Ahsoka & Hina

Ahsoka and her Rally Class friend, Hina (Golden Retriever).

Check out how Ahsoka did in her first Rally Trial here.

Rally Class

Some video of Ahsoka & I in Rally Class.

Check out how she did at the Rally Trials.

NEW Dog Training Class

Such Good Dogs is starting a new dog training class...

Basic Manners dog training is a 6-week, one hour per week class. Each week you will learn new things to take home and practice with your dog. Handouts will be given at the end of each week and a certificate is given upon completion. Basic Manners is taught using positive reinforcement training, combined with energy balance. Classes will be held outdoors in the Kahana/ Napili area.

Basic Manners--LEVEL ONE class will be held:
Saturdays 5-6 pm (February 4th--March 11th).       

Level One:

Items covered in Basic Manners--Level One dog training class include: Food lure, marker word, no reward marker, watch me/ look, come when called, loose leash walking (how to walk properly on a leash), impulse control, sit and auto-sit, down, stand, stay, drop it, leave it, and basic socialization.

ANY dog breed of ANY age is welcome (and encouraged) to take these classes.  Your dog must be up-to-date on Parvo & Distemper shots.  Proof of these vet records is required to attend class.

Please contact Such Good Dogs to sign up:

suchgooddogs@gmail.com

808-463-4684

Check out Such Good Dogs at:

SuchGoodDogs.com

Like Such Good Dogs on Facebook!

Athena Angelic is an Animal Behavior Certified Dog Trainer. Athena is certified in Pet First Aid & CPR through the American Red Cross, is a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and a Certified Mentor Trainer with Animal Behavior College.

Such Good Dogs offers group classes, private lessons, adventures, dog socialization, dog bootcamp, and in-home boarding.

Basic Manners Class

A few quick pics from Basic Manners class this week.

Double rainbow and Dogs

Double Rainbow at Napili Bay.

Caravaggio at a dog event.

Basic Manners dog training class.

Athena hiking with Hazel, Lucky, Nekita, Caravaggio, and Devo near Lipoa Point.

Basic Banners graduation.

BML2 Class Hike

Basic Manners Level Two Class Hike at the Village Trails in Kapalua.

Lucy found many burrs to travel with her on our hike.

Chihuahua / Pug mix puppy.

Basic Manners Level Two Graduation.

Heel Training

Some vides from our Basic Manners Level Two class learning Heel.

Heel:

The Heel position is about the dog staying close to the handler and paying close attention.  We will start with the Basic Heel position, the Stationary Heel.

To do this, we will food lure the dog into the Heel position at our left side.  Use your left hand to food lure the dog into the position.  If you need, take a step back with your left leg to encourage the dog to move.  Once the dog is in the Heel position, practice a Sit and Look. 

Basic Heel position with Moana.

Basic Heel position with Lucy.

Moving Heel:  
Food lure the dog several times while backing up.
Food lure the dog, now turn your body so the dog is now on the left side in Heel position (use the treat in your left hand).

—Always begin and end every Heel exercise with a Sit in the Heel position.

—When you stop moving forward, move your baited hand UP slightly to initiate the Sit position.

—As you are moving forward, the treat should be held up slightly from the dog so she is looking for it.  Gradually progress to moving your hand all the way up to the Look position.  

See our full video on how to train your dog to Heel on SDGs YouTube.

Moving Heel.

Moving Heel with Moana.

Fetch

Fetch with Moana.

Fetch:

Fetch is very helpful game that every owner should teach their dog.  It is an excellent  way to exercise your dog without wearing yourself out. 

Rules of Fetch:

Dog must Sit.

Dog must Look.

Fetch.

Dog returns toy.

Dog drops toy.

Repeat.

Take your time getting to the final game of fetch (as listed above).  

To start, we must have a toy that the dog likes.  Get the dog interested in the toy, then throw it a 2-4 feet away.  Say “Fetch” as you throw the toy in a very energetic, excited voice.  When the dog reaches the toy, praise if he touches it with his mouth.  Encourage the dog to pick up the toy.  When he does, say your “Good!”  Use Come when Called to encourage the dog to return to you with the toy.  If the dog drops the toy along the way, give your “Uh-oh,” return to the toy and encourage the dog to pick it up again.  When the dog returns with the toy, DO NOT REACH OUT TO GRAB IT.  The dog must learn to bring it to you.  Once the dog is within one foot of you, grab the toy and encourage the dog to drop using your “Drop It” command.  When he does, give your “Good!”  Have the dog Sit.  Good!  Wait a few second; use the toy to practice “Look.”  Once the dog looks in your eyes, throw the toy and say “Fetch.”  Always use lots of energy and excitement to keep your dog interested in the game.

Fetch with Noni.

Dog Training Class

Pictures from some dog fun and this week's Basic Manners dog training class.

Hazel and Lucky.

Min Pin party.

Basic Manners class graduation.

Stay with Distance

Basic Manners Level Two Class:  practicing Stay with Distractions.

Stay:

Means to your dog, stay in this position until I come back to release you.  This is not the same thing as Wait.  For this exercise, the dog should either be in the Sit or Down position.  Some owners prefer to have a specific Sit-Stay and Down-Stay as separate commands.  If you would like to do this, please let your trainer know.

There are 3 parts to the Stay Cue:  1) Duration (Time), 2) Distance, 3) Distractions

Adding Distance to Stay:

We will start by slowly adding distance to the Stay command.  Start with one step backwards, then quickly return forwards to the dog and reward.  Then add two steps, pause, return and reward.  Slowly begin to add distance.  If your dog gets up, take the training back a step and make it easier (don’t add as much distance).

Adding Distractions to Stay:

To add a new part of the Stay cue, we must take the other parts of the cue back down to zero.  That means, since we are now adding distractions, the distance and duration of the Stay should be near zero.  You will start by dropping or tossing mild distractions while asking the dog to Stay.  We will slowly begin adding more difficult distractions.

Check out SGDs YouTube to get the full videos on how to teach your dog the beginning steps of Stay.

Stay:  Step 1, Duration (or time).

Stay:  Step 2, adding Distance.

BML2--Class #2

Heel:

The Heel position is about the dog staying close to the handler and paying close attention.  We will start with the Basic Heel position, the Stationary Heel.

To do this, we will food lure the dog into the Heel position at our left side.  Use your left hand to food lure the dog into the position.  If you need, take a step back with your left leg to encourage the dog to move.  Once the dog is in the Heel position, practice a Sit and Look. 

Moving Heel:  

1. Food lure the dog several times while backing up.
2. Food lure the dog, now turn your body so the dog is now on the left side in Heel position (use the treat in your left hand).

—Always begin and end every Heel exercise with a Sit in the Heel position.

—When you stop moving forward, move your baited hand UP slightly to initiate the Sit position.

—As you are moving forward, the treat should be held up slightly from the dog so she is looking for it.  Gradually progress to moving your hand all the way up to the Look position.  

Come When Called:

(Puppy Ping Pong and Hide & Seek Games)

The Rules:

1. Safety first.  Always have a leash or be in an enclosed area.
2. When you say come, you have to see it happen.
3. NEVER punish a dog for coming to you.

The Steps:

1. Say the dog’s name and Come, one time only.
2. Have a party.
3. Lure (or gently lead) the dog back to you.

Remember, each cue/command has three parts to build up or work on:  

1. Duration (Time)
2. Distance
3. Distractions

To improve the Cue:  we will apply a Reward Grading Scale.  

This means that you must know what your dog likes best.  For this scale, we will reward with a low level treat for an okay recall.  As the dog improves on speed and direction, the training grade is higher, and therefore the reward should be greater.  Once the dog runs the distance quickly and directly to you, use a Jackpot Reward.  This means giving the dog several treats quickly after performing a behavior exceptionally well.

Practice Come when Called while adding Distance.  

We will start at a distance where we know the dog will currently respond to Come, then slowly start adding distance each time.  If the dog does not do well, take the training back a step (move closer to the dog).  Remember to progress slowly.  Be sure to attach your long line dog leash for this training.  For this, it is helpful to have two people for each dog.  This will make this exercise much easier to practice.  (Puppy Ping Pong Game).  Remember to practice all 3 Steps of Come When Called each time (as needed).  

Come when Called while adding Distractions.

Next we will try adding distractions to Come when Called.  To begin, we will start at a lower distance then was just practiced.  Keep your long ling training leash attached.  Now we will practice Come when Called while adding distractions.  For this we will use other dogs and people from class, as well as objects to try and distract your dog during the Come command.  Be sure to take this training very slowly.  Heavily reward your dog for ignoring the distraction(s) and coming to you.  Slowly add more difficult distractions.  Remember to use your Reward Grading Scale.  For better recalls, reward more lavishly with better treats.

Practice Look, Sit, Down, & Stand:

Finally we will practice some Basic Manners.  Practice each cue and make the dog hold the position longer before the reward.  Be sure to say your Reward Marker, “Good,” the instant the dog performs the behavior, but withhold the treat for a few seconds.  Make the dog wait longer and longer for the reward.  When rewarding, praise lavishly.

Practice Stay:

For Week 3 class we will be adding Distance and Distractions to the Stay cue.  So for this week, practice the Stay cue without distance and distractions.  Simply work on building up Duration, or time.

BML1--Class #1

Basic Manners -- Leve One, Class #1

It's a new year year and we have started another new Basic Manners Level One dog training class.  Therefore I have decided to share the information from these classes.

Each week we will share the notes and pictures from that class.

Basic Manners Level One is a 6-week, one hour per week class. Each week you will learn new things to take home and practice with your dog. Handouts will be given at the end of each week and a certificate is given upon completion. Basic Manners is taught using positive reinforcement training, combined with energy balance. Classes will be held outdoors in the Lahaina area.

Items covered in this Basic Manners--Level One dog training class include: Food lure, marker word, no reward marker, watch me/ look, come when called, loose leash walking, impulse control, sit and auto-sit, down, stand, stay, drop it, and leave it.

For the first week's class, clients do not bring their dogs.  I have considered changing this approach many times, however, I have found that it is much easier to get people to listen to the most important information without the distraction of their dogs around.  The first week of class, clients fill out paperwork, I ensure that the dog is up-to-date on all shots by checking vet records, and I give out the most important information on dog training.  

Below I have shared the notes given to each person for the first week's class.

Such Good Dogs Basic Manners Class #1

Dog training lessons are about training the HUMAN, and teaching the human how to communicate with the dog so we can motivate the dog to work and learn.  When a dog misbehaves it is really a breakdown in communication.  Dogs do what works for them, don’t assume they know better.

When training a dog of any age, you must start at the bottom and work your way up.  Basically, we are starting in Kindergarten.  Remember to move training at the dog’s pace, not your own.  Keep calm and do not do repetitions too many times.  It’s better to quit while you are ahead, than to push the training further than the dog is ready for.  The dog will lose interest and stop learning.

Such Good Dogs uses Positive Reinforcement Training.

Positive Reinforcement Training means making the dog work for something s/he likes.  We give the dog reinforcement at the moment the dog performs the desired behavior to increase the likelihood that the dog will perform the behavior again.  Dogs must WORK for everything they get.  Dogs should not get ANYTHING for free! (This includes:  toys, treats, regular food, water, sleeping arrangements, etc.)

Energy Balance

It is important to always be aware of what energy you are projecting anytime you interact with your dog.  It is vitally important to remain calm, but firm when teaching your dog new things.  Dogs will NOT follow or listen to a leader who is not calm.  If you are angry or frustrated, your dog will sense this, and your training session will not go well.

3 Things on our body that are Rewarding to Dogs:

1.  Voice

2.  Eye Contact

3.  Touch

Anytime you engage your dog in one of these things, you are rewarding them and encouraging whatever behavior they are currently doing.  This is important to keep in mind so you do not unintentionally reward bad behaviors.  Example:  when a dog jumps up to greet you, the proper thing to do is cross your arms and turn your back while saying nothing.

What do you do with behaviors your dog does that you do not like?

1.  Ignore

2.  Avoid

3.  Re-direct

It is important to manage your dog’s behavior in between training sessions.  You must help prevent bad behaviors from occurring.  Behaviors usually get worse before they get better.  You must catch a dog “in the act” within 2 seconds to change the behavior.

What motivates your dog?

To begin training, we first must know what motivates our dog.  Humans need motivation, so do dogs.  Would you go to work every day if you didn’t get paid?  Some common reinforcers for dogs include:  food, petting, toys, & praise.  You must also have a variety of rewards from “ok” to “really awesome.”  Your dog decides what 

s/he likes best  What is your dog’s Like It? Love It? Gotta Have It?

Marker Word:

Choose your marker word:  “Good” or “Yes” (or the Clicker).

This is the word (or sound) that says to a dog, “Yes! That is exactly what I wanted you to do!” and is then followed with a reward.  The more you mark the good behaviors, the more your dog will want to engage in these behaviors.  To “charge up” the Marker word, say your word, give a treat, repeat.  Example:  Say “Good”, give treat, Good, treat.

Things needed for Training:

Remember to have 2-4 different kinds of rewards on hand (several types of treats).  

Regular buckle collar and leash (easy-walk harness or gentle leader), NO Flexi-leash.

Water for both you and your dog.  Poop clean-up bags (ALWAYS pick up after your pet).

Most importantly, always bring a good sense of humor, LOTS of patience, and a calm energy.

Keep Training Going:

Proper Exercise:  Every dog should be walked every day!

Good Relationship with the owner:  When you get frustrated, remember why you got your dog, he’s your buddy, he’s your pal.  Don’t take set-back’s personal.

Socialization:  It is very important to have a dog that is comfortable in as many different situations as possible.  Take your dog everywhere you can, but proceed at your dog’s pace.

Consistency:  Everyone in the household should have all the same rules, all the same cue words and commands, ALL THE TIME!

Generalizing:  Dogs do not generalize well.  It is important to practice everything you learn, everywhere you go.

Training Sessions:  Keep them short and sweet.  3-5 minutes a few times a day.

Open enrollment for Dog Training Review

I will be opening my final class of the current Basic Manners dog training session for review.
Wednesday November 6th from 5-6p.m.

Anyone who has taken my Basic Manners Level One class or an equivalent in private lessons (or taken with another trainer) may attend.  If you are interested in possible future training and would like to see what a dog training class is like, observation is FREE.

There will be a $25 participation fee for the one hour review class.  You will be joining the current class on their last session and will be incorporated into the class.

Your dog should be familiar with the following to attend this review session:
Food lure
Look/ Watch Me
Sit
Down
Stand/ Up
Come when called
Loose Leash Walking
Stay
Drop It
Leave It

Your dog must be current on Distemper & Parvo shots.
(Please exercise your dog before the review hour.)
If you are interested in attending this review, please contact Such Good Dogs.
808-463-4684
suchgooddogs@gmail.com

Basic Manners Class #2

I'm very excited to have started a new Basic Manners class on the West Side recently.  Although I always enjoy classes, having an especially large class can be extra fun.  This class has 7 dogs in it and everyone is very excited to be here.  I always love helping people who are ready and willing to put in the work.  Hopefully I will be able to see just how hard they've all been working at this week's class.

Below are some pictures from week two of this Basic Manners class.  This is the first time all the dogs get to meet each other, so the energy and excitement of week two is high.
(I was happy my friend was able to stop and take some awesome pictures for me as well.
Thanks Megs!)

Athena describing the first lesson for the day.

Class participants.

Athena working with Keani & mom Barbara

on Loose Leash Walking.

Athena working with Kengie & mom Sanchi.

Athena showing lab, Kuma, how to walk on a leash

with family watching how its done.

Kuma watching Mocha & Kengie say hello.

Hanging out after class.