MAL EDUCATION - by Ruth Kellogg

VACATIONS

A vacation can be used in many ways. Many people use it as a time to stretch their knowledge in different directions, learn new things, and/or see new places. Others choose to use a vacation as a time of rest, healing, and rejuvenation.

I have a confession to make. I've been enjoying my "vacation" from dog shows, organizations, and teaching classes. There comes a time for everyone (people, dogs, horses, etc.) when a break from a set routine or stress must happen. Moving to the Cariboo effectively "made" me take a break for a while.

The first year here has been typical for me with positives and negatives. It is fortunate that I am on an enforced "vacation" as I have had to recover from the untimely deaths of two of my special furry friends. Even now, eight months after Selena's death, I am still very raw. But on the positive side, the pain is lessening and I am starting to be able to focus on more "formal" teaching with my dogs, my animal studies, and in writing again.

This enforced break from most organized dog activities emphasized the need for breaks from working, training, showing, etc. for both me and dogs. I wasn't the only one affected by the extremely ugly negative situation I lived in before moving last year - my dogs were all deeply affected. A year later, I've seen huge improvements in happiness levels, coat conditions, and overall health. They, too, needed the break - a vacation - from stress. This healing period ("vacation") is slowly having positive results for us all.

How, you might ask, is this applicable to Mal Education? Aren't we always "training" our dogs? Shouldn't the dogs need frequent reminders of their lessons? Changing directions in our "set in stone" training program to do something unrelated -- like just play? Sacrilege!

Let's remember our schooldays. Come the late spring months it was usually a challenge for teachers to keep children interested in their lessons. Summer fun - no school - was calling loudly! After two months of "play" most children return to the schoolroom looking forward to seeing their friends and possibly learning new things. A break from the routine schooling was needed as a refresher for the children.

A vacation from shows or training can be easily done for dogs. Little things such as a long pleasure walk or hike, or a camping trip instead of a schooling session. Learning a new activity such as an agility obstacle or two is fun. Tracking or search and rescue work is fun. Learning some tricks is fun. Being a couch potato is fun. A different activity that is positive, enjoyable, and fun is a vacation" for a dog.

To answer my earlier question, "Aren't we always "training" our dogs" - yes, we are. But "training" isn't confined to formal events. "Training" in its broadest sense is how we and our dogs relate to each other all the time. For instance expecting a certain level of behavior when a dog is inside is what. I term housemanners. If the rules are "broken" then the dogs are disciplined appropriately. This could be called "training."

The next question, "Shouldn't the dogs need frequent reminders of their lessons?" points directly back to the handler. If the handler has taught the dog in such a way that the dog understands the lesson (and it is not just at the point of behavior modification) and if the handler is consistent at all times with his/her expectations of the dog, then the dog shouldn't need "frequent reminders." Dogs are not stupid creatures. They think, reason, and remember. Malamutes, like many independent thinking breeds, are very bright and are opportunists. If the handler isn't being consistent, then a window of opportunity opens and the Mal takes advantage.

I do confess that I used to really push my dogs in their training long before they were ready emotionally. Now my pups all get their intensive period of learning from weaning to senior puppy age. What do they learn? I teach housemanners, housetraining, crate training, walk on a lead, sit, stand, down, and come when called. We do a lot of playtraining during this time. Although they learn a large amount of information, it is all done positively and with no stress. Then it is up to the individual dog to "show me" what they are ready for as they mature. As a general rule of thumb, I don't start any "formal obedience" until they are two years old. It is as if the youngsters need a break or vacation from the intensive learning in their first few months. Don't misunderstand me, pups in this "vacation period" are still being taught new skills but it is all done positively and in playtraining without formality or stress. Formal obedience work or learning lead dog work is stressful and requires a certain level of maturity for the dogs to handle the stress, concentration, and demands.

Even when I'm working on various tasks, my dogs get regular vacations. Even after months of not being asked to do formal obedience routines, I've found that my dogs remember their skills and usually work better than they did immediately before their "vacation".

Vacations for our dogs and ourselves are wonderful. Use them as another "tool" in your dog's education.

Return to the Index Page