QC Dogwalkers

QCDW Ondoy Soup Kitchen

2010-03-02T15:00:00.003+08:00

Falkor k9 Wawa Bouldering

2009-09-05T18:53:00.002+08:00

August 30, 2009 Training

Reflection

2009-08-25T10:28:00.001+08:00

Looking back at my childhood, I was really very fond of dogs. I enjoy petting them, and playing with them. Our native dogs back then was not so close to my other siblings as I was the only one who was really a dog lover then. During my elementary days, when I arrived home, my dog will always be there waiting for me at our gate. It gave me joy to see my dog excited as I enter our gate.

Watching movies with dogs at that time made me dream of having a Pure breed dog. The dog that I cannot forget was Rin Tin Tin. So that movie struck me the most. I was amazed on how he can do so many things. But since I was a kid at that time, I can only hope and dream, so I promise myself, one day, I will have my dream dog. A German Shepherds Dog. It took me less than two decades to have one. I got a showline GSD a few years back That time I was just starting to learn about having a showline and a working line GSD's. I was so curious that I also got a working line GSD.

Now that I have my GSD's I was curious on dog training. I think this was a turning point for me as a dog lover. I have research several methods and tried it. I was beginning to read about prey drive, calm bite etc. But there was a certain group that caught my attention, and I was very curious to see on how they train their dogs. They were very controversial at that time, but I can see their point on dog training and how practical they train their dogs. I just can't understand the method and approach of what they are saying. So I looked for a way to enter their group, and with the help of someone I was able to do so. First time of training, it was full of stress, there were firecrackers, smoke, other dogs and handlers, and a lot of distractions. My dog went wild, but with their guidance, slowly I was able to control my dog. I was asked to cross the bamboo bridge and to show no hesitation. I also have to cross the body of water without hesitation. So I just did what I was told, I followed without asking because I was there to learn. We did some natural agility combined with obedience. This was very unusual method of dog training. I have read some articles about dog training but this was very different, no treats were given to the dogs after every exercise, yet the dog was not forced to do something. During the break time, I was asked to let my dog do a long down stay, I was surprised to see that he can already do the long down stay, with other dogs and lots of distractions.

I was amazed and at the same time confused. I really can't understand what was going on. My dog did not have any obedience prior to that day. When I came back home, my dog was very different, he can do basic obedience already. That day I know that it was the training that I was looking for. Not because it was fast, but because it was more practical on my daily application. Although the type of training is very different from what can be searched on the Internet. Mostly articles on the web will include training with treats, as a form of reward. Not putting your dog to stressful environment during training will also ease up the training and will not destroy your dogs confidence. Some articles also encourage that dogs that does not know each other should be allowed to sniff one another in order to get acquainted. Probably these are the main difference between the training method I have chosen from the common training methods available on the web. Dogs were not given any rewards except for praise. A “good sit” or a “good come” was enough reward. Yet you can see the expression of the dog being happy to work with its handler.

I do not say that this is a better method than using rewards, but for me if I will remove treats, it will be better if I will start my training without treats. I also find it more practical because stress is inevitable in our daily life. If we can handle our dogs in stressful environment then it would be easier to handle them in a not stressful environment. I also realized that training with distractions does not make a dog fail, but rather make it understand that its part of its daily life, so its normal to have distractions but the dog should still be obedient.

During that time that I was training my first working line GSD, I was not really aware of what I am doing, I am just there to teach my dog basic obedience, and bitework. For me it was just dog training without treats, with applied stress and distractions. And I like the results, at that time that was good enough for me.

For some reason I have to let go of my first Workingline GSD to be able to get a new pup, so I invest on a new pup. I say invest because it involves a lot of money, after purchasing the pup I still have to budget my income for the expenses that I will spend on training, such as gasoline. This time though, I was deeply involve in this method of training, I slowly realize that dog training is not just a matter of having your dog sit, down, or stay. As days goes by, I was exposed to a deeper meaning of dog training. As I was taught that dogs need not to be train for obedience. A dog knows how to sit, it will lay down if it wanted to, it will stay on one place if it wants. Its agility is natural. So its just making them do the things they can, on the time I wanted them and needed them to do. I was not really training my dog, it was merely communicating with her. Through body language, voice, emotion. I was able to communicate with her. It was not just dog training, but it was dog handling. I slowly learn to read my dog, I can tell by her movements on what she wanted to do, on what she is thinking. I can almost anticipate her next move. I was not training my pup or dog, but its the other way around. She is teaching me on how to handle her.

Through this method that I was privileged to learn, I have realized many things about working dogs. It gave me a deeper understanding on my dog and maybe dogs in general. I have known what being a true leader to the dog is all about. As I was exposed on what is natural to the dog, I have learned on how to work with his natural abilities. The good thing about this is that I just did not learn about dog handling, I have also learned many things about myself. Through this it made me a better person. With this type of training, the dog, the handler, and the work is all that matters. If you tend to compete with other dogs and handlers, you will not be successful. You cannot make your dog work exactly as the other dogs in the group because they poses different character, and natural agilities. Some dogs are more agile, some are less agile, the important thing is the dog can perform with in your needs. Another factor is, that with this training you imprint your personality with your dog, therefore other dogs reflect the personality of their handlers as your dog reflects yours.

Dog handling made me a better person because it gave me a different view on dog training and in my life as well. One cannot lie to their dog, therefore we should be honest in dealing with them. As I reflect on the things I lack as a dog handler, I realized that characteristic is also lacking on how I deal with other things as well. That gave me a better view of myself and gave me opportunity on how to change things that I needed to be a better person. To some people this may sound silly, but to those who have done this and is currently doing, I know you understand what I am saying.

I was a dog lover all my life, but for the past years I think I have become more, I become a dog handler. Never did I have shared my life with my dogs the way I am doing it today. I have never built a partnership with any of my previous dogs before, like what I have with my current dogs right now. I say partner because we train together, we work together. It gave me an understanding on what real dogs are. With this, I would like to thank my mentor & all my training buddies, for the guidance. Most of all to my dogs, specially Jersey for teaching me what dog handling is all about.

The Art of Dog Handling

2009-07-30T09:14:00.001+08:00

I am not a professional trainer, nor an expert in handling dogs. But I hope to share some things I learned from my limited experience in handling dogs. I do hope that this would benefit those who are starting to focus on working dog training.

Today most trainers or dog owners train their dog using treats or toys as a reward. This is normal because it is what was handed down to us. The real art of dog handling was almost forgotten. This was handling dogs base on pure handler-dog communication. No props was used but training or handling was done on subtle communication. Through this handler and dog builds the partnership that based on mutual understanding, and mutual trust. Most people promote using treats so that the dog will have a positive outlook on training, or so that the training would be in a happy mood. But lets think deeper, aren't dogs happy just to be with his handler/owner? Even without food, or toys the dog is just happy to be beside us. What else could be more rewarding to them than our sincerest praise. Now people tend to use treats or toys as a tool to communicate with their dog. It is because it is easier to get their attention. People lost interest on how to really get the dogs attention thus the dog focus more on the toys or reward and not on the handler.

Training working dog should be done through partnership. And if you wanted to have a serious dog, one should train seriously. Its that simple. This is hard to explain through words it is better experienced. But for the purpose of example one of the best example I can think of is the military. They used subtle communication most of the time during operation. They communicate through hand signal, eye contact, with minimal use of voice. This only shows that humans are also capable of subtle communication. Another example is a team sport, such as basketball. With spending time of playing with each other, teammates build a chemistry that does not need for words to communicate. Through eye contact and body movements they can anticipate their teammates movement. This is also true in other team sports. And I believe those who have played team sports know what I was talking about. How do they achieve this? Through practice, training, and need. If a teammate did something good, we do not see other teammates giving him a treat, but the sincerity of joy that one feels is felt by the other just by hearing “good job” or “nice shot”, “good defense” etc. This is also true in the military, most of them will get a pat on the back, a recognition from the officer for a good job. Yes there are promotions but it is because we are humans. It is our human nature that we wanted to be recognized

The difference in dog handling is we will communicate to a different creature. So the challenge here is how to make our dogs understand us, and how can we understand them. This is the magic that was almost gone. The most difficult part is starting, because you are still establishing a working relationship with your dog. Most people claims to be a leader of their dog through making them sit before giving their meal, by not making their dog go out of the door before them or by giving them food or toy rewards. But if we think of what a true leader is, a leader should gain ones respect and trust. Being a leader is being a role model, if you want your dog to do something for you, lead your dog and show him the way. Through this you are communicating with the dog what you wanted him to do. And by showing him the way, you slowly gain his respect and trust. The pup's willingness to follow is a great tool for dog training, if we lead him through obstacles without hesitation, the pup will follow without hesitation. Thus because of his willingness to follow, the pup overcome that obstacle, you gain his trust, he gains confidence. For me that is a true sign of being a leader. The leader goes first, and your subordinate will willingly follow. Example you are in a military, who will gain your trust and respect more, a leader who is a type of “attack! follow me” or “attack I will follow”? Think about it.

Funny as this may sound to many, the dog can see if one has a pure intention with dog training. Its with this trait that they give their best abilities if we ask for it with pure intention. Pure intention means you are building working relationship with your dog, not just training your dog. You do this not because you wanted to, but because you needed to. Another thing is that if you train because you wanted your dog to be better than another dog, this will not work, the dog will be able to feel your intention through your actions and attitude. It may seem to be a foolish idea but the dog will prove that this is true. If you give a pup to a child who is looking for a friend or a pet, you will notice this. As the child runs the pup will follow. If it crosses a body of water, the pup will swim. To a child this is not dog training, this is just playing with the pup, this is pure in intention.

Honesty is also a training tool. We should be honest with ourselves and be able to face our weakness, because a dog will only be as good as its handler. If we are not honest with ourselves, we cannot be successful in communicating with them. Because dogs can sense it and we cannot conceal our true self with them. They are honest creatures, they deserve our honesty. With this we also develop our honesty with other people. The dog is a reflection of his handler. Even if we intend to lie, the dog will show its honesty. This is a very nice story I read from a book and I would like to share, a mentor ask his apprentice to teach the dog to detect a bomb. After a week he said to his mentor, the dog is ready. They put it to the test. This is no ordinary test. He was ask to put a blindfold to his mentor and put the article a few feet away from a cliff, he was shocked as he did not expect this kind of test. If the dog fails to stop on the article it could mean the life of his mentor. One of my favorite excerpt from the book, “if we teach with honesty, we too will become honest, if we teach with sincerity, we too will become sincere”.

There are other traits that are essential in dog handling. Fairness; we should be fair in giving correction, and we should not correct the dog for our mistakes. Consistency; we should be consistent with our commands, we should not give a command if we cannot implement it. If we ask the dog to do a long down stay away from us, then the dog breaks, we should go to the dog and correct it no matter how far he is. If not, it will realize that at a certain distance we cannot control him. Another way of being consistent is by giving just one command. If we say “sit” we should let the dog sit on the first command, if we say “sit” the dog did not sit, and repeat our command, he will learn to sit after a couple of commands. Another important factor is believing. We should believe and trust on what the dogs can do. We should be observant on its natural abilities, and work with it.

I hope that this short article will encourage more working dog owners to experience the magic that there is between man and dog. So that they may feel the true essence of what is a true leader and friend to their dog. To end this article I would like to share another excerpt from the same book;

If it is your sincere desire to become a better handler, spend time handling

QCDW and FALKORk9 joins PiPF and MK9 club Makiling HIke

2009-07-26T18:08:00.005+08:00

A Dog Quote

2009-07-21T11:57:00.000+08:00

He is your friend, your partner, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

I was struck the first time I read this quote. It seems to be full of passion and feelings for the dog. It describe how magnificent dogs are and that they are very loyal creatures and very honest.

Ever since the time I first handle dogs, I never felt the real meaning of friendship and partnership of man-dog relationship until I was introduce with this kind of training method. One will always say our dog is our friend, but its how we treat them as a friend that counts. Its not just providing food, water, & shelter. We should provide them with the physical and mental exercise in order for them to learn and improve their skills. We should not just concentrate on walking them 30 minutes to an hour a day and then we call them friends. When we have friends we spend quality time with them right? That should also be the same with dogs. We should provide the venue and opportunity for the dogs to improve his natural abilities. If we had a friend do we always treat them if we ask a favor from them? May be sometimes, but do you think a real friend will be looking forward for that treat if he does something for you? A real friend would just be happy doing it for you even if there he gets nothing in return. Some or most will argue, isn't it better if you received a reward after doing a favor from a friend? Well may be because that is their attitude towards their friend. Don't you think so?

A partner. There is no better training yet that I know than this method that develops man-dog partnership. In fact it just not develop man-dog partnership but it promotes it. That is why this training is not for everybody. This training is for those who really want to learn how to communicate with their dogs. With this method you will realize what a partner a dog can be. This will also improve your character not just your handling skills. Because this make you know yourself better. To explain briefly on how you develop your partnership with the dog, all training is done with communication. Your dogs will go where you will go. You assist your dog on obstacles that he finds difficult. This might be hard to visualize but once you experience it you will see that there is a magical bond between man and dog. This training will also show that you are his leader. You will lead him through the exercise until he can do it alone. I think there is no better way to earn the respect of your dog than this. If man respects a good leader, what more of a dog. During the hard times of training you are together, so is there a better way to gain a dogs friendship, trust, and respect than this? This will only show that you are his friend, partner and leader.

We as dog lovers sometimes forgot what dogs really are. They are dogs, and they are happy just to be dogs. Now most people will call them babies, treat them as babies. This are the people who claims to be responsible dog owners. If we treat dog as babies they will become weak, and in their natural world there is no room for weakness, as nature will always cull the weak. Today we can see a lot of weak dogs, its because they have been bred for weakness and they are treated to be weak. If only the dogs could speak, they would surely say it is not the right way to treat them.

They are so loyal and honest, that they will not advance when his handler will not. Dogs will go only where handlers will go. Dogs are gift to man, they have a purpose and they were made that way ever since. If we read history, dogs were very useful, they have been used in different purposes. They were given to us to assist us in many works. We owe it to them. It is not our right to have dogs, it was given to us and it is a privilege to have such faithful and honest companion. Unfortunately today, those who treat dogs as dogs are being labeled as irresponsible owners. Because we train them hard and in harsh environments. But little do they know that dogs should be strong, we should treat them strong. It is natural for them to be strong in order to survive. Dogs are noble creatures, and let us treat them the way they should be treated.

Foundation

2009-06-17T09:53:00.003+08:00

Foundation is very essential to working dogs, this builds their character. While some working dog breeders will opt to finish the vaccines of their pups until given foundation, the true working breeders work the pups as even before the pup has been given a shot. The importance of foundation will show during training and when the pup or dog is put to stress, it will always go back to its foundation.

If the pup is given a wrong foundation or have not been given any foundation there is a low chance that it will be of good character. I never knew this when I started having working dogs. Or even when I started owning dogs. When I brought a pup home I expect that since it is new to the surroundings and environment it is ok that the pup is not at ease or very stressed. I thought it is normal that the pup or dog finds itself in a different environment and will recover in a few days. I believe many people have the same perception with this. They think that it is normal, when in fact the truth is the pup was not given enough foundation or was not

given any at all.

I had my share of this, the first working line GSD I had was not given foundation. I got it at 5 months old, never left the compound of the breeder. Because the compound was big, it was given exercise inside the compound, the pup is set free from time to time to run. First day I got him, he was not very comfortable traveling in a car. Yet I thought its ok its the first time. When I arrived home, I opened the gate, got him out of the car. Unfortunately the collar was a little loose, it got away and went under the jeep of our neighbor. The pup was so scared. Still I think its ok since its the first time. A friend of mine decided to also get a working line GSD, I refer him to the same breeder, he was able to get a pup at the age of 2 months. It was the first time the pup went out of the breeders place. As it seems normal it did not stop crying and was so stressed.

After working with this pup for a couple of months I was fortunate to be able to participate with an exclusive group for a couple of times. There I see there were 4 puppies being given foundation. At the age of 8 weeks they were very comfortable in an environment that is new to them, they didn't mind having big dogs with them. Yet my 6 month old pup was so stressed with the environment. I have seen the difference but at first little did I realize that foundation was the reason behind this.

I worked my first working line for a little less than a year, and decided to sell it so that I can purchase another working line pup from this group. When I contacted the breeder when can I see the pup and choose my pick, he told me we should meet at a place where he is working the pups so I can see for myself what pup would fit me. This is kind of unusual right? Most breeders will invite you home to pick a pup. So we met and I was able to pick my pup. The pup were still 7 months old at that time, and I decided to get the pup at around 8 weeks because I was not experience enough to give the pup the foundation it needed.

A week after, I got the pup at the breeders house, then went straight to Tiendesitas to meet some friends and grab a couple of drink. To my delight the pup just followed us and did not show that it was so stressed or uncomfortable. At first she was a bit hesitant but after a little encouragement she was very comfortable already. We sat at the front near the band where it is very noisy, I just put her in my lap and she did nothing but sleep. I was glad with her reaction, it was very different from my first working line GSD. When we got home she got out of the car, just followed me around the house and never felt uncomfortable. At the bedroom she jump over the bed immediately and looked at me like she wants to play and is very energetic. That time I realize how important foundation is with working dogs. The next day I started working her, we walked around the streets with in our village, and I can see the difference in the confidence of the pup.

A week after I brought it to a friends place, I saw a body of water, I decided to work her there. Once I got into the water she immediately followed. It was a different experience. Another week later I brought her to a river, we introduced her on tracking. I went to the other side of the river while a friend of mine was holding her, then I hid. When she was released, she confidently cross the river and tracks me. So I spend most of the time working her, and until now I continue to work her.

Today it is a common practice not to let the pups out of the kennel until after the pups have completed their vaccines. Some owners also after getting the pup at 8weeks old opts to keep the pup inside their house because it has not completed its vaccines. Little that they realize that they are losing valuable time to give their pups a good foundation. They will start to walk their pups outside at around 4months or older. Most people will accept that their dog is so stressed out because it is the first time for their dogs, when in fact if the pups are given proper foundation it will react differently. Some will even think that its ok to let them out a little late because they will make up for it, unfortunately this will not work for foundation with pups. That window of opportunity have passed. We will not be able to make up for it. I'm not saying pups with no foundation cannot be work, but pups with foundation will definitely show more character during training and during the work itself.

A simple example is during tracking, when a pup was given foundation it will track in any scenario and will focus only on the work. A pup without foundation will track but when faced with unfamiliar obstacle or terrain it will lose its focus.

I wanted to share this experience so that those who are looking for real working dogs will benefit from my lesson. So that they may not commit the same mistake I had before. As I previously said, if one is looking for working dogs, one must go to a working breeder. In my little experience on handling working dogs, the right foundation builds a pups character rather than building its drives. Because when there is a need for serious work, only dogs with character will perform.

A properly trained man can be a dogs bestfriend

2009-06-16T13:46:00.001+08:00

I have read this phrase but I forgot the author. I believe this to be true. Come to think of it do we really need to train working dogs? If we think deeper, most that we ask our dogs, they can do it naturally. A dog can naturally sit, down, stay, come. Its agility is also natural in them, the dog knows how to jump, balance swim etc. It also has its natural talent, sniffing and tracking. So do we really need to train them? I guess its more appropriate to say that man should be the one who needs to undergo training.

A good example, when we usually arrive home, the dog will naturally come to us, if you stand still in front of the dog long enough you will see that it will voluntarily sit near you. All we need to do is build our communication with our dog. In my opinion it is one of the most important part of man-dog partnership, establishing our communication with our k9 friends. Why do we also teach dogs to track? I believe we are not capable of teaching the dog to track, we are not capable of using our nose to track, what gives us the knowledge to teach the dog to track? As often done in schutzund, they teach the dog foot step tracking by using food. Its either they are fooling themselves or they are fooling others. In a real search the dog should be allowed to use its natural ability to be able to succeed. Usually a dog will do foot step tracking when the track is old, and air scent when the track is fresh. We should allow the dog to use its natural ability where the dog is comfortable. We should only learn to ask then to track for us. If we know how to communicate with them properly, the dog will willingly do it for us.

The more we spend time with them with activities that present challenges to both man and handler, we will see what is natural with them and we will be able to communicate with them with out using any treats or toys. The dog will be able to understand its handler with the tone of his voice, with body language, and emotion, and in return its handler will also be able to read his dogs expression and body language. If both dog and handler will be able to communicate with each other there are a lot of work that can be done.

With this communication we can ask the dog what we want and it will obey us in its own free will even though in the absence of treats. We can simply ask the dog to track for us, and the dog will, it will give us signals that we need to interpret in order for the search to be successful. All work is possible when we are able to communicate with our dog.

The dog will only go as far as where his handler is willing to, therefore we must provide the exercise to be able to develop our dogs. A good dog will show poor if handled by a poor handler, and a bad dog will show to be a good dog if handled by a good handler. So if one want to be a good handler, one should spend time handling his dogs, and learn to communicate with his dog. One must also be sensitive enough to see what is natural with the dog, because one cannot build a communication with the dog if its unnatural with him. The success of communicating with the dog should be base on what is natural with the dog. Therefore we must learn from the dog and not the other way around.

Another factor that also affects our communication with the dog is our intention. The handler must have a good intention to be able to achieve this communication. If the handlers intention is not pure, he will not be able to reach this, why? Because the dog knows and can read our emotion. If the handlers intention on training his dog and making his dog good so that he can show this off, there will be no success. For the dog to follow his handler it should be with pure intention and out of need. This allows the dog to show what is natural in him and will willingly share it with his handler. If not he will deny his handler of this communication.

If we give a pup to a kid, we can see how natural the pup will go with the kid, the pup will follow him and not thinking of getting anything in return. When a pup hesitates to follow, a little encouragement from the kid will make the pup follow. Why does the pup follow? Simply because the kid has pure intentions, the kid has no intention of showing off on what they can do, he simply enjoys the company of the pup.

To be honest it also took me sometime to understand this, the deeper meaning of communicating with the dog. When we do such activities of building communication with our dog, we should not think that we are doing this so that others will see that our dog is good. It should not be done just to have bragging rights. It should not be done so that our dog can be as good as other dogs. It should be done simply because we need our dog to do it. It should be done with the intent of enjoying our journey of life with our dogs as a partner.

My First Lesson

2009-06-15T16:30:00.001+08:00

My First Lesson

Ever since I was a kid I was a dog lover, but only after college was I able to buy a pure breed dog. I researched the net, bought some Cd's of dog training in order to train the dog my self. Most methods I encounter use treats as a form of training tool. This was the first method I apply. At first I found it good as the dog is learning slowly, he will do stay for a couple of seconds, then a minute and so on. I trained him inside the house because that was what most suggested. I was satisfied and fulfilled. Why not after all I don't know how to really train dogs. It was an achievement for me at that time.

There was an incident that made me decide, I should get a dog that will be suitable for protection. A suitable choice for me would be a GSD, for ever since I was a kid I was dreaming of having one. I finally got a male working line GSD, the next problem was having him trained. During that time I was observing a local dog forum, there was a group there that was quite controversial, and they where exclusive. Their philosophy about dog training was intriguing as they are more on the practical side of using dogs for real work. Their methods and approach were very different from what is commonly available information on dog training. I had a hard time entering the group, and my first working line GSD needs training ASAP.

I was assisted by a new friend to train my dog, I was excited as I on my way to their place. There I meet his group, most of them have Belgian malinois. My dog was so unstable and I don't know what to do. I was not allowed to use prong, only soft collar. He said using prong collar on my dog at a young age will destroy my dog. Since I was new to working dog training, I followed. Next week I went back to their training group, we did the same routines. I got back home and my dog did not learn anything. I cannot say its the trainer or the method, may be it was because of me.

Suddenly I received a message from one member of the group I was mentioning. I was invited and had the privilege to join their training. Once again my dog went unstable, wanting to bite anybody and any dog near us. I was told to put the prong collar, so I did, my dog became a bit controllable. Then we started training. Their approach is very different, they exposed handlers and dogs to different stressful situations, crossing the river, crossing the bamboo bridge, having some smoke in the path, and with some gun shot simulations. We are doing this as we are teaching obedience to the dog. All this are done without treats or toys, we just simply praise the dog. This was done during the morning. Then we went for a break. Our mentor then asks that the dog be on long down stays. I was shocked, with all the other dogs, chicken and other people around he is asking me to ask my dog to do long down stay, and I have to do this from a distance. He said to me “put your dog on a down stay and come here”. I don't know what to reply, so I said, my dog never did a long down stay before. He replied, “just tell your dog to down, say stay and come here”, so I did tell my dog, down, stay, but as I was walking away from my dog, may be around 3 steps away I looked back at him and I was hesitant that he would follow my command, so right there he stand slowly, I have to put him to down position again. The trainer said, I should not look back and I should learn to trust my dog. He said “TRUST your dog, put him on down stay, then come here and don't look back”. That was exactly what I did, and when I reached my trainer he said, “see your dog can do it, so trust your dog”. He even asked me how come the dog stayed, I cannot answer, so he jokingly said, its magic.

So after some years that has gone by, I can never forget the first lesson I learned, and that is I should Trust my dog. Today as I meet some people interested in working their dogs, I see my self a few years back, they are telling me their dog may not be able to do it. I just smile and answer them, “trust your dog”. Those who do is surprisingly amazed of the outcome as quoted from a true Dogman “It is human mindset that stands in the way of success. Believing is a very strong power, as disbelieving. - Guenther”

Dog Psychology with Mr. Onayd Lumbao

2009-05-20T14:24:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday May 17, 2009, our Friend Aino was able to invite dog behaviorist Mr. Onayd Lumbao for a brief talk on basic dog behavior and psychology. After the session we had some dog socials and simple agility.

The session was very practical and enlightening, we hope to invite Mr Lumbao again.

Here are some pics:

Grp picture taking

He recently launched his second book "Nanaginip ba ang mga aso"

Vids on biteworks and sendoffs

2009-03-31T10:44:00.005+08:00

Dogs Jersey and Grey of Ruben and Joseph are some of Falkor's finest.

With obstacle:

With Gun fire

Falkor Trainings

2009-03-31T10:21:00.002+08:00

Recently the QCDW people are so into training.

Here are recent pics while doing different excercises at Falkor K9

Jopes, posing with the real models

Battleground atop at a backhoe

Doc Bong doing some stabilizations w/ dogs Sonja and Vespers

Rubs doin some clinics

Mt Batulao Overnight Oct 18-19, 2008

2008-11-02T14:45:00.003+08:00

FALKOR K9 OPENING OCT 26 2008

2008-11-02T14:03:00.010+08:00

Ruben, Dups and Bobet specializes on real protection and advance agility

The day started with a prayer by Volts; the owner of the place.

Pico De Loro The Return!!!

2008-04-05T12:57:00.004+08:00

THE OBJECTIVE...

THE DANGER:

THE REWARDS:

START @ "Magnet"

BEFORE ENTERING THE FOREST

STOPOVER (nakakaramdam na ng pagod )

PHOTO SHOOT MUNA ULIT

MALAYO PA BA?

FINALLY!!! BASE CAMP! Lunch muna, then summit assault. See the peak sa background? I'm gonna reach that!!!

SUMMIT!!! (sakit ng katawan ko... )

PROUD LIL MOUNTAINEER...

WITH VETERAN MOUNTAINEERS

...WITH DAD AND KUYA "GRIP"

OK TARA NA SA BEACH... ASTEEG!!!

AFTER 8.5 HOURS OF HIKING, THE BEACH SEEMED TOO ENTICING...

LOW BAT, AND LOW ON MEMORY NA (translation - nakalimutan i-charge yung cam )

Simply, it was a BLAST!!!

We left QC at around 0400H last Sat. We arrived in Ternate at around 0630H. Konting kumustahan muna with the locals while having almusal. At around 0830H nasa start na kami ng trail. Along the way up we met three (3) groups of mountaineers going down. We reached basecamp at around 1130H. May two (2) groups of campers din doon. Had lunch sa basecamp, took pictures, and prepared for the summit assault. Looking at the summit from basecamp, medyo I was having second thoughts na isama si Sean sa summit. Tsaka ako mismo parang in full force yung fear ko sa heights. But then, heck andun na kami I thought I wouldn't want to pass up the chance na maka-summit si Sean on his first try sa first mountain niya. Kaya I summoned all my powers , then assaulted the summit.

Pinauna ko si Grip (who by the way was his usual energetic self during the ascent and descent - he was like kuya to my newbie hiker son ). Sumunod ako. Sean was behind me pero nakatali siya sa akin using a long heavy duty line. 40 minutes of gapang/akyat, then summit!!! (On our way home sabi ni Sean he was happiest when he reached the summit and when we arrived at the beach after the descent. )

On the summit we met veteran mountaineers with local guides who reached the summit via the other trail (which originates sa Batangas side yata).

We started the descent at around 1500H. Nakababa kami at around 1730H. Pero habang pababa, Sean was already complaining every now and then. Buti na lang naencourage siya everytime nireremind siya na derecho na kami sa beach pagdating sa baba.

We stayed overnight sa beach. No swimming yet kse pagod. After supper, while Sean slept sa tent, I and some of the locals had a couple of rounds of beer (pulutan oysters, igat tabang, and some "exotic" food daw) .

Sunday was swimming day (and food trip day courtesy of the generous locals burp burp). Sean stayed in the water practically the whole day. And Grip had a blast retrieving his toy far out sa tubig.

We left Ternate at 1930H kanina and arrived 2200H.

And if you are wondering how I still have the energy to type, well I don't, it's just that sa pagod ang hirap makatulog.

Mark reporting for QCDW.

Pinatubo March 29 08

2008-04-03T05:28:00.021+08:00

Carl with his ambull Kovu; Kenneth and Eric, all coming from the south, were on the road to QC by 0100 to 0130. Majority of the participants had only two to zero hours of sleep because of work and other commitments. Rocky, Gary's daughter, and Charisse, her toy poodle, just didn't sleep because of excitement! The most well-rested award goes to Kenneth, who had SIX hours' sleep! It really pays to get your backpack ready one week early! The group left QC at 0300 and arrived at Sta. Juliana by 0430 Breakfast and last-minute preparations before boarding the jeeps.

THE PINATUBO DOG TREKKERS

WOO-HOO! PINATUBO, HERE WE COME!!!

We settled all fees at the ranger station -- er, pinatubo spa pala

(we honestly thought it was a barangay hall )

AND HERE WE GO!!!

STOPOVER TO SHIFT TO 4-WHEEL (tama ba term ko?) hehe at siyempre, basta may chance, kodakan ule!

Take note of the wall behind us...that's not a granite wall. It's a mountain made up of lahar.

MORDOR

The scenery was just unbelievable. It felt like we stepped into JRR Tolkien's world!

The first 30 to 45 minutes is all like this. We were just too glad to be early because the terrain was still cool and completely covered in shade.

Yellow streams crisscross the terrain.

Second half of the trek, you'd pinch yourself to see if you're still awake, wondering if you joined the right trek.

What in the world is a lush tropical forest doing in the middle of the desert?

Cooling off by a natural spring. Gary and family were brave enough to drink it... and with style! they drank from a leaf formed into a cup by our guide ala Richard Gere and Julia Ormond from First Knight

The last few steps to the crater edge...

And lo and behold, the majestic view that awaited us!

We've seen so many pictures and heard so many stories about Pinatubo from friends and the Internet, but still nothing has really prepared us for this view! Shock and Awe local version.

Another breathtaking sight at the top of the crater edge. (hindi kami, yung tinitingnan namin )

WE MADE IT AGAIN, FELLOW DOGHIKERS!!!

At siyempre kodakan na!!!

Dapat may QCDW shirt din si Charisse

Atras pa! Konting atras pa! hehehe

Down by the lake... (or is it UP by the lake?...)

Yihaaa!!!! Swimmingan na!!!

Hay salamat, nakabawi din ng tulog...

We were surprised to see Arthur, a fellow hiker we met at Mt. Manabo, Batangas Ang liit talaga ng mundo!

We were able to go down much earlier than planned. Kumulimlim around 1pm, so we took the opportunity habang hindi mainit.

All in all, it was a very pleasant trek. We were the first ones to arrive and the last ones to leave the lake. Sinong nag enjoy nang husto? haha lubusin na, di ba?

Until now, I still can't get over the magic of Pinatubo. Simply breathtaking...

PINATUBO DOGTREK

2008-03-17T09:30:00.009+08:00

NEXT DOG HIKE SCHEDULE

Newbies can join subject to hike organizer's discretion.

For newbies interested in joining, please read:

http://qcdogwalkers.blogspot.com/2007/09/some-friendly-tips-for-hiking.html

VENUE: MT. PINATUBO
ACTIVITY: Day hike
DATE: April 5 or 12 or 19, 2008, Saturday
MEETING PLACE: TBA
ASSEMBLY TIME: TBA

DOGS MUST:
be healthy
have updated vaccinations
be monitored at ALL times (on leash as much as possible)
have drinking water
not be dog- or people-aggressive
can be controlled and restrained by their owners

(IDEALLY, 1 dog = 1 handler)
have responsible owners!!!
(remember to pick up after your own dog!!!

remove poop from trails and rest stops)

TIPS: Do not feed your dog before the hike.
Make sure they're protected: supplement with Vitamin C and apply tick and flea control treatment

Please read our hiking and dog hiking tips:

http://qcdogwalkers.blogspot.com/2007/09/helpful-hiking-and-dog-hiking-tips.html

Please check back for updates.

Itinerary for 3-hour trek (still to be adjusted, we might need to leave earlier)

0130 ETD Manila for Capas, Tarlac via NLEX

0400 ETA Capas, Tarlac. Breakfast

0430 ETA Brgy. Sta. Juliana; finalize prior arrangements

0500 Board 4x4 vehicles; adventure begins!

0600 ETA end-of-the-road; start trek

0900 ETA crater of Mt. Pinatubo. Explore the crater

(6 hours at crater)

1530 Start return trek

1800 Back to the 4x4s parked

1845 Back at jump-off point

1900 Return to Manila

2100 ETA Manila

Itinerary for 1-hour trek

0230 ETD Manila for Capas, Tarlac via NLEX

0500 ETA Capas, Tarlac. Breakfast

0600 ETA Brgy. Sta. Juliana; finalize prior arrangements

0630 Board 4x4 vehicles; adventure begins!

0730 ETA end-of-the-road; start trek

0830 ETA crater of Mt. Pinatubo. Explore the crater

(8 hours at crater)

1600 Start return trek

1700 Back to the 4x4s parked

1745 Back at jump-off point

1800 Return to Manila

2000 ETA Manila

Mt. Manabo Adventure

2008-01-16T04:25:00.000+08:00

What got us fired up was when we saw the logbook... Ma'm Carmela was there!!! -- ofcourse with Bilog's group... (bruho ka Bilog hindi mo sinasabi) and we were already terribly late.... we didn't expect them to wait for us but we were excited to meet them in the trails

Everyone had a dog in hand the rain was still manageable when we started... but drenched wet and with Lipa's climate, it was friggin' cold

Just sitting still was enough to send you into full-body-chills. This climb was going to be a fast one... with as few as possible, really really short breaks...

We got word from fellow hikers that Bilog's group used a different trail, which was already a dead trail according to the locals .... (ibang klase nga naman ang trip hehe hindi nakuntento sa regular trail kaya naghanap ng masmahirap Kwento naman Bilog o. Balita ko nakakatuwa din ang adventure niyo)

Camera magnet talaga kayo ni Kovu, Carl!

Halfway up we break the group, those who could still push though to the peak and those who went back because of the muddy, slippery trail....

Going up the last part of the trails, the ropes really came in very handy to keep us from slipping.

we only stayed at the peak for 10 minutes, enjoyed having the peak to ourselves, risked soaking our cameras (ang kulit talaga hehe) and hurriedly came down ... it was foggy, very cold and pouring HARD

Pagbaba was another adventure. Halfway down Manabo, our guide led us to a stream and used that as a trail because the dirt trail was very slippery na. Grabe, sumasalok ng tubig ang sapatos namin! But I'd rather have that na than black-and-blue gluteals...

Going down, nakasalubong kami ng hindi bababa sa 30 hikers, some even planning to camp overnight

back at jumpoff: Yahoo! Kitakits uli sa next adventure!

Bilog and Ma'am Peru, thanks for the surprise! (kahit hindi tayo nagkita hehe, at kahit umuulan, it made our day! San Pablo mountaineers daw o hehe ) Kwentuhan sa next akyat

Mt. Manabo, Batangas hike schedule

2008-01-09T05:03:00.000+08:00

NEXT DOG HIKE SCHEDULE

VENUE: MT. MANABO, BATANGAS
ACTIVITY: Day hike
DATE: January 12, Saturday 2008
MEETING PLACE: McDonald's, Caltex, SLEX
ASSEMBLY TIME: 5:00 am

DOGS MUST:
be healthy
have updated vaccinations
be monitored at ALL times (on leash as much as possible)
have drinking water
not be dog- or people-aggressive
can be controlled and restrained by their owners

(IDEALLY, 1 dog = 1 handler)
have responsible owners!!!
(remember to pick up after your own dog!!!

remove poop from trails and rest stops)

TIPS: Do not feed your dog before the hike.
Make sure they're protected: supplement with Vitamin C and apply tick and flea control treatment

Please read our hiking and dog hiking tips:

http://qcdogwalkers.blogspot.com/2007/09/helpful-hiking-and-dog-hiking-tips.html

Maculot Rockies dec15

2007-12-16T19:43:00.000+08:00

The QC DogWalkers were invited by fellow dog hikers from the south, LPWK9, for a day hike to Mt. Maculot Dec. 15, 2007. We were joined by our ol' friends from Quezon, Bilog and Dollar, and new friends Carl and Marc from Cavite.

Though it was cold when the wind is blowing, it was a tiring climb because of the sun, naka-tirik siya, as in!!

We were at jump-off at around 8:45, got to the rockies base camp at 11:00 and were able to go down at around 4:30. A surprisingly fast climb with loads of rests.... am not sure kung bakit, but definitely counting the possibility of Bilog and Dollar's antics made us laugh all throughout kaya naging madali and super enjoyable ang climb

We were at base camp for 4 hours! having our halo-halo, ate our lunch (sarap ng sisig, puto at lomi ng batangas-yumyum), toasting and drinking (tagay) "champagne" complete with matching "wine glass" courtesy of Bilog and loads of pictorial time at the rockies haha!!

Proud kami ni Gravy that this was quite a model climb because environmental ethics were observed, dog hikers were conscentious on the trail-- walang kalat, naitabi ang poop, at other climbers enjoyed the climb and rests with us as well. It's a good feeling... and am proud na ipakilala sa ibang mountaineering groups that some peeps from LPWK9, QCDW, Quezon Dogsters and Mondio-Cavite are responsible dog hikers. Thanks very much guys!!

And of course the real stars of the climb deserve recognition for their generally good behavior: Minnie, Bleap, Dollar, Kovu and Vesper for a climb well done!!! Bonding, working, training, all rolled into one. Sarap talaga ng dog hiking!!!

Thank you Packen of LPWK9 for letting us join. 'Til our next adventure!

Take note of the logo in the shirt ;) and the background(overlooking taal: Batangas side!!) Never mind the fat guy at yung butas na sleeve niya ;D

whatta view!!!!

Near vertical yung rockies e, isipin nyo kung paanong inakyat ni Bilog si Dollar dyan!!!

At the middle is a ridge, kung makulit ang aso mo at wala kang control sa kanya, sa baba na kayo pupulitin!!
Notice Bilog in orange

There’s nothing like a break as rewarding as after a looong, rigorous hike!

Ito ang pinakamasarap na halo-halo!

Hindi lang pagod natin natatanggal pag kasama natin dogs sa akyatan, pati pagod ng fellow climbers nawawala dahil sa kanila :D

Time for the ROCKIES!

“Look Ma, no hands!” (Blackshadow, good idea, next time naman on top of one of the boulders sa edge ng rockies!)

Negotiating the steep inclines and boulders .. a full-body workout

Getting nutty at the rockies… :D

Bow kami sa inyo, Bilog and Dollar!

Hindi naman obvious na tuwang tuwang si Kovu :o

--------------------------

The guys AND gals of LPWK9, QCDW, Quezon Dogsters and Mondio Cavite

Thanks guys! We really enjoyed climbing with you!

Montalban Waterworks Nov25

2007-11-26T08:20:00.000+08:00

Neopolitan Occular Nov18

2007-11-19T04:41:00.000+08:00

Perfect site for picnic

Hello Francis

for biking while the dog tags along

for CWL --chikahang walang lagot

UP Sunset Oct19

2007-10-26T04:30:00.000+08:00

English Bulldog meetup at the FORT oct21

2007-10-24T10:31:00.000+08:00

UP Sunset oct19

2007-10-20T11:23:00.000+08:00

UP Waterworks Oct 14

2007-10-16T17:46:00.000+08:00

Dognapped

2007-10-04T13:28:00.003+08:00

***Page under construction

KEANNA

Keanna was dognapped while being walked by her owner in the Anonas area January of 2007. It's been a year but we haven't lost hope.

Description: Pug; female; 2 years; tan

Identifying mark: paintbrush-like

cluster of eyelashes on the outer corner of left eye

Please email us at qcdogwalkers@gmail.com for any leads.

Please spread the word.

First Aid Kit

2007-10-04T12:47:00.001+08:00

Wound care: Betadine, cotton, gauze, plaster

antihistamine: Benadryl

anti-inflammatories: ibuprofen

muscle relaxants: Alaxan

painkillers: Ponstan

for muscle aches and pains: Salonpas, Bengay

analgesics: Biogesic

ointment for insect bites

anti-diarrheal: Immodium

for dehydration: hydrite tabs

colds and cough meds - for multi-day hikes

Personal meds: for asthma, allergies, migraines, hypertension, arthritis, etc.

Montalban Waterworks sept30

2007-10-03T04:50:00.000+08:00

Dog Hike Announcement

2007-09-21T10:34:00.003+08:00

NEXT DOG HIKE SCHEDULE

VENUE: TBA-kung saan kami mapadpad
ACTIVITY: TBA
DATE: TBA
MEETING PLACE: text-text lang
ASSEMBLY TIME: TBA--kung kailan namin feel!

DOGS MUST:
be healthy
have updated vaccinations
be monitored at ALL times (on leash as much as possible)
have drinking water
not be dog- or people-aggressive
can be controlled and restrained by their owners

(IDEALLY, 1 dog = 1 handler)
have responsible owners!!!
(remember to pick up after your own dog!!!

remove poop from trails and rest stops)

TIPS: Do not feed your dog before the hike.
Make sure they're protected: supplement with Vitamin C and apply tick and flea control treatment

Please read our hiking and dog hiking tips:

http://qcdogwalkers.blogspot.com/2007/09/helpful-hiking-and-dog-hiking-tips.html

Please check back for updates.

Newbies can join. For those interested in joining, please read:

http://qcdogwalkers.blogspot.com/2007/09/some-friendly-tips-for-hiking.html

Itinerary for 3-hour trek

0200 ETD Manila for Capas, Tarlac via NLEX

0430 ETA Capas, Tarlac. Breakfast

0530 ETA Brgy. Sta. Juliana; finalize prior arrangements

0600 Board 4x4 vehicles; adventure begins!

0700 ETA end-of-the-road; start trek

1000 ETA crater of Mt. Pinatubo. Explore the crater

(5 hours at crater)

1500 Start return trek

1700 Back to the 4x4s parked

1745 Back at jump-off point

1800 Return to Manila

2100 ETA Manila

Itinerary for 1-hour trek

0300 ETD Manila for Capas, Tarlac via NLEX

0530 ETA Capas, Tarlac. Breakfast

0630 ETA Brgy. Sta. Juliana; finalize prior arrangements

0700 Board 4x4 vehicles; adventure begins!

0800 ETA end-of-the-road; start trek

0900 ETA crater of Mt. Pinatubo. Explore the crater

(6 hours at crater)

1500 Start return trek

1600 Back to the 4x4s parked

1645 Back at jump-off point

1700 Return to Manila

2000 ETA Manila

Blog Glitch

2007-09-20T09:33:00.000+08:00

We are currently experiencing some problems with adding and saving blog features. A number of posts have yet to be linked and changes have yet to be made to the home page. Please bear with us. Do continue to contibute content for our blog. We will organize them once the glitch has been fixed as we will also be needing contents for our official site. Thanks.

Meet Our Buddies

2007-09-19T17:02:00.000+08:00

To Be Updated...

QC Dogwalkers Group....the Innovator!!! (in a nutshell)

2007-09-18T14:56:00.000+08:00

Writing up an essay on "How We Started", does not really start plain and simple. While every minute detail is attempted to be accounted for, memory limitations constrain the writing thereof to a mere rough and synoptic description of the group's evolution.

It was sometime in November, 2006, when a guy named Francis (Poohkies in DTO), conceptualized a concerted dogwalk activity. Conjecturally, on my part, though, he may initially have visualized that a group dogwalk would elicit more fun, as against one that is conducted solitarily. Other beneficial purpose/s were at that time still vague, if at all.

It all started with a single post by Poohkies in DTO, suggesting and inviting interested dog lovers to join and converge for purposes of one principal activity-------dog walking. This invitation was seconded and concurred in by another great guy named, Art (rav7118 in DTO). The essence of a group dogwalk caught the attention of this poster (D'Jervincis Top K9s), who at that time was likewise in search of more meaningful and worthwhile dog activities for his kids.

It was upon the enlistment of Dimple (Gravy), as the fourth interested party, that everything else was spearheaded and concretized. Organization, planning, drafting of initial rules and regulations to govern such activity saw action. And, of course, there is Mark (marktj), who, borne with enthusiasm and determination to have the concept materialize, lost no time teaming up with Gravy to finalize the guidelines of the dogwalk and giving suggestions that would, more or less, ensure its organized and orderly inaugural lift-off. Time was then....... in counting.

The first actual dogwalk was eventually calendared, marking its maiden launch on 10th December 2006, at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, with a handful of attendees, i.e., Francis (Poohkies), Art (rav7118) with daughter Bree, Dimple (Gravy) with son,-Darrel, Mark (marktj) with son,-Sean, Mariel (sidekick), Roy, Dodie's (D'Jervincis Top K9s) kids (Gew, Kevin, Francis & DJ), et.al. (my apologies to those whose names were omitted; the omission is inadvertent)

No historical account can completely be written for this group without mention of the real celebrities, --- no less than our beloved poochs. After all, whatever it is, the activities and this webpage do exist for them. The main characters who made it to the pioneering walk, escorted by their respective masters, include:

1. "Ross" (Labrador) - Poohkies;
2. "Apollo" (Basset Hound) - Gravy & Darrel;
3. "Fluffy" (Golden Retriever) - rav7118;
4. "Grip" (German Shepherd) - marktj;
5. "Kimchi" (Beagle) - sidekick;
6. "Kramer" (Chow) - Roy;
7. "Trouble" (Dalmatian) - Gew (D'Jervincis Top K9s);
8. "Mollie" (Basset Hound) - Kevin (D'Jervincis Top K9s);
9. "Keanna" (Pug) - Francis & DJ (D'Jervincis Top K9s).

Subsequent dogwalks and other bigger activites (including hikes, out-of-town trips & other dog-oriented & welfare causes) became regular. A Christmas party was organized and held on 30th December 2006, at the place of selected interim group leader, Gravy. To inject more substance, the X'mas party was even highlighted by a talk of a professional dog trainer from Philippine Dog School.

This innovative endeavor did not end in Quezon City, as dog lovers from diverse localities soon became inspired and started their own versions of the same.

Hence, ............QC DOGWALKERS GROUP.............

"PRIMUS INTER PARES"!!!

Below is the original post that was posted on our DTO thread:

QC CIRCLE DOG WALK December 10, 2006

Waiting for the walk to start

Fluffy with rav and daughter Bree (in the background); Ross with poohkies

amuyan blues Apollo and Mollie

getting really REALLY excited!!! Trouble with gew12/Gerry and Kramer, the Godfather, with Roy ;D

Marktj and son, Sean, with their hiking dog, Grip, with Ross and poohkies

Tara na!- thanks to Seniang, we had the whole road all to ourselves ;D ;D ;D

rest stop (actually "ambon" stop ;D) Kimchi with sidekick; Trouble with Gerry and Kevin

THE HIKING DUO

***mark, my son is asking for a GSD na rin for a trekking partner!

"Keanna the pug" with kuya Francis

kuya Grip with Sean ;D

!!!SEE YA ALL AGAIN NEXT WEEK!!!

UP OB/ dogwalk sept16

2007-09-17T18:50:00.000+08:00

UP dogwalk Jan 28

2007-09-16T06:10:00.000+08:00

PDS in Antipolo

2007-09-15T14:16:00.000+08:00

Mt Makiling Convention

2007-09-15T10:52:00.000+08:00

We had the pleasure of joining four other groups -- the Laguna K-9 SAR, LPCC, Quezon Dogsters, and UPelbi -- in one big hiking event, The Makiling Dog Convention.

group pic

OB in Baker's Field

chikahan blues

Bilog and Dollar bonding

La Mesa Eco Park july 29

2007-09-15T10:41:00.000+08:00

Greens!

Following the leader...

Nice one Ambush!

Bonding with Hannah

PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

2007-09-15T09:23:00.000+08:00

PHSICAL PREPARATIONS - Mountaineering is suited not only for the physical fitness buff. A weightlifter will not necessarily pass the first minor climb with flying colors. However, for the deskbound in particular, some physical conditioning would help make a climb more enjoyable.

Legs, thighs and knees conditioning - These are the parts of the body that have to endure a lot of pounding and stretching of joints during treks and climbs. The following exercises, done regularly, would help condition these body parts:

** Knee bends - to strengthen the upper thighs, knees and stomach

** Squats - to strengthen the upper and lower legs and knees

** Leg stretches

** Stairs climbing and descending - allows one to practice proper trekking stances as well

Stamina and resistance buildinig - Strength without stamina or staying power is of little value in trekking and climbing. The following are stamina developers:

** Jogging

** Bicycling

** Swimming

The first is easiest to do regularly, and is least cosly since no special clothing or equipment is absolutely necessary to get it done. The last is best for overall muscle toning and lung capacity development. However, it does not help much in developing staying power in warm, sweat-inducing conditions.

It is said that the best preparation for a major climb is another climb, a minor one.
Do not cram the exercises on the last week or day before the climb. It is better to rest properly on the night before the expedition.

*** to be continued...

Mudsprings with Laguna K9 SAR

2007-09-15T05:27:00.000+08:00

Pico de Loro Dog Hike

2007-09-15T03:04:00.000+08:00

o

Pico de Loro Ocular - January 14, 2007

Talk on Responsible Dog Ownership

QCDW at Pico de Loro February 18, 2007

Campout

Konting intermission muna...

Morning at campsite

At the summit...

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS - SHORT LIST

2007-09-15T01:53:00.000+08:00

Bring enough clothing and provisions.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Trek gently; Avoid widening trails and unnecessarily trampling vegetation.
Use established campsites; Avoid expanding the camp area.
Carry down all trash.
Pick up litter as you encounter these.
Use established latrines if provided; otherwise dig a cathole.
No soaps or detergents nor bodily discharges in a water source or waterway.
Avoid campfires. If you must, use dead wood.
Smokers must look after dropped embers and ashes. No smoking while trekking. Ashes and cigarette butts should be disposed in a covered container and carried out with you.
Keep the groups small.
If you must drink alcoholic beverages, do it moderately.
If you must listen to music, use an earphone, and only in the campsite if possible.
Be considerate of other campers. Speak softly and save rowdy games and horseplay for another time.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

This short list was originally adopted by the Philippine Airlines Mountaineering Club.

Environmental Ethics

2007-09-15T01:12:00.000+08:00

PREPARE WELL

Know about your route and the area.
Take adequate food.
Bring clothing that will keep you dry and comfortable.
Know the basics of first-aid, navigation and minimum-impact camping.
Know what to do in case of overheating, hypothermia or danger of landslides.

2. LOCAL PRACTICES

Know the local practices in the area.
Respect local customs and traditioins.
Respect other people's desire for privacy and solitude. Unnecessary disturbances (noise and horseplay) should be avoided.

3. TREKKING AND THE WILDERNESS

Avoid widening the trail. Stay off the shoulder and walk in the middle of the trail instead.
Suppress the desire to shortcut switchbacks. Cutting switchbacks tramples vegetation and leads to over-erosion. Use established trail when possible.
On restbreaks, select a hardened area to absorb your impact.
Select footwear appropriate for comfort, safety and the terrain. Heavy lug-soled boots have an adversed impact on fragile terrain. Use light footwear in camp.

4. CAMPING

Select a level campsite with adequate water run-off, and use plastic sheet under your tent to stay dry without ditching.
Locate your site at least 100 feet away from water sources.
Generally, select a shelter site that has already been used to eliminate further expansion of the camp.
Whenever possible, position your tent so it blends with the environment. Careful selection of the campsite helps preserve the atmosphere of solitude even in popular areas. Choose your site throughtfully and use it lightly, leaving it in as natural state as possible.

5. GARBAGE

Carry out all of your non-biodegradable garbage. Bury only biodegradable trash.
Pick up litter as you encounter it.
Burning of non-paper trash should be minimized since complete cremation is difficult.
Remember: Litter attracts more litter.

6. SANITATION

Use established latrines if these are provided.
Use a cathole if there are no established latrines. Proceed with a trowel in hand to an area at least 100 feet away from water sources, trail and camp. After carefully removing the surface duff, dig a hole several inches into the dirt. Replace the dirt and duff.

7. WASHING YOURSELF

Even biodegradable soap is a stress on the environment, so do as much of your cleanup without soap.
Try a soapless bath or clothes-wash, for all but the most persistent dirt.
When using soap - even biodegradable soap - wash at least 100 feet away from water.
Pour soapy water into highly absorbent ground.
Brush your teeth well away from water sources.

8. WASHING DISHES

Try a soapless cleanup.
For health reasons, wash dishes with hot water when possible.
Wash at least 100 feet away from natural water sources.
Dispense large quantities of wastewater widely or dig a sump hole.

9. WATER POLLUTION

Do everything you can to protect water sources from contamination.
Backcountry dysentery (caused by Giardia) thrives in water that has been contaminted with animal or human wastes. Consider most backcountry water to be potentially contaminated even if it appears clear and may be running rapidly. To ensure safety, boil, filter, or chemically treat water. Do everything you can to lessen your impact on water sources.

10. FIRES

Campfires are generally discouraged.
Use established campfire areas and keep fires small if you must have a campfire.
Use only dead wood.
Make sure your ashes are cool.
Enjoy the experience of a fireless evening. Even if a fire is possible, consider your options. When you forgo a fire, you may be rewarded by interesting sights and sounds usually hidden by the fire's draw.

11. SMOKING

Smoke only where it is safe; i. e., in a cleared area.
No smoking while trekking.
Dispose ashes and cigarette butts in a covered ash tray.
Carry out all your cigarette butts.

12. MOUNTAIN BIKES

Minimize your impact on the land. Never ride off the roads and trails or take shortcuts as this can lead to erosion.
Safe speeds are relative to terrain and your riding ability; assume others are just around the corner.

13. IMPACT ON OTHER ISSUES

Blend camps and tents into the environment when possible.
Keep groups small.
Speak softly, save rowdy games and songs for another time.
If you recall backcountry trips you've taken that gave you peace and solitude, you will know the kind of thoughtful conduct needed to minimize impact on others. There is room for quality experience provided we are conscientious visitors.

14. BECOME INVOLVED

Join environmental and outdoor organizations.
Be a thoughtful backcountry visitor. Each one of us can have an important and lasting impact by getting involved with conservation efforts.

And always remember ...

Take nothing but pictures

Kill nothing but time

Leave nothing but footprints

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

The above was taken, with slight modifications to suit the local situation, from a public service publicatioin of the REI, a mountaineering and camping supplies cooperative based in the United States of America.

Introduction

2007-09-15T00:09:00.000+08:00

With more and more people wanting to experience the outdoors with their dogs, the phenomenon of doghiking is increasingly becoming more popular in our country. Doghiking encompasses trekking, climbing and camping, which are physical activities that comprise what is termed "mountaineering." However, not all doghikers are mountaineers. And while some get the needed training, guidance and support before jumping into this activity, others go ahead without really knowing what they're getting into, without knowing what is expected of them and that there are guidelines to follow. Although separately or together, trekking, climbing and camping can be fun, these could also be dangerous as past events have amply shown. The addition of a dog as a hiking companion adds to the fun but considerably adds to the dangerous element as well of treading the outdoors.

Skills development is not a barrier to having fun. Since risk and safety are relative terms, the skilled, properly trained and motivated doghiker can have more fun than the unskilled.

There are also those who are content with just being "mountaineers/doghikers, not environmentalists." Happily, the QC DogWalkers Group belongs to those who believe that a true doghiker is necessarily an environmentalist. And we have expanded the definition of the environment to include not just the natural environment but the community and culture as well.

Before one can become a doghiker, one must first learn at least the basics of mountaineering. This reading material hopes to point "doghikers," particularly the ones just starting, into the right direction, and form in them the right mind-set and attitude towards this activity called "doghiking." The information in this category is mostly about mountaineering, a necessary prerequisite to doghiking. This is in no way, however, replacing the invaluable Basic Trekker Course and/or at least the guidance and support from people with training. We will tackle the specifics of doghiking separately.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

With some modifications to the introduction, much of the information in this simplified mountaineering module is derived from the Sikap-Bundok Basic Trekker Course manual, which is the product of the collaborative experiences of the Sikap-Bundok club members as well as that of other clubs and organizations.

Similarly expressing the original author's sentiments, no copyright is claimed for this module. Others may freely copy and derive from it. Any acknowledgement would be very much appreciated. If none is forthcoming, the author and the club are grateful nonetheless for the opportunity to have contributed towards a better skilled and better motivated mountaineering/doghiking community.

Helpful Hiking and Dog hiking tips

2007-09-14T22:42:00.000+08:00

DOG HIKING TIPS

It is very helpful that dogs are trained to heel and have recall.
When encountering people on the trails, put dog on a sit stay to let people pass
DO NOT leave dog poop on trails AND rest stops. If dog poops on trail, pick up and relocate a distance from areas that hikers use. NEVER leave poop in rest stops or nearby areas because these are areas where climbers eat, rest and nap. Be considerate.
Body harness and flat collar are recommended. DO NOT use choker chains. Use prong collars if dog tends to pull excessively.
Depending on your dog's toilet schedule, don't feed dog the night or the morning before the climb.
Bring kibbles and water. Bring bowl (collapsible bowls, dog drinking dispenser).
Water sprays are useful in cooling down dogs. Wet bandanas around dog's neck are also helpful.
Bring muzzles just in case (agitation muzzles or the light plastic basket kind so as not to restrict breathing)
Handler should be capable to carry dog in the event of an injury.

GENERAL HIKING TIPS

CLOTHING
Be prepared for any change in weather (bring rain gear, follow principles in layering of clothes)
Wear clothing with light, durable and easily driable material
Long pants, sleeved shirts and closed shoes are preferred over shorts, sandos and sandals. (for activities with waterworks, bring hiking sandals. Slippers are fine but bring extra in case you lose them.)
Do not wear camouflage, fatigue or anything that resembles a military uniform
Secure eyewear with necklace attachment
Waterproof valuables
Always bring change of clothes
Bring sun protection: e.g., sunscreen lotion, wide-brimmed hats, arm sleeves, folding umbrella

FOOT CARE
Hiking shoes and sandals are recommended. Use running or crosstraining shoes if hiking footwear is not available. DO NOT WEAR basketball shoes!!!
Clip toe nails at least a week before the hike.
Make sure shoes have at least an inch of extra space in the front.
For those into badminton or basketball, knee supports are your savior.

NOURISHMENT
Bring trail food (chocolate, nuts, raisins, Jelly-Ace - high carbs, high protein)
For liquids, sports drinks (Gatorade) are preferred.
For dayhikes, bring packed lunch plus extra snacks for emergency.

WASTE DISPOSAL

Bring plastic bag for your trash. No littering on the mountain. Whatever you bring in, you should bring out with you: uneaten food, food wrappers and empty water bottles included.
Do not dispose your trash at local villagers' garbage bins/pits. Dump trucks do not collect garbage from remote rural areas like they do in the city and at your own homes.
Ashes and cigarette butts should be disposed in a covered container and carried out with you. Smoke only where it is safe; i. e., in a cleared area. No smoking while trekking.

MORE IMPORTANT TIPS!
Bring change and small bills.
ALWAYS bring an identification card
ALWAYS bring first-aid kit.
Bring flashlights and extra batteries.
Use backpacks. Keep hands free.
Improve immune resistance by taking vitamins at least two weeks before the hike.

***More items to be added...

DogWalk Guidelines and Tips

2007-09-13T08:50:00.000+08:00

DOGS MUST:
be healthy
have updated vaccinations
be kept on leash at all times
have drinking water
not dog- or people-aggressive***
can be controlled and restrained by their owners

(ideally 1 dog = 1 handler)
have responsible owners!!!
(remember to pick up after your own dog!!! bring newspaper and plastic bags)

*** Though it would be ideal to only have sociable and nonaggressive dogs in our walks, our group understands the importance of socialization and exposure to dogs who are not as adjusted. We have seen firsthand how unsociable dogs have greatly benefited from our dogwalks. We have seen how shy and anxious dogs warm up just after several walks, exuding confidence and becoming at ease with dogs and humans alike. With proper coordination and guidance from us, such dogs are welcome to join us on certain conditions.

We encourage that:
the dog wear a muzzle (agitation muzzle is recommended, for unrestricted breathing)
the owner be consistent in informing everyone to keep their distance
the handler is VERY CAPABLE of restraining his dog at its strongest and most excited state (two handlers if there are doubts)

We would very much appreciate if owners of unsociable dogs can coordinate with us before joining our dogwalks so we can give advice and assistance. Feel free to post on this thread or send us a private message.

TIPS: Do not feed your dog before the dogwalk.
Make sure they're protected: supplement with Vitamin C and apply tick and flea control treatment.

Dogwalk Announcement

2007-09-12T19:51:00.001+08:00

NEXT GROUP DOG WALK SCHEDULE
(Members hold dogwalks regularly. For those interested in joining, please email us your contact details so we can inform you of the nearest dogwalk schedule that you can join.)

VENUE: UP DILIMAN
DATE: To Be Announced
MEETING PLACE: Grip's Creek
DIRECTIONS:
Take University Avenue coming from Philcoa, turn right at Oblation, turn right next corner, park.
(Please park alongside the buildings in the designated parking areas, not along the road.)
ASSEMBLY TIME: either morning or afternoon
DOGWALK STARTS:
ROUTE: varies

OBEDIENCE SESSION: incorporated in dogwalk; Basic OB traditional and clicker training
for clicker training: please bring clicker/Gatorade cap and treats

treats: anything that would get your dog's attention. If they're voracious eaters, their kibbles and bland-flavored food items may work. Strong-flavored treats may cause your dogs to be picky eaters.

*As per requests from participants, basic OB training sessions will be included in our dogwalks. We are not professional trainers, but we'll be more than happy to share what we know.

DOG SOCIALIZATION EXERCISES: after OB session

DOGS
purebred or half-half, standard or pet quality, askal o anupaman

DOGS MUST:
be healthy
have updated vaccinations
be kept on leash at all times
have drinking water
not dog- or people-aggressive***
can be controlled and restrained by their owners

(Ideally 1 dog = 1 handler)
have responsible owners!!!
(remember to pick up after your own dog!!! bring newspaper and plastic bags)

*** Though it would be ideal to only have sociable and nonaggressive dogs in our walks, our group understands the importance of socialization and exposure to dogs who are not as adjusted. We have seen firsthand how unsociable dogs have greatly benefited from our dogwalks. We have seen how shy and anxious dogs warm up just after several walks, exuding confidence and becoming at ease with dogs and humans alike. With proper coordination and guidance from us, such dogs are welcome to join us on certain conditions.

We encourage that:

the dog wear a muzzle (agitation muzzle is recommended, for unrestricted breathing)
the owner be consistent in informing everyone to keep their distance
the handler is VERY CAPABLE of restraining his dog at its strongest and most excited state (two handlers if there are doubts)

We would very much appreciate if owners of unsociable dogs can coordinate with us before joining our dogwalks so we can give advice and assistance. Feel free to

contact us via message box or e-mail.

TIPS: Do not feed your dog before the dogwalk.
Make sure they're protected: supplement with Vitamin C and apply tick and flea control treatment

Thanks.

Lament of the German Shepherd Dog

2007-09-11T19:35:00.000+08:00

I am a canine of noble birth
A German Shepherd Dog - courageous, alert!
I protect my master to earn my keep
In grassy fields I guard his sheep
I've heard it often said"No finer dog has yet been bred.
"The times have changed, a new day's dawned.
Alas, I find myself in a foreign land.
I am a canine of noble birth
I protect no man, I guard no herd;
Stripped of my birthright
I carry on A lonely vigil for times long gone.
When I learned how to treat a lamb,
Or how to control a powerful ram,
When I had to chase the wolves from their prey,
to keep the flock calm, and from going astray.
When I was taught how to stand my ground
To defend my master when troubles abound
There was no limit to what I could do
My courage and loyality saw me through
Now, I am told I was bred for "show"
DO I deserve to be dropped this low?
In the canine world I am the King,
I do not care for the dog show ring.
It bores me til the day I die
Why can I no longer do my part
And serve mankind with all my heart?
My heritage demands of me to be what I was born to be,
Return my birthright that once was mine
A CHANCE TO LAY MY LIFE ON THE LINE!

written by Lori Rodriguez

QC DogWalkers and Doghiking

2007-09-10T21:45:00.002+08:00

We have a separate set of guidelines that we adhere to for the dogtrek/doghike activities obviously for safety and ecological reasons. And depending on the number of support persons available and/or capacity of the area and/or difficulty level, we may limit the number of participants. Those who would like to join our hikes are encouraged to attend a few dogwalks first so we can assess both the owner and dog and so that they can be briefed on the hike and they can be informed of the preparations they have to do. Those coming from the south can arrange for a meet-up with fellow dogwalkers, LPWK9, who are based in Las Pinas, and they will be coordinating with us. On the more difficult hikes, a basic trekker course may be necessary.

We normally do not allow newbies ("newbies" meaning we haven't seen them at all) to join our treks/hikes, however we can accommodate them but only under certain conditions and subject to the hike organizer's discretion. Please e-mail us if you're interested to join.

QCDG also hold fun hikes which we open for newbies. But still subject to safety and environnmental guidleines and ethics, please contact us if you're interested to join so we can make the necessary arrangements and inform you of the details.

For all others interested in joining our hikes, our group espouses responsible hiking and doghiking practices. We practice it in our climbs and encourage other people who engage in this activity to do the same. If there's proper dogwalking etiquettes, there's also proper doghiking practices, and NOT JUST ALL FUN. Just like dogwalkers can get banned from parks because of an unfortunate accident or anywhere just because of an irresponsible owner not picking up their dog's mess, dog hikers CAN very easily acquire a negative image with both the local and the mountaineering community and CAN get banned from mountains for the same reasons and worse, can get in a fatal situation simply because of a slight lapse in judgement or just not being prepared. We strongly encourage that people who would like to get into this activity to hook up with a mountaineering group and get proper training or hook up with people with training and get proper guidance and support.

We likewise encourage other groups intitating doghiking activities to enforce the hiking rules among the participants so that doghikers can continue to be welcomed and so that other climbers would continue to enjoy the mountains/outdoors as well.

UP QCDW Sept 9

2007-09-09T20:56:00.000+08:00

We started at around 8 :)

Its always nice sharing your passion ...

... at a band practice to stabilize the dogs...

puro chikahan... I want action!!!

Vesper in action

long stay, heel, and some stability exercises

pagooood na ko!!! daddy ano ba!!!

some more bondings...

Mt. Maculot hike Sept 8

2007-09-09T05:54:00.001+08:00

....before i forget

Chill pulling the handler...

pagod na nga nagpo-pose pa:)

sa palagay nyo sinong mas pogi sa dalawang grupo?

nice background

At the Rockies

Montalban River Trek - Ocular

2007-09-02T21:39:00.000+08:00

TARALET'S QC DOGWALKERS!!!

Bantay leading the way. Go Bantay!

Wala na bang masmahirap?

Kuya Axle to the rescue!

Axle: "Kaya mo yan Vesper!"

A tired dog is a happy dog =)