What is wrong with people?

What is wrong with people? On Facebook I wrote about a 9 week pitbull puppy that needs a home. She came from an abused first home. Seriously? 9 weeks. They tell me she has burn marks from cigarettes, curling iron and who know what all over her body. Can you believe it? She was "found" on the side of the road. Thankfully she is in a safe place with a great foster mom. I just gotta ask-what is wrong with people? Maybe it's what is wrong with this world? They tell me she still loves people and wags her tail and her whole body when she's happy. With the right forever home she will thrive. If it were me I'd hate people but dogs aren't like that. At least at 9 weeks. And a pitbull at that-the feared dog of the communities.

The Bad Dog Special

Hope your dog's not this bad! I'm offering a special on gift certificates from yesterday to 6pm on Christmas eve. Instead of 10%off it's $20 off $100 10 class package or $25 off $170 20 class package. Limited time only. Checks (to me) or cash only. Best deal anywhere. Give the gift of education, you won't be sorry.

Thursday Dec 16th-Classes cancelled!

No classes tonight. Some roads are okay. Some not. My trip home is 40 miles one way and I don't think the roads will be good when I leave. I will be there Saturday-Level 1 at 2pm, Level 2 at 3pm and Level 3 at 4pm. I hate to cancel classes. I don't usually but sometimes it's better for all. Be safe and keep warm. Keep training those little pups. Especially the bonding part. It's so important when they are that young. You want them to think you are the best thing going.

Update

Haven't updated in a while. Today doesn't look very promising outside unless you are a snow dog. Some of my dogs love it and some not. I lost my diabetic beagle Gable on Dec 7. He was 12 years young. It sure is different because for 6 years twice a day he got insulin and constantly I watched to make sure he ate and bathroom habits were regular. It was hard but a labor of love. We got him as a little pup, I have some cute pics that I'll try to post. Miss him, a lot.

Water heater went out. Thanks to the help of some, it is up and running again. Furnace not so good but it will make it another year (or not). Classes have not be very full so I need to get out there and market some more. We need to get those puppies in class.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We all have so much to be thankful for. I am very thankful for my clients and their dogs. They teach me with every class. I enjoy them and enjoy watching their relationships grow. As they learn to communicate better with each other, behaviors change. I see it all the time.

Three Questions

When working, playing or training your dog, ask yourself these great questions:


1.What can I learn from my dog today about dogs and training?
2.How can I tune into my dog’s energy and use it in teaching him (or her) how to obey me?
3.Is there anything my dog’s behavior can teach me about myself so that I can become a better trainer or owner?

They can help you be a better training partner for your dog. Try it!

(taken from Lee Charles Kelley-trainer)

Health issues-darn it.

Recent health issues have kept me too busy with tests (Ct scan, MRI, PET scan), doctor visits, surgery and such. And my computer is dying. I need a new hard drive and busy trying to obtain one. So sketchy posts till everything settled down. The good news is that I feel fine and only cancelled two nights of classes. Actually I'm working on reformating my classes on Nov 1. New stuff and prices coming soon so watch my website for more info. Exciting stuff.

Run in with a Park Ranger

Class interrupted by a Park Ranger last night. Came huffing and puffing over like he wanted to arrest the bunch of us. Like we were drug dealers or something. Offense: Dog off leash. Technically correct because one dog's leash got badly tangled in the other dog and the best way to undo it was to unclip the dog, hold his collar, untangle the dog and reclip. Park Ranger was nasty and said there is no warning at this park just a $140 citation and did we want to risk it?

Are you kidding me? We were not practicing with dogs off leash. We NEVER do. They are always under our control at all times. And heck, we are training our dogs, not like the other 100's of dogs at the park with little to no training. MANY times during class people cut through the field where we are training with THEIR dogs off leash. And I have seen many, many dogs entering and leaving the dog park with dogs off leash.

So what did we do? We just said "Okay, thanks." and let him walk off. Seems like a fight not worth fighting because we knew we were not in the wrong and he was just in a very bad mood that night. Maybe he had a bad night or has a bad life, who knows. Just better to walk away from that one. Eh?

Juno the police dog

No, this isn't her picture but I always picture police dogs as german shepherds. I just had to write something about this because I just saw it first hand at Walmart on Sunday. Guy left his boxer in his truck on a hot afternoon with windows just inches down and boxer was suffering. Walmart employees-uncaring and useless. Passerbys-concerned and upset. Now a policeman leaves his partner in a hot car. I don't know the circumstances and I know he's gotta feel horrible. She trusted him with her life and would have given her life for his and he let her down. I went home tonight and hugged all my dogs and told them I loved them.

I know I felt horrible when my Oreo died and I did all I could possibly do for him at the time. It's never easy to lose a best friend but this was avoidable. I wonder if he could have just put her in a down stay OUTSIDE the car. Wouldn't she be trained to do that? They get SOOO much training I wouldn't believe she couldn't do that. Or why couldn't he take her with him to the door of the people's house or whereever he was? Or even quickly tied her leash to the steering wheel or seat and shut the door on it? I guess we could ponder it forever but the bottom line is we lost one of the city's finest.

Facebook

Be sure to check out my Fan page for Playful Pooches and Parents Dog Training. I'm trying to post graduates of my classes. I've had over 1500 owners and dogs come through my classes so I'm sure I can't post everyone but I'm going through old pics and trying to pull them and post them. If you are a graduate and have a picture, email it to me and I'll post it. And check out our adventures each day in training class. Lots of fun and learning too!

Internet Blues

That's me since Thursday. Internet connection is down and men from Bell have been working dilegently on the corner near my house to try to bring it up to stay. Maybe the latest effort will work. It is holding up production-my blog, facebook entries, my newsletter and checking and returning emails. So if it looks like I've been away, no, not me, Cincinnati Bell! Maybe I can return to a happy face soon. : )

Feast or Famine

Saturday had just 2 pups and owners for 3 classes total. It was in Anderson so that's a long drive, gas money and etc.... Today I had 10 dogs and owners for 4 classes at the Animal Ark. It's 5 minutes away, I could almost walk. Something not right here. My Park class on Mondays is well attended (if it's not too hot). I think it has a lot to do with space, noise, comfortable surroundings. Of course there are things we can do at the park we can't do in Anderson and things we can do at Anderson and not at the park. But all in all, I may transition to the Park for half the year and the other half indoors. I think it can work and could save money at the same time. Hmmmmm.

Interupted by storms

We were have class at the Otto Armleder Park and here came the rain-and lightning. I don't care so much about getting a little wet but lightning is another story. It stopped but the lightning kept coming so we cancelled the last class. Save it for another week.

Sign on Phone Pole Alarms Me

Went past a sign yesterday "Hybrid wolf pups for sale. Males and females-beautiful. Rare breed. Don't miss out. Call xxx-xxxx" This is so wrong on so many levels. First it is incorrect. Hybrid means different species cross bred. Wolves and dogs are the same sub species. Second it's not a rare breed. It's a mistake that should never have happened and yet people continue to mix these two. I called him and he accidently let his timberwolf and AKC german shepherd breed. Now he has 8 wolf/dog pups. They DO NOT make good house pets. They are unpredictable and destructive. They can tear up your house in a heart beat. In their defense, they are not mean and can be friendly and a good companion for those in the know (about wolf/dogs). But he will sell them to unsuspecting families with small children or dogs or cats and it will be a disaster. And if it doesn't work out-where do you go with them? You can't send them into the wild-they are too domesticated. They would never survive. You can't take them to the SPCA-they will put them down and most rescues and shelters will not take them.

The weird thing is I know this person. I knew after a few minutes who he was but I did not let on who I was. He called me last year after buying 2 wolf pups at a "breeder" and they tore up his house, pottyed all over inside, would not go outside much and did not even like people to touch them. AND HE BRED ONE OF THESE? Man what a mess. I don't know if I even want to get involved. But look at all the people it can affect?????

A Dream Job

Just because I have a dream job, or so I like to call it, does not mean it is easy or that I make tons of money. I'm right up there with starving artists. I do it for the love of dogs and their people. I do it because I feel called to. It is my passion, where my spirit is calling me. It is a place where I can do the most good. Sure I had and could get again a job pushing paper, probably for lots of money. But what good is that? Just so I get weekends off and do the daily grind like everyone else? So I can take lots of fancy vacations every year? Been there, done that. Not fulfilling at least not as fulfilling as doing what you love. The money may come or it may not but it's not about the money. Dog training is not about making tons of money unless you are Cesar Milan or Victoria Stillwell. It's about enjoying every day of work and every person and dog you work with and hoping you make their lives together just a bit better.

Another hot day

A Jon Katz photo from his blog www.bedlamfarm.com/blog/ Even the sheep struggle in the heat. He is a great photographer as well as an author. Check out his blog. And his art. And his wife's art www.fullmoonfiberart.com Great stuff.

Racket-Rest in Peace, buddy.

Just found out today that the horse I was working with at the Outlaw Basset and Equine Rescue passed away on July 4th. He had mini strokes and just could not get up after this one. Poor Racket. He was old and a retired race horse. Beautiful and noble. I'm going to miss you. My sincere sympathies to Sarah and her group. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

Hot, hot, hot!

I love summer but the really hot days are no fun. The dogs don't even want to go out let alone walk. I give them lots to drink and ice too. We had a baby pool for them but only two liked it and then proceeded to tear it up. Keep cool and keep you and your dogs hydrated.

Fourth of July!

Have a great and safe 4th of July! Keep your dogs safe as they do not understand fireworks and the noise can scare them. Especially young dogs. This the worst holiday for dogs running away. Mostly the fireworks noise. Keep them in and secure.

No training classes Saturday July 3, Sunday July 4 and Monday July 5. Have a great holiday!

New Look

I kinda like it. Now I need to set to work on my website. I redesigned it but I don't love it. It's just okay. I'm working on another and also working on my newsletter. Just takes up a lot of time that I could/should be spending on other things. Went to a survey yesterday about social media marketing. I may try facebook again for my business and also twitter. I tried to get on twitter yesterday and had all kinds of problems. There is something called Linkedin that everyone uses so I need to find out more. So much out there and so little time.

On a good note, the park classes are doing great. Everyone loves it. I'm contemplating more classes out there at least till the time/weather changes. We have such a good time, there is so much more room and less noise. I love it.

What a week!

Wow, what a week! Storms, TV studio with Sage, three times to the Bass Pro Shop with classes (almost getting kicked out one time), humongus baby shower for Nicole, took my Therapy Dog class to a retirement home, and classes at the park on Mondays. Can't wait for some days off over the 4th to just chill although I try to take some time to do that every day for at least a few minutes between cutting grass, doing housework, taking care of and playing with my dogs. Just sat out in a chair and watched the storm come in. Pretty awesome. I hoped to see the space station (or was it a satellite?)come over head but the storm clouds made it impossible. Now I need to drum up some business as classes have been sparse. Probably the summer vacations and stuff. It picks up.

Fun in a TV studio with Sage

We got an invitation from Waycross Community TV to be in a video about dog training for their summer camp for high school and jr high kids. I brought Sage today and he did so well. I was just a little anxious because it was someplace he had never been before and would have lots of kids talking and petting him. He did very well and was even good in from of the camera. They will be showing it on a cable station sometime soon so I will let you know. It was soooooo much fun. I felt like I was on the Today Show or something. Maybe someday.......

Car Fail

Yep, it finally happened. Or should I say it happened again? I stopped for gas and went to turn the car on. Click. Click. Click. Waited a while and tried again. Click. Click. Click. Most miserable feeling ever. Waited yet a while longer. Click. Click. Click. Right at the pump at a super busy Speedway. I told the cashier and she came out and pushed me back into a parking spot. Well, almost. I took two. Many failed attempts later at banging at the starter with a hard object, I called AAA. They sent a help truck and tow truck. The guy banged on the starter a good one, then it started. SOOOOO, I guess I know what we're doing today. That's right, replacing the starter. Actually it's a really good car for being 16 years old. How old is that in human years? Probably like a hundred. Which is how I feel today.

This and That

Just sent out my newsletter yesterday. Wrote a little piece about people hitting their dogs. Nothing bothers me more than that. There is no reason to hit a dog. None. If a dog does not know what he's supposed to do, it's not his fault, it's ours. We haven't trained enough or proofed enough or rewarded enough. Generally people hit dogs out of frustration or stress. That's not fair to the dog. And there goes your relationship with your dog-right out the window.

DogFest is coming up this weekend. I hope to go and maybe take Mary. She used to be my training dog. She's 9 now and she might like getting out a bit. I walk her but the excitement of a new place and new people might do her good. I can only go Sunday at 11am as I teach all weekend.

I really miss having a doberman. I never thought I'd say that. I always swore I wouldn't own another one but I really miss Flame and Frankie. Maybe someday....

Three Things

I saw a blog today where people share 3 (or it can be any number) of things you never knew about them. So I'll share 3 things about me that I bet you never knew:

1. I used to lift weights. Bench press and all that. I had a gym set up in my family room and used to belong and attend gym frequently.

2. I used to sell Mary Kay. It was so much fun. I had parties at client's homes and made everyone look Beautiful!

3. I am terrified of tornados. One went over my house some 20 odd years ago and hit quite a few places after that. I saw all the destruction and am now terrified. If I hear a tornado warning or sirens, you will see me panic.

There you go. Feel free to tell me three things I didn't know about you. And as a side note to my last post: I'm going to bring some special treats for the horses next time. If it works on dogs, it can work on horses. They will think I'm the treat lady. Worth a try. Any suggestions?

"Riding" lessons

It should be more aptly called "Building Confidence Around Horses and Bonding 101". I never realized that I really didn't know horses all that well. I owned a horse some 30 odd years ago. A Palimino named "Billy Jack". I rode him some (in a ring) and groomed him and cleaned his stall. I can't really remember how long I owned him but it was maybe a year or so.

Now I find myself slightly fearful and not knowing how to bond with them. My daughter thinks it's funny that I will take on almost any dog without hesitation but I jumped out of the ring the other day because a horse came running too close for comfort for me. She is a beautiful Arabian like in the picture. I guess their size worries me. But I want to get to know them and all their body language and personalities. They are just so different than dogs both in size and species. It's fun in a big way but scary at the same time. I'm not sure what I think is going to happen but taking these lessons from a kind an patient trainer is really helping.

It's also embarassing in a way because little children come for their riding lesson and get right on and go riding. Me, I'm in the baby pool just getting my toes wet. Stay tuned for more horse tails as I really want to do this. Just takin' baby steps.

Storms today

I was letting the dogs out and all of a sudden KABOOM! Storms again. I kind of like them. It means I can't cut the grass or trim bushes today. Inside work or train/play with the dogs. It's also calming in a way. But it is not so calming to some dogs. Some dogs are panic stricken at the first sign of a storm. And this is the season for it. There is a lot you can do for storm fearful dogs from calming music to calming herbs to thundershirts or capes. Not everything works for every dog. Sometimes you have to resort to drugs if it is really bad. Our neighbor's dog Buster has always been terribly fearful. He will climb the walls-literally-and knock down lamps and such. The best they can do is give him meds and put him in the bathroom in the tub. It seems to ground him.

At last I can post again. I forgot my password. I hate when I do that and I had to reset it. I keep it simple but not simple enough I guess. Have a great day!

Sounds of Silence

For various reasons, I no longer use my cell phone. At first it seemed like a great pain in the butt not to have one. But as time went on, it is actually kind of nice. Kind of nice and quiet. While driving I don't have to worry about answering or who to call next. When a cell phone rings, it's not for me. If clients leave a message on my business line, I try to call back as soon as possible. And there's always email. So now while driving, I listen to the radio (talk radio, old radio shows, classical). It's very calming. Also introspective. Especially on long drives. So I'm contemplating if I want it back or not. I guess in an emergency it can be helpful or necessary. But overall it's less stressful. I guess I'll think about it.

Frankie lost her battle with diabetes

We lost Frankie this morning. She had been in intensive care for 3 days. I did find out from the vet tech that was caring for her that her last day she had a great walk with her, and came in and walked around the work room with her. It makes me feel a little better. She in fact was doing better which is why it comes as a shock. Her BGs were down and she was keeping food down. But like the vet tech said, maybe there was more wrong with her than we thought or knew.

Her previous owner did not have her tested for diabetes but suspected something when he decided he did not want to keep her any longer. She peed alot and drank alot is what he told us and he suspected diabetes and did not want to deal with all that entails. He was taking her to the SPCA. We intervened and had her checked and sure enough she had diabetes. We decided to keep her since I already had one diabetic dog.

I found out diabetes is different for each dog as it is with people. My other diabetic dog has different needs and he has been stable with insulin for about 3 years. He will be 12 this year. That's another thing. The previous owner did not really know how old she was. He got her as a puppy, why would you not know how old your dog was, even her birthday? Most of our dogs we know their birthdays. So she may have been older than he said which was 4 yrs old. The vet even thought she looked older. Diabetes usually doesn't set in dogs till 6-8 yrs although I know there is exceptions.

We will miss her. She was a sweet and gentle soul. And to let you know how karma works, her previous owner got diagnosed with diabetes shortly after he gave her up. What do you know.

Frankie's in the hospital

Frankie's diabetes crashed 2 days ago. I took her to the vet's and they are doing all they can. She just stopped eating. Tons of weight rolled off of her, that's not good. I tried every kind of food. She did this last week and started eating so I did a wait and see. My other diabetic dog does this sometimes and he picks back up and goes one. Not Frankie. I guess diabetes is different with every dog. We are going now to see what the next step is. Her BG is down which is good but she is not out of the woods yet. She is such a gentle soul. We've only had her a year and a half. Her previous owner did not want her anymore and was taking her to the SPCA. We fostered her hoping to find her a home. We took her to the vets and found out she had diabetes. So we just kept her as no one will take a dog with diabetes. The cost and the upkeep is huge. But I have another diabetic dog so I thought I could take on another. It's been a challenge but she is worth it. Aren't they all?

Smile!

Don't be so serious about training your puppy or dog. Have fun. Enjoy the present moment because for your dog, that's all it is about. They live in the present moment. Dogs are doing what comes naturally to dogs-jumping, biting, chewing, digging, barking. We have invited them into our home and we want them to act human. We are really asking for tough stuff from our dogs. Some dogs adapt well. If yours doesn't, ask yourself-am I being consistent? fair? calm? Am I being the role model for my dog? Be calm, relax. Dogs are dogs and do dog stuff. Find out what makes your dog happy and do it. And smile. Be attractive to your dog.

We have to have rules and boundaries. But make sure your dog has enough of the stuff that makes them happy-not us happy-them happy.If it's chase,tug,running,playing or a million other things, you can use all of these in training your dog. And have fun doing it.
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Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to you and yours. Celebrate the day whether religious or not. Celebrate in your way. It's a beautiful spring day, enjoy!

What I've been up to

Has it really been 2 weeks? Wow, how time flys. I'm taking riding lessons. Lotsa fun. Pretty awesome learning about another species. Lots to learn. Fun being a student and not a teacher for once. Also hard. I have so many questions. Now I know how my clients feel.

Also enjoying the wonderful weather. Playing with my dogs, trying new exercises. I'm investigating another training method-Natural Dog Training. Have a look at www.leecharleskelley.com It's interesting to say the least. It also has a different concept from most other training methods.

I'm a positive trainer but I use all kinds of methods to help dogs and owners. Of course you see me use a clicker but I also employ whatever we can do to help the dog. But first of all, do no harm. Hitting, yelling, punishing the dog never helps. But there are so many other methods. I'm always open to new things as long as they do no harm.

Just sent out a newsletter for Easter. Just as it went out, I saw a couple mistakes. Oh, well. I'm a dog trainer not an English major. Enjoy the day with your dog!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

It's the day for the Irish. And all those who wish they were. I'm half Irish but as my dad said "if you're part Irish, you're all Irish." He also smoked a pipe and was the Irish half of my parents. He had the traditional Irish smiling eyes and some of us (there were 10 kids) inherited them. Here's to you dad, and all the other Irishman (and women)!!!!!!!

Mud! And more mud!

Hey, but I'm not complaining. I'd rather have mud than snow. At least the mud will dry up and spring will come. It's the spring mud and it's all over everything. Me included. I usually can't get out of the house without at least some spot of mud on me. But it's temporary as is everything in life. I'm just glad the snow is gone, spring is coming and it's warmer.

On another note, Lance Mackey won his 4th Iditarod! Yeah,Lance. I'd love to go see it one day. What teamwork. How neat to watch dogs do what they love. Hey, we can do that too. We just need to figure out what our dogs love most and go with it.

Hope for a Hero

Here's a cause if I ever heard one. Read his story at www.hopeforahero.com See if there is any way you can help. We all depend on these guys for help. Now it's our chance to help them. I'm donating 10 puppy classes for the cause. It's the least I can do.

Asleep with the Doberman

This is Frankie. We have had her about a year and a half. She was going to be taken to the SPCA by her former owner so we took her. Turns out she is diabetic. We have been controlling it fairly well for the last year. But in the past few weeks she has been losing tons of weight. And they are not that big of a dog anyway, weight speaking. We took her to the vet and after checking her out, she gave me a plan. We are upping her insulin, changing the time of delivery, upping her food by a cup, monitoring her ketones and adding fiber to her diet.

It seems to being working but she still wakes me up once or twice during the night to pee. I got the bright idea of having her sleep with me and maybe she would sleep through the night. It works but have you ever had to share a bed with a doberman? Thankfully she doesn't move much and it did help her getting up so much during the night. I used to never let the dogs sleep with me as I have more than one and they all can't sleep with me. But I guess since she is special needs, we'll see how it works out.

When is it going to be Spring?

I know the calendar says March 21 but when is it going to get better outside? I am waiting for the warmer weather, green grass, bulbs coming up, trees budding and birds singing. Hopefully soon. I know my dogs have not gotten out for as many walks as many of my clients dogs also. And we want to get on those trails. Here's hoping it's soon.

Therapy dog in training=Teamwork!

I'm getting excited about my new classes-Therapy dog in Training. I can't wait to see dogs and owners even more closely bonded in this endeavor. I have a training plan and am about to come out with a press release of dates and times. It will be a new adventure for me and for them. It will start in a few weeks so I'm getting the paper work together and talking to retirement/nursing homes and more to set up field trips. I can't wait.

Got Snow??????

Again, another snow day off for my classes-tonight in Anderson. Enough snow already! Turn off the snow machine already. If you're like me, I've had just about all the snow I can take. It was pretty and fun at first but now, even my dogs dread going out in it. They come in covered in it. I guess I'm going back out to shovel some more........

Snowing, snowing, snowing, snowing, snowing......

Wowee, more snow. It just won't stop. Most of my dogs love it. Some hate it. Some you have to push out the door. Some you have to drag in. I'm pretty sure my classes tonight at Animal Ark are cancelling. They might even have closed early today. I'm sure they don't have doggie day care today. I guess I'm going out to shovel. Yippee! Can you tell I'm not a winter person? I guess I'm more of a Spring/Fall. Be safe and have fun with your dog in the snow. I'll expect some funny snow stories when we get back to classes. Take some snow pics too. Send them to me and they might appear in my newsletter. In the terrible heat of summer.

Puppies Class in Anderson Saturday Feb 6 Cancelled

I hate cancelling classes. But we are still under a Winter Storm Warning and supposed to get more this afternoon although not much. I had to cancel some last week due to a medical emergency. Keep practicing those goals. We will meet next week and I want to see how all my puppies have improved and grown.

Saturday morning puppy classes cancelled!

Yep, I looked out and boy, what a mess. Inches of snow on tree branches alone. I'm not so worried I'll lose a tree branch but that it will fall on the fence or house. See you guys (and pups) next week!

Snow, snow and more snow!

Looks like tomorrow's puppy classes will be a snow day. Probably at least the morning classes and possibly the afternoon classes as they are in Anderson-45 minutes away. I usually wait till I wake up on Saturday morning early and assess the situation. I'll then change my voicemail, cell and notify Animal Ark. I just don't want anyone and their pup or me getting hurt coming to class.

I was just out with Sage at 10:45pm and he LOVES snow. He danced and pranced and played. He tried his best to get me to come out. I did some but it is still nasty with snow and ice coming down. He ran and ran around the yard. I got a couple cute snow pics of him but it's on my camera so I don't know yet how to send them to my computer. I threw biscuits in the snow and he'd dig and try to find them. I never knew a dog (wolf/dog) to love snow so much.

Here is a pic of him from a different year in the snow.

Winter!

Brrrrr! I am not a cold weather person. I like winter for about 2 days then I'm looking for spring. I'm poking around in my garden looking for crocus. In 2 days it's Ground Hog Day. That means it's a little closer to spring. Although it can mean 6 more weeks of winter. I could stand it if it was 30-40 degrees. But this cold is way too cold for me. And my dogs. They go outside to potty and right back in. And my daughter's had some medical problems that has meant some trips to the ER in the middle of the night. Brrrrrrr! Nothing like coming out to a frozen car at 3am. Hopefully things are getting better and I'll be able to spend more time planning my new classes and planning my new endeavor of a training team. It always helps though when it's warm and sunny. At least maybe I can get sunny!

Back to Blogging

Alot of family issues have kept me busy these past few weeks. Now it seems to have calmed down alittle so I can be back to blogging, planning and teaching with more creativity. I have some plans for building a training team of trainers-coaches, team leaders and trainers. I also would like to open a few more locations. This will all take time. First step is scouting for some dog savvy, people and dog loving, positive training people full of enthusiasm, ideas and energy. I have a couple in mind and looking for more.

The reason for this expansion is that I can't be everywhere. And we need more positive trainers all over the tri-state. There are many dog events all year long that I don't have a presence at because I teach 7 days a week. I think it would be fun to have a group of trainers, have meetings and outings, attend training classes and tag team train with.

We'll see. I'm excited and I know it will take some time to build. I guess I'm looking down the road a couple years but it starts with one step.

Check out this video!

Check out this awesome video. (cut and paste in address)You will love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o8tCZmESWk&feature=player_embedded

No Puppy Classes Tonight

I'm cancelling the classes tonight due to the weather. I hate doing that but my drive to Anderson is long and the chance to be in an accident greater. AND I don't want my clients risking an accident with their puppies in the car. There's always Saturday puppy classes or next week. I'll miss my puppies. They are such a joy. See you all soon.....

Can I help?

Love this picture!

Ponder this!

“All of the animals except for man know that the principle business of life is to enjoy it.” ~ Samuel Butler

Happy New Year! Make it a good one!

Happy New Year! It's a new year. Full of promise and excitement. Full of undiscovered joys. It can be anything you wish and imagine it to be. Make it a good one. Happy New Year to you and yours!