Fall Training with the youngster of the Crew & A Sweet Remembrance

Fall is starting to enrich us with some splashes of colour on the ranch. I am a huge fan of fall and wish it could last forever. My "Rookie" in the crew has been working hard with more ranch chores. I have been working on slowing his pace down when asked to do some of the chores that he can get too eager about and cause a bit of stress on the stock. Teamwork is essential. As a youngster in the crew, he is progressing like our seasons and I can't imagine working with any other "Rookie".

Some pics of fall training and memories of the past of Rook's sire "Macc" and soulmate Larry with the training of "our Crew". As I always say" many miles before we sleep." Larry would have loved to work with the Rookie of this crew:-) 

One of Master Rook's favourite ranch chores is to help me bring out the minerals to the herd. I bring them out on my quad roped in a bucket. He does his duty at keeping them at bay until I unstrap the bucket since they do like to congregate at my quad and try and push off the bucket before I can put it into their trough - thanks Rookie!

Master Rook watches over the herd while I get back on my quad.

That'll do boy! We have more work to be done. I like this pic because I can call him off nice and calm and one can see my lakes in the background. 

This is Rook heeling at my quad while I try and take a pic. I am teaching him to do this so we can work together on the rounds as a team. I am working on his pacing here asking him to slow down -  nice work here buddy!

Here I am asking him to do an easy and slow it down to a  stop - notice the footwork:-) He is looking out to his herd before we carry on to check the fencing on the west side of the quarter. 

Miss Lulu B number 13 and number 30 among the falls colours - and if you look closely there is another Lulu B behind number 30 - I did not notice it until after the photo - you have to look closely. Number 30 is definitely one of my lead bossy gals:-) 

Our bovine brigade showing off the early fall fashion - and I am hoping that all are pregnant!

Rook Loves to rodent hunt  like his crew gals Ash and Cybelle -  here he is on the hunt like an ostrich burying his  head in the ground  on his homefront. I think he caught a few for a snack before supper!

A proud Rookie with his herd

And there is nothing like Fall back in my home province of Ontario. But, no complaints on our beautiful weather in AB. I Just miss those spectacular fall colours back home. A few nostalgic pics back east on fall hikes with the Crew .

Me and my crew members "Macc" & "Cybelle" back in Ontario on a glorious fall day 

"Cybelle" with  her puppy boy "Tungsten" on the left with sire "Macc" on the right on a beautiful fall day in Ontario

"Macc", "Rook's" sire among the beautiful red fall foliage

Our good friend Gordon from Toronto on a hike with the crew members "Macc" & "Cybelle" on a fall hike in ON

Fall time "Macc" in Ontario

And in keeping with the fall training theme on this post - here are a few pics taken in fall 2006 in Ontario of Rook's sire "Macc" and Larry at sheep herding lessons. Macc is practising his pen work where he has to bring the sheep out of the pen into the large field. Macc always loved "chore" work. 

Rook's sire "Macc" waiting in line for fall sheep herding lessons in Ontario

"My boys" Gone but never Forgotten - Larry & Macc having some downtime between lessons. I am sure they are working together taking care of the sheep and cattle up above me in the ocean-wide sky.

Click Here to view a Tribute of our Rook's sire Macc

The Crew's Collar tips for Stylish Hounds

I recently had an inquiry about more training tips with my crew. Specifically, do I train with collars and what types of collars do I use? This inquiry was a great one since they also asked "we seldom see your dogs in pics with collars, do they ever wear collars?"


Yes, to the first question. I use a different collar for different methods in training. It depends on the age and activity of the dog.

I start a young dog on a buckle collar, than at 12 weeks of age I fit them for a martingale. The martingale
provides more control over the animal without the choking effect. It is a great collar for training obedience, especially for a Canaan Dog who is notorious for being a "puller" on lead since they are very aware of their surroundings and some are VERY prey driven. The martingale provides a lose loop at the end of the collar which one can slip their finger in easily rather than the buckle that the dog can burst out of when pulling. However, if competing in performance trials, the dog is always on a buckle collar, which distracts from any correction. So, being trained on buckle collars is a must for anyone wanting to compete in a trial venue. My suggestion is to train in a variety of collars so your dog can get used to all the "flavours" of training that the collars provide.

I also love the stylish martingales They are practical, but are a bit bulkier, and way too gorgeous to use for everyday training. I pull them out for special occasions , like dinner parties where I just want the dogs to look a bit stylish.

And to the second question - my dogs are are also trained without collars since they have to be able to squeeze underneath cattle fencing in a lightning flash when needed to protect their herd from coyotes and perform cattle ranch chores. The barbed wire can snatch collars and tags so the dogs are also trained to work without a collar.

To accompany this inquiry, "the crew" had some fun modelling their different training collars, with some extra training fun in between. Training should always be a positive and rewarding experience between you and your dog - always end on a high note!


Stylish Martingales, Buckles,Training Martingales, and Tracking harnesses

This collar is VERY special - it was made for Rook's sire Macc. It is a bulky stylish Martingale collar and was used only  for special occasions. The fabric has a dragon design embedded in gold and purple. It is a practical collar but way too beautiful to be used for everday training. I am glad that it fits Macc's son Rook and he looks just as handsome and sporting as his daddy in this regal collar.

Macc's Stylish martingale which is now handed down to his son "Rook"

Miss Cybelle, who is"almost 7-yrs -old" is proud to model  her Stylish "dinner-party" Martingale collar that we bought her when she was 2 yrs of age. She still wears it well:-)

Cybelle's Stylish Martingale

Miss Ash models her "buckle collar" which I used on her for early training on leash walks - I like this collar because it is reflective on night walks. 

Miss Cybelle models her Martingale training collar with tag still intact. Notice the lower chain which sits low on the neck with the loop. This collar was the perfect one for a gal who was a big puller as a pup when it came to prey! For me, this still remains the ideal training collar for a Canaan Dog. 

Rook shows off his "Pirate buckle collar" with a howl when he hears the coyotes during this shot. This collar is getting a bit tight for him as he grows. I will be taking him to town soon to fit him for a new one. The buckle collar must be worn for trial events so I will need to get a new one soon. I fluctuate between using a buckle and martingale when training. 

Some fun training pics of my patient crew after their modelling shoots

Miss Ash performs "her leave the treats"after her collar modelling - is that a tiara on her head!

Cybelle performs her "leave it trick" after her collar modelling - almost looks like a piano keyboard - she does have this one down pat:-) 

This is a more advanced trick that I have been working on with the youngster in the crew. After some modelling with the martingale, I took it off and hung it on a post. The collar was also worn by his sire and now fits his son. I placed Rook's treat up on a post and asked him to leave it - watch below for what happens next.  

Good boy - he wants the treat but still obeys my leave it command.

He is sniffing and wanting that treat but still obeys my leave it command.

"Ok take it!" he was so patient and listening to my "leave it"command. He waited, and waited until I finally said "ok, you can take it!"I am looking forward to my journey with working this boy!

A collection of our training collars

 Miss Ash sporting her training harness for tracking a few months ago when training for urban tracking  - the harness is another tool for training - this harness is only used for tracking. When I bring the equipment out she literally stands and lowers her neck to slip into her tracking gear which signifies she is ready to work!

A fav pic of Miss "Cammie" getting used to her buckle collar at eight weeks of age from Macc X Ash 2010 Litter . It is always great to start collar training before a pup goes to their new home. 

And another fav pic - Master "Shylo" from our Macc X Remmie 2010 litter getting used to his buckle collar with his crew nannies Cybelle and Ash

March Sheep Herding Class With Youngster Rook

My youngest "Crew" member "Rook" was out for another herding session on sheep. Our instructor

Louanne Twa  is located south of Calgary in the Okotocks at Phantom Ridge - she has a beautiful farm and great sheep to work for a youngster in training. Today, we worked again on pace and widening Rook's distance. He also decided to slip out of his collar and long training lead as soon as he entered the training pen. The good news was that he was more respectful of the stock and realized that he did not have to grip to bring back a stray. However - he did do one shoulder bump on one ewe:-) I did enjoy seeing his progression on widening his distance from the sheep when moving them. He was one tired pup after the session - We now just have to keep up his exposure and practise!

Below are some pics of today's class. Special thanks to my friend Donna for the photo shoot! She had her Border collies out for their lessons - you can see her BCs at work on her blog at:  http://blackthornworkingdogs.blogspot.ca/2012/03/ben-come-bye-kid-and-his-mama-jet-doing.html

 We could not have asked for better weather!

A nice calm pace - and yes, it was warm enough to take off my coat!

better distance and control

getting a little wider

A steadier pace and wider distance

Louanne working with Rook - a more wider distance - good boy!

nice distance, steady and focussed

"That'll do" Rook until next class 

To view "Rook's" February class visit his blog post at: http://albertacanaandogcrew.blogspot.ca/2012/02/sheep-herding-with-youngster-rook.html

Marching Along With Ash (& friends) At “Tracking” Class

The Canaan Dog is an extremely intelligent breed who needs to be mentally challenged. "Tracking" is one sport where they can put their natural instincts to work. "Whenever I say "let's go tracking" Ash is ready and able with "nose to the ground." No wonder this primitive breed was used for Land Mine Detection and Red Cross Messenger Work in their native land Israel - it's in their blood! I suppose they could be called the "bloodhounds of Israel":-) Ash continues to enjoy her tracking classes! 

Miss "Ash" deep in thought before driving out to class. She likes to mentally prepare for her day of Tracking.  She takes her work seriously.

On Saturday, March 24 our tracking class was held at Crossroads Church in Red Deer .Our instructor, Donna Brinkworth likes to expose us to different locations so the dogs can learn to track in a variety of areas. In February, we tracked at Red Deer College – you can view that session on the blog at: http://albertacanaandogcrew.blogspot.ca/2012/02/tracking-along-with-ash-february.html

Saturday's lesson focussed on strengthening the endurance on longer tracks and following the scent of a stranger in a field setting. And, yes we are still tracking in snowy conditions out here! Ash has a lot of experience tracking in the powder. 

The first video below is of Ash working hard on her second track of the day. Special thanks to Lynn Walker for taking the footage of my girl! Lynn also handed me her video camera so I could include videos of Lynn's golden "Quila", and Lorrie working her German Shepherd "Zeevah". All of the dogs worked smoothly and thoughtfully as they picked up on the scent of the stranger that laid the track. They also worked hard with nose to ground in every footstep ( I love this technique!) to locate and indicate the lost article at the end. We all learn so much from watching each other work our dogs.

We are all looking forward to the mock trial in April! You can visit details about that here on the Crew's blog at: http://albertacanaandogcrew.blogspot.ca/2012/03/marching-on-preparing-toward-mock.html

As always, we all enjoy working and fostering the natural instincts with our breed, the camaraderie of the group classes, and the fabulous instruction from Donna!

Michelle (yes, that's me) with my Canaan Dog  girl "Ash"  - near the end of the track she wipes out on an icy patch but gets right back to work

Lynn with her Golden Retriever girl "Quila"

Lorrie with her German Shepherd girl  "Zeevah"

And at the end of day, when Ash and I came home, we were greeted to a fanfare of beautiful cloud formations that congregated over the range.

“Taming” Of “The Crew” (Tips & Tricks)

I had an inquiry about my training techniques with the "Desert Crew", specifically as "Working Dogs" on the Range.


Here are some observations of what I think works best with my Crew! 

Ash working on her extended "down-stays" at obedience class with lots of treat distractions! And boy does she love uncooked hotdogs - such a good crew member! I tend to work early on with this "trick" and increase the distraction and length of time. And I should add that she had to keep her focus with five German Shepards in the background doing their protection work.

I try and work training sessions into my everyday routine. "The Crew" certainly gets to enjoy a lot more freedom living in the country, but it also has its challenges – and, as much as I love them they can’t be spoiled since I rely on them to work stock, alert me to predators and keep me and the land safe.

There are so many training methods now a days and like anything, trial and error are apart of the experience. “Get inside the head” of your dog is where one needs to start. You won’t understand their personality or be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses unless you spend time with them on a daily basis. 

A Few Things That I Try and Reinforce With "The Crew": 

I work “lie downs” and extended "stays" inside and outside the house with distractions. But, I don’t ask for a lie down when working cattle - they need to be upright to manage free-range cattle or they can get hurt. When working with stock, they need to know when we need to work and when to leave grazing cows alone. So, I always work in “Stops” in my everyday routine. A Stop can be a Stand or a Sit – whichever the dog prefers. It just has to mean that they will “freeze” their position when I ask. ‘Stops” are a big part of obedience in training on stock and sometimes I will use the word “halt” as well. Lately, I am practising  this command a lot with my young crew member Rook who is just over a year old - and male Canaan Dogs do not fully mature mentally and physically until at least four years of age, so starting consistency in training as early as possible is the best bet if you want a well-behaved "Desert Boy!"

Since I also "Love Tracking" with my crew, I invented some “find it games”  to reinforce the“ nose- to- ground” technique  in between our formal tracking classes–  I find this is a great game to throw into the mix since it brings out their natural instincts and keeps them active and stimulated and wanting to work with me.  For this game, I keep the crew in the house and bury some treats outside. Then, I bring them out and say go “find”. This keeps up their love of tracking and strengthens the “nose-to-ground philosophy" as opposed to air scenting techniques. To see our recent  formal "Tracking" class with Miss Ash visit this link on the blog:  http://albertacanaandogcrew.blogspot.ca/2012/02/tracking-along-with-ash-february.html 

Below are a few pics of the working sessions I try and do on a daily routine despite the weather and how busy I can be. Training is always something you can strive for each day - but without consistency and persistence you can't expect "them dawgs" to understand "the rules of the home", or the "laws of the land." And, for those that know me, I am not a fan of animals on the couch. "Four on the floor" is what I want which helps maintain our relationship between "Who is the Boss":-) 

A fav pic of Ash and Cybelle doing their down-stays with a treat as a distraction - I like to do this exercise a few times a week because I find it strengthens the "focus" on "who remains the boss at all times". 

Ash working with youngster Rook on what a "Stop means" when the boss asks:-) 

Youngster 'Rook" - Oh, wait, I should "Stop" now?" 

Rook - "Look at my perfect Stop - Stand on command!" - "I think I am getting it!"

I "embossed this pic using a filter" since I wanted to show their nice sits "together  as crew members " - plus wonderful head studies of a male and female Canaan Dog - they both show the "correct" difference between a male and female CD

Ash having some fun working the "find it game" for a bit of tracking practise between classes

Rook having some fun working the "find it game" for a bit of tracking practise after his work on "stops"

I always end a training session with a bit of playtime - Rook having a romp on his driveway after a good day of training! 

It's always great to see "A Big Happy Smile" after some training!

And "This Is Why" teaching stops are important early on - some past pics of Ash, Cybelle, and Rook being respectful of the Stock when the Herd does not have to be moved to a new graze zone or be rounded up. "Peace on the Pasture between the Beasts".

Ash as a pup learning to stop and be watchful of a young calf

Cybelle being respectful of the herd at their new watering hole

Young Rook  watching over the herd

And this page post could not be complete without  mentioning Our  First Crew Member "Macc" who taught us all about the trials and tribulations about  how to train our "Crew" as working companions.  We Miss You Macc, - your affection, education, and dedication live on with the Crew!

We are looking forward to the green pastures ahead with "The Crew!"

Young Master Rook learning to "Stop" and "just watch  over the herd" when they don't have to be moved to their next grazing zone.