photo of happy dog
Lucky Dog Sports Club in Jupiter
Positive, rewards-based
dog training
 
May 2009
Greetings!
Dog Behavior Seminar Series
We've got four awesome seminar topics scheduled for you, one per month through the summer. Dr. Lisa Radosta, board-certified veterinary behaviorist, is the speaker. Learn more about your dog,  why he does what he does, how to improve your communication and develop a more meaningful relationship. Look below for details.
 
Lots of new classes that you've been asking for, including Rally-O, both beginner and advanced. Yay!
 
Check out all of the news, below. Don't miss a class or event that you may be interested in.

Register before you miss the class you want!
Don't know how to sign up for that fun class you want to take? Drop on over to the schedule page, find the class you want and click on the "Sign Up" button. 
Be sure to get your registration form in before the class fills so you will be guaranteed a spot.  
Rally-O
Rally-Obedience 
Begins Wednesday, May 27th. Advanced class begins at 6:00 p.m. and the Beginner class begins at 7:30 p.m. These 6-week classes end on July 1st. These classes are taught by Maureen Parsons, a positive, rewards-based trainer who will guide you through the exercises and understanding of the instructional signs.
 
Click here for a registration form or go to our schedule page.
 
Don't know what Rally is? Here's a short description. 
 
Rally obedience, or "Rally-O" as it has been termed by enthusiasts, is a fun obedience activity that combines elements of obedience and agility. It is more relaxed Rally Signthan precision competitive obedience, focusing instead on attitude and enthusiasm, while the variety of exercises and courses allows you to show off your versatility and teamwork.

As in agility, courses are designed by the judge and are different in every trial. Exhibitors receive a course map from the judge and can walk the course without their dogs prior to the start of the class.  A sign at each station gives instructions to the dog-handler team.
 
Rally emphasizes fun and excitement for the dog/handler team while providing an interactive approach to obedience. The focus is on teamwork, communication and fun, rather than precision. The Rally Right Signexercises involved in the course will help build your skills as a handler and increase your dog's repertoire of behaviors. Praise, encouragement, and continuous communication are permitted in this sport. 
For more information about Rally and Rally I (Beginner) and Rally II ( Advanced) classes please to our website.
 
A complete description of Rally Obedience is on the AKC website
In This Issue
Rally-O Classes
Dog Behavior Seminar Series
Agility Class & Events Schedule
Obedience Classes
Puppy Socialization & Training
News and Special Events
Article: Fun Times For Your Dog
BRAGS! Congratulations.
Quick Links
Directions
Articles- Training and Behavior
Membership Info- Join the Club and use Lucky Dog on your schedule
Rent Lucky Dog for your dog event 
Register for Class (print the forms)
Contact Information:
 
Mindy Cox, Training Director
Phone:
561-427-6700
Email: [email protected] Web: www.luckydogsportsclub.com
Address: 300 S. Central Blvd., Suite B, Jupiter, FL 33458
 
Any suggestions or comments? Please email. I value your feedback.
 
 Lucky Dog logo
Join Our Mailing List!
Dog Behavior Seminar Series
 
This summer our dog obedience seminar series is a great opportunity to learn what makes your dog tick! We have four great topics that are scheduled one a month from June through September. Find better ways to communicate in different situations and develop a more meaningful relationship with your dog. Once you understand your dog more clearly you can create a happier, more contented pet and develop better ways to train your dog. Lots of photos and videos will enhance the learning experience. Sign up now to reserve your spot in these valuable seminars! Come to as many as you like, but the more you attend, the greater the savings! Read about each one below.

Scaredy Dog: What To Do When Fido Is Scared Stiff.
Friday, June 19th 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Scared Dog PhotoIs your dog afraid of thunderstorms, fireworks or people? Does she jump when you make a sudden movement? Is she afraid to go to the veterinarian's office? Fear is the most common cause of behavior problems in dogs. Learn the basics of handling fearful situations to help your dog be more relaxed and happy.

You will learn how to recognize fear and a stress response in your dog. You will also learn what to do and what not to do when your dog is scared. Techniques to help lessen fear will be discussed in detail with photos and videos to demonstrate many important techniques in this information packed seminar. Thunderstorm season and fireworks displays are on their way!

What Is Your Dog Really Saying? The "Secret" Language of Dogs.
Friday, July 31st 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Do you think that you know what your dog is saying? Do you think that you are really in tune with your dog? You might be surprised to learn that your dog is communicating information to you about how they are feeling all the time. When you learn what your dog is really saying, you can start to understand her and deepen your relationship like you never thought was possible!

You will learn how to read your dog's body language and interpret common behaviors. In addition, you will learn how to communicate with your dog through the basics of learning theory. The development of unruly behaviors, aggression, fears and phobias will be discussed. The lecture is packed with pictures and videos. The skills learned in this seminar will help you communicate with, understand and teach your dog more effectively leading to a more trusting and deep relationship.
 
dog body language 1  dog body language 2  dog body language 3
 
Which of the dogs above is happy and content? Only the middle one! What are the other dogs saying and what signs are they showing to inform us of their mental state? You'll learn this and much more at this amazing seminar.

Keeping Your Kids Safe: Will Your Dog Bite? (The Answer May Surprise You.)
Friday, Aug 28th 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Kid & Dog photo
Did you know that children are the most common victims of dog bites? Most of the time, they know the dog and are on the dog owner's property. If you have not considered that your dog could bite your child or someone else's, now is the time to start thinking about it! Dogs don't suddenly bite. They give us subtle clues that they are uncomfortable, anxious or stressed and their human has not understood. Learn to read and understand your dog. Here are some sobering statistics:
 
�         77% of injuries to children under 10 years old are facial.
�         Severe injuries occur almost exclusively in children less than 10 years of age.
�         The majority of dog attacks (61%) happen at home or in a familiar place.
�         The vast majority of biting dogs (77%) belong to the victim's family or a friend.
 
You will learn how to understand basic dog communication signals so you can know when your dog is stressed, anxious and likely to bite, prepare your dog for the entry of a baby into the family, know if your dog has a high likelihood of biting a child, and how to keep a safe home for your child or visiting children of friends and family.
 
Is the dog in the photo happy about the child hugging him? The answer is no. Learn how you can read and understand the signs in this fascinating and important seminar.

My Dog Is Driving Me Crazy! How To Deal With Unruly & Annoying Behaviors. 
Friday, Sept 18th 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

You love your dog, but he barks constantly, digs holes in your yard and jumps on yourBad Pup Photo visitors. Barking, destructive chewing, jumping, digging holes, pawing, counter surfing...you name it. You will learn the common causes and how to fix them. You will learn the reasons behind your dog's unruly and annoying behaviors and what to do about them. A better mannered dog is a pleasure to live with!
 
Fees:
One seminar- $40
Two seminars-$70 total (save $10)
Three seminars- $90 total (save $30)
All four seminars- $120 (save $40)

 We are fortunate to have Dr. Lisa Radosta, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, as the speaker for these seminars.
 
To sign up, go to our website or click here for the registration form. 
Agility Class & Events Schedule
 
The Agility Fun Run
Sunday, MAY 17, 2009
 
Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and first dog will be ready to run by 5:45 p.m. Crating is indoors in climate-controlled comfort.

All levels (novice students and up if training at Lucky Dog) are welcome to practice this nested course (novice/open and excellent). After everyone runs the first course we will reverse it and run again after walking the new course. The lighting and footing are great. Toys and treats are welcome and encouraged to reward your dog.

Fee: $10 per dog (2nd dog $5). Please try to bring exact change or a check made payable to Lucky Dog Sports Club.

To sign up, click here and email us your name, and your pet's name, breed, jump height, and level (novice or excellent). You must sign up in advance. Please let us know if you need to cancel. Space is limited.
 
Veterinarian, Dr. Michelle Jobert, practitioner of canine chiropractic and accupuncture, will be at the Fun Run on Sunday. If you would like to make an appointment with her to see your dog during the Fun Run, please let me know. 

Puppy Agility Fun! Calling all Ideal Puppy class graduates! The next puppy agility class puppy in tunnelbegins Tuesday, June 2nd at 7:30 p.m. Ends July 7th.  This class is for puppies between the ages of 6 to 12 months. In this class you will begin to work on agility skills to give your puppy better balance and confidence, while you also improve your obedience and handling skills and your relationship with your full-of-energy adolescent. This class is held indoors in our training room. It's perfect for graduates of Ideal Puppy class! Check out the complete info at our website or use this handy link to sign up.
 
Masters/Advanced Agility Handling & Skills
Next classes:
Monday, June 15th at 6:00 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Ends July 20th. Download the registration form to sign up.

This is an ongoing Monday class (when one session ends another begins). A new session begins today. If you can't make the 6-week session but would like to drop in with your dog from time to time, you are welcome to do that if there's room Please email to find out. 
 
What the heck is agility anyway?
 
Don't know what agility is but would like to find out. There's a video that I think explains it well. Check it out.
Obedience Schedule
For complete description, fees and registration form click on the class name or 
click here to go to our website.
 
Focus Foundation is one of our most popular classes. This class teaches or improves obedience skills such as sit, down, stay, come, loose leash walking, leave it, and no jumping. It photo- reactingalso improves attention, focus and impulse control.
 
 This is also a great class if you want to move on the fun sport of agility.

New class scheduled (6-week session):
Tuesday, June 9th at 6:15 p.m. Ends July 28th (no classes on July 7th and 14th) 

This class fills fast, so sign up now to ensure a place in class.
 
Obedience Performance Dog Tuesday, June 16th at 7:30. Ends July 21th.
This is an intermediate/advanced obedience class for dogs and their handlers who have completed Focus Foundation, or Obedience II, or equivalent. Obedience Performance Dog is for those wanting to build even greater communication and obedience skills or compete with their dog. This class will benefit those at the Novice and Open levels. Blase will work with students of different levels to improve their handling and increase proficiency using positive reinforcement. For advanced family dogs, this class will also help to improve your communication and sharpen your obedience skills. 
 
Taught by Blase Pfefferkorn, a well known and successful handler and trainer with a great easy going and positive attitude  (see below for some well deserved brags).
 
Puppy Classes
Adorable!For complete descriptions, fees and registration form click here to go to our website.

Ideal Puppy I is your puppy's first class, almost like Kindergarten. Your puppy must be between 9 and 19 weeks at the start of class.

Why should all puppies go to school? By five months of age much of your puppy's personality has been determined, so it is very important to begin a class prior to this age. Early puppyhood is a critical time for socialization and learning. This time will set the stage for the rest of your puppy's life. You will train and socialize your growing puppy. It is never too early to start them off on the right paw.

Next 4-week session-
Thursday, June 4th at 6 p.m. Ends June 25th (followed immediately by Ideal Puppy II).

Ideal Puppy II  Immediately follows corresponding Ideal Puppy I, above:
Thursday, July 2nd at 6 p.m. and ends on July 23rd.
 
Most people sign up for both Ideal Puppy I and II for 8 weeks of great training and socialization, and $50 in savings.

Puppy Agility Fun!
Just graduated from Ideal Puppy class and want more fun, leaning, and bonding time with your growing, energetic bundle of fur? Puppy agility teaches confidence and helps build your partnership with your dog. You will continue to work on obedience as your pup begins to learn the skills and balance required for agility. You'll love this fun class!
This indoor/outdoor class begins Tuesday, June 2nd at 7:30 p.m. and ends July 7th.
This wonderful agility class is for your dog 6-12 months of age. Please go to our website for
more information.
Special Events and News You Can Use
 
Class & Events Calendar
Our class calendar is now better than ever. If you are a Lucky Dog member organizing your practice times, you can now tell if a class is inside or outside. It is color coded by type of class (such as agility, obedience, puppy). The first class will have START to indicate the beginning.
 
AKC Mixed Breed Program
Good news for owners of wonderful dogs of mixed heritage: the AKC has announced a program to allow mixed breed dogs to compete in AKC agility events. Effective October 1, 2009, mixed breed dog owners can list thier dogs with the AKC's new mixed breed program. For complete information, visit the AKC site.
 
Credit Cards are now welcome
In other news, we are now set up to take credit cards! Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are all welcome at Lucky Dog!
Featured Article
 
Fun Times For Your Dog: Stuff a Kong!
Want a happier dog? Create an enriched environment to alleviate boredom and stress.
 
Domestic dogs enjoy painstakingly removing the delicious stuffing out of Kongs just like their ancestors removed the nutritious marrow from bones: by hours of chewing and licking.

 Put Your Dog To WORK! - Providing food and/or treat stuffed Kongs for your dogs can Contented Kong chewerkeep them contentedly busy (working) and out of trouble for long periods of time. Add more stuffed Kongs to increase their work time. Keep some stuffed Kongs in the freezer to make it harder for the skilled Konger to empty.  In addition to getting treats, your dog may have reduced separation anxiety and boredom playing with a stuffed, hollow toy such as a Kong or Havaball. The most important rule about treats: Let your imagination be your guide. Careful; some of these recipes are fattening. Reduce your dog's regular meals accordingly.
 
Here's how to stuff a Kong:
 
Step 1: Start with a few clean Kong toys appropriately sized for the largest dog that could access them. Small breeds need medium Kongs for stuffing.
Step 2, Aperitif: This layer is the tantalizer and should be a particularly tasty morsel placed directly in the small hole at the top of the Kong. Could be a piece of freeze-dried liver, a dab of peanut butter or a squirt of "squeeze cheese:' 
 
Step 3, Dessert: Fill one-third of the cavity with tasty bits of biscuits, cheese nips, jerky treats, bacon type strips or whatever goodies suit your dog. 
 
Step 4, Main Course: Fill last two-thirds of the Kong with canned food or food roll mixed with your dog's regular dinner kibble, or kibble mixed with a tasty food like cream cheese as "paste:' 
 
Step 5, Appetizer: Top the Kong off with an easily accessible treat sticking out of the large opening. The "easy pickins" will give your dog an immediate reward and encourage him to get down to the serious business of Kong unpacking. 
Kong stuffing has evolved into an art over the last decade, with various recipes available to tempt the palate of the fussiest canine connoisseur. Many of these recipes are courtesy of the Kong Co.
 
~ Philly Steak: Steak scraps, 1 oz. cream cheese. Place steak scraps inside Kong. Spread cream cheese in large hole to hold scraps inside.
 
~ Fruit Salad: Apple and carrot chunks, sliced mushroom,  � banana. Place fruit and veggies in the Kong. Mash banana and fill hole to hold fruit in place. Freeze if desired. Possible additions and substitutions: orange slices, peach and/or nectarine chunks, celery sticks, broccoli and/or cauliflower,  mashed tomato and black olive puree.

 ~BABYLICIOUS: Mix together some fat-free cream cheese, peanut butter, and either sugarfree applesauce or a jar of baby food (like bananas, carrots). Cram a solid food item into the small hole at the end of the Kong, then fill with the mixture. Seal the large hole with either more cream cheese or peanut butter.
 
~ Veggie Kong Omelet: 1 egg, your choice of shredded cheese, any vegetables your dog likes. Scramble egg and fold in vegetables. Put into Kong. Sprinkle cheese over top and microwave for 20 seconds to melt cheese. Cool thoroughly before giving to dog.
 
~ Mac 'n Cheese: Leftover macaroni and cheese, small cube of Velveeta. Fill Kong with leftover macaroni and cheese. Melt Velveeta in microwave and pour into Kong. Cool thoroughly.
 
~ Banana Rama: 1 fresh banana, 2Tbs wheat germ, 1Tbs. plain or flavored yogurt. Mash banana in a bowl. Add wheat germ and yogurt. Mash ingredients together, spoon into Kong set upside down in a cup. Freeze 4 hours. Makes one serving for Medium Kong. Frozen Kongs Kongsicles are perfect for soothing the gums of teething puppies and for keeping your dog cool on hot summer days. Best consumed outdoors or on a protected floor they can be messy when they melt! 
 
~ Cheesy Dental Kong Delight: 3 slices of your dog's favorite cheese; Dental Kong toy Place 3 slices of cheese directly onto grooves of Dental Kong. Melt in microwave for 20-30 seconds. Cool.
 
~ Aunt Jeannie's Archeology Kong by Kong- Stuffing Queen Jean Donaldson, trainer and author: Layer #1 (deepest): roasted, unsalted cashews,  freeze dried liver bits. Layer #2: dog kibble; cookies or liver biscotti; Cheerios; sugar-free, salt-free peanut butter; dried banana chips; apples and apricots. Layer #3: carrot sticks, turkey or leftover ravioli or tortellini. Pack as tightly as possible. The last item inserted should be an apricot or piece of ravioli, presenting a "smooth" finish under the main opening. 
 
 Light Version: Substitute crumbled rice cakes for cashews; Caesar croutons for freeze-dried liver; fat free cream cheese for peanut butter.
 
As you can see, the sky's the limit. Happy stuffing!
For more information about Kong toys, go to their website


Want to watch some behavior videos or read more articles?  There are other great resources on our website, including Jean Donaldson and Turid Rugaas videos, and more. Click here to check them out.
 
Go to the Article index for training information, including an all-about-agility video.
BRAGS!
We are proud of our friends' accomplishments and want to share some of their happy moments. Congratulations to all of them. Feel free to send your brags!
 Petie & Mirabelle
On Saturday April 18th, Petie, trained and owned by Mirabelle Wrist, completed his Obedience Trial Championship at the obedience trials in Jacksonville. "I was overjoyed to say the least! Two OTCH homebred springers in just over two years! Today, just to put icing on the cake, Petie took 1st place in Utility to earn 14 insurance OTCH points." Wonderful news, Mirabelle. Petie's a great dog! Mirabelle is very generous with her time and has instructed many beginning agility enthusiasts over the years. 
 
Crew PfefferkornIntroducing.... CHAMPION Ivoss Rotly Crew V Caloosa Ranch!! Blase Pfefferkorn, an instructor at Lucky Dog, and his wife, Deb, are understandably thrilled and proud of their beautifull Rottweiler boy. Crew took Best of Breed and went on to take Group 3rd in Zolfo Springs. "A girl  at ringside who did not know us but wanted to see the "rottie" in the working group, came up to me after and was crying with happiness!  I think she is Crews first official GROUPIE! On March 29th, in the  Palmetto Florida show, under Judge Dorothy Collier, our beautiful boy Crew took a 3 point major to finish his Championship title, at just 19 months of age!  We are so thrilled with this boy!" But they were not done yet! In Perry Georgia, Crew received the prestigious Best in Specialty Show at the Dogwood Rottweiler Clubs specialty at only 20 months of age. Whew! Amazing dog and handler (and all around super nice guy!).
 
Bogey JoyYoung Bogey, pictured here, is an adorable Jack Russell terrier owned and trained by Loretta Joy.
Bogey did a wonderful job at his first trial this in April in Vero.  He Q'd (qualified) 4 out of 5 runs and earned his Novice Agility Jumpers title, and one leg toward his Novice Agility title.  He also passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen test recently. Good going Bogey (and I'm not surprised, Loretta, you're a great trainer)!  
 
Want to be in our next issue? Let us know what you are doing with your dog. We will print your story and photo of your Lucky Dog.