Thursday, October 31, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Thinking of adopting a dog? Consider an older dog...
As most of you know, I am involved in dog rescue and have been for many years. Over the years we have fostered countless Dachshunds, Pekingese, Chihuahuas, Cattle dogs and various other breeds as well. It is more unusual for us NOT to have a foster dog than to have one. About a month ago, my last foster, Coconut, a Pekingese whose eyes had to be removed due to injuries and neglect went to her new home. A few weeks before that, Coni, an 11 year old Chinese Crested came and quickly went to live with my close friend Michelle. Before there we had Fidel and before that Blue, who was 10 years old, the list goes on. Interestingly, but not surprising, the easiest fosters are the seniors or just older dogs.
After a run of senior dogs who did so well here, I decided last week that I would foster again for Muttville. Muttville is a rescue organization that is dedicated to taking in homeless senior dogs that are at risk of being killed in shelters. So, today I took a drive out to San Francisco to meet the current residents that needed a foster home. I ended up bringing home Mandy, a 9 year old Chihuahua who is as sweet as can be.
Muttville is an amazing place and I found myself feeling very warm and fuzzy as I sat there visiting with the dogs. The facility is cage free, meaning that the dogs are pretty much all loose. There was music playing and dogs were walking around visiting with me, volunteers and other dogs. Others were lying on dog beds, most of them cuddled up with a buddy. Volunteers were there walking dogs and working on various projects. There were many dogs there but not one dog jumped on me, no one was barking, no dogs were fighting, they were just "being". They were happy to go for a walk with a volunteer, but just as happy to sit on my lap for pets or lie on a bed with a buddy. I "connected" with Max, Stacy, Tito, Melody, Moxie, Titan and of course, Mandy. I could have easily taken anyone of these dogs home as every one of them would make an outstanding companion.
Most of the time when someone decides to get a dog they want a puppy. Partly because having a puppy seems like so much fun, and it is, when you aren't cleaning up pee, getting up in the middle of the night to take the puppy out potty, picking up various pieces of things that have been destroyed, teaching them not to jump, not to counter surf, etc, etc, etc. I get wanting a puppy, but I also encourage people to consider a senior dog. With senior dogs, for the most part, what you see is what you get. They are who they are. And, just because they are older doesn't mean that they are on death's door. Popeye was at least 10 when we adopted him and we had him for 5 years. The oldest Dachshund I ever placed was Opus who was 15 when he came into rescue and lived with his owner until he passed away at 21 years old!
So, just file these thoughts into the back of your mind for when you are thinking you might like to adopt a dog. If you are not sure that you are up to having a puppy and the training and management involved, just know that you do have other options.
After a run of senior dogs who did so well here, I decided last week that I would foster again for Muttville. Muttville is a rescue organization that is dedicated to taking in homeless senior dogs that are at risk of being killed in shelters. So, today I took a drive out to San Francisco to meet the current residents that needed a foster home. I ended up bringing home Mandy, a 9 year old Chihuahua who is as sweet as can be.
Muttville is an amazing place and I found myself feeling very warm and fuzzy as I sat there visiting with the dogs. The facility is cage free, meaning that the dogs are pretty much all loose. There was music playing and dogs were walking around visiting with me, volunteers and other dogs. Others were lying on dog beds, most of them cuddled up with a buddy. Volunteers were there walking dogs and working on various projects. There were many dogs there but not one dog jumped on me, no one was barking, no dogs were fighting, they were just "being". They were happy to go for a walk with a volunteer, but just as happy to sit on my lap for pets or lie on a bed with a buddy. I "connected" with Max, Stacy, Tito, Melody, Moxie, Titan and of course, Mandy. I could have easily taken anyone of these dogs home as every one of them would make an outstanding companion.
Most of the time when someone decides to get a dog they want a puppy. Partly because having a puppy seems like so much fun, and it is, when you aren't cleaning up pee, getting up in the middle of the night to take the puppy out potty, picking up various pieces of things that have been destroyed, teaching them not to jump, not to counter surf, etc, etc, etc. I get wanting a puppy, but I also encourage people to consider a senior dog. With senior dogs, for the most part, what you see is what you get. They are who they are. And, just because they are older doesn't mean that they are on death's door. Popeye was at least 10 when we adopted him and we had him for 5 years. The oldest Dachshund I ever placed was Opus who was 15 when he came into rescue and lived with his owner until he passed away at 21 years old!
So, just file these thoughts into the back of your mind for when you are thinking you might like to adopt a dog. If you are not sure that you are up to having a puppy and the training and management involved, just know that you do have other options.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Annual Howl-O-Ween Party this Friday!
Our Annual Howl-O-Ween Party is this Friday at our San Leandro location. There will be great snacks for people and dogs, a costume contest, trick contest and catch contest! Dog and people friendly dogs welcome to attend! We sure hope to see you there!
Where: 2123 Marina Blvd., San Leandro
When: Friday, October 25
Time: 6:30 to 8:30pm
Who: Friends and Clients of Braveheart Dog Training
Parking: Please park behind the buildings, on the street, or in the last 5 spots of the Saigon 2 Restaurant.
Where: 2123 Marina Blvd., San Leandro
When: Friday, October 25
Time: 6:30 to 8:30pm
Who: Friends and Clients of Braveheart Dog Training
Parking: Please park behind the buildings, on the street, or in the last 5 spots of the Saigon 2 Restaurant.
New Puppy Class Added for November!
I just added a Puppy Preschool class to the schedule! Class will start on November 7, 6-6:50pm. Please contact me to register.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
No Tuesday Night Conformation Class This Week
There will be NO drop in conformation class this Tuesday coming off of the long show weekend.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Howl-O-Ween and 10 Year Anniversary Party
You're Invited
When: Friday, October 25
Time: 6:30-8:40pm
Where: Braveheart Dog Training, 2123 Marina Blvd., San Leandro
Who: Friends and Clients of Braveheart Dog Training and dog and people friendly dogs!
What: Costume Contest! Trick Contest! Toss Contest! Raffle! Prizes!
Be there or be square!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
October Newsletter
October already?? That doesn't seem possible, but it's true! It's actually okay with me because I love Fall. Autumn is my favorite time of year. I am excited to have a full schedule this fall and will be offering some classes well into December to keep everyone busy and enjoying their dog time.
DOG OF THE MONTH
Savannah has been a Braveheart student since she was a tiny puppy! She is a sweet, loving pittie girl who belongs to Vivi and Luis! Since growing up Savannah has done several of our classes and is always a big star at our annual Howl-o-Ween Party!
SHOW LIKE A PRO! WORKSHOP - NOVEMBER 2 & 3
I am so excited to be bringing Suzy Olsen, a Karen Pryor Academy grad and professional trainer specializing in conformation in Texas out to present with me! We will be offering a two day handling workshop on November 2 and 3 in Pleasanton. We still have a few working spots available and would love to have you! Please visit this link to register!
BRAVEHEART'S ANNUAL HOWL-O-WEEN PARTY
This years Howl-O-Ween Party will be held on Friday, October 25 from 6:30-8:30pm. Because we are also celebrating Braveheart Dog Trainings 10 year anniversary the party will be even more fun with more prizes! Bring yourselves and your dog and people friendly dogs to our annual celebration. Get your dog ready for our trick contest, costume contest and toss contest! Hope to see you all then!
ART SHOW TO BENEFIT GOLDEN GATE BASSET HOUND RESCUE
Braveheart is hosting our second Art Show to benefit rescue Basset Hounds on Saturday, November 23! Please come and see us!
DOG OF THE MONTH
Savannah has been a Braveheart student since she was a tiny puppy! She is a sweet, loving pittie girl who belongs to Vivi and Luis! Since growing up Savannah has done several of our classes and is always a big star at our annual Howl-o-Ween Party!
SHOW LIKE A PRO! WORKSHOP - NOVEMBER 2 & 3
I am so excited to be bringing Suzy Olsen, a Karen Pryor Academy grad and professional trainer specializing in conformation in Texas out to present with me! We will be offering a two day handling workshop on November 2 and 3 in Pleasanton. We still have a few working spots available and would love to have you! Please visit this link to register!
BRAVEHEART'S ANNUAL HOWL-O-WEEN PARTY
This years Howl-O-Ween Party will be held on Friday, October 25 from 6:30-8:30pm. Because we are also celebrating Braveheart Dog Trainings 10 year anniversary the party will be even more fun with more prizes! Bring yourselves and your dog and people friendly dogs to our annual celebration. Get your dog ready for our trick contest, costume contest and toss contest! Hope to see you all then!
ART SHOW TO BENEFIT GOLDEN GATE BASSET HOUND RESCUE
Braveheart is hosting our second Art Show to benefit rescue Basset Hounds on Saturday, November 23! Please come and see us!
UPCOMING CLASSES
Take a look at our full upcoming schedule for Fall! I am excited about these classes! Because these classes are held in my San Leandro location space will be limited! Register today!
Intermediate Obedience, San Leandro, Thursday, 10/10, 6:30-7:20pm, 4 weeks, $125
This class is for dogs that have completed a beginning class and are looking for the next level with new challenges. Will include indoor and outdoor work.
Strength, Balance and Body Awareness, San Leandro, 11/7, 6:30-7:30, 3 weeks, $100
This class focuses on teaching dogs body awareness and balance. Great conditioning exercises for show dogs, sport dogs and all dogs!
Winter Games, San Leandro, Monday, 11/11, 6-6:50pm, 3 weeks, $100
This fun class will give you some great ideas for indoor exercise and mental stimulation during the rainy, Winter months.
Three's Co., San Leandro, Tuesday, 11/12, 6-6:45pm, 5 weeks, $200
Three's Company is our Beginning class curriculum with only three dog and handler teams per class. The class material is accelerated and the small group gives you a feeling of a semi private session.
Brain Benders, San Leandro, Thursday, 12/5, 6:00-6:50pm, 3 weeks, $100
My newest creation! This class will introduce and explore different types of mental stimulation and enrichment! Great for young dogs, busy dogs or any dog that is looking for something new or something more!
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