November 2009 Brave Heart to Heart Newsletter

I hope that everyone is enjoying the cooler, fall weather. Isn't it wonderful? Me and my dogs are loving it.

Some of our classes will be wrapping up for the end of the year, but I want to remind everyone that our drop in Monday classes are still in full swing. The drop in class is on Mondays at 6:30pm and is taught by Dawn Bushong. Dawn switches between rally and obedience each week, it's a great class to keep your dog working through the down times.

I am trying to get put together a one session Winter Games class too, so please let me know if you are interested and I will put you on the contact list. Winter Games will be a class to help people find things to do with their dogs during the rainy months. AND, it will, hopefully, be taught by a guest trainer and good friend of mine...... more to come.....

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone. Remember to keep your garbage put up to protect your dogs from getting into garbage that may have turkey bones or a lot of fatty food that could cause stomach upsets, obstructions or pancreatitis.

Dog of the Month

Tank Holthaus

Tank is a French Bulldog owned by Laura and Tim. Tank competes in conformation and comes to Braveheart's show dog classes and has also done our CGC class and our Real World class. Tank is a real sweetheart!

Howl-O-Ween

I hope everyone had a great Halloween. Check out the pictures from our annual Howl-O-Ween Party at http://www.braveheartdogtraining.net/halloween2009.html It was SO great to see everyone there!

Holiday Travel with Your Dog

I had a special request to write an article about holiday travel with your dogs which I think is a great idea. Here are some tips about travelling with your dogs, during the holidays or any time.

~If you are going to drive, consider travelling with your dog inside a crate in your car. It is much safer for dogs to be in crates in the car for a few different reasons. First, if you get into an accident, a crated animal is not going to be thrown like a loose animal would. If you do get into an accident and you are hurt, it is very likely that a loose dog will get out of the car and get lost or hit because ambulance drivers are going to have to tend to you and are not going to be able to deal with a loose dog. The other plus side is that you will have your crate with you for wherever you are visiting so you will have your dogs bedroom there for him or her to rest and relax in when you are out shopping or visiting with friends and relatives.

~If you are going to fly with your dog you have other things to think about. Those of you with small dogs (under 22 pounds) can fly with your dog with you, under the seat on many airlines. If you are going to fly with your dog under your seat, you will need to get them used to being inside a Sherpa bag. The Sherpa bag is, in my opinion, the best in cabin airline bag. It is roomy and has mesh on all sides. It is made for comfort for the animal. I have found that many of my dogs will just curl up and go to sleep in their Sherpas because they are right there, tucked in between your feet. If your dog rights in the Sherpa you can pack all their "stuff" like dog food, bedding, toys, treats, in their regular hard crate and check that as extra baggage so you will have all their stuff including crate with you for your trip. Larger dogs cannot fly under the seat and will have to be shipped with the cargo. You will have to decide if this is something you are comfortable with. My dogs travel with me in the cabin, but I have flown with client dogs in cargo (because this was what the dog's owner preferred and the owner was there too) and they did fine.

When you fly with your dog dont' feed them breakfast and don't give them a lot of water before you travel. Make sure they go potty before you get on the plane. Please do not drug your dogs with something like Acepromazine. This will not help them mentally if they are afraid, it will just make them unable to do anything. It's a better idea to try and desensitize them to the Sherpa bag and to riding around in it or in the crate in the car.

I know that Continental and American and Delta all allow dogs under the seat and in cargo. I have flown or had dogs shipped to me (when they came from out of state or out of the country) on these airlines and they did well. Southwest doesn't fly dogs at all.

~Bring plenty of your dogs food with you when you travel. You may not be able to find their brand in stores out of hte area and you don't want them to have to eat something that may upset their bodies.

~If your dog is ultra sensitive, you may have to bring your own water for him or her as well.

~I always carry Benebac which is an over the counter remedy for mild tummy upsets. I also have Benadryl on hand for any allergic reactions.

~Bring poop bags!! And, if you have a dog that is going to the snow or someplace really chilly bring them a coat to where so that they'll be comfortable. Desensitize to that too!

Have a great trip and good for you for bringing your dogs with you!

Play Groups

Effective this week we will be offering Puppy Play Groups in addition to our regular play groups. The puppy play groups will be for puppies that are 8 to 20 weeks and under 40 pounds. The Puppy Play Groups will be held on Wednesdays at 6:30pm and on Saturdays at 11am. Puppies will be permitted to say in the group until they outgrow it in size or play style.

BRAGS

Allison Ching's Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Remy was Best in Sweepstakes at the Swissie specialty in October. Way to go Remy!!

Marge McNabb's Ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rosie (handled by Vicki) was Reserve Winner's Bitch to a 5 point major at the Del Valle show in October. Yay Rose!!

Vicki's miniature Dachshund Carrot was Best of Variety out of the classes both days at Del Valle. She needs only 3 single points to finish her championship.

Dawn Bushong's German Shepherd Mix Penny was Best Mixed Breed in Show at the Mixed Breed Fun Match in October. Hooray for Penny!

Howl-O-Ween Party Pictures

Here are some of the pictures from our Howl-O-Ween Party. I think I got everyone on there. Let me know if I missed anyone!

http://www.braveheartdogtraining.net/halloween2009.html

Pet First Aid, Howl-O-Ween info!

I just wanted to remind everyone that I still have openings in our Pet First Aid class on November 1. I am not sure when we will hold this one again so please let me know if you would like to register for it. Cost is $80.

Also, please don't forget our annual Howl-O-Ween Party on Friday, October 30 from 6:30-8:30pm in San Leandro.

No Conformation Class on October 20

Because of the long show weekend, there will be no conformation class on October 20 (next Tuesday).

Changes to Braveheart Play Groups

I am writing to let everyone know about some changes we are going to be making to the Braveheart Play Groups. We will be restructuring things in order to make the play groups more fun and beneficial to all of the dogs that attend.

The first change is that we will be adding a Puppy Play Group that will be just for puppies from 8 weeks to 20 weeks old and under 40 pounds. This will allow puppies to have more puppy play which is so beneficial to them. Puppies may be separated based on size and temperament much like we do in our Puppy Preschool classes. The idea is to have puppies playing with puppies rather than single puppies playing with groups of adult dogs. Small breed puppies may be able to graduate into our adult dog Play Groups. We are scheduling the Saturday play groups so that puppies will be able to attend both Puppy Play Group and Puppy Preschool class ifthe onwers which to do that.

We are also going to be changing the requirements for the dogs that we accept into the play groups. Up until now we have tried to accept dogs that are shy, reactive or that do not get along with other dogs easily. Our play groups can not be a place to work on behavior issues with other dogs. It isn't fair to any of the dogs attending including the reactive dog. We will only be accepting dogs that get along easily with other dogs. If a dog needs a few minutes to adjust this is fine, but if after a short time a dog cannot play appropriately they will have to leave the play group. This is not only to protect the other dogs, it is also to protect the dog that is having an issue. Reactivity isn't fun and if a dog is feeling threatened or uncomfortable in a group of dogs, he shouldn't be exposed to that environment. It is very normal for dogs to become more selective of play mates as they become adults. This doesn't mean the dog is bad or even has major issues, he just may be selective and not a candidate for dog parks or play groups. Some dogs do better one on one or with two or three known dogs. We don't want dogs that DO NOT have issues to become frightened or feel uncomfortable at play groups. We also don't want dogs without issues to have to be overmoderated in their play. We feel it is in the best interest of our play groups to keep them fun and stress free it is in the best interest of reactive dogs not to be exposed to other dogs in this way. Please know that if your dog has a dog/dog behavioral issue you may contact me to discuss private training to work on the issue.

We will be requiring that all of our play group male dogs be neutered. Unneutered males can be targets for neutered dogs and we want to eliminate as many issues within our play groups. For this reason, we will now be requiring that all males over 6 months old be neutered. At this time, we will allow unspayed females as long as they are not in season and as long as their are no issues. In season females will not be permitted to attend play group.

The new schedule and guidelines will be effective November 4. Here is the new play group schedule:

Wednesdays - Puppy Play Group (puppies 8 to 20 weeks old and no more than 40 pounds) 6:30-7pm, Small Dog Play Group 7:00-7:30pm

Saturdays - Puppy Play Group (puppies 20 weeks old and no more than 40 pounds) 11:00-11:30am, Small Dog Play Group 11:30-12:00pm

Thank you to everyone for attending our play groups. We are sure that you will understand that we are trying to create the best play groups around and we hope that these changes will help us to achieve that goal.

Pet First Aid

Braveheart Dog Training wants you to be prepared for the unexpected. Knowing pet first aid gives every cat and dog owner many skills necessary to respond effectively to unexpected emergencies as well as the daily assessment of their pet’s health. Our class focuses on the basics that allow pet owners to provide first response care, first aid kits and the beginning of disaster response planning.

Because this information is so important, we bring you one of the highest regarded and most experienced First Aid teachers in the Bay Area. You'll learn how to respond to a wide range of animal emergencies, from dressing a wound to performing CPR to preparing for natural disasters that impact the care and well being of your pet.

Enroll today for Pet First Aid, taught by Lisa Clifton-Bumpass, award winning teacher and writer with over 10 years experience teaching thousands of students Pet First Aid. The class will be held on November 1st, from 10:AM to 2:30PM at the Braveheart Dog Training, 2123 Marina Blvd., San Leandro. Cost is $80 per person.

Doors open at 9:30 am for coffee and the “get to know you” session, the lecture starts promptly at 10 am. Bring note taking materials and a comfortable folding camping chair if you have one. This class is for people only, dogs will not be permitted and there may not be shade, so please leave your dogs at home.

October Newsletter

Welcome Fall and the nice cooler weather!! I am ready for it, I am sure my dogs are ready for it and I'll bet you are all ready for autumn. I will be offering some classes throughout the fall including a San Leandro Puppy Preschool class starting in October as well as two Three's Company classes starting in November! Also, don't forget the Pet First Aid class as well as a canine massage class in November!

Braveheart's Annual Howl-O-Ween Party!

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 30 at 6:30pm-8:30pm. We will be hosting our annual Howl-O-Ween Party at Braveheart Dog Training in San Leandro. Bring yourself and your dog to this fun event and participate in our Canine Costume Contest, Trick Contest and Toss and Catch Contest. Fun prizes and treats for your dogs! Please make sure that your costume is comfortable and safe for your dog. Please only bring dog and human friendly dogs!

Dog of the Month

Sammy Bass





Sammy began attending Braveheart classes as a puppy while he was still being fostered by Laurie England of Rottie Angels Rescue. After he was adopted by Ned and Carmen Bass he continued to attend our classes and now enjoys our recreational agility class!

Upcoming Classes
Puppy Preschool, San Leandro, Tuesdays, 6:00-6:50pm, starts October 27, $110

Three's Company, San Leandro, Thursdays, 6:30-7:15pm and 7:15-8:30pm, both start November 5, $200

Pet First Aid Class with Lisa Clifton Bumpass, San Leandro, Sunday, November 1, 10:00-2:30pm, $80

If you are interested in any of these classes, please email me at braveheartdogs@sbcglobal.net for a registration form.

New Format

I am changing the format for the Beginning Obedience and Small Dog Beginning Obedience and Manners classes in that the dogs WILL be attending the first class. This change will be in effect for our November Three's Company class. I am very excited about this change and hope it will benefit the students like I think it will.

Whole Dog Journal

I am excited to share that I have written an article on positive training for show dogs which was published in the October Whole Dog Journal magazine. I am a big fan of the Whole Dog Journal which focuses on positive reinforcement dog training, holistic medicine and lots of information about dog food.

Puppy Play Group

Braveheart is now offering a Puppy Playgroup for puppies! This playgroup is offered on Saturdays and will be listed on the website schedule as soon as the time is worked out as we want it to work in conjunction with our puppy class so people have the opportunity to attend both puppy class and puppy playgroup!