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

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

A K-9 Corrections update

Both Brody and Rocko have gone on slumber party's to (hopefully) their new permanent homes. They were seen at the Humane Society's Grand Re-Opening event. Yay for them!! They weren't on the program as long as some of the others we have had. Brody wasn't the wild man he was described as and once we implemented the proper plan to address his submissive urination it went away. Rocko had no real issues aside from being a young terrier/pit mix. He was the first pit bull on the program and he definately won some people over to them being just another dog and were nothing to fear after all. Hopefully this trend continues. Here are our new additions to the program. Levi and Liam, two 10 week old pit/boxer mixes:

Liam is the brindle boy. Don't let those photos fool you, he's a handful! I also have 3 brand new handlers so this is going to be interesting. It also turns out that some of the other inmates try to play rougher with the pit mixes than they have with the other puppies. They think that is what you are supposed to do with them. This is making me wonder if some of the overstimulation we see in some of them (in big cities for instance) has been created. Why would people think that is appropriate simply because they are this breed? Food for thought. I might have to come up with rules for all the people at the facility when it comes to their interactions with them if the handlers can't nip it in the bud themselves. We'll see how it goes.

(Photo credit to Ashley Bickford)

2 comments:

2dogcrazy said...: My ex came from a similar background to some of the inmates and he thought (and still thinks) that is how you're supposed to treat pit bulls. They're made to be that tough, they need that rough-handling and training, otherwise they'll "turn" on you. One of many reasons I broke up with him. :-); June 7, 2011 at 8:18 PM
jen said...: yay for the first pit bull success!

very interesting about the pit bull = must want to play rougher correlation. I wonder why that is, culture?; June 8, 2011 at 12:15 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