Conformation Class Information

New Conformation Class
I am very excited to announce that Yvonne Chohan will be teaching a Monday, 12-12:30pm four week conformation class to start on June 22!  Registration is open for this.  We hope to make this a regular, ongoing class.

New Conformation Class Policies
Effective immediately, we are going to ask that people not bring in season bitches to conformation class.  The space is simply too small to ask other dogs, young males in particular to deal with such a challenging distraction.  While we understand that males may be exposed to in season bitches at dog shows, we don't feel that group classes are someplace where a dog should have to deal with that.

Also, we occasionally have dogs that can overstimulated and reactive during class.  We are going to ask that if anyone's dog becomes reactive, which we define as barking or lunging at other dogs, that the owner step out of the room with their dog and walk them around a bit to see if they can relax and settle down.  If they can, they are welcome to return to the room.  If they can't, or if multiple dogs can't we will have them alternate being inside while the other dog steps out, then do our best to put them in different classes in the future if need be. We are not referring to dogs who may bark once or twice, only if a dog really can't focus and becomes disruptive to the class.

Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or need any clarification.

May Newsletter

We are all in this together

A couple of weeks ago I attended a Suzanne Clothier seminar and was lucky enough to have my dog Venom be a demo dog for the seminar.  It was incredibly emotional for me as I was desperate to try to keep him comfortable, relaxed and safe, all while trying to capably manage and handle him, while being coached by one of the best dog trainers in the world with more than 80 other people watching me!  I was thrilled with our session and am super grateful to Suzanne for the input and advice.  I have already started working with Venom and am seeing a lot of progress in a short amount of time.  The reason I wanted to share this is to let people know that 1) we are all always learning and if we are good we are always trying to improve our knowledge and skill base, 2) even professional trainers struggle with being able to think, be there for our dogs, not get too emotional and find time to train and work on the "less than fun" stuff and 3) being in a position like that is a great reminder that all of us, our dogs, the handlers or owners, all of us can struggle with decision making, performance and management when feeling highly anxious and so we should be empathetic to our dogs as we work through this stuff.

Me watching as Suzanne works with Venom.

DOG OF THE MONTH

This month's Dog of the Month is Biggie.  Biggie is a 2 1/2 pound Chihuahua who I have been working with to develop confidence and help her and her owner rebuild their relationship. When I first worked with Biggie, she charged me barking, by our third session she was playing fetch with me and choosing to sit as close to me as possible chewing on her toy.  Proof that ALL dogs, no matter how defensive, reactive, fearful are capable of positive change when they are worked with correctly.  Good job Biggie and Tiana!

UPCOMING CLASSES

Puppy Preschool

Thursdays, San Leandro, 5/21, 6-6:50pm, 6 weeks, $165

Strength, Balance and Body Awareness

Fridays, Pleasanton, 6/12, 6-6:50pm, 3 weeks, $100

Small Dog Beginning Obedience/Manners

Tuesdays, San Leandro, 6/30, 6-6:50pm, 5 weeks, $150

NEW CLASS COMING SOON
I am working on a new class that will be offered in July.  It is called "Greeting and Salutations" and the whole class will be for working on greetings.  Dogs will work one at a time and do dog/human greetings and some dog/dog greetings for appropriate dogs.

UPCOMING SEMINARS
Mark your calendars now!  My friend Christine Salazar, owner of Dodger's Paws Dog Training in Pleasanton are teaming up to co-host an exciting seminar on September 19!  Anna Bettina of Happy, Healthy Pup in Georgia will be presenting on Naturally Complete Canine which will focus on raw feeding, essential oils and herbal use in dogs.  We are so looking forward to this seminar!

Also, Christine is hosting Pam Johnson who will be doing a two day workshop on Rattlesnake Avoidance Training without the use of Aversives as well as a one day seminar on Canine Freestyle!  I am excited to be attending both of those seminars!  More information on these workshops here!