K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Catching up

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Catching up

Or A.K.A. ....... yes I am still alive.

Please excuse the short hiatus. When I get behind the blog is the first thing to go, followed closely by e-mail. (so if you haven't heard from me....) I am behind on my blog reading as well if that makes anyone feel any better.

I am loving the new job. I feel sort of useless because I am in training and can't really do much until I learn the computer system better. But the people are awesome and I get to be around animals all day long. What could be better than that? Plus I get a real lunch hour that I can jet home to get the dogs out for a quick outing on the days the husband works and can't do it. Never under estimate the value of a well timed potty break.

I have a bunch of back logged ideas to blog about but am short on time this evening. I just wanted to post so that people wouldn't get worried that I fell off the face of the earth.

Chloie is doing awesome and is available for adoption. She knows all the basics, sit, down, come, heel, etc. She is also crate trained and knows a bunch of tricks. High five, shake, roll over and wave goodbye. Plus we finally taught her to play. It took awhile but it was so worth it. It is so great to watch her play with real joy. She has come a long way from the over excited and neglected dog that arrived at the shelter.

In other VERY exciting news check out my friends website that launched this week: http://www.loyalbiscuit.com/ I am very happy for them. It looks fantastic. (Go check it out.)

Todays photos? Well don't tell anyone but I admit I actually like this haircut on poodles. I have no earthly idea why. But really, who can blame me? Isn't he cute?

3 comments:

Caveat said...: I hear you. I've only put up a couple of howdy things since before Christmas.

I enjoyed my vacation and think I will make it an annual thing.

You're not alone about the poodle clip - I've always loved the 'lion cut' myself and if I had a poodle, I'd do it. I prefer the English Saddle (the one where they have short pants on the hind end) to the Continental (the bare-bum version). Judges like the Continental because they can see the dog under all the hair - which can hide a lot of defects.; January 8, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Anonymous said...: I'm so glad the new job is going well! I can't wait to hear more about it.

My favorite poodle 'do is cords. A corded Continental = to die for. But I'd never want to live with it!; January 9, 2009 at 1:08 PM
Caveat said...: btw Congrats on your new job! I'm behind in checking my fave blogs.; January 9, 2009 at 3:54 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