I finally figured out Mail Chimp! So I'm working on an email/newsletter/other for you. Like a newsletter but not like I used to send. Might be weekly, monthly, sporatic or when you least expect it. Hopefully info that's interesting, entertaining, educational for you and your dog. Sometimes it might be a rant (sorry. I'll try to keep them to a minimum), announcement of new classes, prices, sales, or events that you might want to know about. Sometimes it just might be about my dogs, just to give you a little insight into my life with dogs. Sometimes it might be a brag on my classes or students. You just never know. So open it up when it comes and let me know. It will be shortly. I have a lot of email addresses to load. I will also announce it on Facebook. But if you ever emailed me or I you, I have your email address. If you don't want to receive them, you can always unsubscribe. But I think you will love them!
The Dog Teacher
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to all! Celebrate Christmas in you own way. This year I've chosen to celebrate quietly at home with my dogs. Some good food to cook and a banana cream pie. Christmas songs playing and Christmas smells on the wax melter. Some years I've spent running around to everyone's house. Most years with my mom who now has dementia and lives with my sister in Missouri. I can't go there now for a number of reasons. My daughter moved out after 32 years so it's just me and the dogs. And it is wonderful and joyful and peaceful. I have comfort and joy.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Stopped by a cop
Last night coming home from classes in Anderson, turning off Clough onto Five Mile, thinking about which lane to get into because if I need gas-right lane-getting right onto Left lane if not. Thinking about how dark it is there and deer hop out from nowhwere having just seen a hurt one on the side of the road earlier this evening. Thinking about how I dumbly left the ladder out and Tony tripped on it in the wee hours of the morning opening daycare. Then all of a sudden-blue flashing lights behind me. Getting ready to pull over so he could pass but there's no one on the road but me. Surely I have a brake light out or something. Or maybe he just wants to give me a Christmas present like I saw on Facebook. Oh noooooooo. My driving skills are lacking he says. I went to far to the right when I turned and did not pull far enough up to the light. Gave him my license. Thank you very much. I guess he was diaappointed he didn't catch a drunk. What I want to know is where is my Christmas present, Officer?
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Why?
I just don't get it. How can people cause pain to their dog and call it training? How can people cause pain to their dog at all? I have seen and heard of at least 6 cases of people training or trainers training with force/pain/punishment/coercion this week and it is making me sick. Anywhere from beating the dog with a shoe to stepping on the prong collar leash to make their dog stay down (this dog was supposedly "sent" to a trainer several years ago) to shocking a 4 month old puppy to get him to "obey" to a trainer yanking on a prong collar so hard the dog yelps and saying the dog is just startled. Wow has the world gone crazy? It makes me sick and breaks my heart. And on a happier note, I have had a number of new dogs and owners join lately. So happy for them as they have chosen the higher moral path to training their dog. They will be happy, their dog happy and trained. Their dog will stay in their home for life and be a valued member of their family. The pain and force trained? Not so good an outcome. :(
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Sad. So sad.
I love talking to folks about their dogs. But not today. Guy drawing my blood today at the blood drive told me about his "bad" dog. A catahoula. She barks. Yea. She gets into garbage. Yea. Growls when he closes the door to her crate. Uh-oh. So he pulls her out and growls in her face and makes her submit with an alpha roll. And thought it was pretty funny when he used a shock collar on her and she jumped off all four feet and flipped over. And has no problem beating her with a shoe when she disobeys. And loves that she cowers around him. I was appalled. Wanted to be so mad at him. Tried to at least tell him not to take her growl away. I explained why. He said if she snaps at him or their child (oh yea they have a small one) he would kill her. Literally. He then said he thought his kid was allergic anyway so they were probably going to get rid of her. Sure. Ruin her then pass her on. I said at least give her to a no kill shelter. He said "The SPCA is no kill-right?" um-no. Idiot. I did not give him my card.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Rocky and me-A Beautiful Fall Day
I was outside with Rocky today. He's my 13 1/2 yr old pitbull. He was loving the weather. Didn't want to come in.So I swooped him up in my arms (all 40lbs of him) and carried him up on the deck. I'm sure he thought he was going to have to go inside (although his lunch was waiting on him) . But I sat in the lawn chair and put him on my lap. We sat there for the longest time enjoying probably one of the last great fall days. I enjoyed it all the more because it could be his last fall. He's old but not sick. A little frail but still feisty. Last winter wa so hard on him polar vortex not withstanding. So we just sat and enjoyed a beautiful fall day. The sky so blue, leaves falling, decorative pears boinking us on the head as we walked along. I will always remember this day, Rocky whether you live a few more days or a few more years. Love ya, Rocky! Mom
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Three Pink Dresses-Part 2
I brought in the Three Pink Dresses for Tulip to try on. She was so curious and happy. She was jumping up and down. Seriously. I tried each one on and she pranced around then went back to the pile like she couldn't wait to try on the next on. So cute! They fit her perfectly. Can't wait to do a little photo shoot with her and her Three Pink Dresses. First she needs a brushout, some cute bows for her hair and pink nail polish. She will look quite the diva! What a girly girl!
Three Pink Dresses
I am not the type to dress up my dog. I am not the type to afford to dress up my dog. I found a WoodStock (the concert) dog shirt on sale a couple years ago for Mac. And a cute bomber jacket. But he was a puppy and short hair and it was cold out. :) So when I was in a local Pet supply store the other day I was not shopping for dog clothes. But out of the corner of my eye I saw huge dog dresses hanging on the sale bin. As a lark and knowing I probably couldn't afford them, I took a look. Darling! All three! Bows, polka dots, bling! So the price-$3.00. NO WAY! So I bought all three, oh yes I did. For my 100lb Great Pyrenees babygirl Tulip! Can't wait to do a little photo shoot with her and her new pink dresses! Now for some bows for her hair and polish for her nails......
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Fall News
Fall is in full swing. The holidays not so far away. Kids back in school and baseball almost over. Reds season not so good. Bengals looking awesome! Now is the time to give some attention to-you guessed-your dog. Time to teach him some manners, build your relationship and have some fun. I have classes 6 days a weeks at 3 locations. It's positive, force free, reward based-the way dog training was meant to be. Puppy classes include everything you need to know to be an awesome puppy owner. Adult dog classes has the basics you need to have the dog you always wanted. Plus so much more. Puppies earn their AKC STAR Puppy Award. Adult dogs can earn their AKC Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine Award. Everyone learns valuable skills and info to make their relationship with their dog the best it can be. And all force free. And fun! So what are you waiting for? Join today!
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Dogs deserve better
So here's my rant for the day-no kill shelters and rescues using force, prong, choke and shock to train their dogs. What? These dogs were strays, neglected, given up, close to the top of the euth list only to be treated like that. They (most of them anyway) had a hard life, maybe lost trust in humans, never got to just be a dog and they are going to shock, choke, prong and force these dogs to be "obedient"? What? One of my clients had to give her puppy back to a no kill rescue and was severely chastised for not having the pup on a prong collar. And at a future adoption event I saw him yanked around by a foster mom with a prong collar. Sure enough. Broke my heart and his former owner too. This does not need to happen. ALL dogs can be trained without the use of force, prong, choke and shock. They absolute can and should. Or they are no better off than where they were before. Dogs deserve better, especially rescues, strays, neglected and abandoned dogs and pups. Come on No kill shelters and rescues! Wake up!
Saturday, August 30, 2014
The "New" New Fall Schedule
There's an important change to the Fall Schedule. No Monday classes. It did not work out. I have always had Monday classes but guess it's not to be. So the only option for Adult/adolescent classes is Wednesday. Sorry folks. I know a lot of you were going to do Mondays. I was looking forward to offering another option for you. If I can figure something else out, you will the first to know. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade, or lemon pie, or lemon pound cakes or lemon tarts or..... So now I'm looking at signing Tulip up for classes with an awesome trainer. I worked with her at Petsmart some 13 yrs ago. And took our beagle Gable to her classes some 15 yrs ago. Tulip will do great. And after that, who knows what I might cook up for you guys.
Homemade Dog Food
So I've started making my dogs' food. And found that I like doing it, it's easy, they LOVE it, and about the same price as kibble but so much better for them. I started out by adding meat to their kibble. The butcher sells organ meat ground up as dog food. $.99 a pound. I brown it some. I can't stand the look of raw but that would be best. Then I was adding some rice. Then I thought-why not go all the way and eliminate the kibble. So now I add sweet potatoes (a super food!), garlic, sometimes yogurt or eggs. Sometimes I switch up the meat and use all liver. But always beef. Cook it all up and boy do they love it! They about knock each other over trying to get in for meals. It does take a few minutes to chop up the garlic, sweet potatoes, brown up the meat some. But no preservatives and warm and fresh every day. Added benefit-seems like there's less dog poop and less loose stools. Tmi I know but if you are the main poop pickerupper, you will like this. Dogs seem more satisified, less itchies. Everyone's happy!
Friday, August 22, 2014
New Fall Schedule
Take a look at the webpage for the New Fall Schedule. We are losing daylight so most of the park classes over. :( after Labor Day. I'm keeping two through Sept and Oct- the Saturday night Help for Leash Aggrssive Dogs and their owners 6pm Otto Armleder Park and moving Puppies from Friday night at Clippard Park to Saturday mornings Clippard Park (cancelling the topical Saturday morning classes there). Monday nights will now be Adults/adolescents at Family Pet Center Levels 1,2,3 at 6,7,8pm. Whew, lots of changes. Love the park classes and we had some beautiful weather for them this year. You will still find me at the dog parks, chatting with folks, giving $10 discount cards and I even have some scarves to give away. Summer went way too fast, didn't it. I love Fall but then it's just a quick slide into winter. 1hich I love for about 2 days then I'm ready for Spring. How about you?
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Kudos to the Couple at the Park
Yesterday while teaching my Help for Leash Aggressive Dogs and Their Owners class (who did excellent work by the way) we noticed a couple and their dog training near us. But not too near. Leash attached to the guy's waist, both had treat bags, he stopped whenever the dog pulled and walked when the leash was loose. Rewarded him for looking at us and not barking. Calm, patient owners. SO REFRESHING and ENCOURAGING! Just when you think the trainers from the dark side are winning, you see owners patiently working with their dog. I stopped to talk to them later and compliment them. They told me their dog is leash aggressive and that they are working with a trainer and practicing all the time with their dog. BRAVO and KUDOS to them. I see way too many owner resort to punitive methods which WILL NOT HELP. Watch for this couple at the Otto Armleder Park and encourage them. Then work with your dog at a park with positive methods and folks will notice you and be encouraged. Positive training. Pass it on.
Friday, July 25, 2014
How to be An Awesome Dog Trainer
Start off with Awesome rewards. Reward generously, with rewards YOUR dog loves. He decides. Reward new behavior you are teaching, reward known behavior you are trying to reinforce and just good behavior in general. Behavior rewarded is repeated. And be creative. Sometimes reward with scrumpious treats, sometimes a beloved game he loves, othertimes his food bowl, and sometimes a good rubadub on his head or back. Next use Awesome timing. Rewards to be effective have to be delivered RIGHT away. Within 2 seconds. In the 5-7 seconds it takes you to reach in your pocket, your dog has done 5 other behaviors. Which one was the reward for? He doesn't know.So training will be confusing for him at best. Lastly, you need Awesome consistancy. Meaning-practice everyday. Make the time. 5-10 minutes several times a day is better than most folks train. You can do better than most folks. You want to be an Awesome dog trainer for your dog to help him be the best dog EVER! Do it for your dog and have the most fun ever!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Stay Positive!
So here's the scoop: a popular dog trainer in Alexandria Ky who has( I loosely call this) a training club, requires prong collars on all dogs in training including agility and if your dog misbehaves, will shock him with a shock collar and/shake him by the fur on his head. ????Is there anyone who thinks this is acceptable? If you did this to children, you would be in JAIL. So many studies and well as science as well as your top trainers in the country as well as the world, agree this type of training is abusive, painful, induces fear, teaches by intimidation and causes aggression. If it feels wrong in your gut and heart-walk out! Leave! Do not let anyone hurt your dog in the name of training! Sometimes it can not be fixed after a trainer damages you and your dog's relationship. Training should not hurt. Training need not be painful. Your dog is much smarter than all that. Go with positive. You can't go wrong, you won't hurt yiour dog. And as for that trainer in Kentucky, positive training is taking over.NOW!
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Perfect Dog
I don't have a perfect dog. You might think as a dog trainer I would have a perfect dog. Does a church pastor have perfect kids? Probably not. I help my dogs be the best they can be. But I let personalities shine. Sage howls. Mostly when I come home. Howls and cries. I pet him, talk to him and he stops. I find it endearing. You might not. Mac and Tulip's heads are right at the door when I come home and they trip all over each other for my greeting. So everyone has to decide their rules and boundaries for their own home, dog, life. My dogs don't steal from the table or tear stuff up. But they sleep with me. I enjoy my dogs for who they are. Their lives are much shorter than ours. All too soon it will be time to say farewell. Set goals for you and your dog's training but have fun and don't expect a perfect dog. Because your dog doesn't have a perfect trainer. Duh.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Positively!
So proud of Lexi and her mom who just passed their Community Canine Award. She has trained Lexi from the beginning with positive training as a pup and is also training their new pup that way. Two others who tested with us did not train with positive trainers. They did not have the connection with their dogs that Lexi and Tammy had, had not been taught some of the cues that would have helped them pass, resorted to the tug on the leash method they were taught and got upset with their dogs when they didn't pass. Not their fault as that is what their trainers taught them but that is why I am so adamant about sharing the word about positive training and promoting it everywhere. Glad my clients have chosen positive and continue to have fantastic rewarding relationships with their dogs. Spread the positive word!
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Don't Forget!
Wow, summer's almost halfway over. The Fourth is past and folks are taking great vacations and staycations, swimming, boating, grilling and all the rest. Don't forget in the swirl of summer activities to keep working and training with your dog. Take a few minutes a day and review things he should know, oncorporate them into play, use fun activities for rewards. The sky's the limit! Include your dog in your plans whenever possible. Have a great summer and keep safe!
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Puppy School
Friday, June 20, 2014
Help for You and Your Dog
That's what I do. Provide some help for you and your dog. Whether it's group classes, park classes, private in home session, Therapy dog classes, I try to bring the most excellent and up to date training help for you and your dog. Positive, reward, relationship based training is the way I roll. It's the way most of your top trainers train, folks like Patricia McConnell, Nicole Wilde, Ken Ramirez, Dr Ian Dunbar, Susan Garrett, Tamar Geller, Victoria Stillwell, Pamela Dennison, Jean Donaldson, Leslie McDermitt and so many more. We don't just "toss" cookies at dogs and hope for the best. It's based on science and how dogs can best learn. And what's most fun for dogs and owners. I hope you are encouraged and empowered by me and all the other positive trainers to take this wonderful route with your dog. You won't be sorry. In fact I believe you and your dog will be quite happy with it.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Summer Days
Summer in swing at least. Hot, hot, hot. My dogs are stayin cool in the air. Eating ice and yogurt ice cream. Park classes are hot but doable. We find shade and water and don't work them too hard. Fourth of July coming soon so beware of fireworks fear in your dog. Especially if they are a pup or new to you. Worst day for dogs to run away is Fourth of July. So be aware and be careful. Don't take your dogs ro picnics or on walks where there will be fireworks. Make sure leash and collar is secure and that you have good ids on your dogs. I've been out searching for many a client's dog on July 5th. Be forewarned and prepared. And have fun:)
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Old time training
Guy asked me tonight about what ever happened to that old fashioned beat your dog type of dog training? I wanted to say it went the way of the horse and buggy but unfortunately there are still trainers teaching with fear and intimidation. Pain, yelling, jerking and even hitting dogs. And folks pay them good money. Hard to believe in 2014 that people are so ignorant. And who suffers? The dogs. They become fearful, aggressive or even shut down because of how they've been "trained" and I use that term loosely because that's not training-it's abuse. They break their spirits and they are never the same, never the dog they could have been with positive training. Wake up people!
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Good Manners Class is here!
Good Manners Class is starting up tomorrow 8pm. Otto Armleder Park. What will you and your dog learn? What do you consider Good Manners? I have my own ideas but am open to suggestions. It may include: Wait at the Door, Sitting Politely for Petting, Leave it, Drop it, alternate behaviors for jumping, barking, etc, Go to Mat and more. We will work on a few each week with the wonderful, natural, distractions of the park. It's the first year for topical classes so let me know how you like them and if they should continue or other topics you might want to see. I love the park classes and am at parks 4 times a week at 2 different parks. In addition to 2 indoor locations. I love what I do and want to help to spread postive dog training as much as I can. I enjoy my work and so love my clients and their dogs. I consider them all my friends as well. And I am here for you.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Too Many Lost Dogs
So many lost dog posts on Facebook. Here's a couple tips on preventing it. First periodically check your fence for weak spots. I always look out after a big storm before my dogs go out to be sure the fence isn't compromised by a fallen tree or branch. Next, unless your dog has perfect RECALL, don't trust it out without a fence or leash. It just takes one pesky squirrel to send some dogs chasing. Third, be sure your collar/leash is secure. A loose fitting collar or harness has been the demise of more than one dog. Fourth, keep on eye on your dog outside even in a fenced yard. A careless maintenance person can leave a gate open and there goes your dog. And you know what I'm going to say next: training, training, training. Teach emergency recalls, distance downs, emergency stops, wait at the door, come when called, attention and focus. They can all save your dog's life and prevent them from being the next LOST DOG poster child. Do it today!!!
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
What Training is
Training your dog is a bonding experience. It's learning all about your dog and your dog about you. It's communication between species. And a relationship builder. I consider it fun. An adventure. Last night in class we had a new husky/shepherd mix. Totally lovable but totally untrained. A blank slate. His owner struggled because he is so strong. But she never once looked mad or hopeless. She'll be back next week. I'm sure. She's committed and she will know this dog on such a close level. Folks that send their dog away won't get that experience. They don't get it, that it is a relationship, an adventure and a privilege. I see my folks in class grow each week, more and more in love with their dog. Their dog pays more and more attention to them and their relationship blossoms. Our pack walk last night was so much fun. We had 8 dogs walking in a pack in the park with their owners. One better than the next. It was awesome.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Different Expectations, Different Perspectives
I have always had and have a wonderful relationship with my dogs based on respect, trust and love. I'm not a control freak. I don't want a zombie, robot dog that jumps in fear when I command him. I guess some folks do. Their dog will obey or else. Or else they will hurt them. Yank on the prong or choke collar, shock them, hit them. Always thinktheir dog is trying to get one over on them. I am sure dogs don't stay up late plotting how to take over your life. I don't think they'll be out driving your car anytime soon or out using your credit cards. Why do folks have to use such harsh methods? I just don't get it. Why is it SO important that your dog HEEL at your ankle always? I know they can't run amuk but why SO much control and SO much pain and harshness? My dogs can walk nice on a leash but we have fun. We work together. We are a team. I'm not going to hurt my teammate. That's not a team but dictatorship. And not the way I roll. EVER.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Happy Friday!
Hope your week was great and that your weekend is even better. Tulip continues to be a joy to us all. Mac has never been happier. They are friends and playmates and it's so fun to watch them together. I think Mac's storm anxiety is made so much better by Tulip's calm presence. We all love her calm presence. Garcia my old guy is slowly going downhill. He will be 15 in a few weeks. Not sure he will make it there. Nothing in particular wrong but just nearing the end. Not eating much. Having a hard time getting around. I love Garcia. He is the last of the original hound pack: Tyler, Gable, Oreo and Garcia. He's a gentle soul with soulful eyes. I baby him so much now not knowing how long he'll be here. I'm keeping an eagle eye out for any pain or renal failure. I don't want him to suffer. Sweet Garcia.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Tulip's Here!
Tulip's here! I got to adopt her this past Saturday. It was a crazy day, full of classes not how I would do a first day with a new dog but we made it. She's pretty adaptable and low key. But a great deep WOOF of a bark which I love. Lots and lots of drool and hair but I'm okay with it having had Pyrs and loving Pyrs. It's all a part of the package. She only knows SIT. Which is helpful but we have a ways to go. She will be taught with force free positive training like my other dogs. She's a dream and has wanted to sleep with me from day 1. Mac sleeps with me so not sure how it would go but so far so good. We have Rules of The Bed that must be followed and if everyone does, it will work out fine. I can see the advantage of two dogs in the bed in the winter. Especially a 105 lb dog. She loves looking out the back door and barking at foot traffic on Pippin Rd. A couple WOOFs is okay. I discourage continual barking and reward the stopping of it. Her and Mac have been playin' "Wild Kingdom" (wrestling) all morning.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Tulip's coming!
Just got the word this week that I can adopt Tulip this Saturday! Yay! I have a full schedule of classes Saturday but we will work it out. So want her and Mac to be best friends and my goal is to take them together to parks and such. It might take a while to get that accomplished. And for Tulip to be a Therapy dog. If she enjoys it. Mac does not. He likes to look around and get out. Tulip seems to love people and enjoys being made a fuss over. We shall see. Once she gets settled in, I will do some meet/greets at the park with her. I'll announce on Facebook where I'll be and when and you all can come out and meet her. Welcome Tulip! Got great plans for you. And Mac!
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter to all! I have the most delightful, nicest clients anywhere! You guys rock! I will give you a tip for the day-your dog is your mirror. Oh yea. If you are frustrated, upset, angry, it travels right down to your dog. If your dog is acting up, look at yourself and see if you are upset about anything, not even particularly related to your dog. Bad day at work? Fight with hubby? Relax then interact with your dog. Have a Zen moment. Change your attitude, think positive, see positive and things will change. I promise. It works!
Friday, April 18, 2014
Playful Pooches
Playful. There's a reason I named my business what I did. It's all about the play. It's all about having fun, building a relationship with your dog. Find your inner dog and PLAY! Your dog can learn through play and your dog can work through issues with play. Tug, ball, wrestle, organized play like agility, rally, flyball-the list is endless. Just be sure you and your dog are having fun. Life's short. Their's is even shorter. Soon will come the time the can't oe won't play much anymore so PLAY now! And just one more mention-their life with us is too short to send your dog away to be trained. YOU CAN DO IT! I CAN HELP! Don't lose your dog and tons of money for weeks or a month. You can do it and have fun doing it. I promise!
Monday, April 14, 2014
Don't Send Your Dog Away Part 2
More on Sending your dog away-like I said in a previous post, your dog isn't a piece of equipment that you send away for a tuneup and it comes back fixed. It is a living, breathing relationship that needs to be nourished and worked on every single day. Does your dog really need to know the trick "You're Under Arrest"? You gonna pay tons of money for that? Or that your dog can "down stay" in a corner till you want to take him out to play with him like a doll on a shelve? I want my dog to live in harmony in my home with me with reasonable boundaries to keep him safe. And that he is always happy to interact and play with joy and happiness with me. Not fear. Not submissiveness. He's not a slave, he's a dog! With feelings and emotions. And a spirit that I don't want to ever be broken. Don't let anyone ever break your dog's spirit. He will never be the same. Cherish, love and respect your dog. They aren't with us all that long. They trust you, don't break that trust!
Don't send your dog away!
So many folks on Facebook sending their dogs away to trainers to train. Wow. That's how trainers make a ton of money. Wow. Training your dog is not that hard. It's not brain surgery and with a bag of treats and a few minutes a day, your dog can behave just as well. And you have no idea what they are doing to your dog while you aren't there. I'm sure some great trainers do this well but I've heard HORROR stories and dogs can come back as ROBOTS. Seriously. Dogs have even been lost from training places and even died. You can train your dog yourself and you should. It's YOUR responsibility as an owner. I help folks train their dogs and I can help you too. Success can be yours (and your dog) with minutes a day and a few hot dogs. Don't waste your money.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Sent from my mobile.
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Tulip`s pups-picured here at 12 days old-are now 8 weeks old and going to their new homes. They are adorable and I hope I see them in puppy classes. I will post some pics if they do. Momma Tulip will be coming here in a couple weeks. Can`t wait to have a Pyr in the house again.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Getting Dissed
Lately getting dissed on Facebook by another trainer. Bullied, ridiculed. Ugh. You just gotta wonder if he bullys people, how will he treat their dog? I'm confident in what I do, how I do it and the great results folks get that I'm doing my lif'e's work and what I'm meant to do. Building relationships, helping folks train their dogs because it's really not that hard. I'm just there to help the process, encourage, coach and listen. That I do. His Rule (the bully trainer) says a great trainer will have videos for you to see training my own dog. Yea, I got a video for you, Jack! How hard would it be for a trainer to train their own dog? Duh. A few hot dogs and a camera. Duh.What does that show? A better video would be of one of my classes when I'm helping overly excited dogs, frustrated owners, ceiling leaking because it's raining and the roof isn't finished. Or my puppy classes with tons of puppies, kiddos, and swirling madness and then all of a sudden everyone is listening even the dogs? I gottcha video, Jack. Here is a pic of Keebler, 10 yrs old, dubious mom at the beginning of his classes and now he has his CGC. Proud, proud dog momma. Even prouder dog trainer. Go Keeb. And mom. I always believed in you. And sometimes that's all folks need is someone to believe they can do it. Video that, jack.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Group Classes
Just read a comment from another dog trainer putting down group classes, almost ridiculing and bullying folks into board and train or private sessions. Ugh. There are so many benefits to group classes. I've been teaching them for 12yrs and love, love, love them! I love teaching folks how to train their own dogs. It's not rocket science. I'm very leery of someone who takes your dog for 2 weeks and then he's supposed to be trained. I hate to tell you but your dog is not like a computer you send off to the computer geek and it comes back all fixed. It is an on going, living, breathing relationship that starts on day one. I'm like a coach that helps you and your dog be a working team. Your classmates in class are like team mates, cheering you on and sharing their good/bad experiences with the rest of class. Together we learn and bond. And share. And your dog learns to trust and respect you and you him. Sometimes I'm afraid for the methods some trainers use when you aren't there to see them train your dog.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
I Love My Job!
I love what I do. Hope you can tell that in my classes, my conversations with you, my emails, my blog, and my facebook page. It is so awesome to meet and be able to help so many folks with their dogs. I have been teaching and helping folks for 12yrs. Now folks are getting another dog who have taken their dogs to me in the past. Or they love their relationship with their dog so much, they get a second dog. And it has been so much fun. If it wasn't fun, I wouldn't do it. I'd have stayed with my boring job I had for 30yrs. If I didn't teach and believe so much in positive, reward, relationship based training, I wouldn't do it either. That jerking and yelling and forcing and dominanting your dog is so wrong. Wrong for me, wrong for you and wrong for your dog. And definitely not fun. And your dog doesn't learn that way. Their spirit is broken and your relationship with your dog forever flawed or destroyed. Not for me. Not for you or your dog. Not on my watch.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Spring at last, spring at last!
The grass is greening up. Has anyone else noticed? I love the new green of spring. Might have to cut the grass for the first time this year soon. Love to cut grass. But I only have a suberb lawn not the acres some of you have. Stay tuned, another message below this one. Just started my park classes. Love, love, love them! Love working outside with all the natural distractions and seeing folks out enjoying the weather, walking their dogs. My new park classes are drop in, pay by week, although I do have some discount packages available too. They are topical this year so that's fun. The topics may change but these are the ones folks have been asking for. No longer at Dog Day Every Day. Never got many if any folks there so we have to move on. Wonderful new vet opening a practice in Montgomery soon. Www.cincinnatihillsanimalclinic.com I may do some workshops or classes there. Dr Katie Carullo. Her pup Hazel just graduated my puppy classes. Sad about the Reds losing on opening day. But as Zig Ziglar says-get up, dress up, show up and never give up. And so we will.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Hope it is a day blessed for you. It is my day off so I'm just relaxing at home. Worked last few days on my website. Www.playfulpoochesandparents.org Wrapping up classes at Dog Day Every Day. Starting park classes as soon as spring is here to stay. Looking forward to adopting Tulip in about 6 weeks. Hope her and Mac bond as they might be my last 2 dogs. She will turn 2 in July, Mac 3 in July. Me 59 in July. Uh oh the big 60 next year. Just 2 and a half yrs from collecting social security if there's any left. Looking forward to doing Therapy dog work with Tulip. I love visiting folks in nursing homes. It's the venue I love most! So many smiles. So much joy! The folks there love our visits so much. And all you and your dog need to do is show up. Easy, fun, rewarding.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Spring is Almost Here
You can hear it everyday. You can see it everyday. Little signs of spring. Little shoots of green. Birds singing again. The long winter is just about done with us. Kick it to the curb with the old grey snow that's still hanging around in spots! Come on spring, we have waited so long for your arrival! Park classes will be starting soon. I can't wait. Love, love, love teaching classes outside. If you haven't trained in the park before, this is the year to try it. Topical classes include-Canine Good Citizen and Advanced Canine Good Citizen, Loose Leash Walking, Good Manners, Help for Leash Aggressive dogs (and owners). I may even so some Puppy Classes in the park. Great fun in the great outdoors! Come join us. Watch for days and times on Facebook and my new improved awesome website (which will be live in a couple days) www.playfulpoochesandparents.net Awesome fun in the park will be starting in just a few weeks. Stay tuned......
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
And Life Goes On
So it's been a week since I gave Tulip and pups to the rescue. A long emotional, challenging week. At the end of it all I'm on speaking terms with the foster mom. She is emailing me updates and pics. I've put in my app to adopt her. They asked for 2 references and I gave them 20. I have more. It's a bit excessive I know but I want them to know how much I want to adopt her. Lots of other folks have pit in a good word for me. So we shall just wait and see. I'll put a couple pics here too. Time to focus on my spring classes and reconstuction of my website. Shake things up a bit. It's been a long, hard, brutal, relentless winter. The worst in many years. And I've lived a lot of them. I'm older than you think I am. But as young at heart as I want to be. My work with dogs and their owners keeps me young and filled with joy as I see their relationships grow and blossom.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
No good deed goes unpunished
Having Tulip and her pups here for 12 days-a little piece of heaven. Dealing with the rescue-a big piece of hell. I cannot believe they treat people this way. Despite repeated requests, they will not unblock me and let me see Tulip and her puppies pics and updates. Not sure what I did to deserve such treatment. Because of this horrible experience with S.A.A.P. I will never, no never rescue another dog as long as I live. They have hurt my belief in the whole process of rescue. They may rescue dogs but do not know how to treat people. And people support them. Not the dogs. I will end my rant here and you will not hear me talk about Tulip much anymore. The rescue has made it too sad for me. I will get another Pyrenees but it will not be from a rescue. Thank you S.A.A.P.
Monday, February 24, 2014
The Pyrs are leaving tomorrow
It's been a long (but short) 11 days and momma Tulip and babies are leaving tomorrow. I will surely miss them. I guess the moral of the story is be careful what you wish for. I know you all heard me talk and wish and pine and dream of another Pyr ever since we lost Mary and Mo. The Universe has a funny sense of humor and I end up with 5. But there is no way I could ever keep all 5 so I get to share them. S.A.A.P. Has a foster mom at the ready and if all goes well I may get to adopt her down the road. So now 4 more wonderful folks get to adopt their own awesome Pyr because of my abundance. Funny how abundance works. Love ya Tulip, Fred, Mikey, Dora and Sophia. I'm sending you out to the world to bring joy and happiness to many. If Tulip comes back to me, she was meant to be mine :)
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Day 8 of Foster care
It's been a challenging and awesome 8 days. I would never do it again. I'm not foster mom material. Thankfully S.A.A.P. has a whole team of foster moms excellent in the care of mommas and their babies. Tulip and her babies are going to their fairy godmother Janet ( that's what I call foster moms) on Tuesday. She is so excited to get them and can't wait to get them settled in. She's used to big dogs and all the hair and drool. I think she will be sharing a lot of pics of them growing bigger and I'll post them here. I will gladly pass the care of them to her. Our routine has been thrown to the curb and chaos is the norm anymore. But you roll with it and try to give all dogs playtime, love time, food, water, rest and hope for the best. It's working out and to anyone that - owe handouts for class, I apologize and you will get them shortly. I've been a little busy but it has certainly been a labor of love.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Names for the pooches
Being a foster mom, I get to name them. Mom is Tulip. Beautiful name for a beautiful dog. Two males-Fred (Mertz-from I Love Lucy's Fred and Ethel) and Mikey (Hey Mikey he likes it! Commerical. And he has interesting markings like my nephew Mike who has tattoos ). Two females-Dora (the explorer-she's always wandering off and can't find her way back to momma. Aka dumb Dora.) and Sophia (Loren. She's dark and beautiful). It was fun naming them. Sometimes I'll hold them and sing to them like I did my Pyrs. They can't hear yet or see but I think they like it. Momma Tulip loves when I sing to her. Hope the rescue finds them great homes that love them like I did my Pyrs. And maybe they'll sing to them too.
Day 6 of Foster Care
Wow. I never knew fostering would be so hard. That's why I never did it before and will never do it again. But there was just something so sad about a momma dog and her 4 pups just born on Valentines Day. Kicked out of their home that same day. We are into Day 7. Some days are easier/some harder. Your whole life and routine are changed. Momma has to come first. Thank God a foster mom at S.A.A.P. Is taking her and her brood monday. I loved all the hair, drool, late night potty breaks, kisses and paws. And I will get the chance to adopt her in 8 weeeks. I'm telling her she is going to stay with her fairy godmother for a while. And stick to training from now on. She's been through a lot and so have I and we are the better for it. And best of friends!
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Pyr Hair in my House Again
And we are very glad. Long story and I'll tell you some time but right now I gotta Pyr momma and 4 babies in my bathroom. Yep. Shocking. But they are all going to a rescue in a weeks as they had no fosters to take them till then. Scary, fun, sleepless nights, worry, laughter, and lots of awww moments. If you want a purebred Pyr pup, check with www.adoptastray.org in 8 weeks. Momma might come home with me. And her name is Tulip. Pics to come. Love the Pyrs.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Cancel for tonight's classes-I'm so tired of this
The Ice Storm Cometh! Classes tonight cancelled! Hate this winter! So over it! Keep up your good training. You all are awesome. We will get through this winter and soon and very soon we will have park classes again! Can't wait. How about you?
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Breakdown-Part 2
So I spent 4 hours Friday at the garage and over $500 and it broke down the next day. Ugh. Now it's sitting at Tire Discounters on Beechmont waiting for them to open on Monday. I have a favorite garage that is excellent, fair and can get me in. Jimmy at Norwood Brake Service. But the car wouldn't make it that far and it would cost a ton to tow. So here I sit, cancelled classes for today, called a brother to drive me home from Anderson last night. Upside-get to spend more time with my pooches today. They always love more time with dogmom. And it's not snowing. And it's not sub-zero outside. And Phil the groundhog said 6 more weeks of winter. I so want to choke Phil. Good thing we don't live close. I love animals, especialkly dogs. Not so much Phil.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Breakdown!
My old truck broke down on the way to classes today. Heading on to the highway and uh-oh and no one behind or to side of me so I made a 2 lane change and pulled into the parking lot of Ollies. Then hobbled him another mile and a half.. Car guru Jorge said a shock broke and I should probably replace all 4. Great. At least it didn't happen in sub-zero temps. And I was close to home. And I tried to call everyone but also posted on FB, called the Family Pet Center and changed my voicemail. Hope to get it fixed tomorrow but he said I could drive it like that. Um I don't think so. It clunks and bumps and rocks and scares me to death. Down the street maybe. Across town, I don't think so.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Cancel for today
Another cancel. Ugh. I hate cancelling classes. This has been the worst winter ever. I have cancelled more classes this winter than in all my 12 yrs in business combined. We still have a Level 2 snow emergency along with falling temps and high winds. The wind whips my SUV around the highway like a tumbleweed. If there were not also snow and ice I can handle that but not all combined. Some very serious accidents this morning already involving a Hamltn Cty Sheriff cruiser on 71 and a car vs snow plow on North Bend. I don't want to be on the news that way. Soooooo, keep warm, keep safe and keep training. Me and Mac will see you soon.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Cold and snow and cold and snow and...you get the picture...
I looked at the next 10 days forecast. Yep, cold and snow and on and on. Man. How cold, snowy and brutal this winter has been. And more to come. My sister in Missouri had 60 degree weather today. She was going to hang wash out to dry. Wow do I live in the wrong state. I am so sick of the cold and snow. This winter has been the worst in many years. So maybe, just maybe spring will come early. I know it won't be in the next 10 days but maybe the next 10? One can hope. That's all my rant about winter. Snow is coming tonight and tomorrow. Great.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Tonight is a cancel
I guess at some point you just have to believe the weather guys. Sometimes they're right. Wish I had their job. To be wrong such a large percentage of the time and still keep your job. I can't be wrong any of the time with my job. Nor would I want to be. But I went with Frank Marzullo's forcast and the Enquirer and cancelled ton ight. They said another wave of snow is coming from the west. It's in Indiana now and some places got 2 inches with slick roads, accidents and all the rest. So stay safe and warm and keep training and working with your pups. I'll be here working on spring classes and the park plans. It keeps me hopeful and warm.
Possible Cancel for tonight
That doggone weather again. It sorta looks okay now but we are supposed to get another wave of snow around rush hour to later in the evening. With the cold temps it could result in slick icy roads. I'm worried about folks getting to and from class as well as me getting home. Stay tuned and I will update.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Flat as a Pancake
Has this ever happened to you? Come out of the store, jump in the truck, start to pull away and whoa, something's wrong here. Jump out, look around the car, tire flat as a pancake! Ugh! Thankfully a Tire Discounters within walking distance. Walk over, secure an immediate appointment as they close in an hour, walk back to the truck, slowly roll over to them and in less than a hour, two new tires on. ( another one was ready to blow, may as well avoid another disaster, don't know if I'd be lucky enough to have a Tire Discounters so close, open and able to fit me in!) Kudos to them! Fast service, reasonable prices, and got me right in! Yay!
Friday, January 10, 2014
Talk to Your Dog With Your Leash
Your dog's leash can be a communication tool between you and your dog. Your emotions and your energy travel down the leash to your dog. Your nervousness, anxiety, fear, frustration, anger usually results in a tight leash. Your dog feels pressure on his neck (or body or head) and now he's on alert, looking around, reacting to your emotions. And then that travels back up the leash to you. And it just goes downhill from there. So the flip side looks like this: calm, relaxed, positive energy from you, traveling down the leash results in a loose leash. Your dog is calmer, paying attention to you, not stressing out. And that comes back up the leash to you. And you both have a great walk together. How can you accomplish this? Start out by tiring your dog out a little before the walk. Not too much or it can just rev him up. Then as you are leashing up, picture the calm walk in your mind. Then as you walk out the door with your dog, take a moment to just relax, a Zen moment if you will. Try it today!
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Planning Spring Classes
With the polar vortex almost behind us, I am thinking SPRING! I know it's a couple months away but it makes me feel warmer to plan and think about it. I'm trying something new this year with park classes. They will be a pay by the week drop in type of classes. Three classes will be offered- Practicing and testing for the Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine, Help with Leash Walking and Canine Good Manners. I know one will be offered at the Otto Armleder Park, possibly Monday nights. And I want to offer one at Clippard Park in Colerain Township. Possibly Saturday mornings. I am so excited for spring to be here. And to offer you and your dogs some help in the areas you need them. Think Spring!!!!!!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Classes tonight!
Can't wait to return to Tuesday night classes at The K9 Social Club. With the holidays falling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this year, it seems like forever since we had class. Looking forward to seeing new faces and will be glad to see familiar faces. Lots to learn and fun to be had. Come join us all owners with their dogs 6 mos and over. New dogs and owners can start each and every week at 6pm. See you there!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Into the Deep Freeze
Dogs had their last potty break and night snack. Jugs filled with water just in case. Big flashlight-check. Bed made up on couch in living room because it's warmer down there-check. Cell phone charged-check. Back porch shoveled of old snow-check. All the dogs alsleep and snoring-uh oh. Missing one. Mac is up on my bed sleeping. Colder up there but he hearsd the howling wind and went for his safe spot which is my bed. Oh well. If he's cold enough he'll come down and sleep with me-wrapped up like a burrito on the couch. Wind howling and blowing. Here we go into the deep freeze. My fear is either the pipes freezing or power going off. If neither happens, we're good. Better weather coming the end of the week. 40 degrees will feel like Florida! Spring is just around the corner. Really. It is.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Brrrr, it's cold out there!
I guess it could be worse. We could live further north or east. But 5 degrees this morning, brrrrr. I do feel sorry for animals outside. I would never leave my dogs or cats outside in this cold and neither should you. But I will say animals adapt. If they didn't they wouldn't be here today. Years ago most dogs were outside dogs and only brought in in extreme cold. Farm animals are outside. Farmers do all they can to keep them warm but they can't bring them all in their living room. Wolves at Wolfcreek Habitat and Sanctuary are outside year round. They can't bring them all in their house. Can you imagine? That all being said, bring your poochies in. It's way too cold. Mine are out for 2 minutes and back at the door hopping on their feet. Keep warm!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Puppy class tonight cancelled!
Due to the weather, I'm cancelling classes tonight. I want everyone to be safe including me. I hate doing that but due to icy roads, blowing snow and dropping temps, it's risky at best. Stay safe and warm with your pups. I'll see you all next time!
Day 2 of 2014
Hope everyone had a great New Year's! Mine was good but earlier in the day I had electrical problems, almost had a fire and my fridge shorted out. Now I have to get a new fridge and electrician to asses and fix the situation. Nice. Great way to end the year. But thank God I was home, caught it in time and avoided a fire. Whew!!!!hope your New Year's was less exciting. Garcia my old dog 14 and a half feeling his age and not getting around as well. Gave a couple soothing oatmeal baths to some itchy scratchy ones. Beer out on the porch as fridge is out. Just heard the high next Tuesday 8 degrees! Are you kidding me? Brrrrrrrr. Keep warm. Keeping an eye on the roads to see if class is on or off for tonight. Will let you know.
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