Advocate for your dog.
When in doubt, advocate for your dog.
For now, that’s all. xo BA
|
|||||
|
Greetings! This summer, we’ll be initiating a new format for obedience training classes. A Basic Obedience class will be offered at the Barrier Islands Center, starting Sunday, June 16, at 11am. This class runs for 3 weeks (6/16, 6/23, and 6/30), 6 dogs maximum, cost is $75/dog. We will accomplish the foundations to training methods, focus and attention, sit, down, an introduction to impulse control and the beginning of recall (come when called). Games based on these behaviors will help to reinforce your dog’s progress, and keep it fun! Starting in September, this foundation class as well as the next levels will be offered. You can choose the subjects that interest you: reliable recall, loose-leash walking, heel and handling, intermediate impulse control, preparation for CGC and more. These classes will last 2 or 3 weeks (depending on the subject matter). Why the new format? The summer has always been challenging for 6 week obedience classes. Everyone’s on vacation, and the temperatures are tiring for both dogs and owners. This way, we can offer shorter-term, focused classes that more students can attend, while keeping the dogs fresh and engaged. Class schedules will be posted here, the Eastern Shore Dog Facebook page (see Events), and on the Barrier Islands Center website. Registration is by email to me. Hope you can join us!
Five dogs graduated from the AKC STAR Puppy program at the Barrier Islands Center this weekend – plus Sam who was older than a year when he started class. Nice work everyone! I’m especially proud of the way the handlers worked “wait” on the last day of class, one of the most useful commands in my dogs’ daily life. More than courtesy, “wait” (or a modified “stay”) can be life-saving for your dog. We graduated a class of Intro to Nose Work dogs and Chumbley, Charlie Brown, Harley and Lola rocked it. Special congrats out to Pete who kept up with the fast moving Charlie. We missed Michelle but Peter worked it out. Finally – four dogs completed Intro to Odor – and this week Hoppe and Blondie rocked their first vehicle searches. This is something new and particularly challenging to dogs – and they did a great job. Why? Because their handlers pay attention, work with their dogs often, and love the problem-solving abilities of their dogs. Kudos and kudogs to all! BA As usual, I have no idea how to put in a “find us on FB link” so here’s our FB link: More information at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eastern-Shore-Dog/187679051266077. So – here’s what’s coming up:
Lots to do – must go and prepare! I have no idea how to put in a “find us on FB link” so here’s our FB link: More information at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eastern-Shore-Dog/187679051266077. Hoo boy – March flew by and here it is half way through April. Classes at the Barrier Islands Center are rocking – 8 in Basic Obedience, 7 in Intro to Nose Work, and 4 in Intro to Odor. And everyone is doing just dandy! So – here’s what’s coming up:
May brings several events:
Lots to do – must go and prepare! Next Thursday (3/21) is “mind your (veterinary) manners” at Atlantic Animal Hospital, 630pm. Dr. Michele Leatherbury is there every time — Dr. Leatherbury and her staff have an interest in helping your dog feel comfortable when they visit the office. Call AAH at 757-302-0345 to reserve your spot – it’s a very popular session and we limit attendance to 8 dogs and their owners. We practice basic obedience behaviors and give you and your dog comfort at being in the healthiest place on the Eastern Shore. Reservations are required, but you do not have to be a client at AAH to attend – any practice is GOOD practice, right? :) This is the time of year when I assure I’m meeting the standards to be recertified as a Professional Dog Trainer, so I thought I’d share a little about this process with you, and how I feel about my certifications. I’m certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) as a “knowledge-assessed” dog trainer. Certification is a form of credentialing, and means I’ve met the criteria and standards to be designated as having professional-level competence in dog training. Many professions require certifications (or licenses) – including veterinarians, adult literacy tutors, government auditors, airplane mechanics, public school teachers, and architects. To get certified, I met a minimum number of dog training hours, took and passed a (3 hour, grueling) written test, and completed an application process that included my education, experience, and references from another dog trainer, a veterinarian, and a client. To stay certified, I continue to train dogs, continue my education through approved classwork, and periodically re-apply to demonstrate I’m still meeting the standards set by CCPDT. In the last year or so, I’ve also completed the classwork, dog training hours, and written test to become certified as a K9 Nose Work Instructor, through the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW). If you and your dog attended nose work classes with me, you’ve probably filled out a class evaluation form, and your dog might have been videotaped. To meet certification requirements for this specialized designation, I also trained my own dog to recognize birch and pass an Odor Recognition Test. (Go Bodhi!) Certification is completely voluntary in the dog-training world, so why do it? One reason is that I’m a big believer in continuing education, one of the requirements of recertification. I have a BS in Biology, MS in Biology, an MA in Leadership and Liberal Studies, 12 hours of accounting, an adult literacy tutor certificate, and am 3 hours short of a certificate in Logistics Management – in addition to the two dog certifications. Everything in that list except the biology degrees was pursued because I had things I wanted to learn and do – only the biology degrees were required for my career as a forensic ornithologist. Another reason is that being certified puts me in contact with other certified trainers, and access to their expertise. It’s fun to learn new ways to coach you, train your dog, and have more adventures together. Finally, my CPDT-KA and ANWI/CNWI certifications show you that I’m willing to learn new things, like you do when you sign up for a class. It’s not always comfortable to learn new things – after all, as adults we are typically competent and quick at most things we do. Subjecting ourselves to new methods and ideas can be …uncomfortable. I want you to know that I know how you feel – to stay certified, I have to learn and demonstrate new techniques, which doesn’t always feel good – until I get good at them. In other words, you can be sure I “feel your pain.” I hope this makes me a more sensitive instructor. Still a slightly flippant smart-aleck, but hopefully more sensitive to you and your needs. Hugs and belly rubs – Still Certifiable :), Beth Ann Hey there! February brings opportunity for more practice with your dog!
April
More information at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eastern-Shore-Dog/187679051266077?sk=events May brings several events:
And later this year: June-July-August: Watch for updates on Greetings Workshop, Recall Workshop, and Impulse Control Workshop, Barrier Islands Center. Dates/times TBD, watch for more details. September finds us back at school with the last Eastern Shore Dog class session for the year at Barrier Islands Center. I’ll keep you posted on the dates, times, and topics, but there will be Basic Obedience and more K9 Nose Work, no doubt.
Saturday, October 5: Plan to attend the Eastern Shore SPCA Best Friends Walk Together dog walk in Onancock. This is a wonderful event and a great chance to mingle with other dog lovers on a beautiful day in Onancock. Benefits our SPCA, the only local non-kill shelter. Hello there – just thought I’d let you know of a few events in 2013 that might interest dog owners here on the Shore.
Specific dates will be announced in February, with an opportunity to register early. Stand by!
May brings several events:
June-July-August: Watch for updates on Greetings Workshop, Recall Workshop, and Impulse Control Workshop, Barrier Islands Center. Dates/times TBD, watch for more details.
September finds us back at school with the last Eastern Shore Dog class session for the year at Barrier Islands Center. I’ll keep you posted on the dates, times, and topics, but there will be Basic Obedience and more K9 Nose Work, no doubt.
Saturday, October 5: Plan to attend the Eastern Shore SPCA Best Friends Walk Together dog walk in Onancock. This is a wonderful event and a great chance to mingle with other dog lovers on a beautiful day in Onancock. Benefits our SPCA, the only local non-kill shelter. We have:
Yippee!! |
|||||
|
Copyright © 2013 Eastern Shore Dog - All Rights Reserved Powered by WordPress & Atahualpa |
|||||
