K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Some photos, as requested

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Some photos, as requested

M, Your wish is my command. :-)
*
The following are photos of just a couple of my deaf dog students. (Admitedly these ones are also my God dogs.) The first was Genki, an akita owned by friends I met due to mutual akita ownership. Our husbands would call it mutual akita craziness given the chance, but who listens to them? VBG

This handsome pup grew into this beautiful boy.

With his dad back when I offered group classes.

Sadly we lost Genki much to soon. He was a sweet boy who is dearly missed.

This is their mom with their 2 current akitas. Nani on the left is also deaf. Big brother Tomo is on the right. (Yes he is a big boy, even for an akita.)

They are both as sweet as they come too.

Nani's baby pic. The dynamic duo under the tree.

Here they are hanging out with mom and dad at the office. Everyday is bring your dogs to work day for them. (lucky!)

Since I am lucky enough to have great friends with big hearts,* you can see I have had a fair share of practice in the field of working with deaf dogs. (*who have opened their hearts not once but twice to the challenge of deaf dog ownership.) It seems wrong to call it work when it is so much fun!

(Couldn't forget a baby pic of Tomo!)

3 comments:

Anonymous said...: Oh my gosh, is there anything cuter than an Akita puppy??? Cute post! :]; February 9, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Anonymous said...: I should say no here huh? VBG I have to admit though that I am a sucker for a photo of just about any puppy.

Of course it was a pic of an akita puppy that got me interested in the breed so I guess I do agree that they are darn cute!; February 9, 2008 at 8:13 PM
Anonymous said...: OK...I know I'm a slacker ~ but you definitely made me grab a tissue! Thanks so much for the GodDog Post! Come visit them soon!
M; February 11, 2008 at 9:28 AM

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