it again.  She only does this sometimes because I think she is waiting for me to be clear on letting go and not re-biting until she says so all of the time.  I am getting there and soon this will be clear in my head and we can move to the next game. 

Training was fun today and I can't wait until the next time me and mom train again.  I am so happy with my life and my mom.

BUT, I did get into a little trouble the other day only I don't know why I am restricted from the yard.  Actually I do not realize I am in trouble, I just realize my freedom in the yard is missing.

How was I to know to leave that soft stuff around the Air Conditioner alone.

At least mom went to the store now and will get something to cover up my boo boo so I can not do that again.  Then I can have my yard running time back again... yippeeeee

Training January 13, 2012

Mom and me went for a walk so I could do what I had to do.  Oh, go potty..  only sometimes I get so excited to get going to the training part that I forget.  Today we walked a little farther so I would remember.  I did and off to the training field we went..

Mom took out that great smelling dog treat "Liver" and told me some things to do like sit which I have mastered and the down which I am still confused on.  I understand it when she bends over and then I know what to do but when she just says the word I just look at her all confused.  hmmmmm,,,,

After some of those she got out the ball so I could catch it.  First she threw one ball and then called me back and when I got close threw the out one.  A good game.  I drop one and go chase another one. 

Then she took both balls away and threw one to me and told me catch.  She did not go far away though and I caught it just about every time.

After the ball game she took out the tug which I really love.  We played tug and then she told me to let go.  I did but kept trying to get in those sneaky bites.  Sometimes she just told me know and sometimes gave me a little collar correction.  Each time I let go and did not try to re-bite she said "Yes" and I got to bite again.  But 90 % if the time I did those little cheat bites but working on my restraint only that is hard for me because I love the game of tug.

I think mom is working hard to try to make it clear to me that if I just wait for her "Yes" it is ok to bite I will get the bite sooner than her telling me "no" do not re-bite.

I think mom was a little tired because we were not out training too long but she let me carry the tug back to the car and into the crate I went with it.  She traded me for some food which I was happy to have.

Dock Diving Cali

Cali (3 1/2 months old)

At about 3 1/2 months my mom thought I might like to swim.  She did not want me to sink so put this cute yellow life jacket on me.  She put me in the pool and taught me the way out so that I never panecked to get out.  I am a fast learner and love to swim.  She took the life jacket off after a few weeks of me testing the water.  I swam just fine without the jacket.  I think my mom was more cautious than I was.

After practicing swimming and learning the way out I was almost ready for the big dive.  Boy was that scarey.  It is a few feet jump off the dock into the water.  I could not resist my favorite toy and there I went, off the dock into the water.  My mom cheered me on and was so pleased.

I am by no means ready for a competition but if the weather stays nice I will practice when mom takes me out to the pool. 

Ok, mom figured out the video.  Watch the fun I'm having now.  I am sure mom is to cause she is all happy and clapping for me..

Catch

January 11, 2011

Today was another great day. Although the picture here is of me at the beach, my fun day was not at the beach but did involve some ball playing.

My mom took me for our early morning walk as she usually does and then goes into work. I usually wait in the crate in the car. Don't worry because she parks under the bridge for shade and leaves the back open and of course me with water to drink when I want.

Sometimes I get to come into the grooming salon but with all the dogs in and out I have not yet learned to contain my barking because if they are out I want out also. Adolescence ,, geeeesssss

Today's training or should I say my fun outing with my mom was just that, "fun". She had her pockets full of stuff, from liver for treats to balls on a rope to that biting tug.

She took me off leash on the training field and since I know this place well I did not run around sniffing and was a little hungry so stayed with her to see what was in store next.

Yep, the sits and downs. I have the sit pretty well down pat but the downs on the other hand were not so good unless she used her food hand to go to the ground. BUT,,, today I had a break through. Without her bending and showing me her hand I actually heard the word and did the down. I thought my mom was going to scream in joy. She was close to screaming with joy and made the biggest fuss over what I just did. Hmmmm, now what was that I just did to get mom so excited.

She tried a few more times and it got easier and easier for me to understand that the word meant what to do and not the motion. "oh"

For some reason she is wanting me to catch. We started at home with food. She says catch and I hate missing a good treat so that did not take me long at all to learn. Today on the training field she tried it with a ball. The balls are on a string so if I missed the ball I got the string. "whoops", but eventually I got the hang of it. She would throw one and tell me to catch and then show me the other so I would drop one and catch the next. I really liked this game.

Mom would then stand on the side of me and drop it over my head to catch and in front of me and all kinds of places. She only threw it to me when she was in front of me but dropped it to me when I was on the side. Hmmmmm,,, I am wondering why?? But never the less it was fun and the future will tell why.

Then we had a really fun game of 2 balls. She would throw one and I would dash out and run for it. Sometimes falling over myself and making summer salts as I was going so fast. Then mom would call me back and I would run back real fast because she showed me she had another ball to throw. Right when I got close to her she would say "drop" the ball I had and throw the other one in the direction I was headed. Sure makes me come back and go out fast. Love that game.

Mom taught me to let go of the ball into her hand by using her thumb and press down on my tongue. Works for me.

I know she wants me to let go of that tug toy like I do the ball, but oh my it is so much fun to try to bite and not have to let go. Today after telling me to let go and I did than tried to re-bite again she said know and gave me a little tug on the collar. Next time the same.. I have to keep trying to bite at it. It is like something inside me says bite, bite, bite.

Then I think my mom had a revelation. Hey the tongue touch worked so well for the ball, how about trying it with the tug. (not recommended for most humans as they can loose a finger). I am still a baby and have been working on this for a while so at least I start to let go or let go but come back to sneak in a bite.

Mom did this game with me a few times and she was so happy that I was being patient waiting
for the signal from her to bite again that she let me run around and around and then come back to play some more. The run around was on leash in big circles but I love to run and hold that raggedy ole tug.

We were both pretty tied by the end of our little outing so mom took me back to the car for some water and a little walk and our fun for now was over.

But when we get home I get to run in the yard by myself (such a big girl) and then mom comes out to plays fetch with me with all those crazy stuffed animals I have all over the place.

Caley's Adventure Training Day

Training day 1/1/0/12

So today 1/10/12 my mom took me to the training field where she has her business with something on her mind. My guess it was to work on my sits and downs. I got the sit pretty good and just love that liver she gives me as treats but I am not sure I understand the down unless she does this funny gesture with her hands going towards the ground. Of course they are loaded with treats so I just follow it.

Oh, I am a French Dog Sport so my mom is teaching me the French words. The rest is just Jibber Jabber.... I will tell you my French words later as soon as my mom learns how to spell them... hehehehe...

While doing our little how can I get a treat game I spotted some kids near the fence. Being the sweet puppy that I am I took off to go visit them and heard my mom say something (like "don't pet the puppy"), but kids are like me and going to do what they want.

I finally came back to my mom and she said the "Yes", means I did well and gave me a treat. Of course I ran off again to visit my new friends. After a few pets through the fence from them I went back to mom and got another "Yes" and treat but this time she put the leash onto my little prong collar so I could not go visit. Yuck,

So we worked some more on our sits and downs adding in a stand here and there, but for some reason I am not getting the word down and waiting for the gesture with the food.

We worked a little on duration meaning that I know the word "Good", means I an doing it right but not that the exercise is over. I think I am understanding that part.

A few days ago we went to a new training field and I was a little bit out of control. My mom was trying to tell me to let go of the tug which I did but only to sneak in and bite where ever I could grab. Even her poor hands. I did not mean to but they were in the way of my mouth..

So today she took out the tug toy which I love to tug and play on and really not love to let go. She told me to let go and well I thought of it and then let go only to bite it which they call dirty biting because I was to let go and only bite again when she gave the "Yes" ok command.

My mom played with me for a while and then gave the word to let go. I did but was sneaky to get those few little dirty bites in. She told me know and gave me a little tug on the leash to let me know she was not pleased. We worked on this for a while and finally my little puppy brain grasped it. I let go and waited for her to say "Yes" it was ok to bite and play again.

Because I was so good that time she let me run around (on leash) in a circle and bring it back to her to play. I love doing that because as a baby puppy she taught me that was such a great game to come back and play with her.

She played tug with me again and told me let go. I forgot myself again and gave only 2 little dirty bites but never getting her hand. She told me know and gave me a little tug on the leash.

We played tug again and this time I let go and waited for the "Yes"... Mom must have been excited because she ran in circles with me caring the tug. We went for a little walk and I still carried the tug so excited to do so.

Training was over so we went to my place and she even traded me food for the tug. What a great day cause I got to eat and play tug.

Cali or Caley But Cali the Mali From California

This is my little Dog Cali the Mali From California. Now spelled Caley so it did not look like Calis on my title and just because. Cali was a very special Surprise and gift from a dear friend named OJ Knighten who is a breeder in California. OJ remembered me from my past life and sent me a wonderful gift. And now life is all about Cali.

I got Cali at 7 1/2 weeks a great age for her and I. There is something about the 8 week fear period that I know from 20 years breeding Malinois and I could not see a little dog flying on a plane during a fear stage so asked for her a little earlier.

Cali is a Belgian Malinois Born June 21st, 2011 and a little girl of course. She is teaching me many things from her arrival until this day.

I've raised many litters of Belgians and other breeds but never had the chance to raise and train only "1" (one) puppy with no other puppy distractions. So with that said, Cali gets all my attention for training.

I do have 2 other dogs but one is a 13 1/2 Malinois female who is my retired bomb dog and the other is a 7 yr old little mix dog and these are my good pets.

Cali is by far not my first dog nor my first dog to train for competition as I have been around the world training and competitions and of course raising and training many puppies along the way.

Cali is just my first pup I did not breed and my first puppy that I am training all the way to a competitive level.

When Cali arrived and I brought her back to my work place (I own a Pet Grooming Salon), I let Cali out of the crate to sniff around. She sniffed and pottied and then came to play and play she did. She loved to bite my pant legs and sneakers and that hurt even with a little iddy biddy puppy. I just redirected to many toys on strings and eventually the pant leg and shoe biting just went away. How nice is that.

Cali was fearless on her first day here. She just walked into the Grooming Salon like she was always here. Tile Floors, Fans going, dogs barking a vacuum cleaner whizzing around. She just did not care and I was so happy to see all of that...

I saw a video clip of a Malinois puppy playing with it's owner on the floor with a ball. One thing I wanted was for my little puppy to come back to play with me. So for the first week we would go to a quiet room and I would sit on the floor and roll the ball and pat my legs calling Cali back to me to bring the ball. Little puppies love this game because they get to come back into your lap and roll around.

My friend would come around to see Cali's progress daily and we would take her outside and play tug with some leather tied to a pole. In dog training known as a "Flirt Pole", to tease a puppy to chase and play and bite of course.

We did this until she was about 3 months old and then switched to some puppy sleeves (mini puppy stuff) and played that game until she started to teeth at 4 months old. We taught Cali to bring the toy or tug back to the decoy for more play and until this day she loves to come play. We taught her to get used to different materials in her mouth but using a few different kinds of sleeves. I even got the puppy bite work dvd from "Michael Ellis"

I thought or shaped her using food to sit, down, come etc. I started the focused heeling after watching a video from "Michael Ellis" how to do it. (many things over the years change in training and keeping up with it is the best).. Never stop learning...

Oh yes and the Send Away from Michael Ellis using Touch Pads. That is so much fun to train..

I attended an Ivan Seminar when Cali turned 6 months old and could do bite work again. It was wonderful seeing her transform in a weekend and watching all the other handler's and dogs. Learn, Learn, Learn.. Cali is like a sponge and I'm trying to keep up

We started tracking as I was going to compete in Schutzhund with her, but now that I met some French Ring People I am good to go with that as I love the dogs who bite on a full body bite suit.

So that basically catches you to now and going forward will be from Cali's point of view. Of course and mine to..

Cali is 6 1/2 months old now and going through some adolescent tantrum stages so Cali will tell how much fun that is giving her mom (me) a more challenging time.

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