Archive for 'Learned'

Prevent PowerPoint Homicide with Lessons Learned from Jack Welch

Monday, February 14th, 2011 at 7:31 pm  
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New York, NY (PRWEB) July 26, 2008

A new free eBook details lessons that Bill Lane learned about presentation and corporate communication while working as a speechwriter for the bombastic CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch.

During Jack Welch’s tenure as CEO of GE, the company’s stock prices increased fifty-fold. The secret to Jack’s success was his revolutionary approach to corporate communications. Welch had a zero-tolerance policy for B.S. and would regularly eviscerate hapless presenters who violated his demands for concise communication.

Bill Lane, author of the new book, Jacked Up: The Inside Story of How Jack Welch Talked GE into Becoming the World’s Greatest Company, has taken the lessons learned from 20 years at Jack’s side and created a free eBook detailing tips on what NOT to do at your next business presentation.

“How to Commit Career Suicide While Inflicting PowerpointHomocide” is a humorous but insightful look at 13 common presentation misteps. Of course, it also provides some vintage Welch barbs such as:

    ”I wouldn’t let him run my bowling alley.”
    ”What an intellect. One cylinder. Chugging uphill.”
    ”Are you going to read the whole slide? Because I’ve already read it. Can we move on?”

This eBook is now available on Bill Lane’s website (http://www.BillLane.org). It is free to download and share with friends and colleagues.

Bill Lane was Jack Welch’s speechwriter for 20 years. He is the author of the new book Jacked Up: The Inside Story of How Jack Welch Talked GE into Becoming the World’s Greatest Company(McGraw-Hill, January 2008), an unparalleled, often hilarious, business manual and a riveting look at one of America’s most aggressive corporate cultures. Bill Lane is available for email interviews with business bloggers and via phone for podcasters.

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A Lesson I Learned From My First Roommate, a German Shepherd Named Flash

Saturday, October 9th, 2010 at 5:05 am  
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A Lesson I Learned From My First Roommate, a German Shepherd Named Flash

The year was 1969, the year of flower power, peace, and love.  It was also the year that I left home at 16 years old.  I didn’t leave alone.  I took my faithful companion Flash along.  Flash was a very large German Shepherd who had been rescued after suffering terrible abuse as a puppy.  He was kind, stalwart, and loyal.  He was also a very good at being a  German Shepherd.  He knew what was expected of him and followed the rules.

I, on the other hand, was a country bumpkin, still wet behind the ears, so to speak.  We had some fine adventures, but unfortunately, they almost never happened because we were almost killed in our sleep one night.  We all know that sleeping in a room with an open flame or a gas appliance can be dangerous, but I would also like to add another dangerous situation to that list.

Flash and I lived in my 1952 GMC pickup truck.  Are you starting to understand the country bumpkin reference?  We occasionally crashed at a crash pad, but most of the time we preferred our own company and lived like a couple of vagabonds, sleeping wherever we parked.  The original seat of the pickup truck had been removed and two large and comfy bucket seats from a Buick had been installed.  Flash usually slept in the passenger seat and I slept behind the wheel.

For entertainment, other than my harmonica, we had the AM radio in the dash.  We lived off what I could manage to scuffle up, which usually wasn’t much, but we managed.  I dropped in to High School once in a while, mostly out of curiosity and to check in on my more conventional peers.  Most of our days were spent riding the roads, hunting birds, or working part time at the junk yard to make enough money to feed ourselves.

The cooking facilities in a 1952 GMC are non existent, so we ate out of cans and dog food bags.  It was the fall of the year and nights were chilly.  Flash had started out by trying to sleep on top of me, but I would have none of it and forced him to stay on his own side of the cab, but as the nights got colder I began to re-think that policy.  We slept with the windows up and I burrowed deeper into the old, woolen, army blanket I used for warmth.

One night, I parked in the woods off an old road that no one used.  We were near a mill site and the sound of the water over the old dam made a nice backdrop to lull us to sleep.  Before we slept we had our dinner.  I had run out of dog food and planned on getting more in the morning.  I didn’t think it would be a big problem, I’d just share my baked beans with Flash.

Perhaps this would be a good time to discuss the physical attributes of a German Shepherd.  While they are wonderfully sturdy dogs on the outside, German Shepherds are as delicate as a Swiss watch on the inside.  As anyone who has lived with a German Shepherd knows, they have delicate stomachs and must be on a carefully monitored diet, especially if you will be sleeping in a confined space with one.  But this was the time I lived dangerously and I did almost anything that came to mind without a lot of forethought.

We had our meal and snuggled down to sleep, the sound of the falling water like a lullaby in the background.  During the night, I had a dream that I was at the local landfill (we called them dumps back them).  The stench was horrendous and it was such a realistic dream that I could hear the rumbling of trucks and actually smelled the landfill, in fact, it made me physically sick and awakened me from the dream.  

I woke coughing and gasping for air.  The cab of the truck was filled with noxious gas. Oh!  The humanity!  Flash, poor soul, was moaning in his sleep and his stomach was making terrible rumbling sounds.  I quickly wound the windows down and I hung my head out the driver’s side window while Flash hung his head out the passenger’s side window.  I don’t know how long we remained like that, but I eventually recovered and we spent the rest of the night sleeping with the windows open.

What I learned from my experience was that German Shepherds, like aerosol cans, should come with a warning label that says, “Warning, contents under pressure.  Use in a well ventilated area.”

You can read about the adventures of Lacey Blue Days, the greyhound and all Bill Hart’s funny animal stories at http://blog.lacey-blue.com/

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Parenting Lessons Learned From Dog Training

Friday, September 24th, 2010 at 5:05 am  
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Parenting Lessons Learned From Dog Training

To some people it may seem ridiculous to compare training dogs to raising children. But, I’ve actually come to see many similarities between successful dog training and effective parenting. I started thinking about this one day while I was shopping. There was a woman in the store who continually (and mostly unsuccessfully) called to her very young daughter: “Jennifer … Jenny …Jennifer …Jennifer…Jen…” After about 15 minutes of hearing this I wanted to (among other things) tell her, “Please stop calling her. Jenny clearly doesn’t respond to hearing her name called. She may not even understand what you want. What you’re doing isn’t working. Try something else.” Of course I decided against saying this. – -But it made me think – and I realized that I had made this same mistake when I was young and inexperienced. It’s an easy mistake to make.

While this mother surely meant well, she was actually teaching Jenny NOT to respond. Jennifer was learning that when she was called, there was no compelling need to respond. She may not have even known what was expected of her. But she was learning that she would be called not once – but many, MANY times. She was learning that she could choose which time, if any, to actually do what was being requested of her. She was also learning there were many ways in which she could respond. She stand still and continue touching whatever she was touching (her most common response), she could turn around and run in the opposite direction, or she could return to her mother (which she did least often of all – over what seemed to be the eternity this went on around me.) A better solution would have been for this mom to call her toddler once – and then take her by the hand if she didn’t respond to her name being called. This same principle applies to your dog. Until your dog has 100% recall to the ‘come’ command, don’t use the command unless you can enforce it. (In other words, make sure he’s on a lead.) If you can’t enforce the command on the first call – your dog will learn that he doesn’t need to respond to you when given this command. Never give a command twice. Say it once – reward and praise lavishly if the proper response is given. If the desired response isn’t given, then help your dog to give the proper response and then praise him (or her.) And this principle applies to anything you teach your dog – not just the ‘come’ command.

Another similarity between dog training and child rearing is the principle: reward works better than punishment. Period. I believe this is true not only with dogs – but with children as well (and with most adults too.) Try to find your pet doing the RIGHT behavior – then immediately praise and reward. This will have a snowballing effect: the more you praise the good behaviors the more frequently they will occur – the more opportunities you will have to praise – etc…

A third similarity between dog training and parenting that occurred to me is that both require lots of patience and consistence. Both pets and children generally respond best when the people who love and care for them possess and display these qualities. Patience is absolutely necessary whether raising a child or a pup. Without it, you are both doomed. And, a caregiver who displays consistence unquestionably benefits both children and pets as well.

So, I think you’ll agree, there really are some important similarities between successful dog training and effective parenting. You must have the proper expectations and frame of mind yourself. It’s necessary to help your ‘loved one’ to provide appropriate responses until he is able to do so on his own. Remember that reward works better than punishment. Always be patient and consistent. All of these actions and attitudes will be of assistance whether your goal is effective parenting or successful dog training. (Oh, and just encase your daughter’s name is Jenny and you think that may have been you at the mall – I changed “G’s” name to “Jenny” to protect the young and inexperienced. I was there once too. ;) )

Article provided courtesy of e.dog.training.com. For information on How to Potty Train Your Dog please visit: http://www.e-dog-training.com/HowToHouseTrainYourDog.html For General Puppy Training Advice please see: http://www.e-dog-training.com/Top10PuppyTrainingTips.html Copyright 2007 – May be printed or publish provided credit and a link is provided to: http://www.e-dog-training.com

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The Dogs Who Found Me: What I’ve Learned from Pets Who Were Left Behind

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010 at 1:04 pm  
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The Dogs Who Found Me: What I’ve Learned from Pets Who Were Left Behind

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A Most Pimped Cruise! How I learned to love long lines, open my wallet & get with the Funship program

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at 5:05 am  
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A Most Pimped Cruise! How I learned to love long lines, open my wallet & get with the Funship program

The Setup - Although veterans of many cruises, we had never had the “Drive Port” experience. Just throwing everything but the dog into the SUV – bypassing the hassle and inconvenience of airports, airlines and transfers – seemed like a good idea. From Memphis the logical choice was Carnival’s Triumph sailing to the Eastern Caribbean out of New Orleans.  (7 days-July 24 to 31)

Embarkation – Docs we printed out online indicated boarding was from 12:30p to 2:30p with ship sailing at 4:00pm. So, we got in line for pier-side unloading and parking at 12:20p. Once parked and out of the SUV we stood in line for about 45 minutes – outdoors – in 95 degree mid-summer New Orleans heat and humidity. (What logistical genius arranged for that little bit of torture?) From parking to boarding the ship took a total of 80 minutes – during which long lines with many switch backs were the norm.

We were told at the parking/unloading point that, yes, we could schlep our own bags aboard if so inclined. But, just before entering the blessedly air conditioned terminal building, we were singled out from the herd by Colonel Klink and told that three of our bags were oversized and must be checked. He pointed to a little airline type “carry-on-bags-must-fit-in-here-or-we-stab-your-mother” warning sign with size testing receptacle, the volume of which was just big enough to hold a medium sized lunch box. I’m thinking, “they have overhead bins on cruise ships now? So why wasn’t that sign positioned back at the unloading point?”

Accommodations - Once on board we were directed to our ocean view cabins on Deck One. The cabins were very spacious and quite comfortable – larger than on most ships – something for which Carnival is noted. Our decision not to splurge on balcony cabins was justified. Overall ambiance of the ship seemed spacious.

Our room steward was Jorge from Peru – a very gracious man who seemed eager to please – as did most of the staff.

Waiting in our cabins were bon voyage gifts from the Hotel Manager and our local Business Development Manager, fruit baskets, wine, etc. They were greatly appreciated and quickly consumed.

Departure - Noticing at 5pm that the gangway had been retracted but we had not yet sailed, an announcement by the captain explained that due to weather – tropical depression Bonnie – and heavy traffic at the river’s mouth, sailing would be delayed until 3am Sunday morning.  But, we were reassured that the ship would still reach ports on time. And it did.

Dining – Even though we had officially requested a large table for eight or more, we were seated in a booth for four. The booth was comfortable and cozy, but this was still a disappointment for us – we cruise to meet people.  The maitre ‘d was apologetic and said he’d try to remedy the situation, but did not. Understandably, most people want tables reserved for just their group of family and friends, especially during the summer months when traveling with kids.  My theory? They probably originally had us booked for a large table…then they saw me tripping and stumbling my way up the gangway sporting a lime green Pimp My Cruise tank top with “Bite Me” tattooed over my jugular. I’m sure they decided then and there that it was best to isolate us from the other diners.

The food ranged from average to very, very good. The biggest improvement to Carnival’s food service is in the presentation. Main dining room offerings were stylish and gourmet in appearance. However, in actual taste most dishes were about a half star short of deserving of that sobriquet.  Some exceptions: the Chilled Avocado Soup, Mongolian Steak Salad, New Zealand Lamb Chops and the Chocolate Souffle were to die for.

Fish dishes, while well spiced and elegantly presented, were consistently served dry and overcooked. Thinking that it might be due to only frozen supplies being available rather than fresh, I embarked on a test.  When the security guard at the Atlantis Aquarium was looking the other way I scooped up a rare Triggerfish…smuggled it back in my camera case…gave it to ship’s chef fifteen minutes before dinner.  Yep, served dry and overcooked.

Just when I was about to give up on the Over-Cooked Fish issue, a ray of hope appeared. There on deck five…just around the corner from the casino…the Sushi Cart!  But even here the delicacies are tweaked for southern tastes. The Chicken Fried Tuna’Cado Rolls were fabulous!

Entertainment – We took in most of the shows and most were quite good, especially the big production shows. Carnival is one of the few remaining cruise lines to still utilize full live orchestras rather than recorded tracks for these complex shows.  Sound quality in all venues was excellent. Stage effects and mechanics, such as hydraulically manipulated stage sections and (nearly invisible) cable lifts enabling performers to “fly” were effective and not overly exploited. Site lines in all venues were good. Smoke machines, flash pots and laser strobes were used sparingly and not overdone. Well, maybe the smoke machine didn’t add much to bingo…the caller was new and couldn’t find the off button.

The Big Easy Show was one of the best production shows I’ve seen on a cruise ship…and this coming from someone who worked ships as an entertainer for 12 years. Clearly crafted for a predominantly New Orleans centric audience, my first thought was “this is a cheap shot – like playing the Star Spangled Banner at a VFW meeting – a guaranteed standing ovation.”  But as the show unfolded the choice of music, the performances, costuming and special effects were outstanding.  A very enjoyable experience.

Comedian – Todd Justice started out strong but began to lose us half way thru the show.  Todd kept looking at his watch – a surefire momentum killer. Not a good idea unless it is part of the act. It was not.

Magic – A big production/illusion type magic show in the main showroom was a bit repetitive and just ok.  A close-up magic show was scheduled for the Venezia Lounge. Although we arrived 20 minutes early there was not an empty seat to be found. It was already standing room only and many were sitting on the floor. This show needs to be in a larger venue. We did not stay.

Specialty Act - Funniest show of the week was Asad, the stage hypnotist.  To audience volunteers who were deep under, he gave many of the old tried and true but still funny suggestions with a few novel twists such as…”you desperately want to kiss the person next to you but they have horribly bad breath”.

Asad had a very original closing. Just before dismissing the volunteers he gave them one final suggestion…”you will not remember anything you have done on stage tonight…until the next time you look in a mirror. Then you will suddenly remember everything in vivid detail.”  Of course immediately following the show sadistic friends and family steered unsuspecting volunteers into the restrooms to “powder their noses”. Screams could be heard three decks away.

On-Board Ambiance - With beautiful ships, good food and staff eager to please, Carnival is still all about relentless on-board merchandising and sales promotion – as are all cruise lines in the mass market category. The trade-off is lower fares.

But Carnival can be a bit crass about it sometimes. You don’t have to be a cruise snob to feel a bit put out when, for the umpteenth time, you have to walk the length of the ship to find an unblocked stairway or un-mobbed elevator to get from one deck to another due to photographers having set up another half dozen Photo Op stations.

These always seemed to be positioned in the middle of a major staircase or thoroughfare during peak stroll-about-the-ship hours. One night about twelve such setups were in evidence, all at choke points with correspondingly backed up crowds spilling over into on-board shops…where silver tongued sales people lay in wait!

(Biz Op – Someone could make a fortune selling Photographer Repellant. It could be spray-on…colorless and odorless but making the wearer appear constantly out of focus.)

Also consider that for the two hours prior to departing from Key West, passengers had to stand in line for an average of 30 minutes to get back aboard the ship…and you begin to get my point.

Why can’t CCL take a cue from the good people at Disney? Disney has mastered both in-your-face merchandising and crowd control. Carnival execs, are you listening?  Can you say Fastpass?

Ports & Shore Excursions - there were three stops on this itinerary.

Freeport – There is a reason why it is called “Freeport”. It is totally free of anything to do. Beaches and shopping are a long cab ride from the ship and nothing to write home about once you get there. We stayed on the ship.

Nassau – One mistake that we can only blame on our own procrastination – not buying tickets in advance to the Atlantis Aquarium & Water Park on Nassau’s Paradise Island. Unfortunately, we waited until the day of arrival and everywhere we went, the Shore Excursion Desk, the Atlantis hotel itself, other nearby Paradise Island hotels – the story was the same – sold out, sold out, sold out.

But our determined girls weren’t taking no for answer and gave the go-ahead to our cab driver to do whatever it took to find us Water Park passes.

Tito was the man…a fast talking and (apparently) connected guy.  With a grin a mile wide, a mouth full of gold teeth and a cranked up boom box with sub-woofer in the back of his Toyota mini-van, he was an instant hit with our 18-year olds. Meanwhile, I’m testing the van doors to make sure they can be locked and unlocked from the inside.

To add to my nervousness, while careening thru the backstreets of Nassau in Oddjob’s sub-woofed ride, my wife is flashing around hundreds of dollars in cash – slowly counting it all out – right there in the open for all to see – making sure we had enough to pay for these bootleg water park passes he is about to score for us.  (Tito made it clear he didn’t take plastic.)

Meanwhile, I’m about to panic thinking “My God, he’s going to pull into a back alley where we’ll be stripped naked and robbed of everything…at gun point…and left stranded.”  (Robbery would be survivable…but I wasn’t sufficiently medicated for walking back through the Straw Market…naked.)

After numerous furtive phone calls and a back alley rendezvous with local underground operatives, we had the passes…and Tito had our cash. Miraculously, we did not set off any fraud alarms at the entrance to the Aquarium / Water Park.

Key West - Arrival here meant more shopping, as well as cheap or free Internet and cell phone connectivity. You can connect via the ship’s system but it is a costly way to feed your Facebook habit.

We booked the parasailing excursion, which was a hoot. The departure point is just a short walk across the pier from the ship.

Sea Days - We enjoyed our time on deck, the pools, water slide and the JumboTron (giant outdoor video screen).  Yes, Agnes, yours truly got in line with the kids and went down the giant water slide. It was a thrill. Especially the sudden stop in the water trough at the bottom. I was regular for three days afterward.

Question – Who gets to decide what is shown on the ship’s huge JumboTron? Sometimes it featured commercials for Carnival or playbacks of highbrow fare such as the Hairy Chest Contest – sometimes a movie or concert video – but each and every morning it was tuned to a local TV station out of Denver. (Denver?) I kept looking around for a giant remote control.

The Spa - On the last day of the cruise my wife booked me for the ultimate makeover – a hydrating facial with full body massage.  Admittedly, it did make me look a good six to eight weeks younger for a few hours.  But, like the poor victims of the hypnotist, when I looked in the mirror the next morning…there staring back at me was that familiar 63-year old catcher’s mitt with ears. I screamed too.

Conclusion - All in all it was a good cruise and a welcome change of pace. Would I cruise on Carnival again? Yes, definitely. Would I do anything differently next time? Yes, a couple of things. First, I’d insist on getting that large table for eight or more in the dining room – we just have too much fun swapping lies with new people we will never see again. Secondly, I’d make sure to book the two or three most desired shore excursions in advance. And lastly, we need to rein in our on-board profligacy a bit.  Oh, I’d also bring along a case of that Photographer Repellant.  – LEC

 

Lyn Edwin Cathey – Network Travel Services, LLC A veteran of 28 years in the travel industry – holding positions within the industry such as trainer, educator, agent, consultant, agency owner/manager and product specialist. For 15 years prior to joining the travel industry Lyn worked as a full time entertainer/comedian, performing on banjo & guitar – often as a featured act on cruise ships- http://pimpmycruise.com/mod/customindex/ourstory.php He created and currently maintains several websites, including -http://TripFinder.com & http://PimpMyCruise.com

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10 Copywriting Tips I Learned From My Cats

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 at 5:05 pm  
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by dagnyg

10 Copywriting Tips I Learned From My Cats

Copy refers to the words on a sales page or advertisement. Copywriting refers to creating the message and writing up the actual words.


Disclaimer: This article is based on my own cats. Yours may be different.


1. Walk on the edge and take some risks.


My cats balance precariously on narrow ledges. They leap to the top of the refrigerator or the cabinet. Often I never know how they got up and how they get down. They just appear.


Good copy calls for walking on the edge. The best copywriters say, “Take risks! Dare to offend!”


But, like cats, the best copywriters know how far they can go. They rarely get stuck out on a limb with no way to get down.


Some top copywriters go over the edge on their own websites, using colorful language (think Tony Soprano) and graphic images. They’re expert climbers who learned all the tricks before most of us opened our first web site. And they know their audiences very, very well.


2. Look like you’re having fun.


It’s no accident that we say a happy person looks like a cat who swallowed the canary. Ever meet a cat who needs a Life Coach to find the purr-fect life? Cats look very pleased with themselves, whether snoozing, staring out the window, or looking smug after polishing off the last piece of roast beef you saved for your lunch.


Great copy sounds happy too. Enthusiasm crackles through the words, sending a message: “This is so terrific! I just can’t wait to share!”


3. Expect to be appreciated.


Dogs beg for attention. Cats take it for granted. “We deserve everything we get, and more,” they say — whether they’re pure-bred Siamese or funny-looking calicos.


Good copy comes across as confident. “Of course you’ll like our service. Why wouldn’t you? We deliver great value and we know it.”


Cats know: When you expect a reward, you’re more likely to get it.


4. Aim directly for your target audience.


Cats walk into a room and jump directly into a very specific lap. Some cynics claim cats move right to the person who’s allergic or anti-cat.


You’re probably anticipating this analogy: Write copy with a specific person in mind — someone who represents your target market. That’s the first lesson we learned in Copy School.


Don’t try to please everyone. If your target turns out to be allergic to your service (or at least to paying for your service), find another. Just don’t give up and try to please everyone.


5. Engage your audience.


Forget the myth of aloof cats. Mine jump into laps of total strangers and try to rub noses. When guests look puzzled, I have to explain, “She wants you to rub her ears.” (If you’re not a cat person, you may be feeling somewhat ill right about now. But keep reading: there’s good info here.)


Copy also gets your readers involved. Good copy gets them reading one sentence after another, perhaps jumping to colored text boxes and bold type. Keep them reading: the way my cats motivate visitors to keep their attention focused long after you planned to get up and leave.


6. Command attention.


Have you ever attended a social gathering where everyone talks politely — until a cat enters the room? Suddenly conversation comes to a halt. The guest of honor wants to pick up the cat, who may or may not agree with the idea.


Needless to say, great headlines stop readers cold. Surfers want to stop chasing the waves and spend more time on your site. Maybe they’ll even browse a few pages…and then a few more.


7. Keep clean and beautiful no matter what.


This one’s a no-brainer. I may be a fair-to-middling housekeeper, but my calico cat keeps her white fur free of smudges. Hair stays in place (except when it’s standing on end or dropping onto the sofa).


Great copy looks fresh and appealing. Headlines line up and you rarely find grammar or spelling mistakes. You’ll want to dig in, read and stay awhile.


8. Choose a background that shows off your looks.


Ever notice that cats seem to choose a background that makes them stand out? White cats choose dark cushions. My tabby avoids prints; my calico favors small places where she can curl up and demonstrate “cute.”


Copywriters encourage simple backgrounds that make the text stand out. Black type on dark green? No way! Distracting graphics? Wild colors? Your message disappears like a black cat on a cold winter night.


9. Add a human touch.


Ever notice how many advertisements include a cat? It’s not because cats make easy props. As models, they’re temperamental and amoody. They resist being shoved into poses. When freaked out, they’ve been known to scratch their highly-paid human colleagues.


But cats make a cold scene seem warm. They make Beautiful People seem human — well, almost.


Great copy sounds like a real person. You feel like you’re having a conversation with the writer. On your website, copy makes visitors feel like they’re old friends.


10. Who cares if someone hates you? There’s always another food dish around the corner.


Cats know: somewhere, love is waiting. So they won’t stoop to eat bad food or tolerate an indifferent owner.


Great copy never sounds hungry. Great copy recognizes that not everyone will become a client — and that’s a relief. Because with a value-driven product and a viable market, great copy attracts more than enough buyers — and makes it look easy.

FREE 7 Best-Kept Secrets of Websites That Really Attract Clients: My Special Report gives you insider tips to attract more clients and sell more info products with less effort. From Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., at Copywriting to Pounce on Your Profits.

Agility Dog Training: What I’ve Learned Works

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 at 5:05 am  
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Agility Dog Training: What I’ve Learned Works

I’ve owned many dogs, throughout my life, but have never known exactly how to train them properly.  I based my training on punishment and just couldn’t figure out why that didn’t work that well.  But, almost two years ago, I started training my Papillon for agility competition.  She was extremely high-drive and I knew she’d really love it.  So, I found a good agility training school and off we went.  We’ve been competing, very successfully, for almost a year now and, looking back, I learned so many important things about dog training!

First of all, most trainers require that dogs have completed at least a basic obedience class before proceeding to agility training.  This is critical to agility training and, in my opinion, every dog and handler could benefit from a basic obedience class.  I learned that I have a food-motivated dog and that she will work her heart out for highly prized treats, not for punishment!  There are skills you and your dog will learn, through an obedience class, such as recalls, sit/stays, down/stays, and walking nicely on a leash.  Each of these skills is something you will need every time you compete, not to mention day-to-day life with your dog.

The pace of your training will always be set by your dog.  Each dog learns at a different speed and, what comes easily for one dog, may not come easily for another.  So, be very patient while training your dog any skill.  Make it a game.  Let your dog take as much time as it needs, without getting impatient or frustrated, to figure out what behavior you want from it.

All tasks must be broken down into small pieces, whether the task is a simple sit, the beginnings of obstacle training, or more complex tricks or agility sequences.  If you break the task down to something small, then mark/reward and repeat, several times before making the task larger, you will have success without stressing the dog out.  For example, when training an agility tunnel, you scrunch it up to its smallest form.  Have someone place your dog at the entrance while you sit on the ground at the exit, with a treat, and call your dog.  As soon as the dog comes through that little piece of a tunnel, you mark/reward.  Slowly begin expanding the tunnel using the same technique.  In just a few minutes, you’ll have your dog going through however long a tunnel you need.

For agility training, once the dog begins obstacle training, there is never a wrong answer.  Dogs get confused, and may shut down, if they start being told they’re doing the wrong thing, so keep the training light and never scold for doing the incorrect thing.  If the dog doesn’t do what you want it to, you simply do not mark/reward for that action.  You just ask again and, the minute you get the correct response, mark/reward and make a huge deal of it.  That will make your dog more anxious to give you that same answer again.  As you start competing, you might want to use a particular word to indicate the incorrect response, such as “uh oh,” or “oops,” but not with a scolding tone.  This will indicate that the dog will be asked to try again but everything is fine between the two of you.

Lastly, always keep the training fun for both you and your dog.  Even when you start competing, or have been competing for a long time, this is critical.  If you start getting caught up in the competition and title-winning, you might forget why you started agility to begin with: because it’s fun!  When the game stops being fun, your dog won’t enjoy it anymore and neither will you.  Agility is a wonderful sport and will forever secure the relationship between you and your dog.  Run fast, run clean, and, above all, have fun!

Learn how to teach your dog the Table when teaching your dog agility in this free video. Expert: Elise Paffrath Bio: Elise Paffrath began her dog agility career in the early 1970s. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Q&A: Why won’t my puppy potty train? He is a 12 week old “tiny toy” poodle. He is smart and has learned how to sit.?

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 at 5:05 am  
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Question by rachel l: Why won’t my puppy potty train? He is a 12 week old “tiny toy” poodle. He is smart and has learned how to sit.?
Before I got him, I noticed that his crate was a cloths tote that he was pooping and peeing in. The breeder didn’t take the time to potty him. They even let there other dogs eliminate in their crates and on the floor. I probably should have re-thought this purchase, but he seemed like he needed me. I bought a female dog from this same person almost 1 year ago and never had a problem pottying her. He eliminates in his crate and then sleeps in it. So I set it up so he was cprnered off with a pee pad and his crate, he will still eliminate where he sleeps. I let him out to play, he eliminates where ever, whenever. He sometimes will use his pee pad, but he just doesnt seem to get it. I tried putting him out side with my other dog, but it is too cold apparently for him because he just stays in one spot. The second i bring him in, he eliminates on the carpet. I have tried several techniques and don’t know what to do. I am to the point where I am going to bring him back. I rent a house so I cant just let him go all over the house and anger my landlord. My 2 year old is so attached to him so I need any help I can get. I dont want to get rid of him but I also cant take him peeing and pooing all over the house despite my efforts. He also yelps if i show him that his mess is naughty like Im beating him. Its frustrating because I am very gentle with him. I just dont get it! I really would like to get him to use the outside, but he acts like its way too cold! Help, any ideas I havent already tried!!!!

Best answer:

Answer by ladystang
have to take out on leash until he potties.

don’t use the pads they are confusing him.

What do you think? Answer below!

Dog Adoption Tips I Learned From My 2 Dogs

Friday, July 9th, 2010 at 5:05 pm  
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Dog Adoption Tips I Learned From My 2 Dogs

There’s a hole in your life that only a dog can fill. You want a special dog, perhaps just a full-grown adult. Maybe your code of ethics calls for saving a dog’s life – not buying an expensive purebred.

I’m not a veterinarian or a dog trainer, but I’ve enjoyed two successful adoptions. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way.

(1) Clarify your requirements ahead of time.

Once you’re standing in front of a cage, it’s easy to say, “Well, he’s a lot bigger than I expected, and I really wanted a female, but oh he’s SO cute!” No amount of love or training will help if your dog needs more exercise than you can provide.

(2) Know the difference between shelter and rescue groups.

Most cities have humane societies where you can view dogs and make a choice. Rescue groups typically hold animals in foster care – which is good, because you can ask the foster mom all sorts of questions. For example, they can say, “This dog lived with two cats so you know you can trust her.”

(3) Be prepared to pay.

Shelter animals are not free, but you do get value for money. Expect to pay a fee that may include spay/neuter costs, licensing, and/or veterinarian visits.

(4) Consider an older dog.

By the time a dog has turned three or four, she’s as big as she’s going to get. No surprises! You’ll also have clues regarding his temperament.

(5) Plan to confine the dog during a period of transition.

Your new dog doesn’t get it. She was in a loving home (or left alone in a yard all day or even abused). Then she spent a few weeks in a cage, feeling lonely and isolated. Maybe she’s been passed around to multiple homes.

Bottom line, she’s stressed. She may chew, dig, bark, or even lose her house training at first.

Crating the dog prevents destructive behavior. My dogs both looked visibly relieved as they retreated to their crates every day. “Time to relax,” they seemed to say.

(6) Invest in training.

Most dogs are turned over to the shelter because of behavior problems. If you’re new to the world of dog behavior, take a class or hire a professional. Most behavior can be corrected, even among older dogs. But if you’re not sure, ask a professional. Some behaviors can’t be “fixed.”

(7) Incorporate large doses of exercise and walks into your day.

Walking together builds your bond and a tired dog is a good dog. Begin the exercise program immediately so you can gain a sense of how much exercise the dog needs – an important factor in the dog’s adjustment – and start training for the basics on the way home from the shelter.

Cathy Goodwin, a certfified Dog Fanatic, wrote Arf! Dog Health Comes Home: tips and resources to care for your aging, sick or injured dog. Download from http://www.dog-health.org

Find More Dog Humane Society Articles

Dog Adoption Tips I Learned From My 2 Dogs

Friday, May 1st, 2009 at 8:29 am  
Leave your comment

There’s a hole in your life that only a dog can fill. You want a special dog, perhaps just a full-grown adult. Maybe your code of ethics calls for saving a dog’s life – not buying an expensive purebred.

I’m not a veterinarian or a dog trainer, but I’ve enjoyed two successful adoptions. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way.

(1) Clarify your requirements ahead of time.

Once you’re standing in front of a cage, it’s easy to say, “Well, he’s a lot bigger than I expected, and I really wanted a female, but oh he’s SO cute!” No amount of love or training will help if your dog needs more exercise than you can provide.

(2) Know the difference between shelter and rescue groups.

Most cities have humane societies where you can view dogs and make a choice. Rescue groups typically hold animals in foster care – which is good, because you can ask the foster mom all sorts of questions. For example, they can say, “This dog lived with two cats so you know you can trust her.”

(3) Be prepared to pay.

Shelter animals are not free, but you do get value for money. Expect to pay a fee that may include spay/neuter costs, licensing, and/or veterinarian visits.

(4) Consider an older dog.

By the time a dog has turned three or four, she’s as big as she’s going to get. No surprises! You’ll also have clues regarding his temperament.

(5) Plan to confine the dog during a period of transition.

Your new dog doesn’t get it. She was in a loving home (or left alone in a yard all day or even abused). Then she spent a few weeks in a cage, feeling lonely and isolated. Maybe she’s been passed around to multiple homes.

Bottom line, she’s stressed. She may chew, dig, bark, or even lose her house training at first.

Crating the dog prevents destructive behavior. My dogs both looked visibly relieved as they retreated to their crates every day. “Time to relax,” they seemed to say.

(6) Invest in training.

Most dogs are turned over to the shelter because of behavior problems. If you’re new to the world of dog behavior, take a class or hire a professional. Most behavior can be corrected, even among older dogs. But if you’re not sure, ask a professional. Some behaviors can’t be “fixed.”

(7) Incorporate large doses of exercise and walks into your day.

Walking together builds your bond and a tired dog is a good dog. Begin the exercise program immediately so you can gain a sense of how much exercise the dog needs – an important factor in the dog’s adjustment – and start training for the basics on the way home from the shelter.

Cathy Goodwin, a certfified Dog Fanatic, wrote Arf! Dog Health Comes Home: tips and resources to care for your aging, sick or injured dog. Download from http://www.dog-health.org