K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Iditarod fever begins!

Monday, March 3, 2008

Iditarod fever begins!

I almost forgot that today was the official start of the Iditarod dog sled race in Alaska. (Talk about getting sidetracked!) Being a wanna be musher myself, yet without the actual drive to get off the couch into the cold and participate in sledding, I love tunning in every year. I even got to interview a musher from Maine that did the race with a team of all siberian huskies a few years ago. (Shawn Sidelinger-Back when I hosted a local cable access show called Reigning Cats and Dogs.) Most teams are a mix of sledding breeds with alaskan huskies being the most popular.

I think part of why I love to watch the race, is that I love watching dogs do what they love, and that comes natural to them. I also think huskies are beautiful dogs. We had a beautiful and sweet siberian when I was a kid. I'm sure that is where my love of northern breeds started.

Here is the official website for anyone else interested: http://www.iditarod.com/

For a great inside look at the training it takes, and the love for the sport and dogs you need to run the race, the book "Winterdance" by Gary Paulsen is fabulous. Well worth reading for any fan of sled dogs too.

For a great movie about a sled dog race, "Iron Will" gets my vote. A touching movie that showcases some truely beautiful dogs. Even the "bad guys" dogs are beautiful in the sledding scenes. (malamute and samoyed teams are used too)

I hope everyone, men, women and dogs, stay safe in this years race. Godspeed!

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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