Homework - How Well Do You Really Know Your Dog?

Review the body language posts below, is there anything that you think might make your dog uncomfortable or stressed?  What makes you think that?

Body Language Answers

In each of the following pictures I've focused in on one aspect of Shy's body language from our homework.
Ears

General Posture

Mouth

Head/Eyes

Tail

Did your answers agree with mine?

Shy is offering me distance increasing or "calming" signals, most likely because having the camera pointed in her face is stressful for her (true for many dogs).  She isn't going to bite me, she's not cowering in fear, but I am stressing her out and she's asking me to back off, and very politely I might add. 
The sooner we can identify communication like this from our dogs, and the more respectful we are of it, the better our relationship with them will be.  We'll be better equiped to keep everyone safe and happy.  Many dog bites that are said to have "come out of nowhere" started somewhere like this, and over time, as we fail to understand and respect what our dog is communicating, they escalate.

NO CLASS WEDNESDAY 10/5

We will not be having class tonight, Wednesday October 5th, but we will have a our puppy social at 5:30 as planned.  Level II class has been moved to Monday nights at 6:15, if you are in Level II please let me know if that works for you asap, I have called everyone as of 3:00pm and left a message if there was no answer.

New homework will be posted tomorrow, as well as news on some fun events we're having in October and my answers to last week's homework on Shy's body language.  Hope to see you all soon, happy training!

This Week's Homework - Canine Body Language

I hope that everyone enjoyed their weekend!  We talk about canine body language every once in a while, and some of you know more than others, but it's always good to practice.  This is my dog Shy, what do you see in her posture and actions here?  Given her body language in the photo what do you think might be going on in her head, or what might her next actions be? 

Hint: Use your flash cards if you need to!  Please post your answers in a comment below, I'll post mine later on in the week.

Policy Reminders

There seems to have been some confusion regarding a few of our class policies.  I want to make sure that everyone is on the same page and answer any questions that any of you might have so please take a few minutes to review the pre-registration, cancellation, and attendance sections of our class policies page by clicking the link below.
Class Policies

As stated in the policy PLEASE do your best to let me know at least an hour before if you're not going to make it to class, and if class is cancelled for any reason it will be posted on the blog and we will do our best to contact everyone via phone or email (please let me know if you would prefer to have us contact you via text message). 

I am no longer available at the clinic after 2:30pm Monday through Thursday or after 11:00am on Friday and will be going to Ogden several times a week so the best way to contact me will be via email, I am also making my cell phone number available so you can call or text message me as well, it is on the Contact Info page.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, hopefully this will help to clarify our class policies for everyone and we can avoid future problems.

Happy Training!

Training Class and Puppy Social 9/14/2011 and MORE HOMEWORK

Must be a busy Wednesday for everyone!  Due to the number of cancellations and people who can't make class and our puppy social tonight I am cancelling for tonight, I also have a cold so I'm okay with it for this week.

Until further notice our class schedule will remain the same, we're having some trouble accomodating everyone's schedules. 

If everyone could let me know if they prefer:

A) Weeknights between 6:00pm and 8:00pm. (Please specify which weeknight(s) work best for you.)
B) Saturday Mornings or
C) Saturday Afternoons I would really appreciate it.

Training Class Homework

Sorry it's late but here's some homework for you!

Did you know that it's unsafe, and illegal, to have your dog loose in the car?  I may be the only person ever to get pulled over for it, but for your safety and that of your dog please make sure that they are properly restrained when riding in the car. 

Visit Paws to Click to learn more about the importance of properly restraining your dog in the car and maybe consider taking the pledge. 

How do you (or will you) keep your dog safe in the car?