Quote from: bobspapa on August 07, 2009, 09:52:36 AM
a garage door opener?

Dumbass, that's a car opener thingie. 

I'm sorry

Don't make me go over there and beat you.

you had yer chance

You were supposed to be in Seattle.

  It's a clicker, although there is nothing magical about the object itself.  You can use any number of things.  Whistles are used for dolphin training, fish have been trained with pen lights, etc.  Clickers are popular with dog trainers.  The technical term for the method is operant conditioning with positive reinforcement, but most people call it clicker training.

The book Don't Shoot the Dog! gives a great explanation of why and how it works, but is not a step-by-step guide on how to do it...for that I recommend a video or taking a class, there are also some good beginning books.

All those dolphin and killer whale tricks at Sea World?  They were taught through this method (no shock collars needed).

I trained my dogs to do agility (and other things) using clicker training.  People use clicker training to train cats to climb backwards down a tree, use the toilet, etc.  Also works great for horses, chickens, and people.

It's also very fun for both the trainer and the trainee, and can really strengthen your relationship.

^

What is the long-term impact on the joints of a dog in a competition like that?

Quote from: cyrus buelton on August 07, 2009, 10:54:04 AM
^

What is the long-term impact on the joints of a dog in a competition like that?

I don't think anyone has done any formal studies, but there are a number of rules in place for the dogs' safety.  They do always do it on soft dirt or grass.  I think flyball is worse on their joints than agility is.  There are dogs that have been doing agility for years and seem to be in good health.

For reference, the jump height for my dogs in agility competition is 20", yet my dogs can both jump 6'.  Jump heights are as low as 4" depending on the dog's height and the organization putting on the competition.

That said, I had to retire my dogs because Grover developed luxating patellas, a knee problem which is genetic (the kneecaps don't fit properly over the joints and can shift out of place).  The jumping didn't cause it but it did exacerbate it.  I retired Watson because Grover would have been jealous if she still was doing it.

There are also versions of agility that don't use jumps, for example we've done one where it was only running through tunnels.

Nice agility shots! 

Here's our version. Gabby loves to chase and jump for bubbles.  She goes crazy for them. I'd love to find a dock and do that thing where the dogs jump off the end chasing toys.

Quote from: Triple J on August 07, 2009, 01:14:33 PMI'd love to find a dock and do that thing where the dogs jump off the end chasing toys.

Remember the ones they use for competition are usually carpeted to prevent slipping.

Quote from: somegirl on August 07, 2009, 09:41:55 AM
This works great for teaching off-leash commands, if you know how to use it.

Thumbnail mangler. 

First time I used it I had it turned the wrong way.  Ouch!         Great tool though!   

Here's the latest with Brian:

Short history:  Since 4th of July w/end, he had pain in his right hind leg (occasionally) to the point of crying loudly and holding it up - regardless of whether he was running or turning in a circle on the couch.  Within minutes, he could easily walk out of it and resume activities.  Took him in to his vet and after a brief exam, we decided on 2 weeks of anti-inflammatories and no activities.  No change.  Put under for x-rays a week ago and we're told possible meniscal "clicks" but no definitive answer, instructed to see an orthopedic surgeon.  I set up two appts. with two highly recommended orthos.

Appt. 1:
Tuesday we visit the Steadman-Hawkins clinic of vet clinics and we're told Brian has a rare genetic deformation called patella alta (more common in cats) in both hind legs.  Recommend surgical reconstruction next week on the right and 4 weeks later on the left.  Both of which require 8-12 weeks crate recovery to prevent him from going up on his hind legs even once.  This is NOT an exciting offer either financially or mentally for any of us (well, except for the vet). 

Appt. #2 today:
Ortho doc says after a very painful and rigorous exam of his entire body "I'm not overly concerned with his knees, you need to talk with the internist because I'm really concerned with the fluid in the joints.  Poly-arthritis they say (arthritis in the hind knees, front elbows and shoulders).  Along with the possibility of meningitis and a tick-born disease.  I ask again about the patellas and again, no real concern. 

Talked with the regular doc after Brian and I got home and we both agree a third consult is in order, knees are a priority, not meningitis but smart to get the tick panel.  New ortho appt. for next Thursday.  In the meantime, he stays on pain killers since appt. #2 vets say he is in great pain.

So Randimus, if you're reading this from a computer in Ouray, can you bring B in next week?!   Wait, if you're reading this in Ouray, you're lame.   

And I'm out of beer, missed a lot of work this week, have to bag my 75 mile group bicycle ride tomorrow and go into the office.  Off to the beer store I must go.  TGIF all!   

How can the diagnoses be so different?

Good luck with the next one.

Hugs to you and Brian.

Quote from: trouble on August 07, 2009, 02:46:21 PM
How can the diagnoses be so different?

cuz dogs cant talk. If they could, they would be able to tell you which doctor is talking out their ass.


big hugs for Brian and Brian's humans.

Quote from: trouble on August 07, 2009, 02:46:21 PM
How can the diagnoses be so different?
Good luck with the next one.
Hugs to you and Brian.

Isn't that so interesting?!  I contacted appt. #1 vet to let him know I'm not scheduling surgery at this point because I'm getting a 3rd opinion and shared why and he was quite surprised with the diagnosis of doc. #2 - but very supportive of a 3rd opinion and getting the tick panel done.

Quote from: bobspapa on August 07, 2009, 02:51:52 PM
cuz dogs cant talk. If they could, they would be able to tell you which doctor is talking out their ass.
big hugs for Brian and Brian's humans.

   Exactly.  And thank you!  He's snoozing away his sedative.  I seriously need to sneak out for some beer while he IS in his semi-coma state!