How long does it take to train a dog?

ValleyFair Theme Park 2006

So here I am, sitting in my mobile office (RV fifth wheel) watching it rain outside and contemplating what to post in my blog today. Each week I plan to bring forth dog training advice.  So I thought I would answer the #1 question everyone asks me after seeing what I do with my dogs. That question is, “How long does it take to train your dogs”.  Unfortunately, the answer isn’t really in black or white.  I’m inclined to say anywhere from six months to two years as news reporters and interviewers typically want a simple answer. But to be honest with you, this is a very broad question. The question really needs to be more specific as I’m always training my dogs to do new things. Every dog learns at a different pace and not all of my dogs are trained to do the same stunts. Obviously, some behaviors take longer to train than others. So when asked, how long does it take, I guess it just depends on what they are doing in the show.

So you might be wondering, “how long will it take to train your dog at home”?  It could take a few days, months or years. It just depends on how much time you put into training and what you are looking to accomplish with your dog.

One of the four keys to dog training as mentioned in my previous post (“The Positive 4” Keys to dog training)  is repetition! That means you need to practice. The more you work on a behavior with your dog, the quicker they will learn. This doesn’t mean you need to burn a behavior into your dog for hours at a time. In fact, I prefer short training sessions that are anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.  Many times I introduce a new behavior to teach my dog at the start of the lesson, then during the same session I practice behaviors they already know. This keeps training upbeat and positive. The last thing you want is for you or your pet to get frustrated learning a new behavior. This is why I recommend keeping your training sessions short and mixing in behaviors your dog already knows. Rotate the new tricks and old tricks during each session to make it more exciting. This will build their confidence and ease your frustration.

PAWSITIVE NOTE: Remember…. practice makes perfect!  I recommened that you practice in different enviroments and locations. This will insure your dog will perform no matter when you need them too!

Origin of the saying “Every dog has it’s day”

So where did the saying “Every dog has it’s day” or “Every dog has his day” come from? I did some research and found the phrase is over 450 years old. It became popularized from Hamlet by William Shakespeare in the early 1600’s.  However, there are various forms of it that originated earlier.

The meaning of the quote in our current era, “Every dog has its day or every dog has his day”  is very simple. It means everyone gets a chance eventually; or that everyone is successful during some period in their life. (Example: Don’t worry, you’ll get chosen for the team. Every dog has its day. You may become famous someday. Every dog has his day.) This is from the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

Here is a brief history on the famous quote we recite today:

A dogge hath a day.

[1545 R. Taverner tr. Erasmus’ Adages (ed. 2) 63]

Let Hercules himself do what he may, The cat will mew, and dog will have his day.

[1600-1 Shakespeare Hamlet v. i. 286]

s.v. Fevrier, Euerie dog hath his day.

[1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & English]

Dogs, ye have had your day; ye fear’d no more Ulysses vengeful from the Trojan shore.

[1726 Pope Odyssey V. xxii.]

How changed for Marat, lifted from his dark cellar!‥All dogs have their day; even rabid dogs.

[1837 Carlyle French Revolution III. i. i.]

Young blood must have its course, lad, And every dog his day.    [1863 C. Kingsley Water Babies ii.]

‘She could be his sister.’ ‘No way—not with a face like that.’ ‘Well, every dog deserves his day.’

[1978 ‘M. Craig’ Were He Stranger x.]

PAWSITIVE NOTE: So today I want to remind you that every dog has its day!  If your time to shine has not come yet, it will. All you have to do is believe and focus all your energy into it.

“I was naked on the news”

About two weeks ago, I was asked to appear as a guest on WAVY News 10 “Midday” in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  The appearance was to promote my stunt dog show for the upcoming weekend event. This was my second year working with the Tidewater Builders Association and performing for their Mid-Atlantic Home & Flower Show. I was asked to do this news interview a couple weeks prior to my arrival. However, the day of the scheduled appearance I was told they couldn’t allow any dogs on the set. They apologized as it was a new policy along with no more cooking shows and many other things. I immediately figured the interview would be canceled. But to my amazement they still wanted me at the studio for the live interview. I gasped and thought to myself, “I’m going to be on the news naked”! At least it felt that way at first.

I’ve done hundreds of live TV interviews, but this was the first time without a dog. It’s common not to have a dog when doing live radio or while talking to a journalist for a newspaper or magazine story.  But it felt amiss when I couldn’t have a dog during a live TV spot. I really did feel like I was naked on the news! It ended up turning out great as I joked with the reporters about how Harpo Studios (Oprah Winfrey Show) let me have dogs on the set.  During the interview I promoted my show as usual as they flashed images of the dogs performing up on the screen. They were there in spirit, but it wasn’t the same as having my furry best friends by my side. When I got back they all looked at me and subconsciously said, “So you think you can do this without us now, huh”?  I chuckled to myself and gave them the extra attention they deserved. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them!

WAVY newscasters Kerri Furey and Don Roberts interview Tidewater Builders Association President Pete A. Kotarides, left, and Extreme Canines Stunt Show producer Chris Perondi on the Mid-Atlantic Home & Flower Show for WAVY News 10 "Midday" on Feb. 12 in Portsmouth, Va. Photo by Mary Prier

Jumping Jaz: My first jump rope dog

Jumping Jaz (1998 - 2007)

In 1998 I adopted a sweet loving dog named Colleen through a rescue organization in Sacramento, CA.  She was about 10 months old when I brought her home. She loved to jump and bounce around the yard like a bunny. So I renamed her “Jumping Jaz”. She was ball obsessed and was super motivated to play.  I used this motivation to positively train her to do tricks, run agility, and catch Frisbees.

When it was dinner time, Jaz would jump in her kennel straight up and down. Over and over again, she would hop and hop. Then one night I thought to myself, “Hmmmm, I bet I could teach her to jump rope.” So I started training her with the use of a clicker. I marked the behavior while giving a voice command and hand signal. Over time Jaz would jump on cue right in front of me. Later, I introduced the rope thus starter her career as my first jump rope dog.

The inspiration for the Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show logo was designed in her image. Jaz was an amazing trick dog! She performed and jumped rope in over 2000 live shows in her career, including stage shows at Dolly Partons theme park Dollywood and World’s of Fun in Kansas City, MO. You could catch her in the local newspaper at almost every event produced.  She was also featured in Dogs for Kids magazine along with the rest of the pack in December 2006.

At around six years old, Jaz had her first seizure. This was very difficult for me to see as I’d never been through anything like this before.  She fought seizures for about three years. At the beginning of 2007 she started to have them more frequently. I had this sick feeling inside that she was going to have one and not come out.  They always happened in her sleep so they didn’t effect her while performing. My worst fear came true on an early morning in June of 2007.  She had a grand maul seizure and was rushed to the emergency vet. She passed away later that day and it broke my heart. I will never forget the little Mcnab/Cattle dog mix named “Jumping Jaz” who offered the first trick dog routine in my show, inspired my logo, put smiles on faces all over the country, and captivated my heart. Her paws were the ones responsible for turning my show into a real act!

Original Logo inspired by Jaz

Dollywood Kids Fest 2004

A forever kind of love does exist

Sonic makes me smile because she reminds me that a forever kind of love does exist.

“The wag of a dog’s tail is a smile to the world.”  – Chris Perondi

Super Sonic (2006) by Chris Perondi

What is Spay Day USA?

Today we celebrate the 15th annual spay day, brought to you by the Humane Society of the United States of America.   (www.humanesociety.org/spayday)  This is officially the last Tuesday in February every year!

“Four million cats and dogs—about one every eight seconds—are put down in U.S. shelters each year. Often these animals are the offspring of cherished family pets, even purebreds. Maybe someone’s cat or dog got out just that one time or maybe the litter was intentional, but efforts to find enough good homes failed. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats and a proven way to reduce the vast numbers of animals who are born only to die prematurely and without a family who loves them. Learn more about why you should spay or neuter your pet.”,  says the Humane Society.

My mission is to encourage responsible pet ownership. So if you haven’t spayed or neutered your pet —  then I implore you to do so today!

Stunt dogs perform at the Columbia Theatre

On January 17th, my “Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show” TM was featured as a matinee and evening show for the Columbia Theatre for performing arts. I was especially honored after seeing the history behind Columbia Theatre. They have been hosting performing arts shows since 1925.  It was very high class and had a wonderful atmosphere.  The staff was one of the best I have ever worked in my years of performing.  I’ve done over a thousand stage shows for numerous theme parks, but this was very different. I had a full staff that included me and three trainers, along with stage hands, a sound crew, and an effects team that handled the lights and spotlight. The new elements added into this one hour production were a huge hit!  It was a collaborative effort between us all. The performers were: me, Lon Perondi (my dad), Samantha Valle, and Usman Riaz. We had about a dozen dogs offering new tricks and plenty of cool stunts. The show also boasted comedy antics featuring “Diggy” my human sized canine mascot!

I’m proud to say we come highly recommended by Columbia Theatre. “Our theatre recently presented this fun-loving show which features a cast of talented rescue dogs who dance, fly, jump rope and wrap themselves around the hearts of the audience.  Children and adults alike were amazed and moved at their feats. You and your audience will not be disappointed”  said Donna Gay Anderson.

Donna saw my dogs on the Oprah Winfrey show back in September of 2008. She was impressed with their talents and wanted my show for her theatre. I was flattered and honored to be asked to perform at Columbia Theater. It was a tremendous joy to be able to work with such a professional staff and be apart of their entertainment lineup for 2009.

This show was also extra special to me; not only because it was my first theatre show, but because my dad was able to travel with me and assist in the production. He did an incredible job with back stage management, handling my dogs, and sending Flashy Ferrari over her record breaking jump during each performance. Samantha Valle showcased the talents of her and her “Exteme Canines”. Sam is such a talented trainer. She has been apart of the Extreme Canines Production Company since 2005. For the past three years, she has been performing as part of my second team. This was the first opportunity her and I have been able to work together personally since my ValleyFair theme park production back in 2006. Usman Riaz is my newest team member. He did a great job performing with his dog Ivy and was the one responsible for helping pull off our comedy mascot skits. Overall, this production was a huge success and I can’t wait to produce my next; which is scheduled for March 15th in Tiffon, OH!

Columbia Theatre news article

Clicker training and the power word “Yes”

Last week I discussed the four keys to training your dog.  This week I want to remind you that timing is one of the most crucial aspects to dog training. If you reward you dog improperly or not quick enough it could take months or years for your dog to understand what you really want out of them. Therefore, it’s important to understand that you need be quick with your reward. I prefer using positive training methods with the use of a clicker, toys, and the power word “Yes”.

A clicker is a positive reinforcer, as can be the word “yes” or whatever word you to be your positive action word.  “A reinforcer is anything that, occurring in conjunction with an act, tends to increase the probability that the act will occur again” written by Karen Pryor from her book Don’t Shoot the Dog. (If you want to learn more about the clicker and positive training methods this is the book to read!)

Clicker training was originally used by marine biologists to train dolphins and whales. It still is today, but the practice and methods can be applied to dog training just as well. Positive training with the use of a clicker is humane and very rewarding. Knowing you can train your dog without beating them is a breath of fresh air. Before your dog will understand that the sound of a clicker or that the word “yes” is associated with doing the correct behavior you will need to condition your dog.  Conditioning your dog to a clicker is very easy.  Simply pick up some treats for your dog and start conditioning them. Click the clicker then give your dog a piece of food. Then do it again and again. Pretty soon when you click the clicker your dog will associate the sound with a reward.

I aslo use this method with the power word “yes”. Just say “yes” then give them a piece of food. It works the same way. However, the advantage of the clicker is the sound is always exactly the same and it’s a much faster sound than a “yes”. However, I like to use the power word “yes” as a substitute for positive behavior reinforcement to remind my dogs what they are doing is correct. I use this method more because I don’t always have a clicker in my hand.  The key is to have the same tone and enthusiasm when saying the word “yes” every time. I want my dogs to respond to me even when I don’t have a clicker handy. I use toys and flying discs to reinforce behaviors during shows along with the word “yes”. When performing, this is my primary reinforcer as my dogs love to play. I also don’t want them to be dependent on food while performing. But you need to find out what motivates your dog the most. Use toys or food, but just make it fun and exciting!

“Pawsative action” for the week: Condition your dog to the clicker and the power word “Yes” using food and/or toys as a motivator.

Over two million dogs euthanized!

Approximately five million dogs were brought into pounds and shelters across the country last year. Out of those five million dogs unfortunately half of them did not make it out alive. That is right, around two and a half million dogs had to be euthanized and put down. There is just not enough room in all the pounds and shelters to house all the homeless pets that come in each year. This is where we as a nation need to step up and be responsible pet owners. That means having our dogs spayed and neutered.

I want to encourage everyone to check the local pounds and animal shelters first before selecting your next dog. There are some incredible dogs out their that will make great pets for you, your family, and your kids. I can testify that dogs from pounds and shelters can make the most amazing pets in the world. I say this will full confidence as all the dogs I own and train have been adopted. Over 30% of dogs in pounds and shelters are purebreds so I implore you to go to the pound next time you are looking to adopt. You may find the breed you are looking for or you might fall in love with the ugly one in the corner. But I promise you that this dog, if given the proper love and training will be one of the most thankful loving companions you can find on earth!

Crystal was adopted from the pound the day before being euthanized. She was given a proper diet, lots of love, and trained in basic obedience prior to being placed in a wonderful home. She now lives a happy life in Stockton, CA.

Big air at the Austin dog park!

Austin Texas has one of the best off the leash dog parks in the United States. Auditorium Shores is absolutely huge! This dog park is on the water with breathtaking views of the city of Austin and its famous bat bridge. On February 4th, I decided to take Soaring Sierra and Flashy Ferrari there for some play time. It was a brisk sunny day and the dogs were having a blast of freedom.  Towards the end of the walk I brought out some Frisbees and let the dogs get some exercise. After about 20 minutes of training a gentleman with two professional cameras walked up to me.  He introduced himself as Jay Janner a professional photographer from the Austin American Statesman. Which is the major newspaper for the Austin area.  I was honored to have him photograph my girl in action. Flashy Ferrari pulled off some big air stunts!  The backdrop was the beautiful Austin skyline. Jay snapped away with his high speed camera and seemed satisfied with the photos he took. Later that night the editor called to ask a few questions. I knew then he got a money shot and Ferrari was going to be a star in the Statesman. The next day Flashy Ferrari was showcasing her big air back vault to the world in Texas!

American-Statesmen (Feb 5th, 2009) photo by Jay Janner

Pepper: My first “Extreme Canine”

Pepper was born in 1996. I adopted him in November. Pepper was only about 12 weeks old when I brought him home. He whined and cried the first few nights as most puppies do.  I remember waking up in the middle of the night to sleep with him on the floor. Pepper and I immediately bonded.

Training my boy Pepper came pretty easy. He loved to play non-stop. His motivation level was extremly high and since he was an only dog he received 100% of my attention. We would play and train everyday, in the house, the front yard, or at the park.  He was a natural and sometimes I was his apprentice.  I could look him in the eyes and feel my mind subconsciously hear him saying, “Do this and I’ll do that Dad”.  He was a natural catching his first Frisbee by five months old. Pepper competed in his first local Frisbee dog competition in Bakersfield, CA in 1998. He earned second place overall.  His first comeptition win was at another local event a month later in St. Helena, California. Pepper got serious competing in 1999 placing third in the ALPO West Regionals and forth in the ALPO U.S. Open. In 2000, Pepper won the Incredible Dog Challenge nationals. I was so proud of him! I was the youngest trainer to ever win at the time. His last competition was in 2001 where he took second place in the nationals. We missed first place by half of a point.

My heart was broken in 2001 when Pepper was diagnosed with a genetic back disorder. The fact that this tail wagged up and down rather than side to side was a telling sign. He started to show symptoms when he was only 5 years old. The experts suggested back surgery which I declined because there was a  50% chance of him being in worse condition or paralyzed after the surgery. I had to change his training program and reduce his performance time.  I had to put my MVP All-Star player on the bench. It was heart wrenching for me and he did not understand. I had to retire him from shows completely after the 2004 season.

Peppers most notable career moments include performing for the San Francisco 49ers as the official canine mascot for two seasons (1999 & 2000), starring on the CBS Early Morning show (2000) and flying as a celebrity pet on American Airlines. Pepper was also photographed by Sports Illustrated Magazine and had a feature half page spread in 1999. Pepper had his 30 seconds of fame in 1999 as ABC’s Monday Night Football aired him catching Frisbees and doing tricks for a good 30 to 40 seconds during the rainy 49ers vs. Green Bay game. Their commentary was he was the only one catching anything on the field. That’s my boy!

Extreme Pepper 49ers Canine Mascot (1999-2000)

His original nickname was “Pepper the boo dog” , however in 1999, I started the “Extreme Canines Show” and changed his show name to “Extreme Pepper”.  He was the original Extreme Canine and has inspired me to be the person I am today. I do not know where I would be without him. Pepper is one of those once in a lifetime dogs!  He is now 12 years old and is still with me. Right now he is playing with his stuffed football under my desk.

Flying disc dog destiny

Flashy Ferrari the Puppy (Jan 2007) - Copyright by Chris Perondi

Virginia Beach wrap up!

Soaring Sierra and Super Sonic

Soaring Sierra and Super Sonic danced with me again this Valentines Day weekend!

We were a hit for a second year in a row performing at the Virginia Beach Convention Centers home and flower Show. They reported a record attendance and you could tell as every one of our shows were completely packed. I was delighted to see my girl Soaring Sierra able to perform again this weekend. She is still going strong after her surgery.  I had a large tumor removed from under her tail last October. When the biopsy report came back it showed a moderately aggressive cancer. It broke my heart to hear this and I’ve been praying a lot for her health. I was so happy to see her in high spirits this weekend. Everyone enjoyed her lovable personality as she made her signature rounds around the performance ring greeting everyone before the show. She loves being the center of attention!

This show included star trainer Samantha Valle and her dogs; Dynamite, Rocket Ruiz, and Super Freak. Her dogs tore up the turf with the most incredible tricks and big air Frisbee stunts. They also burned up the track in my signature “Extreme Canines Triathlon”. Dynamite came in with a record time of 12.62 seconds the last show on Sunday and took home the most wins of the weekend. It was dog gone fun for all of us including Usman who came down from Long Island with Sam to help in the shows.

Thanks to everyone who came out to see our show at the “Mid-Atlantic Home and Flower Show” this past weekend. We appreciate all your cheers and enthusiasm! I’ll see you at the Virginia State Fair in September.

“Let our dogs remind us a forever kind of love exists.”

“God put dogs on this earth to remind us that a forever kind of love does exist. Finding a forever kind of love in humanity is like finding a rare breed. Let the unconditional love of your furry best friend inspire your heart to trust more, forgive more, care more, and ultimately love more.”

– Chris Perondi

Copyright 2009 by Chris Perondi