K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Jack gets his turn

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Jack gets his turn

One problem with having multiple dogs is making sure they all get good one on one time with their owners. Lately this has been a challenge for me.

Jack finally got his turn to try the bloodtracking. I've done a little regular tracking with him but he isn't the most driven dog and didn't seem that interested. He even earned the nickname "One Track Jack" for that reason. I am not into forcing a dog to do something they don't enjoy so we just stopped. I figured I'd try him on bloodtracking because he does like his deer meat and I thought that might be a bigger motivator. I was right, he definatly stayed with it for the short bit of track I gave him. Normally when he lost a corner he would be done but this time he kept searching. I did notice that he started air scenting though so maybe he is just better at that and asking him to track actual steps is not his thing. I need to experiment abit more with it.

I feel that Jack has gotten the short end of the stick lately. With Missy being sick and needing extra attention, and Jenny being the high energy dog and needs to be kept busy, Jack is always the one left last to do stuff. I need to make more of an effort to get him out and have fun with him too. It is a classic case of the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Jack is such an easy dog that he gets overlooked. I need to stop taking him for granted and challenge him more to enrich his life daily.

I think I have finally figured out how to embed video here now. Here is my most recent attempt with Jacks track.

1 comment:

Kotikokki said...: Great to hear Jack tried blood trakcig! I have done it with both my LC akitas and they love it. They just have a too lazy owner for regular training.; December 6, 2009 at 7:42 AM

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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