Monday, February 4, 2013

February Newsletter

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

What's New
I feel like I have so much to say this month!  First, I am excited to share what a great time I had attending Clicker Expo in January.  Clicker Expo is a huge, animal training conference that is held twice yearly in different areas of the country.  I had attended in 2010 and loved it, so when it came to San Franciso this year, there was no way I was going to miss it.  It being so close meant that I could actually bring a dog along without having to travel far, so I brought Sonic along for two of the three days.  We participated in a working lab with Kay Laurence which was amazing and he came with me to several lectures and sat on a mat or on my lap while I took notes.

The first day, I had forgotten to pack him a kong, so my crafty trainer friend Christine Salazar, made him a kong out of a small, plastic container from Starbucks.  Poking a few holes in it, allowed us to fill it with treats and kibble that he had to work out of the holes.  Perfect!  The second day, I was much better and brought him a food toy!  Here he is working on his food "toy":



I saw lectures/presentations from Ken Ramirez, Kay Laurence, Kathy Sdao, Julie Shaw, Karen Pryor and Susan Friedman.  I met many trainers that I correspond with from all over the world which was also amazing to do!  All in all, it was a fantastic time!  Here is a picture of Susan Friedman and I:


I was very excited to see my book available for sale there:


DOG OF THE MONTH
Asha is a female Rottweiler belonging to Barbara Erwin.  Asha is very active in our K9 Nose Work classes and has already completed her ORT and is very close to being trialed in nose work!  Barbara does a lot of things with Asha, who also competes in rally, obedience and is a therapy dog.  Interestingly, I met Barbara years ago when we I had my first Rottweiler, Boris and she had her Rottweiler, Roxie and we trained together.  We so enjoy having this team in our classes!



Who Knows?
I am excited to share the addition of a new class called Who Knows?  This class will vary in location, content and day time.  The class focus will change from class to class.  One class we will work on Strength, Balance and Body Awareness and the next time we may work on leash walking and the next time we may meet at a park and work on leash walking.  The majority of classes will be held at my shop on Marina Blvd. but sometimes we may meet at a park for a Real World session or at a coffee shop to work on relaxing on your mat.  The type of class, location, day and time will be posted on Facebook and the blog.  This will be a drop in class and the cost will be $20 for the session.  Most classes will be one hour in length.

Upcoming Classes
Strength, Balance and Body Awareness
San Leandro, Thursdays, 2/21, 6:30-7:30, 5 weeks, $150 - FULL (don't worry, already working on a second class)

Continuing Nose Work with Yvonne Chohan
San Leandro, Fridays, 2/22, 6:30-8:00, 4 weeks, $100
Acceptance into this class requires instructor approval.

Intro to Nose Work with Yvonne Chohan
San Leandro, Fridays, 3/8, 8:00-9:30, 6 weeks, $185

Beginning Obedience/Manners
Dublin, Saturdays, 3/30, 9:00-10:00, 6 weeks, $150

Puppy Preschool
Dublin, Saturdays, 3/30, 10:00-10:50, 6 weeks, $150

Fun with Agility
Dublin, Saturdays, 3/30, 11-11:50, 6 weeks, $150

Marshmallows, Canine Good Citizen and more coming in April!