Hey D -

As I've replied on several occasions, your stories of Fama and her attitude is so similar to my boy, Enzo. I know if Enzo was being handled by a man he probably would be more in check as I observe him working with the few men trainers we've had (the good ones at least) and his ex-daddy, he definitely has a different respect/relationship than he does me. Although he does follow my lead 98% of the time, he probably thinks I need defending more. We have determined he has this crazy switch that sometimes even he can't control.

So with that - I do use an e-collar on Enzo; my questions is: does/did you use one on Fama, and/or does the military allow you to even use/have one? What is their philosophy on dog training as far as compulsion vs. shaping vs. positive reinforcement? and second question - do you continue keep up with Fama's movement and career? Do you know or will you be able to have communication with her new handler? Just wondering if she knows how famous she has become on the LB pipeline!

You define your relationship with Enzo. Remembering that can go a long way. Don't accept things just because he thinks he can get away with them. With that said.... it's easier said than done, and it took me months to get control of my dog in all situations.

Man.... I hate to ruin a part of the story, but it's coming up soon anyways.

My role as the defender in our relationship was solidified when Fama was attacked by 2 feral dogs. The details are coming up soon in the other thread, so I won't go into it here, but I ended up forcing her behind me and shooting one of the dogs, while my security guy shot the other one. Not much help to you, I know. We did a lot of training on top of that, but I think that day was a real turning point in her mind.

E-collars: No, the military does not allow us to use them on our dogs. Yes, I used one daily for about 4 months. The techniques I used were all low stim.

The military philosophy on dog training varies with each individual kennel master and handler. There is no manual on how to train a dog. The book just outlines their necessary capabilities and potential uses. Most military dogs are trained with compulsion.

I am in touch with the kennels Fama is in, and I will be seeing her sometime this month. I will have contact with her handlers throughout her career. She was doing just fine as of last week. She hasn't bit the guy that runs her particular kennel since she came back, which is a huge change from before

When I head to the kennels after I get home, I will have somebody video our reunion and get some shots of us playing around. I'm going to try my best to stay out of her new handler's way.... but I can't make any promises LOL.

I would also like to encourage anyone else who has questions to please ask them. It will help fill in mission details in the book later.


Thanks everybody.

I think someone asked a while back, and I don't recall seeing the answer...

How do you reward a bomb dog during a real-life find?

 Quote: Duane Hull

I think someone asked a while back, and I don't recall seeing the answer...

How do you reward a bomb dog during a real-life find?

Here is the response from the other thread:


You never pay a dog for a find when you don't know exactly what it is, so IMO, a working dog is never paid for a find in the field. What I would do, in a generic situation, is drop a training aid, recall the dog, have the dog search the training aid, and pay the dog on that final response. If you are in the middle of a firefight, you just do what you have to do to stay safe. Those possibilities are too many to list.

Thanks...
Texted the therapist for an emergency visit tomorrow.

 Quote: David Winners

You define your relationship with Enzo.

 Quote:

Unfortunately Enzo was 10 months old when my ex and I split up, essentially my emotional state played a huge part in his development I'm sure. For what a jerk Enzo can be 2% of the time - the other 98%, he is an exceptional, smart, loving and intuitive dog. He literally is Jekyll-n-Hyde.

Remembering that can go a long way. Don't accept things just because he thinks he can get away with them. With that said.... it's easier said than done, and it took me months to get control of my dog in all situations.

 Quote:

I don't have the physical strength I used to, and sometimes that's what E needs. I'm hoping as he gets older and our training continues he will defer all situations to me. Normally it's not him/me or us, but rather idiot owners who allow their dogs to come barreling at us.

Man.... I hate to ruin a part of the story, but it's coming up soon anyways.

 Quote:

Sorry

E-collars: No, the military does not allow us to use them on our dogs. Yes, I used one daily for about 4 months. The techniques I used were all low stim.

The military philosophy on dog training varies with each individual kennel master and handler. There is no manual on how to train a dog. The book just outlines their necessary capabilities and potential uses. Most military dogs are trained with compulsion.

 Quote:

Interesting..do you know why they do not allow e-collars? I'm starting to rethink my use on the ecollar after an article I read about Wales (I think it was Wales) banning their use. However, I also know it has been a life saver for Enzo and I.

I am in touch with the kennels Fama is in, and I will be seeing her sometime this month. I will have contact with her handlers throughout her career. She was doing just fine as of last week. She hasn't bit the guy that runs her particular kennel since she came back, which is a huge change from before

 Quote:

HA! I bet he's happy!

When I head to the kennels after I get home, I will have somebody video our reunion and get some shots of us playing around. I'm going to try my best to stay out of her new handler's way.... but I can't make any promises LOL.

That would be very cool to see!


So how many handlers has Fama had? What about separation anxiety? Do military dogs get it or do you think with their high working drive they really do not care who is behind them as long as they are working? Did Fama like other dogs or did she view them as Scooby snacks?



Edited by Tanya Moyer (05/17/2012 11:58 PM)
Edit reason: I obviously do not know how to reply with several quotes!

 Quote: Duane Hull

Thanks...
Texted the therapist for an emergency visit tomorrow.

Sorry for the graphic nature of the post. I had it edited.

Just read it again and forget all about the first time

Haha... that wasn't because of your reply. After you posted I DID remember seeing it.
Last night, Steve had me going in circles. I was bouncing from thread to thread trying to find "Up".

How often do you get to see her David? I hope you'll be able to bring her to Julie's neck of the woods!