Tell me what you want!

Hi there. I am working on my class schedule for August and thereafter. I want to get input from my clients so please give me your thoughts.

I will continue to offer Three's Company, but it will be offered in Pleasanton, at Dodger's Paws on Tuesday mornings at 10am. I will also offer a 5 week conformation class on Tuesdays in Pleasanton at 11am.

So, this brings me to the San Leandro conformation classes. I am considering continuing to do Wednesdays at noon at a local park. The Wednesday noon class is generally well attended. Will you still be attending when it is at a park?

On Fridays I will be offering my Strength, Balance and Body Awareness classes, Old Dogs, New Tricks and conformation also, alternating these various classes.

I would like to know if I should continue to offer a Tuesday night conformation class which would be held at a local park, probably around 6pm.

Please, I really want to know what you, my clients want and need. Feel free to respond here or email me at braveheartdogs@gmail.com.

BIG Changes for Braveheart Dog Training

I have an exciting announcement to share with all of you.  After 11 successful years in my San Leandro location I will be giving up my building on August 1, 2016. I have been going back and forth on this decision for a while and after learning that the building has been sold to one of my neighbors, my gut is telling me that it is time to let it go. And, I am totally good with this, excited even. My conformation classes will be held at a couple of local parks in the area and at Dodger's Paws in Pleasanton and I will continue to teach my Friday night classes out there including my Strength, Balance and Body Awareness classes, Old Dogs, New Tricks, Conformation Skills class and a daytime Three's Company class. I will do private conformation lessons at parks and at Dodger's Paws. I am ready for a change and excited to have more free evenings at home with Rick. 

Note that this will not affect any of our upcoming June and July classes or workshops, other than the July 9 Puppy Preschool and Beginning classes, both of which have been canceled. The August 28 Tools of the Trade workshop will probably be held in Pleasanton at Dodger's Paws and I will confirm that with attendees as soon as I know for sure.

Thank you all so much for your continued support, love, confidence and trust.

May 2016 Newsletter

It is starting to feel like Spring! As Summer approaches I want to give everyone a heads up that I will be gone for two weeks in June while my husband and I are on vacation.  I will then be gone for another weekend as I have been invited to judge Dachshund Sweepstakes in Southern California which I am looking forward to. Additionally, you may know that I am currently not offering private behavior consults or private training other than for conformation and parrots. I am happy to offer referrals to trusted colleagues.

UPCOMING CLASSES
Conformation, Pleasanton, Fridays, 5-5:50pm, starts on May 6, 4 weeks, $50
Greetings and Salutations, Pleasanton, Fridays, 6-6:50pm, starts on May 13, 3weeks, $95
Three's Company, San Leandro, Tuesdays, 6-6:45pm, starts on June 21, 5weeks, $200
Conformation, San Leandro, Tuesdays,7-7:30pm, starts June 21, 4 weeks, $40
Conformation, San Leandro, Wednesdays, 12-12:45pm, starts June 22,4 weeks, $46

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Ins and Outs of the Show Ring, Sunday, July 10, 9:30-1:30, $75
From Shy to Showy, Sunday, July 31, 11am-3pm, $75
Tools of the Trade, Sunday, August 28, 10-12:30pm, $45

You can register for our classes and events here.

DOG OF THE MONTH

 

Kenny and Roger Eastwood

Pat (in the orange) holding Roger and her friend Norma holding Kenny.  Kenny and Roger, both Lowchens have attended a number of Braveheart classes from conformation to Three's Company.  They are amazingly sweet and outgoing boys and we love having them in class!

April Newsletter

It's finally starting to feel like Spring, actually yesterday it felt like Summer.  It got well into the 80s yesterday so remember to keep your dogs cool in the warm weather.  Don't take them out in the car if it's too hot and make sure you have adequate shade and air flow.

I am really excited with how our conformation workshops are going.  I absolutely love teaching them and I like being able to offer the workshops which give people that are coming from far away a more worthwhile chunk of training time.  I will be continuing to offer them and adding other topics to the offerings as well.

UPCOMING CLASSES
Recall Flash Class
San Leandro, Thursday, 6pm, 4/14 RSVP to attend

Strength, Balance and Body Awareness Level II
Pleasanton, Fridays, 6pm, 3 weeks, starts 4/22 Register

Small Dog Beginning Obedience Manners
San Leandro, Thursdays, 6pm, 5 weeks, starts 4/28

Skills for the Show Ring
San Leandro, Thursdays, 7pm, 5 weeks, starts 4/28

Conformation
San Leandro, Wednesdays, 12noon, 4 weeks, starts 5/4

Conformation
San Leandro, Tuesdays, 7pm, 4 weeks, starts 5/10

I will be going on vacation for two weeks in mid June so most classes will start up again in July!

UPCOMING CONFORMATION WORKSHOPS
Ins and Outs of the Show Ring
San Leandro, Sunday, 7/10, 9:30am to 1:30pm

From Shy to Showy
San Leandro, Sunday, 7/31, 11am to 3pm

To register for any of our classes or workshops please visit our online registration system here.

BARTER DEAL
I am in desperate need of having the windows at Braveheart cleaned inside and out.  It has been surprising challenging to find someone to do it and the last person I had is out of business.  If you are interested in cleaning my shop windows in exchange for a $100 gift certificate please let me know!

DOG OF THE MONTH
assy and Harris are sweet Cavliers that are trained, handled and loved by Heather Rezowalli.  Sassy has been attending classes with us since she was a baby and has continued in a variety of different classes.  Little Harris is just starting out and we are helping him get started with his show career.  We love having Heather and Sassy and Harris in our classes!

Harris

Sassy

March 2016 Newsletter

Well, it's March 13, it's raining cats and dogs outside and so I guess this is a good time to finally get this month's newsletter our!  I have lots to share this month.  A new class, an upcoming seminar, upcoming workshop...a lot!

WELCOME HOME, BABY

I am super excited to introduce my new puppy, Cannoli.  I have known I was getting her since before she was born and I finally brought her home last Sunday.  She is an 11 week old Lowchen puppy. Lowchens are small, smart, active little companion dogs.  I plan to show Cannoli in the show ring and in another dog sport, most likely agility.  For now though I am just focusing on teaching her necessary life skills such as how to be comfortably out and about in the world, where to go potty, how to entertain herself, how to play, how to live me group of dogs, how to ride in the car with me, how to go to classes with me, how to hang out at the grooming shop with me, how to look at me when she hears her name, how to greet people, that kind of stuff. Cannoli came from Alexia Rodriguez, Potrero Lowchen, a breeder who was a client and became a friend. I am head over heels in love with this puppy already.  Here are a few pictures of her.

Cannoli, what a face!

First time on my fit paws equipmnet

Learning to stack on the stacking box

Doing a proprioception course like a boss!

DOG OF THE MONTH

Slinky is the sweetest little min pin mix.  He has been coming to Braveheart since he was a tiny puppy with his Mom Kimberly, sometimes his human sister Natalie even comes too.  He has participated in many classes with us, has obtained his Canine Good Citizen certificate, does freestyle and now our conditioning class.  We absolutely adore having this team in our classes and look forward to many more!

UPCOMING CLASSES

Unless otherwise noted, classes are taught by Vicki Ronchette

Conformation, San Leandro, 12-12:45, 4 weeks, $46, Taught by Olga Maderych starts 3/22

Conformation, San Leandro, 7-7:30pm, 4 weeks, $40, starts 3/29

Small Dog Beginning Obed/Manners, 6-6:50pm, 5 weeks, $165, starts 4/28

Register here!

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

From Shy to Showy 

Braveheart Dog Training, Sunday, 4/3, 9:30-1:30

In this 1/2 day workshop you will learn how to help your shy, fearful or insecure dog to better enjoy the show ring environment.  This workshop is appropriate for shy or fearful dogs, but also for dogs who just don't seem to overly enjoy the show ring.  Learn how to take your show dogs from Shy to Showy! Register here!

Canine Conditioning Workshop with Lori Stevens

I am very excited to be co-hosting a Lori Stevens canine conditioning seminar with my good friend Christine Salazar of Dodger's Paws on Sunday, April 17.  This super exciting seminar still has auditing spots available.  Get more information and register here! 

INTRODUCING OLGA MADERYCH

I am excited to announce that we will be offering a Tuesday noon conformation class to be taught by Olga Maderych.  I have known Olga for a few years now from seeing her at various dog sport events where she is either competing or photographing other dogs.  She competes in dog sports with her Great Dane Spark.  I am looking forward to her class and I know many of you will enjoy it! See Olga's bio below.

Olga has been showing and training dogs in multiple dog sports (obedience, rally, agility, conformation, nose work, frisbee, tracking) for the past 9 years. She started in Rally and Obedience with her Golden Retriever, Vesta, and trialed with her until she acquired her RAE and her CD in Obedience. Olga was the very first junior handler to get an NW1 in Nosework (NACSW) with Vesta. Olga also showed Shameera, a Great Dane, in junior showmanship and was ranked in the top 10 Dane juniors every year that she showed. Currently, Olga trains and shows a Great Dane named Spark whose list of titles is longer than his name (Intl Ch/AKC Major Pointed Chroma Let’s Get This Show on the Road BN RN NJP OFP CGCA SPK SPJ NW1 NW1-V.

February Newsletter

Happy Valentine's Day!  Before I go on to share what's new with Braveheart, I want to be sure to remind everyone that chocolate is toxic to dogs, so please be careful with Valentine's Day candy.  We don't want any of our dogs ending up at the vet or emergency hospital because of eating chocolate.  So, put all that candy way up out of your dog's reach!

DOG OF THE MONTH

Remy is a young Vizsla who is loved and owned by Sarah and Robert.  Remy has been coming to Braveheart for a few months for conformation, strength training and beginning obedience.  He is already a rock star in the show ring and is on the board with points out of the puppy classes!  We love having this hard working team in our classes!




UPCOMING CLASSES
Conformation, San Leandro, Wednesdays, 12-12:45pm, 4 weeks, $46, starts 2/10
Small Dog Beginning Obedience/Manners, San Leandro, Thursdays, 6-7pm, 5 weeks, $165, starts 2/11
Conformation, San Leandro, Tuesdays, 7-7:30pm, 4 weeks, $40, starts 2/16
Strength, Balance & Body Awareness, Pleasanton, Fridays, 6-6:50pm, 3 weeks, $100, starts 3/4
Beginning Obedience/Manners, San Leandro, Saturdays, 9-10am, 6 weeks, $165, starts 3/12
Puppy Preschool, San Leandro, Saturdays, 10-10:50am, 6 weeks, $165, starts 3/12
Canine Good Citizen Prep, San Leandro, Thursdays, 6-6:50pm, 5 weeks, $140, starts 3/24

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
From Shy to Showy, San Leandro, 4/3, 9:30-1:30, $75

January Newsletter

Happy New Year!  I have to apologize for not getting the newsletter done until now but I have been busy, busy, busy!  I have a lot of new and exciting things going on this year and am so excited to share it with you all.  More conformation workshops have been added to the schedule and I can't wait to share my new ideas with you all.  Additionally, I am looking forward to start training other professional trainers how to offer conformation training.  This is long overdue and it's definitely time to start spreading the word that positive reinforcement is the way to go with show dogs!

UPCOMING CLASSES
You may register for any of these classes by going to our online registration system here.
Three's Company, San Leandro, Tuesday, February 16, 6:00pm, 5 weeks, $200
Conformation, San Leandro, Wednesday, February 10, 12:00pm, 4 weeks, $46
Small Dog Beginning Obedience, San Leandro, Thursdays, February 11, 6:00pm, 5 weeks, $165
Conformation, San Leandro, Tuesday, February 16, 7:00pm, 4 weeks, $40

ONLINE COURSE
Our Positive Training for Show Dogs Online Course is now ongoing which means that you may join at any time!  Simply go to our registration page and register and pay and you will be added to the class.  For more information visit our website.

WORKSHOPS
Tools of the Trade Workshop
Sunday, February 7, Braveheart Dog Training, San Leandro, 9:30 to 12:30 Register
Learn a variety of different tools and tricks to help with getting the best of your show dog. From proprioception and balance equipment to cavalettis and stackers. We will explore many different helpful tools! 

Teaching Conformation Classes for Professional Trainers 
Sunday, March 20, Dodger's Paws, Pleasanton, 9:00 to 5:00pm Register
If you are a positive reinforcement trainer who offers group classes or private instruction and are considering offering conformation classes this is the workshop for you.  We will discuss what a show dog needs to know and how to teach those behaviors, how to support pet dog training clients who are also planning to show, how dog shows work and so much more.

From Shy to Showy
Sunday, April 3, Braveheart Dog Training, San Leandro, 9:30 to 1:30 Register
This workshop is designed to help people with show dogs who need more confidence or are shy or concerned at dog shows.  There are many techniques and methods we can utilize in order to help shy show dogs feel more confident and have fun in the show ring.

Shape Up Canine Fitness Seminar with Lori Stevens at Dodger's Paws, co-hosted by Dodger's Paws and Braveheart
Sunday, April 17, Dodger's Paws, Pleasanton, 9:40 to 4:30 Register
What Will I Learn?
This seminar includes lots of videos and live demos. 
There are working spots as well as auditor spots (without dogs).
Physiological issues to look for in dogs
Observation skills
Benefits of all exercises shown in the workshop
Proper form for exercises
When to stop doing a certain exercise or an exercise session
Keeping fitness fun, fear-free, & force-free
Foundation exercises for core strength
How to progress from the foundation exercises
Hind-leg targeting
From on-the-ground exercises to Fitness equipment
Proper use of equipment and again how to progress on the equipment
Fitness Sessions: warm-ups, exercises, cool-downs
Year-long conditioning plan for performance dogs, e.g. how to train during a performance-sport season and how to train in the off-season.

DOG OF THE MONTH

Emeril is a sweet, lovable longhair Dachshund that Vicki has the pleasure of handling in the show ring.  Em comes to our conformation classes and workshops and has come to us for conformation board and train when he was a small puppy.  Vicki and Rhonda have been friends for years and even co own a dog that Vicki bred many years ago, Olive, sister to Vicki's Ribbon who are going to be 11 years old next month.  We love having Em in class and are happy to make him our Dog of the Month!