K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Just when you think you've heard it all

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Just when you think you've heard it all

You really have to check out this unbelievable post over at Never Say Never Greyhounds. (Ignorance 09/13/10 ~ Sorry it didn't have a direct link.)

What is it with rescue groups these days? Do they not realize their purpose is to find homes for dogs? I guess in the case of the European group one might say they are looking out for the dog if they really believe that doing agility is akin to torture of the dog. But in that case I have to wonder what decade are they living in? When did dog sports or competing with your dog become torture exactly? I always thought Europe was more progressive on the dog front than that kind of idiocy. I guess it depends on the country involved.

I've had my own issues with rescue recently. I tried to volunteer with a pug rescue group back in June. I sent multiple e-mails to multiple people and even left a phone message on the leaders phone in case my e-mails didn't get through. It seriously started giving me a complex! I finally contacted a former member I knew (I didn't realize she had left.) who clued me in that they don't like to share their volunteers with other groups. Maybe that is why they weren't interested in my help. It is obvious on my blog I work with all dogs and several groups after all. So I gave up and contacted another pug rescue who seems happy to have me. I find it interesting that I was good enough to adopt to but not good enough to be a member of the group.

I have a friend at work who finds herself in a similar situation. She has two rescued purebred dogs and loves the breed so she e-mailed to volunteer with that breeds local rescue group and has yet to hear back from them. Even a "Thanks for your interest we'll get back to you." or "No thanks we need foster homes more than what you can provide us." screw off letter is better than just leaving us hanging. Is that asking to much? I mean, we are volunteering to help them after all.

It really makes you wonder about some people.

2 comments:

Never Say Never Greyhounds said...: Thanks for the plug! :-) The greyhound adoption group I work with has its disfunctional moments, but we try to appreciate our volunteers and find a job for everyone that asks for one. Its such a great group of people and I'm proud to be apart of it. There is no shortage of greyhounds so we will take everyone we can get.; September 16, 2010 at 7:32 PM
Marie said...: It is amazing the differences in rescue groups. I have been a part of a few over the years and some of them are just incredible. Unfortunatly there are always a few sour grapes here and there but thankfully it seems the minority.; September 16, 2010 at 9:47 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