K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: A trip to the island

Thursday, April 12, 2007

A trip to the island

One of the cool things about living on the coast of Maine is that there are many islands near us we can visit. Some of them are even populated year round. I have a few island clients and regularly go out to see new people and their dogs. The ferry ride is just over an hour long. I love the great views it gives me. I have seen many sea birds, seals and once even a porpoise! If it is cold I stay inside the seating area. I rarely bother to take my car as it costs more and entails waiting in line with no guarantee of it getting aboard, or back aboard for the return trip. I do not go on the ferry if it is windy. I admit I don't have great sea legs so I get seasick easily. To share my trip this time I took just a few pics specificly for the blog. I felt like a tourist. :-) This is my trip to Vinalhaven.

The view from where I was sitting. They do also have some longer seats you can share if you are traveling in a group or as a couple. I always bring some books to read as a back up plan to avoid boredom. (which never happens) I have on occasion taken a nap during the return trip. The fresh sea air wears me out! (and napping can help avoid sea sickness if needed)

One of the lighthouses we pass on the way. This is the Owls Head light. There is another one on the other side but I missed getting the pic. (The Rockland Lighthouse and breakwater.)

UPS really DOES go everywhere! The front of the ferry.

This is Zuzu and her owner Web. She is a 12 week old chihauha. Isn't she adorable? Dogs are frequently on board and ARE allowed in one of the seating areas. (They must be well behaved or have to ride in the owners car if available.) There are two seating areas, one on each side of the boat. There is also an upstairs outside seating area for those nice warm days.

And this is the cutie I went out to see and work with. Her name is Molly and she is a 4 month old wheaton terrier. What a face!

And leaving the ferry dock headed home.

My photo doesn't do this view justice. The lobster boats were all over the harbor. I wish I had a better camera with a nice zoom. This isn't the best photo tutorial ever but it gives you some idea of the trip.

Here is a very short video clip of my sisters dog Zeus. He is a bulldog and was adopted from the shelter. He has all of the typical bulldog issues, bad skin, breathing problems, allergies and his weight tends to fluctuate. He is also one of the absolute sweetest dogs I know. He was with us at my moms during the kids egg hunt when I got this clip. It's not the best quality but I wanted to share.

http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f42/Akitamom2/?action=view&current=IM003603.flv

Also - PLEASE keep checking out the pet food recall info at http://www.petconnection.com/blog/ and http://www.howl911.com There is ALOT still happening folks. More foods and even treats have been added to the bad list. Click on the link to A Dogs Life blog in my sidebar as well. She also has alot of great info listed.

3 comments:

Hannah said...: So as usual, Kurt doesn't tell me you called yesterday until NOW. I'm real sorry I've been hard for you to track down. :( I hope it wasn't because you wanted to grab some time with me and Apollo on this VH visit, as I would've loved to work with you and not feel bad that I'm the only reason you rode the boat out to the island. Apollo has come a long way and I really want you to see and evaluate him. :)

I saw the ferry ride with fresh eyes through your pics and commentary, lol! For me, it's a miserable but necessary part of everyday life, but that's because I've lived out here my entire life and ridden it way too much. I always sit in the dog cabin because the time goes much quicker if I can find a friendly dog to make of, even though I embarrass Kurt because I migrate to dogs like a fat kid to a cupcake.

Anyway, I am going to write down a reminder, and give you a call tomorrow. We are supposed to be getting one heck of a storm soon so I'll probably be stuck indoors anyway.

P.S. Molly is ADORABLE. I wish I could say I knew her owners because I'd love to meet her, but I've never seen her out and about.; April 13, 2007 at 9:18 PM
Hannah said...: Oh, and you have me addicted to the Dolittler blog. What a great site!; April 13, 2007 at 9:19 PM
Anonymous said...: I am headed over again on Tuesday weather permitting. I have to see two dogs but should have time to see you and Apollo too if you can. Call me! LOL; April 13, 2007 at 9:39 PM

Post a Comment

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