A Tacoma November To Remember

This October and November have been just awesome, haven't they?  I don't ever remember such great weather!  I remember that most years it starts raining in October and doesn't stop until May or June.  It's like Mother Nature just finally got it!  Yay!

Fast Pup Dog Training Visited Area 13 at Fort Lewis today.

Mount Rainier was a little shy today.  She is able to create her own weather and today she kept playing "peek-a-boo."

Fast Pup Dog Training Visits Point Defiance Dog Park

Fast Pup Dogs pose at cliff overlooking Tacoma Narrows Bridge

This is a beautiful park.  Let alone a beautiful dog park.  But this park is not for the faint of heart or for dogs that are out of control.  There is a main open area that has a large sheltered area for rainy days.  The dogs can run around and play with each other on the bark that has been brought in to keep it from turning into a mud hole.

And then you can go hiking with your dogs.  You will want to put your dog on a leash if you do not completely have your dog trained to be under voice control. Just as you leave the main open area headed toward the blue sky and water of the Puget Sound, you will see a small section of fence.

The fence looks good, but it is not a real fence.  It is just a snippet of fence.

Dogs can easily run around the fence and immediately fall over a cliff.

The trail is fairly easy going down.  There are some stair steps that have been carefully placed.  Coming back up the hill will warm a hiker up. 

The dog park is in a very wooded area laced with trails.  Even on a warm summer's day it would be shady and cool.

The official dog park is approximately 7 acres.  It is off of Five Mile Drive just south of Fort Nisqually.  Get directions.

Point Defiance is a great place to spend a day.  There are great places to picnic and wonderful scenery.
We recently visited Owen Beach with the dogs, not far from the dog park.

Fast Pup Dogs at Owen Beach

There are many ways to have fun with your dog at Point Defiance!

 
If you have never been, pack a lunch and come explore.  Just be sure to watch out for the dangers of trails that run close to the cliffs.  And remember, if you plan to visit the Point Defiance Zoo, you will need to leave your dog behind.  Dogs are not allowed at the zoo.

Alpha Rolling A Dominant, Aggressive Dog Is A BAD Idea

A call came today about a four month old Pit Bull who has been developing food aggression to his owners over food since he was eight weeks of age.  The behavior is escalating.  His owner called around and was referred to a Pit Bull rescue group for advice.  According to the dog's owner, she was instructed by someone at the rescue group to grab the dog, flip him on his back and hold him down until he submits to this treatment, known as an alpha roll. 

There are several reasons this is an incredibly stupid idea.

Number one:  It is extremely dangerous to the person doing the rolling.  If the dog is already aggressive and dominant, he is going to fight as if his life depends on it to right himself--and that could include biting the roller.  The rollers face in this position is very close to the dog's teeth.  If the person trying to do the roll is not of incredible strength, agility and coordination--and if that person lacks experience, has any fear, or hesitates for a split second, the dog is going to somehow free himself.  In the best scenario, the dominant and aggressive dog will escape from this treatment and will satisfy himself knowing that he is truly the dominant one.  In the worst case, the dog will bite the human and do terrible damage.

Number two: The handler is not calm and not in control.  The dog will experience the whole process as if the roller is going to kill him.  He will fight for his life.  The roller must also fight for his or her life, literally.  There is nothing calm about the handler at this point.  And because it has become a contest between two opponents, there is nothing controlled about this situation.

Number three:  If the conflicts and problems with a dog have become so severe, the dog and the owner need to be evaluated by a professional.  Most aggression problems develop slowly over time and are the result of inexperience on the owner's part.  In other words, most aggression problems are caused by the owner.  Sometimes, however, the dog has been badly wired from birth.  Dogs, like people, can have mental problems.  If this is the case, the dog needs to be put down.

Keep the situation safe for both dog and human.  Do not attempt alpha rolls.

We Love Our Dogs, But...

From Fran's Hunting Diary:

A couple days ago, Scott was about to eat a cheeseburger and chips.  (please don't tell Michele Obama)  He had set his lunch on the little table in our den with the burger wrapped in a paper towel.  He came back out to the kitchen to get something and Sarge moved in and helped himself.  Scott returned to find nothing but an empty plate and the paper towel on the floor with Sarge's nose in it.  He yelled at Sarge who ran out of the den like his butt was on fire.  But, a little while later, Sarge crawled and "groveled" back in the den toward Scott.  He was obviously "sucking up" for his mistake.  He was hilarious and this picture doesn't capture how funny he was.  Sarge kept his eyes closed as he scooted along the floor, grunting and squeaking and moaning toward Scott. (Scott called me to come in - he was laughing and trying to be "firm" with Sarge.) When Sarge got close, Scott was telling him he was a "bad boy" for eating his lunch.  Sarge would "squint" his eyes open, then quickly close them again.  Like if he didn't "see" Scott's face, it wouldn't be so bad.  It was hilarious, but typical of something Sarge would do - "Mr. Pathetically Lovable."   He appears to be "soft", but when it comes to hunting, he's as tough as nails and absolutely fearless when it comes to the nastiest cover.  It took him all of 'one time' in the eastern Wash nasty cover to figure out where the birds are.  You can't keep him out of it, now.

I'll send you a "Sarge hunting story" from yesterday.  I got the details/description from Scott today.  Sarge is amazing!

Fran :)

Ugliest Most Beautiful Off Leash Dog Park In Tacoma

Dog parks:  Large fenced-in areas where people take distracted, unruly, untrained dogs to run carefree, and let them do whatever they want--even if it is extremely annoying to other dogs and people.  Sometimes, even though there are signs prohibiting aggressive dogs, there are dog fights.  Sometimes, even though there are signs advising people to be respectful of one another, there are fights among the dogs' people.  

The city of Tacoma has come up with an ingenious idea.  They have what they call demonstration dog parks.  A "demonstration" dog park is one where the dogs are allowed to be off leash if the handler has voice control over their  dog and get this:  there is no fence! 

We visited the Tacoma's newest demonstration dog park today at 6002 S Adams Street off 56th Street and South Tacoma Way.  It looks like a great big empty vacant lot next to the ball fields at the South End Recreation area.  There is grass growing there and there is a large area for the dogs to romp and play.  The best part of the dog park?  There was no one there!

Not sure why there were no dogs there, but I am thinking that maybe there just aren't very many people who have the awesome off leash control over their dogs needed to visit the park.  It was a beautiful place as far as the dogs were concerned and they loved it. 

The Dogs Enjoy Indian Summer

The Fast Pup dogs enjoy this Indian Summer Day at Fox Island

 The Fast Pup Dogs Visit Fox Island, Washington.  It was 70 degrees today.  In November!  What a bonus.

Owning Hunting Poodle Not For Faint Of Heart

Dixie in an AKC Junior Hunter Test

Several years ago Fast Pup Dog Training was asked to take a Standard Poodle in for a board-and-train to get her jump-started for her hunting training.  As a hunting retriever trainer, Kate Johansson was thrilled to help out.  Dixie was a young, energetic dog who had great potential for the hunting-retrieving game.

Having Dixie with us on a daily basis, we soon realized from several conversations we had with other clients that Poodles are not taken seriously as working dogs by many people.  The comments and reactions we got when Dixie came off the truck were sometimes amazing--even snarky.  "You have GOT to be kidding!" was a common reaction upon seeing this dog.

Recently, Dixie and Gail came to help out at the Tacoma Fall Home And Remodeling Show, where Fast Pup Dog Training had the dogs on display.  Dixie was a big hit with most of the patrons of the show.  However, while in the minority, there were a few negative comments about her Poodle looks compared to the Labrador Retrievers especially as hunting dogs.  We were reminded once again that Poodles and their clip styles do inspire controversy in the world of hunting dogs. Gail and Dixie have endured many mean spirited remarks at hunt tests while competing for their title.

For people who think of a hunting retriever as a Labrador Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, or Golden Retriever, the idea of a curly coated dog (who must be groomed regularly) being used as a hunting partner seems far-fetched.  Especially if the dog is being groomed for the show ring, which requires grooming that seems fairly extreme to most hunters.

Poodles can make excellent hunting dogs.  We have trained with a number of Poodles over the years and have found them to be great markers, highly intelligent and eager to please.  Dixie went on to earn her AKC Junior Hunter title after going back to her owner Gail. 

The Poodle breed is thought to originate in Germany as a gun dog or duck dog.  Because they lack a second coat and because their coat grows continuously, the coat of a Poodle is referred to as hair instead of fur.  The hair must be kept groomed for the dog's entire life.  Over the years groomers have come up with all sorts of lavish designs for the hair of the Poodle.  And perhaps the images of the dogs in the show ring with their Continental or Scandinavian clips have led some hunters and outdoorsmen to have a certain disdain for the dogs.

Dixie is shown in the picture above with a "modified" Continental clip.  (Modified, meaning that it is a shorter, more practical version of a clip for hunting situations.) The clip that Dixie now sports was specifically designed throughout history to help the dog stay warm in water.  Her clip maintains a design where a "jacket" of slightly longer hair is left over her chest and back to protect her heart and lungs from the cold water, "bracelets" or "pompoms" around her ankles, "rosettes" over her hips and a little topnot of hair on her head to keep her joints and head warm.  Her legs are shaved to aid in 'stronger swimming ability. 

Since the hair of the Poodle does not shed, the dogs are ideal companions for a hunter who wants a dog that won't set off allergic reactions to fur. 

If you are thinking of getting a Poodle for hunting it is important to find a breeder who selects for excellent temperament and retrieving instinct in their dogs.  Visit the Versatility In Poodles website to research more about these great dogs.  In the Pacific Northwest, Jac Harbour of Tudorose Poodles is a well known and respected breeder of gun-dog quality Poodles.

Fast Pup Dogs At Sunset Tacoma

As the sun sets on a beautiful November day in Tacoma, the Fast Pup Dogs pose in the last rays of sun

A rough winter might be coming and we did have almost record rains yesterday, but how about this weather in November?  Can't remember this kind of weather in November in Tacoma area ever!  We had a high today of 62'.  The Fast Pup Dog Training Dogs pose at sunset at Ole & Charlies Marina in Tacoma.  The mountain, as it is referred to around here (Mount Rainier) is in the background.

Beagles Play Hospital For Halloween

Could your Beagle do this?  Beagles who have been to Fast Pup Dog Training can!

Herman Hardtke, of Fence Specialist fencing in Tacoma, took his Beagles to play in his church program for the kids.  He writes in an email:

Had a trunk or treat at the church, we set up the ambulance for kids to go
in and play operation, then the pups were outside in their respective
hospital wards.
Champ on left in the mental ward (wearing a straight jacket)
Bonnie in the middle in the baby ward, and Clyde on the right in the trauma
ward.

Alan Miller's Fun Yards Landscaping Booth At Tacoma Home Show

The Fun Yards Booth Was One Of Our Favorites

This year's Tacoma Home & Remodeling Show was great fun.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by.  We loved Alan Miller's Fun Yards Landscaping booth so much that we just had to stop for a picture.  Here the dogs are sitting on Dream Turf, an ideal surface for pets and children since no harmful chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers are required to keep it looking fabulous.  Imagine a turf that is comfortable and clean with no mud or dirt getting tracked into your house!  This turf does not require water, which can save many thousands of gallons of water per year.  Visit Fun Yards website to see a bunch of great before and after pictures and to find out more about Dream Turf.

Dogs Carry Baskets Of Candy For Halloween

The Fast Pup Dogs Love Kids.  Trick Or Treat!

This year's Tacoma Home and Remodeling Show featured trick or treating for the kids in celebration of Halloween.  With such beautiful costumes it is a shame to go out in the dark.

Can These Dogs Be Saved?

Recently, we received an amazing email from someone out in cyberspace.  It might be a joke, but unfortunately, it probably is not.  Since there was no phone number to call the person back, and since it was not specifically addressed to anyone, I am not sure if it was sent out to multiple dog trainers.  It is extreme, but so classic.  It is as if someone stitched together a patchwork quilt of so many of the phone calls and emails we get from people who have severe problems with their dogs' behaviors.

Before any dog trainer can even begin to help someone like this, they will have to get some sort of commitment from this person that she will quit making excuses for herself.  I have only put the text of the emails here so as not to share the name.

Hi,

I am at my wit's end. I have had several dogs in my life and for the most part have not had a lot of problems other than several of the dogs seem to get very protective of me. Currently I have a 4 year old Great Dane and a 5 year old Chihuahua. The Chihuahua came to us at about 6 months of age. He had been to a couple of different households and was somewhat skittish when he came to us. But he also would growl at any person he didn't know coming into our home. When we got the Great Dane she was a very sweet puppy. But the Chihuahua (Chico El Diablo and believe me he is aptly named) started attacking her from the moment she (Daphne)came in the house. She is basically a sweet natured dog but Chico has slowly made her more and more aggressive. We have done some training but it has obviously not been enough. Originally Chico used to go back and forth with my daughter to her Dad's house and back to mine. But since he has an issue with peeing and pooping everywhere he can sneak off to, he now is full time at my house. There are times that Daphne and Chico get along great, they snuggle up together and sleep with each other sometimes. But Chico is always trying to rule the roost. Daphne has gotten fed up and sent him to the emergency vet twice with puncture wounds. Daphne is a different dog when Chico is around, she seems somewhat protective of him and she is definitely protective of me. When I walk her on a leash ( which I admit is not very often) she is very skittish and seems nervous. When my twelve year old daughter walks her she seems still a bit skittish but much more relaxed.

When my daughter's friends come over she jumps up and barks in their faces and Chico goes for their ankles. But Daphne eventually calms down and wants to be petted by the visitor. Chico, on the other hand has gotten more and more aggressive and if we let him down when there is someone in the house he doesn't know, he immediately goes for their ankles.

I have a live in nanny for my daughter and she has never really gotten along well with the dogs. I don't think she dislikes them, she just doesn't want anything to do with them. Sometimes when she gets home when I am not there Daphne jumps up and barks at her and sometime she ignores the fact that she is even there. When I am home and they jump up and run at the door, I make them go lie down and don't let them run at her. And usually when I am not around there doesn't seem to be that much of a problem. But every once in a while Daphne seems more aggressive. Sometimes it is when Julie is carrying packages, but tonight she was just getting out of her car and Daphne was actually nipping at her pants. That is the first time she has done that.

This can't go on. I am so stressed every time someone wants to come to the house I don't want anyone to come over. Never mind the fact that Chico has destroyed every carpet in the house. I am at the point that, as much as I love them, I want to find them another home. However, they are my responsibility and I don't want to foist that off on someone else. The other problem is that I work full time, go to law school part time and am a single mom so I don't have a lot of time. I realize that the household is chaotic and I am sure that I am really half or maybe more of the problem. But I have to do something before something bad happens.

So, if you have any suggestions or can let me know about training I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

 And here is my reply:

(Name Deleted)

If you are serious about fixing the problems you are having with your dogs, you need to pick up the phone and call me at 253.569.0411. 

The situation you describe sounds like Hell on earth and it is a VERY dangerous situation.  You are in law school?  You must know that you are out on very thin ice!

Without seeing your interaction with the dogs, I can't diagnose the problems for sure, but from what you have said in this email, I would be willing to bet money that you are almost 100 percent of the problem.  Dogs' behavior problems are a reflection of what is going on in the families that they live with.  None of the problems the dogs are currently experiencing (as you describe here) is their "fault." 

You can take them and drop them off at a shelter or take them to be put down at your veterinarian, but know that the reason the dogs are behaving the way they are (as you describe in your email) is a direct result of living in your household.  Almost all aggression that develops over time (the way you have described it) is a result of the humans not doing what they need to do to fill the role of leader in the household.

If your dog is not house trained and is soiling all over your house, that too is a direct result of a complete lack of leadership and consistency on your part. 

To fix your problems with the dogs, you will have to stop doing what you have been doing, completely change your behavior, devote time to the relationship you have with them, maintain consistency with a new set of reactions and behaviors on your part, set aside your stress and CALM DOWN.  If you want your dogs to change, you will have to change.  Unfortunately, this is very difficult for some people. 

I may be willing to help coach you, but only if I think you are completely willing and able to set aside your old habits with the dogs, step out of your comfort zone and change your behavior.  Otherwise it will be a complete exercise in futility for both of us.

Excerpt From Fran's Hunting Diary

Our friends, Fran and Scott are passionate about upland hunting.  Here is an excerpt from Fran's diary this week with a couple of pictures.

Wed – Oct 27, 2010

We hunted the draw behind Sarge in the picture.  Scott and Disco on one side of the thick stuff, me and Sarge on the other.  When we were about halfway down, Disco pushed up a rooster right in front of Scott - about 10 ft.  It took off to the left, I watched it come up and Scott miss completely with his first shot and his second shot just dusted the top of the rooster as it left the county.  Didn't appear to be hurt in the slightest.    Scott had brought my brother’s side-by-side gun we just bought - in case we decided to shoot some clays – but he forgot his own.  Normally, an excellent shot, he totally missed an easy shot.

After hunting the bottom of that draw, Sarge and I moved to the top edge near the road and hunted back to the truck.  Scott and Disco went off to the top of the hill to the left.  Disco pushed up two roosters that were holding on the edge of really thick cover – the kind you can’t walk in.  Scott missed his first shot and "caplooyied" the rooster on his second (he figured out the gun).  Scott said Disco sat on the whistle and waited for him to send her for the rooster. (good girl) He said it fell in the heavy cover and was extremely happy to see her come out with the rooster.  Disco was really happy with herself, too. 

Sarge hunted really nice.  Easy to control, stayed within gun range, and most importantly, will get into the nasty stuff.  See the green (orchard) in the distance over Sarge's shoulder on the right side of the picture?  At that very corner, Sarge wanted to go up to the point.  He kept trying, but I was meeting Scott to the left, so instead of following him (his nose) just a few more yards, I headed the other direction.  Scott and I were talking at the end of the draw and a rooster flushes from the corner - right where Sarge wanted to go.  He deserves to get his own rooster.  He was so excited with Disco's bird when they got back to the truck.  :))

Ruby found two hens.  Both were well within gun range when I flushed them.  She was a good girl :))

Robert hunted super nice, too.  We just didn't get into any birds.

We saw a few wild flushes and a couple mallards.  A fun day hunting.

Fran :))

Traveling Tacoma With Your Dog

Check out our new blog!  Our first post is up and if you like taking your dog on cool outings, you need to see this.

Fast Pup Dogs At Swan Creek Watershed In Tacoma

T-Pattern Ruby & Jag

Fast Pup Dog Training Unleashed 2

Puget Sound dog trainer, Kate Johansson of Fast Pup Dog Training makes sure each day that all of the dogs in training receive intense exercise in the form of an off leash walk and run. Exercise relaxes and calms the dogs which makes them much more receptive to learning. Check out the fun this group of dogs is having.

Visiting Tacoma Area With Dogs Mount Rainier

Fast Pup Dogs on a prairie with Mount Rainier in background

Mount Rainier dominates the landscape around the South Puget Sound.  There are many photo opportunities with dogs and the great mountain.  Here the dogs pose before playing on a prairie in Area 13 at Fort Lewis.

Another view of Fast Pup dogs with "The Mountain" in background

While dogs are not allowed on any trails within the actual Mount Rainier National Park, there are beautiful, scenic hiking trails and lakes in the mountains near the park.  This photo was shot in Area 14 at Fort Lewis.  (Approximately 65 miles from Mount Rainier National Park.) Fort Lewis, or as it is now called, Joint Base Lewis McChord has thousands of acres that are open to the public with a special permit.  If you are staying in Tacoma with your dog for more than a few days, it is worth getting a permit and taking advantage of the beauty of the wide open spaces.

Fast Pup Dog Training of Tacoma is on a photo safari getting ready to build a new website for traveling dogs.

Fast Pup Dog Training Visits Point Defiance

The Fast Pup Dogs visit Point Defiance.  Here, a ferry sails by behind them.

Sunday, October 17th was a beautiful, crisp, sunny and cold fall day.  There was frost on the ground at Sunrise and then the day warmed up into the high 50's.  We are on a photo safari for the launch of our new website,

The Traveling Dog.  

If you would like to join us on safari, please give a call.  If you want to tell us about your trip with your dogs or let us know how cool your own city or town is for dogs, please contact us with your stories, pictures and videos. 

Fast Pup Dog Training Visits Owen Beach

Owen Beach has spectacular views of Puget Sound

Owen Beach is a great place for dogs and for a picnic.  We don't need a stuffy waterfront restaurant.  Grab the dogs and pack a lunch.  Fast Pup Dog Training of Tacoma is currently conducting a photo safari of Tacoma with dogs for our new website,

The Traveling Dog 

If you want to join us on Safari, give us a call. 

Five Mile Drive At Point Defiance Great Fun For Dogs

What a great way to exercise both owner and dog!

Five Mile Drive near the Point Defiance Zoo is a beautiful drive with great beaches, picnic areas, views of the Puget Sound and even a dog park.  There are many trails to explore and dogs love going along.

Fast Pup Dog Training Tacoma is conducting a photo safari for great views of Tacoma and surroundings.  We are launching a new website.

The-Traveling-Dog 

Check back for the progress we are making.