Click Here for Information on my upcoming March Classes for Puppies, the Family Dog, and for preparing for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test!
And… check out this cute little video of our last Family Dog Class Graduation:
February Graduation Fun
If you’ve had a desire to give back to others and you think you and your dog would be a good team to visit people in a hospital or nursing home or have children read a book to your dog… Now you can take the first step by signing up for my AKC Canine Good Citizen class.
Even if you don’t want to be a Therapy Dog Team, obtaining a CGC certificate can open up other new opportunities for you and your dog. CGC is also now an AKC Title. AKC has also expanded the CGC certificate to include an additional 2 advanced tests: the Community Canine (aka CGC-Advanced) and the CGC Urban.
As the we get closer to Spring, be on the lookout for additional classes to be posted.
Looking forward to seeing you and your pups soon. In the meantime, remember to dream about unleashing your dog’s pawsibilities!
Tag Archives: Dog Training
April Dog Training Class Information
Thank you for all your patience, during this extended break from our regular class schedules.
I am excited to announce I NOW have a NEW indoor location to offer Classes for you and your fur pal(s).
Both Puppy and Family Dog Training classes will begin: Monday, April 13th and will meet twice weekly on Mondays & Thursdays for a total of 6 classes. Each class lasts approximately 1 hour (Puppy class is an additional 15 minutes longer to allow for “puppy play time”).
Class Dates:
- Class #1: Monday, April 13th, 2015
- Class #2: Thursday, April 16th, 2015
- Class #3: Monday, April 20th, 2015
- Class #4: Thursday, April 23rd, 2015
- Class #5: Monday, April 27th, 2015
- GRADUATION! , April 30th, 2015
Class Times:
5:30-6:45 p.m. Puppy (Ages 10 weeks – approximately 4-5 months old)
7:00-8:00 p.m. Family (Ages approximately 5-6 months and older)
Vaccinations Requested:
Puppies: DHLP-Parvo – at least first 2 sets, & Bordetella
Dogs 6 mos & older: DHLP-Parvo, Rabies & Bordetella
!!!NEW!!! Class Location: FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 2315 Placer St., Redding
(We strongly suggest before classes begin you familiarize yourself with the location & the entrance as it can be tricky at night)
Click Here to Register & Pay Online… BUT be sure to download the complete registration packet too!
| Class Fee: $100.00 *Discounts available for: more than one dog in the family when both take the class together with two handlers; OR those who are repeating the class to brush up on skills. |
Please remember to mail a COPY OF YOUR VACCINATION RECORDS with your registration form and payment to: Attn: Kathy Dunn, K9 Kelts Dog Training P.O. BOX 494694, REDDING, CA 96049-4694 THANK YOU!
For more information please call Kathy Dunn at 356-8286. I am so looking forward to beginning classes again and having you and your dog have an opportunity to experience both fun and training.
Metaphors Matter: What Are Your Metaphors?
This article mainly applies to horse training, however, it is equally applicable to dog training & training any animal for that matter. If you can wade through the behavioral science parts, this article really is a good explanation on how & why the following techniques work so well: clicker training, positive reinforcement training, the use is treats/rewards, back chaining & especially your own mindset.
Metaphors Matter: What Are Your Metaphors?.
Dogs Battle for Statehood
http://www.akc.org/press_center/akc_syndicate/features/battle_statehood.cfm
Exercise vs. Recreation & Our Perceptions
Exercising & stretching, for me personally is like taking unpleasant medicine or eating a particular vegetable that I may not be fond of but, “it’s good for me”. I equate exercise with discomfort, out of breath, boring, & sometimes painful.
I do enjoy walking, hiking, climbing, softball, biking, swimming. But if one was to ask me to do these things as exercise, I immediately get into a “stubborn” mode & the things I may like doing have now just become “work” or “drills”. What’s the problem? It’s perception of is it “fun” or is it “work”? Is it “recreation” or is it “exercise”?
The point I’m trying to make is how we perceive something affects how we actively participate in something. If we perceive training, exercising, stretching as something akin to work & drudgery then we will be less likely to stick with it unless forced to do so. If on the other hand we perceive something like, learning tricks, going to a wonderful destination, playing games, camaraderie of companions, relaxation & massage; then not only do we look forward to participating we are more apt to do these things more often.
This applies to dogs as well as people. If training times with your dog become a time of being in a military school filled with repetitive drills, abrupt commands, and all “work” and no “play”; you and your dog will not look forward to this time together.
So get creative, what are some ways you can think of to make training fun for both you and your dog?
Recently at a doctor checkup, my doctor encouraged me to exercise more. I think he saw the scowl that immediately appeared on my face. So then he suggested Yoga or Tai Chi and go slow with these things. He also suggested walking more.
All I could think of was, walking in my neighborhood is no fun & at times can be stressful for various reasons. But change of location, along a river or a creek, along a beach, through a forest, up a mountain, in a park all can transform “exercise” into “recreation”. And what can make this even more enjoyable is bringing my dogs along!
I use outings with my dogs as an opportunity to train some fun into our ordinary “drills”. Looking for trees or lines, or objects that I can have my dog heel in creative patterns in, through & around, over & under, zigzags, weaving, hide-n-seek, playing fetch, and so much more. In all these fun activities simple commands can be put into the mix: sit, down, come, stay, wait, up, over, off, leave it, stand, etc.
Now, when you’re all done & ready to relax. Spread out a big blanket and stretch out your tired muscles very slowly. Now is a great time to stretch your dog too!
Here’s a great video to get you started on how to stretch your dog. This guy has a total of 11 videos on how to stretch the various muscles in your dog. He also has some for people too! It looks so very relaxing and not only will you feel great your dog will benefit so much from the stretching but it deepens the bond you share with your four-legged friend!
Enjoy this YouTube video: ” “The Other End of The Leash -Dog Stretches”
Okay whose going to give me a massage now. LOL!
