2024 goal for Zastava

[Katyusharocket]

Sometimes I have to give myself deadlines or I just procrastinate. So I reached out to our evaluator asking for a CGC evaluation for Zastava in the last half of August. That's all I am reaching for with her in 2024, just CGC (I can't let the dobergirls divide and conquer me LOL). So. Better get training, right? Took her out today with a long lead to work on the sit/stay with recall. We got to a place in a store with fewer distractions than other places and I asked her to sit, she did. Then I asked her to stay while I backed up (facing her). I got about 12 feet away and didn't want to get greedy and blow it, so I called her and here she came! We are going to work hard on reinforcing that over the next weeks. A challenge for us will be walking past another dog and being calm, so going to work on that too. She can walk past most humans without reaction, especially the ones who aren't giving off any "I wanna meet your doberman!" vibes. She loves being brushed, and has no problem with having her feet handled by myself or others. Need to test her being left with a stranger while I go out of sight for 3 minutes, but I don't expect any problem with that at all. Also probably time to start getting clumsy with my keys or other things I am holding. The receptionist at the vet is cool about helping with reaction to noises too, she will drop random stuff when we come in. I think we are on our way and it feels pretty good. So far, feeling like we can do this in the late August time frame.

 

[remy]

It sounds like she is doing great! I bet she’ll have no issue passing the CGC. I forgot if you’ve mentioned it before, but are you hoping to do therapy work with her as well?

Sometimes I have to give myself deadlines or I just procrastinate.

I can be the same way! A part of me wants to enter a scent work trial that’s in September because I know it will keep me motivated to train. Realistically though, that’s probably too soon lol.

 

[Katyusharocket]

are you hoping to do therapy work with her as well?

I really don't know the answer to this yet. I want to watch her and let her tell me what she really enjoys. Knowing that for Katyusha took a hot minute, because I had less experience picking up on the clues. I am not the kind of parent that thinks the youngest daughter has to play XYZ sport because the older sister was great at it, but at the same time if she loves that setting, she has a great mentor. I did take Z to the nursing home last saturday or the one before, as she was invited. She wasn't shy in the slightest over walkers or walking beside someone in a wheelchair on his way to lunch (he was petting her all the way there).

But here with Z, I have her easily walking an elevated plank where as Katyusha would never! We have most of the larger agility stuff at the dog park, and it's legit equipment, so maybe I just need to get in shape again at the age of 52 and lead her through that if she loves it. Of course she may excel in more than one thing, too? Time will tell but I am observing her in as many settings as I can think of, or have access to getting her into.

I can be the same way! A part of me wants to enter a scent work trial that’s in September because I know it will keep me motivated to train. Realistically though, that’s probably too soon lol

Better to aim for the sky and hit the treetops than to aim for the treetops and hit the ground.

 

[Ravenbird]

Of course she may excel in more than one thing, too? Time will tell but I am observing her in as many settings as I can think of, or have access to getting her into.

It's not hard for a Doberman to do mutlitple things, in fact most of them thrive on the activities and attention! The only way to know is to do it. After getting some basics down, you'll know if she's having fun. Goals are the best, even at their very basic levels!

A part of me wants to enter a scent work trial that’s in September because I know it will keep me motivated to train. Realistically though, that’s probably too soon lol.

It is not too soon. You don't have to do all the elements, you can just enter interior & exterior if you don't think he's up for containers or buried. All my trials are so far away I just enter all of it every day because the experience is good for both us. Betting Remy is more ready than you think!

 

[Katyusharocket]

I think you should register Remy too. I don't want to speak out of turn, because the difference between what I ask of my dogs for titling and you with Remy is.... competition. My dogs are asked to meet a standard. Remy is asked to best the others. Whether he does that or not is [perhaps] beside the point? I think you would learn together no matter the outcome.

 

[remy]

I really don't know the answer to this yet. I want to watch her and let her tell me what she really enjoys.

I think that’s a great way to go about it!

Of course she may excel in more than one thing, too? Time will tell but I am observing her in as many settings as I can think of, or have access to getting her into.

Definitely! I think Dobermans are quite versatile dogs. Like you mentioned, the hard part about trying different things is being luckily enough to have access to them all! It seems like she would enjoy agility though, even if you just did it as a fun activity/hobby!

It is not too soon. You don't have to do all the elements, you can just enter interior & exterior if you don't think he's up for containers or buried. All my trials are so far away I just enter all of it every day because the experience is good for both us. Betting Remy is more ready than you think!

We’ll see! I’ll have to try practicing a few times out in public (maybe at lowes or somewhere similar) to see how he does. I believe the trial is only one day. Novice container, interior and buried are being offered.

I think you should register Remy too. I don't want to speak out of turn, because the difference between what I ask of my dogs for titling and you with Remy is.... competition. My dogs are asked to meet a standard. Remy is asked to best the others. Whether he does that or not is [perhaps] beside the point?

In scent work you either qualify or don’t, the criteria depends on the level you’re entered in. You can also make placements based off of time (aka finding the hide(s) faster than other dogs in the class.)

I think you would learn together no matter the outcome.

Agreed! We are both new to trialing, so I figure the first time (or few times) is really just for experience.

 

[Katyusharocket]

Exactly! You qualify or you don't but you've definitely learned how to lead him either way.

 

[Ravenbird]

I figure the first time (or few times) is really just for experience.

Exactly! You qualify or you don't but you've definitely learned how to lead him either way.

Agree 100%. NW doesn't ever feel like competition to me. Actually when I think of it, all the things I do feel more like just seeing what Team Asha can do, not so much as who we can beat. But especially NW is just find the hide, praise & reward and you're done. Remy has sooo much experience going to different places I don't think environment will affect him. And the other thing about NW is that you reward with treats/toy in trial. I don't think any other sport (except conformation) allows this, so that's another reason it's not such high pressure on your dog.

We have most of the larger agility stuff at the dog park, and it's legit equipment, so maybe I just need to get in shape again at the age of 52 and lead her through that if she loves it.

The ACT1J on Ashas titles is a very very simple beginner Agility test, we did it on video in the Covid years so didn't even go to a trial. Asha actually loved agility but I had too many other things I wanted to work on and I had to go pretty far to someones private place to practice. But see if you can find an instructor to just give you the basics and foundations. Of course Z needs to mature physically but you are so lucky to have all those pieces of equipment! Most of all, it's having fun with your dogs!

 

[Katyusharocket]

The ACT1J on Ashas titles is a very very simple beginner Agility test, we did it on video in the Covid years so didn't even go to a trial. Asha actually loved agility but I had too many other things I wanted to work on and I had to go pretty far to someones private place to practice. But see if you can find an instructor to just give you the basics and foundations. Of course Z needs to mature physically but you are so lucky to have all those pieces of equipment! Most of all, it's having fun with your dogs!

This is really good info and advice! Indeed we are lucky to have that equipment there, even just for getting her accustomed to it. I'll have to see if one of our therapy work partners is also an agility instructor... I think she might be. The plank I showed her walking on in the random video of the day thread is the spare plank for the teeter, currently and conveniently stored in my back yard.

 

[remy]

Agree 100%. NW doesn't ever feel like competition to me. Actually when I think of it, all the things I do feel more like just seeing what Team Asha can do, not so much as who we can beat.

That’s exactly what I like about it and other “sports” like rally! Both can be competitive, but at the same time it’s just about you and your dog.

Of course Z needs to mature physically but you are so lucky to have all those pieces of equipment!

@Katyusharocket Like Ravenbird said, she’s still too young for most agility equipment, but you can do some foundational work with her. Things like body awareness exercises, having a good sit stay, etc…

 

[Katyusharocket]

I have today and tomorrow off so (with permission) I walked Zastava up to the vet clinic to work on training for the calm response to other dogs part of CGC. The staff know what I do with my Dobergirls and I am often there not needing anything but the environment. They are happy to see dogs being taught, because those dogs make better patients, so it's all a win/win. The receptionist also likes working on the reaction to loud noise part of the test with my dogs (well, not Toby so much ), so she finds noisy things to throw in their general direction when we are there. She seems to get a kick out of it.

So we need to do more work on being calm around other dogs that are coming and going, as we aren't anywhere close on that yet. Greeting people also i need to work on with her, as she gets excited to see anyone. It can be hard because very few people ask first to greet an excited puppy. The ones that do, I ask them to please greet her but only after I have her sitting and relatively calm.

I did get from her a really good down-stay while I walked maybe 10-ish feet or a little more away from her then called her to me, so that was a great success and I feel she could easily repeat it!

A good day! We will probably go back and do it again tomorrow, unless their schedule is crazy at the clinic.

 

[Ravenbird]

So we need to do more work on being calm around other dogs that are coming and going, as we aren't anywhere close on that yet. Greeting people also i need to work on with her, as she gets excited to see anyone. It can be hard because very few people ask first to greet an excited puppy

First of all, A+ for doing this practice! It's a huge step for most dogs to remain calm & neutral at a vets office, and you are so lucky that you have an office that welcomes you!

The easiest to way to teach calmness is to teach them that all the dogs & people are "extras" in your movie and not to be interacted with at all. It sounds harsh and unfair, but once she gets excited to meet & greet, it's really hard to un-do. It's unfair to expect her to do this on her own, so you have to show her the behavior you want. A sit or a down (you could even bring a small pad or blanket to make her a place target) while you give her treats, let her look as someone comes and goes but if she gets overly excited ask her to down again and reward her for doing the right thing. When she's doing well, nice and calm, wondering if treats are about to happen again, time to get up and leave. Duration should be later. Big reason for no meet and greets and the vet office is she will think this is ok later. Later she might want to go up to the wrong person (holding a cat) or wrong dog (in pain). I personally would just concentrate on the office being practice for being calm & neutral. Her outgoing personality will not be damaged or curtailed by learning to sit with you and look for your guidance. Always take the effort to explain to people that she is in training and they will almost always be impressed rather than pushy about it.

 

[Katyusharocket]

It's a huge step for most dogs to remain calm & neutral at a vets office, and you are so lucky that you have an office that welcomes you!

We are lucky for this clinic for this reason and so many others. A town of about 4500 people here, and also the county seat but we have a vet clinic that knows me and my dogs and what I'm trying to accomplish with them. Plus, if my dog has been seen on a regularly scheduled, yearly health checkup and vaccinations (within the last 18 months), then that pet in question will receive 24/7 emergency on-call care and this clinic is equipped for all of that emergency stuff. The clinic is one block from my home. ICU oxygen enriched crate with camera for staff to watch from home, Quarantine crate room with isolated ventilation from the rest of the building, Dedicated exit for a dedicated euthanasia room so you can have your emotional meltdown after spending all the time you want with your recently crossed over pet, and leave to the outside, instead of waking back through a waiting room full of people. Half the building is large animal care, also. It's a real class clinic for emergencies. but when the time comes for an Echo or Holter, I'll be referred on to a university. Still, 24/7 emergency care a block from home (and they don't even rake you financially for it), I'll take it.

I personally would just concentrate on the office being practice for being calm & neutral. Her outgoing personality will not be damaged or curtailed by learning to sit with you and look for your guidance. Always take the effort to explain to people that she is in training and they will almost always be impressed rather than pushy about it.

I appreciate the entirety of your response, but am singling this quote out because your first sentence is what my goal is. One complicating factor at the clinic is... Roo, the receptionist's dog. Roo is a female 4 yo boxer. The receptionist and I are friends outside of her job, so my dogs play with Roo frequently, and in crazy places like off leash in state parks, etc. So there is the Roo factor that gets Z amped up (in a happy way) to get into that clinic. So far, the way I manage this is to let her and Roo be "dumb" together for a few minutes, then when they show an ounce of calmer than the first minute, I try training. It's not ideal to have a dog friend of hers there, but I don't want to give up the rest of the training opportunity and environment because of it. It's not something we can't overcome, it's just something to try to manage, in my mind.

 

[Ddski5]

Revisit impulse control exercises.

I find this to works very well. It lets them see the target of their joy but understand they cannot have it until they settle and receive direction by me.

BTW- Great job you are doing!

 

[Rits]

So far, the way I manage this is to let her and Roo be "dumb" together for a few minutes, then when they show an ounce of calmer than the first minute, I try training.

Try the opposite. Create distance between her and Roo. Wait her out to focus on you. Don't beg for her focus. You can keep moving around to generate movement which may draw her attention to you and reset her. The moment she looks at you, "yes" and rapid fire treats. Move again to reset her and stop and stand there. Eye contact, "yes" treat treat while moving backwards, rewarding her with movement and encouraging her to follow and come into you for engagement. Do that a few times THEN give her a word that she is free to play with Roo for her good behavior.

 

[Katyusharocket]

changed the recipe today and wow did I get a different result!
First ingredient changed was my confidence level. I started thinking to myself early in the morning that we aren't goin up to the clinic to see what happens and how she does but with clear expectations in my mind of how she will behave and what I will and will not do in response to her, and what she will do and not do in response to me.

Second ingredient change was that before I tried any training for Z, I went to the clinc and picked up Roocifer and took them all four to the dog park so they could get their zoomies on early and off site. Then I dropped Roocifer off at the clinic and asked Katyusha and toby to be at home, and I took Zastava back to the clinic, while asking the receptionist to please ignore us.

the results changes in photos:
she laid on her side watching another dog.
she laid and watched another dog while I was not holding the leash.

she watched people come and go

She met Duke, a really handsome older golden who let her know how he really felt about her, and she actually respected his input into their conversation. (Duke wasn't a fan)

I asked her to down/stay
and then come to me.
I could not have been happier with our ingredient changes and the results. I am so thrilled with this Dobergirl!

 

[Ravenbird]

we aren't goin up to the clinic to see what happens and how she does but with clear expectations in my mind of how she will behave and what I will and will not do in response to her, and what she will do and not do in response to me.

Great job!

When you have clear expectations, your puppy becomes clear and confident in so many ways!

 

[Ddski5]

First ingredient changed was my confidence level. I started thinking to myself early in the morning that we aren't goin up to the clinic to see what happens and how she does but with clear expectations in my mind of how she will behave and what I will and will not do in response to her, and what she will do and not do in response to me.

Love this.
Good for you.

Not to be mean or abusive to my Freyja…but training sometimes needs to be “as a matter of fact”. We are doing this for your own good and prosperity- not just because or to have a feel good moment.

I will never forget the time Ragnar’s breeder took him through/around an auditorium of dogs during a large dog show. He was 6months old and a wild demon with me. I was like no way in the world…she said, bullshit, bring him, I will handle it. She put a show slip lead on him and paraded him without incident through the crowd of people/dogs. Her confidence and aura was amazing.

It’s awesome what a Doberman will do for you when they are locked in and understand.

 

[JanS]

Nice work!