K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Trying to keep up

Friday, June 29, 2007

Trying to keep up

It isn't easy trying to keep this blog updated. Especially when there are so many great photos to share! My week started with this little lady.

She is an Irish Setter puppy named Bella. She is learning some manners.

Then came Auden. She is polishing her manners and practicing her recall. She looks so sweet and innocent in photos. (She is really quite the clown!)

Then I had to run an errand at Critter Outfitter in Rockland and ran into this beauty. Her name is Orli. She is a ridgeback mix that was rescued by her owner. Not only is she adorable, but she is as sweet as they come as well.

Here is another pic to show just how tall she really is.

Here is her equally sweet older brother Bauer. He wasn't as thrilled about being photographed as his sister. (I could almost hear him thinking "Damn papparazzi!")

And this is the reason I had to shop. Missy has once again worn her favorite nylabone down to the nubs. Or should I say no nubs. She is a serious chewer!

Due to a small heat wave, and the generosity of a family friend, we got to escape to camp with the beasts to relax by the lake for a couple of days.

Jack loved the water. (Sorry no swimming pics. I was in when he was in.) Even Missy layed her belly in to cool off when we got there.

Ahhh what a way to relax. Normally Jack would be off leash and fine too but the neighbors had a rabbit. Jack is friends with our rabbit but might freak a strange rabbit out saying hello. (Just guessing.) Hence the tie out line to keep everyone happy.

Marshmallows anyone?

Maybe some fishing?
Whatever it is I want to join in too!

Is that a boat I see?

We all had a great time. A lake is a great place to be during a hot spell!

1 comment:

Hannah said...: I'm jealous of your lake; we only have access to the ocean and it's just too cold for us hoomans to swim in yet. :]

Beautiful dogs, all of 'em. Orli really looks like she has some Dane in her, huh? What a beauty! And Auden, of course, is stunning. :]

Love the picture of your son and Missy on the dock. I was like "OOOH he caught a Frenchie!" :] Thanks for updating, I love looking at your pics. And yeah, the separate island thing has major appeal because of the fact that there's no wildlife except for birds, no humans, and nowhere to go, so I can sunbathe and zone out and still know the dogs are safe. Wouldn't you know, though, Apollo scraped his belly on a ledge, trying to take a jump that he'd watched his graceful sister do moments earlier. She's poetry in motion when she runs (we think she's part Greyhound, maybe?) and he's like a colt, all knees and ears, haha.; June 30, 2007 at 8:05 AM

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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