K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Chloie is ready for her new home

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Chloie is ready for her new home

I was trying to get some good pics of Chloie so I can show her off. I've had some inquiries about akitas and since she is in the K-9 Corrections program awaiting a new home I thought I would mention her first.

She apparently wanted a close up. Excuse the short whiskers. One of the handlers got a little scissor happy during grooming.

She is abit on the small side for a female akita but I think she is the perfect size. Not to big but not to small. I am told she loves to burrow in the snow.

We were working on stand/stay during the photo shoot. She has completed the program and is available for adoption through http://www.humanesocietyofknoxcounty.org/ on the coast of Maine. Until she finds a home she will be staying at the prison and they will continue working with her. She knows all the basics, (including a fabulous recall) is crate trained, housebroken and knows a bunch of cute tricks too.

Seriously, how can you resist that face? Ideally I think she would do best as an only dog in a cat free home. (she failed the shelters cat test) I plan on testing her on Saturday with a submissive male dog if I can borrow one that is appropriate. (from the shelter) But at this point with her past as a breeding bitch and from some reactions I've seen I don't think she wants to share her space with another dog. Plus I think she deserves to be spoiled after being neglected to the point of not knowing how to play. She is a great dog and someone really missed the boat by dumping her at the shelter. She loves people and has even shown affection and gentleness towards kids.

So if you know anyone in the market for a great akita that has some good solid foundation training under her belt (thanks to my very dedicated handlers) please pass her info along. I would appreciate it.

P.S. She LOVES to work and I think she would make a fabulous agility prospect.

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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