[nagdu] Too much Sniffing

Fri Jan 17 03:33:18 UTC 2014

Whether it is a service dog or a pet, there is nothing wrong with using a gl
or a halty, especially if a dog never learns not to strangle  him/herself by
constantly pulling on the collar. That being said, although there is
generally more than one right solution to a problem, there is also usually a
wrong solution, and I have seen head collars used in situations where, JMHO,
they were not necessary. In some instances, in my opinion, the dog did not
really need the head collar, so I am not exactly sure why the dog was
wwearing one. In other instances, the issues that the person was trying to
resolve by using the head collar were kind of border line bad enough that it
is questionable whether or not the dog sshould have been a guide dog or was
the right match for the person. Yes, it is possible to get a dog used to a
head collar, but, if a person does not do this, then it can be very hard for
the dog.

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Raven Tolliver
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 7:22 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Too much Sniffing

Yes, of course she would have to use it at home first; that's a given.
But that is not really an issue. I have conditioned dogs to love collars
like the Halti and Gentle leader just by giving treats, toys, and playing
games while they wear it. The biggest mistake people make when introducing
the collar is babying the dog and responding to its antics to remove the
collar. But really, it's possible to get your dog to love it or at least
tolerate it without being incredibly distracted.
The rule for everything whether it's food, working equipment or special
grooming tools is slow introduction. Seconds to a minute at a time. Make it
fun and/or associate it with yummy high-value treats.
I don't understand why so many people are opposed to using these collars. I
believe, over in the UK, people regularly work highly distractible guide
dogs in Haltis. Until I got a handle on my golden guy's dog distraction, he
wore a Halti unless we were working inside.
I understand that these collars are not for everyone. But frankly, it's
better than constantly yanking at your dog's neck. Also, I commend Darla for
trying to do something about the sniffing, rather than just passively
putting up with it as I see so many people do. All dogs have their own
little quirks and flaws, and sometimes, talking on its own is not enough.

On 1/16/14, Brandydp <brandydp at verizon.net> wrote:
> What I find works with people or sniffing distractions is if it is an 
> area you know he will sniff say leave it before the offense occurs. 
> When he isn't sniffing do you say good leave it? At gdf we say good to
whatever behavior.
> Also if we say leave it we are told to obediently tell the dog what to do.
> So it goes something like, leave it, straight when the dog does leave 
> it its good girl good straight or good leave it. Maybe talking to him 
> more will work. If he is very involved in sniffing maybe stop and sit 
> or do some obedience. The issue with darla just putting on a halty is 
> that huck hasn't ever worn one so before going outside and possibly 
> having a safety concern with a dog trying to get it off she would need 
> to use it at home first. A lot of dogs are so distracted by it that it
heneers their work.
>
> brandy pinder
> Alumni Council -  second vice Chairman Guide Dog Foundation for the 
> Blind, IncR and America's VetDogsR, The Veteran's K-9 Corps IncR 
> Providing "Second uSight"R since 1946
>
> 371 E. Jericho Turnpike smith town ny 11766
> Cso: 866-282-8047
> Email: brandydp at verizon.net
> Cell: 304-685-4499
>
>> On Jan 15, 2014, at 10:37 PM, "Nicole Torcolini"
>> <ntorcolini at wavecable.com> wrote:
>>
>> What kind of correction are you using? Were you taught  about the 
>> high collar position? Also, another piece of equipment that some 
>> people choose to use is a pinch collar. I personally don't like the 
>> idea, but it does work for people. I have a friend who used to have a 
>> sniffy lab. She would use the pinch collar in its intended way once 
>> or twice, and then the dog would behave.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Darla 
>> Rogers
>> Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 12:33 PM
>> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
>> Subject: [nagdu] Too much Sniffing
>>
>> As all of you know, I love this dog to pieces but oh that labbie 
>> nose; he sniffs way too much and doesn't seem to mind the 
>> corrections. Sometimes, "Leave it" works, but at other times, it 
>> works for that distraction but not the next.
>>
>>                Any ideas?  GDA does not use the gentle leader or haltie.
>>
>> Desperately,
>>
>> And Huck the biggest Nose of the Midwest
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Darla J. Rogers
>>
>> djrogers0628 at gmail.com
>>
>>
>>
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--
Raven

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