K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: A Rally update

Sunday, June 6, 2010

A Rally update

The Rally workshop yesterday was fabulous! For other dogs in attendance there were: a Pembroke corgi, a Lurcher, a Plott hound (I think), an Irish setter, 2 Australian shepherds (the mellowest ones I've ever seen!) and a Bernese mountain dog. It was a great group.

I feel much better about where I am in training with Jenny and the upcoming trial in July. I know what I need to work on more and feel good about what we've done so far. The instructor was Annette MacNair of Wag It!. Annette is ranked 9th in the USA in APDT Rally ARCHX level. (Impressive!) I loved her teaching style. It was relaxed and fun. We even got to do a few course run throughs which helps a lot. Not only do you get real practice but you can watch others and get tips from that as well. She recommended the following book which gives me an excuse to buy it. (Books are my kryptonite!)

It teaches about both venues, AKC and APDT rally. That is great news since I want to be able to compete in both. I already bought this DVD which was helpful for the APDT signs. It's currently at the prison for the K-9 Corrections handlers to watch.

It is very well done and clear. I highly recommend it for anyone considering the sport. Everyone did great yesterday. I can see myself getting very addicted to this because it is so much fun. Oh well, I suppose in the realm of addictions this one isn't so bad. VBG

2 comments:

Katie said...: Glad you had a good time!

I have that book and it's very helpful. Pam Dennison is one of my heroes, anyway ;); June 6, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Anonymous said...: Fun blog. I really enjoyed reading the posts. Rally isn't really my thing but its cool to see the different dog sports. I'll defiently be checking back from time to time.

Your welcome to check my blog out if you're feeling up to it.

-Ben
http://busydogs.wordpress.com; June 9, 2010 at 10:21 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