 
Newsletter - Autumn / Winter 2007 |
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Welcome to my first newsletter! Thank you for subscribing. I haven't written anything like this before, so I hope you enjoy reading it and find it full of useful and interesting information. Standish Dog Trainer has been running for almost two years, with dog training classes running for just over a year of that time. The One to One training has been really successful, we have had tiny puppies who just needed the basics, many dogs that like to pull and some quite serious distressing behavioural issues. What has shone through has been the determination and patience of you, the dog owners and lovers! So, well done all of you. The classes have proved very popular, more so than I ever imagined. We have lots of fun and spend lots of time laughing. I can honestly say that I go to work on a Saturday with a smile on my face and I come home still smiling. What is lovely is that many beginners return to do advanced obedience and go away with beautifully mannered, well controlled dogs. The downside is that I miss you all when you go, so if you see me around and about, please come and say hello! I have updated the website with new testimonials and am getting some new photos added soon too, so have a look at the website.
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Vetfone Something that you may find interesting is a relatively new service called Vetfone. This is a service similar to NHS Direct. If you can't speak to your vet and you need some advice about your pet, this is a national helpline manned by qualified and experienced vets and vet nurses who may be able to help you. The number is 0906 500 5500. There is also a website www.vetfone.co.uk, which is an interesting read. I think it is a really good idea.
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Training In the past 12 months I have been trying to further improve the service that I can offer by training and expanding my knowledge even more. I have become a member of the Kennel Club Accredited Instructor (KCAI) scheme – this involves learning on a huge scale over a long time period and covers everything dog! From law, to anatomy to behaviour – it is all there. I am also working on a new qualification in "Cynology" which is study of the canine – there will be a wolf study involved in this course which I am really excited about. "Beat the Bark" is a course I went on in September, to further understand and help problem barkers. During the course we were played audio of just four minutes of Woodgreen Animal Shelter, the noise was unbelievable! It was a useful and fun course.
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Staff With improvement of service in mind I have expanded the Standish Dog Trainer team. Sarah, will be joining me at obedience classes from October. Sarah is taking a junior role and training with me as we work together, making sure that each dog & owner gets the individual care and attention that they need. (Staff photo's coming soon on the website)
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Dates Autumn is here and with Winter fast approaching, there are a few dates that you might want to think about and prepare for. Halloween, 31st Oct – this is an evening where you are likely to have lots of visitors to your door, looking a little unusual to say the least. If you have a brave dog that is good with children and likes to greet visitors, make sure you train up on those Stay / Wait commands at the door and have some doggy treats on hand for rewarding nice sociable behaviour. If you aren't sure about your dog with children or not certain that he won't bolt out of the door, then make sure he is safely tucked away in his bed / crate with a stuffed Kong to avoid any runaways! Guy Fawkes, 5th Nov – this is an event that can stretch on for a good week or more. Some dogs are not the least bit bothered by firework noise; however, here are some pointers to help those that are unhappy about the whole thing. Make sure you have your evening walk earlier than usual, the last thing you want is your dog taking fright and running away into the darkness – this happens a lot, many dogs are picked up wandering following bonfire night! Once home, tightly close all doors & windows and draw the curtains to help reduce the noise. It is also worth having the television or music on, maybe a little louder than usual – again to distract from the noise outside. Your dog may want to get out of the way and hide – if this is the case then humour them, maybe pull out the corner chair / sofa and put a blanket over so that they have a dark hidey hole to go into. Make sure to be upbeat and positive – remember your dog takes the lead from your behaviour, so if you are sympathetic and concerned you will reinforce your dog's worries, don't over fuss them, relax, be bright and cheerful, or just carry on as normal ignoring their concerns – if you are not worried, they will relax too. You can buy CD's with firework noise on them, so if you have a particularly stressed dog, it may be worth investing in one of these to help socialise them – however it is always best to seek professional help with this. Christmas, 25th Dec – A fun time for everyone. Again, lots of visitors, so make sure your dog is happy and sociable with those that come into your home. Christmas Tree Chocolate – Put them high up on your tree out of doggy reach, or don't use them – chocolate is poisonous for dogs! Also beware of trailing wires on Christmas tree lights, puppies do love to chew them! So again, place them high or give them a miss this year. The weather isn't great at this time of year, however your dog still needs the same amount of exercise. So invest in a sturdy pair of wellies, waterproof coat, hat and gloves and get out there & enjoy your dog. Remember to practise your heelwork, practise your recall and Scoop that Poop! Thank you all for a wonderful year and for your amazing dogs. All the best, keep in touch. Jo PS. Any feedback gratefully received! Just email me.
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