K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: I spy with my little eye

Monday, March 24, 2008

I spy with my little eye

something that is pink, and gooey, and itchy. Oh wait that is MY eye! My pinkeye. And when the feeling of wanting to gouge one eye out isn't enough fun, it travels to the other eye as well. Oh the joy! I know what you're thinking, WHY am I touching the computer! No worries. Steps are being taken. Germs were killed before I touched it and germs will be killed when I am finished. Thanks to hand sanitizer and clorox wipes I am a regular germ assassin today. Please send healing vibes my way for saturday. I do NOT want to miss out on the seminar!

Because I am down for the count I have other blog fare to share for todays post. First I have a beautiful photo of Boomer. This handsome boy is a local drug dog I have had the pleasure of working with. I admit I have a soft spot for working dogs. I so love to watch dogs enjoying what they are good at.

Check out this interesting and educational post about Jon Katz and his border collies from the Lassie Get Help blog: http://lassiegethelp.blogspot.com/search/label/staggering%20ignorance Be sure to read the comments for more discussion as well.

And more on the same topic from Pet Connections blog: http://www.petconnection.com/blog/category/books/

Then a thought provoking post from Dolittler on basket muzzles: http://www.dolittler.com/index.cfm/2008/3/19/pet.vet.dog.cat.veterinary.veterinarian.cage.muzzle

To finish up, a shared photo from a pug rescue friend of her beloved crew. I hope everyone had a great holiday.

P.S. An open letter to those who like to post in my comment field with a link to something they are selling. Knock it off. Sneaky ads get deleted so don't waste your time. (Viral marketing is the name for this according to Pet Connections Blog) Yes I see them even in older posts. (I got one just this morning thinly disguised.) To my readers, PLEASE ignore them and their links should they be there before I have the chance to delete them. If I believe in a product or site they will be added to my blogroll or mentioned in a post. Sorry for any inconvenience or annoyance.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...: What a handsome devil! How nice for working dogs to actually work!

Sorry you aren't feeling well and that you have to deal with stupid spammers...

that is why I have my settings so that if you've not had a comment approved before, your comment is moderated..; March 24, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Anonymous said...: Hey, hope your pink eye gets better soon! Haven't had it since I was a wee tyke but I remember it well...

Sometimes my commenters will post a link to something on topic, I don't have a problem with that. I do it myself from time to time.

All spammers I delete. I moderated at the beginning but it was a drag, so I just let them post and if I want to delete something, I do. No big deal and it's only happened a couple of times.

Get well soon!; March 24, 2008 at 6:33 PM
Anonymous said...: I hate having to moderate comments. I just delete the ones that are spam. On topic links are fine. I don't mind that at all. It is the ones selling something on their own site that post a "Hey read this article I wrote" or Check out my puppy selling website" that annoy me greatly. Most of the time it is crap. If they are really on the up and up and interested in having their link on my site they should just e-mail me directly. Then I will consider it. Until then trying to get something in on the sly gets you deleted.; March 25, 2008 at 9:52 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