It’s similar for most folks when it comes to dogs and dog training. We all know they bark, pee, eat, walk on four legs and have a brain, but getting that brain in alignment with the family dynamics is extremely intimidating for most. Good thing there’s the local dog training place!

Unlike the auto mechanic, the dog training people are friendly. They greet you, treat your dog like royalty, adore Fido with attention & treats, make friends with your dog and most importantly, they tell you what to do. You’re relieved to know that all you need is to sign-up for a class (or perhaps allow them to train your dog for you), buy what training gear they recommend and all is GREAT! Right…?  WRONG!!!!!

Well, just like my not-so-personable auto mechanic, there are a few more things you need to learn before blindly following the advice of that really nice dog trainer you just met and you definitely need to understand the business end of the leash BEFORE you drop your dog off for the day.

1. Running a Business vs. Training Dogs – As with auto mechanics, just because they have a building, a website, offer up coupons and greet you with the fancy title (in this case one that says Dog Trainer), these things do NOT mean they’re qualified to train dogs. Don’t be fooled by shiny things – dig deeper.
2. Guarantees – If they offer a guarantee that your dog will be trained, RUN like the wind! Why? Well, any time you’re working with a behavior-based situation that involves a living, breathing, cognitive being (human or canine) there are never any guarantees as to an outcome. A real professional knows this and an honest person won’t make false promises.
3. Hobbyist vs. Professional – For years it was commonly accepted that dog training was merely a hobby career. However, those days are long gone and over the last decade even the most experienced hobbyist should have grown and developed themselves into the modern day dog training professional. Ask your trainer this two-part question: a) how long have they been training dogs; and b) what specific professional education have they recently completed to improve and modernize their skills. After all, if the last ‘diagnostic engine class’ my auto mechanic took was 10 years ago, there’s no way in hell I’d let him work on my current vehicle (not even a simple oil change since a little mistake like the wrong oil could potentially cost me thousands for an engine replacement!). Using the same theory, if you find yourself talking with a 20+ year veteran dog trainer who has failed to stay current in their chosen profession, MOVE-ON! After all, you and your dog deserves an up-to-date professional trainer – one who cares enough to stay current in their chosen career.
4. Science-Based Training vs. Myth – One of the biggest changes in dog training over the last few decades has been the shift from myth-based training to SCIENCE-based training. Science-based training is exactly what the name indicates – it is a proven, scientifically researched, positive & reward-based means of training that focuses on creating and developing wanted behaviors. Science-based training has been in use for over 50 years and is achieved by clearly ‘marking’ a correct behavior and immediately pairing it with a reward that ‘pays’ the dog for choosing to do that behavior. In contrast, myth-based training waits until the dog is wrong and then administers a type of punishment (some examples are physically correcting the dog, shaming the dog, hitting the dog, luring or allowing the dog to do the unwanted behavior and then surprising them with a correction, etc.).  While Science-based training creates a new & positive behaviors (before a bad habit can start), myth-based training tends to focus on and requires that the handler (you) constantly correct the dog. To complicate things, some myth-based trainers use correction methods and then follow up with food/praise, claiming they are ‘balanced’ and use positive training methods. So the lesson here is educate yourself first and clearly KNOW which type of training you want for your dog BEFORE you interview prospective trainers.
5. Mission Statement On Dog Training Style – To help decipher what type of training a facility utilizes, type of trainers they have on staff and to help determine the facility’s level of professionalism, ask to see their dog training guidelines or mission statement. If they use terms like “we welcome all types of training methods” or “we have different styles of trainers” be sure to do your due diligence as these can often be unofficial code words for “we don’t have a formal training style…” or “we hire whoever we can and let them decide…”. Look for words like ‘relationship, positive, science-based and mutual’.  Be sure to ask what procedures and policies the facility has in place and as always, meet your trainer in person so you can ask questions and observe a class to be sure they follow their own guidelines.
6. Independent Contractor vs. Employee vs. Owner – Before you begin to discuss your dog’s training, know who you’re talking to when you enter a facility. If you’re talking to a business owner, find out if they also train dogs. If they don’t, remember that their job is to SELL you on the services their facility provides and while they may have the best of intentions, beware of owners who may be wearing rose-colored glasses when it comes to their facility’s capabilities. Next, you’ll want to talk with the actual TRAINER who will be working with your dog…while you will want to ask them some of the questions above, you’re also going to want to inquire if they are an employee or an independent contractor. Why? Well, an employee is often held to a higher standard since they take all direction (including dog training curriculum) from their employer (the dog training facility). However, by legal definition, an Independent Contractor is hired to come up with their own curriculum, training style, etc. and there is often NO accountability from the facility owner. I’ve heard facility owners say “They’re an Independent Contractor, there’s nothing I can do….” so avoid the middle man (the owner or front office) and meet directly with, interview and determine for yourself if the I/C dog trainer meets your personal criteria.
7. Payment Structure, Flat Fee, Hourly Rate or Percentage and Worker Turnover – Understandably, inquiring about how an employee or independent contractor is paid can be a sensitive topic, but this may be important information for you to know. For example, if an I/C is paid a small percentage of their class enrollment and there is only one or two dogs in class, it’s possible that I/C is being paid less than minimum wage. If you were to factor in the price of gas and time commitment, it’s likely your new trainer won’t be at the facility very long and you’ll end up experiencing the frustration of starting over with a new trainer in a few weeks.
8. Training Done ‘In Public’ vs. Training Done ‘In Private’ – One of the harder things to gauge is the behavior/training your dog is subjected to when you leave them in the care of a dog trainer. I’m embarrassed to say that I have seen some well-liked ‘dog trainers’ administer painful techniques on dogs to squelch a common behavior and another who physically roughed up a dog because they were frustrated at their inability to get a collar on the dog correctly. In both cases, these trainers saw no problem with what they were doing (even though it caused the dog pain) and one even said “Well, I wouldn’t do that in front of the client, but it worked….” While there are no guarantees, I suggest you put in writing unacceptable behaviors or guidelines for the trainer when it comes to working with your dog. This could be as simple as a list of Prohibited items (i.e. shock collar, scruffing, hitting, use of pain in training, etc.)
9. Qualifications – While this one seems obvious, be sure your instructor is QUALIFIED to train you in the skills you’ve signed up for. For example, if you are interested in Agility, be sure your trainer has achieved the appropriate agility titles (such as a Masters Championship title). Titles and achievements can be clear indicators of success as well as proof that they have been through the trials and tribulations you may soon be experiencing on your road to success.

While this post only begins to scratch the surface of the business end of the leash, the moral of the story is clear – YOU are your dog’s advocate. Take the time to do research and don’t assume that the dog trainer who presents you with a happy smile while offering your dog the enticement of food is a quality trainer. Ask more questions, observe a class and understand the different types of dog training methods.

Happy Handling!

Lisa

Since it was a warm 85 degree day, our dogs LOVED the welcome surprise to cool off and use their agility skills to play an entirely new game of water chase.

Enjoy pictures from our fun Sunday afternoon!

Agility Article Featuring Lisa & Dan Selthofer

I’m excited to announce that Just Labs Magazine will have an article titled “Getting Started with Agility” and Spot On Agility’s very own Lisa Selthofer was interviewed and is being featured in this article! To receive a free copy of Just Labs Magazine, please Click Here. We just wanted to thank Just Labs for all they do for Labrador Retrievers everywhere and for all they do to bring owners of this great breed together. Labrador owners, be sure to subscribe to Just Labs Magazine.

Just Labs Magazine: Feature Excerpt

1. When people are upset and talk from an emotional place, more often than not the emotion has the potential to quickly grow out of control.
2. Once out of control, reactive behaviors can follow and that’s when nothing good will come of the situation; since
3. Often times the reactive behaviors displayed can be actions a person would not normally dream of doing.

It’s not hard to see that dogs and emotions tend to go hand-in-hand (after all, we LOVE our dogs!) and on numerous occasions in my agility judging career I’ve witnessed the lethal combination of emotion and stress mix and then explode into a monumental moment of crisis. Referring back to my incident from 15 years ago, that’s exactly what happened at a public venue with hundreds of spectators looking on.

While the specific details of what the person did aren’t important, what is important is that this was a highly respected, trusted and hard working member of the club who, due to their emotional state caused by an outside stressor (it turns out his significant other was diagnosed with cancer just a few days prior and was facing her potential loss of life), he publicly exhibited behaviors that scared and shocked everyone.

In this day and age of high school shootings, workplace violence and shopping mall mishaps, it’s clear that everyone is feeling stress and I can’t say it enough, the dog world is not immune. But more importantly, the biggest lesson I learned was that these people need help. They need a friend. They need some of the weight they’re feeling lifted off of them, if only for a moment.

So back to the gentleman who successfully shocked an entire fairgrounds into silence, I should have misconducted him but I simply couldn’t (that would have added stress to an already stressful situation). However, I did NOT ignore or sweep the situation under the rug (that seems to be the popular thinking these days) and instead made sure it was understood he would seek professional help instead.

Since I wasn’t in the position to be a friend, I don’t know the outcome of his significant other’s battle with cancer or even how he’s doing today. I can only hope that others in his life chose not to ignore the clear warning signs of his emotional distress and that he did indeed receive the help, friends and support he deserved.

Soon to be Agility Training Area

I’m thrilled to share that a 20 year dream is developing before my eyes…having my very own Agility Facility in the Fife/Tacoma, WA area!

It’s exciting, inspirational, thrilling and at the same time a crazy kinda’ scary good!

So, let me introduce you to Spot On Agility’s new facility!

As an overview, the building has 3 main parts:

First, and pictured at the left, is a mock-up of the Agility area (named Pinky’s Palace – in honor of my 1st Dalmatian) plus the additions to be added. This area will be 50′ x 70′, fully matted (1″ foam interlocking mats) and include a full ring of quality agility equipment. This area includes a beautiful domed roof with details like the original trusses from 1926, walls that are 12″ thick concrete and includes (not seen in picture) a back wall full of beautiful tall windows for natural lighting. Soon the walls will be receiving a fresh coat of paint and overhead we’ll be adding new energy efficient lighting.

Second is a 30′ x 40′ matted area (1″ foam interlocking mats) that will be home to our Doggy Day Experience as well as Obedience and other core training classes (named Ru’s Spot in honor of my current Dalmatian). Thanks to the addition of 80″ wide french doors and a wall of windows (seen in picture #1), this section will overlook the Agility area and can also be used as a viewing area for seminars and other training events.

Floor Layout

Third is Dog Alley, a section that is 14′ x 58′ and easily accessible from both the Agility and Obedience area. Dog Alley will be used to provide a peaceful, comfortable and secure dog crating area and will include freshly painted walls, new energy efficient lighting and 1″ foam mats under each dog crate for extra comfort.

Making up the extra areas of our space are:

• A lounge area that includes a gas fireplace as well as people and dog-friendly couches and chairs.
• Bookcase with dog literature and a lending library of training resources.
• A full kitchenette with a fridge, stove and microwave.
• A professionally tiled bathroom.
• Our office; and
• To ensure dog security we will incorporate full and half walls that include self-latching/closing safety doors & gates so that dogs must be accompanied through a series of areas when entering & exiting the building.

 Overview of the Services We Will Be Providing:

The main purpose for our new building is to be an Agility Facility that is welcoming, people & dog-friendly, to provide quality equipment, excellent agility training and a place where agility enthusiasts can readily come and practice at an affordable price.

To support and sustain this mission, as well as to potentially introduce new people and dogs to the exciting world of dog agility, we will also be providing a Doggy Day Experience (which is much safer and more interactive than a traditional doggy daycare) as well as have Practical dog training options (classes geared toward making your dog a success in the home and real world).

All training will be based on our current Mission Statement which states: “We strive to be the best at identifying and delivering successful training methods and strategies by focusing on quality, science-based solutions that enhance our clients’ skills.” In other words, we use positive reinforcement methods which embrace the successful concept of paying for a job well-done, creates a happy working dog and is highly successful AND enjoyable to our busy dog owners/clients.

Stay tuned for more details and we can’t wait to invite you all out in May 2013 to check it out!

Lisa

Abe Getting Ready for His FIRST Trial!

Yeap, it’s been a long time since I’ve blogged and I have so much to share (including why I’ve been silent for so long….) but what’s brought me out of blogger-retirement is that I am so HAPPY for two of my Novice students (one is now in Open!) and I just want to shout from the roof top for them!

Kristy and Lilly earn their Novice JWW Title!

So here I am, shouting from the blog-top instead!!!! First their is Lilly, an amazing Labrador and her owner Kristy. We joke that Lilly was  born to do Agility and quite frankly, there are times I’d SWEAR she’s come back from a former agility life to be reincarnated to do it all over again I want to give a hearty congratulations on them earning their Novice JWW title and moving into Open! They are an amazing team and Kristy embraces the ‘we’re here to have FUN FIRST’ motto and I’m so proud of them! I also want to give a high-five to her husband Gary who comes to EVERY training session and trial with Kristy and Lilly. Gary is an AMAZING Agility support spouse (A.S.S. for short…lol)

Next we have Katey and Abe. Abe came to me as a timid rescue dog from a shelter and Katey was looking to build his confidence and bring out that inner spark. I have to say that Abe is soooo lucky to have had Katey as his Mum because she is patient, in it for the long haul and will do whatever it takes to make him successful.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The results of Abe and

Agility have been amazing! They’re having fun and are tackling agility courses with gusto! We’re still working with Abe on his teeter, but I expect that will be tackled in the near future and they’ll be doing Standard in a trial very soon. I just can’t say enough good thing about both of these teams, except – I love you guys!

Lisa

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The first thing I wanted to comment on was the GREAT atmosphere at this year’s AKC Agility Nationals. The picture of the judge’s laughing, smiling and waving really sums up the feel of the weekend!

What I consistently noticed was that exhibitors were friendly and supportive. There was a lot of laughing, smiling and cheering going on in the stands and just about everyone who sat down around me throughout the weekend made time to chat, joke and ask lots of great questions.

I heard one exhibitor say “This was my first time at the Nationals and it was such a positive experience.”

I also heard several folks specifically mention their interest and excitement at seeing the mixed breeds attend. These guys were popular to watch and were cheered on by their fellow ‘breed’ agility lovers.

The courses were GREAT! Nothing too technical, nice solid Excellent level courses and there was a ton of flow so dogs could work at full speed.

As for the AKC, first I need to say I’m a bit biased because I know the reps well (being one of their judges) and find this group to be a pleasure to work with. With that said, I was impressed with how positive, professional and helpful they were. I also found the ring crew and all of the workers to be so helpful, organized and incredibly patient. Without all of the VOLUNTEER workers, this event could NEVER happen so I want to publicly thank each of you for ALL of your help, time and attention. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Check back for more observation details…

It’s the last day of the 2012 AKC Agility Nationals and winners in each class will go home with one of the lovely trophies pictured on the left.

Today was the Hybrid Course, the Challenger’s Course and lastly, The Finals Courses. (Note: for information on scoring, placements, etc. click HERE)

I also had an unexpected surprise…I had another opportunity to run Luke, the Golden in the Hybrid round this morning! As a refresher, he recently started having teeter issues in competition and so my sole job was to get him on and then over the teeter obstacle.

If you saw yesterday’s video (check out yesterday’s blog post), I’m hoping you’ll notice the progress we made when you watch today’s video. Needless to say, both his Mom and I were SO PROUD of him and his progress!

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’d like to see more videos and hear some additional items on the AKC Agility Nationals, stay tuned!