K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: You can't please them all

Monday, February 25, 2008

You can't please them all

Jake has been at the prison for less that a full day and I already have someone irritated with me. That was fast. Or more accurately my decision to put him in the program. An unhappy gentleman called me at home and left a message on my machine wondering why I would send him to the program if he already had someone interested in adopting him. (That person being him.)

I have one very good answer for that. It isn't about getting him into a home, it is about him getting into a home so that he KEEPS it. Sure a handsome boxer will garner lots of interest, but his inappropriate behavior and lack of training might just get him a revolving door adoption once his behavior pushes the new adopters past his cute threshold.

So I'm here to say, it isn't about you Mr. Adopter, but the dog that matters most here. I'm sorry you are annoyed that you missed out on him when his adoption fee would have been lower as you complained about on my machine. If you really are interested in him, than you may put in a new application once he is finished with his basic training. Trust me, the higher adoption fee doesn't begin to cover the cost of training if you were to get the same on the outside once he has been adopted. If you are a good match, and if your current dog gets along with him, then you might be his next home. Until then, he will be at the prison learning manners and lessons to help make that transition easier for everyone in his next home.

In the meantime you are welcome to check out the FIVE boxer rescue groups that cover our area that have more than a few handsome dogs available for adoption if you are dead set on getting another boxer. But know that they work to match dogs into the right home as well. It's not like ordering fast food. It's adding a family member that will be with you for years to come. Our goal is to make those years happy ones that last in that home.

http://www.boxerrescue.com/

http://www.boxerbuddies.org/

http://boxersinneed.org/

http://boxerangelsrescue.com/

http://www.secondchanceboxer.com/

There is nothing wrong with having patience when looking to add a dog to your home. Good things come to those who wait after all.

***P.S. The cutie in the photo above is Tyson who is available through Second Chance Boxer Rescue***

1 comment:

Anonymous said...: How ridiculous. I can't believe the nerve of some people. I think you did the right thing. Like you said, the important thing here is to make sure that Jake's next home is his forever home, not to fulfill some guy's need for a macho dog or whatever. Ugh.; February 25, 2008 at 8:18 PM

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