Maureen Fanthorpe and Cattle Dog Aro earned their Rally Novice Title

Terri Gueck with her Tibetan Terrier Jetsun earned 2 legs towards his Rally Advanced Title

Deb Boisvert and her Doberman Willow earned their American Rally Novice Title

Jackie Mays and her Sheltie, Kelly earned their Rally Novice Title (picture to come)

At TNT Training, we have three instructors who all compete and judge in Rally-O. Our Rally classes are open to dogs that have completed our Beginner or Super Puppy classes or equivalent. We teach you the rules of rally, how to perform each of the signs and most importantly, how to have fun teaching your dog in a positive and encouraging manner.

Rally-O is similar to agility in that a course pattern is set up for dog and handler teams to navigate. The difference is the course is made up by a series of exercises. Each station is numbered and handlers and dog proceed from one station to the next and perform the displayed exercises.

This video from Europe gives a good view of what a rally course is like

There is a lot of variety with each rally course…no two are exactly the same. Rally is different than Obedience because handlers may talk to their dogs, praise them, and give them needed verbal commands and hand signals. Most handlers love it because Rally is fun and a much more relaxed environment for their dog.

There are two main sanctioning bodies for Rally-O in the Lower Mainland, the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club), and CARO (Canadian Association of Rally-O) which encourages dogs of all breeds and mix breeds to participate. There are three main levels in both CKC and CARO; novice, advanced and excellent. Competitions are held throughout the year. Dog and Handlers compete on leash in the novice level and off leash in advanced and excellent.

Ultimately, you may not have aspirations to compete in the Rally ring (or maybe you do), but don’t let that stop you from trying out TNT’s rally classes. Although they prepare you for competition, our Rally-O classes can be considered obedience for real life. The Rally courses can be seen as a variation of the obstacles you face everyday with your dog at the end of their leash. Picture yourself struggling to hold a leash, umbrella, Starbucks coffee and at the same time navigating your way around the kids, parents, and other dogs in order to watch the soccer game. Wouldn’t you like to know your dog can be counted on the follow your lead confidently so your morning coffee remains intact and you make it to the cheering section in one piece? Register today for the next set starting Wednesday, March 7, 2012.

We are also hosting a CARO Rally O Seminar at the TNT Training Center Feb. 25, 2012

The Gentle Leader type of head collar can make it easy to keep your dog from pulling you around. Head collars are great for turning the puller into the pullee. This makes them a good tool for those who lack the timing or the strength to control a dog with a regular collar. Training a dog with the head collar is most effective when done in combination with positive reinforcement training. I mainly used food reinforcement for this.

Head halter collars can be effectively used to control dogs in difficult situations or when a quick fix is needed in highly excitable circumstances. This could be situations were you know you will have a hard time controlling the dog, and it can include times when the dog will have a difficult time with self-control. The Gentle Leader works much like a halter on a horse. You can redirect the head and thus the direction in which the dog is traveling.

Outside from general pulling, a dog that is reactive to other dogs, people, or strange situations can have his/her attention redirected to you with little effort. If your dog is no longer looking at the ‘offending’ object you can then restore a sense of calm as you travel on. I currently use a Gentle Leader with my foster dog, Aspen, when I know we will be faced with a highly stressful environment.

When fitted correctly (a TNT instructor can assist you with this), dogs can play fetch, eat, drink and do everything else they normally do with their mouths while wearing a Gentle Leader. Because the Gentle Leader fits differently then a traditional collar, it will take a period of getting used to for your dog. Introduction to the collar is best done over a few days using positive association methods. TNT Training carries Gentle Leaders in a variety of colours and sizes for the very low price of $20 taxes already included. Ask an instructor or contact TNT to purchase one.

Meet Aspen

Aspen is a Miniature Australian Shepherd currently being fostered by our TNT instructor Sophie Budin.  She came into Mini Aussie Rescue and Support (MARS) in 2009 and finally came to live with Sophie three months ago.  Her exact age is unknown but is estimated to be between 3-5 years old. She is a lovely blue merle, 15” at the withers, and 18lbs, mini with a tail.  She is affectionate and playful when she is comfortable with her surroundings and the people in it.

That being said, Aspen has come a long way in the last three months.  Friends are amazed that the dog they met first met three months is the dog they see today.  When I first tookAspen into my house, she was spooked.  Withdrawn and terrified, she wouldn’t eat out of fear and couldn’t do her business (due to fear of her environment) until she was ready to explode.  She didn’t know her name let alone anything else.  She had to be on a leash 24/7 because she was terrified of everyone and the risk of flight was too great.

I can honestly say, she has come a long ways andAspenis now looking for a forever home.  She will need a special home with people who have lots of patience to continue to work with her on her fears (no children please).  Aspenis a dog on the mend…but there is no guarantee on how long the mending process will take.  Patience and perseverance will be needed.

Aspen thinks that the couch and the bed are the best places to be in the world.  Of course in my house she sleeps and travels in a crate, but cuddle time in the bed is her favorite. Aspen is a great companion and easy to live with.  She knows how to chill out in the house and is easy to live with, no counter surfing for this girl).  She currently lives with another dog and cat. Aspen will bark (fear response) at strange noises (I live in an apartment with paper thin walls), but I have had much success counter conditioning this behaviour in my home.

Aspenis a beautiful dog that needs time to get to know you before she warms up to you.  She is fearful of new people, but when she gets to know you, she will and does go crazy to receive your attention.  And like my own Mini Aussie, Aspen has taken to smiling at the people she loves.

If you or someone you know is seriously interested in possibly adopting her, please email Cheryl at borderluver@shaw.ca or Sophie at sophie.budin@gmail.com and request an adoption form.  There is an adoption fee forAspen and she comes, spayed, micro-chipped and up-to-date on her vaccines.

By Boaz Joseph – Surrey North Delta Leader

The word “horse” comes up twice in just five minutes – playfully – from people in a waiting area at the BC Cancer Agency’s Fraser Valley Centre.A young girl playing with a toy dragon doesn’t know what to make of Lara, a 130-pound great Dane who introduces herself with a gentle sniff.“She likes people,” handler Karen McLaren reassures the girl. “Not to eat – to play with.”

The conversation soon moves to a woman’s laid-back corgi-cross back at home; another man, petting Lara, describes his dog who retrieves the mail and newspaper.

Lara’s job is to lift spirits in a place full of somber news, confusion, pain, fear and occasional boredom.
The people Lara and McLaren meet are patients undergoing tests, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, as well as their loved ones and caregivers.

While Lara is on the job in the red vest and white bandana of a certified therapy dog from St. John Ambulance, she’s also the pet of McLaren, a 36-year-old cancer survivor and former patient at the centre.
McLaren, diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2005, was treated over the next several months in the place she now visits with Lara each Wednesday morning.

At the time she underwent cancer treatment, there were few support resources available to patients, she says. There was no library, almost nothing to read and no comfort cart like there is now.
“You came here, you talked to your doctor, you got your treatment – it wasn’t the warm-and-fuzzies. There was no place if you were having a bad moment to walk away or for a caregiver to go away and just breathe.”
After McLaren finished her treatment, she heard about the need for therapy dogs – at a time when support services were ramping up at the BC Cancer Agency.

“I decided I had the perfect dog for it and I was the perfect fit for it because I’ve been here – I’ve walked in these shoes, so why not give back?” Petting Lara gives the patients and caregivers a timeout from the present, a welcome moment of relaxation in the tense atmosphere.“When the dog walks into the centre, it’s almost like there’s an audible sigh,” says Ellen Suarez, regional coordinator of Volunteer Services at the Fraser Valley Centre. Even the staff is affected, adds Suarez.

McLaren, for her part, gives patients someone to talk to who isn’t their primary care provider or family.
They’re a two-person therapy team.“I’m giving them hope because I’m a survivor, and I think my dog brings them maybe 30 seconds of not having to be in their head why they’re here.” McLaren says it’s amazing to watch the reactions from patients.“To be honest, having to be a patient here, it sucks. You’re dealing with life and death. It’s hard on the patient and the family, and if Lara and I can bring that smile, or that relief or that time in not-in-Cancerland, then I am so happy.”

McLaren tells the story of how Lara assertively approached a woman who was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.McLaren was fully prepared to pull Lara back if the patient was uncomfortable with the attention.“Lara went right to the cancer spot and started nudging and the lady just grabbed on and said, ‘Help me, help me. Help me heal.’ “McLaren and Lara met another woman undergoing chemotherapy.
“My poor children, my poor children, what are they going to do without a mother?” she cried.
When Lara sat in front of her, the woman suddenly grabbed the dog by the skin, brought her in, and took a deep breath.“Yes, I can do this now,” she said.

McLaren, a former patient herself, is six months away from a five-year cancer-free status.

Karen has the following to say about herself and her dogs. “I am the proud owner of two fawn Great Danes. Lara is my 3 year old, currently weighing in at 130 pounds. And our newest addition to the family, Jacob who is now 7 months old and weighing in at 110 pounds. Lara and i are currently in competition obedience classes with Lori Little.We first completed all the pet level classes TNT had to offer and this is where Lara completed her CGN and then her SJA certification. I am planning on going for our pre-novice and hopefully our novice titles in 2012. Jacob and I are currently taking the pet obedience classes and will switch over to competition obedience when we have finished all the pet levels. After Jacob gets his CGN we will be going for his SJA certificate so he can do volunteer work as well.

I am also addicted to conformation dog shows. As I am still learning to handle my dogs myself I take as many classes in conformation as I can. I am so proud that Lara and I received our final points towards Lara’s Canadian Championship at the tradex show in Oct. 2011. So Lara is the first dog I have ever handled in conformation shows and she is the first dog that I have “finished”!!

So between conformation & obedience I am addicted to learning with my dogs. And I must say that I am slightly driven to put as many titles as I can on both of my dogs!!”

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lucy Maud (Ch & Am GCh Mingchen Canadian Girl) owned by Susan & Lorne Thompson went Best of Opposite Sex atWestminster! What a great win; especially as they’d almost decided not to go!

During their spare time, Susan and Lucy Maud train for competitive obedience at TNT with Maureen. How about that, beauty and brains!

Congratulations to Some Outstanding Teams 

Instructor, Maureen Murray, had this to say about her students accomplishments. “2011 was a busy year for Maureen’s students – this report highlights only the CKC titles; although many of the teams were busy in other disciplines/organizations – there were- High in Classes – High Scoring Dogs in Group – two High in Trials – and many, many Q’s that were either “extras” or brought a team closer to their title. There will be more than a few titles completed at the first trial next year! I’m proud of the diversity of breeds represented in these titles. The most enjoyable thing about being a coach (other than being allowed to nag) is to see your students take what you taught them and achieve their goal – and if mischance happens see good sportsmanship displayed – well done all of you. It’s a pleasure coaching you and watching you compete.”

Maureen Murray’s  top Students

Most Improved Handler - Kelly Tynan Top Student – Birgitt Scott / Hedy Rankin

Lori Little’s Top Students

Most Improved Handler - Jane Eskuri
Top Student - Craig Nordel

Not only did TNT Students and Instructors earn many legs, titles and awards they were ranked for their Breed, Groups and all Breed. Please note: Rally Awards will be posted separately.

Titles Earned in 2011

The name of this video clip is called GO OUT AND HIT IT!  I have on both my DVD’s and on Video on Demand clips on how I teach the go-out from start to finish so I am not covering that on this clip.  For those of you that have my DVD’s I wanted to have a way to show you the numerous new and creative things I am doing in my training.  And for those of you that don’t have my DVD’s I am providing you with DVD clips to rent so you can have a sneak preview of the DVD content to decide if you want to purchase.  Or perhaps you only want to view certain exercises, you can do that too!  We have put together numerous packages to suit everyone with a wide variety of topics, all at very reasonable prices for alot of training content for a 7 day rental.  More topics and new training ideas/methods will be introduced within the next few months as well.

I am showing Mighty, 1.5 years old at the time, doing go-outs.  I had trained him using the box method and his go-outs were pretty nice except for one flaw that i could see starting to happen.  That was once the box was no longer there when I asked him to turn and sit, he would take a few steps forward before sitting.  This behaviour can get worse over time and manifest itself into loosing points off in the ring.  I didn’t want to bring the box back for Mighty because I felt I had trained it quite thorougly.  I will bring the box back however for maintaining the excercise for the career of my dog.  But I wanted to find a way to help Mighty to not come forward and clarify to him what i expected.  So I taught him how to HIT the wall, how to hit baby gates, fences etc.  You will see when watching this video how great his go-out’s look and how my problem solving fixed the issue I was having.

Many of the new video clips I have produced show ways I train to keep things fun for my dogs. I am often working on solving a problem that was starting.  We would love to have your feedback on this new project and if you would like to see more new clips in the future.  It is your feedback that will encourage me!  Just let me know at tntkennels@telus.net  and feel free to mention any topics YOU would like to see covered, or problems you are having with your dog that you would like me to work on.  

I am happy to be able to share my training with you and please let me know what you think and what you would like to see in future!

In Portland, Oregon from January 27-29 I attended 3 action packed days at the Clicker Expo conference. I haved attended APDT conferences in the past which are similar in style to the Expo. The style of the conference is that there are multiple speakers giving talks throughout the day. You have a choice of 3-4 different speakers that you can choose to listen to. Each session is about 1-2 hours long, then a break, then off to the next speaker. This style of seminar kept me fresh the entire day and for 3 days I was alert and ready to move onto the next speaker. The Expo is hosted by the Karen Pryor Academy.

The Expo had speakers geared towards a variety of interests. For agility, for obedience, clicker training, the science of how dogs learn, business tips, tricks and so on. I found the speakers to be dynamic and they are all the top in their field.

A number of the presentors got their foundation from training primates and seals, dolphins, and different types of whales. Their talks included a power point presentation with numerous video clips. I found it absoutely amazing to watch mammals performing a variety of complex trick behaviours with joy. This all taught by using only positive reinforcement. You can’t get a whale to perform by using force-based methods but you sure can by using positive reinforcement!

So what is positive reinforcement some of you might ask? It starts by rewarding a behaviour that you want from you dog. What you reinforce will be more likely to occur time and time again. For example, you call your dog and he does not come. So you get angry and yell at him to come and he further ignores you. So you march over to him grab him and put him on the lead. Next time you let your dog off the lead chances are very high he will do exactly the same thing. You yelled at him and took away his off-lead fun time. However, try calling your dog and each time he comes to you reward that with a treat. Then send him off to play again. Call him again and reward. I keep kibble in my pockets so that I can continually reinforce my dogs for coming. Not only do they want to come when called, but they often come over to me just to check in. This is how positive reinforcement works and it has amazing power!

I completely enjoyed the Expo. There is no need to use punishment when training dogs and by doing so all you do is destroy your relationship with your dog. However one thing you must know is that positive does not mean permissive! Positive trainers still require balance and leadership with their dogs but you can find this balance without using complusion. Obedience classes at TNT will help you to build your training and relationship with your dog, it’s the time that you spend with your dog that is so very precious. And do remember dogs have huge exercise requirements, so ensure you make the time to spend both exercising and training your dog so that he can become that wonderful family pet you want.

To celebrate the launch of our Video on Demand we have reduced the price of the Janice Gunn Training Dvd sets. Both the Step by Step Training Dual Disc set and the Proofing and Problem Solving Dual Disc set have been reduced to $79.99.