All Things Dog Blog

Twitter Parties 101: How Do I Watch All the Tweets?

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 09:15 PM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Wham! We're right out of the gate with our announcement of #BarkFriday, our pre-holiday savings Twitter Party, and suddenly Kolchack Puggle brings up the mother of all Twitter Party questions. Brilliant, I say. Just brilliant!

"How do you keep up with the furious speed of the feed?"

I left a quick comment back to Jodi and then decided this was a question that warrants a post. So here ya go:

Twitter Parties can move unbelievably fast. Most computer screens only allow for a view of a dozen or so tweets at a time, leaving a refresh of 18+ tweets to land outside the boundary of your view. Here are some tips that I use to keep things moving smoothly.

The Refresh Button is Your Best Friend

As I've mentioned before in my Twitter Party tutorials, you'll need to hit the refresh button very frequently in order to watch for your target Tweeters. Read on to figure out who this may be.

Set a Goal for Each Twitter Party

Have you joined a Twitter Party to win prizes, learn something new or just make new twitter friends with a common interest? Your answers will determine whom you should watch during your refreshes.

Whose Feed to Watch

For instance, if you're hoping to grab discount codes, product details, new website URLs or other online info, you'll want to determine whose feed to watch in order to find that particular information. Although the sponsors may be present at the party and participating in the conversation, these sponsor details will often be repeated by your hosts multiple times.

Finding their Feed

Each time you hit the refresh button, scan the tweets for those coming from your target Tweeters. Keep in mind that you may need to scroll down below the bottom of your screen to view the entire refreshed page. You have to be fast, because by the time you've done this you'll want to refresh again. Keep it up and you'll soon find the party is over! It is very addictive.

To Win Prizes, Watch the Entry Methods Carefully

If, however, you've come to win prizes, your hosts are likely the ones to watch. Prizes may be awarded by a multitude of different methods. Each party will vary, so be sure to read the host's instructions carefully and proceed accordingly. Check over all the rules listed in the introductory post for the party, scanning for any tips or specifics that may affect you.

In our Twitter Barker twitter parties, you'll want to watch the hosts for prize announcements. Most twitter parties require you to be in attendance to win. That means you'll need to respond to the announcement of your handle with a tweet: "Yes @ AllThingsDog. I'm here and would luv 2 claim my prize".

Claiming Your Prize

At this point, your host will likely DM you asking for your address for shipping. Depending on the shipping method, a phone number may be required as well. All this is done by private DM, so be sure to check your DMs after the party if you won a prize. Respond quickly to your host's request for address and phone number (many shippers require a phone number) in order to get your prize more expeditiously. Aren't we having fun?!!!

Just Want to Meet New Tweeps?

Some Twitter party attendees simply show up unannounced to meet new friends. That's fine. We don't have a bouncer to toss you for crashing the party! However, Twitter Barkers only gives out prizes to attendees who have RSVP'd before the start of the party. We do welcome anyone who wishes to join the fun though. Jump into the conversation and have at it. In this instance, you may want to "work the party", talking to various participants and finding out a little more about each guest. We simply ask that you maintain decorum with the #BarkFriday hashtag in each tweet.

Guest Experts

If you have joined a party with the express purpose of learning what the guest expert has to share, I suggest you follow this person closely in your refreshes. Watch to see if one of the hosts is assisting or moderating the guest expert to keep the party moving smoothly. Often this host will be handling parts of the expert's discussion and may have helpful information as well. Keep your eyes out for both of their handles as you continue to refresh throughout the party.

Thanks to Jodi for an excellent question. If you have one, feel free to leave it below as a comment or drop us a note at TwitterBarkers@gmail.com. Paris of Dogtipper and I will be sharing the joy of checking your emails throughout the coming weeks. Feel free to ask away. We look forward to seeing you at #BarkFriday, where you can win tons of dog prizes and get great money-saving tips for your pets' holiday shopping. We hope to see you on Friday, November 25th. Happy #BarkFriday!

Pet Social Media: Images of Barkworld

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 09:01 PM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

I Got a DogBook Hat

All Things Dog Blog

#BarkFriday Twitter Party Sure to Unleash Holiday Savings

Posted: 31 Oct 2011 09:01 PM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

We had such fun at the SafeHowloween party that this was inevitable. Besides, the holidays are a time for celebrating. Our theme this time is saving money. Who doesn't love to celebrate savings?!!!

Join the Twitter Barkers, @AllThingsDog, @Dogtipper and our guest host @LiveGiveSave for a whole lot of savings ideas, tips and tricks. Oh, and of course there will be a ton of prizes! The prizes will be even broader this time, with more variety, and simply put, MORE!

Prize sponsors include @DogPackSnacks, @DoggyLoot, @FlashGordonTags, @FIDOFriendly, @FreakyDogPeople, @Toki_Poki, and more. There will be multiple opportunities to win with surprise drawings from RSVPs, pretweet drawing, a Rafflecopter drawing, and bunches of prizes to be given out during the party. Here's what you need to do to join the fun:

Who: All Twitter users, new ones included
What: #BarkFriday Twitter Party for savings tips and great pet prizes
Where: On Twitter, of course! And don't forget your hastag in each tweet: #BarkFriday
When: Friday, November 25 11:00 AM- 12:30 PM EDT (aka Black Friday)
Why: Money-saving tips and great prizes
How:

First, be sure to watch for additional posts on our sponsors, your guest expert, and helpful tips on playing along in the Twitter Party.
Join in the conversation by using the hashtag #BarkFriday in each tweet.
To be able to win prizes, you must RSVP below in the linky list below. There is a link to some helpful tips if this is new to you.
Follow your hosts and sponsors to be sure you can win and receive DM notifications of winning.
To have an extra chance for prizes, you can participate in the Rafflecopter Extra Credit entries below the linky list.

Finally, make sure you sign up properly so that your Twitter handle won't get left off of the guest list. You'll find some easy, step-by-step instructions at this post: RSVP to Join the Fun.

If you still have questions, feel free to check in with us at TwitterBarkers@gmail.com. We'll be manning the inbox to make sure everyone gets the help they need. Happy tails!

Twitter Party Rules:

Follow your hosts and sponsors @allthingsdog, @dogtipper, @livegivesave, @Toki_Poki, @FreakyDogPeople, @DogPackSnacks, @DoggyLoot, @FIDOFriendly, and @FlashGordonDesigns.
Party open to anyone with a Twitter handle. Prizes are limited to the U.S. and Canada, with the exception of Quebec. Sorry Quebec residents; your laws do not allow us to give prizes to you :( Giveaways are void anywhere they are prohibited by law.
Canadian winners will receive a substitute prize for the Terrapaws treats due to border restrictions on shipping of pet food.
RSVP below and be sure to check in upon arrival at 11:00 AM EDT on November 25
Must be in attendance to win a prize. Winners will be DM'd to request address info.Canadian winners will also need to provide phone number.
Detailed rules for winning prizes on All Things Dog Blog may be found at my Giveaways and Contests Rules page.

Ask the Dog Trainer: Working with Barrier Frustration

Posted: 31 Oct 2011 09:01 PM PDT

by Michael Baugh, CPDT-KA, CDBC

courtesy reader submission on file
Gangster
A Halloween Photo Submission

Dear Michael:

Let me start by saying that my dogs are very friendly. They love to play with other dogs and are extremely friendly with all people that they meet. My younger dog has a peculiar behavior whenever he is restrained (leash, car, house, fence) that I cannot figure out. Over time my older one is beginning to pick up this behavior also. I would like to do something about it but my trials have not gotten me anywhere.

Gangster, the large younger mix is a lab mastiff hound of some sort. He's a big friendly oaf that loves everybody. If I remove him from his leash when he barks at another dog on a leash, he melts into a new best friend of the dog he was barking crazily at. I do not understand this and need someone to explain it. Because he is so big, many people avoid us and don't want me to take him off leash to say hello to their dog. If I allow him to say hello on leash, the other dog is often unsure of his energetic barking and will react either with fear or aggression. Help, please!

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Dear Reader:

You just described one of the most common, yet vexing, dog training behavior problems of our day. Author and trainer educator Jean Donaldson calls it the on-leash cycle of aggression. A lot of dogs have it, and it can be very serious.

As you've already noticed, all behavior is dependent on the environment. On-leash Gangster looks like an outlaw maniac. Off-leash he's every dog's best bud. It's important to remember that behavior isn't something inside your dog. Behaviors are actions (like barking and lunging) that happen in the real world. They might be problematic, but they aren't personal, and they aren't a character flaw.

Jean Donaldson suggests that the on-leash cycle of aggression begins with owners trying to maintain control of their young dogs on leash. When a curious fellow pulls toward another dog, the well-meaning owner may pull back. He may even say "no" to correct the behavior. That alone can be punishing to some dogs. At the very least we think it's uncomfortable and frustrating. Here's where we humans get in trouble. Dogs sometimes associate consequences (like a yank and "no") with their own behavior (pulling on leash). More often, however, they associate that unpleasantness with the sight of another dog.

In a short time, our dog might start anticipating a jerk on the leash and some scolding every time he sees another dog. To avoid the discomfort, he may bark at the other dog to make him go away. Of course that leads us to correct the dog again, which only makes the problem worse. Pretty soon, the cycle is in full swing. Every time our dog sees another dog, even at a great distance, he comes unglued. Get out of here dog; this guy's about to yank the heck out of me.

I'm not suggesting, dear reader, that you've ever intentionally hurt Gangster. This is just the way the process often works. Sometimes it doesn't take much to get the cycle going. Most of the time, we never even know we're doing it. As you mentioned, even a fence or other type of barrier can be frustrating enough to begin the cycle. (What Gangster wants to be locked up?)

The good news is, most reward-based dog trainers can easily help you get Gangster back on the straight and narrow.

Continue to let your dog play off-leash with other dogs.
Inter-dog socialization is important for your dog's entire lifetime.
Refrain from using prong or choke collars.
Teach your dog to walk nicely on leash and pay attention to you while walking without pulling on their leash.
Try using a Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness if you need immediate relief from pulling.
Teach your dog to sit and attend to you on walks.
Reinforce this behavior with special healthful treats.

Since you are catching this early while Gangster is still young. I bet before long the only thing he'll be stealing is hearts. There's no crime in that.

Michael

courtesy Robyn Arouty

Houston Dog Trainer Michael Baugh CPDT-KA, CDBC is the director of training and behavior at Rover Oaks Pet Resorts. You may readch Michael at the link for a personal consultation, or write to him at our Ask the Dog Trainer Column @LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. Michael's advice does not replace an actual consultation with a qualified trainer.

Check out Michael's Archives Page, or these recent articles:

Help us with Our Whining Greyhound

Helping a Fearful Dog
Adding Another Dog to Your Family

Doggie Bok! Bok!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011