K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: My busy & fluffy weekend

Sunday, July 3, 2011

My busy & fluffy weekend

Puppies are adorable but exhausting. This is why I wonder if I'll ever sign up to have one of my own again. I had an 8 week old Chow Chow here for some socialization for a few days. (a relative of Batu) He was super cute for sure but SUPER active! Can we say busy bee? But he was also Mr. Charisma. He will be a fun pup for someone for sure. They'll just need to keep him engaged so he doesn't get bored and destructive. I got him started on some house training, crate training and leash walking. He did great!

Many more photos of him can be seen on my facebook page for anyone in need of a puppy fix. He went home this morning so I can relax again. It is a little stressful being in charge of other peoples dogs.

This is Jenny breaking in her spot on the new love seat. Hurray for discount furniture stores! I love how perfectly the pet steps fit. I am hoping this helps cut down on the dust mites which should (in theory) help with some of her allergy issues. (That is if I can trust Greer about THAT allergy panel!) She is currently having a flare up but I expected that with all the dust that was stirred up getting the old couches out.

She is loving her Zeal food. I signed up for The Honest Kitchen's newsletter and read their free 20 page nutrition booklet. It had a lot of great info and I highly recommend it if you are considering a diet change. Or even if you just want to learn more about pet food in general. The only part Jenny doesn't like about it is the wait while it hydrates. She thinks is it quite torturous actually. That's me, dog torturer extraordinaire. Yet another thing I wish we could explain to our dogs. Put that on the list along with "why we need to trim their nails" and "why it would be better if they just sit still for that process".

What do you wish you could explain to your dogs?

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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