K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: From the vault

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

From the vault

I used to host a show on local cable access called "Reigning Cats and Dogs". We shot anything and everything pet related and featured animals at the shelter that needed new homes. Some of the highlights for me were: showing my former shelter cat Penny (above left) at a TICA cat show in the House Hold pet division, meeting the wolves at Wolf Hollow in Ipswich Mass and interviewing Susan Conant, the mystery author. Plus we got to share training tips for both dogs and cats. We also had segments about farm animals. Like I said, ANYTHING animal related. It was alot of fun as the producer/camera person was my friend Bev. Boy how I wish I had the blooper reel! The photo above was from a session of publicity shots for their website with info about the show. (one of many their channel produced) I still get recognised occasionally by former viewers.

Left to right is Penny, and Bridgette, both former shelter cats and Shimo and Kuma, my first 2 akitas. I think Shimo was about 7 months old in the photo but I can't say for certain. That means Kuma was either 6 or 7. I wish I had written down the date on the back of the pics. It was 1998ish I think, just after I got done working at the vets office and just before I started my dog trainers apprenticeship. We took a bunch of pics but this is one of my favorites. I have some episodes of the show on tape around here somewhere. (VCR format of course)

The show ended when the national cable company boosted their rates for the local channels. So my channels owners decided to retire instead of merging with the other local cable channel. Understandable. They have just recently started a new show on the remaining local channel under the same name that both local shelters are hosting for pets in need of new homes. It is kind of neat it has been brought back and is still being used to help animals by promoting adoptions.

I just thought I would share a tidbit from the vault. It is kind of fun to recall the past when you stumble across old photos you forgot you had. Boy how time flies.

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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