K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: My excuses for not blogging

Thursday, September 8, 2011

My excuses for not blogging

I have been super busy on all fronts. The vet clinic has been busy which means I come home exhausted and I am seeing clients left and right on top of that. (I saw my first ever Keeshond pup in the flesh this week! Cute!) I am also getting ready for the local shelters Fur and Foliage dog walk and hope to attend Woofstock in Damariscotta this week as well. Last weekend was the local AKC dog show in Union to check out and I got to have lunch with Jen of Inu-Baka blog. (I even met Buckley!) If she lived closer we'd totally be BFF's. Squeeze in me attempting to get some knitting projects finished in my "spare time" before winter hits. (That makes me laugh just typing it!) ~sigh~

There needs to be more hours in the day for me, seriously. I promise I will post something of substance soon. I have a new leash to show off, news about the K-9 Corrections program, (Look for one of my handlers letters in the recent issue of Bark magazine!) and will be participating in a 7 blog post challenge. I just need a little more time to get some of that written up. One would think having a 4 day weekend for labor day would have helped. Nope! Those hours got sucked away in a vortex of "what happened to my day off ?" whirlwind of chores. I do post more on my facebook page for those that like to keep up with my outings and such. Using FB is much less time consuming than blogging. (at least for me)

Thanks for your patience and stay tuned!

2 comments:

jen said...: we would TOTALLY be BFFs if we lived closer!!!; September 9, 2011 at 9:42 AM
lin said...: Just say the Bark editorial. The writer did a nice job. Good mentoring and training, Marie!; September 14, 2011 at 12:47 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