DOG SENSE

The other day, a NAVHDA friend of mine said to me,  "I read your blog.  It's not as much about pudelpointers as it is about 'life'."  I thought about that for a nano-second and realized that he was right.  It is about life--life with a pudelpointer. Yeah, I can live with that.


As you may recall, last year I spent the summer months and the early part of fall helping K-Lee recuperate from surgery.  The operation was explained in a previous post.  It's not that the dog and I share everything, but this year it's my turn.  Doctors have discovered I have a somewhat rare heart problem that needs to be corrected.  I'm pushing to be be "boots on the ground" this fall.

What is particularly amazing to me is K-Lee's response to my "condition".  I think it has to do with the sensitivity and nature of dogs--especially dogs that are close companions.  Even before the diagnosis, she took to lying by my chair when I'm on the computer.  She is much more gentle around me and forgoes the "antics" when excited.  We even share a recliner--the only furniture that she is allowed to "access".  She used to hop right up onto my lap-- all 53 pounds.  Now when she gets up to lie in my lap, it is now done with tenderness.  I'm wondering if she can read my "aura". 

Clearly, she senses the situation and acts accordingly. 
I'm hoping that someday I'll develop the same trait.  
But for now, that's too far to reach.
.

THE MELT-DOWN

“Whoa!  Whoa!!  WHOA!,”  I yelled.  K-Lee “busted” the bird.  She was chasing it across the field and into the brush.  She wouldn’t stop for me or the e-collar.  Moments later, the bird made its escape and she came to me—as if giving me a consolation prize.  I picked her up and carefully held her off the ground with her rear-end much higher than her head. (I wanted to get her attention and get her focus off the bird.)  Carrying her back to the spot where she transgressed, I shouted several times at her, “Shame!  Shame on you!!  Shame!  Shame!”  I firmly placed her  where she should have remained in the first place.  

"Bird On The Run"

We were taking our turn in a NAVHDA  Merrimack Valley Chapter training clinic.  It was at that moment that I realized I had thrown the “still small voice” (see March 2nd post) out the window and was using the “big voice”.  (Oh, the sour feelings of failure!)  K-Lee knew better than to bust a bird but she gave in to temptation.  Full disclosure:  She had been waiting  nearby the bird field.  While she was doing so, she was with other dogs who were ramped up and excited—whining and barking to tell their owners that they wanted to go, go, go after birds.
 ....It's as if my pup has a competitive streak.

When released, she ran hard and fast and slammed into a point.  One of the gunners said, “Well, that didn’t take long.”  It didn’t.  She usually hunts at a more casual pace for me, but that afternoon she was wound up like a spring-driven toy at Christmas.  She flew!  I had no problem with that.  The problem was that she didn’t stay “on point” like she usually does.  She saw the bird try to escape and the chase was on!  Deep down inside, I thought that she might try that, so I had the training collar turned up for a serious correction.  She blew right through each correction with no more than vocalization.  I sensed that the men who were gunning for me were probably concerned that I was being too harsh. 

I thought to myself, “Never scold your dogs or your children in public”.

I felt like a hypocrite and a brute. (No, I didn't strike her!) Both the dog and I were going through a melt-down.  After I placed her on the spot where she originally pointed, I kicked around a bit in the grass—as if I were trying to flush another bird.  She acknowledged my command “Whoa” this time, but I knew very well that she knew there wasn’t a bird there anymore.  Her nose is that good.  I was “wound up” after that bit of "theater", but felt that maybe the it had been timely and appropriate.   After a few moments to calm (us) down, I released her to find the next bird.

K-Lee had to work a bit for the second one--she cast left, right, back, farther and finally slid into a point.  I went to her and was pleased that she remained steady.  She looked like a painting.  I walked around a bit and saw the bird.  It was jammed into a spot from which I was sure it wouldn’t be able to take flight.  Looking back, that was a really bad assumption--for a host of reasons.

“Mistake #2” was bending over and grabbing the bird.  It was more than K-Lee could stand.  She charged to my side with a (sort of) “I want it boss!” look. Having the bird in my hand did nothing to calm her down.   One of the gunners asked me if I still wanted to deploy the bird.  I said “Yes.  I’d like to see how she handles it.” 

The bird flew, and the gunners did their job with excellence.  I told K-Lee to “fetch”, but she must have anticipated me.  She took off like a nitro-fueled dragster a micro-second before the command fell from my lips.  She came back yanking on the bird like my neighbor's kid works on a piece of bubble gum.  (I think she likes to make the birds squeak.)  She sat and delivered—though hardly the best that she’d ever done.  The bird?  It had seen better days.

I was once told by a breeder who is also a senior NAVHDA judge, that my dog would probably turn out to be a really good hunter for me, but (most likely) she wouldn’t be a good test dog because of her temperament.  I believed him, but after this day’s “melt-down”, I really believe him.  This is the second time that K-Lee  went “over the moon” in this environment.  Each time there was shooting, birds, other anxious dogs as she waited her turn in the field.  Perhaps in time, with more exposure we can "dial her back" a bit.   

As I’ve previously said, my priorities with K-Lee are first, companion dog; second, hunting partner; and third and last, NAVHDA testing dog (to help in our development).  I’ve nothing to prove—we just want to have a good time and try be the best we can become.  So we’ll continue to work on the requirements of the Utility Test because it will make her a better dog.  ...but to actually test?  The jury is still out on that one.   Anyhow, we're sticking with it.  There’s much, much more to a NAVHDA chapter than the tests.   

 # re-learning “sotto voce”

PANDEMONIUM

There was hardly a cloud in the sky above the upper Merrimack Valley where temperatures peaked around 69 degrees.  Winds were moderate, so I opted to take K-Lee along the Merrimack River's "edge growth" to see what we could find. 

Yesterday, we were farther north along the river, where we came upon a gaggle of Canada geese feeding in a cornfield.  (K-Lee is struggling with remaining "still" in the presence of birds. For her, that's not easy!)  We approached carefully and K-Lee behaved well.  She remained at "heel" and didn't quiver and whine as much before.  To help her stay with me, I attached her leash. I was pleased that there was no pulling on her end.  The geese stayed just out of shotgun range.  As part of this "palette",  a few Mallards left in a hurry, a snow goose passed overhead and a coyote trotted along the edge of the field.  All in all, yesterday was a good day.  I called it quits before I pushed her too far.

Today, we chose another intervale and worked our way south along the riparian growth, looking for transient birds.  We found no woodcock, but plenty of ducks and a few Canada geese.  

At one spot, K-Lee pointed about 35-40 mallards and a goose or two that were lounging in a flooded slough.  In less than several heartbeats, it seemed like the entire river erupted with noisy waterfowl!  Needless to say, it put K-Lee over the "edge" and she gave chase.  It was pandemonium!  My initial thought  was to shout "whoa" and try to stop her.  Instead, I decided to let her discover that she was engaged in a futile exercise.  Dogs can't swim as fast as birds can fly.  I'm still at odds with myself as to which was the correct course.  Dogs can easily injure themselves by chasing, and they can spook up other birds in the vicinity.  Besides, it's just bad manners.  Fortunately, she was immediately in the river and pushing water like a naval destroyer.

Barely repentant, she came back to me.  I put her at "heel" to give her time to calm down and consider the error of her ways.  After a short walk, I released her.  My mistake!  She found a small flock of black ducks and put them to wing. (I'm not sure if the ducks went up and she gave chase or if she chased and then they flew.  Either way, my patience was worn too thin.)  Back at "heel" she went and we exited the (once) game-rich environment as I explained to her --in very unhappy terms--the "shame!" of it all.  

I took her to another location where I though there might be woodcock and snipe.  Apparently there were woodcock in the area earlier, but none today.  She did point a snipe in the wet field, which brought me back to the happier side of the day. 

K-Lee doesn't tend to chase "planted" birds, but wild ones seem to ring her bell--particularly waterfowl.  That may be because they splash, quack and honk  their way into the air.  

Regardless, it looks like we'll have time to learn proper manners this summer.  She and I are going to spend a lot of time in the field and in the Great North Woods.  I have the necessary permission from "headquarters".

Point!

CARRYING CAPACITY

Recently our family went through the "in-home hospice care" and the "passing" of my mother. Cascading emotions and behaviors came into play when the needed "in-home 24/7 care" doubled from what was expected. We began to need "outside help".  That's when members of her church--The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)--stepped up to the plate.  

They were magnificent! These "Angels of Mercy" clothed as everyday citizens freely gave their aid.  Day after day, they provided help well into the night and even into following days.

I asked myself, "This world is filled with 'my', 'me', 'mine' and all other forms of selfishness, but these people aren't.  Why?  What makes them so different?"  It was then that I had a "mini-revelation"--an "epiphany". The words came to my head "Carrying Capacity".  I felt a rush of understanding as I realized that these people had served all their lives in one capacity or another.  They were experienced in helping others.  

When Mormons agree to be baptized, they also agree to "bear one another's burdens" to make them light.  This simple covenant seems to be the basis for God building up a strong people--with large "carrying capacities".  When everyone was losing their perspective and focus, the Latter-day Saint people calmly ministered with the capacity of professionals.  Helping where needed, they were outstanding.  They were a "blessing".

A little help here??

Carrying capacity (my definition/examples): the ability of a structural beam to support a physical load; the ability of a truck to carry a load; or the ability of a person to endure and carry a physical or emotional load.  

 It seems that the more we engage in such behaviors of service, the stronger and more capable we become.

These individuals were focused on "service"--helping others to bear their burdens and to improve their lives.  It is part of their religion and done on their own time.  To these Latter-day saints, serving others was serving God.  They were confident and skilled.

The beginning of "Hold"

Pups and "Carrying Capacity":  The principles of developing "carrying capacity" also apply to training our pups.  The more a puppy is provided with meaningful, fun, and learning moments; the greater becomes its capacity to do work, to exert self-discipline and become an obedient and cooperative animal--in other words, greater becomes the pup's "carrying capacity".  Genetics are a great starting point, but beyond that lies much required training and repetition, fun, rewards, and encouragement.  If you want a great hunting companion or simply a great canine companion, spend the necessary time and allow nothing to over-ride your commitment.  It may be painful at times, but a soft hand, soft voice, measured instruction with praise and  rewards will get you where you want to be.  K-Lee and I are working on that, and her "carrying capacity" improves every month as we work together. 

Maybe someday, K-Lee and I will have the "carrying capacity" that those Latter-day Saints displayed--a capacity beyond measure...maybe.

Boston Massachusetts Temple - of the "LDS" Church

THE "SECOND SKIN"

This Friday, Spring will officially "arrive".  Hurrah!  The March winds may blow, temperatures may struggle to get above freezing, but soon we'll be engaged in warm weather activities.  K-Lee and I will be able to wander the countryside again, hopefully finding woodcock that have returned to our fields and forests.

Barely acknowledged by anyone, there is another "sign" of Spring in these northern climes. It is our shedding of   a "second skin".  Nature has a way of renewing itself, allowing for growth and health.  Snakes are masters of it.  They shed their skin.  We New Englanders do as well.

When cold winter winds come, folks who spend time outdoors start wearing "long johns" beneath their clothing.  In effect, they are putting on a "second skin" to moderate the effects of winter weather.  They/we wear them all winter long--taking them off only for a washing or a very indoor event.  The "second skin" becomes so intimately comfortable that without them, we secretly loathe to go outside.

"Long johns"  generally come in two styles--either two- piece sets or one-piece "union suits".  They vary in color, and some even have "prints" that make them look more like sportswear.  They come in various fabrics too--cotton, wool, polypropylene, the new space-age fabrics, and the old favorite among the active sportsmen, silk.  I have to confess that I've never owned the more expensive (and warm) silk, but the idea appeals to me.

When Spring is finally upon the wearers, there is a rush of energy to abandon the "long johns".  It is overpowering.  Wearers can no longer stand to have that additional, protective layer on their body.  Involuntarily, they shed their "second skin" and with unfettered abandon, enter into the season of renewal.

How do you know when Spring has really come to New England?  Check out the clotheslines.  If you see "long johns" flying in the breeze, Spring has sprung!