K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: I'm back! and a K-9 Corrections update

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

I'm back! and a K-9 Corrections update

I went with my family on a little vacation. The photo may give away where. I big shout out to Perry Greene Kennel and Kendra Hubbard who took care of all my dogs while I was away. Jack and Jenny go to the kennel and Zola went to stay with Kendra, her former foster mom since she needs extra care with all of her medications. It is much easier to relax when you know your dogs are being well taken care of.
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The two new dogs on the K-9 Corrections program did fine during the hiatus. Since they are learning the basics and to be around people not much changed in their routine with me gone for a couple sessions. (and I had people checking in on them) Dixie is still very shy. We are trying a thundershirt but she still has a ways to go in learning how to relax. She does seem to really like other dogs and prefers the company of women given the choice. Luckily her handlers are both very patient with her.

Hatfield is much more social with people. (we have been calling him Buddy) He is also a bit oral and likes to grab clothing in his mouth to invite you to play with him. I wish I had a better photo. If I had to guess I think that he is a cattle dog/chow mix based on his body shape. They are also siblings. His tongue is all black while her's just has some black spotting. She has the red coloring of a chow but is taller than him.

I am always amazed at how different siblings can be from one another. Both in behavior and in looks. The funny part is that Dixie was picked because she seemed overly attached to her brother. Once they settled in we saw the complete opposite. He wants to play and be with her more than she wants to be with him. Interesting. He also seems to love other dogs. I have taken my own dogs over and they were both very socially appropriate in their body language with each dog. (I took them separately of course.)
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They have a few more weeks to go before they are ready for a new home. It took them awhile to settle in and get comfortable to learn new things. Some dogs take longer than others to acclimate. You can read more updates about them, and learn more about the program, on our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/K9Corrections Anyone interested in the dogs can apply to adopt them at The Humane Society Of Knox County.
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A reminder, I am more active on my facebook page than here these days. So if you want to keep current on all my "doings" make sure to like my page. http://www.facebook.com/K9SolutionsDogTraining Thank you!!

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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