K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: A busy week

Friday, May 11, 2007

A busy week

I had a busy week. Of course I forgot to get pic of everyone but here are the ones I did manage to remember. First some puppy breath.

Let sleeping puppies lay.

Then came Ru. He is learning to come when he's called.

And his big brother Jack helped supervise.

Another trip to Vinalhaven.

To see Charlie. He is a rescue dog from Second Chance Boxer Rescue. He is a fabulous boy that just needs to polish up some of his manners.

He loves his Kong toy.

This is Xena. She is a flyball dog in training. Not a client but a friend. She was at knitting last night schmoozing with everyone. There is literally no lap she doesn't love. She was adopted from the Bangor animal shelter. (Yes you can find cute small dogs at shelters to adopt if you are patient.)

"Oh no, the paparazzi have found me!"

Photos don't do her justice. She is even cuter in person.

And another of our foster Dash man. I finally caught him (on camera) smiling. He is headed to his new home tomorrow. I am going to miss this face. And his grunts. (the grunts are just to cute for words) I am supposed to be getting his stuff and paperwork together right now. And he needs a bath. Instead I am blogging. Can we say denial anyone?

He'll be fine. I have promises of shared pics from his new family. He has a new big brother waiting for him to play with that I'm sure he will love.

1 comment:

Hannah said...: Charlie was so well-behaved when my sister and I walked Jenna and Apollo by his yard a few days ago. He was behind his invisible fence and just sat down and quietly watched us walk by. :)

I don't know how you can bear to foster, but it's a wonderful thing you're doing. :) Dash is going to miss you guys, but I'm sure he'll be so happy in his new home.; May 11, 2007 at 3:11 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