Saturday, October 31, 2009

Howl-O-Ween Party Pictures

Here are some of the pictures from our Howl-O-Ween Party. I think I got everyone on there. Let me know if I missed anyone!

http://www.braveheartdogtraining.net/halloween2009.html

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Pet First Aid, Howl-O-Ween info!

I just wanted to remind everyone that I still have openings in our Pet First Aid class on November 1. I am not sure when we will hold this one again so please let me know if you would like to register for it. Cost is $80.

Also, please don't forget our annual Howl-O-Ween Party on Friday, October 30 from 6:30-8:30pm in San Leandro.

Friday, October 16, 2009

No Conformation Class on October 20

Because of the long show weekend, there will be no conformation class on October 20 (next Tuesday).

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Changes to Braveheart Play Groups

I am writing to let everyone know about some changes we are going to be making to the Braveheart Play Groups. We will be restructuring things in order to make the play groups more fun and beneficial to all of the dogs that attend.

The first change is that we will be adding a Puppy Play Group that will be just for puppies from 8 weeks to 20 weeks old and under 40 pounds. This will allow puppies to have more puppy play which is so beneficial to them. Puppies may be separated based on size and temperament much like we do in our Puppy Preschool classes. The idea is to have puppies playing with puppies rather than single puppies playing with groups of adult dogs. Small breed puppies may be able to graduate into our adult dog Play Groups. We are scheduling the Saturday play groups so that puppies will be able to attend both Puppy Play Group and Puppy Preschool class ifthe onwers which to do that.

We are also going to be changing the requirements for the dogs that we accept into the play groups. Up until now we have tried to accept dogs that are shy, reactive or that do not get along with other dogs easily. Our play groups can not be a place to work on behavior issues with other dogs. It isn't fair to any of the dogs attending including the reactive dog. We will only be accepting dogs that get along easily with other dogs. If a dog needs a few minutes to adjust this is fine, but if after a short time a dog cannot play appropriately they will have to leave the play group. This is not only to protect the other dogs, it is also to protect the dog that is having an issue. Reactivity isn't fun and if a dog is feeling threatened or uncomfortable in a group of dogs, he shouldn't be exposed to that environment. It is very normal for dogs to become more selective of play mates as they become adults. This doesn't mean the dog is bad or even has major issues, he just may be selective and not a candidate for dog parks or play groups. Some dogs do better one on one or with two or three known dogs. We don't want dogs that DO NOT have issues to become frightened or feel uncomfortable at play groups. We also don't want dogs without issues to have to be overmoderated in their play. We feel it is in the best interest of our play groups to keep them fun and stress free it is in the best interest of reactive dogs not to be exposed to other dogs in this way. Please know that if your dog has a dog/dog behavioral issue you may contact me to discuss private training to work on the issue.

We will be requiring that all of our play group male dogs be neutered. Unneutered males can be targets for neutered dogs and we want to eliminate as many issues within our play groups. For this reason, we will now be requiring that all males over 6 months old be neutered. At this time, we will allow unspayed females as long as they are not in season and as long as their are no issues. In season females will not be permitted to attend play group.

The new schedule and guidelines will be effective November 4. Here is the new play group schedule:

Wednesdays - Puppy Play Group (puppies 8 to 20 weeks old and no more than 40 pounds) 6:30-7pm, Small Dog Play Group 7:00-7:30pm

Saturdays - Puppy Play Group (puppies 20 weeks old and no more than 40 pounds) 11:00-11:30am, Small Dog Play Group 11:30-12:00pm

Thank you to everyone for attending our play groups. We are sure that you will understand that we are trying to create the best play groups around and we hope that these changes will help us to achieve that goal.

Pet First Aid

Braveheart Dog Training wants you to be prepared for the unexpected. Knowing pet first aid gives every cat and dog owner many skills necessary to respond effectively to unexpected emergencies as well as the daily assessment of their pet’s health. Our class focuses on the basics that allow pet owners to provide first response care, first aid kits and the beginning of disaster response planning.

Because this information is so important, we bring you one of the highest regarded and most experienced First Aid teachers in the Bay Area. You'll learn how to respond to a wide range of animal emergencies, from dressing a wound to performing CPR to preparing for natural disasters that impact the care and well being of your pet.

Enroll today for Pet First Aid, taught by Lisa Clifton-Bumpass, award winning teacher and writer with over 10 years experience teaching thousands of students Pet First Aid. The class will be held on November 1st, from 10:AM to 2:30PM at the Braveheart Dog Training, 2123 Marina Blvd., San Leandro. Cost is $80 per person.

Doors open at 9:30 am for coffee and the “get to know you” session, the lecture starts promptly at 10 am. Bring note taking materials and a comfortable folding camping chair if you have one. This class is for people only, dogs will not be permitted and there may not be shade, so please leave your dogs at home.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

October Newsletter

Welcome Fall and the nice cooler weather!! I am ready for it, I am sure my dogs are ready for it and I'll bet you are all ready for autumn. I will be offering some classes throughout the fall including a San Leandro Puppy Preschool class starting in October as well as two Three's Company classes starting in November! Also, don't forget the Pet First Aid class as well as a canine massage class in November!

Braveheart's Annual Howl-O-Ween Party!

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 30 at 6:30pm-8:30pm. We will be hosting our annual Howl-O-Ween Party at Braveheart Dog Training in San Leandro. Bring yourself and your dog to this fun event and participate in our Canine Costume Contest, Trick Contest and Toss and Catch Contest. Fun prizes and treats for your dogs! Please make sure that your costume is comfortable and safe for your dog. Please only bring dog and human friendly dogs!

Dog of the Month

Sammy Bass





Sammy began attending Braveheart classes as a puppy while he was still being fostered by Laurie England of Rottie Angels Rescue. After he was adopted by Ned and Carmen Bass he continued to attend our classes and now enjoys our recreational agility class!

Upcoming Classes
Puppy Preschool, San Leandro, Tuesdays, 6:00-6:50pm, starts October 27, $110

Three's Company, San Leandro, Thursdays, 6:30-7:15pm and 7:15-8:30pm, both start November 5, $200

Pet First Aid Class with Lisa Clifton Bumpass, San Leandro, Sunday, November 1, 10:00-2:30pm, $80

If you are interested in any of these classes, please email me at braveheartdogs@sbcglobal.net for a registration form.

New Format

I am changing the format for the Beginning Obedience and Small Dog Beginning Obedience and Manners classes in that the dogs WILL be attending the first class. This change will be in effect for our November Three's Company class. I am very excited about this change and hope it will benefit the students like I think it will.

Whole Dog Journal

I am excited to share that I have written an article on positive training for show dogs which was published in the October Whole Dog Journal magazine. I am a big fan of the Whole Dog Journal which focuses on positive reinforcement dog training, holistic medicine and lots of information about dog food.

Puppy Play Group

Braveheart is now offering a Puppy Playgroup for puppies! This playgroup is offered on Saturdays and will be listed on the website schedule as soon as the time is worked out as we want it to work in conjunction with our puppy class so people have the opportunity to attend both puppy class and puppy playgroup!