Last night's Targeting Flash Class was so much fun. Flash Classes are one session, usually one hour classes where we focus on a specific issue. I just recently brought back these one session classes and am glad people are excited about them. Monday night, 6-7pm, I am doing a Strength, Balance and Body Awareness Flash Class in San Leandro. Cost is $20. Please RSVP if you would like to come!
Also, I have added a 3 week Strength, Balance and Body Awareness class in San Leandro to begin on Monday, April 29 from 6-7pm. Cost is $100. Please contact me if you would like to register.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
April Newsletter
Welcome Spring! It is hard to believe that it's already April. I have some exciting things to share with all of you. As always, thank you so much for your ongoing confidence and support of Braveheart Dog Training.
Class Locations
As some of you may have noticed, I am no longer teaching classes in Dublin or offering board and train services out of Dublin. I am no longer affiliated with the kennel in any way. Don't worry, I am still offering In-Home Day Training services in Dublin. And, I still do classes in Castro Valley, less than 10 minutes from Dublin, as I have for many years.
Bird/Parrot Training and Behavior Consulting
Most of you know that I have lived with birds almost as long as I have lived with dogs. I love birds and have lived with birds for many years. I have a strong interest in bird training and behavior modification and have been working towards offering bird/parrot training, behavior consulting, enrichment and cage set up services for several years now. In January 2013, I began to offer this service officially. Please keep this in mind if you are a bird owner or have friends who may need help with with birds.

Positive Training for Show Dogs Online Course
Over the years, I have received many requests to create an online course to help people learn to train show dogs using positive reinforcement methods. I have finally done it! The course is set to start on April 8. Please visit my website here to learn more and register.
Positive Training for Show Dogs Seminar
I will be doing a two day seminar in Lynnwood, WA on June 15 and 16, 2013. Please visit this website to learn more and register.
New Classes
Who Knows?
A couple of months ago I introduced a new class that I would be offering called Who Knows? The Who Knows? class is a one session class in which we will focus on a specific issue or training concept. With the Who Knows? class, I will not announce the topic until just before the class and in some cases, not until the class itself! It is a grab bag class. You don't know what you will get, which could be a fun surprise!
Flash Classes
Another new concept that I came up with are Flash Classes. These are simply one session classes in which we will focus on a specific issue or training concept, much like the Who Knows? class. The difference is that the Flash Classes will be announced much farther in advance than the Who Knows? class which may be announced with short notice and little planning! The first Flash Class will be held on April 18 in San Leandro from 6-7pm. The topic for that class will be "targeting". The cost is $20. Please contact me if you would like to register.
I used to offer one session classes all the time and people really liked them. The truth is that I had sort of forgotten about them, but I had a couple of requests so I thought I would bring them back! Keep your eye on the calendar, Facebook and the blog for upcoming Who Knows? and Flash Classes.
A Day With The Trainer
In March, I went to Ohio to the Animal Behavior Center to spend two days training birds, one on one with Lara Joseph. Lara is a highly respected bird trainer, behavior consultant and enrichment expert. Her work with parrots, birds of prey and corvids is well known and highly regarded. This program is unique in that you get to train one on one with Lara and work on whatever you choose. This is very different than most of the continued education programs which are usually seminars, lectures or workshops.
I had the time of life there and learned so very much. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in learning more about working with birds or other animals. Lara is not only a fantastic, highly skilled and amazing trainer but also a wonderful host who I now consider a good friend. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from my trip:
Training Suki, blue fronted amazon to recall to me:
Class Locations
As some of you may have noticed, I am no longer teaching classes in Dublin or offering board and train services out of Dublin. I am no longer affiliated with the kennel in any way. Don't worry, I am still offering In-Home Day Training services in Dublin. And, I still do classes in Castro Valley, less than 10 minutes from Dublin, as I have for many years.
Bird/Parrot Training and Behavior Consulting
Most of you know that I have lived with birds almost as long as I have lived with dogs. I love birds and have lived with birds for many years. I have a strong interest in bird training and behavior modification and have been working towards offering bird/parrot training, behavior consulting, enrichment and cage set up services for several years now. In January 2013, I began to offer this service officially. Please keep this in mind if you are a bird owner or have friends who may need help with with birds.
DOG OF THE MONTH
Riley (Ruby Cavalier), MuShu (Pekingese) and Glory (Black and Tan Cavalier) are owned, loved and trained by Susan Moorse. All three of them have taken many classes with Braveheart! Susan's dogs became automatic Braveheart students when Susan adopted MuShu from Vicki several years ago. We love having the Moorse dogs in our classes!

Positive Training for Show Dogs Online Course
Over the years, I have received many requests to create an online course to help people learn to train show dogs using positive reinforcement methods. I have finally done it! The course is set to start on April 8. Please visit my website here to learn more and register.
Positive Training for Show Dogs Seminar
I will be doing a two day seminar in Lynnwood, WA on June 15 and 16, 2013. Please visit this website to learn more and register.
New Classes
Who Knows?
A couple of months ago I introduced a new class that I would be offering called Who Knows? The Who Knows? class is a one session class in which we will focus on a specific issue or training concept. With the Who Knows? class, I will not announce the topic until just before the class and in some cases, not until the class itself! It is a grab bag class. You don't know what you will get, which could be a fun surprise!
Flash Classes
Another new concept that I came up with are Flash Classes. These are simply one session classes in which we will focus on a specific issue or training concept, much like the Who Knows? class. The difference is that the Flash Classes will be announced much farther in advance than the Who Knows? class which may be announced with short notice and little planning! The first Flash Class will be held on April 18 in San Leandro from 6-7pm. The topic for that class will be "targeting". The cost is $20. Please contact me if you would like to register.
I used to offer one session classes all the time and people really liked them. The truth is that I had sort of forgotten about them, but I had a couple of requests so I thought I would bring them back! Keep your eye on the calendar, Facebook and the blog for upcoming Who Knows? and Flash Classes.
A Day With The Trainer
In March, I went to Ohio to the Animal Behavior Center to spend two days training birds, one on one with Lara Joseph. Lara is a highly respected bird trainer, behavior consultant and enrichment expert. Her work with parrots, birds of prey and corvids is well known and highly regarded. This program is unique in that you get to train one on one with Lara and work on whatever you choose. This is very different than most of the continued education programs which are usually seminars, lectures or workshops.
I had the time of life there and learned so very much. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in learning more about working with birds or other animals. Lara is not only a fantastic, highly skilled and amazing trainer but also a wonderful host who I now consider a good friend. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from my trip:
Training Suki, blue fronted amazon to recall to me:
Working on targeting with Murray, green wing macaw:
Me and Rocky, Moluccan Cockatoo:
Training budgies Ollie and Butters to recall:
Lara and I:
Monday, March 25, 2013
No Drop In Conformation on Tuesday
There will be no drop in conformation class on Tuesday, March 26. There WILL be class on Wednesday, March 27 and Tuesday class will resume next week.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
March Newsletter
Spring is just around the corner! Yay! I love this time of year. With more daylight will come more classes, so please check out the schedule of upcoming classes!
DOG OF THE MONTH
Meech is an adorable mixed breed dog who is loved and adored by his mom, Coralee! Meech is a great dog who loves to learn! He is currently gracing us with his presence in the our Canine Freestyle class! We love having Meech and Coralee in class, they are an unstoppable team!
New Online Course!
For the past few years, I have not only been working with clients locally, but have also been coaching people from all over the world on how to use positive methods to work with show dogs. As ridiculous as it may sound, this is a concept that is not widely accepted and people have a very difficult time finding help and support in this area. I coach people through phone consults, my Positive Training for Show Dogs Facebook page and my Clickershowdogs yahoogroup. Now, I have taken the next step in helping people out of my area.
The first Positive Training for Show Dogs Online Course here! The first session of this course will be offered beginning on April 8, 2013. If you are interested in learning more about it, please check out this link!
Upcoming Classes
Introduction to K9 Nose Work, San Leandro, Friday, March 8, 8-9:30pm, taught by Yvonne Chohan
Beginning Obedience/Manners, San Leandro, Saturday, March 30, 9-10am
Puppy Preschool, San Leandro, Saturday, March 30, 10-10:50am
Indoor/Outdoor Intermediate, San Leandro, Saturday, March 30, 11-11:50am
Canine Good Citizen Prep, San Leandro, Thursday, April 4, 6-6:50pm
Marshmallows, San Leandro, Thursday, April 4, 7-8:15pm
Small Dog Beginning Obedience/Manners, Castro Valley, Monday, April 8, 6:30-7:30pm
Fun with Training and Tricks, Castro Valley, Monday, April 8, 7:30-8:15pm
Fun with Freestyle, San Leandro, Friday, May 3, 6-6:50pm
Please contact me if you are interested in registering for any of these classes!
Fundraiser to Benefit Rescue Dogs
Most of you know that I am deeply involved in animal rescue. I am organizing an Art Show fundraiser to benefit rescue animals in need! Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 20, 1-5pm! Please feel free to share this flyer!
Continuing Education
As most of you know, I am committed to continued education. I think that being in this profession, I have an obligation to continue to learn and grow. This means, not only keeping up with the latest information on how animals learn and training information, but also on improving my own training skills.
I am excited to be going to train with Lara Joseph this month. Lara is a well known bird trainer and enrichment expert. In addition to parrots, Lara works with birds of prey and other wild birds. I am going to Ohio, to spend two days with Lara, for one-on-one training. I am really looking forward to this trip and can't wait to report back to you with details.
As an animal trainer, I think it is important to try and work with as many different species as possible. Working with different types of animals makes us better trainers.
DOG OF THE MONTH
Meech is an adorable mixed breed dog who is loved and adored by his mom, Coralee! Meech is a great dog who loves to learn! He is currently gracing us with his presence in the our Canine Freestyle class! We love having Meech and Coralee in class, they are an unstoppable team!
New Online Course!
For the past few years, I have not only been working with clients locally, but have also been coaching people from all over the world on how to use positive methods to work with show dogs. As ridiculous as it may sound, this is a concept that is not widely accepted and people have a very difficult time finding help and support in this area. I coach people through phone consults, my Positive Training for Show Dogs Facebook page and my Clickershowdogs yahoogroup. Now, I have taken the next step in helping people out of my area.
The first Positive Training for Show Dogs Online Course here! The first session of this course will be offered beginning on April 8, 2013. If you are interested in learning more about it, please check out this link!
Upcoming Classes
Introduction to K9 Nose Work, San Leandro, Friday, March 8, 8-9:30pm, taught by Yvonne Chohan
Beginning Obedience/Manners, San Leandro, Saturday, March 30, 9-10am
Puppy Preschool, San Leandro, Saturday, March 30, 10-10:50am
Indoor/Outdoor Intermediate, San Leandro, Saturday, March 30, 11-11:50am
Canine Good Citizen Prep, San Leandro, Thursday, April 4, 6-6:50pm
Marshmallows, San Leandro, Thursday, April 4, 7-8:15pm
Small Dog Beginning Obedience/Manners, Castro Valley, Monday, April 8, 6:30-7:30pm
Fun with Training and Tricks, Castro Valley, Monday, April 8, 7:30-8:15pm
Fun with Freestyle, San Leandro, Friday, May 3, 6-6:50pm
Please contact me if you are interested in registering for any of these classes!
Fundraiser to Benefit Rescue Dogs
Most of you know that I am deeply involved in animal rescue. I am organizing an Art Show fundraiser to benefit rescue animals in need! Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 20, 1-5pm! Please feel free to share this flyer!
Continuing Education
As most of you know, I am committed to continued education. I think that being in this profession, I have an obligation to continue to learn and grow. This means, not only keeping up with the latest information on how animals learn and training information, but also on improving my own training skills.
I am excited to be going to train with Lara Joseph this month. Lara is a well known bird trainer and enrichment expert. In addition to parrots, Lara works with birds of prey and other wild birds. I am going to Ohio, to spend two days with Lara, for one-on-one training. I am really looking forward to this trip and can't wait to report back to you with details.
As an animal trainer, I think it is important to try and work with as many different species as possible. Working with different types of animals makes us better trainers.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Positive Training for Show Dogs Online Course
I have opened registration for my Positive Training for Show Dogs Online Course. All of the details can be found on this page!
Monday, February 4, 2013
February Newsletter
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
What's New
I feel like I have so much to say this month! First, I am excited to share what a great time I had attending Clicker Expo in January. Clicker Expo is a huge, animal training conference that is held twice yearly in different areas of the country. I had attended in 2010 and loved it, so when it came to San Franciso this year, there was no way I was going to miss it. It being so close meant that I could actually bring a dog along without having to travel far, so I brought Sonic along for two of the three days. We participated in a working lab with Kay Laurence which was amazing and he came with me to several lectures and sat on a mat or on my lap while I took notes.
The first day, I had forgotten to pack him a kong, so my crafty trainer friend Christine Salazar, made him a kong out of a small, plastic container from Starbucks. Poking a few holes in it, allowed us to fill it with treats and kibble that he had to work out of the holes. Perfect! The second day, I was much better and brought him a food toy! Here he is working on his food "toy":
I saw lectures/presentations from Ken Ramirez, Kay Laurence, Kathy Sdao, Julie Shaw, Karen Pryor and Susan Friedman. I met many trainers that I correspond with from all over the world which was also amazing to do! All in all, it was a fantastic time! Here is a picture of Susan Friedman and I:
I was very excited to see my book available for sale there:
Asha is a female Rottweiler belonging to Barbara Erwin. Asha is very active in our K9 Nose Work classes and has already completed her ORT and is very close to being trialed in nose work! Barbara does a lot of things with Asha, who also competes in rally, obedience and is a therapy dog. Interestingly, I met Barbara years ago when we I had my first Rottweiler, Boris and she had her Rottweiler, Roxie and we trained together. We so enjoy having this team in our classes!
Who Knows?
I am excited to share the addition of a new class called Who Knows? This class will vary in location, content and day time. The class focus will change from class to class. One class we will work on Strength, Balance and Body Awareness and the next time we may work on leash walking and the next time we may meet at a park and work on leash walking. The majority of classes will be held at my shop on Marina Blvd. but sometimes we may meet at a park for a Real World session or at a coffee shop to work on relaxing on your mat. The type of class, location, day and time will be posted on Facebook and the blog. This will be a drop in class and the cost will be $20 for the session. Most classes will be one hour in length.
Upcoming Classes
Strength, Balance and Body Awareness
San Leandro, Thursdays, 2/21, 6:30-7:30, 5 weeks, $150 - FULL (don't worry, already working on a second class)
Continuing Nose Work with Yvonne Chohan
San Leandro, Fridays, 2/22, 6:30-8:00, 4 weeks, $100
Acceptance into this class requires instructor approval.
Intro to Nose Work with Yvonne Chohan
San Leandro, Fridays, 3/8, 8:00-9:30, 6 weeks, $185
Beginning Obedience/Manners
Dublin, Saturdays, 3/30, 9:00-10:00, 6 weeks, $150
Puppy Preschool
Dublin, Saturdays, 3/30, 10:00-10:50, 6 weeks, $150
Fun with Agility
Dublin, Saturdays, 3/30, 11-11:50, 6 weeks, $150
Marshmallows, Canine Good Citizen and more coming in April!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
January Newsletter
Happy New Year! 2013. All I can say is "time flies", but I think we are having fun, right? The new session of classes all started up this week and it is nice to get back into the swing of things.
WHAT'S NEW FOR THE NEW YEAR?
I am pretty excited about some of the things I have planned for 2013. For one thing, the brand new Fun with Training and Tricks started this week and was so much fun. It is my latest creation and has skill building, manners training practice, tricks, music, the whole enchilada really. I dig it! Keep an eye out for that one in Spring, as I am sure many of you will really enjoy it. Also, my first ever Strength, Balance and Body Awareness class is scheduled to start on February 7. I am excited to report that the class is full, but don't worry, it is another new class that is here to stay. Also, I will be continuing to offer Canine Freestyle classes which is one of my favorite classes to teach. The dogs and owners alike seem to really enjoy this class. And, of course, for you agility diehards, Fun with Agility will return in the Spring at Dublin Creek Kennel.
Our Tuesday evening and Wednesday noon Drop In Conformation classes are back up and running too. So, if you are preparing for a show or getting a new puppy started for the ring, drop on by! If you are new to showing, you might want to do a private session first to learn the ropes before diving into the group class. Yvonne's Drop In Nose Work class on Wednesday nights and our small dog play groups are back too! Be sure to let me know if you want to be on our nose work drop in conformation invitation list. This is a great way to keep your dog working in between classes.
As always, to keep up with all of our classes and events, visit our website at www.braveheartdogtraining.com. Last year, our website received a much needed makeover, and I think you will find that it is easier to navigate and find the information you need.
You can also get updates and information on our Braveheart Dog Training Facebook page. Simply "like" our page and you will receive our updates.
BIRD AND PARROT TRAINING AND BEHAVIOR CONSULTING
I am really excited to share that after years of preparation, training and hard work, as of January 2013, Braveheart now offers bird and parrot training and behavior consulting. Most of you know that the only thing that comes close to rivaling my love of dogs is my love of birds and parrots. I share my home with several birds and have had birds almost as long as I have lived with dogs. I am really exciting to be adding this service to our offerings. Check out our Bird and Parrot page on our website.
CONTINUED EDUCATION
In case you don't already know, I believe very strongly in continued education and skill development. I feel that in order to be my best it is critical that I continue to learn and hone my skills. So far, I have two big continued education plans for this year. First, I will be attending Clicker Expo in January. Clicker Expo is a three day long, animal training conference. I am excited not only to learn but also to see my trainer friends from around the world, who I usually just get to correspond with via email, Facebook and sometimes online courses. Second, in March I will be attending TWO days of personal, one on one training with Lara Joseph a highly respected bird/parrot trainer in Ohio. I am so excited about both of these huge learning opportunities and intend to report back on how they go.
DOG OF THE MONTH
Spirit Rosenberg is our dog of the month! Spirit and her owner Elisa have taken several classes with Braveheart and comes to us for conformation training/coaching. Next up for Spirit is our Strength, Balance and Body Awareness class! Of course we know we will always see her in our conformation classes and at the dog shows as well!
WHAT'S NEW FOR THE NEW YEAR?
I am pretty excited about some of the things I have planned for 2013. For one thing, the brand new Fun with Training and Tricks started this week and was so much fun. It is my latest creation and has skill building, manners training practice, tricks, music, the whole enchilada really. I dig it! Keep an eye out for that one in Spring, as I am sure many of you will really enjoy it. Also, my first ever Strength, Balance and Body Awareness class is scheduled to start on February 7. I am excited to report that the class is full, but don't worry, it is another new class that is here to stay. Also, I will be continuing to offer Canine Freestyle classes which is one of my favorite classes to teach. The dogs and owners alike seem to really enjoy this class. And, of course, for you agility diehards, Fun with Agility will return in the Spring at Dublin Creek Kennel.
Our Tuesday evening and Wednesday noon Drop In Conformation classes are back up and running too. So, if you are preparing for a show or getting a new puppy started for the ring, drop on by! If you are new to showing, you might want to do a private session first to learn the ropes before diving into the group class. Yvonne's Drop In Nose Work class on Wednesday nights and our small dog play groups are back too! Be sure to let me know if you want to be on our nose work drop in conformation invitation list. This is a great way to keep your dog working in between classes.
As always, to keep up with all of our classes and events, visit our website at www.braveheartdogtraining.com. Last year, our website received a much needed makeover, and I think you will find that it is easier to navigate and find the information you need.
You can also get updates and information on our Braveheart Dog Training Facebook page. Simply "like" our page and you will receive our updates.
BIRD AND PARROT TRAINING AND BEHAVIOR CONSULTING
I am really excited to share that after years of preparation, training and hard work, as of January 2013, Braveheart now offers bird and parrot training and behavior consulting. Most of you know that the only thing that comes close to rivaling my love of dogs is my love of birds and parrots. I share my home with several birds and have had birds almost as long as I have lived with dogs. I am really exciting to be adding this service to our offerings. Check out our Bird and Parrot page on our website.
CONTINUED EDUCATION
In case you don't already know, I believe very strongly in continued education and skill development. I feel that in order to be my best it is critical that I continue to learn and hone my skills. So far, I have two big continued education plans for this year. First, I will be attending Clicker Expo in January. Clicker Expo is a three day long, animal training conference. I am excited not only to learn but also to see my trainer friends from around the world, who I usually just get to correspond with via email, Facebook and sometimes online courses. Second, in March I will be attending TWO days of personal, one on one training with Lara Joseph a highly respected bird/parrot trainer in Ohio. I am so excited about both of these huge learning opportunities and intend to report back on how they go.
DOG OF THE MONTH
Spirit Rosenberg is our dog of the month! Spirit and her owner Elisa have taken several classes with Braveheart and comes to us for conformation training/coaching. Next up for Spirit is our Strength, Balance and Body Awareness class! Of course we know we will always see her in our conformation classes and at the dog shows as well!
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