Training With Kindness

08/13/2024

LOL - she was so vicious!

08/13/2024

Lost my 12yr. old rescue. Used Dr. Craig Little for in-home euthanasia and he was wonderful.
Darcy was super smart, loved to play and had a nose that would rival a Shepherds. She could sniff out anything! Unfortunately, she also had emotional issues and saw "dead people". Everything scared her - strange people, new places, noises, car rides, anything that was new.
The first 2-3 yrs. of her life, she learned and tried to compete in rally, but she never liked being in public. So I decided to let her pick what she wanted to do and she decided that she'd rather not participate in anything outside her space. So for the last 8 yrs. of her life, she never left the house/hard. She learned all the trick dog levels and loved nose work, all to keep her little mind busy.
Several years ago she tore her ACL chasing a bunny and I did at-home rehab. She was great, no problems with the leg until about a month ago when she reinjured it. She also developed tumors in her digestive system so it was time. Finley is very quiet, but I will keep her busy as she adjusts.
Thanks to all for your kind wishes -

08/06/2024

Any recommendations on a vet that will come to the house for euthanasia even if the dog isn't their client??? My regular vet will be away until late next week and I really don't want to wait that long.

08/04/2024

Update on the directions - if you have to come across the Frenchtown bridge to get to the school, you will be making a left by the large blue horse. Noticed this morning that there is no street sign! Continue several miles, go past Opdyke Lumber and I'm right past that on the left.

07/29/2024

Don't forget that the little bridge by Stem Brothers will be closed for 4 months starting this Thursday. Detours will be posted
Leave extra time for class if you are coming from the Milford area.

07/25/2024

As most of you know, I am retiring in November and the school will be closed. I have some openings in my September and October group classes. Private lessons will continue since we can work outside if needed. If you want recommendations for behavior work or group classes after that time, let me know and I will send my list to you -

07/19/2024

A sad day right now for the training community. A dear friend, Sue Oakes, has passed away. Many of us have known Sue for many years. She was a very knowledgeable trainer who got many of us started in different activities - mine was flyball competition and rally. Never forgot how much fun we had. I will miss her -

07/16/2024

I have several wolf pictures that I will be getting rid of
If anybody wants any of them, let me know

07/16/2024

Road update! Supposedly starting on Aug. 1, the tiny bridge right before Stem Brothers is going to be torn down/closed! If you are coming from the Milford direction, you will probably have to cross the Milford bridge into PA. and then drive down and come across the Frenchtown bridge to get to the school. Or go into Frenchtown itself and then come that way.

07/05/2024

I will have the wheelchair to get rid of after Aug. 31. No charge.
Also need to rehome my 3 piece Christmas Tree. Asking $25 for that.

07/02/2024

Sorry - forgot the important stuff! If you have your dogs' pictures on the wall, you can pick them up on Sept. 29 from 9-12. Wolf pictures are also available if anybody wants them. I will be selling my equipment on Oct. 19 from 9-12. Lots of folding chairs and tables, ring gates, Klimb table, etc.

07/02/2024

Well - the time has come! After 30+ years, I've decided to retire. The school will be closing in November. My last group classes will be in September, but private lessons will continue - just like I did during Covid.

I have the best students/dogs ever! Thanks to everyone for making it so much fun - my students and I have worked thru most of the sports out there, including flyball, parkour, animal actor, the breed ring and more. So much fun!

If you are looking for referrals after November, just email me - I have a short list that covers the general area.

06/08/2024

A dogs neck is a very delicate part of their body!

The neck and cervical spine contain the spinal cord, this is where the nerves of the front legs originate. Excessive paw licking is quite often misdiagnosed as allergies when it is in fact pain.

Putting stress on the neck can cause painful disc damage and shoulder problems

A dog has the same number of vertebrae as a giraffe (think about that before choking a dog)

One of the most important structures of the nervous system "The Vagus Nerve" originates at neck level and this controls life essential organs like lung, heart, stomach, and intestinal tract.

The Thyroid gland is located in the neck. If this gets inflamed the immune system trys to remove the inflamed cells.
The destruction of the Thyroid gland cells can lead to hypothyroidism

Increased pressure put on the Jugular vein can cause seizures
Ear and Eye issues are significantly increased

Being je**ed on a lead causes whiplash and bruising.

The epidermis of a dog is only 3-5 cells thick
A humans is 10-15 cells thick

So WHY would anyone want to use a noose ....sorry I mean a slip lead?

A well fitted Y shaped harness is the safest and kindest peice of equipment to use.

05/18/2024

Great day today - tested 11 dogs for therapy work and all 11 passed. Awesome group of dogs.

05/11/2024

Need to congratulate one of my students who just passed her Intermediate Trick level on both of her American Bully dogs.

05/08/2024

I've had to change the date for the therapy dog prep class - it will start on June 26, Wed. 6:30pm.

05/05/2024

Have a therapy dog prep class starting on July 31, Wed. 6:30pm. Will have the formal test sometime in the Fall. Let me know if you want to sign up. This will be the last one for this year.

04/23/2024

My little girl did a good thing in rally last year,!

04/20/2024

If anybody is thinking of a mobile vet, I highly recommend Dr. Charles at Sourland Pet Health. If you need meds, vaccines, health checks, this is a great way to do it, and he shows up on time.

04/09/2024

30" x pen for sale. $25.

04/07/2024

The girls are ready for tomorrow!

04/03/2024

Cancelling class tonight since the roads are flooding and branches are coming down. See everyone next week -

03/25/2024

03/19/2024

Working on the Summer schedule - just added a beginner Trick Dog class starting on May 30 - Thurs. 6pm

03/19/2024

Yes, it's that season again when fruits, veggies, flowers and plants explode with color and beauty! For you Epi people (including myself) be very careful out there! Know your stingers! 😎

03/10/2024

Gorgeous Aussie took first place at Crufts dog show in the pastoral group.

02/26/2024

Walgreens in Clinton burned down last night.