K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: The Blog Roll

Thursday, July 17, 2008

The Blog Roll

Some of you may or may not have noticed but I try to routinely update my blog roll. This includes taking blogs off my list that either don't update often enough, stray far off topic regularly, or are to graphic heavy to load in a reasonable amount of time. (If it takes forever for me to load it with DSL I don't want those with dial up to get stuck. Some of my favorites have been deleted for this reason alone. Tip: Set your front blog page to only hold a set amount of posts if this is an issue.)

I also try to only include those blogs I like for some reason. It may be the writing, the photos, the info presented or the stories they have to share. I also try to stay away from blogs with alot of political views. I like reading about dogs not politics. (or should I say I reserve that as a seperate activity)

If you have a blog to recommend with a 4 paws up, (sorry I couldn't resist) feel free to share it with me for consideration in my comments section. (If you add a link to a site for business purposes or to sell something I will more then likely delete it. Please e-mail me to ask permission regarding sales of products. Unless it is something I believe in it will not be considered. )

So check out the new additions to the blogroll and feel free to provide feedback. Thank you!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...: I really want to recommend Spotted Dog Farm http://www.spotteddogfarm.blogspot.com/ because I think what is going on there is so important and eye-opening and heart-wrenching and hopeful all at the same time.; July 18, 2008 at 7:08 PM
Anonymous said...: Thanks. I will definatly add her.; July 19, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Caveat said...: Phew! I broke a few rules but survived on the blogroll.

Thanks!

And I'll second SDF - it's a good one.; July 23, 2008 at 7:51 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