This is really important. All humans must be the pack leaders, from the youngest to the oldest. How does your dog recognize the pack leader? The calm, confident one. The one who has all the good stuff such as treats, soft places to sit, access to the outside and food. The one who is in charge of the door, walks and playtime. Be sure it is you. If it is not you, it will be the dog and you really don't want him to be incharge. It could be disasterous. Set your dog up for success. Be the pack leader from day one. Your dog will be happier and so will you.

 

The holidays are sneaking up on us and will be here before you know it. I close the training classes on some days for the holidays so here is an upcoming schedule for you.

 

Saturday October 18th (my mom's 77th birthday, I will be out of town) 
 

Monday November 24th thru Sunday November 30th
(I will be on vacation over Thanksgiving week) 
 

Wednesday December 24th                                 
Thru Friday December 26th (Christmas)
 

Wednesday December 31st and Thursday Jan 1
(New Year's)


Also with Winter coming soon, possible bad weather will visit also. My instructions for bad weather is as follows: If I am cancelling classes, I will change my voice mail to state such. If I don't cancel but the weather is bad where you are, don't risk you and your dog's life to come to class. Use your judgement and know there is always next week.   

Onyx is a new girl from Save the Animals Foundation. Her volunteer Kathy is bringing her each week and she is now in Level 2. She is learning to greet people and dogs so for her to be successful, don't rush up to her to greet her. Ask Kathy if you and or your dog can meet her first and she'll help with introductions. We want to give Onyx every chance to be successful and find that perfect loving home that she so deserves. To see her and other dogs like her in need of good homes. visit www.staf.org.

 

Continuing Education 

Many clients ask me how they can continue their dog's education. I usually find out what their dog is good at then point them in that direction. Activities such as Agility, Obedience Competition, Rally, Therapy Dog, and more are things I suggest. But some clients want to continue with me so I have been thinking about adding another class that you can take after you graduate the 20 week program. It may be at a local park or store. It will help keep the skills they have learned sharp, it will teach them in more distracting locations and perhaps learn some new ones. It would be once a week for an hour, you can pay by the class ($10 a class) or pay some weeks in advance and receive 10% discount. Let me know if you would be interested and we can work on it.