September Newsletter

Summer is already winding down and it's back to school time.  Why not make it back to school for your dog too?  Check out our list of class offerings below.  Also, remember to keep your eye on the website as I have added a new class called Brain Benders and will be offering Winter Games again in Fall as well!

DOG OF THE MONTH

Classy is this months dog of the month, but this honor belongs to all of the dogs of Hana Shih Tzu!  Bonnie and Liz have been bringing their beloved Shih Tzus to our drop in conformation classes for quite a while now.  We met after my mother in law got her Shih Tzu, Joi from them several years ago.  I love all of the dogs that Bonnie and Liz bring to class, and have an especially good time being a part of the new puppies getting started on their training.  There is not much more therapeutic than playing with Shih Tzu puppies!


UPCOMING CLASSES
Small Dog Beginning, Castro Valley, 9/16, 6-7pm, 6 weeks, $150
Beginning Obedience, Castro Valley, 9/21, 9-10am, 6 weeks, $150Puppy Preschool, Castro Valley, 9/21, 10-10:50am, 6 weeks, $150
Distance, Duration and Distractions Flash Class, 9/26, 6:30-7:30pm, 1 session, $20
Three's Company, San Leandro, 10/2, 6-6:45pm, 5 weeks, $200
Rally Flash Class, San Leandro, 10/5, 12-1pm, 1 session, $20Intermediate Obedience, Thursday,  10/10, 6-6:50pm, 4 weeks, $125

ANNUAL HOWL-O-WEEN PARTY
Mark your calendars for October 25, 6:30-8:30pm for Braveheart's Annual Howl-O-Ween Party!  This year will be extra special since we will also be celebrating our 10 year anniversary!  More food, more prizes, more fun!  Costume and trick contest!  Dog and people friendly dogs welcome!

BEHAVIOR CASES
As I have mentioned before, I have cut back on my class offerings due to my back problems.  Because of this change, I have been taking on more behavior cases.  I have always offered private lessons and behavior consults, but had been referring a large portion of those to colleagues, just because I didn't have the time, but also because I needed a break from taking them.  It may not seem like it, but working behavior cases can be very tiring and a lot of work.  For each consult I do, I have to meet with the client, create a training/behavior modification plan, problem solve, create a consult report and then offer support and cheerlead the client.  I love doing it, but it can be tiring, particularly if you hit a string of really challenging cases.  So, while it can be very rewarding work, it can also create burnout.  I love that I have such a solid and reputable referral system in place should I need to refer clients on when I need to.  

The reason I am sharing this with you is that it reminded me of something I want to encourage in my clients. If your dog or bird is exhibiting a behavior problem, it is best to seek help as soon as you realize that something is off.  Remember that we all get better at things we practice and it is no different with behavior problems that we wish didn't exist.  Animals get better with practice so we do not want them practicing problematic behaviors, which is why it is so important to get them help as soon as possible.

If your animal is exhibiting any behavior that is dangerous to you, other people, other animals or the animal himself, such as aggression, fears or phobias, please seek help and do not try to correct the behavior on your own.  Many things can get worse with incorrect handling or methods.  


SHOW LIKE A PRO! CONFORMATION/HANDLING WORKSHOP WITH VICKI RONCHETTE AND SUZY OLSEN

Mark your calendars for November 2 and 3, 2013 for our Show Like a Pro workshop!  Vicki Ronchette and Suzy Olsen are teaming up to bring you an informative and fun weekend of conformation training!  For more information, click here!