Giving This Dog Treats: "liking you" versus TRUSTING you

Sometimes when mom and I are out in public, and I want to say hello to someone, she will often hand them some of my treats for them to give to me. Sometimes people will say "Oh, you want your dog to like me?" Ugh, if I could talk in human language, this is what I'd say: "It's about trusting you, not "liking" you!"

I've learned from overhearing human conversations, that you "don't take candy from strangers". Well I agree - if some random person just walked up and handed me food without my mom the dog trainers permission, it might not be a good idea for me to take it. She and my dad are always watching out for me, so this sort of thing doesn't usually happen. If someone wants to give me a treat, they ask permission first. 

But let me make it clear, food to us dogs is one way that you humans can help build trust between us. That's what it's all about! Goodness gracious, "liking you"? No no, it's more about, can I trust you to take care of me? Provide good things for me? Care for me? Keep me safe and out of harms way? It's all about "nurturing"! And food is definitely nurturing...to every animal. 

Once we trust you, we can begin to associate you with wonderful things...and that's what our goal is. You're not much different ya know. Your entire human world revolves around food...in every culture. You bring meals to others because you care, not because you want someone to like you, right? Mom posted something about the human world food culture in one of her blog posts....

So the next time you're out and about, and someone wants to give your dog a treat, go ahead and let them... building trust in the human race! 

Hmm, I wonder when mom and I are going out again? I wonder if she'll have other give me treats? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

My Ventura Dog Trainer Mom Makes the Best Running Partner!

I'm turning into a "runner"... Yep, me, the dog that's always been energetic, but more of the "grab-shake-kill" kinda athlete vs the herding type... My mom, the rockin' dog trainer here in Ventura, is also a runner - she's the one who is training and coaching me. And she's doing it in a way that's really fun. She wrote about it the other day too...something about taking her own advice about training your dog.

You see, I've always done whatever I wanted while on leash...I just always get to be a dog! Especially when I'm out with dad...(mom sometimes refers to him as "Disneyland Dad"). I just get to sniff, go tinkles and #2, leave my "pee-mail" for my doggy friends, check others pee-mail, roll in stuff, and take my time...unless my nemesis is around (mail trucks!) because then it's on! I've never really "run", especially for any type of distance. 

Well, mom decided running together would be fun. After a couple of practice sessions she realized I never did "run" because I've never been taught to. Duh. Sure I can run - much faster than her! But running next to her while on leash for an extended period of time is something completely different for me! This is an actual "behavior" that I'm not used to - so she got really smart, took her own advice and lucky me has his own private dog trainer. And I must say, it's been really fun! 

She knows that like all new training plans you need to start easy, and work your way up. We started with walking, mixed in with moments of easy jogging. We didn't start out too far too fast. Mom say's if you do you can risk injury, and she's all about safety and health, and loves me...she would never want me to get hurt. 

After a week of that routine she increased the amount of jogging compared to the walking segments. And now, about six weeks later, we're up to two times around at the Kimball Park path here in Ventura, and with a "fast finish"! 

How did she do it? Simple... We use my breakfast (or lunch) while we're out training. She doesn't give me a lot (trust me, I could eat the entire bag of whatever she has) - she gives enough to keep me focused, while avoiding the chance of getting me sick - don't want to eat too much. Instead of eating at home, we take it on the road. Mom knows she needs to be careful about overfeeding me, so she's using my meals to her advantage. 

The times she rewards me varies...but I'm figuring it out. For walking nicely next to her I get rewarded with kibble. For the actual running part I get something much more yummy - usually baked chicken, grilled steak, roasted pork tenderloin, or lamb baby food....yep, baby food - just a lick or two out of the jar. 

She also happens to positively reinforce me whenever we pass by another dog or person, a cyclist, stroller, rollerblader, and anything else I'd like to say hi to or run after. She knows to keep me motivated to run with her instead of wanting to do all of those other things. She is one clever trainer because it works! Check out the video that dad took of us. 

I feel really bad for the other dogs out there...it seems they their moms and dads often yell at them whenever they want to say hi or run with us. I wouldn't like that at all! No fun doing it that way. Moms way rocks it!

Mom made mention of me running a race...maybe a 5K or a doggy specific race. I wonder when we're going to do that? I think the Santa Barbara Athletic Association has some official races for dogs to enter....I wonder if I'll get to wear a number like mom does at her races? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

Mickey Rourke is one top dog!

I guess there was some important ceremony yesterday where entertainment folks received lots of nominations, awards, praise, applause etc... Wow, talk about "positive reinforcement". 

Mom and I watched this dude named Mickey Rourke make a speech on YouTube. He won an award for being a great actor in a movie called The Wrestler. I haven't seen this particular film, not yet anyway (movie theaters don't allow us dogs to go inside) but mom and dad said they'd wait for dvd release so we can all watch it together. 

Anyway, this guy is so cool! Out of all the people at this show, he was the only one who thanked his dogs! Is that great or what? It seems like he really knows how to appreciate us pooches for what we are, and for what we bring to your lives. Through good times, through rough times, we're always there for you...why? Because you give us positive reinforcement, just by being you. 

I'm also thinking that Mickey does what mom teaches in her classes: to pay attention! He probably "catches his dogs in the act" of doing what he wants and rewards them for it. In turn, they reward him. What a great relationship he must have with them. 

Here's to you Mickey - I hope you receive lots more awards. Personally, I think you should get one for being such a great dog dad. I wonder if there is such a category at these award ceremonies? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

It's MOMS birthday...still!

Wow, what a great day we've had... you saw from my previous post that today is mom's birthday. We spent a lovely day out and about. Had so much fun I ended up needing a bath. Mom always says you can judge how much fun your dog has had by how many times you have to bathe them! 

Well, mom is right indeed because I've needed about 5 in the last week! Good thing she and dad make bath-time and grooming fun! I know in this picture my body language might "say" differently, but trust me, the treats, like the water, were flowing nicely - which always makes for fun "association" learning... 

Once I was all "fresh as a daisy" we got dressed and headed south

to our friends the Goren's: Bonnie, Isaac, and Miss. Valerie. Mom and Miss. Bonnie have been friends since mom was born! YIKES! That's a really long time... Anyway, they wanted to throw mom a fun party - so we all met up at one of moms favorite stores - Trader Joe's - thats where we get lots of our yummy food...(hmm, I gotta figure out if they deliver)... After we picked up lots of goodies to throw on the grill, we headed to Bonnie's house where we also met up with some other of moms and Bonnie's friends, April and Randy. They have dogs too - I met them at one of my moms parties at the studio. 

The evening was complete with lots of laughter, a great meal  and fun socialization! The Goren's have kitties, but they didn't want to come out and play with me...oh well, gave me more time to "stay on my place" and have hors d'oeuvres. Check out this photo - this is the same behavior mom has me do at home while she is cooking dinner. She tells me "go to your place" which is what I do. It's the best choice for me... either I sit on my place, or I get locked out of the kitchen... hmm, only took one time for me to figure out what the best choice is. 

I did try and sneak in a spot at the dinner table. I think everyone was done with their meal, because they let me sit there. They were laughing too, saying I was cute. Didn't get me very far because I didn't get anything else to eat. But sitting there was fun. I guess I was pretty tired because mom kept saying how I was falling asleep at the table. Well it was a long day! 

We had lots of fun with Bonnie and her family. You can tell by this photo of me on the chair... That's me "digging in my heels". In other words I didn't want to leave! I'm even sticking my tongue out! 

Being at the Goren's is what I definitely call "positive reinforcement"! They have a company called "Adventure's 4 Fun" and I'd have to agree, that visiting with them is a fun adventure! I know mom and dad had a great time too, although they were okay with going home to our own place. They kept talking on the way home about about how much fun it was. 

Mom really appreciates her friends - says they are like family. She also said this was a great birthday! I wonder what we're going to do next year? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Happy Birthday to MOM!

Wow, what another fun day it was today! Not only is it dia de los muertos, but it's Mom's birthday today too! She decided to take time off from her studio and teaching today, so she could spend it with me and dad just celebrating all day. Fine with me! We get her all to ourselves - which means "road trips for Poncho!" 

First mom decided to go run and exercise with her friend Hilary. (It was way too early for me to go...I'd rather sleep in)... Then, after she got all cleaned up, mom, dad, and I loaded into

the car and heading north! The first stop was at one of our favorite coffee joints for beverages and snacks... You can see me here trying to figure out how to drink out of that long green thingy...that's going to be a challenge for me... 

Anyway, after we rewarded ourselves with yummy treats (just like dog training classes isn't it?) we hit the road again...this time we walked around some lovely areas - I was the only one who was sniffing around, but mom and dad were enjoying themselves too - I could tell by their body language - relaxed, smiles on their faces, laughing...

Then mom and dad stopped at one fabulous place just for me: the beach!!! Wahoo! I thought it was moms birthday, but this was a great present for little ol' me! As you can see, I was thoroughly enjoying myself. Once again mom used "real life" rewards to reinforce the behaviors she likes... I walked nicely on leash, and to reward me she let me go and roll in everything I wanted to roll in! Mom was even giving me the "thumbs up" for rolling as well as I was... She giggles a lot when I'm gettin' the stink on. Interesting how me getting my stink on is rewarding, or shall I say positively reinforcing for mom!

Dad played the same sort of game. We'd practice me running to him when he called, and in turn he'd throw the ball for me! How much fun is that?! 

After we wrapped up our time at the beach, we headed back home... Unfortunately, post-beach time means only one thing: yep, bath-time! But hey, it's always worth it... not only do I get to roll in stinky stuff, but mom and dad make bathing fun - lots of treats during the bath, followed by throwing the ball around while I have the zoomies! I'd say that's lots of positive reinforcement! 

Now I'm all clean, and according to mom, smelling fresh, I wonder what else we're doing to celebrate? I wonder, is she is going to wear a birthday hat just like she makes me? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Run like the wind MOM!

What a day! We started off really early today... A nice rainy, chilly morning... Mom AND dad were both in their running clothes... Hmm, early morning on a weekend, both mom and dad dressed for running, could only mean one thing: RACE TIME! 

Yep, off to Santa Barbara we went... At first they weren't sure if they were going to bring me, but I decided that for them - I got up early too. Sometimes I prefer to just sleep - but it was windy this morning, and you know from other posts, that I'm not a big fan of the wind...yep I was licking my lips and trembling a little bit - that's the first sign. So mom and dad gathered up my rain jacket, and sweater vest, blanket, and treat bags (different levels of motivation), water, and my poopy bags - cuz ya never know what we have to prepare for, and off we went! ROAD TRIP! 

I hung out in the car with proper ventilation, water, and my bwanky while mom and dad went and did their thing. Dad finished first... then we cheered when mom came across the finish line! I'm so proud of mom! She did a great job... 

I still don't understand why you humans run like you do, but you're not really going after anything... You're not chasing something and wanting to kill it or eat it.... or move it across the pasture...Anyway, we hung out for awhile, said hi to some other people and their dogs, then headed south. 

But wait! Guess what??? We didn't go home right away... We got to stop at one of mom and dads favorite places so mom could get her reward! Starbucks!!! PLUS, and this is the best part - we had a play-date with moms friend and rockin' Web marketing therapist Miss. Lorrie!

 I love seeing her...she calls me her boyfriend :-) I'll be her boyfriend anytime she wants! 

So we hung out, had tea and snacks...and lots of good conversation. Then south we headed once again! But wait!!! You're right, we didn't go home yet.... nope, we decided to stop off at one of my favorite places: the beach! It was such a lovely afternoon.... The rain had made all 

the wonderful smells come out...and for a dog, that's like a bakery or candy store for you humans.... 

OMG! Just fantabulous! I didn't know what I wanted to sniff first. Well, mom and dad are really cool about me just going about and sniffing away... as you can see by these pics. 

(as long as I'm safe of course. I don't go into the rocks or anything, I just stay around on the sand. But my favorite thing to do is roll in all my favorite smells. Just roll and roll and roll...gettin' the stink on! Mom and dad allow me to do this too. They figure its part of my normal doggy behavior, and that I need to do it and get it out of my system... plus, they figure I'm small so I'm easy to bathe. So why not? 

After I got my stink on I got to chase the ball...that's always a fun time. Then it was back in the car and home we went. Mom kept coughing in the car and saying how the odor that was coming off of me was making her eyes burn. Hello? She just finished a race! Even though I thought she smelled great, I'm sure dad would think otherwise! 

Anyway, once we got home it was into the bathtub for me... Not so bad though. Mom gives me treats while we do the splish-splash routine~ some nice association and positive reinforcement training here... Then I get the zoomies and run around the house. Then they throw my ball in between being dried - more fun associations with bath time, and rewards for me! See? You don't always have to use food to reward us dogs! Rolling, sniffing, and ball time! All good motivators for us! 

I'm exhausted! It was a long day, but it was SO much fun! I love road trips with mom and dad. I wonder when we're going again? I wonder when moms next race is? Or dads next race? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...