June Newsletter

From now and throughout the Summer I will continuing to remind everyone to please not leave your dogs in the cars on hot or even warm days.  The other day I went to pick up some rescue dogs and had to drive a ways to wear it was pretty hot.  I was horrified to see someone go into McDonald's and leave their dog in the car.  They weren't in there long, but still, it was about 85 degrees out, which means it was probably 95 degrees in the car.  Please don't take your dogs with you in the car on hot days.  Dogs can overheat in the car so quickly.

For those of you with flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Boxers, Frenchies, Bostons and Shih Tzus be careful about even walking and exercising your dogs on very hot days.  These dogs can overheat faster than many other breeds.

DOG OF THE MONTH

Wyatt Collard is a sweet Labrador who has been coming to Braveheart classes since he was a tiny puppy.  He is now a teenager and doing great in our nose work classes!  Wyatt sure has found his calling in nose work.  He is already started on odor and he rocks at class every week.  We sure are happy to have him in class!  One of the best things about Wyatt, is that his classes are frequently a family affair, with several family members coming to work and support him!  We love that!

UPCOMING CLASSES
Clicking for Conformation
Dublin, Tuesdays, 11-11:50am, 5 weeks, $150, starts June 12
This course will help people wanting to get started with clicker training their show dogs.  We will work on teaching the dogs to stack, gait and accept examination.  While this is a class to teach conformation or show ring behaviors, dogs need not be show dogs to enroll.

Real World
San Leandro, Tuesdays, 6-6:50pm, 4 weeks, $125, starts June 12
Our Real World class gives students a chance to practice their dogs skills in different locations with different distractions.  We meet at different locations, usually parks in and around San Leandro.  Dogs should have a good understanding of the basics and be able to focus on their handlers.

Confidence Building for Marshmallows
Dublin, Thursdays, 6-7:15pm, 3 weeks, $100, starts July 12
This class is a great first class for shy, reactive or fearful dogs that we affectionately refer to as "marshmallows".  This class is designed to teach owners how to build confidence in their dogs by allowing the dogs to explore and seek and find reinforcement for their brave choices.  Dogs go one at a time so dogs that are not comfortable with other dogs can participate too.

Canine Good Citizen
Dublin, Thursdays, 7:30-8:15pm, 5 weeks, $150, starts July 12
This 5 week class will prepare students for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test.  We will work on getting dogs exposed to the different elements of the test and prepare them for testing.  CGC test will be held on the last class but students are not required to take the test.

EMOTIONAL DETOX SEMINAR WITH DIANE GARROD COMING IN OCTOBER!
I am very excited to share that I will be hosting Diane Garrod on October 6 and 7, 2012 in Pleasanton, CA at The Dog School. Diane will be doing a 2 day seminar: Emotional Detox - The Missing Link. This is a great program for reactive, aggressive, fearful, shy, anxious and easily stimulated dogs. This seminar will benefit dog owners as well as professional trainers. Cost will be $200, with an early bird special of $175.  Please contact me if you would like a registration form.  Seminar will be limited to 25 participants, so please register early!  Four working demo dogs have been hand selected for this seminar.  Please plan to leave your dogs at home.