Have
you ever marveled at the precision and beauty of the killer whale and dolphin
shows at Sea World? These types of parks are filled with people willing to pay
over $30.00 to see the marine mammals perform. Sea World is able to charge so
much because they are confident that their whales and dolphins will respond
dependably and enthusiastically to their trainers' cues -- every single time.
The secret to such great results is positive reinforcement training. Because
you can't "make" a killer whale do anything he doesn't want to do,
you have to find a better way to train him. This better way is through positive
reinforcement training, and it is now sweeping through the dog training world.
Dogs
everywhere are benefiting from the insight that punishment and correction don't
have to be a required part of training. Training can be fun for owners and dogs
alike without losing any aspect of control or precision. It's a matter of
relying on your brain and your imagination more than physical strength or
training aids -- even equipment as common as a leash and choke chain.
What
would help you enjoy your dog even more than you already do now? Is it knowing
more commands? Better attention to you and your family? More reliable responses
when you call him or her? Maybe your dog is wonderful except for one or two
behavioral problems that you wish would go away (barking, jumping, chewing,
digging, housesoiling, etc.). Whatever your situation, positive reinforcement
training gives YOU the power to bring out the best in your dog.
The
basic idea of positive reinforcement is that all animals (including people!)
will repeat behaviors that lead to positive experiences and will soon give up
behaviors that do not lead to positive experiences. This proven behavioral
science principle is particularly applicable to dogs. If dogs were gamblers,
they would bet on the long shots every time. This is why punishment is often ineffectual.
Even if your dog understands the cause and effect of the punishment, he's still
hoping that he won't get caught this time! Because it's difficult to be 100%
consistent with punishing, every so often your dog does get away with whatever
it was you didn't want him to do, and much to your frustration, the problem
continues.
The
good news is that you can use this knowledge of dog behavior to your advantage.
Forget about punishing for what you DON'T want your dog to do and start using
your energy to teach him what you WANT him to do instead. If you are able to
show him a better option, your dog will give up the undesired behaviors on his
own.
Let's
take the example of teaching your dog to walk politely by your left side,
referred to as "heeling." The traditional approach is to start off
with the dog on a leash with a choke chain. When the dog moves too far ahead of
the trainer, the trainer responds by jerking on the leash to tighten the choke
chain. This punishment tells the dog he did the wrong thing by pulling ahead.
The
positive training method would be to start without even using a leash. (Of
course, if you are not in an enclosed area, put a leash on your dog for safety,
but ignore it as an enforcement tool -- you don't need it!) Encourage your dog
to follow you as you back away from him. When you have his attention, turn
around 180 degrees to the right so that you are both facing forward, walking in
the same direction. Look down to your left, and there's your dog -- in the
"Heel" position! As soon as he's in the right spot, surprise him with
a treat. If he stays walking nicely by your side, give him another treat,
reinforcing every single step at first. Continue this process until your dog
catches on that fun things are likely to happen when he's by your left side.
Your dog will choose to be by your side more often than ever before. Once this
happens, you can shape his heeling to your desired level of
precision by controlling how often you offer the treats as reinforcement and
raising your expectations as to how many steps your dog has to go before
getting reinforced.
Weaning your dog off the treats is where the
"magic" of positive reinforcement comes in. Known scientifically as
"a variable schedule of intermittent reinforcement," this is the way that
you improve your dog's responses and teach him to try harder. Think of the lure
of slot machines in a casino and contrast them with soda machines. When you put
money in a soda machine and nothing comes out, you either walk away and make a
note not to use that machine again or you get annoyed and hit the machine to
jolt the can free, right? This is because you expect the machine to deliver a
soda every single time - just like your dog will expect a treat every time if
you don't eventually use intermittent reinforcement.
Slot machines are the ultimate example of a variable schedule
of intermittent reinforcement. People put money in and sometimes they get a
little back, sometimes they get nothing and, once in a while, they hit a
jackpot! Give your training a burst of power by reinforcing your dog's behavior
with an unexpected jackpot every so often. Your long shot gambler will keep up
that behavior for a long time just hoping for another jackpot!
Using treats properly will get your training off to a great
start, but don't forget about your most powerful tool -- your attention. You
can have a tremendous impact on your dog's behavior just by when you choose to
give him or her your attention. Most dogs are masters at getting our attention
on their terms because we usually don't consciously use our attention as a
reinforcement tool. In fact, we often contribute to behavior problems in our
dogs by unintentionally reinforcing the wrong behaviors. If your dog barks, and
you stop what you're doing to pet him or reassure him, what did he just learn?
Of course, he learned that barking is a good way to get your attention, but did
you know that it can be the same result if you had reprimanded him? To dogs,
getting scolded may be better than no attention at all!
Once you start thinking in terms of positive reinforcement,
you will see many opportunities to shape the behaviors you WANT by being
selective in when and how you give your dog the gift of your attention. This
will free you from having to police your dog as much by putting more
responsibility for good behavior on your dog. Do this by actively looking for
times when your dog is behaving in a way you like and want to encourage. If
he's sitting or lying down quietly, surprise him with a back scratch or a treat
or take him for a walk right then. Remember that your dog's behavior is
governed by the "laws" of positive reinforcement -- he will repeat
the behaviors that lead to good times. Your job is to show him what those
behaviors are and how he can earn your attention. Your dog will grow in
confidence, and you will enjoy having a well-mannered dog.
There are several good books and videos to show you more
about positive reinforcement and how dogs learn. Two of the best books are
currently out in paperback: Don't Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor and The Culture
Clash by Jean Donaldson.
Before you get started, keep in mind that positive
reinforcement is extremely relationship-based. It's more a way of life and a
way of communicating with your dog than it is a shortcut training
"technique." If you are interested in having your dog be a part of
your family, you will love training him or her with positive reinforcement.
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Helping the Community: BARK Adoptions for July 2009
Most BARK dogs
are rescued from local public shelters. These shelters are open admission
facilities, meaning that they are required by law to accept all unwanted dogs,
such as those picked up as strays or surrendered by owners.
When public
shelters run out of room to house the dogs, they sometimes euthanize as a means
of population control. BARK and other rescues offer lifesaving alternatives by
transferring at risk dogs to their facilities, where they are housed until
adoptive homes are found. In addition to finding forever homes, BARK
vaccinates, spays/neuters each dog and provides appropriate veterinary care. We
are proud to report that 70 BARK dogs found loving homes last month!
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Adoption Spotlight: Deere & Diablo
Deere
Deere came to BARK with her sister, Brindy, as a shy, older puppy.
Deere is about two now and has transformed into an affectionate and playful social
butterfly. Deere is a medium sized girl, about 40-50 lbs., with a short brindle
coat and pretty golden eyes. She makes great eye contact and will do well with
obedience training. She will make a great walking buddy and devoted companion,
too. If you would like to meet this sweet girl, contact terri@barkva.org or
804-449-BARK (2275).
Diablo
Diablo is a 7-month-old lab mix with a beautiful brindle coat. He
was first adopted from BARK at the age of 3 months. Unfortunately,
through no fault of his own, he had to be returned to BARK for rehoming.
Diablo is very playful and gets along well with people and other
dogs. He loves to chase cats, but his foster parent doesn't believe that
he intends to hurt them. He loves to cuddle and give kisses. He LOVES to
play with toys of any kind. He is crate-trained, and mostly housebroken
in his foster home and he does well on a leash. Diablo even loves car
rides and bath time. He loves water in general and will never pass up an
opportunity to play in a pool or with a hose. How can anyone resist such a
wonderful companion who loves long walks on the beach? Please email
terri@barkva.org or call (804)449-BARK.
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Volunteer Corner:
VOLUNTEERS SAVE THE DATE:
Volunteer Appreciation Party
Saturday August 22nd at the Dude Ranch Pet Resort
Time: 5-9:00pm
11015 Dude Ranch Road
Glen Allen, Va. 23059
Music provided by "The Boomerangs" from
Charlottesville, Va.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
RSVP to Patty at PShafer295@aol.com
Stories
wanted!
Since BARK has so many dogs, it is difficult for
volunteers to get to know each of them in the limited time they share at the
farm or at an adoption stand. In an effort to showcase our dogs and generate
more interest, we are asking all volunteers: pick your favorite dog and
write to us, tell us why that dog is your favorite and what makes him/her so
special. What does “your” dog do that makes him so endearing? How does she act?
These stories will help readers get to know the dogs and hopefully generate
adoption interest. Plus, they’re a lot of fun to read!
We need
help with the newsletter!
If you have a few hours to spare, we could sure use
your help with the newsletter. All work can be done from home using your own
computer. Please contact robin@barkva.org
for more information.
We need
farm caretakers AND more!!!!
In
addition to our ongoing need for cleaners and runners at the kennel seven
days a week, WE ESPECIALLY NEED CARETAKERS FOR OUR KIDS on Mondays and Wednesdays from July
21st until sometime in October!!!!!!! Linda, our
diehard kennel coordinator, will be out for surgery and wants to be
certain that the kids, the kennel, and the cleaning chores will be
maintained without skipping a beat. Then she'll be back!!
High school students, college kids and
parents, families... please come to the farm to help keep the dogs healthy, happy and clean
while they await their forever homes. Their love, hugs, and kisses of
appreciation make it all worth while. It is fun working in teams so bring a
friend. It would be great if each cleaner had a
runner to help. Here are working times and contact information for each
day's crew leads. You may come at other
times if you are experienced and have been through an orientation,
but preferably not alone. Just make sure you mark the number of
the row(s) you clean as well as the kennel numbers for the dogs you walk on the
two separate boards,. That way others will know what still needs to
be done on that day.
If you have completed a waiver, an
application, and an orientation, feel free to stop by the kennel anytime to
straighten up. We
need help keeping the
shelter neat and orderly : sweeping over
and under EVERYTHING,
cleaning shelves, filling
diluted bleach bottles and putting
things in their proper place. Many Thanks!!
CURRENT SCHEDULE FOR KENNEL AND DOG
CARE
(FLEXIBLE STARTING AND ENDING HOURS)
The number of
volunteers determines how long it takes to clean
EXPERIENCED VOLUNTEERS CAN ARRIVE EARLIER BUT NOT ALONE !!
MONDAYS: 8:00 A.M. UNTIL 3:00 P.M. ish
WEDNESDAYS: same
as Mondays
FRIDAYS: 11:00
A.M. UNTIL 5:00 P.M.
ish
TUESDAYS: 5:00-5:30
P.M. UNTIL 8:30-9:30
P.M. (earlier for some)
THURSDAYS:
same as Tuesdays
SATURDAYS: 10:30
A.M. UNTIL 2:00-3:00
P.M.
SUNDAYS: 10:30 A.M. UNTIL whenever
ANY amount of time you can
volunteer during these hours is most appreciated. You do not
have to be there from start to finish. Even just an hour is a great
help!!!!!
If you’d like to help out on the farm at BARK, contact
(804) 449-2275 ext. 2, and let them know that you are interested. Someone will
get in touch with you right away!
Finally, welcome to newcomers Gregory Black, Grant
Campbell, Linda, Dallas, & Dustin Cosby, Jessica D’Alessandro, Jaya Easley,
Heather Hedrick, Ben Johnson, Jane & Stephen Karlsen, Storm Karlsen, Mindy
Multog, Abigail Owens, Mikuni Poss, and Kirily Somerville!
Volunteer
News: 
Kennel Volunteer Programs:
Thanks to a core of
volunteers, we are constantly improving the Quality of Life for our dogs. Here are our volunteer needs:
Walking and Exercising
Program
Kennel/Shelter Care and
Maintenance
Volunteer Follow Up
Special Projects/Facilities
Feeding
Transport
Groups and Community Service
Medical Care
Intake
If interested, contact volunteer@barkva.org.
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Thank YOU!
Thanks to HandCraft Cleaners for generously donating
blankets for the doggies!
Thanks to Camille Dunn for helping with the newsletter
over the past year. You did a great job and you are sorely missed!
Thanks to Vicky for opening her heart and foster home
to long-time BARK resident Charlie.
Thanks to adopter Donna M. for donating the much
needed office supplies for adoptions.
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Doggone Good News
Did you know the incidence of heartworm is increasing all across the
USA?
A recent survey conducted by the American Heartworm Society has shown
that the incidence of heartworm disease is increasing throughout the United
States. The worse affected areas are the gulf coast, the east coast and
northern California, though the disease has been reported in all 50 states. The
disease appears to be spreading north into areas previously reporting only a
low incidence of the disease such as in parts of Montana and Oregon. The
results of the survey show that the number of positive cases per clinic
increased in 31 states compared to previous surveys.
Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by the parasitic
worm Dirofilaria immitis. The disease is spread by mosquitoes. As the weather
warms up and the mosquito populations increases, dogs and cats are more at risk
for contracting the disease.
Thankfully, there are a number of safe, effective, and
relatively inexpensive preventives available. Be sure your precious pets are
protected!
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Happy Tails.....Waggin’ Good News!
Mango is
delightful and the happiest dog ever! We have adjusted well. Here is a
picture of him with my husband, Jeff, at the office on national Take Your Dog
to Work Day! Jeff likes to buy him new toys and throw the ball to him every
evening in our back yard. Mango can run forever on those little legs!! Mango
loves people, and people always tell us he is so cute. I consider Mango to
be my personal trainer. He loves to go on fast walks with me every
morning and evening. When I get his leash, he starts to shimmy all over
and makes little snorting noises! He really enjoys getting a bath from my
daughter, Olivia, and he sleeps in his crate in her room. He also likes to
burrow under the covers on her bed and sleep! He's very funny in that he
likes to be under a blanket, even in the car. I think he is a bit cold-natured,
so I got him a little fleece shirt for this fall.
I have never had a dog before, and I was really reluctant to do this. But when
the three of us saw Mango and recognized his GREAT personality, I knew my time
had come. I am a goner for sure. Thank you for rescuing Mango so that we could
add him to our family. We truly love him and believe that he loves us, too.
Laura S.
Mango
Bronco
is doing great! He is a true member of the family. He is getting
loved up by everyone!!!! He is also head of the class in his doggie
training class. I am so grateful to BARK for bringing Bronco to our
family. He completed the family!!!
Andrea
J.
Bronco
I am absolutely in love with Jase (formerly known as
Rex). He is really a joy to have in our house. I am enclosing some
pictures of him that I have taken since we got him. I have enrolled him
in puppy training and he is really doing well with learning the commands and
being a good student. His potty training has been pretty easy and he is
just really a new best friend for me. I'm so happy to have found him and
so happy to you for allowing me to adopt him.
Thanks again,
Jasmine
Jase
Marley, (formerly Choco,) continues to add so much
joy to our lives - what an adorable personality this little fella has. We
feel as if Marley is already a longtime member of our family.
Debbie
Marley
Tony has made his home here and has adjusted very
well to his surroundings. He is very protective of the children and the house
and loves to play in the back yard. He has really settled in well. I have
attached a few pics of him in his play area (back yard). Thanks for letting us
adopt Tony, he has made our lives much more happy.
Anthony R
and family
Tony
Here is a picture of Tea
(formerly Yosemite) in his new backyard. We adopted Tea on April 18. It’s taken
me a while to get a picture because he is very camera-shy. He hangs his head
and tries to disappear whenever I pick up the camera. This picture was taken
with my cell phone, which he doesn’t know is a camera, I guess. Everyone who
meets him comments on his beautiful plume tail and his beautiful face. Anyway,
he is doing just fine. We have worked through most of his anxiety issues about
living in the “big city” of Ashland. We are now able to walk all around town,
and even on Center St. when a train goes by without freaking out. That took a
while. Tea has also figured out that bicycles are really not a threat after
all. He is a very quiet dog and only howls a bit when the ambulances go by. He
spends most of the day by my side in my home office, waiting for our next walk.
We usually do 3 walks a day and go to the dog park or for a walk in the woods
once a week or so. He loves to play keep-away and chase-me with his new furry
toys – Groundhog and Floppy Bear are constant favorites. He is very
responsive to my commands, comes reliably when called or even just when I pat
my leg and he sits on command most of the time. He dances on his hind legs when
his dinner is served. One major phobia we have left to conquer is a strong fear
of water. How you guys ever gave Tea a bath, I’ll never know. He totally freaks
out if I even bring a wet paper towel near him, not to mention a running garden
hose. Don’t even ask about our one attempt to bathe him in the shower. Any
ideas? Nancy K
Tea
Blair came to live with me in Sept., and is doing
great. I renamed her Olive, in keeping with my tradition of naming my
dogs for their color. I had to euthanize one of my dogs earlier in the
month and my remaining dog, Raven, was truly distraught. Enter
Olive!!! She fit right in and within 5 minutes she and Raven were running
all over the yard playing. I don't think I've seen two dogs get along
better. Raven is bigger, but she lets Olive be the alpha dog. Raven
will pick up a Nylabone (their favorite toy!), and Olive will come snatch it
from her. No problem--Raven just selects another toy. And then
Olive comes and takes THAT one away. Olive has been a wonderful addition
to my home, and I thank you great folks for rescuing her!! Susan S.
Olive & Raven
We've had Abby 6 months now. She is now
about 9 months old and still very "puppy-like." She is bright,
affectionate and a bit of a goofball. She really likes playing with
other dogs and we are currently looking to adopt another dog so we all have
another companion. Her favorite place to lay in our our bed and she loves
to have her belly rubbed--she stretches out really long so we can scratch
everywhere. She loves to chase the kids around and will gladly sleep in
bed with them. Her favorite toy is called "Roadkill" (because
that's what it looks like!) and she knows the name of several toys and
will bring the one you ask for. We think there is a cat someone in her
ancestry because she loves to rub herself against our legs. Tara M.
Abby
I wanted to give you an update on a dog that I
adopted from you in May of 2008 (I started working with Good Dog Rescue but it
was transferred to BARK). His name is Sully (though Scully at
the time of adoption), and he is the most wonderful dog I could have
asked for. He has been no trouble from day one and gets along well
with my cat which had been a problem with two other dogs that I was trying to
adopt. When I first adopted him he was mellow for his age (1
1/2 years at the time) and a little timid. Well he is still mellow (which
is great!) but he has learned how to play like a dog and have fun.
He is so sweet I can't imagine my life without him! Marti C.
Sully
Hello BARK family, My name is Zebadiah (I go by
Zeb), but I was known as Caleb while at BARK. I am getting ready to
celebrate my one year anniversary with my forever family! I have made
myself right at home with my 2 dog sisters and 7 cat brothers and
sisters. I am getting more brave when I meat strangers, even men wearing
hats! I go to work at a vet clinic with one of my moms a couple days per
week. I am very serious at work, greeting clients from behind the
reception desk.....always hoping the clients will see fit to give me a
treat! My blue eyes seem to help in that quest! I'm told I'm very
smart, but I like to be a goof-ball sometimes, too! Thanks so much to all of
you at BARK and also to the nice couple who saved me and my brother and sister
from the Abbingdon Animal Shelter. My family says if I had not been
saved, there would be a lot less laughter in the world! Love, Zeb
Zeb
Hello Laura! I just thought you would like an update on Bridget (Bridget Abigail Durst -BAD-Bad to the Bone!)She has taken very well to the other rescue dog we got 3 weeks prior to getting Bridget. Remington is 30+ pounds and almost a year. They play together, wrestle and chase each other in the yard and the house. They usually have to be with me, but if I am in the den Remington is on the sofa with me and Bridget is in James lap snuggled down between his legs. She is a "nester". Remington usually starts on the bed but goes down onto the dog bed beside the bed, but Bridget! She has to snuggle between us and put her head on our pillows or in between them! She is such a love bug although she is timid with strangers who come to see her, but when my brother and his family were there over night she warmed up to the twins (7 years old), especially Ellie by Sunday! She is getting better on getting over her shyness with others a little. She seems to know they are ok, but it takes time. With us she is great and loves to give kisses. We call her "kisser" It is also "Little Boo" and Remy - " Big Boo" ~ The Boo's! They have taken over the house, I have lots of treats and they are spoiled rotten! We had to replace the A/C unit on the enclosed porch (addition and not part of original house). This is where their crates are. They have A/C and classical music during the day when we are gone. In the winter time the porch is equipped with baseboard heat.The two of them have to be together! If one is outside the other has to be as well. I have seen them kiss each other, even though they fight for a nyla bone! We have toys, nyla bones all over the house. They are great at getting my husband out of the bed on the weekend! Just a little note about a wonderful dog! Serena
Bridget & Remington
Here is an update on Mocha. She is now nearly 7
months old, by our vet’s guess. Best guess on breed is a hound/border
collie mix according to our vet. We may do DNA swab testing just for
curiosity. Her name is perfect—the “mocha” recipe is 2/3 expresso,
1/3 milk, and a hint of chocolate, which matches her colors and temperament
nearly exactly. Mocha is settling in quite nicely as
the only “daughter” in the family. Our four sons (ages 12-16) lavish
plenty of attention on her, as do my husband and I. She finishes puppy
classes this coming week—parts went well, other times she is WAY too
enthusiastic about seeing what the other dogs are doing and wanting to say
hello to bother paying attention to what she’s supposed to be doing. She
is also a jumper when new visitors come through the door (we’re working on
that)—everyone comments on her sweet disposition and how she enjoys
people. In the evening when she mellows out, she loves to lie at
the foot of the bed and have a belly or back rub. She enjoys
sunning herself at times in our yard, which is fenced, and has a wooded area as
well as a more grassy area. She’s a very agile runner around our yard,
including at times when we really need to have her ready to leave the house and
we can’t get her harnessed!! Mocha has become “friends” with the three
dogs next door, and they greet each other through the fence each morning to
start their day. With only a rare accident, she is now housebroken
thankfully. She does live up to the puppy chewing reputation—and
vigilance is the key to survival. We were thrilled recently to find
how well Mocha travels. We recently took her to Bethany Beach,
DE—crate and all. She was quite relaxed in the car for the drive.
She loves the beach, and in a shallow bayside area, chased a beagle into
the water and had the time of her life playing with the other dogs there that
day. She will be going to a state park with us late August for a one
night camping trip (crate and tent will travel!) We’ve attached two
pictures—one of her with our four sons on a “hike” at Bethany, and one of
her running in the shallows. Doesn’t she look happy?? All of us love Mocha, and we can’t imagine life without her.
Thanks to all of you at BARK for what you do. We tell everyone how great
our adoption experience was with you—though since we’re in Charlottesville,
it may be a bit far for most to want to travel. Please keep us
on your email list—we love to hear what you’re doing. If you want
to keep up with her, the boys and I set up a “fan” page for her on Facebook—look
up Mocha! and you’ll find her. God Bless, The Poehailos Family and Mocha
Mocha
Here she is (Heidi!) on her way home from the
groomer, with a summer cut. Regards, Anita F.
Heidi
Attached is a recent photo of Della. We adopted
her from Bark last December. She's the happiest dog in America and a
great family dog. Bob
Della
We also heard from the families of Whitey, Andre
(aka Crosby), Ben, Drew, Wilbur, and Sarris…and hope they’ll send pictures
soon!
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If you
have adopted a BARK dog and have a Happy Tail or any other contribution
for this
newsletter, please forward it to robin@barkva.org.
ANYTIME IS A GOOD
TIME TO DONATE TO BARK!
BARK - Bandit’s Adoption & Rescue of K-9’s www.barkva.org 804-449-BARK (2275)
100% of your tax-deductible donation
will go directly to spay/neuter operations, medical treatments, and daily care
& feeding costs for the DOGS at the Ashland farm and in BARK foster homes.
Please mail your donation to the address below. Every penny makes a difference
in the life of a BARK dog!
Please
accept my donation in the amount of:
$25 $50
$75 $100 $125
Other $___
Gift in HONOR of: ________________________________________
Gift in MEMORY of: _______________________________________
Name & Address:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BARK PO Box 1682
Glen Allen VA 23060 info@barkva.org 804-449-BARK(2275)
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