Video Review - "Small Dog Training Series"
by Lois Morkassel

Visualize two happy women sharing their knowledge and joy in training toy dogs from obedience competition. Got the picture in your head? Now you can watch Barbara Cecil and Gerianne Darnell in Canine Training Systems' professional production: Small Dog Training Series (Tape 1--Puppy and Novice, Tape 2--Open and Tape 3--Utility).

The taping was done at the 1996 Small Dog Obedience Camp at Gerianne's home outside Council Bluffs, Iowa. Campers and their dogs helped illustrate points as well as Barbara and Gerianne's enthusiastic Papillons. There are also some segments of home videos, which illustrate exercises at actual shows that are interwoven into the professional taping.

The Small Dog Training Series very nicely captures the obedience portion of Small Dog Camp. It is a wonderful illustration of the Competitive Obedience Training for the Small Dog book by Barbara Cecil and Gerianne Darnell. Barbara and Gerianne have complementary styles of presenting information. Both are clear and able to communicate well and with humor while imparting massive amounts of information. The presentations are smooth and fast paced, moving in logical progressions. The reasoning behind many of their choices of training exercises in certain ways is shared with the camper and viewer.

The overall look of the tapes is clean and clear. The producers obviously know dog training, if they aren't dog trainers themselves. Each tape is presented similarly. The equipment is discussed and shown. Each exercise of each class level (Novice, Open, and Utility) is discussed on the appropriate tape, but when a category such as stay is introduced, its importance for all level is pointed out and stressed as foundation work for upper levels. A handler can see more clearly why patience and thorough training of each behavior is important before showing, not just to qualify, but to lay the groundwork for exhibiting in upper classes.

Although each tape moves rapidly through the informational presented, slow motion and stop-action highlights actions that are difficult to see at "normal" speed. The angles are unusually exceptional in that the viewer can see what is being discussed. The only time this definition is poor is when Gerianne is demonstrating the hand position for a forced retrieve on her "Rudy". He has too much hair to allow the camper and viewer to see what she is doing. A short-coated breed would have been better choice here for purposes of illustration, and is not a production fault.

The Small Dog Training Series does show the different methods that Barbara and Gerianne use to achieve the same ends. Their first parting of the way is evident in their feeling about the "finish". Barbara prefers the finish to the right or "heel around" and Gerianne prefers to the left finish or "swing" finish. Each has logic behind their preference and each illustrates teaching their finish clearly. Other areas they offer alternative methods on are teaching the retrieve, scent articles (you'll have to buy the Utility tape to learn about Barbara's Hard Cheese/Hard Liquor method of scent training) and Go-outs.

Throughout this series, Barbara and Gerianne emphasize working on the dog's attitude and enthusiasm, which should never be sacrificed for accuracy. The trainer needs to keep learning clear, upbeat, unemotional, as stress free as possible for the dog. The training stage needs to be under careful supervision and done with realistic proofs. The polishing and proofing stage, when getting ready to show, needs to be carefully thought through. The distractions become more difficult to try to cover possible ring situations. In all these states, progress is made in small increments allowing the dog to build confidence through success.

The video series can and does stand by itself. The book makes it less laborious to go through for references and following step by step sequences to teach categories of behaviors that can be refined into the exercises that are unrelated through Novice, Open, and Utility.

The first tape, Puppy and Novice, discusses advantages of showing and training small dogs. Barbara and Gerianne find the stand exercise more difficult for small dogs that large dogs don't have to face. They advocate teaching dogs at home in a safe, comfortable, distraction free area. Classes can be used for proofing.

Barbara and Gerianne believe that you should train the specific dog you have. The owner must be happy with whatever the dog can give. The trainer is responsible for the dog's attitude.

Puppies need time to be puppies, but can learn foundation information for future obedience careers in minute amounts that are generalizing games.

Novice work starts with the key handler responsibility: learning how to walk for heeling-- without the dog! The footwork includes how to place the feet when walking, posture, speed, stride, and pace. Add the turns, starts, stops, and the figure 8. When the handler's feet are under control, the dog can be added.

Barbara and Gerianne cover pre-heeling concepts and focal points. They both use a dowel to help the dog understand what is wanted of its body. They walk about and illustrate its use as well.

The sit, down, and stand are taught using a combination of methods: treats, minimal hands on and placing the dog in position. The dog is taught on a table or while the handler kneels or sits on the floor. The dog is taught the signals for each position. The stays are added in. The physical ability of the dog to do these positions is constantly analyzed and checked. The key to training is to build on successes. Learning is accomplished in small increments.

The recall, front and finish are covered from puppy work through polished ring presentation. Barbara and Gerianne see the recall as the "Public Relations" exercise which shows how your dog feels about working with you.

The second tape: Open, builds on the information presented in the Novice tape. The first exercise covered is the drop on recall. The groundwork for the exercise is discussed and illustrated. There is emphasis placed on the dog learning to stop before dropping which can save costly points in the ring. A sequence to work through a drop on recall is described.

The methods of training the retrieve are listed and described. The method the handler chooses needs to be followed through. Then if the handler is not satisfied, another method can be tried and worked through. The inductive, motivational with food and force methods are discussed and demonstrated.

When jumping enters the picture, the handler should have the dog vet checked to make sure there are no physical problems that could cause injury and pain. The most common small dog problem is in the patellas, but hip dysplasia can also occur. The most important physical area that the handler can control to help the dog is to keep the dog's weight down. A fitness program is also important to build necessary muscles.

The high jump is taught low (2" board first) and the dog is worked to competition height. The retrieve is incorporated into the jump, starting at the 2" board and again working to full height.

The broad jump is taught with a very elaborate equipment set up. Their dogs jump the broad jump well and cleanly. (I personally would be intimidated by the sheer quantity of stuff they use.)

The third tape: Utility, is all built on the work done in Novice and Open. Heeling is presumed by this time, as well as jumping and retrieving skills.

There are pre-requisites for the signal exercise that the dog needs to know before the whole exercise can be put together for the ring. Barbara and Gerianne teach the signal exercise close in and in a way that is fair to the dog. They insist "pattern" training is not a dirty word. They see no reason to make things more difficult for the dog than absolutely necessary.

Two methods of teaching scent are discussed with some illustration. The methods described are closely related. Both advocate very thorough cleaning of the articles after use and avoid teaching "hot scent/cold scent".

The directed retrieve is usually a blind retrieve for small dogs. Groundwork can be laid by introducing "the mark" as a food retrieve game. Great emphasis is placed on the importance of separate and different footwork and cue words for each pivot.

Directed jumping is again broken into component parts. Go-outs are taught early in the dog's career. If the new trainer is starting a first dog in their method, this information should be included on the Novice tape. Barbara and Gerianne teach go-outs to a ring stanchion. A food method is given first with a second method of dowel retrieve used for competition dogs.

Over all, these tapes are very thorough and fast moving. The pause and rewind on the VCR are most helpful for playing back areas the viewer wants to review. I even saw things in reverse that helped me understand some footwork better. The book and tapes compliment each other well.

The Small Dog Training Series is a visual treat. Barbara and Gerianne have a fluid grace of movement when they work with their dogs. They do a wonderful job of analyzing and breaking their movements down so others can learn how to "dance" with their dogs. The dogs illustrating the exercises and positions have their own grace and humor.

Lois Morkassel

Video Review - "Competing with a Small Dog: Video Tape #1"
by Linda Smoot (Donato)

Video Review - "Competing with a Small Dog: Video Tape #2"
by Grace and Lee Lebbin (Gianel)

HE SAYS: Barbara Cecil and Gerianne Darnells COMPETING WITH A SMALL DOG (Open Level) video starts out with lively music and four different breeds of toy dogs executing six open exercises ten times, all within one and a half minutes.

SHE SAYS: With a lively introduction like this video has everyone should be eager to watch the rest of the tape which talks about equipment needed (with suggestions on the size) and four open level exercises with several methods of training. The free heeling with the figure eight and the out-of-sight group exercises are not mentioned in this tape.

HE SAYS: Equipment covers the size of the jumps, fitting the dumbbell, and a few extra household items to aid in the training. All that in a minute and a half. This is clearly narrated by Russell Ruffin who is also the cameraman and editor. Next both Barbara and Gerianne spend more that 16 minutes discussing the drop on recall. A dowel is added to the collection of aids. All of this is illustrated with 7 different toy dogs and other short breeds.

SHE SAYS: After explaining how to know if your dog is ready for the formal drop, it is divided into several steps. It is suggested the handle have two downs: one "lie down" for the long down and one "down" for the drop. Barbara demonstrates and explains the different steps on the leash then off with one of her Papillons. Gerianne discusses anticipation.

HE SAYS: The next exercise is the retrieve on flat which is over 20 minutes long and uses 8 different dogs. Another handler with Russell narrating and Gerianne with her Papillon take turns explaining each step. Added is a hula-hoop.

SHE SAYS: Gerianne discusses the inductive retrieve (shaping), the motivation retrieve, and a collar twist forced retrieve. When Gerianne's dog is picking up a thrown dumbbell she has the dog on a flexi lead. A hula-hoop is used to help the handler practice throwing the dumbbell in the same place.

HE SAYS: The retrieve over the high jump is a shy over 7 minutes with one dog doing all the work. a veterinarian discusses jumping and the small dog (knee problems, weight, etc.).

SHE SAYS: The exercise is shown in progressive increments of jumping to jumping with the dumbbell, dealing with problems that may arise in the dog's performance. The suggestion is to start the jumping with a 2" board for the toy breed. The problem of going around the jump is covered.

HE SAYS: The fourth exercise covered is the broad jump. This is 9 minutes long using 4 different dogs. Besides the regulation broad jump boards and bar from the bar jump, soup cans, chicken wire, a ring gate with standards, foil tape, and boards are demonstrated as helpful aids.

SHE SAYS: The recommendation is to get down on the floor and see the jumps the way the dog does. In explaining how to teach the small dog this exercise a lot of "stuff" is used to keep from manipulating the dog physically. This time Barbara breaks it into a number of increments of jumping from over one board to the full length. The problem of clicking the jump, cutting the corner, and jumping between the boards is covered.

HE SAYS: A variety of narrators and 10 different breeds (sorry no IG) keeps the viewer's attention for a full hour. The video has excellent production values of quality, color, music, vocal variety, a great training facility, and neat dogs working and having fun. With a license plate in the closing scene saying "OTCHTDX", one can't go wrong following that car.

Grace and Lee Lebbin (Gianel)

Video Review - "Competing with a Small Dog: Video Tape #3"
by Karen Langenbrunner (Praise Acres)

It was my privilege to preview the Utility tape. Overall, the tape is well thought out, great photography, and excellent narration. Several different toy and small dogs are used, with the main breed being the Papillon of course. Again, no IG's. Guess they didn't want a breed to outshine the Paps!

As with any training tape or seminar, one can always learn something. I personally do not agree with everything demonstrated in the tape, but as a whole the methods seem to be productive and efficient.

Since this is the ultimate level of training for a dog, much of the basic training has been discussed in the open and novice tapes. This tape starts with the dog who is reliable to attention, focus, stays, retrieves, and problem solving.

For equipment, they suggest purchasing three additional leather and three additional metal articles when you purchase your set. They prefer the single bar article, since that is what the dog has been familiar with in the use of the dumbbell. For gloves, the suggestion is to use children's gardening gloves, or the toy size glove sold through most obedience vendors. Also needed are dowel rods, and a full set of jumps, plus a flexi-lead. And FOOD! They use food as a motivator frequently.

When the signals are discussed, one point that impressed me was reminding everyone to not correct the dog at a distance. Invest teaching time close to you. If the dog makes a mistake at a distance, don't correct, but re-teach. All of their novice dogs know the signals, and they are started by sitting on the floor and using the food. For the problem of creeping forward on the signals, they use innovative method of making a three-sided "box" out of a folding yardstick that the dog understands he is not to cross. This is also used for the front in previous levels. They also use a method called "backchain", where the dog taught and practices the unknown first, and ends with the reinforcement of a familiar and known exercise. They suggest that the most common problem with the signal exercises is a stay problem, not the signal itself.

For the articles, they demonstrate two methods. Gerianne uses a tie-down board or mat with a progression of tied/untied articles, and Barbara incorporated the use of gin or alcohol (really!) to use as a negative scent for the wrong article, and food (cheese) on the correct article, also incorporating the tie-down mat. (She suggests you eat the cheese, drink the gin, and then who cares about dog training!)

The gloves are introduced as a game. Food is used initially and extensively on paper plates or paper towels, getting the dog used to looking for the white "out there". This becomes fetch the food. Good footwork is demonstrated and stressed.

As they demonstrate the moving stand, they suggest that all of the ingredients are already there, you just need to put them together. The use of a dowel rod and leash sling are also used.

The go-outs for the directed jumping are also taught with food and a dowel rod as a back up motivator. Incorporated into teaching the go-out is the search for the glove. A ground pole is used for the bar jump and baby gates are used between the two jumps to block the dog from moving around the jumps when being taught direction.

The dogs and people in this tape are having fun. It was apparently made during one of their training camps. Just as with her seminars, you are made to feel right at home, watching them with their T-shirts, wrinkled shorts and slouchy socks. A group of ladies are in the training area sitting in their lawn chairs and taking notes. You just want to pull your chair up, too. I would recommend this tape highly for anyone's training library.