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| Playful Pooches and Parents Dog Training Newsletter |
September 2009 |
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My vision and mission statement: to coach owners and dogs to live better together in harmony and balance
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 Dear Great Dog Owners,
Fall is officially here. I love the weather. Lots of dog events further down in the newsletter for you and your dog's enjoyment. Be sure where ever you take your dog that you have a secure collar and leash, bring treats and of course, bring your poop bags. Or Scooby Doo Doo bags as some call them.
Fall walks in the Parks will be starting soon. Here are the dates and places. Costs $10 a session. If you want to prepay several sessions, take 10% off. Call 513-939-dogs option 4 for exact location within the parks and weather cancellations.
Anderson: Saturdays 5:30pm-6:30pm
Sept 26th Otto Armletter, Oct 3rd Otto Armletter, Oct 10th Woodland Mound, Oct 24th Woodland Mound, Nov 7th Julif Park and Nov 14th Julif Park
Colerain: Sundays 12:30pm-1:30pm
Sept 27th Winton Woods, Oct 4th Winton Woods, Oct 11th Sharon Woods, Oct 25th Sharon Woods, Nov 1st Colerain Heritage Park, Nov 8th Colerain Heritage Park.
Loving the fall weather,
Lydia McCarthy
Playful Pooches and Parents dog training
513-939-dogs
Here is a link to my past newsletters:
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs049/1102258079501/archive/1102676771533.html
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Help, my dog ran out the front door!
 There's no other more heartstopping words if you are a dog owner. Especially if you own a puppy. That's why you need a plan.
First on the list is teaching your dog to wait at the door. This will be a skill you will use his whole life. I teach this in class.
Second, before this skill is perfected, you need a plan. I suggest keeping treats (in a tin or cellophane bag for noise effect), very squeaky toy and a leash by the front door. Maybe keep them in a drawer or closet.
Third, plan before hand strategies that you can try such as calling his name then running to the car or yard away from him. Squeak your toy, shake the treat bag or tin. Ask him "Wanna take a walk?" You'd be surprised by the number of dogs that will run to you for that. Ask him "Wanna go for a ride?" then run to the car and open the door.
Fourth, if all else fails, lay down on the ground and say "Fido (or whatever your own dog's name is) help me, help me!" This can work. Try it in an enclosed area first.
Fifth, have a neighbor or passerby call for him. They are not as emotionally involved and can sound cheerier than you and your dog might come to them.
DO: reward him greatly when he comes back. I know that sounds weird but he did come back and it will mean alot to training the command come.
DON"T: punish him when he gets back. Chances are he did not open the door himself. Or leave it unlocked. A human did. Put yourself in timeout if you did. And celebrate the fact that he is back safe and sound.
DON'T: run directly after him. It will cause him to run farther and faster. He might even think he is in trouble.
DO: train the come command more than ever and even an emergency down (which we teach in class) and a really reliable recall (also taught in class) . |
Congrats!
 Ella and her sister Sissy graduated as well as Gizmo (formerly known as Bags) in grand style at Triple Creek Park. Great work everyone!
Six more STAR Puppies: Buster (handsome dude) and Oliver (adorable dude). Walter (Bernese Mountain Dog-he is as big as his name) and Cooper (we don't know what breeds you are but you sure are cute), Kenzi (I hate the car,still) and Hunter (the rambunctious one). Walter also graduated puppy class in grand style at the Bass Pro Shop. Congrats, Walter and mom.
Bella made Cover Girl! Bella Pepin made the cover of the Cincinnati Bell Yellow Pages. I just got mine the other day and who do I see on the front-Bella the pug. She and her mom took my classes, got the Canine Good Citizen, went on to be a therapy dog team and Pet Partners. Congrats to Bella and mom Judi! Mom, don't let fame get to Bella. I don't think she could get any cuter.
FIve new Canine Good Citizens: Flynn, Amber and Lucy, Sylar and Zumaya and 5 runner ups: Micah, Ranger, Cocoa, Madeline and Moe-you'll make it next time for sure. |
| Upcoming Days to Remember
No classes Sunday October 18, my mom's 78th birthday.
Thanksgiving break: closed Monday Nov 23rd thru Sunday Nov 29th
Christmas break: closed Thursday Dec 24 thru Sunday Dec 27th
New Year's break: closed Thursday Dec 31st and Friday Jan 1st.
Upcoming Events you may want to attend:
Pet Palooza Sept 26 9am to 4pm RIverDowns
Pawty in the Park Walk by Save the Animals Foundation Oct 10 at Winton Woods 10am to 2pm. See www.staf.org for more info.
Canine Happy Hour Oct 10 Kellog Dog Park 3pm to 6pm Benefits MS
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| Lures vs Rewards
Which is which
A lure is a something your dog loves: treat, food, toy and you use it to move your dog into the position you are teaching. For example, move a treat over your dog's head and his behind will go down, the head will come up forming a sit.
The lure is used in the beginning stages of training a behavior. You don't necessarily have to lure, it's just one way to teach. I don't favor physically forcing your dog into a position as this can be fear inducing for some dogs and it doesn't help the dog to think on his own. I tell kids-if your dad did your homework for you, would you remember how to do it? The lure is dropped after the dog understands the command.
A reward is given after a cue or command is given to reinforce the behavior. For example, you say "sit" , your dog sits, and you give him a treat. That rewards the behavior and makes it more likely to happen again. Rewards can be given the dog's whole life. Think life rewards-toys, games, walks, food, chewies, bones and more.
FYI:(A bribe is paid upfront. Dogs don't think like that. Bribes are for gangsters and politicians.)
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Interview with Jo Ellen McCartney
 Jo Ellen (aka Aunt Jo Ellen to the canines) is our interview this issue. She is shop manager, jeweler, entrepreneur, and all around go to. Here is all about "Jo":
Name-Jo Ellen McCartney
Business- Manager, Anderson Twp Family Pet Center and Owner, Chowder's Legacy, a boutique (located within THE BEST pet store in Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana) specializing in unique gift items for pets and pet lovers.
What does your work consist of: Customer service; handling boarding reservations; managing the kennel, daycare and store; providing knowledge about all the products we carry; helping customers with questions or challenges they have with their dogs and/or cats; inventory control, purchasing all products for the store, finding that certain toy or remedy a customer requests; petting, giving treats and loving all the dogs that come through our doors on a regular basis.
How did you prepare for this line of work: I didn't really prepare for it. I've always been told I have street smarts and I believe this has helped me throughout life.
What is your most enjoyable aspect of your job: Seeing all the customers and their dogs. I truly feel like our customers are like an extension of my family. Everyone is always so pleasant and appreciative of your help. Not to mention the dogs - it's just so great to see all the dogs, getting to know them and what type of food, toys and treats they like. Another great thing about this job is finding a new toy you know the dogs will just love.
What is the hardest part of your job: Being out of an item due to the distributor's shortage and having to tell the customer it's not available at the moment.
Do you look forward to work everyday and why: Work, what's that? I don't have a job, it's a hobby. Seriously, I love what I do. I have learned so much about pet nutrition, positive reward for positive behavior pet training, proper dog handling, I can go on and on. Where else can you "play", see nothing but happy people with their dogs and give them help and advice about their pets? When I was a young child I played "store" and always dreamed of having my own store. My dream came true the day I was given the opportunity to be a part of The Family Pet Center.
If you had all the money you needed, what would you change about your business or job: Sometimes it's not about the money, but the time. So I'll answer this both ways: If I had all the time in the world, I'd create a better website, write a regular newsletter - send out emails filled with great tips/information. If I had all the money I needed, I would build a larger facility.
What is your next step or goal for your business or job: Become more familiar with a "point of sale" system so it will make some of my daily routines more efficient.
Do you love what you do: Absolutely, I left the corporate world 5 years ago and never looked back.
Any other comments: I think I've rambled on enough!
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Treat Goddess
He likes your treats so much better than mine!
Why am I the treat goddess? Probably for several reasons. I always have treats. I always have yummy treats (which you can buy too). I always reward good behavior even if it is just sitting in front of me. At least they are not jumping, biting, chewing , barking or digging. I praise, make over and reward often. Why? So the good behavior keeps happening. Dogs are in it for the reward so don't stop too soon. You can always shape better behavior by rewarding only the behavior that is best-such as a fast sit or down. Or when they sit or down the first time you ask.  You can be the treat goddess too. Just use this for your treat.
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A Home for Otis
Some wonderful people expressed an interest in Otis the black and tan coonhound. They already have a redbone coonhound whom they love. We tried them out in a play room and they did great. They took him home for a home visit and he and they did great. Looks like a match made in heaven. They are bringing him to puppy class to pick up where he left off with me. I'm so glad. This little guy deserved a chance at a forever home. This is just the chance he needs. Go Otis!!!!! | |
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| Please Patronize These Great Businesses
Anderson Twp Family Pet Center and Chowder's Legacy Boutique
If you hurry, you might be able to catch some of the $9.99 mums. They are beautiful. If you haven't been here recently they have lots of new toys for your dog or cat. I was impressed by the selection. They also have great Halloween costumes in Chowders Legacy Boutique. You know that time of year is getting near. Shop now for your dog's great Halloween attire before it's all picked over and he has to be a princess or a devil. Be sure to get your holiday boarding reservations in now to avoid the rush and last minute headache. Also get your Fido groomed for the holidays. They do a great job here. They aim to please. Book your appointment at the spa today. If you would like to subscribe to their NEW newsletter, send an email to dmeyerrenke@yahoo.com subject: Subscribe me to your newsletter. Be the first to get one. . Don't forget the Doggie Day Care. They can always use more campers and you can use a rest. Gift Certificates available. ***And a BIG Thanks to all the people behind the scenes that get the garage/training room ready and set up my chairs. You are the greatest!
513-231-7387
6666 Clough Pike
Cincinnati, Ohio 45244
www.andersonpetcenter.com
Animal Ark Pet Resort
Get your dog ready for fall by enrolling in Doggie Day Care. It's a great place to play with other canines, get that energy out once the kids go back to school, and a tired dog is a good dog which is what your dog will be when he comes home from a day of play. Treat yourself and your dog by checking into Doggie Day Care at Camp Animal Ark. Small dog alert: Bring your small dog for a day of fun, games and friends. It's more of a social party! Small dogs need friends to play with to stay friendly. Tuesday or Thursday social parties available for small dogs. Free evaluations, just call 589-3313 and set it up. Sign up today. Wonderful, professional and friendly groomers available 7 days a week to pamper your pet. Gift Certificates available. Call today.
513-825-7387
2150 Struble Rd
Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
www.animalarkpet.com
Animal House
Lots of puppies to choose from. Come in and see or just get a puppy fix. Adorable pups just waiting for a forever home. Don't wait for the holidays to get a new addition. That's not the best idea as holidays have lots of people, food and decorations to mix up a new puppy's schedule. Start now and have a great pup by the holidays. A beautiful black German shepherd pup looking for a forever home. She's just 9 weeks old. And way cute! Lots of kittens also up for adoption. And bunnies. And as a reminder-they do not get any puppies from puppy mills. Other places do. Knowledgeable staff can help with everything from purchase to care and more. Check out their fish and reptiles, too. They're really neat! Gift Certificates available.
513-931-6139
7869 Hamilton Av
Cincinnati, Oh 45231
Ali's Paw Prints
Looking for a unique custom portrait of your pet? I think you will be pleasantly surprised by Ali's Paw Prints! Based off of a original photo of your pet, a vector style custom portrait printed on a stretched canvas with a custom creative background is created. Ali's Paw Prints make great gifts as well as an awesome piece of art for your home. Check out Ali's Paw Prints today!
10% Discount for all of Playful Pooches and Parents past and current students. When placing order mention discount code: playful pooches.
Ali Toerner
http://www.alispawprints.com
Playful Pooches and Parents Dog Training
Have a great fall with your dog. Fall in a pile of leaves together.
Email: playfulpooches@msn.com
Website: www.playfulpoochesandparents.com
Blogs: www.thedogteacher.blogspot.com
www.thewolfteacher.blogspot.com
Phone: 513-939-dogs
Cell: 513-503-9703
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