Having tons of fun!

First, the last entry should have had a video with it, but alas it would not upload to the blog... in any event I have created a YouTube account and all videos are there for your pleasure and perusal :-) Search under Merger Plank work and there should be a few of both Merger and SoBe.

I have been diligent in my work with the dogs until today, had so much other part of life stuff to do that the dogs did not get worked... It appears I did get Hawk, my giant paint horse, a trial gig, which will hopefully become permanent as a therapy horse at a therapeutic riding program. Cross your fingers, he will be great at this work!

I have been having so much fun with this silly plank work!! I have been toying with this whole running contact thing for so long now it is really nice to have finally made a decision and have a plan.

The dogs are really enjoying it and I am already seeing tremendous improvement and some true understanding of what I want.

It has become a great case study in dog differences already as well. It has never been a secret that SoBe is primarily a "doer" and Merger a "thinker", but, it has been truly interesting to watch those facts come to life when training each of them the same thing on the contacts.

Merger clearly understands that it is about the plank, to the degree that I have already been able to place the toy at a 90 degree angle to the dogs walk plank and he will run straight down the plank then turn to get the toy. There is video of this on the Merger elevated plank work video :-) Whereas SoBe is certain the game at this point is about how do I get the toy, if I do not make sure that the toy is directly straight off the end of the plank she will follow the line of the toy to a "T" and come off high and crooked to whatever direction the toy is placed.

They are both figuring out the job just in their own way. I do not expect this to be a quick process, months and months from what I hear, however, the end will definitely justify the means in this case if what i am seeing now holds up.

Danger puppy is doing really well and has learned his name, the eye contact game, hand touches, sit and down. This feels like a lot since I am primarily focusing on play at this point. It is definitely my plan to take my time with Danger and really instill the play/prey drive as well as focus and attention before we worry about any structured training.

Danger at this point will switch from food to toys and back again with no problem, as a matter of fact I can play with him with a toy and have food in my hand. He is a tugging fool and it is my goal to get him to maintain focus on his toy regardless of what distractions are occurring.

I had Danger and Merger together in the building the other night and Danger was tugging a toy I was holding in my left hand while I tugged and threw toys for Merger out of my right without letting go or getting distracted by what Merger was doing! Good boy!!!

We are currently working on retrieving, Danger happily chases the toy but is still not completely convinced he should bring it to me, when he does bring the toy I praise enthusiastically play a bit of tug and release the toy, Danger gets to win pretty much every game right now so that he wants to continue to "share" his toys with me.

We are playing the trade game and racing to toys as well, this game he does not always win I am encouraging competition and drive to the toy. I have also started a bit of opposition reflex training holding loosely onto Dangers collar while teasing him forward with the toy. When he offers even the slightest pull forward I release my hold and tell him to get it! He loves these games!

I am fortunate to be home one more day then if the weather cooperates Merger, Danger and myself are off to Connecticut, Mass., and, New York. Keep your fingers crossed that Danger continues to fit in the Sherpa for 12 more days and that the weather cooperates and allows Merger to fly!

Then I have driving trips for a while so that I can take dogs and continue to work those planks!

Merger's Plank Work





Merger Low Aframe



SoBe's Plank Work