K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Interesting info & cute pics

Monday, March 19, 2007

Interesting info & cute pics

Here are some great informational links I came across this morning. First for those with dogs that accidently pee there is: http://www.dogaware.com/incontinence.html

And for those interested in mental illness in dogs try this one: http://www.sfweekly.com/2007-03-07/news/psycho-dogs/
It is a long read but very informative. This is why knowing where your puppy comes from can be important. (If you are going the breeder route.)

Now for the cute photo portion of my post:

Dash is now listed on the frenchie rescue site as available for adoption. It is a good thing though I am a little sad. He is such a great dog and I have fallen abit for the little bugger. We will all miss him terribly. It is a happy occasion for him though as he will get his very own home and people to love. How great is that!

This is one of the first pics I ever saw of our boy Jack. He was 6 weeks old and still at the breeders home. (as he should be at that age) How could we not fall in love with him?

Here is what he grew into. 115 lbs of fluffy love. Yes he IS stunning isn't he? Before you run out and buy your own akita though, do some research first. They aren't a breed for everyone. (and double check your homeowners insurance)

And P.S. The longcoats require even MORE grooming than the regular coats.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...: Hey Marie. Breeds has been the discussion at our Humane Society lately. Although I am very cautious about labels on any breed as many of us know in the training world, it is important to know some general characteristics of particular breeds when choosing a dog for your family. The Waterville Humane Society wanted some general info posted to encourage people to think about the fit of a particular dog. I used info from several sites a formulated a comparison chart from About-dogs.com. Also posted information on this being ONLY a starting point, and things to look for as qualities in any dog to match with their particular family circumstances. We all know how important that is when you work with shelter dogs. Maybe one of your blogs can address your thoughts on this matter as I have such incredible respect for your knowledge and experience and I am therefore certain others can pick up some great pointers. Do not have time to create my own blog right now, but look forward to creating one in the near future. Thanks so much for your info. Really neat !!!!; March 19, 2007 at 4:50 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Rita! Hmmm that sounds like an interesting topic. I will keep that in mind for the future. Thanks!; March 19, 2007 at 6:04 PM

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My Story

In 1992, after serving for 6 years in the United States Marine Corps, I decided to settle down in my hometown in Mid-Coast Maine. I got my first dog, (as a bona-fide adult) an akita, and joined the local kennel club. I also joined akita rescue and learned alot about the breed. In turn I began helping educate others. This taught me how important training is for ALL dogs. Thus began my (unofficial) foray into the world of dog training.

I worked for a few years at a local veterinarians office and then began working at our local humane society. While there I saw many dogs being given up for simple training issues. About that time the kennel club began looking for a new trainer to teach group obedience classes. I decided I might be able to handle that challenge once I had more official training of my own.

MY TRAINING:

I found an excellent trainer to mentor with and in October of 2001 after a year of hands on training and study I completed my apprenticeship under Lloyd Williams of Bear Brook Kennels. During that apprenticeship, in addition to learning all the basics, I got to assist in the training of police dogs in narcotics, tracking and cadaver dogs with the medical examiners office.

Not only did I learn how to be a dog trainer, more importantly, I learned how to teach owners how they could communicate more effectively with their dogs. I consider that training just the beginning in my canine education. I continue to attend seminars and keep current through reading about recent advancements in dog training methods. I am a former member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

My training was sponsored by The Humane Society of Knox County and The Mid-Coast Kennel Club of Maine.

MY METHODS:

I use positive reinforcement methods whenever possible during training sessions. Positive reinforcement helps make the training experience more enjoyable for both the dog and owner, producing a better learning environment. I also utilize hand signals in my training which is very useful with deaf dogs as well as hearing ones. My methods include lure/reward and marker training. (with or without a clicker depending on owner preference)

MY GOALS:

My goal in training is to help pet owners develop a better relationship with their dogs. Many times that includes teaching about canine communication and behavior. I also like to help dogs stay out of the shelters and in their homes whenever possible. Training for those unruly dogs can make that a reality for some families.

MY OTHER JOBS:

I am currently the trainer for the HSKC's K-9 Corrections program. I also work as a receptionist at a local veterinary hospital.

MY FAMILY:

I am happily married and the mother of two fabulous children.

Dog Training and Behavior Seminars Attended

11-09 Self Control and Focus Games with Dee Ganley CPDT/CABC/CDBC
6-09 Dog to Dog Aggression with Patricia McConnell PhD
7-08 Debunking the Dominance Myth in Training with Jean Donaldson
6-08 PitBull Education Seminar with Drayton Michaels
3-08 Aggression and Canine Compulsion Disorders with Dr. Nicholas Dodman
4-07 How to Talk Dog with Sarah Kalnajs
6-06 Understanding Canine Body Language with Trish King
4-06 Aggression in Dogs 2 Day Seminar with Brenda Aloff
10-05 Play with Me and Feisty Fidos with Pia Silvani CPDT,CABC
2005 Canine Communication, Meet your Match and and Intro to "Safer" Training with Emily Weiss PhD