Tag Archives: Aja Harris

The benefits of mature dogs. . .

Esco teaches the pups to relax

As most of you know, I took in three foster pups for Mid Atlantic Bully Buddies a few weeks ago. The little boy, Dojo, wasn’t eating well, and after a short stay at the vet, is now being fostered at the vet tech’s home. Irresistable little boy! We were also notified that one of the other puppies from the litter was having some socialization troubles. Basically, she was terrorizing the other dogs/puppies! We traded the more docile of the pups for the little terror. . .Buda. That brings me to the point- older dogs with proper social behavior can really be puppy saviors!

Grandpa Esco teaches Buda how to behave!

When Buda came in, we first let all of the puppies play with Red, another puppy that is 10 months old. Buda immediately attached to his side, sunk her teeth in, shook with all her puppy might, and refused to let go! Red was patient with her- having a high pain tolerance and being a playful puppy, he didn’t take it personally. Unfortunately, he treated her like a little play toy, and this didn’t do much for her anti-social behaviors. It was time for Grandpa Esco. At 10-years-old, Esco is not tolerant of improper puppy behaviors. He would prefer to be left alone! Thankfully, he has a firm but gentle dog way of telling the pups to back off. . .as only a mature dog can do. Buda is still learning, and is doing much better in the social department.

Caddy and Buda playing

It is very important for puppies to learn proper dog social behaviors at a young age. Being with littermates and appropriate older dogs can provide benefits that will last a lifetime. It is a good idea to provide puppies with play dates, and puppy classes, to learn these behaviors while they’re young. Save places like the dog park and pet stores for when your dog is older. While appropriate for some adult dogs, these are uncontrolled environments and can introduce both bad behavior and disease before your puppy is mentally or physically ready. If you’re considering a puppy, find a friend with an older dog that can show your pup the ropes!

: Buda at 8-weeks

These pups are being fostered through Mid Atlantic Bully Buddies. You may visit them online at: http://www.midatlanticbullybuddies.org

: Caddy at 8-weeks

We have VIDEO!

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Big thanks to Amber, for being videographer for the day!

We will now be creating training videos to share from time to time. Our first attempt is of our group class orientation. In the past, some of you may have missed orientation day, and therefore missed a very important obedience demo! In the future, this is now available online.

CGC Obedience Demo

Enjoy, and please feel free to comment!

It is NOT a Pit Bull problem. . .

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. . .and I am not a “pit bull” person. I am a “dog” person.

. . .it's a human problem.

Pit Bull News

It was noted on WJZ news on Tuesday morning/evening that there is a “pit bull problem” and that there is currently a pit bull overpopulation. A local “Pit Fix” program was also noted as a solution to overpopulation and abuse. The fact that the breed is, unfortunately, notoriously popular at the moment is true. That does not make our current situation a “pit bull” problem any more than there was a “cocker spaniel” problem in the 70’s or a “dalmatian” problem in the 80’s. The problem is people! The pit bull is just as abused and overbred as any other breed in history right now. It is probably more publicized than any other breed in history in part because of the internet- something that wasn’t in existence (or popular) when other breeds were under attack.

While spaying and neutering of pets is important and can certainly help overpopulation and homeless animals, breed specific clinics have the potential to give the wrong message. Much like this news report indicated, the message given is that pit bulls need to be spayed/neutered more than any other breed. This is simply not true. Keep in mind- spay and neuter programs are used by RESPONSIBLE dog owners. Individuals abusing dogs do not spay/neuter regardless of cost- it’s a completely different mindset. Promoting the spay/neuter of an individual breed will not prevent animal abuse any more than banning a breed will provide public safety. This is an effort that needs to be directed to individuals and it goes much deeper than spay/neuter.

We have created and bred dogs for companionship and service. It is our responsibility to care for them. Please do spay and neuter your pets, and encourage all to treat companion animals with love and respect. . .regardless of breed!

You breed. Do you also help rescue?

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As a trainer, I work with dogs that come from all places- both reputable and backyard breeders, rescues, shelters, strays, and more. I take them all, work with them all, and love them all. I accept the dogs and the owners for who they are. Working with many rescues, I encounter a lot of individuals who have very strong feelings against breeding dogs. They would prefer to be out of business, having no more homeless animals to save. Of course breeders feel justified in their actions and beliefs as well- this goes for both reputable and backyard breeders, as often the backyard breeders don’t know who they are, unfortunately. As we all know: everybody’s dog is the best dog in the world!

My question to all of you is this: Is there a middle ground?

L-R: Reese, Dojo, and Caddy. . .and in the back is Star. All rescues. Puppies are available for adoption through Mid Atlantic Bully Buddies.

As a working dog person, I prefer a purebred and intact dog to work with. I have never bred my dogs, and I don’t intend to. However, when I work a dog in the sport that I choose (Schutzhund), I prefer the uninterrupted drives of an intact dog that is specifically bred for a purpose. I also prefer the muscle development of intact dogs for such an athletic sport. Yes, I’ve successfully competed with spayed/neutered rescue dogs as well. It’s my preference, and I do see a difference. I also participate in rescue. Although I only contribute to the population by adding occasional demand, I find it both important and rewarding to assist in rescue efforts. Personally, I believe that anybody who adds to the population in any way- whether that be breeding or seeking a purebred dog, should assist in rescue as well. It really is important to see both sides!

Now, this doesn’t mean that a typical family that purchases a purebred dog for the children needs to go out and adopt a rescue as well. Anybody can help, and there are a number of ways. Volunteering at a rescue or shelter can be a great help to them, and very rewarding to you. Donations are always welcomed, too- money, bedding, collars and leashes are all helpful. Of course, if you do feel compelled to take in a rescued life, foster and forever homes are always needed!

Take time today to consider what you can do to help your local animals in need. A few local all-breed shelters are:

Maryland SPCA

BARCS

Baltimore Humane

Humane Society of Harford County

The puppies in the picture above are available for adoption once they have been fully vetted and spayed/neutered. Please contact Mid Atlantic Bully Buddies for details: MABB

What to do?

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So, we’ve tried some different experiments for the Blog, and are trying to come up with some functional and interactive uses for it. Having pages for each group course to post questions wasn’t as sucessful as we originally had hoped. It was a good idea, though. We’ll probably add a FAQ in place of this soon.

Right now we’re coming up with some ideas for video demos that can be posted here. If you have any ideas, please share! We’ll be starting with a video of our orientation demo. This way, students who happen to miss group class orientation can still see the obedience demo before attending a first class with dogs.

Fear-aggression, anxiety, and other doggie problems. . .

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Leadership is the answer!

Most dogs do not want to be aggressive or defensive. They are much more happy and content with having structure, and a clear submissive role in the family. What happens when this role is not clear in your dog’s mind? Any number of things could go wrong, and this is the leading cause for fear-aggression and anxiety. There are several things that you can start, which will help to re-establish you as the leader in your home. This will allow your dog to let his guard down, and RELAX!

Begin with a “Nothing in Life is Free” routine (NILF). This means all food, treats, toys, and affection, MUST be earned. Free-feeding is out of the question, and the dog must sit and wait for food, being released to eat. Treats should be given sparingly. Treats must be well-timed, and for something special- like a long down-stay under distraction, etc. Toys are allowed, and interactive toys are preferable- something that you can play with your dog (ball, tug, etc.). These should also be earned, and should be picked up at all other times. Even your affection should be earned- do not pet your dog when he demands attention. Rather, ignore this behavior, and give affection for appropriate, calm, submissive behavior. Last. . .if your dog is allowed on the furniture, STOP! Normally, dogs on the furniture is not the end of the world, when they’re invited, but when there is leadership confusion present, this is absolutely a no-go.

So, let’s say you’re consistently doing all of the above. Your dog is calm, more confident, and submissive. Hopefully this has resolved any problem behaviors that may have occured in the past. If not, it is VERY important to consult with a professional, as the behavior may have progressed into something habitual, and will need some training. All hope is not lost, and your dog can be rehabilitated, it may simply need some more intense work. Aja Harris, with Mutt Magic, has extensive experience with this, and can help you and your dog regain the relationship you’re meant to have.

How do I socialize my new puppy?

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Pictured above are Ace, Fin, and Red; recent graduates of Mutt Magic’s S.T.A.R. Puppy course! This course is recommended for dogs between 4-10 months of age, and is a great way to socialize your new puppy. Focusing on items such as proper dog-dog social behavior, as well as behavior management, housebreaking, and more, this is a great course to enroll your puppy in to learn the basics, and if he/she is not quite ready for the riggors of a CGC course.

How else do you socialize your new puppy? Be careful! Outside of the controlled environment of a training class, many things can either help or hinder the socialization process. As a young dog, you MUST expose him to as many things as you can, but you must do this safely, and be sure that he is not overloaded and does not become fearful. If you are new to the socialization process, always consult with a professional. Aja, Amber, and Kristen, of Mutt Magic, are all capable of helping you make the right socialization decisions.

Stick to small play groups or controlled training classes until your dog has been fully vaccinated. Be sure that your puppy is up to date on vaccinations before bringing her to high traffic dog areas, such as dog parks and pet stores. While learning appropriate dog behavior typically outweighs any health risks, unnecessarily exposing your dog to disease can be dangerous.

Get your puppy out, and have fun!

Productivity

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As some may know, in addition to running Mutt Magic full time, I also attend school full time. I try to not allow idle time for my brain, and I like to remain challenged. As my summer semester is finishing up, my professor had us analyze the class, which led me to an important realization! People will meet you where you have set your expectations, and will be enriched and grow when they are challenged. Wow. I suppose this is something that we all know, but may not take the time to think about. The next thing the professor asked us was how we would apply this in life.

When I thought of this, I also thought of formerly being that unchallenged employee that used to sit around and email my friends or play computer games. I definitely do NOT have time for that now- nor do I have a desire to be unproductive or to fill time with meaningless things. The next thing I thought of was how to prevent unproductive behavior from current and future employees. I’m lucky to be in a business that naturally provides an enriching environment, but that’s not to say that people don’t need to be challenged! In the past, I’ve found myself thinking about how easy teaching a basic group obedience class is, and there will come a point where my employees will feel the same way. So, what’s next?? Well, that will be different for each person, depending on their strengths. But, it will be my goal to provide a challenge.

I’ll finish by stating that I overall believe school to be a necessary evil. I don’t typically have respect for many college professors, because most of them never actually have made it in the “real world” that they’re trying to prepare students for. For example, I don’t like to be told about business by someone who has never run one, etc. With all of that said, while the above referenced class was not about productivity, this was something very valuable that I was able to take away!

DogFest again. . .already?!

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: Aja, Star, and Amber. . .in the Mutt Magic Booth!!

Somehow, I always manage to end up working very hard at the last minute to prepare for these events. It’s not that I procrastinate (well, maybe a little), it’s that I have SO much daily stuff to keep up with, that I don’t have the time until I MAKE the time. Maybe I’ll make the time earlier next year. Probably not! This year, like last, my main headache was printer troubles while trying to print brochures. At 2am the day of, I still had brochures that needed printing, but also had enough to make do. . .so off to bed I went!

The event itself was great. Once I sipped down some coffee, I was able to smile, greet, and answer questions all day. After the preparations the night before, I was a bit tired and stressed, but I was in a surprisingly good mood! Thankfully, Amber and Tony were around so I could take a break to go and teach a class mid-day. That was nice, too!

We were able to catch up with some clients and see how their dogs have progressed, and meet a LOT of new people as well. The shade was surprisingly pleasant, and the dogs were LOVING the doggie water park! Star especially- if you had the pleasure to watch her completely obsess over a hose, that was a site to see!

Anyway, we hope to stay in contact with the new faces we met at DogFest, and help both owners and their dogs meet their fullest potential! Hopefully everybody is having a great summer- stay cool out there!

Dogs everywhere! (. . .and I’m stuck in a booth!)

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Well, if you were at DogFest 2009, you would have known where to find me today. (And many people did!) Unfortunately I wasn’t able to see the whole Festival, but it was still a great time from our angle in the booth.

Bonnie, Aja, and Amber at the Mutt Magic booth.

The morning started off with some light rain, which drove many of our first visitors into the tent- for cover! Other than those few sprinkles in the morning, the weather held up very nicely, however. Our newest trainers, Amber and Bonnie, were there to assist, answer questions. . . and keep curious noses out of Esco and Star’s crates.

In addition to training advice and information, we offered our usual array of training equipment, as well as K-9 Kraving and Wag Worthy treats, which went over very well! The samples were a big hit, and kudos to K-9 Kraving and the new Bison Liver cookie flavor- the dogs were literally on top of each other to try some.

It seemed that each breed had a representation at DogFest. There was a wide array of both dogs. . .and their owners. There were packs of Pugs, Sheep Dogs, Afghan Hounds, massive Mastiffs, and even a Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound that were taller than some of the ponies walking around- now you’d have to see that to believe it!

Pearl- recent class graduate, and Canine Good Citizen!

Canine Good Citizen testing was held, and although we didn’t receive as good a turnout for this as last year, we did have one dog pass the test- big congratulations to Heather and Mascara! Nice work! A few dogs also stopped by that had earned their CGC Certification with us last year. Good news- they still seem to be good citizens! We also had many clients stop by to say hello. It’s always good to see familiar faces, and I’m glad that you all and your pooches are well.

As much as I would hate to admit it, I can’t do everything by myself. What I don’t hate to do, however, is give thanks to those that helped out throughout the day-

Mike's dog, Shula. . .relaxing!

Big thanks to Mike Butler for helping to set up and tear down, because there was no reason you had to, and it was much appreciated! I’m sorry that I only had treats to spare in return, but Miss. Shula really seemed to appreciate the Bison Liver cookies!

Bell Dawg Ink was able to print up our shirts at the last minute after preparing all of the DogFest-wear, and hand deliver to our booth in the morning- much thanks!

Tamara, with K-9 Kraving, donated cookie samples, which the dogs absolutely LOVED. That new Bison Liver flavor. . . the one with the molasses and garlic. . .definitely a crowd favorite. There were a few dogs that self-served some of the seasonal Beef and Pumpkin, too. Thanks!

Thanks also to Bonnie and Amber. It’s not often that I am able to work an event like this and am not totally drained by the end. You two were really great, and I was glad to have a few moments to break away with you there.

DOGFEST, 2009

(It’s funny how much I can write from being inside a booth!)