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