AnimalSign Workshops in Beaverton, OR - helping animals and people communicate in new ways!

Mid October Amber at ForwardStride Barn (www.forwardstride.org) hosted (with Laurel's help) both dog K9Sign and horse EquineSign workshops. It was fun and rewarding for all of the humans (myself included) and the animals. Landing in the Portland airport was a blast. I enjoyed fabulous food, sampled great coffee, and interesting shops. I see why the Portland Airport www.portofportland.com/PDX_home.aspx is considered one of the best in the nation. Arriving at the barn, I saw the beautiful landscape of Beaverton.

I enjoyed meeting everyone, with very diverse personalities, business women, artists, adolescents, horsewomen, and more. Participants (riders, trainers, volunteers, supporters) came from various locations, 2 flew in from Washington, one was planning a science project for school on this 'AnimalSigning'. Several were barn members, volunteers, and riders. A few trailered their horses in from their home. All wanted better communication with their animals. And that they got!

There were several companion dogs, the barn dog, some dogs previously trained for service for blind people, each with distinct personalities. All were very interesting and had cool stories to tell of their relationships with their dogs and horses. Some dogs had interesting stories to tell as well. We listened!

During the dog class one black lab dog kept trying to communicate something to us (and to another dog), initially we tried to quiet him. But we soon realized that he was really communicating something special. So, his communication became part of the class lesson. The dog really wanted to be with another black lab, but his behavior was atypical. He let out a unique vocalization that his person hadn't heard before. So, with the other dog's person she logically traced his history and figured out what he was saying. It turns out that the black lab had been school mates (at a dog's for the blind school) with another black lab in the class. When we figured out what he was saying (and why he so wanted to play with his previous buddy) we gave him time to do so. We reinforced and labelled that sound as his word for 'FRIEND'. (Of course, he already knew that, WE had to realize it.) Now that his person knows that, the next he makes that sound, she'll reinforce it, and know what he is saying. Simple!

AnimalSign is the umbrella term that includes signing, gesturing, vocalizing, tapping, touching as a means of communications (beyond natural). We work with the form of communication dogs prefer. Though the class was focused on gesturing, we had the opportunity to work with the some surprize gestures and vocalizations, thanks to the friendship of two dogs. Signing on the spot!

There were companion, service, and therapy animals of all sizes. Each day we started with the human learning part of the workshops. That is most of the work. People gained insight into what communication is really all about, and how once you have improved it with your animal, life gets easier for both of you. We covered basics of conditioning and feedback and practiced skills.

Fascinating watching each dog learn to sign Food, Toy, or Water! Each animal's learning curve was unique. People took delight in observing the dogs thinking and learning style. Everyone learned something! I was thrilled with the learning progress of people and animals.

The next day, we moved on to horses. We started with the 'Shhh' human sign to calm the horses. We taught the horses to understand the sign YES! (followed by reward). Then we began to teach Food, and some horses Carrot and Apple. The horses learned very fast, and all were VERY interested in the new interaction. One horse became more centered after apparently realizing this 'game' involved taking turns. Another horse offered the signs for Food, Apple, and Carrot sign on his own. Everyone showed off and was proud of the progress their partners made.

Finally, I taught everyone the necessary human sign 'LATER' to be used when the animals decide tbey really get what we were doing (encouraging them to communicate). Surely, the animals will be communicating (all too often) that they want Food, Food, and more Food. They must do so politely and do need to learn limits, too.

A few people requested techniques for improving bad behavior (a horse with rider diving for grass). I offered ideas on how AnimalSign can be used to improve behavior through communication! I'll do that in person on the next trip. We'll be planning another round of beginner workshops, and follow-up classes and private lessons on my next trips. They've only JUST begun to communicate!

After the workshop, I was tired, thrilled, and off to the airport for a nice dinner and reflection on the fulfilling weekend helping people and animals connect in new ways.

Thank you and you are very welcome! See you soon!

The AnimalSigner!
Sean Senechal
www.animalsign.org

DogSigning at Border's in Santa Cruz, Ca

Chal K9Signs BOOK and Sean and Chal present.




GS Chal and I presented a dog and book K9Signing demonstration in downtown Santa Cruz, at Border's bookstore 8-21. Many people listened and made comments as I discussed my book Dogs Can Sign, Too. Chal signed food, chicken, liver, ball, toy, frisby, human and practiced her K9Sign for DOG.

Two other dogs came to the event. One was a lab hearing dog, Seaton, a student of mine. Chal and Seaton liked each other, and they both signed in sync as I asked them what different foods were. Before Seaton showed up, Chal was just of normal energy, but once she saw/sniffed him, she was energized and ready to show off. I took the opportunity to work more with her on the K9Sign DOG. 'Is DOG,' I said, as I pointed to Seaton. Then I molded her left hind to touch her right hind. I asked her 'What's that?' pointing to Seaton, and Chal lifted her hind left leg toward her right. Good job! I let her then sniff him as the reward.

As we wrapped up, several people leaving from the demo told people in the mall about how they must see this signing dog, Chal. So as we were about to leave another group came in to see this signing dog. So, we unpacked and presented another round of signing. One person had a puppy that Chal was very interested in. She mothered the puppy well. At one point when the puppy nibbled her nose, Chal was not happy and educated the pup to not do that. Then, Chal wanted to sniff and play again with the pup, who was a bit more careful. Good lesson.

By the time we were done, about 30 very interested people had seen Chal sign. I hope I convinced them of the value of teaching dogs to communicate to us. We spend much time being sure we can communicate what we want to them, teaching them sport, companion, or work tasks. We should help them be more 'literate' with respect to the canine potential (which still needs to be examined more deeply). (Not literate as we humans are, of course.) It is about time we also focus on helping them communicate more (than they already do) to us--in a way we can understand and that they enjoy.

Our next event will be at Border's in Palo Alto in the fall, then off to Portland, OR for workshops for horses and dogs.

Sean
The AnimalSigner
www.animalsign.org

Therapy K9Sign Dog Chal visits classroom

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GS Chal and I visited a wonderful classroom full of delightful children in Gilroy, Ca. She and I K9Signed to each other and the class. We showed how dogs can communicate and how people and dogs should treat each other - politely. Chal demonstrated many signs, then let each student come up, ask to pet her, then petted her gently.

It was a hot day, so Chal asked/signed for WATER. But, mostly she wanted CHICKEN, which she signed often--even behind my back. Chal was comfortable in class, and the kids were also comfortable with her. We hope we showed the students how to behave around dogs and how well-behaved they can be.

We'll be visiting more classrooms this fall.

Border's in Sand City

Book and K9Sign Event at Border's Bookstore in Sand City, Ca. happened last Saturday, July 10th, 2010. Chal greeted many domestic and foreign people, both adults and kids. She sat next to one child who was reading a book. Chal signed Food, Water, Frisby, Toy, Ball, Liver, Chicken, Human, Animal, and more.

I explained the idea of teaching dogs to communicate, so we can understand each other better. By the time we were done, we'd talked or signed with about 30 people. Chal was tired and took a nap.

Chal and Sean at Signing.

K9Sign at Eastminister Pet Show

The Eastminister Pet Show in Carmel brought together many animal groups and events April 3, 2010. I showed off one of my first Bijon poodle students, Romeo, with his special person Susan Bradley (http://eastminster.vpweb.com/).

Romeo signs FOOD clearly with his left paw as I show him food. His also signed OBJECT with his right when we showed him a cell phone. StarLight, my Border collie who was there to get used to all the excitement enjoyed the energy at the show. I met several interesting people who were just fascinated with all a dog could do with some language education.

Borders Bookstore Book and Dog Signing-Los Gatos

Chal and I just returned from the Los Gatos Border's Book/Dog Signing Event. We met around 30 people, of all ages, many kids. Chal greeted them as they approached our table. A few kids were scared of dogs and Chal, being that she is a large GS. But, Chal sat and lifted her paw, and the kids were able to gently pet her.
The store was having a sale on bunny rabbits, so I asked Chal to tell us (sign) what a stuffed bunny I held was. She signed TOY. I gave her a treat after she signed FOOD. She signed CHICKEN, LIVER, CHEESE, FOOD.
I explained some of the uses for dogs and humans of teaching dogs to sign:bonding, communication, enrichment, less frustration, service skills, and helper. Dogs can tell you more about what they are thinking. This helps dogs and human.
A dog can tell you why they bark. Say there is a fire and your dog runs barking at you. If your dog knew how to sign, s/he might do so and tell you FIRE.
I had Chal demonstrate her sign FIRE. I lighted a small match, blew it out and asked Chal 'what's that?' and she said FIRE by spinning.
As people stopped by our table, we chatted. A language teacher was very interested the language development angle.
I discussed my book and how the core idea involves viewing dogs as language learners, capable of so much more expression than what they naturally know. If we would just spend more effort teaching them language (both how to understand us AND how to communicate back), their true potential will be known.

That is what K9Sign is all about!

AnimalSigning: Emotional Lives of Dogs Class

AnimalSigning: Emotional Lives of Dogs Class

Emotional Lives of Dogs Class

Held the first of four classes on the Emotional Lives of Dogs at Cal State University, Monterey Bay. The participants (of varying professions from physics professors to veterinarians) learned about what emotion is, both the cognitive and non-cognitive aspects. We all explored exercises to try out with our own dogs regarding emotions--becoming more aware of our own emotions, and then our dogs' emotions. It was a lively, very motivated group, with fabulous animals, that I can't wait to meet.

Some were interested in AnimalSigning, so of course, I'll be mentioning that.

APDT Conference DogWise Author Table

The APDT Conference in Oakland, Ca was great, with many interesting speakers. As I sat at the author table (DogWise) I chatted with Charlene (the DogWise organizer) and other authors. Sitting next to me were the authors of Through a Dog's Ear, Joshua Leeds and Lisa Spector. We exchanged works, and mutual support. Joshua expressed a phrase I hear often, that AnimalSigning is 'revolutionary!' He and Lisa are doing some fascinating work with the effect of sound/hearing (of music) in dogs.
Several participants chatted with me about signing, bought my book, and got a book signature. Some asked about doing workshops in their area (in other states).

The photographer from Marcus Photographs, hired by DogWise, took some pictures (which I will post on my new website coming in November).

After the conference, I drove around in my old neighborhoods in Berkeley and Rockridge stopping off at the MarketPlace near bart for some fabulous coffee and bakery goods. Not much has changed since the 90's there.

Clayton BookShop Event Fun

Sunday, was at my booksigning at Clayton BookShop in Clayton, California. The shop was interesting and very friendly. With seats planned for about 12, my assistant Debbie counted almost 30 people (kids, male, female adults) standing room only. Chal was very subdued throughout, until she smelled the chicken I brought for her to demonstrate some food and toy signs. She livened up and signed away: Water, Liver, Food, Chicken, Chicken, Toy, Frisby!

People had many questions about signing, their dog communications, some wanted a workshop in the area, a DVD, and online groups. Yes! Coming Soon.

Will be back to the beautiful area in November for a short workshop at PetFoodExpress in Clayon, Ca. down the street.

On the way home, Debbie and I stopped off at the San Ramon Whole Foods, where we had spectacular diverse meal from the salad and hot food bar. Love Whole Foods!

The AnimalSigner!

Yahoo DogRead Sept

Sept. I was the author of the month for Dogs Can Sign, Too. It was very interesting exchanging with many new readers, hearing about their dogs and communication. I'll be starting the Yahoo AnimalSign Group in Nov and from my current (this one) a discussion group for signers to stay in touch and exchange stories, for me to comment on. Look also for the online seminars for personal advice on you and your signing.

Horse and Dog Signing

Sept already has been very busy.


Horses:
We completed a fabulous 3-day photo shoot with incredible equine photographer Charles Hilton www.charleshiltonimages.com.

Princess was at liberty and cooperative, but tired by the end of the session, she still wanted more.

A client with a mustang rescue was of particular interest to him, as he has taken incredible photos of wild mustangs. One group is in Ca at Dreamcatcher http://dreamcatcher.typepad.com/my_weblog/mustangs/

The mustangs have been rounded up and their herd is at risk.

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Dogs:
Dogs Can Sign, Too. The new dog book is out, and going on the road to several bookstores to demonstrate signing with the new puppy StarLight (BC). Chal gets to show locally, StarLight is for on the road, at least now.

Workshop in Carmel at TheRawConnection occurring at the end of the month. Always exciting to meet new people, with their own reasons for expanding communication.

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Cats:
Working closely with Pastel, who loves to move a lot! She is very interested in FelineSign and offers behaviors, in her curiousity.

Dogs Can Sign Too!

Horses and dogs have been learning to sign in increasing numbers, and when they learn to communicate better, they run with it!

These last few months have been very busy for the center.

*CSUMB in Ca. has hosted classes in AnimalSigning for Canine Wellness, and will be having me teach Canine Biology and Behavior, and The Emotional and Communicative Lives of Dogs in the Fall, 2009.

*Signing Socials in Carmel, Ca. have started where signers come to share stories about their pets communications, and I help them move past challenges.


For dogs: Random House will be releasing the new book with 25 signs for dogs. The book is Dogs Can Sign, Too!

For horses: Storey Press will release EquineSign (with 40 signs for horses) in the fall of 2010.

Development and Research:

In the last years, I have been refining alternative forms of communication to expand signing to fit all dog preferences. Most dogs love to sign (esp. the first 10 signs), since they gesture naturally, but others want additional choices too. I've developed alternative special methods (specialized signs, pointing/targeting to communicate, which I teach adapting to each individual dog. This is so fulfilling for us all. Turns out as with humans (who use many methods of communication) dogs should have choices too (signing, choosing, pointing, vocalizing, etc.).

Having worked with deaf, blind, and fearful dogs it is clear that as they learn to K9Sign they are more open to trusting and interacting faster than with some other methods. Their motivation to trust increases. Watching the transformation from fear to desire to communicate is heartwarming.

I'd be very interested in your remarkable stories of communication from dog to you.

Events: For those who can't come to workshops, I now do tele-seminars on Signing. Hope you can get the information you need to expand communication.

Signing Off, for now.

Sean

Signing Stories from CSUMB

As more dogs and horses sign, stories emerge. A new Yahoo AnimalSigning group will open : K9Signing and EquineSigning...look or it this December!

I offer classes in AnimalSigning at CSUMB Extension. In my most recent class at CSU Monterey Bay the signing dogs are finding their voice with paw moves. A poodle mix learned signs very quickly, first food, then toy; another very obedient retriever learns to sign while playing, rather than during givign of obedience behaviors, a puppy boxer thinks moving his eyes back and forth and learns very fast to sign for food. Each dog has their own way and path.

AnimalSigning spreads to CATS

First, the horse, then the dog, now cats too can learn to expand communication with signing.

I'll be giving a seminar at www.simpledogtrainingsecrets.com on the use of signing in cats. Last week I gave one on dogs, and that one may be downloaded from their site.

NEWS in Measurable Animal Communication & Intelligence

Many researchers are focusing on animal intelligence and language. At this site you can link to the interesting articles on the topic on animals and relevant human studies.


Dogs can understand receptive language of over 200 words.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/06/040611072744.htm

Dogs can learn to associate specific gestures with specific meanings.
www.animalsign.org


Dogs can detect various chemical previously not explored....
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2006/1205-mercury_detection_its_a_8220ruff_job8221.htm

Dogs can classify objects..
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080613145535.htm

Birds can recognize themselves.... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080613145535.htm

Horses can learn to associate specific gestures with specific meanings.
www.animalsign.org

Horses think through problems.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/02/050201101836.htm


Horse learning with positive reinforcement..(you may need to log in to horse mag)
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=11436

***Human research relevant to facilitating animal language development***

Language develops in bursts...(human)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206154123.htm

Language development stages (human)

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/09/040915113243.htm


Language from whole to part (human)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/04/040428062634.htm

Language lateralization (human)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/04/040428062634.htm

Language learning stages and lateralization (human)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/09/040915113243.htm

Features of language (human)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080323210220.htm

Talking to babies helps langauge development (human)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050329143741.htm

Signing Language in Humans
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/02/050201101836.htm

Babies can Sign
www.babysigns.com

Want to know more about AnimalSigning ...communication for animals

Sean Senechal will be giving 2 seminars at www.raisingcanine.com

both in March: 5th and the 19th. The 5th is basic information about AnimalSigning followed by the 19th where I will coach listeners on lessons to teach their animals.

Look for exact times posting.

Sean

Book AnimalSign To You posted on KOKO Foundation Site

Our book AnimalSign To You. Imagine! Signing Is Not Just for Primates Anymore is now noted on the www.Koko.org website. Dr. Patterson endorsed the book and we are happy to be listed on their site. Click the link then go down to Rikki Power the Gorilla dog....see our book listed.

http://www.koko.org/world/kokopix_archive.php

Yahoo's DOGREAD book discussion

In Jan 2008 Yahoo Group DOGREAD is holding a discussion to provide a exchange with readers and author Sean Senechal of AnimalSign To You. Join us!

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/DogRead/

AnimalSigning is spreading...in the dog world

NEWS!
Recently, my book AnimalSign To You was made available on Amazon and my website www.animalsign.org. The response has been great, with many international animal people showing interest.

The Koko foundation endorsed the book with a quote on the back cover. Soon after DogWise Publishing made it available to its clients.

Have you tried to teach your pet how to better communicate to you?

We'll be making national trips this year (next year are the international trips) to tell and show pet people how to do this. If you'd like us to come to your town, contact sean@animalsign.org.

Sean Senechal
AnimalSign Center