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May 2017 Newsletter

Check Out Our New Classes!

Hello, everyone... As promised, long-awaited details for new classes have finally been finalized! But first...

(Yet Another) Obedience Class Move - Saturday morning obedience class has moved (yes, again) to the Affton White-Rodgers Community Center near I-55 and Reavis Barracks. This is a larger venue with better amenities and access, allowing more space per team and to accommodate more students. Thanks again to all of you who have made the recent moves with Nicole and I.

New Tuesday Evening Obedience Class starts May 23rd - Been wanting to take the obedience class, but Saturday mornings just haven't worked for you? Great news! A new "always on" basic obedience class (just like our Saturday class) will be starting at the Affton Community Center on Tuesday, May 23rd at 7:00pm. Click here for details or to register! Cost $140.

Introducing Special Topics Classes - Our short, 4-week Special Topics classes are designed for students who are interested in doing something fun with their dog or who need extra focus on specific problems they are having with their dog. Previous clients and students are encouraged to join, but classes are not limited to dogs with prior obedience training. All dogs 16+ weeks are welcome, as long as dogs (or their people, haha!) are not disruptive to class.
- Party Tricks! - Developing party tricks are a great way to bond with your dog, and impress your guests at your next house party! Teach your dog to high five, spin, rollover, weave through your legs and more. Tuesdays at 8:00 to 8:50pm, May 23rd to June 13th. Cost $100
- Leapers and Leash Pullers! - This specialized class focuses on solving two of the most common issues among dog owners, jumping and pulling on leash. Teach your dog how to always keep “four on the floor,” greet people politely and walk nicely on a loose leash, all with positive and fun methods. Tuesdays at 8:00-8:50pm, July 25th to August 22nd (no class 8/8). Cost $100
- Both classes are also at the Affton Community Center. Click here to learn more about the Special Topics classes and to register. Hope to see you there!

A Big, Big Thank You (with a puppy on top)...

"Thank You" to all those who took the time to write an online review for The Persuaded Pooch on Google and Facebook. It has truly been humbling and rewarding to read about your experiences. No words can really express the amount of gratitude I have for the opportunity and pleasure of working with you and your dogs. Much love and many, many thanks!

Image courtesy of My Dog Home

Product Review: Ruffwear Slackline Leash

If it's possible to be in love with a dog leash, than this would be nothing short of true love... For years and years, I've been loyal to the leather leash. Afterall, a nicely worn leather leash is about as comfortable as in your hand as big fuzzy slippers on your feet.

I'm also a big fan of using a waist leash to walk your dog, specifically if you are teaching loose leash walking skills. I've relied primarily on the leather Convertible Service Dog Leash offered by J&J Supplies as my go-to waist belt for training and running... until now.

In my constant and relentless quest for tools to make managing unruly dogs easier, I found the exquisitely feature-heavy Ruffwear Front Range Harness, which was named as one of the best no-pull harnesses by The Whole Dog Journal this year. But, even more exciting than that, I happened across the (ahem, beautifully matching) Ruffwear Slackline Leash in Green. After using the leash for about a month, there aren't enough good things I can say about it:

Totally adjustable - The waist portion slickly adjusts to any size waist. The length of the leash is adjustable depending on if you have a tall or a short dog.
Totally convertible - Yes, this is a waist leash, but it's also a handheld leash. The waist portion tightens down to a traditional 6 foot handheld leash.
Totally ergonomic - The waist / handle portion of the leash is padded for your comfort, whether worn around the waist or held in your hand. The leash itself is SO lightweight, so it doesn't weigh you or your dog down. One of my favorite features is the patented "Talon Clip" instead of the traditional bolt clip. Easy squeezy!
Last but not least... Totally washable. Enough said.

The Slackline Leash is sold online via Ruffwear.com, Amazon.com and REI.com and retails for about $40. It's an investment, for sure, but one that should last a while given the quality of materials and number of features.

Innovation is a glorious thing, isn't it? If I had one thing on the wish list, I would ask Ruffwear to make a version that's a little longer, perhaps 8 feet. If it was just a smidge longer, it could drag on the ground for reactive dog training, making it the perfect training tool. Until then, I'd say this one might take the cake for a long time to come (mmm, cake).

Images courtesy of Ruffwear

Dog-centric Events!

Check out these upcoming local events that are either for you and your pup or to benefit some great local
pet-friendly, non-profit organizations.

Tivia Night to benefit 3 Groups
C.A.R.E., OpSpot, & A4A Food Pantry
Saturday May 6th, 6:00 PM
Richmond Heights Community Center
8001 Dale Avenue
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Details

Fitness with Fido Classes
(Yes, these are workout classes with your dog!)
Classes are ongoing at various locations around town
Details

Community Table Night at Baileys' Range
Benefits Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation (MAAL)
Monday, May 22nd, 5:00 PM
Baileys' Range
920 Olive St.
St. Louis, MO 63101
Details

Hiking with Rover at Shaw Nature Reserve
Missouri Botanical Garden
Sunday, June 4th, 4:30 PM
4344 Shaw Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63110
Details

Image courtesy of 93.1 Wolf Country