January 2010

 

Dear great dog owners,  

 

Wishing you every happiness and prosperity in the New Year. Thank you for being my customer. I look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming year. Lots of new things coming for the new year: new classes, new babies for some, new puppies or dogs for some, new resolutions for others and new jobs for still more. The new year can be all that and more. It's all up to you and that magic word: attitude.

 

This started out being a New Year's greeting but some time has passed before I could get back to it (family health issues) and it seemed stale to have Happy New Year at the end of January. So I revamped it and It's a Brand New Year!

  

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the terrible earthquake in Haiti. I found an article about the rescue dogs sent from all over the world to help find survivors. Part of it reads:

 

Rescue dogs are desperately needed during catastrophic events.  Their special training and natural abilities help emergency workers find survivors quicker than any other method.  Their sensitive hearing, sharp night vision and strong sense of smell have proven to cut down on the time it takes to locate injured and trapped victims.

I just have to give a plug for Jasper-the foster dog from Sheltered Paws who is now in Level 4 with foster mom Beth. His picture is below and he is the cutest, smartest ever. He will make someone a great dog. Check him at at http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13727505    

 

 

 Wishing the best to all in the new year,

                    

                         Lydia

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. If you have been waiting patiently for more news on the Therapy Dog Training or Adventure Trails Classes, it will be coming soon. The family health issues took a lot of my time lately but I will have more info shortly. Thanks for being patient.

P.S.S. My sincere thanks to all in the Saturday Anderson Puppy classes that had to abandon class because of a medical emergency with my daughter. I appreciate the understanding and concern. You all made a difficult situation easier to handle because of your flexibility. Thanks again.   

Several of my clients in classes are expecting babies this summer. If you have dogs, it is so important to prepare your dog way in advance. Your dog has no idea how much their life is going to change. And you want your dog to accept this new member of the family right away. There are many things you can do to help your dog and baby become best friends. One website that is really helpful is www.dogsandstorks.blogspot.com There are also many books and classes you can take. I highly recommend them. I also have handouts for these new parents to be. I do give a word of warning. If you do nothing to prepare your dog for the new baby, you are setting him up for failure. And possibly putting your baby at risk. So be fair to your dog and give him a baby education. Your whole family will benefit from it.

I am so proud of all my dogs and owners for all their great work. Here are some Awesome Achievements:                             

 

                                                   Canine Good Citizen: Drover CGC, Happy CGC, Winnie CGC.

 

AKC Star Puppies: Asia and Logan, Garcia,  Mojo

 

Graduates: Mojo, Asia and Logan, Garcia, Corky, Sophie  

 

We had such wonderful field trips to the Bass Pro Shop. Participants included: Mojo, Asia, Logan, Schatz, Garcia. Jasper and Lucy. Great fun and learning all about distractions-kids, dogs, waterfalls and crazy hats. Great work!  

I've been thinking a lot lately about cloning myself. Seriously though, I probably have a good 20 years left of dog training but who really knows. I'd love to teach others to do what I do.We need tons of positive trainers for the future.  I've been thinking also that I'd like to be in more locations but unless I clone myself, schedule wise it would be impossible. Here's where you might come in. In the coming year, I might be looking for some dog savvy, positive training, people loving, passionate, enthusiastic folks to join my team. I'm not sure what it will look like yet but I'm brainstorming and coming up with some fantastic ideas. You might even have some great ideas of your own. It might be an apprenticeship kind of thing or even just a part time venture for some of you looking for something fun to do. Stay tuned for more but also think about if this might be for you. You can email me or call me and we can chat more. I'd love to know what you think.

I'm not sure if you ever heard of Stephen Huneck but he passed away a few weeks ago. Check out his website at www.dogmt.com Several of my clients have been to his studio and chapel and it is with great sadness that we hear of his passing. His story is a good one but his passing not so. Take a look at his art. He was a big fan of Labs but you also see other breeds as well. His chapel was amazing. Our condolences to his wife , two dogs and all his fans. 

 

A little closer to home, Tom Jones, proud owner of Penny from my classes earlier this year, passed away in October after a long battle with lung cancer. His picture is below with Penny on the day they picked her up. Jim, Penny's other proud owner and Tom's partner sent me this picture of them. They were a joy to have in class and Tom always added a touch of humor and laughter. Our hearts go out to Jim and Penny. 

 

 

 

     

 

With all due respect to Cesar Milan, my favorite show is "It's Me or the Dog!" I know most of you have heard me talk about her. One big difference is that on her show there are no warnings not to try this at home or seek a dog training professional. Because warning or no warning people are going to try that stuff at home with their dog. Some with disastrous effects. 

Victoria Stilwell is a positive reward based trainer like myself and her shows are full of tips anyone can try at home. The reason I bring it up now is her new season started a couple weeks ago.  You can check out her info on www.animalplanet.com or www.victoriastilwell.com  Give her show a try. I think you'll get hooked like I am.