Friday, August 29, 2014
Happy Birthday to another George baby - Salsa
Salsa is out of Bea Sawka's breeding with George and lives in BC with Norwich Terriers. Looks like she really enjoys her buddies.
Our German import who lives with Lisa Hockin in Michigan
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Monday, August 25, 2014
Ali and her son JJ
This is Sonrisas Mis Con Geni Ali T (Ali) and her son Sonrisas Picture Perfect Jpeg (JJ). This is what I would love to see in our next breeding or at least someday. Just love this coloring.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
We visited the Abby Lawn Manor yesterday
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Regarding dominance theory as a way of training dogs.
VETERINARIANS CONCERNED ABOUT OUTDATED AND
CONFRONTATIONAL ADVICE GIVEN BY CESAR MILLAN, THE DOG WHISPERER:
In an article written by Timothy Kim for the VIN News Services (5FEB09), an on-line resource for veterinarians, representatives of the AmericanVeterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) have expressed concern about dog training advice given by Cesar Millan, on his reality TV show, The Dog Whisperer. The AVSAB is so concerned that they have issued an official statement (Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals - http://tiny.cc/BoliX) to counter the unfortunate pervasive influence of Millan's show.
In their position statement the AVSAB demonstrates that the dominance theory which is the core of Millan's approach, has been rejected by animal behavior experts and can actually cause serious fear aggression in dogs. In the article, Dr. Laurie Bergman, of Norristown, Pa., a member of AVSAB's executive board was quoted as saying "We had been moving away from dominance theory and punitive training techniques for a while, but, unfortunately, Cesar Millan has brought it back."
Dominance theory has typically been presented as the reason for a dog's misbehavior. Its basic premise is that the dog is a pack animal like a wolf and all packs are ruled by the dominant alpha male. Millan essentially believes that in order to counter a dog's misbehavior, or as he sees it a "grab for power," a person must be the dominant alpha male and must use force and coercion to get the dog to behave and submit.
The article describes Millan as using a number of assertive techniques "negative-reinforcement,” or correction, Alpha rolls (the dog is rolled onto its back, a submissive position) and flooding (the dog is exposed to something that causes it anxiety and is not allowed to escape, to desensitize it). He also has been shown choking a dog on the end of a leash until it fell onto its side, gasping for air." These techniques are of great concern to the AVSAB which has also adopted a position statement on the use of punishment for training animals (http://tiny.cc/p5jYg).
The theory of dominance hierarchy was set into motion in 1922 by Thorleif Schjelderup-Ebbe and his research on chickens. It was popularized by the Monks of New Skete with their publication of How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend. This now very dated book, takes the premise that if we want the best relationship with our dog then we should treat them like an adult wolf would treat a wolf puppy, at least according to the Monk's understanding of that scenario. Many of their key recommendations focus on fear and physical punishment.
Thanks to the work of Dr. L. David Mech, a senior scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey, we now know that dominance theory does not apply to wolves in a natural, wild (non-captive) environment (Alpha Status, Dominance, and Division of Labor in Wolf Packs) (http://tiny.cc/ycQeU). Research by Dr. Ray and Lorna Coppinger (DOGS: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution (Scribner, NY, 2001; Univ. Chicago Press, 2002) has helped us understand that while closely related to the wolf a dog is not a hunter or a pack animal. Dogs are primarily scavengers and when living feral often live alone or in very loose groups.
So what does all of this mean? It means that the dominance theory spouted for years by many in the dog community is a poor model for describing wolf behavior and is an even worse model for training your dog. Unfortunately, just like there is still a Flat Earth Society there are still those like Cesar Millan, who hang on to a dog training model that is erroneous and based on creating confrontation and fear.
The AVSAB is not the first to question Millan's techniques. On February 23, 2006 the New York Times quoted Dr. Nicholas Dodman [veterinary behaviorist and director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University] as saying ''My college thinks it [The Dog Whisperer - Cesar Millan] is a travesty. We've written to National Geographic Channel and told them they have put dog training back 20 years.'' Later that same year the American Humane Association stated "The training tactics featured on Cesar Millan's "The Dog Whisperer" program are inhumane, outdated and improper"
Kim's article concludes with a statement by Dr. Sophia Yin, a member of the AVSAB executive board, warning dog guardians to avoid dog trainers and others who: continually tell owners that they have to be the "alpha," warn owners not to use rewards too much, and uses pinch collars or shock collars on dogs in a training class. "The AVSAB recommends that veterinarians not refer clients to trainers or behavior consultants who coach and advocate dominance hierarchy theory and the subsequent confrontational training that follow from it."
CONFRONTATIONAL ADVICE GIVEN BY CESAR MILLAN, THE DOG WHISPERER:
In an article written by Timothy Kim for the VIN News Services (5FEB09), an on-line resource for veterinarians, representatives of the AmericanVeterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) have expressed concern about dog training advice given by Cesar Millan, on his reality TV show, The Dog Whisperer. The AVSAB is so concerned that they have issued an official statement (Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals - http://tiny.cc/BoliX) to counter the unfortunate pervasive influence of Millan's show.
In their position statement the AVSAB demonstrates that the dominance theory which is the core of Millan's approach, has been rejected by animal behavior experts and can actually cause serious fear aggression in dogs. In the article, Dr. Laurie Bergman, of Norristown, Pa., a member of AVSAB's executive board was quoted as saying "We had been moving away from dominance theory and punitive training techniques for a while, but, unfortunately, Cesar Millan has brought it back."
Dominance theory has typically been presented as the reason for a dog's misbehavior. Its basic premise is that the dog is a pack animal like a wolf and all packs are ruled by the dominant alpha male. Millan essentially believes that in order to counter a dog's misbehavior, or as he sees it a "grab for power," a person must be the dominant alpha male and must use force and coercion to get the dog to behave and submit.
The article describes Millan as using a number of assertive techniques "negative-reinforcement,” or correction, Alpha rolls (the dog is rolled onto its back, a submissive position) and flooding (the dog is exposed to something that causes it anxiety and is not allowed to escape, to desensitize it). He also has been shown choking a dog on the end of a leash until it fell onto its side, gasping for air." These techniques are of great concern to the AVSAB which has also adopted a position statement on the use of punishment for training animals (http://tiny.cc/p5jYg).
The theory of dominance hierarchy was set into motion in 1922 by Thorleif Schjelderup-Ebbe and his research on chickens. It was popularized by the Monks of New Skete with their publication of How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend. This now very dated book, takes the premise that if we want the best relationship with our dog then we should treat them like an adult wolf would treat a wolf puppy, at least according to the Monk's understanding of that scenario. Many of their key recommendations focus on fear and physical punishment.
Thanks to the work of Dr. L. David Mech, a senior scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey, we now know that dominance theory does not apply to wolves in a natural, wild (non-captive) environment (Alpha Status, Dominance, and Division of Labor in Wolf Packs) (http://tiny.cc/ycQeU). Research by Dr. Ray and Lorna Coppinger (DOGS: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution (Scribner, NY, 2001; Univ. Chicago Press, 2002) has helped us understand that while closely related to the wolf a dog is not a hunter or a pack animal. Dogs are primarily scavengers and when living feral often live alone or in very loose groups.
So what does all of this mean? It means that the dominance theory spouted for years by many in the dog community is a poor model for describing wolf behavior and is an even worse model for training your dog. Unfortunately, just like there is still a Flat Earth Society there are still those like Cesar Millan, who hang on to a dog training model that is erroneous and based on creating confrontation and fear.
The AVSAB is not the first to question Millan's techniques. On February 23, 2006 the New York Times quoted Dr. Nicholas Dodman [veterinary behaviorist and director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University] as saying ''My college thinks it [The Dog Whisperer - Cesar Millan] is a travesty. We've written to National Geographic Channel and told them they have put dog training back 20 years.'' Later that same year the American Humane Association stated "The training tactics featured on Cesar Millan's "The Dog Whisperer" program are inhumane, outdated and improper"
Kim's article concludes with a statement by Dr. Sophia Yin, a member of the AVSAB executive board, warning dog guardians to avoid dog trainers and others who: continually tell owners that they have to be the "alpha," warn owners not to use rewards too much, and uses pinch collars or shock collars on dogs in a training class. "The AVSAB recommends that veterinarians not refer clients to trainers or behavior consultants who coach and advocate dominance hierarchy theory and the subsequent confrontational training that follow from it."
Monday, August 18, 2014
Happy 5th Birthday to the Sparky/Ali litter
Here's JJ and Koko out of that litter:
This is very accomplished litter, with Koko being a nationally top ranked obedience and agility competitor and JJ having sired top conformation winning puppies. Koko is now known as CH Sonrisas Lil Pawz Koko RAE CDX CGN AGI AGIJ
This is very accomplished litter, with Koko being a nationally top ranked obedience and agility competitor and JJ having sired top conformation winning puppies. Koko is now known as CH Sonrisas Lil Pawz Koko RAE CDX CGN AGI AGIJ
Thank you to Joan Reid for her excellent training and care of both Riley (he too has his CD and is working on more titles )and Koko. No one could ask for more for JJ who is loved and cared for by Cathy Boucher in Holland landing. Thank you again to both. And, of course, thank you to Elaine Cirimele of Lil Pawz
Havanese without which this wouldn't have happened.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
George baby is doing well!
This from Judy Higgs. BOW, BOS, BP, and PG2 for Classical's Autumn Moon (Autumn) under judge Peter Green and a week later WB, BOS, BP, PG3. Autumn is a George baby. Thanks to both Judy and Bea Sawka for this breeding.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Happy 1st birthday to the Drew Litter!
Happy Birthday to the Drew litter. Here's Mia waiting for her birthday cake
Charo got to spend the day with Eleanore as an only dog. She was walked, played with lots of different dogs and was royally spoiled.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Sunday, August 10, 2014
American Ch Sonrisas Nena at Old Havana
Nena, already has her American championship, but was in her second (I think) show this weekend in Canada. She earned four points and hopefully will gain her Canadian title soon. Nena is out of our Willow and George, and is owned by Chris and Myrna McCallum of Windsor.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Another one of George's babies
Classical's Autumn Moon at Lackawanna Kennel Club Show won WB, BOW, Best Puppy and best of opposite over a special today and then took a puppy group 3.
This is a puppy out of George and Bea Sawka's girl Violet.
This is a puppy out of George and Bea Sawka's girl Violet.
Spay/Neuter Discussion
If you have already spayed or neutered your pet you probably don't want to read this, but if you haven't read on:
Viable options are a vasectomy for a male and a partial spay for a female. However, many veterinarians may resist this as all changes are slow in coming. One of these papers states a high percentage of intact female dogs dying of pyometra which is why the partial spay is probably best for the female dog. Some vets talk about the stress of the female heat cycle, but with the Havanese, at least my Havanese, there is little change in behaviour during a heat cycle.
Gidget nee Cricket
From an email I received from Gidget's owner. Thank you very much btw. It's news like this that make us keep doing what we are doing.
"I can not begin to tell you how amazing she is or how much we are enjoying her. What a personality! We’ve only ever owned large breeds but now I can’t even begin to imagine why we didn’t get a Havanese sooner. She really is a big dog in a little package. She is so funny and spirited, adores people and loves all dogs. She’s also really changed our golden. Their relationship has blossomed into something very special and as a consequence has really helped Maisy out of her shyness. These two are inseparable."
"I can not begin to tell you how amazing she is or how much we are enjoying her. What a personality! We’ve only ever owned large breeds but now I can’t even begin to imagine why we didn’t get a Havanese sooner. She really is a big dog in a little package. She is so funny and spirited, adores people and loves all dogs. She’s also really changed our golden. Their relationship has blossomed into something very special and as a consequence has really helped Maisy out of her shyness. These two are inseparable."
Saturday, August 2, 2014
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