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Ring in 2015!
"A year of ending and beginning, a year of loss and finding...and all of you were with me through the storm. I drink to your health, your wealth, your fortune for long years to come, and I hope for many more days in which we can gather like this."
Happy New Year, Steve Bettcher, IACP CDT The Dog Squad |
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2014 A Year of Loss and Renewal
 | Steve & Audrey in Carmel
October 2013
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Most of you know that Suzy and I lost our precious Audrey, a 5 year old Beagle, to Lymphoma on March 19, 2014 after a year long battle, which was won then lost. Her loss has indelibly defined 2014 for me. Though she was only with us for two and half years her mark and memory will always be with us. It feels like most of 2014 was dealing with the loss of Audrey but also the renewal that a new dog, Buddy, gave us.
We rescued Buddy, a 3 year old male Beagle, on March 5, 2014, just two weeks before Audrey passed. My wife, Suzy and I found Buddy on-line at
NorCal Beagle Rescue. We had not talked to each other about looking for a another dog but had done our search independently. As soon as I saw Buddy's picture on the site I knew he had to be the one. When Suzy came home that night she was very excited and wanted to show me a picture of dog a friend of her's had found on-line. I told her I wanted to also show her a picture of a Beagle I had found. To our amazement it was the same dog, Buddy.
We knew that Audrey was close to the end and were a little worried about her well-being but knew that the window to get Buddy would be very narrow so we decided to move ahead. On March 5th I drove out with Audrey to meet
 | | Buddy & Audrey |
Buddy and she gave me her enthusiastic tail wagging approval. Buddy sensed that she was not well and was very gentle with her during her last two weeks.
For myself I don't think I could have moved on from my grief of losing Audrey without the help of Buddy. I must admit that there were moments of confusion, calling Buddy, Audrey. I still occasionally slip at unexpected moments, especially when doing nose work.
Buddy has continued on in Audrey's footsteps in both Circus School and
 | | Buddy Earns NW1 Title |
Nose Work. Buddy got his NW1 Title on his first try in October of 2014 afteronly 6 months of training. Buddy has been attending Circus School since April and has turned and has become quit the trickster. He has also, picked up the tradition of traveling with us to Carmel for our bi-annual get away at the Cypress Inn. Buddy has also picked up where Audrey left off in helping Clients with dog reactive dogs.
In 2014 I started Nosework Classes on a regular basis and ran five 6 week courses. In 2015 I plan to run more than 10 Nosework Classes both on Saturday and Tuesday evening.
Also in 2014 I established more Puppy Programs which have been very popular and successful. I currently offer three to select from:
Puppy Pre-School
Puppy to Adolescence
Puppy to Adult
Well, here we are the first day of 2015. I hope the New Year brings you all Joy, Happiness and Renewal. | Audrey
R.I.P.
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New Nosework Classes Starting January 17th
 | Audrey Earning NW1 Title 2013
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6 Week Classes:
Saturday Jan 17 - Feb 21st
10 AM to 12 PM.
Limit 4 Dogs
Cost: $225 per dog and handler
Location: San Leandro Tuesday Feb 3 - Mar 10th
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Limit 4 Dogs
Cost: $225 per dog and handler
Location: San Leandro
The class is open to both beginners and intermediate dogs will be geared to getting dogs and handlers ready for Nose Work competition.
The class is structured for pet dogs but is based on the same training techniques and methods used for police and military sniffer dogs.
Private Lessons are also available.
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Park Class Schedule January 2015
Wednesday January 7th San Leandro Marina
Sunday January 11th Lake Temescal
Sunday January 18th Lake Temescal
Wednesday January 21st San Leandro Marina
Sunday February 1st Lake Temescal
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Does Your Dog Need Training? Take the Quiz
 How Psychologically balanced is your dog?
Take this 15 question quiz to find out how your dog rates. It might be time to do some tune-ups before the holidays. |
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Top Selling Prong Collar
Herm Sprenger Prong Collar with a custom made quick release.
This high quality stainless steel Herm Sprenger Prong collar features a high quality custom made quick release made of leather with a stainless steel snap release. The Herm Sprenger "Ultra-Plus" collar with an integrated all-metal quick snap is designed for those clients who can not or have difficulty removing the prongs to put the collar on and off of their dog. Gone are the days of having to pinch prongs together to open and close the collar. The quick release snap makes putting the collar on and off a breeze. The collar is available in 2 sizes: Small 14" and Medium 18" For more information or to order on-line go to |
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Mobile Access to Dog Squad Calendar
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You can now access the Class schedule from your mobile device by going to www.dogsquad.biz and clicking on the calendar icon in the upper right side column.
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Visit The Dog Squad Blog
 I have recently started a Blog. I will be posting training articles and tips, dog information and other dog related stories. |
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Follow The Dog Squad on Facebook and Twitter
 It's a great way to keep in touch with The Dog Squad community, stay informed about local dog-related news, keep up-dated with training tips, events,new products and fun photos.
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Email Alerts
Join the Email Alert list to get up to date information about Park Class Cancellations due to Weather. If you are already on this mailing list and are not receiving Email Alerts go to the bottom of this Newsletter and click on the "Update Profile/Email Address" link. When there check the "Email Alert" Box. |
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FREE
Puppy Training Book
By
Steve Bettcher
Go to My Facebook Page To Get
Your Free Copy
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Store
High quality Dog Cots for Training Place. Great for Summer Camping and Outings.
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