K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Tuesdays with Minos

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Tuesdays with Minos

Or is that Marie? Due to my sisters work schedule I have Minos on Tuesdays. It is great for him to be able to play with my dogs for socialization, especially since I have dogs of various breeds. We also want our dogs to all get along well because we frequently take care of each others dogs and if they get along it makes that task much easier.

Since I also love to hang out at The Loyal Biscuit Co., we always go there for socialization as well. It is a great place to meet other (friendly) dogs that come in with their owners to shop. He is a very bold puppy and thinks everyone should be his friend.

I couldn't resist this photo of him in front of their logo.

This is his position when there isn't anyone to play with.

While there I also picked up two of my dogs favorite treats. The fruitables are a new find that I love and are Jenny's bedtime snack. They smell so good I even tried one myself. (not bad!) The barkwheats are Missy's bedtime treats. I love that they are a Maine company.

I also picked up some new food for Jenny to try. She is my sensitive (read itchy) girl so I am always on the lookout for foods that she can tolerate. I like to rotate my dogs food so they get new stuff regularly. This way I don't have to worry about one food trying to be "everything" for them. I think variety is good as long as you have a dog that can tolerate frequent dietary changes. It is just my theory on feeding. Do whatever works best for your dog. Every dog is an individual remember.

Hopefully the video below attaches properly and works. It is Minos playing with a soda bottle in the yard. I think he is adorable, but of course I am not exactly unbiased in my opinion.

5 comments:

Hannah said...: He is so cute! I'm glad he's on a leash in the Biscuit in these photos; he scared the crap out of Lux the last time I brought her in there! Neither one of us was expecting a bulldog puppy around the corner!; June 18, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Marie said...: He is off leash in there until I see someone coming in. Then it gets snapped back on. I always ask if their dogs are ok with other dogs and if I see him get to pushy, even if they gave me permission for play, he goes back on leash. Some people are just to nice about saying no and he needs to learn to be appropriate as well.

And Yikes! He must outweigh Lux times 10! LOL; June 18, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Hannah said...: Yeah, the size difference was amazing; your sister said he is just about the same age as Lux. Rereading my previous comment, I realize it might've come off a little rude... sorry! It wasn't a big deal because there was no harm done. Minos was just very bold and friendly and Luxus is our "delicate little flower," and he surprised both of us. But I was very happy to meet the famous Mr. Minos in person (and so was my sister, who looooves bulldogs)!; June 19, 2009 at 4:37 AM
Marie said...: No worries Hannah, I didn't take it that way at all. :-); June 19, 2009 at 6:46 AM
manymuddypaws said...: my dogs love those fruitables treats- I haven't seen that flavour though- I'll have to check out some of the other stores around!; June 24, 2009 at 5:50 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