K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: The bulldog hunt

Thursday, February 5, 2009

The bulldog hunt

This is a photo of my sisters dog Zeus. Sadly we lost him in May. (some of you may remember) We are still on the search for a healthy and friendly bulldog for her to add to her family. It has hit a point of fustration as many breeders have seemingly ignored my requests for info. I am starting to see why so many people "order" dogs off the internet. It is much easier and faster that the reputable routes. But in the spirit of NOT becoming part of the chain of supply and demand that keeps puppymills alive, I sent out a plea last night to about 10 breeders off the Bulldog Club of Americas website. If that doesn't net some good results for us I am not sure what we will try next. For the curious we are going the breeder route because while Zeus was a great dog he was also riddled with serious health problems and ultimately had to be euthanized due to unstable temperment. Does that mean all rescued dogs have issues? Certainly not. There are MANY great dogs in rescue and shelters. And many of them are healthy too. However she would prefer not to go through that heartbreak again. Especially considering this is a breed that can be prone to health problems that back yard breeders and puppymills just don't check for. (it is to expensive for BYB's and cuts into the profit for puppymills)

Please wish us luck in our endevor. She is a fabulous home just waiting to love on her new family member. (and I hear she has a great dog sitter too! VBG)

4 comments:

Nate the Dog Training Guy said...: Wow, I have a lot to learn about how people acquire their unusual dog breeds. My friend invested in a female dog that was pregnant, and could not have the puppies naturely. The day before the scheduled c-section, she dropped dead and despite heroic efforts, all five puppies, and hence his investment were lost!! Keep up the search and don't give up yet!; February 5, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Anonymous said...: I do wish you guys the best of luck in finding a breeder. I have a coworker who is trying to find a good GSD breeder and she's having a heck of a time. People just don't get back to her. Her current dog had both of his knees repaired by the age of two and has suffered from chronic allergies for his entire life. She doesn't want to go through that again, and I can't say I blame her!; February 5, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Marie said...: Thanks Katie. We do finally have some solid leads on puppies and older dogs from good breeders. (and someone finally answered my questions about what health testing they do on bulldogs. You would not believe how many times that question has been ducked!)

I know that going to a reputable breeder doesn't guarantee a dog for the lifetime it certainly cuts down on the probability for issues over the other options.; February 6, 2009 at 7:09 AM
Anonymous said...: Marie,
So sorry to hear about your sisters loss, I myself lost my 13 year old lab about 6 months ago and I surely feel for all of you. It is also so nice to hear that your family understands the terrible problems with those ****** puppy mills, (sorry I lost control there for a moment) I wish you all the best.
Thomas
Http://www.k-9corner.blogspot.com; February 6, 2009 at 6:05 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