K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: A new toy for the yard.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

A new toy for the yard.

OK so I didn't get the video of the 4 basics to post yet, nor did I get a walk in with the Canny Collar, BUT I had a great long weekend with the dogs and my family and I even got a project finished. I was given this:

Some may recognise it as the better part of an agility jump. A quick trip to Lowe's and 2 dollars and 14 cents later (plus tax, some hand sawing and some colored electrical tape) and Ta Da! we have this:

Pretty cool huh? The jump height is even adjustable. Not a bad deal if I do say so myself.

Jenny doesn't look all that impressed. I know the strips don't exactly match. All I will say is that rolling tape around a pole evenly is harder than it looks. Here's what my yard looks like now.

My next project is to rebuild a stablizer for the barrel tunnel and find no-slip tape to apply to the inside of it. (and maybe the outside as well since I thought of a trick with a dog on top of the barrel) I couldn't find what I wanted at Lowe's. They only had strips for the inside of a tub, nothing the size of a step which I thought would work better. Anyone have any ideas where I can find those? I'd rather not have to order them online.

3 comments:

Never Say Never Greyhounds said...: I love how cheap PVC is!

Maybe an RV supply story would have the grip strips (no idea what they are called) for the steps into an RV... maybe an auto part store also.

Jen; September 9, 2009 at 1:49 PM
Katie said...: Very nice. I've made jumps a couple of ways, and that one seems to work out the best. Yay for PVC!

What I want next is a teeter.; September 9, 2009 at 6:46 PM
Marie said...: I never thought about an auto parts store. Thanks!!; September 9, 2009 at 9:14 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