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. |
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!
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!
