News
See the Fisher family dogs on Dogster.com, a fun place to hang out in your spare time. Lots of activities. Just copy and paste the link below to Bridgets page, then click on the other family dogs from there. Maybe we will see you there!
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/814973
Shelter's dog-training methods under fire
Society officials defend use of collars, sprays called outdated by other groups
By RANDI ROSSMANN
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Sunday, July 8, 2007 at 4:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, July 8, 2007 at 2:19 a.m.
External Links:
Prong collars, vinegar sprays and choke chains are standard canine behavior tools at the Humane Society of Sonoma County.
Society officials say the corrective methods, coupled with rewards, create better trained and more adoptable dogs.
Such methods, however, are considered outdated and potentially abusive by many local animal agencies, trainers and some county residents who've adopted dogs from the Humane Society.
No other animal shelter in
"We don't use prong collars or choke chains. We don't use any sort of spray bottles in the kennels and don't recommend that to our adopters," said Dori Villalon, head of the Sonoma County Animal Shelter and former Humane Society director in
"We want them to use positive reinforcement training. We want to set the dog up to succeed and reward him for doing the right behavior versus a correction-type approach," Villalon said.
At the Marin County Humane Society, trainer Trish King said there are better options than punitively forcing a dog to learn. "If you don't have to do it, why do that? Why cause an animal pain?" asked King, who lectures on positive training.
It's a matter of differing philosophies, both sides acknowledge.
Sonoma County Humane Society officials cite their handling of animals as a positive guideline for the public. "We're trying to lead by example, the way we treat our shelter animals. It sets an example of care and attention that should be given to their pets," said Angie Bonnert, Humane Society spokeswoman.
A prong collar consists of interlocking metal links with blunt prongs that pinch the dog's skin when it pulls or the owner pulls on the leash. The spray is a half-and-half mixture of white vinegar and water. It is squirted into the face of a disobedient pet.
The organization adopted the methods three years ago when it started a new training program to coincide with the opening of its new building on Highway 12 west of
The training, plus a revised effort at matching dogs with the prospective owners, has resulted in a drop in the rate of dogs being returned from 16 percent to 3 percent, Bonnert said.
The program was developed by head trainer Julee Fullenwider, hired by the Humane Society three years ago. She has been training dogs for 25 years and previously taught classes at the old facility.
Fullenwider said she and her staff use a combination of reward and correction -- typically the prong collar and vinegar -- to stop a dog from jumping, barking, pulling on leashes and dashing outdoors.
"We monitor the system to make sure it is humane and effective, and not causing harm to the animal," said Scott Anderson, the Humane Society director.
"By utilizing several methods and systems, we are able to improve the dog's behavior at a faster rate and with greater long-term success," he said.
While Fullenwider said she also uses flat collars and lead halters, she primarily uses a prong, or pinch collar, on the shelter dogs during training. The society recommends prong collars in its training classes for the public, including for young, small dogs. It also sells the devices at its shop.
The vinegar spray is used routinely at the shelter. "A lot of vets recommend it. I've been using it for 25 years. It's not harmful at all," Fullenwider said.
Officials at several other local shelters said they worry about the acidic effects of vinegar and one
Santa Rosan Mike
Occidental resident Sue Maguire volunteered to work with dogs at the shelter for about six months in 2005.
"If you open a door to take a dog out for a walk, you're not allowed to open a door unless you have your vinegar water spray at the ready. The second you open the door you spray the dog in the face so it'll back away," Maguire said.
"It bothered me. They never gave the dog a chance. The first thing out the door is punishment," she said.
Fullenwider said it's often the owner's sensibilities that are offended by the methods. "It is uncomfortable (for the dog.) That's what a correction is. I don't believe that we hurt the dogs," she said.
"You get a lot of people that they come from a gut level and not an educational place," Fullenwider said.
(Above posted by Pat Miller on Peaceable Paws Intern List)
Inaugural Meeting of MID-ATLANTIC ASSOCIATION of POSITIVE PROFESSIONAL PET TRAINERS
On Friday July 11th, I travelled with fellow Delaware Dog Trainer Holly Miller back home to Pat Millers` Peaceable Paws, for the inaugural meeting of the MAAPPPT. Which, by the way, stands for Mid-Atlantic Association of Professional Positive Pet Trainers. I will give a prize to anyone who can say that right the first time! Plans are for this group of like minded positive dog trainers to meet quarterly, in the Mid-Atlantic region. As I had a wonderful time, it will be my goal to attend meetings even if it entails some further travel. If you are a positive dog trainer who does not use aversive equipment of choke, prong, or electric SHOCK collars, I will soon be posting contact information for membership to the group.
It was great to be back at Peaceable Paws. We began with a hike over the scenic fields of the farm, with all the dogs off leash. They were all wonderfully behaved. Bridget must have galloped 20 miles, forging out ahead, then constantly running back to check in. All this accomplished with positive training methods. She also demonstrated her agility by scaling an enormous round hay bale.
A relaxed group then mingled and enjoyed lunch. Dogs continued to be off leash and did great.
There was discussion on a definition of "positive", geared towards formulating a mission statement.
A great brainstorming session on a variety of training issues was extrememly useful, and great to learn how other trainers thought. We can all take away a little something from each other.
As dog trainers committed to ongoing education, we discussed the new book OH BEHAVE, by Jean Donaldson, a top writer in the positive dog training field. My input was that I felt Donaldson is at her best when discussing the human tendency to anthropormorphize their dogs. ( giving human attributes, such a vengefulness.) Speaking of books, I brought back autographed copies of How To Play With Your Dog, by Pat Miller, for clients and of course have my own copy as well.
I came away feeling wonderful and committed to the field of positive dog training, and was happy to have made connections with like minded trainers from around the region.
LOOK WHAT I CAN DO! ON YOUTUBE
Recently, marketing guru Bill Dale, has been filming video clips of Look What I Can Do! training sessions. He is doing a great job, and I am grateful to have an extra internet presence for business development. To view training clips, go to www.youtube.com , search for Elkton Md dog trainers, and click on the clip! That easy. We filmed another one today, so it should be up by next week.
LOOK WHAT I CAN DO! JOINS MAAPT
Recently, a group for Positive Dog Trainers, called the Mid-Atlantic Association of Positive Trainers was founded by, amongst others, Pat Millers of Peaceable Paws, and her extremely capable assistant ( and Dog Trainer)Shirley Greenlief. The first meeting will be held at Peaceable Paws in July, with meetings to be held on a quarterly schedule. Membership is for those Dog Trainers who are dedicated to spreading the word, and using methods of Positive Reinforcement Training. Anyone who is a proponent of prong, choke or electric-shock collars would be inelegible for membership. For more information email ppaws3@earthlink.net Look What I Can Do! will be present at the inaugural meeting and a report will be given from this website. Any committed postive dog trainers in the region are invited to attend. Meeting events will include brainstorming, play and training activities with the dogs, discussion of new positive dog training books and a lunch. This is a great opportunity!
LOOK WHAT I CAN DO!: CONVENIENT TO DE LOCATIONS AT RAINWOOD KENNEL
Not too long ago, Look What I Can Do! began offering classes at Rainwood Kennel, Elkton MD. Here is the catch: Rainwood is minutes from the DE line and convenient to Newark, Bear and Glasgow DE areas. To the south in Cecil County, Rainwood is convenient to Chesapeake City, down to Galena MD areas. Word must be getting out, as my last two Good Manners Classes were full and reserved a week in advance. If ever there was a great place to "vacation" your dog, this would be it. My clients are loving it. You can make your "vacation " reservation at 410-398-1398.
Following is a list of services that Look What I Can Do! offers at Rainwood Kennel:
1. Puppy Socialization Classes every Saturday at 9AM, ages 8 wks- 16wks. Every puppy attending regularly thus far has gone onto my Good Manners Classes. Can`t say enough about the importance of socialization to screen for and prevent behavioral problems.
2. Good Manners Classes Levels 1 and 2: Level 1 focuses on beginning foundation behaviors. Level 2 focuses on advanced behaviors that could lead to Canine Good Citizen testing. Both Levels are taught with clicker training and positive reinforcement.
3. Behavioral Consultations and Convenient meeting times in a lovely training environment for private clients.
This is Abbey, the official Rainwood Meet & Greet dog. She takes her duties very seriously. To meet her is to love her!
4. BOARD AND TRAIN: a new service. Going on vacation and wish the dog could be trained while you were gone? I will meet with you to focus on specific goals and a plan. Reasonable rates.
5. Planned for the summer during crazy vacation times: SHORT FOCUS COURSES, 3 weeks in length (1x a week for 3 wks) targeting specific behavioral issues. Example: jumping up, not coming when called and pulling on leash. I know, sounds like a winner eh?
Come and visit Rainwood Kennel, close to civilization but surrounded by open fields and bordered by woods.
RAINWOOD: DOGGY LINE-UP FOR WED. 6:30 PM
This evening was class # 2 for Rainwood Kennels Wed. class, with all the dogs present. On my first night, I have only one dog come in as a demo dog. It works for me and seems to work for all my clients too. At any rate, have had not had any negative feedback with this method. The cast tonight was as follows: RANSOM: handsome young lab/pit mix, DOC: beautiful adult male German Shepherd, CHLOE: a very sweet Pitbull, the color of chocolate, COOKIE: a high energy and adorable Pointer/Lab mix, EMMA: a determined and attractive young English/American Bulldog, and finally IKO & CUDA: way high on the cuteness factor, mini-Aussies. The best part of this class was that the majority present came to me directly from my Puppy Socialization classes, held at Rainwood on Saturday morning. It is wonderful to see them growing up and learning. All the dogs did wonderfully, and I could tell that every owner, to a fault, had been practicing diligently. I love it when that happens! This group should come along very well indeed, well, as does every group. They are all individuals though, definitely with their own style and personalities, and learning at a different rate. Makes my job interesting!
NEW TIME SLOT AT RAINWOOD: WED. 8 PM.
In order to meet increasing demand for Good Manners Classes at Rainwood Kennel, there will be a new 8 PM class on Wed. evenings, as soon as six dogs become registered, hopefully within the next few weeks. We are on the lookout for 8-16 week old puppies for socialization classes Sat. at 9 AM: mine all left me and progressed to Good Manners!
ADDITIONAL LEVEL 1 GOOD MANNERS CLASS
Look What I Can Do! has decided to make the May 13th Good Manners Class at Pet Wellness Center a Level 1, changed from the original designation of Level 2. At this location, ( Port Deposit MD ) there seems to be more interest in the Level 1. At Rainwood Kennel in Elkton, 4 classes a week are now being offered, including Puppy Socialization on Saturday mornings. Contact lookwhaticando@zoominternet.net for more information.
MID -ATLANTIC CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER PICNIC
Join us for the Mid-Atlantic Region’s 3rd annual
PICNIC BY THE BAY
SUNDAY, MAY 18th
North East, MD Community Park
Lunch is served at 1PM
COME AND MEET OTHER CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVERS AND THE PEOPLE
WHO LOVE THEM.
Potluck Picnic:
Please bring your favorite side dish, salad, or dessert to share. Barbecued chicken, pulled pork, and
sodas will be provided.
Please RSVP to magoomus@yahoo.com or call (717)687-6329.
Fundraising Activities:
Silent auction, Chinese auction, raffle, and a professional photographer on site to take photos of you
and your chessie, all to benefit CBRR&R. AKC Canine Good Citizen Test begins around 10AM and
runs until approximately 1PM ($15.00 donation).
Directions from 1-95: Take exit 100 route 272 south. Remain on 272 through the town of North East.
Near the end of town, turn right onto W. Walnut st. The park is at the end of the street with parking
on your right. We will be in the Benjamin Pavilion to the left.
North East Community Park
200 W Walnut St
North East, MD 21901
Need to reach us the day of the picnic? Call Craig at (717)203-3312
LOOK WHAT I CAN DO! will be donating a 7 week Good Manner Class certificate to the silent auction, as well as a FREE PASS TO PUPPY SOCIALIZATION CLASS.
NEW PAT MILLER BOOK DUE OUT NEXT MONTH
Dogwise is now taking names for their “notify” list for Pat Miller’s new book, “Dog Play; How and Why to Play With Your Dog,” due out next month.
E-mail them at: mail@dogwise.com to get your name on the list and be the first in your training circle to own this fun, exciting new Pat Miller book.
You can`t go wrong with any Pat MIller Book, in my humble opinion, and i will be on the list to get a first copy.
Leslie Fisher: Pat Miller Certified Trainer
Contributing Writer Pet Companions Magazine
NEW BUSINESS VENTURES
LOOK WHAT I CAN DO! EMAIL CONSULTS: If you are too busy to go see a Dog Trainer, or even make the time at home, EMAIL CONSULTS might be for you. If you have common issues that can be solved by following straight forward advice on clear and concise documents, email lookwhaticando@zoominternet.net Examples might be puppy mouthiness, potty training, jumping up, crate training and won`t come when called.
BOARD and TRAIN: Until recently, I have had to turn down clients who requested Board and Train arrangements. Now that I am nearly living at Rainwood Kennels in Elkton MD, teaching 4 classes a week and who knows how many more to come, I am in a position to be able to offer this service. This is not my preferred method of training, as I firmly believe that coaching dog and owner as a team is most effective. However, I would much rather do this, than see a dog get no training at all, and end up being evicted for poor manners! Contact Look What I Can Do! at 443-350-6820 or loowhaticando@zoominternet.net
OFFICIAL VETERINARY STATEMENT: PUPPY SOCIALIZATION
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has formally stated their postion on early PUPPY SOCIALIZATION , as reported on the Peaceable Paws yahoo Intern List, viewed at
http://tinyurl.
This is great news for dog trainers, as Veterinary Doctors are sometimes reluctant to recommend early socialization due to "incomplete vaccinations." As the article implies, the benefits of early socialization far outweigh the risks of disease. When all puppies are vaccinated early and properly, along with proper husbandry and trainers requesting proof of vaccination, risks are minimized. Look What I Can Do! currently offers PUPPY SOCIALIZATION classes for ages 8 wks to 16 wks at Rainwood Kennels, every Saturday morning at 9 AM. If your veterinary is uncomfortable recommending such a class, please feel free to copy the article for their perusal. Good common sense, such as not bringing a sick puppy to class, and consulting with trainer and Vet on this matter, also safeguard against health issues. I look forward to seeing you and your puppy on Saturday mornings! Classes are great fun.
PET FEST AT PERRYVILLE OUTLET CENTER APRIL 19TH
Canine Good Citizen: Look What I Can Do! Lab Breezes Through
At the Newark DE Canine Carnival today, after finishing up a volunteer stint serving food, Bridget and I went to check out the CGC test site. Bridget is my young but trusty Lab, and assistant dog for my Group Classes. We found the site to be uncrowded and enough time left to get on the schedule for the Canine Good Citizen testing. This is something I have been wanting to accomplish with Bridget for awhile now. She did not let me down, and breezed through all 10 test items with not a problem. She even made an impressive leap up onto the table for exam of teeth, ears etc. Apparently most dogs fail in the 3 minute owner absence segment, but Bridget handled that like a seasoned veteran. The tester commented that "your dog did a beautiful job, and you are a wonderful trainer." That was very kind of her to acknowledge our accomplishment this way.
In my Good Manners Classes, I am always working towards behaviors that will be part of the CGC testing, should an owner decide to pursue that. In the near future, there will be Good Manners Level 2, with even more advanced behaviors towards CGC testing. I hope many of my clients will pursue this; it is a great feeling of accomplishment
Reactive Dogs Learning Calm in the Countryside
This past week I spent three very active and enjoyable days working as a Camp Counsellor at Peacable Paws Reactive Rover Camp. This is a specialty camp taught by Pat Miller for dogs that, well, don`t like other dogs too well, for whatever the reason. Usually, signs of aggression are fear related, where reactive dogs want the scary thing(the other dog) to go away, so there is much barking, lunging and growling. Some dogs have a problem with other dogs intruding into their space. Others experience leash frustration, at not being able to get to the other dog. There are many reasons why a show of aggression might be present.
Campers learned all this and much more over the course of the three days. My job was to direct and escort dogs from location to location on the farm, using walkie talkies to coordinate movement;these were a group of dogs that did not need another appearing suddenly. I also accompanied the dog owners on hikes about the farm, to give the dogs much needed exercise to aid in the implementation of the program. An exercised dog is a calmer dog. Also, I worked directly with dogs and owners both singly, in pairs or a group of three, supervising counter-conditioning set-ups.
Basically, the latter is using food in association with a trigger (other dogs) to replace the negative emotion with a positive emotion. (Yay, that dog makes food happen). All six dogs showed great progress and owners left hopeful and with a plan. Visit www.peaceablepaws.com to investigate a camp for your Reactive Rover. I came away with much more to offer my clients and their own reactive dogs. The three days were a great experience and a great supplement to my dog training education.
Leslie Fisher
Pat MIller Certified Trainer
Affiliate Peaceable Paws
PUPPY SOCIALIZATION CLASSES COMING!
Beginning Saturday April 5th,every Sat. at 9 AM, drop-in puppy socialization classes at Rainwood Kennels, Elkton MD. Come on out, have fun and learn stuff. Get your puppy off to a great start in a safe and controlled environment. Support for house and crate training, preventing excessive mouthiness and chewing, and articles available. New activities every week. Register, purchase number of sessions desired, and drop in when you can. Contact lookwhaticando@zoominternet.net for more information. I`d love to meet your puppy! Can you think of a more enjoyable way to spend a Saturday morning, laughing at puppies frolicking with each other?
Be on the lookout for another Look What I Can Do! article in the April edition of Pet Companions Magazine, available at all your local Vets and Pet Supply Stores. The article will discuss how lack of early socialization can directly impact behavior, and steps you can take to avoid this. Lack of socialization is a primary cause of behavioral problems. Read-up and find out.
PET COMPANIONS MAGAZINE ARTICLE BY: LOOK WHAT I CAN DO!
Pet Companions Magazine is a new but thriving publication in the Maryland Tri-State Region, dealing with all subjects on, well, pet companions. There is a strong advocacy for responsible ownership, education, and adoption from shelters and rescues. Along those lines, Look What I Can Do! has a feature article in the March edition, To Mutt Or Not to Mutt. As you might surmise, this article is about some of the great mutts in my life, what great and unique dogs they can be, and why everybody should have at least one. This months`, as are all editions, is filled with interesting information about pets, whether they be finned or furred. Find your copy in a Veterinary office or Pet Supply store near you! To contact the magazine with comments email petcompanionsmag@yahoo.com To subscribe, call 866-253-1560
CANINE PARTNERS FOR LIFE: 4th ANNUAL CANINE CARNIVAL
You can bet that Look What I Can Do! will be in attendance on April 5th for this entertaining and important fund-raising event. This event is literally for the dogs, as folks are encouraged to bring their own well behaved dog. . Bridget, my American Lab, that came from CPL, is already getting primed for the games! Hours: 10 AM to 1 PM. Please, no flexi-lines. Independence School (map)
1300 Paper Mill Road Newark DE 19711
( Paper Mill Road is also Route 72)
Games, contests, vendors, dog micro-chip booth, CERF evaluations, TDI testing, CGC Testing, Games, contests, costume parade and more!
.
Elkton Rainwood Kennel: First Group Class
This evening I very much enjoyed instructing my first Group Class at Rainwood Kennel, just south of Elkton MD. The facility is gorgeous, with a wonderful spacious training room. The participants were all very impressed by the business here as well, belonging to Mary Thompson.
Look What I Can Do! will be setting up a regular schedule of classes here, including Level 1 and 2 Good Manners, Tricks and Fun Stuff and Canine Good Citizen Prep.
My first evening of class is without dogs, but I ask one participant to bring a dog for demo, and tonight I worked with Molly, a beautiful black Great Dane puppy. Billie-Bob, my (yes) 14 yo CollieX was also along to do his bit. Everyone had a good time, showed clear understanding of the training methods discussed and headed home with a list of behaviors to work on.
I find my first evening format to be very effective, as it allows participants to listen and watch without worrying about what their dogs are getting up to. It is very exciting to be instructing at this lovely facility and I look forward to beginning a diverse array of classes.
NEW SERVICE FOR PAYMENTS
Look What I Can Do! has gone modern and now accepts online payments, for your convenience, using debit or credit cards. When a client indicates they would like to choose this payment method, my service simply sends them an email containing simple directions. I know I like to use online services myself, so thought it was time I offered this to my customers.
Peaceable Paws Belated Christmas Party
Yesterday afternoon myself and Dog Training friend Holly Miller (amazingcanines.com) travelled to Hagerstown, MD. The event was a belated Christmas party thrown by Pat Miller for all her Interns past and present, Apprentices, friends and Shelter Staff. Yes, it was a 2 hour drive, but my friend Jeanie drove 3 hours from PA. Others traveled from West Virginia. Nobody wanted to miss out on a chance to be in the company of other Dog Trainers, especially those shared a common bond of being educated by wonderful Instructor Pat Miller.
As it turned out, the drive was quite worth the while. Holly and I had a wonderful time seeing Pat again, reknewing friendships from past Internships and meeting many others who had been through the Academies. It was nice to be able to offer support to those just beginning the journey ( I was there not so long ago myself) and listening to those who had been training for some time. Actually, my journey will never be done, in the quest to continually pursue more knowledge. There was plentiful food, games were played and lots of stories told.
My new GPS drove us there and back; it is horribly startling when there is a long stretch without a turn and a loud voice comes blaring out of nowhere. I knew the way, but I guess the GPS actually allows you to be less attentive to directions, if you trust it!
Leslie Fisher
Affiliate Peaceable Paws
Pat Miller Certified Trainer
Member APDT
Look What I Can Do! Pat Miller Certified Dog Trainer
Prominent Dog Trainers often offer Certification upon completion of their Academies, such as Karen Pryor, nationally known Clicker Trainer, for her Academies. Recently, well known Positive Dog Trainer and Author Pat Miller, from Hagerstown Maryland, began offering Trainers Certification for any Intern who had graduated from all three for her Internships.
For myself, this was wonderful news, as I completed my third Internship, Instructors Level 2, in November of 2007. Now, I am proud to say, that I am a Pat Miller Certified Dog Trainer. Pat Miller has high standards and her Interns go on to become successful Dog Trainers. When you go to a Pat Miller Academy, you work hard and gain a wealth of information. I went to Pat, on a mission to become a Dog Trainer; I am in that place now and delighted to be both an Affiliate of Peaceable Paws and Certified as well. I am proud to be associated with someone who is so well respected and has such high standards.
Leslie Fisher
Affiliate Peaceable Paws
Pat Miller Certified Dog Trainer
Member APDT
LOOK WHAT I CAN DO! AFFILIATES WITH PEACEABLE PAWS!!
Previously I reported on my week at Peaceable Paws, attending a Level 2 Instructors Internship, taught by nationally known Dog Trainer Pat Miller, and author, also, of two Positive Dog Training Books.
Addtionally, I am delighted to announce, that as a result of meeting testing criteria for the Internship, I will be taking advantage of an official Afilliation with Peaceable Paws. This means, amongst other things, that I can use the name Peaceable Paws in all my advertising, with the weight it carries of being linked to a nationally known Dog Trainer. I have completed three Internships with Pat Miller now, and feel she has guided me to the place I am in right now, successfully maintaining a new Dog Training business. I am extremely proud to have met criteria for Affiliate.
For my clients, I will have use of articles written by Pat Miller, and will be able to offer booklets at a reduced cost, that I will probably give as gifts to my clients. There are other benefits of Affiliation as well that I won`t go into, but I just wanted to pass along the wonderful news. I will be writing about this in my December newsletter as well. Please email me if you would like to receive this newsletter.
LEVEL 2 INSTRUCTORS PEACEABLE PAWS COMPLETED!
The week went so quickly at Peaceable Paws, and was tiring, but in a good stimulating way, and extremely fulfilling. My goals of learning how to become a more efficient Instructor for my dog training clients were completely met. I think it only rained twice, which was great, and the scenery on the farm was beautiful. We hiked with the shelter dogs every morning before we worked with them and it was such a great experience getting to know them. Of course all of us who worked with the dogs hope they find really great homes. It will help that they learned so many great behaviors in just 6 short days. Dogs are truly amazing in how quickly they can learn. I don`t think any of these dogs had really had any previous training. I believe every one of them learned how to "Down" on verbal cue in the 6 days.
In general, we had three Instructing sessions every day, where Interns rotated on teaching certain behaviors to the others and their dogs. It is very different knowing you are being judged by your peers, but of course we phrased all our suggestions in positive terms so no one ended up feeling badly. That`s why we were there, to learn and grow as Instructors, and how to better reach our clients. Then we had a one to one coaching session each day as well, mimicking a private Instructing session. Of course we had book work too and a number of quizzes and a final exam. We were very well rounded students and Pat Miller did a great job teaching the course. Highly recommended.
Making friends with the other Interns was quite special; my roomate Tracy from Georgia and I shared some moments of hysterical laughters as we studied. We all learned a lot about each other, were there for each other and very supportive of each other. The goodbyes the last day were emotional and lots of hugs were exchanged. Loading up the dogs for the last time was extremely bittersweet; they had learned so much and really connected with us, but their fates are uncertain. Daisy, the Shepherd/Chow mix I worked with, finally walked right up to the van on the last day. Every other day she ran in the other direction. That really tore me up. She was such a great dog, quizzical, bright and eager to learn, and had some great vocalizations!
I hope you enjoyed learning a little about my week!
Type here
On June 30, 2007, Leslie successfully completed Level 2 BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION ACADEMY, instructed by Pat Miller at the Peaceable Paws farm in Fairplay, MD. This intensive and hands on training course prepared Dog Trainers to provide clients with comprehensive Behavior Modification Consults. At a consult, topics covered would be, in regards to the issue, education, managemet, causes, expectations, goals and a plan. During this week, Leslie worked closely with her English Labrador Talley to identify behavioral triggers and implement a plan of desensitization and counter-conditioning for fear-related aggression. Experience and knowledge gained during this week are proving to be invaluable as added services provided by Look What I Can Do! Dog Training. Keep posted for news of my level 2 Instructors Academy in November!
Leslie Fisher graduates from the Peaceable Paws Level 1 Intern Academy, an intensive 45-hour dog training and behavior program. The knowledge acquired here from great Instructor and Mentor Pat Miller gave me the confidence to open Look What I Can Do! Dog Training in December of 2006.
Leslie becomes an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, by first submitting an application for approval to the AKC, then passing an on-line test. I have clients who have completed Good Manners Level 1 and are now pursing the CGC certificate.
Leslie travels to Matawan NJ for a 3 day seminar with Nicole Wilde: Fearful Dogs, Sarah Kalnajs: Body Language and Behavioral Assessments and Dr. Roger Abrantes: Case Studies in Dog Behavior.
Leslie attends a hands on training seminar with her English Lab Talley, with former marine mammal trainer Kathy Sdao. We learned a lot about the use of verbal cues and installing behavioral chains. Talley did great! She now does a "Wowza", which is a combination twirl to the right and immediate down at the end.
"Given his Malamute heritage, Bunky was never happier or more content than while laying on a hill of snow. I`m glad he was so happy."
Leslie
and Daisy, a Shepherd/Chow mix from a local shelter, at Peaceable Paws,
Instructors Internship Level 2.
Graduating Class of
Instructors Interns Level 2 and Instructor, Peaceable Paws, November
2007.