Copy
Smart Dog U's September Newsletter: Scared Dog to Brave Dog - Some Must Have Tools.
dog training, dogs swimming, Smart Dog, dog obedience, Frederick, dog training, clickerWelcome to Smart Dog U's September newsletter. We hope this newsletter finds you and your dogs well. I look forward every year to the transition from the end of summer into autumn. It's a lovely time of year for walking on the trails with the dogs. 
Our newest service pup in-training has arrived! Her name is Siena and all the puppy news is on the Smart Dog Blog, so check in with us there frequently!

Laurie Luck, Professional Dog Trainer
Operation Socialization Certified Trainer
Faculty, Karen Pryor Academy

Siena!

Another Great Dane in the house. Pinch me! She's now 12.5 weeks old and is cuter than cute. Another harlequin Dane (remember Talos?) except this one's spotted all over with a merle background. We call her coloring "cookies 'n' creme." When she arrived a week and a half ago, she had never seen the outside of her yard, and hadn't worn a collar and leash. After four days with her, I felt that she was too scared to continue the training program.

However, she's made some significant progress since then, so we're back on a wait-and-see status. It's exceptionally difficult to be a service dog -- these dogs need to be just about perfect: not too energetic, not too lazy, confident, friendly but not overly gregarious, enjoy new experiences, but able to remain focused on their handler... About 50% of the dogs don't make it through a service dog program due to either personality or health issues. We're not sure how far Siena will make it through the process and we're documenting it all on the Smart Dog Blog. 
lab, labrador, dog training, obedience, puppy training, great dane, Frederick, Smart Dog

My Dog is Scared - What Do I Do?

Don't miss these tools to help your scared dog...
Having a timid dog can be frustrating, time-consuming, and life-limiting. And that’s just from your perspective. Think about what it must be like for the dog, being scared of everything all the time. It’s safe to assume that both ends of the leash are stressed when there’s a fearful dog in the house.
 
When the latest service pup in-training came to us at 11 weeks, she had virtually no experiences outside her yard. An unfortunate circumstance, to be sure, but thankfully we still have four weeks left before Siena’s socialization window is closed for good. If you have an adolescent or adult dog who is fearful, don’t fret – there are still things you can do to help your dog overcome her fears. September's newsletter will give you the tools you need to teach your timid dog that life isn’t all scary.
Click here to keep reading (printable)...  OR on the Smart Dog Blog...

Tango - Back to School

Smart Dog U participates in R.E.A.D. at the local elementary school. The Reading Education Assistance Dogs helps kids improve their reading and and communication skills by reading to a dog.  

Tango is our certified therapy dog who relishes the opportunity to walk into "forbidden to dogs" places like elementary schools. We teamed up with my old elementary school (I saw my 6th grade class picture hanging in the entry hallway!) and visit two classes.

The kids really love reading to Tango! And to see Tango march down the hall (he knows exactly which room we're in and how to get there!), you can see it's the highlight of his week, too!

If you're interested in getting involved in therapy work with your dog, check out Smart Dog U's K9 Building Blocks classes which will give you a good foundation for the skills you and your dog will need to attain therapy dog status. 
dog training, dog obedience, dog class, Frederick, puppy training, puppy socialization, Smart Dog

Career Change

Does working with dogs sound like a dream job? (It really is cool, I can testify to that!) If you're serious about learning more about dogs and training, check out the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Training Program.

The Dog Training Program takes an innovative approach to developing and supporting outstanding positive reinforcement trainers who teach the general public. Our 6-month course combines online learning with hands-on teaching from some of the most experienced teachers in the field. You get to bring your own dog to the four in-person workshops, too!

We're offering another Academy in Maryland that starts in just a few weeks. Get your application in by the end of September if you're interested. I'd love to see you in class!
Copyright © 2012 Smart Dog University, LLC, All rights reserved.