K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Puppies are fun

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Puppies are fun

especially when someone else gets to potty train them. Check out our other K-9 Corrections dog Russet.

He is a 9 week old 1/2 German wire haired pointer, 1/4 Labrador retriever and 1/4 Chesapeake bay retriever mix. Momma was the pointer. He was one of 11 puppies, only 9 survived, and he was one of the runts in the litter so he got bottle fed from an early age. As a result one of his issues is mouthing. We thought he might be to much of a handful for the average adopter so he got put on the program to learn not to be mouthy as well as all the basics. Who doesn't want a puppy that is already house trained and crate trained?

Jenny is learning how to play less roughly with him. She can't help herself, she's just a puppy too. More photos (and video!) of them can be seen on our K-9 Corrections facebook page. The challenge with a young puppy on the program is to make sure he gets exposed to lots of other dogs while he is still young. To accomplish that he will be going on a few field trips with me and I'll be taking dogs there for both of them to meet. There are also staff members with dogs that occasionally visit the facility too. Fortunately his foster home had lots of other animals he got to be around which helps. If you are interested in adopting either of them you need to apply through The Humane Society of Knox County. They will be at the facility for at least 6 more weeks however.

1 comment:

jen said...: they look like quite the pair!

good luck with them in the program!; January 12, 2011 at 3:32 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