Speak! Jennifer McCarthy's Blog: Arizona Archives

Arizona

Hello From The Wilderness...

Posted by jennifer on November 4, 2011.

Hello Everyone-
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write a new blog. I have been working with a ghost writter in Los Angeles on a book that I think will make up for all my off-line time and I think it will be well worth the wait!

In the mean time, there has been so much to report from the year 2011- so many things that I don't even know where to begin. For starters, I moved from high up in the Rockies to a horse barn outside of Prescott, Az. Quite literally- I lived in the barn and if I opened up one of the windows, a horse could stick his head inside and eat hay in my living room!

What was so fascinating about this experience was that I was actually able to document a pack of coyotes on the ranch and the resident dogs communicating to one another. It was one of the most amazing things to hear- coyotes that learned to bark like dogs and dogs who learned how to yip!

I worked on the ranch with the horses, dogs and cats and from there, I was able to get a 5 acre property to run the K-9 Ranch Training Center in Prescott. This has given my clients amazing access who live in California and Nevada and I've had a lot of customers wanting to make the drive out here.

I have also had the opportunity to live side by side some of the world's most venomous creatures- scorpions, rattlesnakes and tarantualas which has given me a lot of appreciation for these other species in the high desert.

I have been actively following the Mexican Grey Wolf program, attending meetings and staying in touch with what's happening on the front lines.
In my spare time, I've done more natural hosemanship and have gone riding quite a bit in both Az. & Co.

This past year has certainly brought a lot of opportuniites for my on-going education
as well as taught me more about living in a new environment.

As we enter 2012 I think it's important for me to talk a little about our relationship with the natural world. I know that times are tough for a lot of people out there and although I've seen both sides of the coin, I have also chosen to live a life closer to mother nature- whether in a tent, in a tee-pee or in a house at 9,000 ft.

I often talk a lot about the human species dllema as it relates to people's pets but I think now it's time to broaden that message to engulf many of our friends in forest, ocean, etc.

The one disadvantage our species has is our need for self fullfillment, growth and expansion. We seem to have a hard time with simplicity. It's really hard for us all to slow down, make compassionate choices on a daily basis that really will be affecting the very lives that walk this earth in the future.

Non-human animals have this advatage. For example, the wolf who has done it's job so well, that it was able to survive the ice age. Other animals are more intellegent than the human species in ways in which we cannot understand. For example, meet the dog who can sniff out a seizure well before it happens, meet the horse who can see the slightest movement in a tree or the shark who can smell 10,000 times more than we can ever comprehend!

If there's one thing I have learned, is to view various creatures using these different senses at higher levels to actually learn from them. My brain may not be able to process a smell like a dog's brain can, but I have figured out exactly what they are doing through their nose just by merely spending time watching them. I took this knowledge and used it to smell plants & trees in a way I had never thought of before which helps me understand the way they think to assit them in tracking, scent and search work at a higher level.

I believe that by allowing oneself to step into this role as an equal and sometimes a student, not as a superior, can bring more appreciation for the natural world. Animals do things for a reason- humans do things for a need and that need is no longer survival it's consumption, growth and expansion. All resources are finite. They will not last forever and if there comes a time when you have to feed your family, step into the backyard and create a vegtable garden, it's a step towards getting back in touch with the natural world.
Change can be terrifying but also at the same time an opportunity for a new beginning.

It is my hope that through everything that is going on in our economic climate, we can all get back to the simple things in life because that's what helps species survive in the long haul. I believe we are on the verge of something great that has already started to be more concious of our environment, the choices we make and why having other animals around such as wolves, mountain lions, sharks, coyotes, etc. is so important. I encourage all who wish for adventure to embrace each circumstance, look for the good in everything and take great appreciation for our mammal and non-mamal friends as we can certainly learn a lot from them!

Best to you and your dog (or wolf/wolf-dog!) from Prescott, Az.
Jennifer

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Group Classes For The Aggressive Dog

Posted by jennifer on January 23, 2011.

This weekend over 40 people will have attended another one of their group classes. While most trainers would insist to not bring these fearful, volital, dominant dogs into a group class environment, I say bring them on.
It was a goal of mine to construct a course that would economically appeal to clients who's dogs suffer from this type of behavioral problem that could not afford private sessions. With a strong emphasis on safety, a required classroom course to start things off with an in- depth look at dog & human psychology, equipment and techniques (to name a few), the aggression class was born.
This weekend, relief came from an owner as her prior fearful dog met a number of people without growling, biting or snarling. A dog who was put on the defense by going after people submitted in an act of surrender and a German Shepherd who had never been socialized met Elvis & Lola for the first time successfully.
These small steps are big miracles for both the owner & dog to move forward in a healthier direction.
If your dog suffers from aggression in any form, don't wait to get help as these problems usually get worse. If you can't afford private sessions, are about to euthanize or get rid of your dog, aggression classes are a great way to address these hard core issues and get help to living a more peaceful & enjoyable life with your best friend :-)

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Yavapai Humane Society Training Program: 16 Dogs, 16 Volunteers, 16 Adoptions, 1 Simple Concept

Posted by jennifer on January 6, 2011.

On Nov. 16th, 2010, 16 dogs from the Yavapai Humane Society in Prescott, Arizona and 16 volunteers & staff entered their first 6 week basic obedience course. Seven weeks later, all 16 dogs who may have otherwise been euthanized or deemed un-adoptable were placed in homes and graduated.

On Dec. 21st, 10 more dogs and volunteers entered the next series of classes. By week 3, students dropped their leashes, turned around and walked away from their dogs. The dogs have now completing the down stay.

For half the class, I ask the human students if they did their homework. I'm not referring to just practicing with their dog, the volunteers are asked to bring in 2 facts about their breed or breeds of dog they are working with. This information can not only help the volunteer to understand different breeds but also give them valuable information they can then pass along to the new owner.

The forth class we start a marketing campaign. I urge them to take their dogs to the streets, in front of grocery stores, to adoption events to show off their skills. One volunteer even posted flyers of her dog on her car windows!

The volunteers have an emotional interest in the dog and the dog re-gains trust in a person again.
When someone spots a shelter dog doing re-fined obedience training, you have to stop and ask "Where did you get your dog?", "How long have you been working with her?" and the list goes on.

I started this by believing that every volunteer & staff member could be a dog trainer. Their hard work, dedication and compassion for these animals has shed light that they are capable of transforming a potentially abused, stray or abandoned dog into a wonder dog.

These animals are using their minds, releasing stress, receiving enrichment and exercise and building a re-newed trust.

Many thanks go out to every volunteer & staff member that has dedicated themselves to this simple training program. With their help, we are able to place dogs in homes quicker and give them a chance at staying there. The added benefit is that each new owner is allowed to attend one of my basic obedience classes for free!

To donate to the Yavapai Humane Society in support of this program, please visit: www.crowdrise.com/jennifermccarthy

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Hello From The New K-9 Ranch Training Center!

Posted by jennifer on December 21, 2010.

Research is up on the former horse ranch where I was studying the interactions between coyotes & ranch dogs. We are finally moved into our brand new facility in Prescott, Az. and I must say, it's quite extraordinary! Complete with a state of the art barn, 5 fenced in, dog proof acres, an enlarged riding arena with mesh fencing for agility training, group classes and seminars, 3 pastures and our one of a kind dog training school where you live, eat, sleep & breathe dog training-this place is a paradise in one of the most desirable areas. We are 15 min. from town and adjacent to back country hiking trails, horseback riding, mountain biking & kayaking!
The location is perfect, the dogs are in heaven and soon we will have horses on our team for the final completion.
On top of the hurdles of moving, the new dog training program at the Yavapai Humane Society adopted out all 16 dogs who participated. Owners of theses dogs will be allowed to participate in one of my basic obedience classes off-site for free!
The sober living/foster dog program is in the works and classes in Prescott were booked within two days so we added more!
The sun is shining bright on World Class Dog Training and we are excited for a great 2011.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a fantastic New Year!
All my best,
Jennifer

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Animals Know Details Better Than You Do...

Posted by jennifer on November 12, 2010.

Because pack & heard animals live their life on a totem pole, you have to pay attention to how un-conscience they are about constantly one-upping you. This mechanism is ingrained in their basic biology to get to the head of the pack or family system in place. Make no mistake that as a horseback rider or pet owner, your animal is always manipulating you. Of course we can't blame them- they need to do it almost as if it's a part of their very existence, and it is.
What I'm referring to, is a dog in a down stay that may inch his way up by rolling over to his side, the horse that knows he shouldn't walk in front of you but tries anyway and the wolf who may casually steal another wolves bone when they aren't looking.
This ploy may seem malicious, almost as if they are doing this in spite of you. Even if you've taught your dog a million times not to race out the door, he still may try to anyway.
So what is your job as head leader of this system? To Constantly push them back down again on a daily basis.
Why are details so important when it comes to relating to our four legged friends? Because what you may not even pay attention to, nor care about is very important to your pet. You may not see it but they do.
When you can start seeing through the eyes of your pet is when you will tap into a world where the littlest things hold the most meaning. For example, an empty dish that lies on the floor, has the smell of left over food. You don't control that smell but your dog does. Until you pick the bowl up, the smell still means food and food is the highest rescource to animals so you better own the food.
Old scents hold different meaning than newer ones. The one with the most scents spread on the ground in a particular space or room, holds the territory card and owns the area.
Space is always being accknowledged- how much there is of it, who owns it and when can we get out of it for a more exciting activity such as a walk.
Doorbells, keys, pocket change, foot steps, car engines- all sounds are heard and trigger a meaning or an action. For instance, keys mean leaving or coming home, leash means walk, door lock means going out. A dog that is "trigger happy" is one who gets too excitable, anxious, aggressive or fearful based on sound. In order to make this go away, we must de-sensitize them to the sounds.
What makes a good dog or domestic animal handler is looking out through the eyes of your animal first then through the eyes of what you want them to accomplish from a human perspective. Animals will work in co-operation for you if you show an equal respect for them as much as they do to you :-)

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Thanks :-)

Posted by jennifer on October 30, 2010.

Hey Everyone-
Thank you all for the beautiful messages and support I've been receiving from the airing of the Wolf-Dog special last night on the National Geographic Channel. There's much more to come as things are moving quickly in a bigger direction... With that said, I have many more research projects I'll be talking about, my work with coyotes and ranch dogs, horses, the Mexican Gray Wolf Program and much, much more! So stay tuned in here to my blog to get the latest news and I look forward to meeting more of you out there on this wonderful journey of helping animals. Howl and woof to you all!
All my best,
Jennifer

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FREE YAVAPAI HUMANE SOCIETY BEHAVIOR LECTURE IN PRESCOTT, AZ!

Posted by jennifer on October 5, 2010.

Hey Everyone: Click on this link to see the flyer for this event coming Oct. 23rd at 10 AM...

Jennifer McCarthy Seminar.pdf

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Animal Behavior & Autism: A New Perspective

Posted by jennifer on September 3, 2010.

I feel so blessed to be a part of a young man's life who, at age 11, happens to be autistic. Autism doesn't define Culley, rather he'd like to tell you that he's passionate about his lego collection, loves to play games and is great at repeating any commercial he sees, one time, from start to finish. He is compassionate, caring, funny, intelligent and is on his way to greatness.

Although autism is a spectrum disorder, I have had the amazing opportunity to try what I know from animals to break into his world. So far, it seems to be working.
I'm by no means a therapist or an expert on autism but someone who has seen animals overcome all the odds from tremendous fear to debilitating stories of abuse, neglect and the list goes on.

These non-human animals suffer in a world we can't even imagine. They can't talk, they can't express their feelings. It is only through acting out, acting scared or simply breaking down to not exist in this world any more that we may pay attention.

Culley is a brave soul and has to face his fears daily. What may be an easy and fun trip to see a movie, is torture to him-the loud noise, the anxiety of the darkness, just the thought of attempting to go to the movie theatre is met by anger, fear, tantrums and even tears.

With no skills to fall back on, I can only rely on what I know from domestic creatures and what they have so graciously taught me.

Lately, I've found that these skills not only work for Culley's case but he is doing things with a greater ease and less fear.

These are some of the techniques that can be translated from dogs, wolves & horses to humans with the disorder as well as there are also things I've brought from the autism community to suffering animals.

1) No rules apply. Each person is individual and you must be creative in finding what works so long as that doesn't injure, harm, etc.

2) Use lots of enthusiasm! I would rather see 15 minuets of intensity, enjoyment and praise when owners practice with their dogs than an hour of not being fully present in the interactions.

3) Break it up in small steps for rewards. Instead of training a dog for a movie to jump out of a car, retrieve a newspaper and sit on a park bench, you would break each of these things up into smaller steps for rewards. At the end, give a big reward and lots of excitement, praise, etc!

4) Allow the ability to make decisions. It's Culley's choice if he wants to get in the car to drive to the movie theatre or not. If he does, he gets a star. If he passes, I get to try instead which would allow me to have the possibility to obtain a star. The first one to 10 stars wins and gets a new lego toy! He always has the opportunity to make a good decision such as other animals do in facing their fears.

5) Create space. The more physical space for someone to move around and breathe, the better. Often feeling "caged in" and triggered by space, animals get a sense of relief from a larger area. When I say "animals" I am referring to non-humans however, we must not forget that we are ALL animals-not greater nor less than any another species.

6) Always be calm and patient. The art of healing is time. I don't wear a watch when I spend time with a dog who is suffering or fearful. Don't try to "make" an autistic person do anything they don't want to do.Have patience and the mind set that you have all the time in the world to go through a tantrum for the person to get another chance at whatever is difficult. Stay with them through the experience but don't leave until they can get to the other side. Always leave when the person is calm. Don't reward the meltdown by leaving.

7) Using meditation or a form of spirituality and exercise is key to coming in on a grounded, calm level. You must always be present in you first to allow a person or animal to heal and grow.

8) Lights, noise and extra sensory perception may be high in dogs and in autism cases-as dogs have much more developed hearing than we do. Consider using headphones, etc., to help with these outside obstacles.

9) Establish boundaries and rules to create a secure environment based on leadership, friendship, love and trust.

10) Allow non-humans to teach where you cannot. Horses are amazing healers and dogs provide reduced heart rates, security and unconditional love. Chose a calm breed such as a mellow Golden Retriever. Encourage animal interaction as much as possible as animals feel more acutely in extra-sensory areas, this gift can allow the right dog to break through to your child where you cannot. In later years, walking the dog and becoming more active around an animal builds confidence, trust and stability that everything is going to be all right.

As time goes on, I will be posting more information on the subject as I enjoy more interactions hanging out with the fastest lego builder in the West and my new, amazing friend-Culley. I'm so grateful for all he is teaching me and look forward to many more accomplishments and fun days to come!

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