K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Meanwhile back in the land of blogdom...

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Meanwhile back in the land of blogdom...

Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there. I am fortunate to be married to a great guy who is an awesome father to our two children. Unfortunatly he started the day feeling unwell so is holding down the couch for the day. Thankfully we have a pretty good TV to keep him occupied.

I found a real gem surfing online this morning. Turid Rugaas has a website with some fabulous advise on a questions page. Go check it out: www.canis.no/rugaas/index.php Hat tip to the blog Ruffly Speaking.

I've updated the blogroll again. I really need to delete a few but hate to do it. Some I really like but they don't update very often. So if you are a reader with a blog I have linked to, and aren't posting regularly, I am sorry if you get deleted. I know sometimes blogging can fall behind, I've been there myself. I am just trying to keep my blogroll a manageable size.

I also have to mention that some of these blogs are amazing! I feel like a pad of paper and a pencil compared to them. Fancy photos, and photoshop work. Or making pics look like scenes from graphic novels. I bow to your puter talents. Not only can I only do the basics, I avoid things like twitter because I can barely keep up with this stuff. I do have facebook but try to only keep that to people I actually know. (so if you friend request me and I don't recognise the name, sorry!) I'm toying with the idea of having a facebook for K-9 Solutions. We'll see.

My what pretty teeth you have!

1 comment:

Kasha said...: That photo is hilarious. Thanks for adding me! I sure do appreciate it!
Kasha; June 21, 2009 at 5:23 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