Annie's Dogs: Therapy Dog Training

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Ararat, VIC
Annie's Dogs: Therapy Dog Training

This course certifies you as a Therapy Dog Handler, and your dog as a Therapy Dog.
(17)

06/12/2023

Part of the beauty of this course is the amount of public exposure you get. Literally from the moment you arrive, we have the public with us. I do this because I feel there is no point to training a therapy dog without public involvement- seeing as that will be their future role! We have preschoolers, toddlers, babies. We have primary and high school kids. We have adults and elderly adults. We have disability, patients, and able bodied. Basically we cover the entire spectrum of humanity. Our dogs learn how to behave with all of these different people groups, and we learn how to trust our dogs to make safe and lasting connections with others.

Feel free to reach out if you would like to know more or to book a place :)

My next available course is April 8-12, 9am-3pm, space available. $1760. Ararat.
After this is:
July 1-5
September 23-27
Cost is $1760. Time is 9am-3pm. Location is Ararat. Dogs need to be 5 months old or older. Non aggressive, non reactive and a lover of people.

Obedience courses will also run next year:
May 12, 19 and 26 1 space available.
June 16, 23 and 30 limited spaces available.
August 11, 18 and 25
October 13, 20 and 27
November 10, 17 and 24

Cost is $660, Time is 9am-12pm, Location is Ararat. Dogs need to be 5 months old or older and non-aggressive.

Pay your deposit for a course in the next two weeks and get two refresher sessions (valued at $100)

05/12/2023

Your dogs and the heat.

Last night, I told you I'd talk about heat - how hot is too hot to walk your dog; and what other things should we know. So here it is:

First of all the science:
Before we debate how hot is too hot, let's understand a little about our dogs in order to understand the answer.
First, dogs are not like us. They don't regulate heat in the same way. For them, the two main ways they releas heat are: through panting; and through the paws of their feet.
This means the issue isn't just about burning their paws (which is a big reason why people turn to bo**ies and think they've solved the problem), the issue is ensuring the dog has the ability to cool down through their paws and their mouth.

So now consider two scenarios:
A dog who has a muzzle on that's incorrectly fitted. This dog will overheat rapidly regardless of what the temperature is. Why? Because a correctly fitted muzzle should allow the entire dog's mouth to open inside the muzzle, thus allowing it to pant and regulate heat. An incorrectly fitted muzzle will not allow the dog's mouth to open, and thus the dog cannot open-mouth-pant and therefore will be unable to regulate their heat.

Next:
A dog who is wearing bo**ies. Well-meaning owners go out and think they're doing their dog a favour by buying little bo**ies that fit on their dog's feet. They do so because they've seen the pictures of burnt paw pads and they think oh I need to protect my little one's feet. Again though, if you purchase the wrong type of bo**ie (ie a water proof one for winter, or a cheap one that doesn't allow breathability) then again regardless of temperature you've just made it incredibly difficult for your dog to regulate their body temperature regardless of the what the thermometer says, and so your dog is likely to overheat.

So what is the answer?
Generally speaking, a dog that is not heat intolerant (ie not cold-weather dogs like Malamutes, Huskies, Akita's etc); or brachyscome dogs (ie like pugs, mastiffs, boxers, frenchies) or with health issues, can be walked happily up to 24 degrees Celsius. Though, be smart, you know yourself, if you hit a 24 degree day in the middle of winter after weeks of 16... the 24 feels like 30. Because you haven't acclimatised to it. It is the same for your dog. This is why when I was living in Michigan, USA, I saw a boy in shorts and a singlet going for a walk when it was only 2 degrees... because we'd just come out of weeks of -40! So, if you do hit one of those compariably warmer days in winter, understand your dog also needs time to acclimatise.

The next thing to consider is why not just when it's too hot to touch with the back of your hand. Here's why. The too-hot-for-the-back-of-your-hand- temperature is usually around the 28 degree mark. Which is higher than what I've recommended above. So why do I recommend less than this? Because it's not about your dog's paws being burnt. Yes, that's awful! But the danger isn't just in blistering paws. The danger is in the dog not being able to regulate heat. So, if you walk your dog on a surface that is warm - not talking hot, just warm- and the air is also warm, and the dog needs to cool down, thtey cannot. Because all they have is their panting, which is not enough. They need to be able to release that heat through their paws but with the ground being warm they can't. Hence, if you're waiting for the ground to be too hot to touch, you're actually waiting too long.

So what to do instead:
If you're where we live, summer doesn't have too many under-24-days. Sometimes not even in the evening or morning. Sometimes not even in the middle of the night.
Of course, the first suggestion will be: if you've got a day with a morning or evening of 24 or under temperature then go for a walk then. But on the days when you don't, some suggestions:

1. Use mental enrichment games ie scent tracking, snuffle mats, hide and seek, tricks, agility etc.

2. If you're blessed with a large inside area, play with them there.

3. Play in a shaded grassy area and keep play to short duration. Follow the dog's cues and allow them to rest whenever they want. BUT do NOT assume your dog will rest when they need. Some dogs - particularly working dogs, will just keep going. It is not a myth that you can run your dog to the point they drop dead. You definitely can. Likewise if you have a sun-bathing dog like ours who would otherwise choose to lay on the boiling hot concrete and sun tan themselves for hours on end, realise just like a child who doesn't always know what's best for them, neither does your dog. Heat stroke is a real issue.

4. Provide fresh water for your dogs frequently to drink.

5. Go to mitre 10 grab one of those sandpit clam shells for $15. Fill it with water and play fetch in and out of the water with them. Side note: if you're taking your dog to the beach, bear in mind the same issues are present as sand gets extremely hot. Also, an additional note on beach going; be very mindful that playing fetch on the beach isn't always a good thing as when your dog picks up the ball, they are likely to be ingesting large amounts of sand also. This sand can cause intestinal blockages and can kill. Likewise salt content (from a wet soggy salt water logged ball) is also an issue.

6. If you're walking a short distance ie from your car to the shop door this is where those bo**ies do come in handy, as it's not so much about heat regulation that's the issue here as it is about short exposure to radiant heat (from the pavement/bitumen etc) which could cause burns. So throw some bo**ies on, or carry them, or a stroller, or pick the path that's shortest, most shaded and get there real quick. Do not stop to talk on the bitumen.

Other facts about heat:
1. Do not leave your dog in a car. Doesn't matter if the windows are down. If it's hot, it's hotter in that car. Do not leave them.
2. Do not tie them up in the sun. Doesn't matter if it's on the grass. Tie them up where there's shade. Yes that might mean walking further, but I'm sure you wouldn't enjoy sitting out in the sun on a hot day even if there was grass under your t**h.
3. Do not leave them in an area without access to water. Dogs need access to water. And, while we're on the topic of water - remember, communal water bowls, while better than nothing if you've forgotten yours, are NOT ideal. Take your own water and water bowl.
4. For therapy dogs in settings where you are required to have your dog with you- possibly in heat-soaked areas, this is what I have always done with Pauley:
A) Asked that we do yard duty in the shaded areas. If this couldn't be catered for, then I would leave him inside and I would go and do yard duty by myself.
B) At events ie school sports day, where the sun and heat are high. I would hang out with Pauley in the grassy shaded areas. I would communicate this prior to the day, and if the school required me to be in the sun, then I would leave Pauley at home.
C) Taking Pauley into venues from the car, I would follow my above suggestions on avoiding the pavement. Bear in mind if you use bo**ies, once you are inside take them off. Your dog still needs to regulate their temperature inside also, and the bo**ies do hinder this.

On the whole, remember, heat can kill. And even if it doesn't, heat will cause discomfort. Your best friend deserves better.

04/12/2023

Here's a quiz - how hot (give me a temperature rating in the comments) is too hot to walk your dog? Answer in the comments.
I'll get back to you tomorrow to allow time for your answers. But in the mean time, here's a hint:
If you're where we are, it is too hot to walk your dog today and tomorrow.

03/12/2023

Family walks done right at our new place (Zeke is also here - walking beside me 🤣🤣).

My next available therapy dog courses for 2024 (all of which are taking bookings already).

April 8-12 (2 places available)
July 1-5
September 23-27
Cost is $1760. Time is 9am-3pm. Location is Ararat. Dogs need to be 5 months old or older. Non aggressive, non reactive and a lover of people.

Obedience courses will also run next year:
May 12, 19 and 26 (1 place available)
June 16, 23 and 30
August 11, 18 and 25
October 13, 20 and 27
November 10, 17 and 24

Cost is $660, Time is 9am-12pm, Location is Ararat. Dogs need to be 5 months old or older and non-aggressive.

Pay your deposit for a course in the next two weeks and get two refresher sessions (valued at $100)

02/12/2023

A heads up to all. Kennel cough (a contagious disease that can kill young pups and older dogs, and badly affect any dog) is doing the rounds in Ballarat at the moment.

Here's some info to be across regarding Kennel Cough:
Kennel cough most often presents as a hacking cough, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and low fever. Not all symptoms need to be present for it to be kennel cough.

What to do if you suspect your dog has kennel cough:
1. It is important to take your dog to the vet if you suspect he/she may have kennel cough. Please ring ahead and let them know what you suspect so they can ensure processes are in place to protect other vet goers - ie clearing the waiting room before you enter. The vets will be able to inform you on the best treatment plan for your dog.
2. Let those dog owners your dog has been in contact with know your dog has kennel cough. This can allow them to monitor their dog for symptoms also.
3. If your dog has been with a dog who has a confirmed case of kennel cough, monitor your dog, and even if your dog currently has no symptoms keep them away from other dogs for a period of a week. Kennel cough is contagious in dogs even before the onset of symptoms. As well as being contagious with the onset of symptoms.
4. If you have access to a public group ie the Ararat residents page; it is a nice courtesy to make a post to let others know where your dog has been and that they have a confirmed case of kennel cough. This does a few things: lets the community know to be aware there are active cases in the community; allows them to see if they may have been in the same vicinity (kennel cough lingers in environments after the affected dog has left); and helps them to be a little more cautious in preventing kennel cough for their dog.
5. Please don't take your dog out until 2 weeks AFTER their last symptom. Your dog can still be contagious until this period.

How to prevent kennel cough:
1. An up to date C5 vaccination (which is the usual vaccination schedule pups receive) can protect against kennel cough as well as parvovirus, distemper, infectious hepatitis, and parainfluenza.
2. Avoid communal areas like dog parks (they tend to spread diseases, as well as being a high risk area for dog fights/altercations).
3. If you do choose to use dog parks, or other communal areas, DON'T use communal water bowls, water, or toys that are left in these places. You have no idea what dog just drank from that bowl/played with that tennis ball etc.
4. While your pup is little and hasn't yet received their full vaccinations (remember, even once they've had their final shot, they need to wait until 2 weeks after that shot to be fully protected) carry them when in public (or if they're too big, put them in a stroller). This allows them to still be socialised BUT reduces the risk of catching a disease while they are unprotected. Please understand here: IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO SOCIALISE YOUR PUP BEFORE THEIR FULL SHOTS. Waiting until after the schedule is finished is incredibly detrimental to your dog's temperament and reactivity later on. You cannot get those first few weeks back even if you do 3x the amount of socialisation later, if you haven't socialised them well between 8 and 12 weeks of age you will have a much harder job later!

Side note: Kennel cough is EXTREMELY rare to transfer from dog to human, though minimal cases exist where it has happened. It is not something to really worry too much about and general hygiene should bring the risk level basically to zero.

I hope this helps!
Annie

01/12/2023

Updates, a sale, and my 2024 Calendar details below:

Well we've had a very crazy time here, moving house and madly finishing renovations so we can move into our new home! So, I'm sorry for the lack of content recently! But I'm back on deck! :)

Just giving everyone the heads up on calendar dates for my next available therapy dog courses for 2024 (all of which are taking bookings already).

April 8-12
July 1-5
September 23-27
Cost is $1760. Time is 9am-3pm. Location is Ararat. Dogs need to be 5 months old or older. Non aggressive, non reactive and a lover of people.

Obedience courses will also run next year:
May 12, 19 and 26
June 16, 23 and 30
August 11, 18 and 25
October 13, 20 and 27
November 10, 17 and 24

Cost is $660, Time is 9am-12pm, Location is Ararat. Dogs need to be 5 months old or older and non-aggressive.

Pay your deposit for a course in the next two weeks and get two refresher sessions (valued at $100)

21/11/2023

A call for help:
If you've done my course, thought about, or envied any of the haltis on this page, you have one person to thank, a local sewer, and beautiful woman who I teamed up with: Jacqui Harrison.
Tragically Jacqui and Brian lost their house, pets and belongings to a fire on Saturday night.
If you are able to contribute, a go fund me page has been started to help Jacqui and Brian. Any amount is appreciated. Furniture etc will also be appreciated further down the track. This family, after a year of doing it tough anyway, will be starting from scratch. Our support in whatever way you can offer- emotional, financial, physical- is crucial.

https://gofund.me/ac86f367

30/10/2023

Our largest past grad! Working with some of Australia's smallest! Well done Forrest and Georgia!

My next course is January 8-11, 9am-3pm, Ararat. $1760. Spaces limited.

20/10/2023

Sharing a past grad before I sign off for the day :) how awesome is Team Astro, with handler Heather :) have a read and be blessed.

Next course (January 8-11) has two spaces available. $1760. 9am-4pm, Ararat. This will be my last course before I go on maternity leave.

10/10/2023

One space *1* has just opened up for my October Obedience course. $660, October 15, 22 and 29, 9am-12pm. Ararat. This will be my LAST Obedience course until May.

09/10/2023

Some more distractions for our dogs :) while they wait quietly beside their owners :) this is in the morning of day 2. Could the dogs do this day 1... haha no. So don't stress if you think to yourself "holy crap, my dog can't do that." That's the beauty of doing this course which includes the obedience training as well.

My next course is January 8-11. It will be my last until April 2024. $1760, Ararat, 9am-3pm.

08/10/2023

Happy Sunday all! The bond between these two is beautiful (even though Thelli prefers Ronnie - who regards her the least of all the dogs 🤣 though is still great with her).

Side note: I do 100% actively teach Thelli not to lay on/climb over/hug the dogs. Primarily because a lot of dogs don't enjoy these types of interactions (so you don't want to reinforce behaviours that could get them hurt from another dog); also because I want her to see them as beings rather than toys; and finally because a toddler isn't always gentle - so a soft hug too quickly turns into a tight squeeze. But the moment happened, Pauley was not fussed at all as Thelli gently laid down on him, and he rolled to give her his tummy for a tummy scratch, so I took the photo, and then encouraged Thelli into a more appropriate-for-all interaction with Pauley.

05/10/2023

Anyone in the West (West Australia) needing some therapy dog loving? If so, shoot me a message and I'll put you in touch with some of our past graduates and their furry friends :)

From Hani (one such past grad) :
"Sometimes… we just want to sit with someone , say very little, and just BE … if that someone is a kind and wise mentor, magic can accidentally happen . This floofball and her daughter are kind and gentle reminders of our deeper selves…. Pm for some gentle one on one time …next level therapy dogs."

27/09/2023

This is what you can expect when you complete any of my courses.
Consistency is key, continuing to challenge your dog is key. And being as brilliant an owner as Sandy who just didn't quit, is also key. Ask anyone in the recent course who participated alongside Sandy and Birdie, and they will tell you, Biride was akin to an ADHD child (incredibly loveable, but such high energy!) At 5 months old there wasn't a lot of listening going on, especially when food wasn't offered. But here they are, 1 week post course, smashing life!
Birdie is on the way to becoming Sandy's assistance dog. And as Sandy stated during the course, "thank you so much for helping to put the wheels on my wheelchair."
Stay tuned, I have a sneaky suspicion Birdie and Sandy will be regulars on this page.

My next obedience course is October 15, 22 and 29, 9am-12pm, $660.
My next therapy dog course is January 8-11, 9am-3pm, $1760.
I'm also always taking on new assistance dog training clients also. From as little as $100, I offer services like a buffet where you choose what services you require. Start anytime.

26/09/2023

The morning at Leah's farm is always a highlight. Not just to see what our dogs do around large and small animals, but also as an opportunity to really focus on our communication with our furry friends. We practice more listening, and more obedience training in a new setting with new smells, new sights, and new beings.
Thank you, Leah for always being so accommodating to our group. Your friendship and hospitality means a lot to me, and every participant that goes through the course always raves about you.

Side note: don't stress if your dog would prefer to eat the chickens or chase the horses. I just need to see that on a lead they will choose you and listen to you instead. Oh, and no, our dogs couldn't do this prior to the course, so don't stress there either. We do a lot of work prior to this test.

My next course is January 8-11, 9am-3pm, $1760. Ararat. After this it will be April 8-12, 9am-3pm. Spaces limited for all courses.

25/09/2023

Another of our favourite public exposure visits is to the Ararat Early Learning Centre where we have so much fun with children aged 2 - 4. We do this visit at the end of our training and time together to ensure our dogs know how to be calm, how to walk for even the smallest of our friends, and how to soak up the energy and excitement of little people and turn it into love.

Our next course is January 8-11, 9am-3pm, $1760 (which includes all training- including obedience, as well as testing, public visits and certification). 4 spaces remain.

24/09/2023

Obedience (What will my dog learn? What principles do you follow? Is there any "pre training" you recommend? What happens if I've done your general obedience course as well?)

Obedience, let's be real: I know a lot of people are often worried about whether their dog is "trainable", and what they'll need to be able to do before the course and by the course's end.

So let's start.

First off, I want to start you from a position of confidence, and to do that, I want to give you a snippet of my background. I have been a dog trainer for the past 6 years. Before starting my therapy dog business I trained thousands of dogs through my obedience course, titled: 3 days and a new dog: Training. This course is still available. The point of this training is to take your dog from being unruly, unlistening and unresponsive, and to helping them become well mannered, a good listener, and obedient to you every time. It's different to most dog training courses as the transformation occurs in just 3 sessions. (You can see more by visiting the 3 days and a new dog: Training page).

Now to be clear (and with the purpose of giving you added confidence), I'm not just talking about transforming already good dogs who just need a little fine-tuning. I'm talking that the majority of dogs I see in that course are usually dogs with really stubborn personalities, and bad behaviours. I mean, it's not uncommon for people to message me concerned and say "oh my dog will be the absolute worse." To which I reply, "don't worry, I've heard that a thousand times before. Very rarely is a person willing to pay $660 (the cost of the obedience course) if their dog is already good."

As a result, let's start with confidence- if you think your dog is a therapy dog candidate (kind, calm temperament; and not dog or people aggressive) then it's very, VERY unlikely I won't be able to teach it obedience.

But of course, you are more than welcome to do the 3 day course before (or after) training with me to help with the obedience side if you are still concerned. In fact, though it's not required, I do recommend it. Many past graduates started in the 3 day course, and loved it so much they joined the therapy dog course. The benefits of doing both are:
1. If you have completed a 3 day obedience course, you can aim for an Advanced Therapy Dog Certificate instead. This certificate identifies that your dog is trained and trusted off lead and has an advanced level of obedience.
2. You gain access to quarterly graduate refresher obedience courses and a graduate obedience Facebook group.
3. You get to proof your skills before the course and put those nerves to rest.
4. You get to make a lot of friends, and so does your dog. (The course is a group setting so it introduces your dog to more dog socialisation and manners).

Now we've cleared that up, let's talk about what I expect your dog to already know before it arrives to the therapy dog course:
1. All dogs need to love people, and be happy around other dogs (i.e. I shouldn't be worried that if I turn around I'll have a dog fight on my hands).
2. All dogs should also have a strong relationship with their owner where they are allowed inside, and where they spend considerable time each day with their owner. I make this a requirement as hands down the hardest dogs to train are those who barely see their owners. This is because when they come to training they aren't ready to learn, they're just excited to be spending time with their person finally.
3. All dogs must be fully vaccinated with their current C5 injection.

Now, in saying all of this, most dogs will usually bark when they see the other dogs- this is absolutely fine, and completely normal. Also, a lot of dogs when they start the course may also get excited and might jump on people when they come over to pat them. This is also fine and completely normal. What I don't want to see is a dog that's hanging off the lead, pulling you over to go and attack another dog, or a dog that is timid and shy and doesn't feel comfortable being patted by stranger.

What your dog will learn by the training's end (you don't need to know this prior though!):
Manners: *all of these standards are without the use of food as a motivator.
1. To wait until invited through doorways, entranceways, gates, etc.
2. To greet people without jumping on them.
3. To be gentle around all people.
4. To listen to you in all settings to gain appropriate cues for what they are expected to do.
5. To behave appropriately around other species of animals including, but not limited to horses, chickens, cats, and other birds.
6. To wait patiently at their owners feet while their owner is eating at a public Cafe.
7. To wait patiently in the sit position when an owner is speaking to another person.
8. To choose you as their owner above any other distraction that could hinder their obedience.

Obedience: *all of these standards are also without the use of food as a motivator (and again you don't need to know them prior!)
1. To sit on command.
2. To drop on command.
3. To enter "work" mode on command.
4. To exit "work" mode on command.
5. To stay in their sit and drop until released. This will be up to 30 minutes in duration; and will entail heavy distraction.
6. To recall to their name from a distance of 20 metress away.
7. To stay in their drop while their owner leaves them and continues out of sight.
8. To heel with a loose lead for their owner.
9. To heel with a loose lead for another adult.
10. To heel with a loose lead for a child.
11. To heel with a loose lead for an elderly person.
12. To respond to you above any and all distractions including other dogs, animals, toys, and people.
13. To understand what your expectations are in all new and familiar settings.

The principles I use to train dogs are as follows.

1. I do not use food. This is because I find food to create a large amount of inconsistent compliance from the dog - responding when the owner has food, and not responding when the owner doesn't. It is also because I tend to find owners stay connected to giving food, rather than moving to obedience without food. Food is also not allowed in some care facilities or inappropriate to take due to the risk level it brings (ie hygienic reasons in hospitals, children eating the treats, etc), it's also much easier to ask people not to feed your dog (ie people may feed our dogs foods that could kill them without us knowing) if they're not seeing you feed them.

2. I require all dogs to wear a head halti training collar. This is because haltis are the least aversive training tool on the market when used correctly. Please read my post on collars vs haltis vs harnesses. Owners will gradually lessen their dependence on the halti, however they will all train with a halti (unless owning a brachyscome breed of dog) or if they're dog is already obedience trained to a high degree without needing food as a motivator.

3. I use positive reinforcement in the form of positive voice tones (high pitched "good boy") and pats and love.

4. I use force free corrections for behaviour the dog knows is wrong.

5. I use terminal commands such as "free" to end a particular activity; and I use non terminal commands to ensure the dog knows they have done well, but are not finished yet.

These principles fit within the guidelines set out by the NDTF (National Dog Training Foundation).

Other recommendations (though not requirements):
I do recommend your dog completes puppy school (this is not required though). I recommend it NOT for the obedience (as puppy schools rarely produce any real obedience) rather I recommend it for the early social interaction your dog gains from it. (Read my post on puppyhood to therapy-doghood).

I also recommend (but it's not required) your dog attend local obedience classes even if they use food-based methods. This is because any act of your dog learning how to learn is an advantage. But again, they don't have to, it's just a recommendation.

I also thoroughly recommend my 3 day course as you will learn through the same method as the therapy dog course and your dog's obedience will soar. If I know you're planning on doing the therapy dog course, I also tailor your participation and provide tips for you to work on before you start the full course. Again, this is recommended but not required!

Another firm thing I recommend is spending time with your dog! Hands down the number one factor that makes a dog easy or difficult to train is the amount of time they're with you. This doesn't have to be active time (ie playing fetch, learning tricks etc); this can be as simple as laying next to you while you watch Netflix.

One last thing I recommend is teaching them the drop command and doing this in public spaces often. Why? Because the drop position is your dog's most vulnerable position, so placing them in a drop in a new setting can sometimes be the part of the training that dogs dislike the most during my course. Get a head start and start practising the drop everywhere you go :)

And just like that, I hope you understand more about the course! Feel free to reach out if you would like any more information!

If you'd like to give my therapy dog training a whirl, and try it out for yourself, my next courses are:
January 8-11
April 8-12
July 1-5
September 23-27
(Cost $1760; Ararat; 9am-3pm)

I also run obedience courses. My next dates are:
2023
October 15, 22 and 29
November 12, 19 and 26
(Cost $660; Ararat; 9am-12pm)

I also run puppy school for puppies under 4 months. These occur every month. It's a 3 weekly cycle and you join whenever your pup has had their first vaccination. Cost is $45 a session, or $40 a session if paying all 3 upfront. 3pm-4.30pm. Ararat. These will commence again in 2024.

Assistance dog training - I train assistance dogs starting at $100 varying up to $2,500 depending on the level of help you require. Reach out if you would like to know more.

Address

Crouch Street
Ararat, VIC
3377

Telephone

+61473739067

Website

http://www.anniesdogs.com.au/

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Videos

Family walks done right at our new place (Zeke is also here - walking beside me 🤣🤣). My next available therapy dog courses for 2024 (all of which are taking bookings already). April 8-12 (2 places available) July 1-5 September 23-27 Cost is $1760. Time is 9am-3pm. Location is Ararat. Dogs need to be 5 months old or older. Non aggressive, non reactive and a lover of people. Obedience courses will also run next year: May 12, 19 and 26 (1 place available) June 16, 23 and 30 August 11, 18 and 25 October 13, 20 and 27 November 10, 17 and 24 Cost is $660, Time is 9am-12pm, Location is Ararat. Dogs need to be 5 months old or older and non-aggressive. Pay your deposit for a course in the next two weeks and get two refresher sessions (valued at $100)

Some more distractions for our dogs :) while they wait quietly beside their owners :) this is in the morning of day 2. Could the dogs do this day 1... haha no. So don't stress if you think to yourself "holy crap, my dog can't do that." That's the beauty of doing this course which includes the obedience training as well. My next course is January 8-11. It will be my last until April 2024. $1760, Ararat, 9am-3pm.

The morning at Leah's farm is always a highlight. Not just to see what our dogs do around large and small animals, but also as an opportunity to really focus on our communication with our furry friends. We practice more listening, and more obedience training in a new setting with new smells, new sights, and new beings. Thank you, Leah for always being so accommodating to our group. Your friendship and hospitality means a lot to me, and every participant that goes through the course always raves about you. Side note: don't stress if your dog would prefer to eat the chickens or chase the horses. I just need to see that on a lead they will choose you and listen to you instead. Oh, and no, our dogs couldn't do this prior to the course, so don't stress there either. We do a lot of work prior to this test. My next course is January 8-11, 9am-3pm, $1760. Ararat. After this it will be April 8-12, 9am-3pm. Spaces limited for all courses.

Well this interaction was heart-warming today ❤️❤️ the kids were told to go and say goodbye to the therapy dogs as it was time for us to leave. You can't hear it on the video, but this little girl was letting Lily (the dog) know that she was very loved.

In the courses I teach, it's not uncommon to have other dog /animal professionals training with me. From vets, to groomers, to animal rescue workers and more. In this video you'll find Lisa and Frankie. Lisa is a super down to earth champion who works as a Groomer in Stawell. So if you're in the Stawell area and are looking for a groomer, look no further. She's kind, clearly knows her stuff, is relatable and has that rare talent where dogs just love her from first sight :) Lisa, if you're reading this, put your details in the comments so people can contact you.

Another video of our dogs waiting to be called one at a time. But notice the other successes in this video (which come after just 3 sessions). 1) Dogs are lined up in close proximity to each other, without being tethered- and check where their focus is: on their owner! 2) They only come when their name is called, not when another dog moves, and not to go and see the other dog. 3) They're waiting without being told stay, just listening to their owner's tones. 4) I don't tell the owners to, but every single time we come to this activity in all of the courses I do, owners let go of the lead and walk away. What does this show?? How much nee confidence they have in their dog's willingness to listen to them that they don't have to be physically connected to them. Well done everyone! My next available obedience course is October 15, 22 and 29, 9am-12pm, $660, Ararat. Next available therapy dog course is April 8-12 2024; 9am-3pm, $1760, Ararat.

I've been asked before: why the Sabbath? And I guess today is no better example than any other. Often, (with this morning being no exception), I wake on Sabbath morning drained, tired, and, often (sorry Zeke) grumpy. I've never been a morning person, nor really a night person either! Truth be told, I'm just a sleep person! So Sabbath morning I wake tired from the week. The busy-ness, the every day stresses, the things to think about, the to do list, sits in my mind. Thelli wakes anywhere between 4.30 and 5.30 and the day begins. My eyes open, but I wish I was still asleep. We make it through breakfast, and somehow get to 9.30 where we're out the door and headed to our small community church. Once here, things start to pick up. Maybe because I'm an extrovert at heart, maybe it's also the love that surrounds us from the people at our church, maybe also the warm familiarity of being in a place where 30 years ago I grew up in, or maybe it's all of these things and the God who meets us wherever we're at. Whatever it is, by 10am I'm usually buzzing. Buzzing with excitement as we participate or lead out in the kids Sabbath School, singing songs, doing craft, story telling, object lessons and the list goes on. By 11.15 we're usually squeezing our way out the door, being stopped by friends on the way as we try to get Thelli home for her sleep. By 12, Thelli is usually fast asleep, and Zeke and I have time just to stop, take stock, reflect and talk- something that during the week usually only happens at night when we're both tired and still thinking about the week's to do list and things left undone. But Saturday's different. By now on our Sabbath, my brain has usually turned off from the stresses of the week, my phone has been turned to silent, and emails, messages and Facebook notifications are left unread. As such Zeke and I will often sit together for the few peaceful hours of a Saturday when Thelli is asleep and just rest together in the goodness of being still. Thell

When the staff get as much enjoyment out of our visit as the residents :) #ithappensineverysetting :) #loveit! My next available course is September 18-21; 9am-,3pm; Ararat; $1760. Spaces limited

Sometimes I'm asked if non-adults can do this course, to which I am 100% all for. In this course we had Kate (shown in this video) and Rosie (you'll see more of Rosie to come) complete the course. Both of these people are 16, yet both completed the course like champions. In the past I've also had children as young as 8 complete the course and receive their "Junior therapy dog handler certificate". Common reasons why younger participants are doing the course often include: - parents teaching their children to give back to the community - parents wanting their children to have greater access to the community, this is often particularly if the child otherwise finds it hard to engage socially; having a dog can aid this process - children wanting to take their dogs into places and give back to the community - children and family wanting their dog to listen to all members rather than just the adults - as a stepping stone to assistance dog training (which I also do). Feel free to reach out if you'd like to know more. My next available therapy dog course is September 18-21; 9am-3pm; Ararat. $1760. Spaces limited.

Our farm visit sees us checking out our temperament around farm animals, farm smells, and making sure our dogs still listen to us even in the presence of these larger (horses), flightier (chooks), smellier (manure), woofier (an unfamiliar dog and cats). It's a great opportunity to see what our dog will do now. Some training organisations won't pass your dog if they have a prey drive, that's not my criteria. My criteria is, if your dog has a prey drive, will they still listen to you. Ie OK, so your dog wants to eat Leah's chooks (not great), BUT with the training and relationship you now have will they listen to you. The vast majority pass this even if they wouldn't have at the start of the week. Those who don't, don't fail the course. I just include on their standards of attainment "not currently suitable for work off lead with farm animals/chooks/ whatever it was". The farm is therefore not a pass or fail grade for the course, but it acts as a good litmus test for you to see where your dog is at with their listening skills. My next available course is September 18-21, 9am-3pm, $1760. 4 day course. After this it's April 2024. Spaces are limited and filling.

Could our dogs do this day 1? Hahahaha... don't be funny! In fact when I told their owners their dogs would do this by day 3 they all thought I was daft. Yet here they are. Your dog doesn't need to already be obedient to do this course. As you'll see over the next few days, I teach all of the obedience required during the 5 days with me. All your dog needs is to be non-reactive to people and dogs and to love receiving attention and pats from strangers:) Last available course before April 2024 is September 18-21, 9am-3pm, $1760.

If I haven't gotten back to you, or replied a little more delayed than usual, here's our reason why :) we've been a little more preoccupied, a lot more sick, and a very great excited for what's to come :) 2023 - we're thanking God for what we have and looking forward to what's in store- 2024. :)

Our dogs learnt to walk on a loose lead today... even by children :) Little Ivy (6months old) has actually never been on a lead or collar before starting the course yesterday! Yet check out how beautifully she walks now :)

Day 1: Our dogs learning to be non reactive and trust in their owners. Love the busy-ness of the environment here, and the calmness of the dogs. Next available course September 18-22, $1760. 9am-3pm. Ararat. Spaces limited.

The struggle is real when our dogs are too little to be petted easily from the ground, but too heavy (sorry Porscha!) to be carried. Never fear though! There's always options :) My next available course is June 26-30. 1 space available. 9am-12pm. $1760.

Our last session today. What a difference, from me needing a microphone on day 1 to be heard, to the quiet, calm doggos on session 3 :) more videos to come. :) My next available obedience course is September 10, 17 and 24, $660, 9am-12pm. Ararat. August is now booked out. Next available therapy dog course is June 26-30, 9am-3pm, $1760, Ararat. 1 space available.