K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Boatyard dog update

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Boatyard dog update

The Boatyard dog demo went well. They were worried that Casey might not do much for them because she was off and on all week during training. But she did ok and got to show off a few skills she learned under their tutelage.

(practicing on the dock before the event)

The other dog we brought was Lovey, a medium sized shepherd mix who only has 3 paws. A birth defect left her with a short leg and a missing paw. She does have a pad on the stump though and having only 3 paws doesn't slow her down in the least. She walks on 3 legs most of the time but will use her forth on grass and other soft surfaces. She came into the shelter as a stray so we don't know her history but she seems to love everyone, hence her name.

Posing during our main street "parade". (we didn't know we would be the only parade participants until that morning)

Casey makes a friend.

I also learned that Casey was found after having given birth in a cemetery while carrying one of her puppies to a nearby home. It totally fits with her temperment. She is very sweet and gentle and loves kids.

It was a beautiful day, sunny but not to hot which was a nice change from the horrendous amount of rain we have been getting this summer. I think it was a great event and lots of people met the dogs. Hopefully it will pan out into a home for them both. Lovey was the perfect collector of many donations for the shelter as well. (Yes a 3 legged dog might get the pity vote but whatever works I say!)

To see this years contestants check out this link: http://knox.villagesoup.com/commbriefs/story.cfm?storyID=170924

I couldn't find an online story about the winner but it was the puggle, Panco Villa who was very cute. (I'll post it when it comes out.) He did a routine that included some surfing. Very talented!

And a look back at Truman, last years winner. http://www.maineboats.com/print/issue-102/boatyard-dog-102 An update on him: He was adopted by a boatyard person (boatbuilder) who saw him in the magazine but was returned after a year for being to active. Fortunatly someone who knew him through the boatyard he was living at came and adopted him. He is doing fabulous in his new home. (I just love spotlighting him because no one expects a HOUND to win training competitions.)

1 comment:

lin said...: Cute dogs and kids! And so good about being hugged! Hope some lucky people see their sterling qualities.; August 17, 2009 at 4:00 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