I need another dog like I need another case of the swine flu! Of course one of the possible side effects of the meds I am on or perhaps the swine flu is delirium or halucinations! So what was I thinking when I looked at an email sent to me that I usually just pass along to people who might need a dog, but instead happened to take a look at one of the dogs… her name is Janice… her face reminded me of my Megan… so… in spite of how horrible I feel, I go down to the County Animal Shelter to take a look… my best friend Dee is driving! The whole time we are discussing how we can’t afford it, it’s not the right time, maybe one of our friends can take her until after the first of the year when finances MIGHT be better (fat chance!), will really work with Patrick and his dementia and Skippy and all his neurosis and Dani Joy always feeling left out because the other two are so demanding! Where would I fit another dog crate in my room? What about vaccinations, heartworm meds, spaying, etc…
Well… she is past due to be euthanized.
Well… she is only 35-40 lbs.
Well… she is chocolate lab and border collie.
Well… she is very sweet, gets along with all animals including cats and knows some obedience
Well… I got my mind back just in time and we went home without the dog.
In the meantime… YOU CAN FIND HER AT PETFINDER.COM along with many other dogs at the Shasta County Animal Shelter who need a home. Janice has been in there since July! So pray she finds a home soon!
Tag Archives: Obedience
Fire Hurts… Fire Kills…
It is with terrible sadness that yesterday, while the home was still being consumed by blazing fire, that I learned a Puppy, Starshine, had been trapped inside and died.
This little puppy just graduated from my Petco Puppy Class this past Wednesday with Pet Parent Betsy. She was so full of life, energy and smarts!
I got the call from another dog trainer friend, Barbara Darrow, who was going to work with her on Flyball and Dock Dogs and other Border Collie activities! Starshine, also called Star, was a red Border Collie. I was just getting ready to email pictures of her to Betsy, but hadn’t photoshopped them yet.
She will be greatly missed. I know Betsy lost her entire home, barely escaping with her life. Please pray for Betsy as she grieves the loss of her belongings and the loss of Star.
What to do with your dog?
So… you have a new Puppy, a new Dog, perhaps you found your new friend wandering the streets, picked her out at the Shelter, or rescued him from a local Rescue group… what’s next?
The best thing you can do for you, your dog, your family is take a dog training class!
But… you might say, “I have books I can read, I can watch dog trainers on TV, I can surf the net, what do I need a dog training class for?”
Well… I commend you if you have done all your research! Bravo! Your dog will love you for all the effort you are putting in to learning about your new canine friend.
Or… you might say, “I have owned dogs all my life and have never had any problems training my dogs in the past, what else is there?
Dog Training Classes offer a great opportunity for you and especially your dog or puppy to socialize and test their dog training skills in a variety of distractions. Will your dog come to you when it sees a squirrel or a cat running in his path? When you take your dog for a walk on a leash, does your dog pull, get in your way, trip you up, get distracted and yank your arm out of your socket? Is your dog friendly to strangers or other dogs? Does your dog jump on you, your friends, your family? Can you trust your dog to be gentle with children or the elderly? Does your dog bark, whine, howl? What about housetraining issues? Does your dog Trust You? Are you the “Leader of the Pack”?
These are the kinds of things besides just a simple sit, down, stay that you can learn in a book. What if your dog presents a challenge that you never imagined and no matter how many books or articles or tv shows you gather information from, you are still left with no answers?
Each and every dog, just like people (even twins) are unique and have unique personality, breed and temperament traits. There is not only ONE way to teach a dog. Experienced Dog Trainers have learned to have what is called the “Trainer’s Toolbox” a variety of ideas and training techniques that will fit your own dogs unique personality.
As a dog trainer, I can offer some ideas, training tips, and yes Dog Training Classes. Presently, I have some new classes beginning at the Petco in Redding, CA.
For Puppies that are 3 – 6 months, there are classes beginning Wednesday, October 28th @ 5:30 p.m.
For the Family dog that is 6 months and older, there are classes beginning Thursday, October 15th @ 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, October 28th @ 7:00 p.m.
For those who would love to do something a little more challenging and get an AKC Canine Good Citizenship Certificate, you can join the class that begins, Wednesday, October 15th @ 7:00 p.m.
Plus if you take a look at my website you will find more information about me, my dog training classes, free seminars and free 1/2 hour one-on-one private sessions. K9 Kelts Family Dog Training.
I look forward to seeing you!