June Newsletter

June?  Already?  How is that possible?  Summer is coming up on us quickly, isn't it?  Just a few reminders about Summer and the warmer weather.  Please remember NOT to take your dogs with you on car trips on warm days, even if you don't think you will be in a store long or if you think it's not that hot.  The temperature in the car, even on warm days can get dangerously hot.

Also, please remember to be careful when taking your dog out for a walk on a hot day.  Hot pavement is painful for a dog's pads, just as it is for our feet.  If it would be too hot for your feet, it is too hot for your dog's feet.  I was recently at a street fair when it was very hot out.  I saw many dogs there and noticed a Chihuahua standing on the hot, black pavement, hopping back and forth trying to avoid the heat.  I pointed out to his owners, that were looking at a vendor booth, that his feet were burning.  Thankfully, they didn't realize he was hurting and quickly picked him up.

Finally, be careful not to let your dog overheat if out for a walk.  This is particularly dangerous for brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds such as Frenchies, Boxers, Bostons, Pekes and Pugs, among others.  Consider walking early before it gets hot out or later, after the sun has gone down.

DOG OF THE MONTH

Jesse is a sweet and adorable Akita who is owned, loved and handled by Theresa Manchester.  Jesse comes to Braveheart conformation training and has also done our Strength, Balance and Body Awareness classes.  He is actively competing in rally, runs in races with Theresa and is being shown in conformation as well.

UPCOMING CLASSES
Three's Company, San Leandro, Tuesday, June 25, 5 weeks, $200

Small Dog Beginning Obedience/Manners, Castro Valley, Monday, July 8, 6:30pm, 6 weeks, $150
Fun with Training and Tricks, Castro Valley, Monday, July 8, 7:30pm, 6 weeks, $135

Beginning Obedience/Manners, Castro Valley, Saturday, July 13, 9:00am, 6 weeks, $150
Puppy Preschool, Castro Valley, Saturday, July 13, 10:00am, 6 weeks, $150
Fun with Agility, Castro Valley, Saturday, July 13, 11:00am, 6 weeks, $150

I will also be offering Clicker Skills, Real World, Strength Balance and Body Awareness, Canine Freestyle and more!  Just working it out on the schedule, so keep checking back.

A WORD ABOUT REFERRALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
I get asked for recommendations for pet care providers on a regular basis. Over the years, I have met and worked with some of the best trainers. I founded a positive dog trainers and behavior group in the East Bay and network with some of the best trainers around. When I refer to another trainer (or dog walker, or daycare, or kennel, or groomer) know that, unless I tell you otherwise, this is a person or business that I know personally, trust and feel comfortable with. When making a decision to refer, I look at several things including whether or not they use positive reinforcement methods, their knowledge base and skill set, how they work with and treat animals, how well they manage the animals in their care, how reliable and honest they are. I look at the feedback that I receive from people I have referred to them. I also consider how they work with and treat people, not only their clients but also colleagues and other people in general. If I am not comfortable with how someone treats colleagues, employees or clients, I will not refer to them. I will not refer to someone or to a business whose ethics I would question in any way. If I don't have a referral for you, I will go to someone that I trust to get one for you and let you know that this is not someone I know. I take giving out referrals and recommendations very seriously. I will always do my best to people my clients and their animals in the hands of safe, caring, skilled providers.