K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Photos of the aftermath

Monday, December 22, 2008

Photos of the aftermath

A few photos to share of the dogs after the big dig out. I managed to get the gate free so we can get into the yard. The potty trails for the girls are higher than normal however due to the sheer amount of packed snow I couldn't get through with the shovel. (That is a birdbath in the background which is at least 2 and 1/2 feet high)

Check out the height of the drifts and the amount of snow on the right by the gate. (4 foot fence)

The girls want in. Jack was trying to get them to play.

Action shot: Snow is for playing in!

Even Jack thinks this drift is kinda deep.

How about a hug? (They totally did this on their own, how cute!)

Co-napping anyone? I guess this answers the question if this bed was big enough. VBG

And another gift for them for Christmas: St. Scratchy, the giant Christmas flea.

Work was abit nuts last night. Cars getting stuck IN the roadways. Plow crews were unable to keep up due to the heavy drifting. Fortunately not many people lost power in our area. It is amazing though how many people will try to drive when they shouldn't. (Only 5 more shifts to go. Yay!)

1 comment:

Mackenzie Cole said...: Hahaaha, love the picture of them napping and the one of the hug! I don't think I've ever seen two dogs do that before. I was wondering if you made it to the electronic collar training session and what your impressions were? What kind of training mehtods do you use? If you get a moment, check out my blog, www.wellbehaveddingo.com.; December 23, 2008 at 8:50 PM

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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