Amazing day down at Black Wheat Brewing for the Paws Crossed Animal Shelter & Adoption Centre pups on the patio meet & greet event. Huge thanks to Aubrey from Franky’s Walk and Train for coming out today so we could do some fun socialization and enrichment activities with the pups together :)
It was a wonderful day & all the dogs did very well, had fun, gained new experiences and hopefully a few get adoption applications. I generally am not a fan of meet & greet or adoption events as it is A LOT of social pressure and stress to put on the dogs, but having a fun enrichment area set up with trainers to help offer a fun, rewarding, mentally stimulating, and lower stress activities means I will definitely do this again!
Thank you to everyone who came out today, all of the Paws Crossed volunteers who transported dogs all day (too hot to keep dogs out for long), everyone at the brewery for helping us hose down the yard regularly to keep the asphalt cool enough for me & the dogs to barefoot around on, Gail for lending us her tunnel to play with, Gene for building the placeboards and everyone else who made this event come together- I'm sure I forgot to name a few but it was a great day to hang with other dog people!
If you are looking for a new furry family member, or see someone in the video you like, contact Paws Crossed Animal Shelter and Adoption Center for more information.
#brandonmb #trainingwithfriends. #shelterpups #adoptionevent #enrichmentfordogs #brews
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What are your goals?
This is a question that is part of my intake papers & initial assessment appointment. What are your concerns and what are your goals? This is what helps me come up with a training plan taylored to your goals and needs.
In the case of Rex and Grip, their Moms goals were to be able to walk both dogs together without getting yanked all over, to have the dogs run with her, to have the dogs not crash the door, and to have dogs that barked less at home. We started working on impulse control and focus games, introducing the running leash indoors, setting a boundary with the door, and addressing some reactivity while working on loose leash walking.
As you can see, a few sessions in they are making excellent progress towards their goals because the family is putting in the work daily! This is why I do an initial assessment & ask a million questions about your daily and weekly schedule; I need to assign homework you can do in the time you have to work towards your goals, and everyone's schedule is different. Finding ways for you to fit in small training sessions, form habits, pattern behaviors regularly with minimal adjustments to your day is the key to most owners success. When owners make these small adjustments their goals become within reach quickly.
Have we achieved perfection- no, but this is a huge improvement from our 1st session and excellent progress towards the family's goals. Enjoyably walking two dogs is a great accomplishment and shows how much work they've been putting in daily.
#brandonmb #learntogether #dogtraining #training #letsworktogether #LearningIsLifeLongProcess #trainyourdog #understanding #loveyourpets #happyhome #westman
Transport Training for Fosters- The Kennel Part 2!
Demo dogs today Makwa from Stray Cats of Erickson Inc. And Rosie from Paws Crossed Animal Shelter & Adoption Centre both are available for foster or adoption from their respective organizations! More info on each in the comments :)
It was a wonderful day to work outside in the early morning and generalizing the kennel in many environments is a great way to practice (though I obviouslywould not advocatefor kennelling your dog outsidefor extended periods- training games are great in all environments). Extra hands afforded the ability to do buddy sessions, so today instead of kennel motion as step 2, we did work with other animals around which is an important thing for pups to be comfortable with on transport. No matter if by air or ground travel, it is highly likely transported animals will be in close proximity to others.
Step 1- (not shown) is a refresher of the kennel part 1 (no door) then adding the door on and not closing it but fiddling and moving it before inviting out.
Step 2- as this was a buddy session we took turns entering kennel, then closing door. Wait & exit.
Step 3- decreasing the distance between dogs, one in one out so long as everyone is still happy and not stressed by the situation. Increasing the amount of movement around and in front of the kennel.
Step 4- (not shown) kennelling side by side taking turns 1st in, 1st out.
This is something that can be made into a fun game with your foster if you have multiples or a dog already in your home. Race to kennels or kennel turns can be quite fun for them and build very positive associations with the kennel. Lots of praise, and good feedback will ensure your pups are having a great time!
#LearningIsLifeLongProcess #letsworktogether #dogtraining #rescuedog #transport #learntogether #brandonmb #training
Part 1 of Transport Training for Fosters- The Kennel Part 1
The video below shows me working with Makwa from Stray Cats of Erickson Inc. as my demo dog, for more information on fostering on adopting please reach out to them.
We are demonstrating how I break the kennel down into component parts and begin working with just the bottom portion. This is also how we begin kennel training for dogs who are very leery of the kennel or have an aversion to the kennel from past experiences. We break it into small manageable pieces which are less intimidating to build up those positive associations.
1. Just the bottom, in Makwa's case she was happy to go in the bottom on a lead without stress so we did many reps of just entering the kennel bottom, reward, exit repeat. Then asking as you see in the video for a brief wait before exit. For dogs still unsure of just the bottom I would begin by rewarding any interaction with the kennel; a sniff, a paw in etc and slowly build up. It is not a race, progress slowly as the dog becomes comfortable with each step.
2. Add just the top- no door. Repeat the same process as you did with the bottom. Starting with quick in & outs, then asking for a wait before exiting.
3. Start laying the foundation for lead on, lead off & being invited out. On transport depending on length there is often need to stop for pee breaks as some of these journeys are many hours long. It's difficult to see in video but once comfortable with in & outs I start taking the lead off, wait a moment, reattach then invite to exit.
At all points of this process we are rewarding heavily with both treats & praise as we want this to be an insanely positive experience for the dog!
Makwa was an excellent helper today and you'll be able to see more of her in The Kennel part 2 later this week where we add the door, and start to introduce kennel motion.
Transport Training is all about socializing the dogs to things they may encounter to make their journey less stre
"With proper introduction"
How do you introduce two animals and set them up for success? All too often this phrase is used in adoption write ups, to describe animals that sometimes get on with others, but often too little thought goes into what a "proper introduction" is.
This video is of the very end of a first meeting, the black dog is my personal dog, and the brown is a senior pound dog I intend to sanctuary. They are wildly different in personality, energy and play style. A proper introduction however sets the tone for a good relationship and increases the likelihood of them getting on long term.
To start tonight my family took our dog on his walk, I took our introduction dog and met up with them at a point in our regular walk route. We gave each other space to start, took turns being the lead dog, rewarding engagement with handlers NOT the other dog, changing handlers and positions and repeating. As everyone's body language was good and relaxed we began walking side by side, still rewarding handler engagement. By the end of the walk 1 handler was walking both dogs, though excited there was still good engagement, and the dogs were able to go sniff the same trees, poles and fences together, this was a successful first introduction.
This is an exercise we will repeat multiple times, BEFORE considering bringing home a new addition. Adding a new family member is a process when done correctly, especially when we are dealing with a home full of other animals and one who struggles with reactivity. However it is possible when done with care and thought to building a relationship before gotcha day, setting everyone up for success.
This is part of the reason I've added "meet & greets" to my booking services for 2024, as taking time and care to set dogs up for success is crucial to finding actual forever homes.
As you can see there is no emphasis given to "training" and "proper" walking, this is not a structured or training walk. These sessions are simpl
Contact Paws Crossed Animal Shelter & Adoption Centre for more info on Chuck
I couldn't think of a better day than #NationalMuttDay to talk about #TitleMeAdoptable.
It has been an amazing experience & I want to give a huge thank you to; Vicki Thacker my CTDI mentor, the Endless Pawsibilities trick dog group- their support and encouragement means a lot, and of course the folks at Paws Crossed Animal Shelter & Adoption Centre for going along with my crazy ideas. I could not be more proud of the work we did showing that shelter dogs are just as capable as any other, and it warms my heart to see Moose out on adventures like to the Hamiota Fair as a shelter ambassador- its amazing how far hes come!
Mooses trick list is as follows: Looseleash walk, sit, down, stand, que 3 behaviors no sounds (hand signal only), front, place finish, catch, fetch to hand, beginner scenting (Muffin tins game), Paws up, cavaletti, send to pedestal, directional casting, wait/stay.
Though it may not sound like much, working on any skills with your dog improves their mental and physical health and their quality of life.
#LearningIsLifeLongProcess
#dogtraining #shelterdogs #getonegiveone #westman #brandonmb #Manitoba #trainthosepups #specialproject #shelterdogsrock #trickdog #adoptable
#SundayThoughts with special guest Doug from A Tail to Tell Frontline Rescue. Doug is one of the recipients of our Get One, Give One services. I try to work with him at least 2-3 times a week. Doug is currently in a boarding facility as there are no fosters available, so training is especially important to help him get ready to live in a home and work on his socialization.
Muzzles are excellent tools, that I believe ALL dogs should be exposed to. You never know when something terrible may happen and your dog may need to be muzzled. If your dog has already worked on & positively associated the muzzle it is far less stressful for them to be muzzled in an emergency situation. Muzzles are not a sign of bad dogs, but responsible owners.
#dogtraining #endthestigma #westman #brandonmb #getonegiveone #trainthosepups #LearningIsLifeLongProcess #Manitoba #animalrescue
#SundayThoughts with special guest Doug from A Tail to Tell Frontline Rescue. Doug is one of the recipients of our Get One, Give One services. I try to work with him at least 2-3 times a week. Doug is currently in a boarding facility as there are no fosters available, so training is especially important to help him get ready to live in a home and work on his socialization.
Muzzles are excellent tools, that I believe ALL dogs should be exposed to. You never know when something terrible may happen and your dog may need to be muzzled. If your dog has already worked on & positively associated the muzzle it is far less stressful for them to be muzzled in an emergency situation. Muzzles are not a sign of bad dogs, but responsible owners.
#dogtraining #endthestigma #westman #brandonmb #getonegiveone #trainthosepups #LearningIsLifeLongProcess #Manitoba #animalrescue
Answering some questions about the Get One, Give One commitment 😀
For every booked service something goes back to the local Shelter and Rescue community in Westman. Sometimes it's a scolarship to group classes, sometimes it's 1:1 training with their fosters or recently adopted and sometimes it's funding new programs like Title Me Adoptable at Paws Crossed Animal Shelter & Adoption Centre.
I'd like to shout out those who have graciously accepted offers to date: A Tail to Tell Frontline Rescue Cats TNR & Rescue and of course my OGs at Paws Crossed Animal Shelter & Adoption Centre
If you are a local rescue or shelter interested in receiving services, please reach out! Even if I don't have services available to donate I do always offer a discount to local rescues.
Also huge shout out to the Park Community Center for being my group classes home base! Support your local community centers any way you can! #letsworktogether #dogtraining #getonegiveone #Community #brandonmb #westman
Registration for July classes closes this Friday June 30th! Email [email protected] for more info or to register.
#trainthosepups #teachyourdogsomemanners #dogtraining #learntogether #LearningIsLifeLongProcess #behaviorgoeswherereinforcementflows #LoveYourPets #getonegiveone
"Meet a Friend" is one of my favorite activities, because if you're from Manitoba what are the chances of going for a walk and NOT running in to someone you're gonna stop & chat with?! Getting the kids involved also *chefs kiss* beautiful, couldn't love it more.
Next round of classes start 1st week in July- Tuesday or Thursday nights at the Park Community Center 7pm. For more info or to register email [email protected].
#trainthosepups #teachyourdogsomemanners #dogtraining #LearningIsLifeLongProcess #learntogether #behaviorgoeswherereinforcementflows
"Meet a Friend" is one of my favorite activities, because if you're from Manitoba what are the chances of going for a walk and NOT running in to someone you're gonna stop & chat with?! Getting the kids involved also *chefs kiss* beautiful, couldn't love it more.
Next round of classes start 1st week in July- Tuesday or Thursday nights at the Park Community Center 7pm. For more info or to register email [email protected].
#trainthosepups #teachyourdogsomemanners #dogtraining #LearningIsLifeLongProcess #learntogether #behaviorgoeswherereinforcementflows
#trainthosepups #LearningIsLifeLongProcess #dogtraining #learntogether #teachyourdogsomemanners #loveyourpets
Manners Class for May/June 7pm filled up super quick, so who's ready for round 2?!
Registration is now open for our July/August manners classes at the Park C.C. Brandon! Given the popularity of the 7pm time I've decided to run it on 2 days. Instead of straight 1:1 paid to donated spaces for THIS TIME SLOT ONLY we've lowered the price but will only have 2 donated spaces available at 7pm. We will be offering a fully shelter & rescue class at a separate timeslot.
Please if you are a local rescue or shelter interested in having classes donated for your fosters or new adopters email [email protected]. If you are a foster looking to sign up but your rescue has no donated scholarships available we do offer a discounted rate to you.
For those who don't know me my name is Britt, I am an active volunteer involved in the Shelter community in Westman. I also provide municipal animal control officer coverage in a number of RMs in the area and have been continuing my education to focus on training. I am an active APDT member accumulating hours to write my CPDT exams second sitting in 2024.
I have a special soft spot for rescue & shelter animals, and a drive to do what I can to prevent animal surrender and abandonment. What I see daily is animal surrenders due to behavioral issues that stem from a lack of simple, basic training. The goal of Takin The Lead is to get dogs off on the right foot, and keep them in homes, by equipping their owners or fosters with the skills and confidence to support their pup regardless of the circumstances they came from. We offer basic socialization and manners classes to give pups a great foundation of skills for living happlily in the family home.
Takin' The Lead is not my primary source of income but a passion project, I am able to offer the free and discounted rates as Takin' The Lead Foundational Pet Training only needs to cover it's own costs. These classes are intended for those looking to build BASIC skills
Week 2 of manner class at the Park CC and I couldn't be prouder of these pups and their handlers. Special shout out to Luke from A Tail to Tell Frontline Rescue who is officially ADOPTED & Buddy tonight's musical mats champion! #trainthosepups #makeitfun #dogtraining #brandonmb #groupclasses #community #savetheparkcommunitycenter #bookingsavecommunitycenters
#trainthosepups #dogtraining #groupclasses #rescuedogs #savetheparkcommunitycenter #bookingsavecommunitycenters #brandonmb
Registration for July classes now open!
#dogtraining #groupclasses #brandonmb #bookingsavecommunitycenters #trainthosepups #rescuedogs
#thoughtfortheday I am not a great camera man, and I cannot figure out how to hold a camera leash & give a hand signal....weirded Butters right out having the leash in his touch hand, but luckily he's flexible 😆 #dogtraining #therules #bekind #BeCognizant #havefun #meettheirneeds #yourdogcanwalkinfront #buthehastocomeback
