We are having a great time with Dutch in the dog-friendly towns of Jamestown & Newport, RI. Everywhere we go, businesses welcome dogs, and even place water dishes outside for the the thirsty four-legged tourists (which we won’t let Dutch touch!). There’s even a huge sign outside one store that simply says, “Got dog?” The water is located under the sign. So, of course, Dutch is making quite a splash, with constant compliments from other visitors about his beauty and behavior. His learning curve is amazing. In only a few days, he is heeling so much better with the distractions of busy sidewalks with people and dogs passing. Because he is so friendly, people who passed us were distracting him, and he would usually turn his head watching them as we’d pass by. Of course, that would upset the rhythm of our heeling, as well as a few people who were afraid of dogs. His focus has improved dramatically as we’ve worked with him in this new environment. The greatest improvement, however, has been with his focus in the presence of other dogs. This had been a huge distraction. He’d generally bark at them, then they’d bark back, and I’d have to literally drag him on until we were out of range. Finally, after days of work, he is now better than 90% of the dogs we pass. He doesn’t bark (first, anyway!), and if barking starts, he’s far more quiet about it, with only an occasional quiet “woof” under his breath. He is able to pass the other dogs without slowing, but still turns his head. When we stop and chat with other dog owners, he sits quietly, and if the chat continues, he will lie quietly at our feet. What a joy! Finally!
The pictures were taken along Newport’s famous “Cliffwalk.” It was a little overcast, and cool, so there aren’t as many people out. Also, it’s considered off-season until June, so it’s not a crowded. The restaurants aren’t as busy, and there aren’t any lines to visit the mansions.
There’s that handsome puppy!!!! He and Willa look so much alike. I like off-season travel, this looks like a great place to visit.
Very fun, thank you Beverly!
He is definitely Willa’s twin brother!
Beverly, would you like to adopt a 42 year old son? I can be there in no time.
There he is!!! What an amazing place, I love that roof on the last pic- the green tinge on top.
Is that a Tritronic collar I see? Koda had it on for a few days and that was it. I should have bought a used one.
Yes, it is a Tritronics collar. We have 15 years of experience with the collar. We don’t talk about it because it is controversial, and abusive unless both owner and dog are well trained prior to use. We use it almost exclusively for recall and boundaries. The green button emits an audible tone. Just as you “charge” a clicker by treating your dog with each click, you can charge the tone by treating with each beep. Then, the beep and the recall command are integrated in training until it is equivalent. Dutch can hear the tone on his collar at great distances from me, and knows immediately to look for me and come. In the event of non-compliance due to excessive distraction (ie, chasing a cat, etc.), it can be necessary in an emergency to also give him a correction, which can range from 1 – 5 in intensity. I have put it on my own arm and tried it. The lowest, 1, is almost like an unpleasant tingle. have not used 4 or 5 on myself. With several acres, we worked for weeks training boundaries using flags. I never actually corrected Dutch. Instead, when I went close to a flag, I made a little “shriek” and quickly moved away from it, pulling him with me, as if crossing that imaginary line was dangerous. He is such a smartie, he quickly learned not to go near them. Gradually, as he learned the boundaries, we removed the flags. He is never outside without me, because it is not a radio fence, and requires constant vigilance. The only time he crossed was chasing the cat, but I immediately hit “2,” and he raced back with a yelp. While I use the tone all the time, I consider the negative correction of the e-collar as safety back-up to be used only in the event of an emergency, to get his undivided attention, like when a child runs into the street. You do whatever you can to prevent a tragedy.
I have the Sports Basic 3, I know what you mean- when people sees Koda’s with a prong, they immediately think I’m a horrible dog owner.
I have tried it on myself too! I stupidly put it on 5 (thinking the battery didn’t charge) and I don’t think I have ever jumped that high in my life! Koda’s level is only at 2 maybe 3 at the highest. He hasn’t used it for a while now and he’s been really really good lately. It’s like he turned a year old and something clicked in his brain. 7-10 months was the most trying age!
LOL, now that would have gone viral on Youtube: you, demonstrating how to set a new world record for the HIgh Jump!
You are so right – people can be very opinionated. I haven’t even purchased a prong collar yet, since we haven’t used one before and I need to become better educated about it. We met a man with an 8 month old GSD (the dog was pictured in my earlier post with Scott). He said the prong collar has been the best purchase he’s made. “Joe” is now so well behaved; never pulls, heels nicely, etc. He said that the dog is in control of his corrections – if he pulls, the collar tightens uncomfortably. I told him that I was afraid I would poke out Dutch’s eyes just putting his head through the scary prongs. He laughed, and said he had made that same assumption, and felt so stupid when he learned that you just slide the sections apart to put it around the dog’s neck!
I found a Herm Sprenger Antiqued Brown Ultra Plus Prong Collar online. Because it’s dark brown, it wouldn’t show as much through the fur. We are going to visit Jamestown’s “Island Animal” pet shop to talk to the sales people about it.
Funny that you two are having this conversation as I was getting ready to hit the “order” button on a prong collar at EliteK9 (check out the link:
http://www.elitek9.com/Herm-Sprenger-Curogan-Pinch-Collar-with-Quick-Release/productinfo/C425/
The quick release collar will definitely ensure that I don’t poke U-Rock’s eyes.
Jennie has been using one and has recommended a similar one.
That quick-release is a great innovation! Thanks for telling us about it.
Beautiful scenery, of course highlighted by the beautiful Dutch, who now everyone mentions it does look just like Willa.
He is gorgeous! Just a word of caution on the quick-release collars: I have seen them come apart; wise to use a back-up collar with any prong collar–every time.
I sprung for the Herm Sprenger conventional prong collar in stainless steel. $42 at the local “Island Animal” pet store. The owners were there with their two 3-yr old GSD’s, and of course we spent almost an hour there learning about the local dog-friendly beaches and trails. Their holistic approach to supplements, feeding, and treats was refreshing. They have every supplement imaginable. There is a huge doggy lounge in the center of the shop, and a toy box filled with samples for them to try out. Dutch didn’t want to leave, and neither did we!
Dutch is such a handsome dog! Beautiful scenery—thanks for sharing.