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Larry - Curly - Moe
German Shepherd working dogs!
Larry - Curly - Moe
German Shepherd working dogs!
Beginning Retrieve for the ball
Focus and Fuss - 14 weeks
motivation through food drive
Come to Front - 5 1/2 weeks
Puppies are like sponges
Puppy Development at one year, dumbbell work, recognizing scent discrimination, hip evaluations / x-rays, police K9 work
18 months old - We attended Dog Stock 2009 - the boys had a chance to work on a different field. Below is a relative through their mother's father Ufo van Guy's hof.
Ufo van Guy's Hof progeny cross over for a variety of K9 disciplines. They have been used primarily for K9 sport which includes a high success rate from Schutzhund club trials to high competition and World Championships. They are also showing to be highly useful in Search and Rescue work as well as Law Enforcement. Ufo van Guy's hof is out of KNPV bloodlines. His grandfather is the infamous Rick van Tiekerhook known as the Tiekerhook kennel's hardest dog!
1 1/2 months old
Hip and Elbow evaluations through the
Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) in Germany
It is official...young dogs from our A-litter have received their Hip and Elbow evaluations from the SV; they are as follows:
Alfred av Stavanger "Larry" / HD a-normal and Elbows - Normal
Angus av Stavanger "Curly" / HD a-normal and Elbows - Normal
Ava av Stavanger / HD a-normal and Elbows - Normal
We will post additional results once we receive them
Photo compliments of Diane from Colorado who is the proud mom
of Ava av Stavanger - Her good buddy from work put this
special digital photograph together... too sweet. Thank you
15 months - Teaching the Dumbbell Hold and Retrieve
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Since Larry has the natural retrieve instinct, it was a no brainer to teach the dumbbell hold using the motivational method. THE KEY to this method is, to make the retrieve a mandatory exercise through the use of food. To achieve a reliable retrieve, through positive reinforcement, the dumbell can not just be used as a toy, by attracting the dog through his or her prey instinct. The dog must be required to take and hold the dumbbell without being encouraged (bribed) with a toy or food. This in turn, indicates that the command, "take" (hold the dumbbell), is required before the dog receives what he wants (the food reward). At first Larry wasn't all that keen on the idea of taking a dumbbell in exchange for food. His preference was to either take the food for nothing or play with the dumbbell like a toy. I don't think a mandatory dumbbell exercise was on his agenda that day! So, to get things quickly moving along, mom (Gjeter) was brought into the training scene. Boy did that speed training up! All Larry needed was to see an example of another dog, working for a food reward, by holding the dumbbell. He figured it out quick and stepped up to the plate.
We have Denise Fenzi to thank for showing us this method. I used the same method, exclusively with my female (Gjeter) which proved to be a reliable training method. Her dumbbell routine was her strongest and most reliable obedience exercise even during two Regional Schutzhund Championships. She received high remarks from both USA Judge Al Kerr (2007) and Frank Mensing (2008). It is important to point this out; because, it is possible to make obedience a mandatory exercise without compulsion. Additionally, obedience should be mandatory even through positive reinforcement in order to maintain reliability.
* It is important to mention that Larry did undergo experimental force retrieve training after his positive reinforcement foundation. Although he handled force very well, it proved to be absolutely unnecessary and an undesirable way to develop reliability and speed. Larry's movements became robotic, to the extent that he appeared to be motivated by an outer force. Rather than showing a picture of a joyful dog that has been taught through balanced training, used to encourage and develop problem solving skills; Larry showed the same behavior that is observed when an animal is simply operating under duress. Although I will not consider using this method again, the time that was taken to teach a force retrieve is appreciated. Additionally, through force training, I developed a new respect for Larry. Even though he underwent harsh training methods, he continued to work through the stress and never held a grudge.
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Spring break gave us a chance to get more training and photos in. This is Alfred av Stavanger "Larry" holding a Schutzhund 1 dumbell. At 14 months he already has a calm, firm hold. It's a hoot...he literally holds the dumbell forever. He even extends his neck as if to serve it. |
(Photo: Angus av Stavagner "Curly" - German Shepherd Dog Tracking) |
We are hearing and seeing that our A-litter shows really nice scenting ability. Not only are they showing the beginnings of a strong work ethic for the track. But they also show a true ability for scent discrimination. Ava in Colorado will entertain her humans to no end by fetching the very same crinkled pine needle over and over again after it is thrown out into the woods. Her little nose is fine tuned. She brings the very same pine needle back every time. Our very own Curly (Angus) will also do the same; only his human throws a small stone down a driveway full of rocks that all look the same. Curly always brings the same one back without fail. Larry (Alfred) is quite amusing; if anyone enters the house or yard he can be seen and heard sniffing everywhere that person has been. No object enters unnoticed. Larry is on official scent patrol. He gives a new meaning to Curious George. |
Lots of pains taking steps went into the planning and breeding of our A-litter. It's truly awesome to see it all coming together. We are seeing young dogs with excellent temperament, that show workability, type, solid structure and health. A special thanks to Bill and Jen of Kulla dogs for the use of their stud Kway vom Posthorn.
(photo: German Shepherd Hip X-Rays - Alfred av Stavanger 12 months)
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Happy 1st Birthday Guys!
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The photo above is taken of Anniken av Stavanger; she is working in the Alexandria Schutzhund club. She is receiving the balanced foundation she needs. She learns quickly through positive reinforcement as well as corrections. It is of particular interest that she takes well to correction without holding a grudge. This is very nice to see in a female and is a trait that stands out in her mother. (Photo - Anniken Av Stavanger - Grips are always full)
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