Scout It Out, Old Boy!

As a professional dog trainer, I come to know many of my canine clients and their owners in the most intimate of ways. Together, we travel on a journey called understanding and growth. Scout's journey came to an end today. Hemangiosarcoma, the dreadful cancer - common to the Labrador - that took my Bailey Burgan just 375 days ago, claimed another canine life. I know all too well the steps that Scout's faithful owners took, today, to give him the most peaceful exit to this life and most beautiful entrance to his next life. And I remember all too well Scout's owners holding me through Bailey's most critical moments...talking me through the night. Holding me through what I didn't know would become the end.

Really, over time, each of these dogs takes hold of a special place within my heart. Then, when it is time to let go, each takes a piece of my heart with them. This dog, however, will take a piece of my soul. He is quite possibly the most inspiring dog I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Surely, one of the best "books" I've ever had the opportunity to read.

For the last two and a half years, I've  worked with Scout weekly. He's anything but graceful. Old, arthritic, blind and losing his hearing but with a brilliant Labrador zest for life and desire to live, learn and earn! He likely taught me more than I could have ever taught him. Scout role modeled perseverance and tenacity. He exuded bravery. He taught me to always, always, always get up after falling down and to do so with a smile. He always found something...anything to be happy about, even throughout rounds of chemotherapy. Correction. He always found something to be THRILLED about! This is a dog that never gave up on anything or the possibility of everything!

Scout taught me, too, to always carry a spare set of pants with me. As one of six dogs (but the only blind canine), he apparently decided that there was NO WAY that anyone was getting the liver treats from my pocket but him and him only. The only problem was that he, um, he took my whole pocket. In a split second "said pocket" was gone! Gone...off of my pants leaving a gaping hole of bare KB skin. He promised he didn't "see" anything! Yeah, KBDT Outdoor Adventures was, in fact, rather adventurous that day! Note to self: add spare set of clothing to training bag in the future!

Who needs eyesight when you are a dog with such vision?

My dear Scout, for 14 years, you faithfully brought peace, joy, comfort and inspiration to others, it is now time to go find your own. Go "see" again. Go "hear" again. Go "run" again, without pain, without tripping, without bumping, without falling. May the scent of lavender provide you with an endless olfactory memory of retrieval games with your mommy and daddy that loved you and gave you everything, always...and then some. Go chase lizards with my Bailey. Swim with her, for miles, and return to dry land to shake it off and then find Mr. Mannix, again. Take in his scent, for all of us, and just "be" all that is you! Scout it out for us, old boy, and we'll see you again someday!

In loving memory of Scout.
He knew joy. He knew life. He KNEW life ♥
September 6, 1998 - June 28, 2012

It has been said, that it is a fearful thing to love what death can touch. I get that. But, with a deep breath...and without fear, I'll say that after seven years of watching this amazing creature, learning from him, and at times drawing strength from him, I would not have had it any other way. We love big and we lose big...but we love!

My deepest condolences to Scout's family, both human and canine. I remember with you. I sit with you. With love and so much gratitude, Kimberly

Like A Whisper

“Our life dreams the Utopia. Our death achieves the ideal.” – Victor Hugo

As the second anniversary of his death approaches, there’s an anxiety stirring up within many of us who miss Lee Mannix beyond words. We all know it is there, May 2, a date right around the corner that will bring to surface a gut-wrenching pain and for some, an anguish. We reach out to one another in a calm, evasive way to “check in”. Vague in our responses, but encouraging, we remind one another that he is looking down and smiling – on each of us – that carry on his work or simply carry on his dream.

Photo by Lara Gale

In death, I have to believe he is living the ideal…because I know he dreamed the "Utopia" during his time with us, here on earth.

Lee Mannix dreamed BIG and he shared his dream with so many of us. Some of us chose to accept such a dream and build with him, others frowned on his efforts as he did theirs. He was a cocky young pup with a “my way or the highway” approach…but through HIS dream, he shared a beautiful gift, with so many…                                

“Ideologies separate us. Dreams and anguish bring us together.” – Eugene Ionesco

He gifted the pet dog owner a down-to-earth way to better understand these beloved animals we call “companions” thereby creating a two-sided communication leading to greater relationships.

He gifted shelters and sanctuaries ingenious ways to improve quality of life for dogs during their stay, regardless of their fate.

He gifted countless rescue organizations his time and energy to aid them in saving one dog at a time and shared, too, the gift of letting go.

He gifted the pet therapy world a vision of animal assisted therapy available to dogs in need of jobs resulting in greater rehabilitation for all involved.

He gifted young, rookie dog trainers a chance to grow and fulfill their own dreams in the dog industry…helping dogs and helping people help dogs.

He gifted the canine. Oh God, he gifted the canine. An eternal gift, of sorts. In his death, above the clouds we know he continues his work with the companions we've lost...and here on earth, in the work of many of us (because he gave so much), he will continue to gift the canine. Eternally.

“You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.”  – Author Unknown

And finally, the gift that changed my world…
On a silver platter, he handed me every bit of his knowledge, skill and talent; every bit of his passion. He never held back (except maybe when he was yelling at me…pushing me, the only way he knew how, to be better). He shared with wisdom, experience, and skill through smiles, laughter, blood and tears. Lots of smiles and so many tears…vividly, they fill my mind now. My goodness, I miss him. He watched me grow from a rookie crying in the middle of my first group class, to the professional who now holds the hand of rookies crying in the middle of their first group class! Lee Mannix entered my world as my mentor. Lee Mannix left this world as one of my very closest friends. He knew me inside and out, without words…he knew my heart, he knew my dream, he knew my passion…and my most prized notion – brought to me by Bart Emken – he knew my potential.  


In his dream, he was imperfect…in his training (though effective and naturally damn good), he was imperfect…as a man, he was imperfect…but in his gifts, he was beautifully perfect.

Last year, I spent this time (the first anniversary of Lee's death) in Utah, in Zion, alone and searching for some sort of peace. Zion is where I learned that a soul can scream louder than loud in anguish. The echo, I remember, exemplified the hurt of many others I knew were right there with me, in spirit, holding my hand as I faced my own grief…as I faced my own loss and each of theirs as well. This year, that scream remains within my own body. The screaming, you see, it is still there…the loss…the anguish…the grief. It is all still there. I wonder, with tears, when will it fade? When will it get softer? I need this hit to be softer. And as I hear myself scream – inside my own body – under my breath, I realize that I hear no echo this time. I’m not screaming out loud anymore. It must be softer, like a whisper.

Rest in peace, Mannix. ~ Kimberly

Bite to the face...who bit who?

This one...it is a real bummer situation for all involved. Our prayers are with all who are suffering the consequences. Nobody did anything "wrong"...but nobody really did anything "right" either. Net/net, it is a great learning opportunity for many.

SEE NEWS STORY/VIDEO CLIP: "Rescue dog bites news anchor in face"

Let us all understand a few things:

*There are consequences for getting nose-to-nose with a dog. This is NOT even acceptable human-human behavior.

**There are even greater consequences for getting nose-to-nose with a dog you do not know.

***There are even greater consequences for getting nose-to-nose with an unfamiliar dog, under stress (uh, maybe a new environment, being restrained by the collar, surrounded by camera men, etc...you get the picture!).

****There are even greater consequences for getting nose-to-nose with an unfamiliar dog, under stress, who has undergone either a series of multiple low-level stressors or a single enormous stressor in the last 72 hours.

Do you see now, the build up? Do you see how how something like this happens? Humans explain it using phrases like "out of the blue, the dog bit her face"; we often hear this from parents of bitten children (and so often to the face). Really, it is not something that occurs "out of the blue". As soon as we get that, people and dogs will be safer together...and dogs will not be blamed for "the bite". Education will help us attain such a goal!

For those that are here to learn, this is what we call "pushing a dog beyond bite threshold". Unfortunately, it is the dog, possibly his owner, and certainly the canine community that suffers the greatest consequence here.

This news anchor ended up with a different storyline for the day and likely learned a LOT from it, as did thousands of viewers. Common sense keeps us safe...even a little bit of knowledge goes a long way. This one is a bummer. Let us all learn from it.

Kimberly Burgan, CPDT-KA
KBDT | Austin, TX

http://www.kbdogtraining.com/

Awakening the Body and the Mind

I arrived at class today, not knowing what to expect. The standard meet-and-greet rituals took place before everyone relaxed and sat down. The instructor, along with many of the other participants, were all communicating fluidly using words and gestures that I didn’t understand at all! I felt a little left out…unsure of what to do, but there I sat, because that is what I was told to do.

What happened next....

Number 1 or Number 2?

HOUSEBREAKING  => HOUSETRAINING with KBDT

Either way, it totally bites, right!?! This little behavior problem can often become the biggest obstacle to creating that much sought-after dog/human bond that everyone else is talking about.

Whether you are dealing with a puppy or adult dog, the tips and concepts below can help. If you fail to make progress, don't hesitate to contact a qualified, rewards-based training professional. The programs offered are sure to set you and your dog up for success...and your learnings will also benefit every other dog that passes through the door of your home and the window of your heart!

THE KEYS TO SUCCESS

• The key to successful housetraining is called "environmental management." This takes both aforethought and an ongoing effort. Know what your dog is doing at all times...listen (both with your ears and your eyes) to what he is telling you about his needs! Don’t give him the run of the house if he cannot handle it!
• The name of the game is “Developing Good Habits”…not “Developing Bad Habits”…so create a bubble of “You Can Do No Wrong” for your dog for a good 3 weeks and ultimately set the stage for a strong potty foundation!
• Understanding your dog’s limits. Both puppies and smaller dog breeds just cannot hold it as long! Be sure you take this into account as you plan your daily routine. And beware of comparing your dog’s failures to other dogs of the same breed or size. Like humans, we are all different and some of us have special needs.
• Know that dogs or puppies who struggle with housetraining regularly may also struggle with an enormous amount of anxiety that comes with eliminating period. The only way to avoid or end the vicious cycle that comes along with this challenge is to take all of your emotion out of the mix. If Fido knows that fire comes out your ears when he potties IN the house…how on earth could you expect him to be relaxed enough to potty outside of the house with you standing right there? If you have found yourself here, repair may take some time…I suggest a walk out and about to potty for a good 3 weeks with rewards when he offers up the peeps or the poops!
• Work with your veterinarian to identify a medical issue if you see a sudden onset of new housetraining failures and/or your dog tinkles in her sleep or trickles during play. Incontinence can even happen in the young dog after altering. Behavior modification should always come secondary to addressing a medical problem.

THE TRAINING

• Choose a small spot in your yard in which you retreat to for every potty break. This should not be Fido’s playing or eating area. Allow him to sniff around without any interruption from you (eye contact, verbal or otherwise). Once you see potty, continue to watch out of the corner of your eye, and then treat your pup immediately upon completion. Immediately…that treat comes out of your pocket or the ball flies out of your hand!
• Going back into the house and setting your dog free will not do anyone any good if Fido didn’t already potty outside. If you are insistent about going back in, even if the deed is yet to be done, place your dog in a small confined area for 10-20 minutes and then lead him back outside to repeat your attempt.
• Watch out for pitfalls! No pun intended on the “watch” part! This is one of the greatest mistakes in housetraining. You’ve got to WATCH, my friends! You’ll want to know that your dog has pottied so you can give him a greater roam of the house for a short period of time so that he can find success! If you don’t see it, then you can’t reward your dog for doing the right thing outdoors. If you don’t reward it, then you won’t see any increase in the behavior you are looking for! 
• Provide potty opportunities approx. 20 minutes after play, eating, drinking or immediately upon awakening.
• Avoid opting for a dog door. While it works well for some dogs, it can bring a flood of many other behaviors that most owners do not like. Instead, pick your program, stick to it and watch your dog flourish with rules, routines and boundaries! 
• Notice when Fido approaches the door…instantly open the door and reward him upon elimination. Tip…don’t wait until he has pottied and has already made it back inside the home for the reward…be there to reward him instantly, with the last drop or the last plop!

PLAN FOR ACCIDENTS

• Know that your dog WILL have an accident (some more than others depending on where Fido is in his housetraining process).  It is standard and normal for behaviors to fall apart for puppies when other significant developmental stages are at hand (three, six, nine and twelve months).

• Plan for the accident. Refrain from yelling at him, looking at him, touching him or having a discussion with him (Yes! It happens!). Calmly remove Fido from the area of the incident before cleaning up. Discuss this concept (not cleaning up in front of him or evening acknowledging the accident) with all other family members so Fido is not unintentionally reinforced for undesirable behavior.
• After you’ve cleaned up, plan to feed Fido his meal in that particular spot in the home. Dogs usually refrain from eliminating where they rest, play or eat.
• After an accident, take that soiled paper towel from inside and scent the outdoor area where you would like for Fido to relieve himself…just rub it around. This might just be the message he needs. 
• Ah-ha! Feed that dog all over your home. Play with that dog in all corners of the home…this will give your pup a reason NOT to potty in the corner behind the chair in the living room where nobody ever sits!
• Journal the accidents to create a better understanding of your dog’s habits…now this is listening! From here, I suggest you change up your own routine based on your findings. Success is just waiting for you! 

Be sure, my friends, that you take the time to work on relationship repair when dealing with the frustrations of house soiling challenges. It's a doozy. Go play...go train. Commit to learning a new trick or command, but above all...go have some fun :)

Want more? Visit KBDT's Suggested Reading Page and check out "Way to Go"…it is absolutely one of my favorites for those experiencing housetraining struggles. Paws up for National Train Your Dog Month...in the house or out!

Kimberly Burgan

Kimberly Burgan Dog Training | Austin, TX

www.kbdogtraining.com

To Do It or Not To Do It? The Dog Park!



Photo courtesy of www.angrybeezerproductions.com


I was contacted this week by Sharon Chapman of the Austin American Statesman to discuss a topic very near and dear to my heart. The topic of dog parks and how to ultimately spread the word on how to do it successfully or just not at all.

Austin American Statesman article published Sunday, Nov 6, 2011 by Sharon Chapman.

Take a look! I hope it sparks a thought or two for you and your pet...then share, because that, my friends, is how the learning happens...THAT is how we set each other up for success.

Paws up!
Kimberly Burgan, CPDT-KA
Kimberly Burgan Dog Training | Austin, TX
www.kbdogtraining.com

What I choose to believe...

I read a "note" on Facebook today...it was entitled "Rescue Dogs Are Not Rejects". I thought about the note for quite some time and just couldn't help but open my mouth. I responded with the following, as I felt strongly about sending the right message across all spectrum of dog owners, not just those who have rescued, but for those who have "purchased" as well. My comment was deleted immediately.

I choose to believe that people do not view rescue dogs as rejects. True, some may not realize the full value and have misconceptions that it is better to buy a pet at a "store" (ggggrrrr). Education will be our key in battling the puppy-mill industry! However, it is important to point out that a rescue dog may NOT always be the BEST solution for every family for every purpose. As a professional, there are often times I have recommended a shelter or rescue selection (spanning all ages), but there have been other times that I have recommended a qualified breeder to fill a specific need. So, while I'm a huge fan of rescue...I'm not a huge fan of the "never buy from a breeder" message that I'm seeing on this "note". There's a dog out there for every one...they come in all shapes and sizes, ages, breeds and come from all different places. Bonus points for quality breeders working to perpetuate and preserve quality breed characteristics and PAWS WAY UP to all of those in the rescue industry. It takes all kinds! - KB

People are generally good (humans like to point fingers and many times forget that part!). Those seeking the companionship of a pet are likely trying to do it the right way...they might just require some guidance. It is important that we send the right message about choosing what is best for a family's specific needs rather than condemn a general concept. And...that, well, it's just my two cents!

Hats off to the author of the "note" that sparked this thought...there is heart behind each word...I don't doubt that. Mostly, the body of the message was speaking out against buying a dog in a pet store and unintentionally supporting the horrific puppy-mill industry.

Not sure what a puppy-mill is or how you might be supporting the trade? Visit http://www.stoppuppymills.com/ for more information.

Where to find your next companion? Your local shelter, qualified rescue organization or qualified breeder. Have fun and Paws UP!

P.S. I have a secret...the dog does not care where, how or why you acquired him...he is just grateful for your love!