K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Chiengora

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Chiengora - a.k.a. Dogfur yarn

This sweetie is Gizmo. Gizmo was a client of mine quite awhile ago. I happened to notice what a fabulous coat he had and mentioned that I sometimes spun yarn from dog fur to his mom. She graciously gifted me with some of Gizmo's brushings for me to play with. Isn't he absolutely adorable?

How could you not love that face?

So here is a photo of the yarn in progress. I am making some skeins to donate to the annual Art of the animals auction. I was hoping to have a scarf made from the yarn but my vacation interrupted my progress. Yes I know what you are thinking. I should have started sooner. You are correct. Procrastinators of the world unite! (eh maybe tomorrow) VBG

This just shows one strand of a two ply yarn. As soon as I finish filling the second bobbin I can ply them both together to get a nice balanced two ply yarn. I blended his fur together with fur from two rescued angora rabbits. (called carding) Since Gizmo originally came from a shelter himself I thought this was excellent yarn to make and offer. It will knit (or crochet) up beautifully.

For more information about the auction (happening this weekend beginning Friday!) check out the link on the shelters site here: http://www.humanesocietyofknoxcounty.org/ It is a fantastic auction with something for everyone. I'll be there one day with Hope the prison program dog so she can show off her new skills. (and hopefully find a heart to fall in love with her) This year there is a bunch of art done by prisoners to help fund the prison dog program. Come check it out and say hello!

For anyone interested in getting their own dogs fur made into yarn check out this site: http://www.vipfibers.com/ Happy brushing!

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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