Babette Haggerty on Dogs & Training

Beginning of Westminster Week

2011-02-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight begins the first of many events for Westminster Week. Events are continually added and quite frankly I am certain that if it were possible for people to take off more time from their life. Westminster could become a month long affair. It is an excuse to party it up.

For me, I end up checking out of life for a week. No sleep. Lots of food. Lots of celebration and if you are lucky enough to have a dog entered, then you may have lots of reasons to cry-either for joy of winning or sadness of loss! A loss at Westminster can be devastating! Maybe even worse than the Yankees losing to the Red Sox in 2004 to watch the Sox continue on for another seven straight wins! But that is in the past and a whole other sport.

Westminster is a tradition. It is a time to see all friends, tell new happenings in life and retell old stories but this time, with a better twist. Many will gossip about which judge is sleeping with which breeder which will, of course, explain the win for the dog with straight shoulders or horrible temperament. Of course, you will also hear someone's prediction of who will take the coveted BIS.

I have enjoyed going to Westminster since I was a little girl. I truly believed that the second Monday and Tuesday of February was a National Holiday! In my home and in my dad's dog training school, it certainly was a holiday! The week would begin with the Dog Writer's dinner.

Tonight it begins with a fashion show. Dogs will be strutting the latest in dog fashion while raising money for the Sean Casey Pet Rescue organization.
The show begins at 8:00 and ends at 11:00. There will also be lots of fun things to purchase for your dog. Last year they had an auction where I picked up this great framed picture of the old Yankee Stadium, Derek Jeter giving his speech at the final game in the stadium, a ticket from that game and the copy of his speech. My son was ecstatic when I brought it home. The cover charge is only $25 and the monies will support dog rescue. Held at the Hotel Pennsylvania this is a great way to spend the night! The best part is that your dog is welcome to attend, unlike most other events during Westminster week.

See you then!

WEstminster NIght One

2010-02-15T17:05:00.000-08:00

I am sitting and waiting for the Hound Group to begin. 28 Hounds, I believe.

The Westminster Kennel Club catalog describes Hounds as the following:
Mans indispensable partner in the pursuitof game. were developed before man cam to depend on firearms.

Hounds are known by how they track game, sight or scent.

Dogs at this level are judged based upon the physical needs to perform the work for which they were bred. Knowing about the breed, their temperament and their purpose.

For example, the suburban and urban Hound tends to have howling, barking and housetraining issues. There are obvious reasons for this. Old time hunters love the howl of the Hound, they call it Mountain Music. Hounds when used for their purpose tend to live outside eliminating the need to house train.

Views from Westminster

2010-02-15T07:52:00.001-08:00

I will be blogging all day today and tomorrow from the sidelines of the Greatest Show in the World! Westminster Kennel Club at Madison Square Garden. I am getting ready to give a VIP tour to several of my dog training students! Stay tuned!

Valentine's Day Celebration

2010-02-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

It is so great to celebrate our loved ones on this day! Those that we have chosen as our human partners, those that we have chosen as friends that we love and of course, the pets that we have chosen to care for, protect and love! For me, that is dogs! I share my life with my dogs and my children-the human dogs.

I am so excited for tomorrow night's Valentine's Day party and dog wedding which will celebrate the love that two dogs have for one another. Two blue nose Pit Bulls that truly adore one another. Kino and Leo.

It will be held at Sephora on 86th and Lex. We will post pictures on our facebook page.

The Importance of Purebred Dogs

2009-04-07T21:59:00.001-07:00

PETA yells and screams that purebred dogs should be no more! They yell and scream that dogs should run free! That is great! Let's allow all dogs off the leashes and they can be free to do whatever they want. Run into traffic, jump on people and over time retreat into wild animals. Well, go to your local third world country and see the result of dogs that run free. I can go on and on, on this topic but instead I am going to discuss why I love and own and will ALWAYS own purebred dogs!

Before I rant, I want to tell you about the mixed breed, aka All-American breed dog that I shared my life with for 17 years. Superbowl, affectionately known as Soupie was adopted by me and old boyfriend on Superbowl Sunday in 1991. That year the Giants beat Buffalo when Buffalo missed the field goal. My old boyfriend being a die bard Giants fan wanted to name this little five month old 15 pound pup "Giants". Since I knew that the dog would not be much bigger than 30 pounds, I said no way. So I acquiesced with "Superbowl". I called him "Soupie". Some time later the boyfriend and I went our separate ways but I got the dog. "Soupie" never got to be bigger than 26 pounds and was sick twice in his life, once when another boyfriend thought that giving him a huge piece of steak would be a good idea. Fortunately, I was away at the time and the diarrhea that followed had to be cleaned up by him. "Soupie" got me through my darkest days and my best days in those 17 years. He lived long enough to see the Giants win one more Superbowl against the Patriots in 2008. He died shortly after that. Long life, healthy dog, adoption fee $25, best friend to me for 17 years why would I want a purebred dog when I never had a purebred that lived as long as he?

Call me a snob, I was raised with purebred dogs. My dad was an AKC judge. However, the reasons are far greater than that. The day that I told my dad I was going to the pound, back in 1991, to get a dog, "Oh jeez, whaddya doin' that for?" he asked. I told him that I knew that there was a Golden Retriever there and I wanted a Golden. Incidentally when I got there, the Golden was gone. I got the Yellow Lab/American Eskimo mix.

Getting such a dog, I didn't really know what his temperament would be. I didn't know that he'd be aloof, have a barking problem and didn't really like playing with other dogs. By the time I had children, I knew enough about him to know that he was not a GREAT dog for kids. Had I gotten the Golden I would have had a dog that was much more likely to love other dogs, not bark incessantly and be great with kids.

Had I purchased a Golden from a breeder then I would have known the dog's parents, met his grandsire and dam, as well as know if the parents had been tested for hip dysplasia and CERFed. I would also have a great idea of what other health issues may have plagued his line. I would truly know what kind of temperament he would have.

If I am going to spend my hard earned money on a dog and I am willing to pay $2500 for a dog and I want a purebred, I don't think that I should be forced to adopt a dog. If PETA has its way, that is what will happen. Another devil in disguise is HSUS. But that is topic for another blog.

One thing that people also forget, and I will duck for this, is that buying purebred dogs and showing dogs at Westminster is a money maker. Oh no! Not that! Some may say, how dare someone make money, well for those of you who are against making a buck, take a look at our economy. It is not the economy stupid, it is not spending money that is stupid. The more money that is spent, the better it is for the economy. The amount of money that is funneled into New York City for the dog show is phenomenal.

Think about it-2,522 dogs entered at $75 a pop. That is $189,150. Then let's say you have two nights in a hotel per dog. Now you know that it is far more than that, many are here for a week, top winning dogs are usinga lot more than one hotel room but for arguments sake, that is $882,700. Now there is food in restaurants, tuxedo rentals, cab rides, alcohol, theater tickets, parties, coffee, airfare. Ticket sales are another factor. A hot dog at the Garden is $5.25, unless you buy the foot long which is $5.75. The list goes on ad infinitum. Just on hotels and fees it is over $1,100,000. That is also figuring on the low end. The handlers fees, the pups that are sold at the show, the souvenirs at the show. The number of attendees at the show has not yet been determined but at $40 a ticket, it is a high dollar figure.

So will I always own purebred dogs because of the economy? No.
will I always own purebreds because PETA is evil? No.
I will always own purebreds because when I am going to add a dog to my family, I want to know what I am getting. When I train a guide dog for my daughter, I want to know that I am going to invest my time into a dog that will do the job. When I am old and can't handle big active dogs, I want to know that I will be getting a dog that I can handle. When I spend money on a dog, I want to know what background testing has been done on the dog's sire and dam, along with the grandsires and granddams, so that I know the dog I get, will be healthy and live a long life. I want purebred dogs becaue it is my right to own purebred dogs and until PETA stops that, I will continue to do so. If the tragic day comes in my lifetime and PETA gets their way, then I will still own purebred dogs. They may be hidden somewhere in my house but I will have them.

Just as all humans, I will need dogs in my life for different reasons. Maybe to protect one's store, maybe to herd sheep, maybe to do therapy work with small children. We need different dogs for these purposes. We can't have one dog that will be good for each of those purposes.

When I asked Andrew DePrisco, editor in chief at BowTie Publications, his opinion, he asked me, "Why do we have different cars? Do you want a no name Buick? People want choices, some may want a Honda and others want a Toyota Four Runner." Andrew added, "The Mastiff is the Hummer, The Shiba is Civic, The Boxer is the Audi. Drive what you want!"

Andrew additionally pointed out that we need to preserve the lineage of dogs. These purebred dogs have a history of several hundred years and they all have a history, a purpose and a part of our cultural history and just as the mother of the Nice Jewish boy wants a Nice Jewish girl for her son to preserve their history, it is important that we preserve the individual breeds.

Susan Chaney, editor of Dog Fancy, added that if all dogs become mixed and truly feral, which is what would happen than there is only one type of dog and not everyone is going to like the result. There will be unmet needs for people.

I can spend more than one day writing about this but before you buy into the lies that PETA tells, I implore you to do your homework. Purebred Dogs are important and it is important to preserve and protect them.

View from the press box Westminster 2009

2009-04-07T21:56:00.002-07:00

So here I am at the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Although I lost my dad's seats, which I can have at the very good price of $800, I now get to sit with the most influential writers, publishers and editors in the world of dog books and dog writing. My view is almost as good as it once was, but the one that is missing from being next to me is my dad! See his facebook page for some good pictures and a good Captain story that I heard this weekend.

The junior showmanship competition just concluded and now we are on a commerical break! I love watching Juniors and I know that my little Sarah Rosie will possibly be there. She is the dog lover of my children. She loves taking care of my students. My son loves dogs too but is not as interested in taking care and training them as Sarah.

Separation Anxiety

2009-04-07T21:56:00.001-07:00

This is a term that is overused but for the sake of a simple solution to what can be a complex problem, I will use that term. In another posting I will address what true separation anxiety is and is not.

Separation Anxiety can manifest itself in many forms: chewing, whining, barking, self-mutilation, howling and diarrhea. Most often this is the reason why dogs are surrendered to shelters. HOwever it is a much easier problem to correct than most realize. Indirectly, good formal obedience training will correct the separation anxiety, or at the very least, decrease the intensity and frequency. However, good training takes time and until you are able to get Rover into a training class, I suggest that you start implementing a complete multi-faceted program of rehabilitation.

First and foremost, get a crate in which Rover will feel comfortable. I always recommend an airline crate because if you find it necessary to go out of town by plane, you already have the correct crate for your trip. Start feeding Rover in the crate as it will help him adjust and learn to like the crate much better than he does now. Keep his bones and toys in the carte as well. Set it up to become his bedroom.

Make sure that your dog is on a premium diet. Foods that are high in sugars or undigestible ingredients such as corn. The money that you spend on a premium dog food will be offset by the savings in veterinary bills and destroyed items in your home.

Another key component is exercise. Different dogs needs different types of exercise. You don't want to take your dog running his first time out for five miles. Just like you have to build your endurance, so does he. Start out slowly, If you have a young puppy, under 10 months, you may want to consider only running him on grass so that the impact is more absorbed and less difficult on his joints.

Running is one form of exercise but so is obedience training or trick training. When you train your dog to do things, you are challenging them mentally, physically and emotionally. Dogs need those three things to become balanced and happy dogs. Mental stimulation is an integral part to any dogs life. They need to be challenged, otherwise they can become restless and bored. I remind owners that it is similar to being out of work for a week sick, you start to go a little stir crazy and look forward to the mental and social stimulation at work. Physical exercise and stimulation teaches them to use their body, builds confidence and helps them to relax thereby decreasing the chances of separation anxiety.

The mental and physical stimulation helps balance their emotional well-being because they are becoming more confident, understand you and their surrounding world more easily. They enjoy the challenge of learning while decrease the frustration level they may have from being bored and not having any type of interaction or challenging work.

Teaching your dog tricks are a great way to exercise your them. A nice fast paced walk before you leave them alone can be very effective. Purchase a back pack and weigh it down with water bottles. Take them for a brisk walk in the heel position which requires more "work" than a walk where they can stop and sniff everything. Ask any soldier and they will tell you, marching in sync with your fellow soldiers creates unity, structure, exercise and is actually mentally and physically challenging, despite how "easy" it may look. By forcing your dog to "march in sync" with you, you are also challenging them in the same ways.

If your dog is suffering when you leave for the day, make sure that they are safely confined in their crate. I recommend exercising them throughly before you leave. It could be a strict formal heel exercise for about 30-45 minutes, a session of teaching or practicing all sorts of tricks or even practicing obedience skills. Another great energy burner is what I call puppy pushups. A rapid succession of the sit and down exercises back to back.

You can also play fetch with a huck toy or get them a game cube that they can push around until the kibble comes out while they are in the kennel. Another great option is a good bone that they like to chew to keep them amused.

REscue Remedy which can be found at any health food store is also a practical and safe supplement to add to their drinking water or put a drop on their tongue before you leave. It soothes and calms them. Lavender oil can also be massaged on the inside of their ears to help relax them when they are left alone.

Any complete rehabilitation program is effective. The key is consistency and that program must include: training, exercise, proper nutrition, play time and even supplements such as flower remedies. Be patient, this is not a problem that developed overnight and it will take even longer to rectify the problem

Views from the Press Box Westminster 2009

2009-02-10T16:53:00.001-08:00

2009-02-10T16:50:00.001-08:00

Dog Training in Two Days- A Workshop

2008-07-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

I have another workshop this weekend. It will be held at Ciao Bow Wow at 16 Beaver Street in the Financial District. You can take the 4 or the 5 to Bowling Green. Walk one block east on Beaver. Many people have asked, "How can you train a dog in two days"? It can be done. I have done it time and time again. Here is a link to an article that is the foundation of our workshop. http://www.dru.org/zenseminar.htm

See you Saturday.

Facebook

2008-07-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

This whole facebook.com is crazy, I think. My first reaction was, "Another MySpace", thinking that it was a bunch of teenagers discussing sex, drugs and rock 'n roll and telling the world way too much about their not so private lives. However, I see that it is truly an easy way to stay in touch with friends, network for those climbing the corporate ladder and network amongst like minded folks. So what does this have to do with dogs? From a dog trainer's standpoint, it is a great way to market oneself. It helps dog owners to get to know the trainer outside of the usual marketing and bravado that they may find on the trainer. But like many other websites it helps keep the world a small place. A place where many dog lovers can discuss their dogs, problems and most importantly, solutions. And when we dog owners and lovers are wasting our time surfing the net, we can practice a nice, long down stay. Writing that reminds me of a great book, The Long Good Boy, written by Carol Benjamin. If you have not read it yet, I highly recommend it.

Collars by Captain Haggerty

2008-07-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

I was queried on which collar should be used for a Miniature Schnauzer. Good question! I am in favor on using the right equipment on an individualized basis. Of course, we are talking about breed here and not an individual dog. Breed characteristics are very much similar although not absolute. My answer? The safest collar in the world. The metal choke collar. Some will say that you do not "need" that kind of collar for the Miniature Schnauzer and they are right. You do not "need" that kind of collar and you don't even "need" to train the dog. You do want to train the dog as fast as possible. There are others out there that want to take their time training the dog. That is a viable option but not if you are a professional trainer. Dog training is a labor-intensive business and the successful trainers are the ones that get the job done faster. Owners by the way want fast results. Those that oppose choke collars because they "strangle" the dog just do not know how to use the collar properly and they SHOULD NOT use the collar. I do not feel that any trainer should use equipment that they cannot use properly or that they don't believe in. I was asked what collar I would recommend and that is my answer. - February 23, 2005

Prong collars

2008-07-19T18:14:00.001-07:00

Someone called the other day and asked if we would put a prong collar on her 12 week old puppy. I asked her why she thought that and she told me that some of our students had them on their full grown dogs. I asked her the names of those studetns. One was not our student. The other had a full grown Lab.Prong collars are like power steeering. They make it easier for the owner to handle a dog PROVIDED that the dog has not become immune to the collar. I personally do not prefer prong collars, at least as my first choice of tools because it does not finesse an owner's handling skills. The owner needs to know how to handle the dog without "power steering". Another disadvantage of the prong collar is that they have been known to come undone.That being said, I am willing to use them when necessary. For example, if an arthritic 100# woman came to us with a 130# Rotttweiler, I would consider it, along with other tools. It is necessary to assess the situation, the dog, the owner and the needs of each before determining which tool of choice to use. As far as a 12 week old Golden Retriever puppy is concerned. I do not see any reason to use the prong collar on the dog. If the woman trains her dog now so that we can stop problems from developing she will probably never need to use much more than a flat buckle collar in the future. However, the longer she waits to train her dog, the more difficult it will become and more problems will develop which will need correcting.Babette Hagerty-Brennan

Howling Poodle

2008-04-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

I met someone on a message board who was soliciting help for their howling Poodle. This was my advice:
Sorry to hear that you are having a problem with your neighbor. Unfortunately, this is common. This is what you need to do.1. Buy a voice activated tape recorder.2. Place a 120 minute tape in there.3. When you are leaving the house say: "It is now 8:47 am Wednesday the 2nd" NOT "It is about a quarter to nine." This small difference will make a huge difference should this go further. Then leave the tape on voice activation record. As soon as you walk back into the house, walk straight to the tape and announce the exact time into the tape. Keep a log and the tapes of this and I will bet you a million dollars that in a few short days you will find that your dog's howling, if it exists at all, is much shorter than the ALL DAY the neighbor claims. Once you have this proof the neighbor will lose all credibility. I have seen this happen countless times over the years training dogs and the complaints go away as well

Haggerty's School for Dogs

2008-04-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

Having now returned to my roots in NYC, I am back training dogs, like I was 18 years ago working for my dad running his school, Captain Haggerty's School for Dogs. It is good to be home! Carol Benjamin once told me that the best behaved dogs live in NYC and they certainly do. Where else can you live on top of other people and get away with bad manners? Not only are the best behaved dogs in the world here but it is the greatest city in the world and I am so glad to be home.