K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Bad blogger-update pics

Monday, November 5, 2007

Bad blogger-update pics

I know, I know, I am a bad blogger. Sometimes life just gets REALLY busy, and then you catch a cold. (which makes everything SO much easier!) Here is a small update though.

Check out the pic of Hope, the last prison program graduate, with her new family. Aren't they adorable together? Eberything is going great for them and they are all very happy.

Here is a pic of Dash, our previous foster frenchie, with his brother Ivan all dressed up at a Halloween parade. He is the scarecrow. Thanks to his mom for sending the great pics to share.

And here they are with the whole Oz crew. How cute are they? They even made it into the Boston newspaper (page 2!) the day after the Red Sox won the World Series. Dash's mom sent me the pic but I can't figure out how to put it on here.

This is (right to left) Me, (Star Trek Geek) Hubby (Klingon) and a friend Jen (Bow Hunter) on our way to the Halloween Dance party that was the fundraiser for the prison dog program on the 27th. (it was a multi-fund event also benefiting Meals on Wheels and a Toy Library) Jen is mom to a cute pug named Maddie I need to get pics of to share.

The party was alot of fun and you can see more pics under News on their website at www.mainelobsterfestival.com

Aparently the blog will let me upload pics off my husbands laptop but not off our other computer. As soon as I fix the bugs I will be sure to post more client pics and those of Jack as promised. Until then I am at the mercy of pics I can get off the internet or that are sent to me.

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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