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!

Christmas Eve Walk Canceled...probably

Hi everyone.  We were planning to do the Point Isabel Christmas Eve walk this year, however, the Weather Channel is saying it will be raining all morning tomorrow morning so we most likely won't be able to do it.  I wanted to make sure everyone knew that we won't go if it is raining.

I wish all of you Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year.  I am looking forward to 2016!

December Newsletter

Happy Holidays! 2015 has been a really good year for me and for Braveheart and I am looking forward to amazing things for 2016.  One of my goals is to begin offering training to professional trainers for conformation training so that more positive reinforcement trainers can offer this service.  I coach people all over the world and this tells me that we need more people to offer positive conformation classes by professional dog trainers and behavior consultants who truly understand behavior and learning theory.  Earlier this year I made the decision to focus on my group classes and offer private training only for conformation and bird training.  This has proven to be a great decision for me and I am filling my calendar with private conformation consults and referring out behavioral cases and basic training consults to highly qualified friends and colleagues.

Another one of my new passions is teaching husbandry training and I will begin offering my new Cooperative Care class where we will teach dogs to accept nail trims, grooming, ear cleaning, wearing a muzzle and other basic care behaviors.  I plan for this to be an ongoing class and am very excited about it.

I will continue to offer all of my other classes including my one session Flash Classes.

I want to say thank you to all of my clients and to the other animal care professionals that refer to us for your continued support and confidence.  Happy Holidays!

UPCOMING CLASSES
Puppy Preschool, Saturdays, January 9, 10am
Cooperative Care, Thursday, January 7, 6pm
Strength, Balance and Body Awareness, Friday, January 8, 6pm (in Pleasanton)

Flash classes are one time, one hour classes and the cost is $20.  Please RSVP.
Conformation Flash Class, Tuesday, December 8 7pm,
Conformation Flash Class, Wednesday, December 9, 12pm
Wild Card Flash Class, Thursday, December 10, 6pm
(Wild Card means I haven't decided yet!)
Old Dogs, New Tricks Flash Class, Tuesdays, December 15, 7pm

Positive Training for Show Dogs Workshops
I am planning to offer more seminars and workshops beginning in 2016.  My goal is to not only continue to coach people who show their dogs but also to teach other trainers to teach conformation.  If you are interested in hosting a workshop please feel free to contact me.  Trainers or individuals or breed or training clubs that would like to host a workshop please let me know and we can set something up.

DOG OF THE MONTH

Argos and Rescue pup

Argos is a super sweet and smart guy who is owned, trained and loved by Angela Prendergrast.  Argos has completed several classes at Braveheart.  He is shown here with a rescue puppy that was brought to Braveheart who Angela and Argos generously agreed to take home and foster!

Christmas Eve Point Isabel Dog Walk
We are thinking it is time to do our Christmas Eve dog walk at Point Isabel again this year!  Join Rick and I and a dog or two of ours for a morning walk at Point Isabel on Christmas Eve.  Get your dogs out and walking before you start all the holiday festivities.  We will meet at Point Isabel, in the parking lot in front of Mudpuppies at 10am on Christmas Eve!  Dog and people friendly dogs will have a great time!

Point Isabel 2013

November Newsletter

Just as I sit down to write the November newsletter, I realized that I never did one for October!  Oh my!  Well, I have been busy, which is a good thing and something I am grateful for, but it wasn't my intention to skip October!  So, here we go with November.  Welcome Fall!  My favorite time of year. Things will be winding down with classes soon, but I have some cool things coming up for January and next year that I am going to be excited to share with you.

Likely the main reason I forgot the October newsletter was that I was preparing for my trip to Florida. I attended the Natural Encounters professional animal trainers week long workshop.  The workshop is designed and taught by Steve Martin and Susan Friedman, both regarded as two of the top animal trainers in the world.  They consult with zoos, teach trainers and Steve trains birds for free flight shows including the free flight macaw show for Disney.  It was a very exciting, fun and enriching trip.  The schedule was intensive with two hours of lecture every morning and every afternoon and two hours of hands on training every morning and afternoon.  We were split up into groups of four with one leader per group.  We were all given a macaw to train for our duration there.  In addition to the basic things we worked on such as building a relationship with the bird, delivering food reinforcers to the bird, teaching the bird to turn in a circle and reinforcing for flying to our hand, we were also allowed to choose a behavior or chain of behaviors that we wanted to train.  My bird was a gorgeous and social Hyacinth Macaw named Sulley.  If you have never met a Hyacinth before let me tell you they are amazing.  Easily one of the most beautiful of all the macaws and the largest.  Sulley was the only Hyacinth in the workshop and I felt very lucky to get to work with him.  In addition, each group had a corvid to train as a group.  Ours was a pied crow named Garfunkle who was amazing.  We also got to see some young Bald Eagle training, their Harpy Eagle and some work with a Red Tail Hawk.  It was an amazing trip and I am so glad I went.  This month I will be back in Florida for the Pet Professional Guild Summit conference to learn even more!

Here are a few photos from the trip:

With pied crow, Oreo

The magnificent Sulley

Sulley flying to my hand

Not where he is supposed to be

With Steve Martin

DOG OF THE MONTH

Valencia is a beautiful and sweet young Pharaoh Hound who is trained, loved and handled by Theresa Harper.  Valencia comes to Braveheart for her show ring training and is doing a fantastic job!

Ins and Outs of the Show Ring 1/2 Day Workshop
San Leandro, 12/6
I have so many clients that are just starting out in the show ring that I have decided to offer a 1/2 day workshop covering much of what you need to know about showing including what the dog needs to know, ring etiquette and procedure, classes to enter, what to wear and so much more.  Dogs do attend this seminar and space will be limited so register today!

Cooperative Care Class
I am designing a new class that will be offered in January called Cooperative Care.  The focus of this class will be teaching husbandry behaviors with your dogs such as nail trims, ear cleaning, grooming, examination, and much more.

UPCOMING CLASSES
Conditioning and Skills for the Show Ring, Pleasanton, Fridays, 6-6:50pm, starts 12/4
Scentwork Flash Class, San Leandro, 12/1, 6-7pm
Conformation Flash Class, San Leandro, 12/8, 7-8pm
Old Dogs, New Tricks Flash Class, San Leandro, 12/15, 7-8pm
Cooperative Care, San Leandro, 1/7, 6-6:50pm
Beginning Obedience/Manners, San Leandro, 1/9, 9-10am
Puppy Preschool, San Leandro, 1/9, 10-10:50am

Upcoming 1/2 day conformation workshop!

Mark your calendars for December 6!  I will be doing a 4 hour, 1/2 day long workshop on The Ins and Outs of the Show Ring.  This will be a workshop for people who are just getting started in conformation and need some help in direction in how shows work, what to wear, how to enter and what the show dog needs to know.  Please let me know of your interest and I will put you on my list of interested clients!  This is a tentative date but will be confirmed soon!

The Naturally Complete Canine Seminar with Anna Bettina

Braveheart Dog Training and Dodger's Paws Dog Training is proud to be hosting a seminar with Anna Bettina from Happy, Healthy Pup in Atlanta, Georgia.  The Naturally Complete Canine Seminar will give you tons of information about nutrition including homemade diets, as well as the use of other holistic remedies such as herbs and essential oils.  You won't want to miss this!  Register here!

Anna Bettina and Glaukos

September Newsletter

It's funny that as Summer is winding down we seem to be just starting in with some really hot weather!  Keep yourselves and your animals safe!

Most of you probably know that after 8+ years we will no longer be teaching dog training classes with the Castro Valley Adult School.  They replaced the floor in their multi-purpose room and when they did they informed us that they no longer wanted to have dogs in the building and that they were moving forward with more fitness classes.  That's okay for Braveheart as we still offer our classes at our own San Leandro location and at Dodger's Paws in Pleasanton.

In addition to this change, we have also made some other changes to the direction of the business.  At this time, we will no longer be offering private behavior consultations.  Our only private lessons will be for conformation/show dog training and bird consultations.  We will continue to offer our usual wide variety of dog and puppy training classes and have added a Monday night conformation class to the schedule which is taught by Yvonne Chohan. Vicki will also continue to offer a very limited number of board and train dogs (small dogs and puppies) for conformation training as her schedule allows.  Day training may be available for some of our clients as well.

Thank you all for your understanding and ongoing support.

DOG OF THE MONTH

Baxter is a sweet Labradoodle boy who has completed several of our classes with his owners Dorrie and Ryan.  He is shown here after earning his Canine Good Citizen award.  We love having this awesome family in our classes.



BRAGS
Those of you who participate in dog sports please feel free to let me know about your brags so I can share them here.

Congratulations to my own dog Opie (Aviance's Opportunity Knocks SL) who finished his championship with a 5 point specialty major.

Congratulations to Bernice Jensen and her Bulldog Bigges on completing his championship.

Congratulations to Cheryl Hawthorne and her Leonberger Bogey who completed his championship.

Congratulations to Jerry Caldwell and his Australian Cattle Dog Sly Cly who has had a few wins and obtained some championship points.

Congratulations to Rhonda Perkins and her Dachshund Emeril who recently got Reserve Winner's Dog at the Santa Rosa show.

August Newsletter

I can't believe it is already August.  I hope that everyone is enjoying their Summer.  I took my longhair Dachshund Opie to Ventura for a Dachshund Specialty show and then one day of the all breed show.  I made sure to come home on the morning of the 4th of July so that I could be here with the dogs in case of fireworks.  I'm so glad I was as it turned out to be a horrible night for my dog Jenny and I was glad to be able to be home with her.  She has never been this upset and I wasn't prepared, but plan to be better prepared next year.  I will be talking to my vet about some medication for her to help her cope with the fireworks.  I will NOT be using acepromazine, but will be wanting an anti anxiety med to help her through it.  I hope that you and your dogs did well.  It is a scary time for very sound sensitive dogs.

DOG OF THE MONTH

Bronn is a sweet German Shepherd who is owned and loved by his mom Chelsea.  He has been taking class with Braveheat since he was a baby in our puppy class.  Since then he has done a variety of classes and excels in everything Chelsea invites him to do.

The Naturally Complete Canine with Anna Bettina Seminar

Saturday, September 19, 9am to 5pm

Registration is just $85 if you register before September 1 (then $95)

Anna with Glaukos

I am very excited to be co-presenting this seminar with my good friend Christine Salazar of Dodger's Paws Dog Training.  If you are interested in learning about nutrition including raw and homemade diets, holistic approaches and the use of herbs and essential oils, you won't want to miss this day long seminar with Anna Bettina of Happy, Healthy Pup in Georgia.  Anna is a good friend and my go to person for nutrition and holistic remedies for my dogs.  Register here!

UPCOMING CLASSES

Indoor/Outdoor Advanced Obedience, San Leandro, Thursdays, 6-6:50pm, 4 weeks, starts 8/6

Conformation/Handling class, San Leandro, Tuesdays, 7-7:30, 4 weeks, starts 8/11

Conformation/Handling class with Yvonne, San Leandro, Mondays, 7-7:30pm, 4 weeks, starts 8/17

Real World, San Leandro, Tuesdays, 11-11:50am, 4 weeks, starts, 8/25

Conformation/Handling, San Leandro, Wednesdays, 12-12:30, 4 weeks, starts 9/9

Greetings and Salutations, Pleasanton, Fridays, 6-6:50pm, 4 weeks, starts 9/18

BRAGS

My Opie finished his Championship with a 5 point specialty major at the NCDC specialty show.

Cheryl's Leonberger Bogey, finished his Championship at the Richmond Dog Fanciers show.

Feel free to remind me of your brags!

UPCOMING CLASSES

UPCOMING CLASSES
Conformation, San Leandro, Wednesdays, 7/29, 12-12:30
Conformation with Yvonne Chohan, San Leandro, Mondays, 8/3, 7-7:30pm
Conformation, San Leandro, Tuesdays, 8/11, 7-7:30pm
Indoor/Outdoor Advanced Obedience, San Leandro, Thursdays, 8/6, 6-6:50pm
Real World, Tuesdays, 8/25, 11-11:50am
Canine Good Citizen, San Leandro, Thursdays, 9/10, 6-6:50pm
Greetings and Salutations, Pleasanton, Fridays, 9/11, 6-7pm
Beginning Obedience/Manners, San Leandro, Saturdays, 9/12, 9-10am
Puppy Preschool, San Leandro, Saturdays, 9/12, 10-10:50am

Register here

Aggressive Dogs In Conformation Classes

In the past I have tried to help people work through issues with their dogs in our classes including dogs in conformation class that may have issues with other dogs.  I have made the decision that this is not fair to the other dogs and students in the class.  Even if no contact is made, a dog can develop issues if he or she has been rushed, lunged at or frightened by another dog in class.  For this reason, I will no longer be allowing dogs that I feel make other dogs and people in class feel uncomfortable. Any dogs that makes contact with another dog due to the owner not being able to control the dog or not managing the dog in any way will immediately be removed from the class and not permitted to return.  This is regardless of whether the dog is behaving aggressively or the owner feels the dog wants to play, is being friendly or wouldn't hurt another dog.  It is everyone's responsibility to have control of their dogs.  This would not be appropriate at a dog show and it isn't appropriate in class.

Thank you in advance for your understanding.

July Newsletter

I hope that everyone had a great 4th of July holiday!  I went down to Ventura for the dog shows and had a nice weekend showing my Opie and my friend's puppy Emeril.  The boys traveled and roomed well together.  We came home with just a Specialty Reserve, but we proud of how both boys did.  I always try to prepare my show dogs for traveling by making sure that they:

• Are comfortable sleeping in a crate
• Are comfortable riding in the car and being crated in the car
• That they are comfortable and know how to go potty on cue and in novel locations
• That they eat meals and can eat in different locations
• And, of course, that they are trained and prepared for the show ring 

I made sure to come home on the 4th so that my husband would not have to be alone with my dogs and other animals on the night of the 4th.  I am so glad I did that.  It started out quiet, eerily quiet actually, but as the night went on the loud bangs and bombs started.  Most of my dogs were fine, but Jenny, my fearful Basset Hound mix had a really hard time.  She couldn't help panting and pacing.  My young wire Dachshund, Betty Spaghetti seemed to be feeding off of Jenny's anxiety and began to pace and worry as well.  I have never had them have this bad a reaction and I ended up sleeping on the floor with them in the living room for part of the night to quiet them down.  I used a Thundershirt on Betty which seemed to help.  I will be talking to my vet about meds (NOT Acepromazine) for Jenny for next year for sure.

DOG OF THE MONTH

This month's Dog of the Month is Harry the bulldog, owned, loved and trained by Jean Marie Hill.  Harry has been coming to Braveheart for conformation (show dog) training since he was a little puppy with Jean Marie.  All their hard work is paying off since Harry is already major pointed!  

UPCOMING CLASSES

Conformation with Yvonne Chohan

San Leandro, Mondays, 12-12:30pm, 4 weeks, $40, starts 7/20/15

Conformation with Vicki Ronchette

San Leandro, Wednesdays, 12-12:30pm, 4 weeks, $40, starts 7/29/15

Indoor/Outdoor Advanced Obedience

San Leandro, Thursdays, 6:00-6:50pm, 4 weeks, $110, starts 8/6/15

Conformation with Vicki Ronchette

San Leandro, Tuesdays, 7-7:30pm, 4 weeks, $40, starts 8/11/15

Reactive Rover Seminar with Kim Moeller on July 19

Do you have a dog that barks, lunges or pulls on the leash around other dogs? Then this seminar is for you. Kim Moeller is an expert on leash reactivity and will help you understand why your dog may be doing this and how to work with it. This seminar will include live demonstrations with hand picked reactive dogs so you can see the process in person. This is a seminar you won't want to miss!

A nationally certified professional dog trainer (CCPDT-KA) and a certified specialist in dog-dog aggression, Kim Moeller's skill in reading dog body language and working with dogs is well known and respected among her peers. Her leadership in the training field is reflected in her committed efforts toward improving the quality of life for dogs and building stronger bonds between dogs and their owners. A longtime trainer at theSan Francisco SPCA and a professional dog walker for the Bay Area, Kim's expertise in successfully working with dogs of all types reflects her love of animals and a passion for what she does. Kim is the author of Reactive Rover - Barking and Lunging on Leash and she is a knowledgeable, passionate and exciting speaker.

Co-hosted by Dodger's Paws and Braveheart Dog Training

Sunday, July 19, 9am-4pm, 
Humans Only, no non demo dogs will be allowed

Due to the planning involved in making these seminars available to you, we are sorry, there will be no refunds. 

Register here!

June Newsletter

It's already June and Summer is almost here. This is the time of year when I usually start posting information about how to protect your dog in the heat, from hot sidewalks and warn of the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars, but that hardly seems necessary right now.  Still, it may warm up and if it does, do be aware of making sure you are thinking about keeping your dog safe in the heat and sun.

I do have some really exciting upcoming classes that I want to share with all of you.  I am continually offering my basic puppy and beginning classes, but have been adding a lot of new and exciting other classes.  My current All Tricked Out trick class is going great and I will definitely be offering that again, perhaps even a level 2.  I really loved my Old Dogs, New Tricks class and will be doing more of that as well!  I am also working on a new class that will include tricks, useful stuff and music! Take a look at the schedule below of upcoming classes and be sure to get your dog registered soon!

UPCOMING CLASSES
Strength, Balance and Body Awareness REGISTER
Fridays, Pleasanton, June 12, 6pm, 3 weeks, $100
This class is one of my favorites to teach and I am so bummed that I can't take it myself!  In this class we use fitness equipment made just for dogs to help them build balance and core strength as well as to develop body awareness.  This is AMAZING for show dogs and a great confidence builder for any dogs that are needing a little something to boost their self confidence.

Real World REGISTER
Tuesdays, San Leandro, June 30, 11:30am, 4 weeks, $110
This class will help your dog practice their already learned skills in a variety of different locations including in and around my training building and then to various parks in the area.  Great for people looking for that next step with their dogs.

Small Dog Beginning Obedience/Manners REGISTER
Tuesdays, San Leandro, June 30, 6pm, 5 weeks, $165
This class is very similar to our beginning obedience class but is geared towards small dogs so the curriculum is a bit modified for them.  Designed to teach your small (under 25 pound dog) the basics including sit, down, stay, leave it, loose leash walking and more!

Greetings and Salutations
Thursdays, San Leandro, July 9, 6pm, 4 weeks, $110 REGISTER
Does your dog's greetings skills need some polishing?  This class is for you!  We will work on nothing greetings.  Dogs will need to be okay in the car as they will be worked in the class one at a time so that they have many opportunities to greet new people and practice their skills.

Conformation/Handling Class
Mondays, San Leandro, June 22, 12pm, 4 weeks, with Yvonne Chohan REGISTER
Tuesdays, San Leandro, June 23, 7pm, 4 weeks, with Vicki Ronchette REGISTER
Wednesday, San Leandro, June 17, 12pm, 4 weeks, with Vicki Ronchette REGISTER

DOG OF THE MONTH

My dog of the month is Sly Cly.  This sweet, intelligent, adorable little guy is owned and loved and will be handled by his owner Jerry.  Cly has been in my conformation class but came to stay with me for two weeks to learn how to be a show dog and he is doing great!  Can't wait to see what Cly can do in the ring!

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.