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Lilliana's Log Book

Tips for working towards a bullet proof recall

1. Pick a single word (cue word) that will be your emergency recall command (e.g. Front). Must be a unique word or a new word.

2. Start with dog on (long) leash and when she is not paying attention (preferably playing), use the cue word.

2.a. If she responds and comes to you, lavishly praise and have some very yummie treats like hot dog, cheese, or dehydrated steak.

2.b. If she does not respond, draw her to you using the leash and still lavishly reward her. You want to make her coming to you (using your unique word) a very happy experience.

3. Let her return to what she was doing and don't make it the end of something (like end of playtime or leaving the dog park). You want her to associate it with good things (praise, treats AND then she gets to go back to doing her thing).

4. Practice 3-4 times a day, using a longer lead over time.

If you want to improve your chance of a positive response when you call a dog by name, then praise and treat your dog each time she looks at you when you call her name (even for a flip of her head in response to your call).

Bullet proof recall could take hundreds of times. I've had to use the emergency recall and she raced back to me (looking for that treat mind you!) and I was grateful we'd worked hard on recall as a puppy.

My agility debut and a Blue Rosette Ribbon

I competed in my first agility event today, March 2, 2009, the day I turned 15 months old (AKC allows exhibitors to enter dogs who are at least 15 months old). The show was four days long, and I watched from a shaded canopy spot for three days. Well, really I got to watch when I was quiet (no "woofs" appreciated). Guess people can hear my very soft whine, even though I think I'm being subtle.

On day 4 of the event, it wasn't frantic. Being a Monday, many people had already closed up tent and headed home or were busy and focused on other things. It seemed like a good day to give it a go.

I ran the Novice A Jumpers With Weaves (JWW) first and tackled 14 obstacles, with a run-out. Humom didn't trust me enough to follow her lead (body language) and took the path on the outside of the poles, where we met awkwardly between jumps and it confused me a bit. After that I blazed a course to the finish line reading every cue correctly. So for my first agility run in competition, I qualified (Q) and got a beautiful Blue rosette ribbon for first place.

My second event was Novice A Standard, and even without a Q, I completed the course as it was designed, starting and finishing with . I knocked down a pole early on and had a table fault and knocked off a couple poles on the final jump because humom was behind me and I turned to make sure she was coming with me (woof!). My weaves on the standard course were not as solid as JWW, and the table was a challenge since I had so much momentum that I ended up at the edge when mom asked me to "sit". An earlier cue for both the table and weave poles would help (note to humom). That standard course was hard work, about 17 obstacles and required a lot of running with a couple tricky course redirects.

I do have something to work on for the next AKC event: returning to humom instead of proudly walking toward the exit, which, if breeched with a leash on means an elimination (AKC rule) as of March 1, 2009. First time, she dove to the ground to get a hold of my collar, and the second time I was slower moving :0.

Today, was a very good day indeed - double woof! You'll have to take my word for it. The video camera battery was dead... completely zapped. Who needs a camera? I have my blue ribbon!

My first year

2008 was a year filled with new experiences and memories. Humom says I challenged and tested her while she gained patience, exercised more, learned about the benefits of consistency in applied leadership, and saw how a strong bond can be formed by supportive teaching. It was such fun-packed year, we thought we'd jot a few notes to remember 2008. So here it goes...

Lilliana's list for 2008:

I was the first pick of the litter and flew in an airplane.

I tried to smell a cholla cactus arm. Too painful to discuss!

I tried to smell a bee and was stung on the lip.

I had my share of puppy diarrhea.

I ate lots of bully sticks.

I checked things out by trying to eat them and mostly lost interest in rocks.

My barking decreased, but I can rev it up when I'm excited.

I went on a roadtrip and ran in a mountain stream.

I hiked in the mountains and walked in the woods.

I jumped off of a deck that was supposed to be too high for me.

I experienced horses, fish, sheep, deer, bees, mosquitos, flies, birds (my FAVORITE), owls, dogs, rabbits, chipmunks, lizards, snakes, scorpions, cats, bobcats, javalina, children, cars, trucks, motorcycles, different sounds, watched agility trials, babies, strollers, bicycles, and met many different people.

I don't have the urge to chase vehicles like I did as a young puppy.

I learned to share my house with two puppies that were saved from the county pound (Jet and Koda) and each have found their forever homes.

I had puppy play dates.

I learned many commands.

I passed three separate herding instinct tests (what a treat!).

I passed my Canine Good Citizen test from AKC.

I took six (6) training classes, including puppy class, obedience, Rally-O and agility. I didn't like Rally-O. I was bored, bored... zzzz. I like my agility lessons. I ran a practice course straight through on two different occasions. I am pretty fearless, too, and didn't blink when I ran off the end of the teeter before it settled to the ground (not recommended).

I beeline it to the door when the doorbell rings and announce everyone's arrival. Something to work on for 2009...

I don't like being left in a crate in public places and sometimes fuss at home too. Something else to work on for 2009!

I have a piercing bark - good if I were to get lost, not good if it's not the place and time to bark. Add minimizing barking to 2009's to do list too.

I was spayed and microchipped. As of December 22, I am nearly furless on my underside. Brrrr...

I am a good watchdog and send verbal alerts when necessary!

I communicate with my eyes, ears and voice and I am sweet and affectionate.

I am enthusiastic about life, playtime, walks, and training classes.
My favorite place is to nap at my humom's feet when she works on the computer.

I have a home, a family, food, shelter, exercise and mental stimulation. My heart is full. I am loved.

My wish for 2009:
¡¡¡ʞɔɐq ɹnɟ ʎןןǝq ʎɯ ʇuɐʍ ı
Oops!
I want my belly fur back!