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Storybook Farm

Mary Fish Arango, MA, MEd, CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
insight, experience, patience It is a powerful tool that I love sharing with others.

Greetings Simsbury, CT, and vicinity:

I am an encourager by nature, and I love a good puzzle when it comes to the learning style of a human and the learning style of their dog. I taught ninth grade math for many years, and I am essentially endlessly patient when it comes to figuring out what can help someone (canine or human) learn how to learn. The most exciting and enduring factor in using posi

tive reinforcement for training and teaching is that it spills over into all kinds of other situations involving learning, communicating, and developing relationships. For the last five years, I have enjoyed working with 25 clients who trained in AKC agility or rally continuously and 27 others who took series of classes in beginning agility, puppy skills and manners, or private lessons. I am a retired English and math teacher with two masters degrees -- one in Sportsmedicine and one in Counseling Therapy. I have been training and competing with dogs in a serious way since 1993, starting in Huntsville, AL, continuing in Santa Barbara, CA for 18 years, and teaching more recently in my thriving business in southern Oregon. Deeply involved with therapy dogs since 1993, I have been an evaluator for Therapy Dogs International since 1997. Three of our family's Border Collies were certified as Disaster Stress Relief dogs; seven have been certified for volunteer work in hospitals, hospice, schools, and treatment facilities. I advised Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara in the development and supervision of their therapy dog program for many years. I currently compete in AKC agility with a young Border Collie and do therapy dog work with a retired agility dog who was highly successful in spite of being deaf. I competed in AKC obedience and rally obedience with our previous dogs. I am a professional member of APDT, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and a member of the Dog Writers' Association of America. I am a judge for the annual writing contest for DWAA and have earned their coveted Maxwell Medallion recognition for both writing and photography. My husband and I moved to Simsbury in January 2022 to be closer to family and our childhood hometowns. I am continuing dog training and professional photography here, and I look forward to the wonderful connections that are achieved through our work with dogs. I look forward to meeting you!

12/17/2024

Come celebrate the New Year with a new round of puppy classes at Horses and Hounds in Granby, CT! Registration is open now for those who start their New Year's resolutions very early (or very late...) Classes go for five weeks, and the cost is $265.88 for the series.

Sundays
1/12 thru 2/9
Younger Puppies (3-6 mos) 10:15 to 11:15
Older Puppies (7 mos and up) 11:30 to 12:30

Thursdays
1/16 thru 2/13
Younger Puppies (3-6 mos) 4:15 to 5:15
Older Puppies (7 mos and up) 5:30 to 6:30

Younger Puppies
We start younger puppies off with basic skills and shaping of positive behaviors: sit, down, wait, follow on leash, hand touch, and recall. We practice shaping behaviors with clicker training, helping handlers with timing and treat delivery and helping puppies learn how much fun it is to play and learn with their humans. We discuss common challenges that often come with young dogs and brainstorm solutions. We work on impulse control, learning to do nothing, and learning to be polite and appropriate with other dogs and people.

Older Puppies
Puppies and young dogs come to this class with a variety of backgrounds. We work on developmentally appropriate skills and behaviors and start to refine loose leash walking. We add “leave it,” “walk away,” and “stay” to their repertoire and practice shaping and rewarding with clicker training, one of the most powerful tools for helping a dog learn what is expected and what will be rewarded. We work on “place” and add duration, distance, and distraction to the stay command with practice for dog and handler. We continue to talk about common goals and challenges and possible training solutions.

Private Lessons
Private lessons are always available and are tailored to the specific needs of the dog and its living situation. Sessions typically last one hour and can be held virtually, at home, or at Horses and Hounds. Cost for a private lesson is $130 per hour (includes CT sales tax). For locations more than 25 minutes from Mary’s West Simsbury home, there is an added travel fee dependent on time and mileage.

11/11/2024

Penny the Labrador Retriever had a long day.... A whole training class devoted to impulse control games -- stay, leave it, walk away, ignore the grown up dog, don't jump on the human, walk by toys..... and family time with kids and grown ups.... Time for sleep.... (Sound up; it won't disturb your dog and it might make you smile....)

11/06/2024

Making winter plans? Come play and learn wwith your dog in classes that I teach at Horses and Hounds, LLC, in Granby, CT.

Dog training gift certificates make a wonderful gift! Contact me if you'd like to make a gift to someone.

Classes coming up:

Sundays 11/24 thru 12/29 (choose five dates)
Younger Puppies. (3-6 mos) 10:15 to 11:15
Older Puppies. (7 mos and up) 11:30 to 12:30

Thursdays 12/5 thru 1/2 (pro-rate allowed)
Younger Puppies. (3-6 mos) 4:15 to 5:15
Older Puppies. (7 mos and up) 5:30 to 6:30

Cost for each series is $265.88 (includes CT tax)

Mary Fish Arango MA MEd CPDT-KA
teaches all classes

Additional details are on the Horses and Hounds website under Services >>> Dog Training.

10/07/2024

My archives of dog photos in Connecticut are gradually growing, as we have been back for three and a half years. I am starting to see them in publications as submissions earn contracts, and it is fun to see local picturesque spots and know that each image connects to new people and new places. New England's stone walls are omnipresent; I am learning the path of the sun across lakes and rivers.

If you're in the greater West Simsbury area and have a wonderful canine or feline photo model, especially a thoughtfully bred purebred that publishers seek, I am always hoping to find companionable dogs, cats, and humans who would enjoy a photo adventure in a lovely location. For fabulous super models, I thank you for your time and training with several of our best images for your personal use. I never know when they might be scooped up by a particular publisher, but it is great fun when they do. Each of the images here is currently under consideration, and they're all local. Each season is a new opportunity.

09/26/2024

Four new series of classes will start at Horses and Hounds, LLC, in Granby, CT in mid-October, following the series that are currently in progress.

For details and registration:
Contact Mary Fish Arango MA MEd CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Trainer in West Simsbury
[email protected]
805-570-8899

Wednesdays 10/16 thru 11/13
Younger Puppies (3-6 mos) 4:15 to 5:15
Older Puppies (6 mos and up) 5:30 to 6:30

Sundays 10/20 thru 11/17
Younger Puppies (3-6 mos) 10:15 to 11:15
Older Puppies (6 mos and up) 11:30 to 12:30

Cost for a series of five classes is $265.88 (includes CT tax)

More details and class descriptions will soon be on the Horses and Hounds website under Services >>>> Dog Training.

Private lessons are always available on a flexible schedule at $130 per hour (includes CT tax). Zoom and telephone consults are also offered.

09/02/2024

September classes at Horses and Hounds in Granby, CT, are starting soon -- Younger Puppies, Older Puppies, Polite Manners. Registrations are coming in, and there are still several openings in each class. If you're interested in enrolling, please be in touch now.

Wednesdays Sept 11 thru Oct 9
Older Puppies 5:30 to 6:30
Polite Manners 6:45 to 7:45

Sundays Sept 15 thru Oct 13
Younger Puppies 10:15 to 11:15
Polite Manners 11:30 to 12:30

The cost for any five-week series is $265.88, and payment holds a spot. Classes are small, with lots of individualized attention. We use positive reinforcement and clicker training to shape desired behaviors, helping your dog learn how to learn from you.

Additional information is on the Horses and Hounds, LLC, website under Services >>> Dog Training. Please send a message or call with questions: 805-570-8899. I look forward to meeting you and your dog! -- Mary Fish Arango, MA MEd CPDT-KA

08/11/2024

Registration for September classes at Horses and Hounds is now in full swing. For those who are seeking classes for Younger Puppies (3-6 months), Older Puppies (7-24 months), and Polite Manners (12 months and up, previous training experience), please contact me if you would like to sign up. I will be glad to send you registration paperwork and a waiver.

The fee for a series of five classes is $265.88 (includes CT tax). Payment can be made by check, cash, or Venmo.

Wednesdays 9/11 thru 10/9
Older Puppies (7 mo +)
5:30 to 6:30
Polite Manners (12 mo +)
5:45 to 6:45

Sundays 9/15 thru 10/13
Younger Puppies (3-6 mo)
10:15 to 11:15
Polite Manners (12 mo +)
11:30 to 12:30

Younger Puppies
We start younger puppies off with basic skills and shaping of positive behaviors: sit, down, wait, follow on leash, hand touch, and recall. We practice shaping behaviors with clicker training, helping handlers with timing and treat delivery and helping puppies learn how much fun it is to play and learn with their humans. We discuss common challenges that often come with young dogs and brainstorm solutions. We work on impulse control, learning to do nothing, and learning to be polite and appropriate with other dogs and people.

Older Puppies
Puppies and young dogs come to this class with a variety of backgrounds. We work on developmentally appropriate skills and behaviors and start to refine loose leash walking. We add “leave it,” “walk away,” and “stay” to their repertoire and practice shaping and rewarding with clicker training, one of the most powerful tools for helping a dog learn what is expected and what will be rewarded. We work on “place” and add duration, distance, and distraction to the stay command with practice for dog and handler. We continue to talk about common goals and challenges and possible training solutions.

Polite Manners
This class is for teams who have already done some successful training, either on their own or in other classes. It is an appropriate class for potential therapy dog work, a Canine Good Citizen certificate, or taking your dog everywhere as a polite companion. Handlers in this class. practice skills regularly – walking hiking trails, visiting big box stores that allow dogs, sitting at an outdoor coffee shop patio, or walking the neighborhood. We work on impulse control at a higher level, stay with greater distractions, and recalls under a variety of conditions. This is not a good match for reactive dogs.

Private Lessons
Private lessons are always available and are tailored to the specific needs of the dog and its living situation. Sessions typically last one hour and can be held virtually, at home, or at Horses and Hounds. Cost for a private lesson is $130 per hour (includes CT sales tax). For locations more than 25 minutes from Mary’s West Simsbury home, there is an added travel fee dependent on time and mileage.

08/04/2024

If you've been keeping an eye on this Storybook Farm page, you know that I took the summer off from teaching group classes because of extreme heat and humidity and people's varied vacation schedules and commitments. I have taken advantage of my flexible schedule, attending excellent conferences with great presenters. I have one scheduled with the topic of reactive dogs, but I will get to it in the fall. I will also be attending the 2024 Aggression in Dogs conference with a new slate of presenters. It has been a great way to keep up with the science and skills and insights behind effective teaching and training. In the meantime, I have had wonderful private lessons going all summer, have had time to play with puppies, and have new group classes starting mid-September.

***The Aggression in Dogs Conference 2023 through Michael Shikashio and AggressiveDog.com***

A Life of Aggression. Sometimes It’s More About the Journey Than the Destination (Michael Shikashio)

Possession is 10/10ths of the Law – What if Resource Guarding Means More Than We Think It Does? (Sue Sternberg)

Nature Favors the Brave: A Biological Look at Aggression (Dr. Tim Lewis)

If the Environment Trains Your Dog, Can You Out-Train the Environment? (Sue Sternberg and Dr. Tim Lewis)

My Dog Really Did Bite the Mailman: Case Studies and Lessons from Dog to Human Aggression Cases (Irith Bloom)

Heart of the Matter: Understanding the “Why?” in Behavior and How to Use That to Make Individualized Training Programs. (Maasa Nishimuta and Sean Will)

From Death Row to Deliverance: Practical Approaches to Behavior Change. Strategies for Shelter Dogs with a History of Aggression (Saharai Salazar)

Lip. Licks and Tucked Tails: Humane Handling and Restraint in a High Stress World (Dr. Christine Calder)

Impulsivity and Aggression (Dr. Kristina Spaulding)

It’s Time to See the VB: The Complexity of Aggression Cases Seen by Veterinary Behaviorists (Dr. Wailani Sung)

Roommates Bite: Success in Intrahousehold Aggression (Sarah Stremming)

The Importance of Complex Social Lives: Lessons Learned From Streeties. (Sindhoor Pangal)

***The Confident Dog Conference through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy***

Teaching Problem Solving Behaviors as a Pathway to True Confidence (Alex Lato)

Discover How to Use Fun Movement Exercises for Real Life Confidence (Mari Valgma)

The Journey: Nosework For Building a Confident Dog (Stacy Barnett)

Confidence in Competition (Petra Ford)

Sara’s Favorite Games for Building Confidence (Sara Brueske)

The Confidence Building Power of Mild Arousal (Julie Daniels)

07/22/2024

My group classes at Horses and Hounds, LLC, in Granby, CT, will resume in September, as temperatures cool down and vacation schedules yield to other commitments. Come join us!

Registrations are starting to come in, and I welcome your inquiries. Group classes are $265.88 for a series of five one-hour classes; classes are kept small. Private lessons, always available, are $130 per hour (travel fee added for locations more than 25 minutes from my home). All fees include CT sales tax.

Details will also be available on the Horses and Hounds website under Services >>> Dog Training.

Wednesdays
Older Puppies (7 mo +)
5:30 to 6:30
Starts 9/11

Polite Manners (12 mo +)
5:45 to 6:45
Starts 9/11

Sundays
Younger Puppies (3-6 mo)
10:15 to 11:15
Starts 9/15

Polite Manners (12 mo +)
11:30 to 12:30
Starts 9/15

07/14/2024

Enrollment for September classes has started, with clients seeking information about therapy dog training and group classes for a new summer puppy. If you'll be ready for training in early-mid September, please be in touch with questions about registration and payment. I look forward to meeting you and your canine pals!

06/22/2024

A goal for a week of hot weather: Teach two Border Collie puppies to file their own nails! Writing it "out loud" and posting a good video about the process.... Off to Home Depot to get 120 grit sandpaper.... The "it helps if they like to dig" part is already well accomplished!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8i1m-qoKy0

06/17/2024

Summertime private lessons are here! We take advantage of cool early mornings for outdoor training and air conditioned indoor settings for heat-wave days and in-home training with puppies learning to be great family members or older dogs adjusting to a new environment. Most recent clients have been a Newfoundland puppy from working lines, a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy who loves chewing pant legs and forearms, a Goldendoodle puppy with wild teenager playmates, and a chunk of a Labrador Retriever puppy who's working on loose leash walking and impulse control. A Welsh Springer Spaniel with leaping and counter-surfing habits is next on the list.

The woodland trails in the greater Simsbury area are a wonderful retreat at any time of day and have generous shade from the canopy of trees. We have high temperatures coming up, so we'll be doing lots of clicker training to shape new tricks and behaviors indoors. Just like young children, puppies have immature ability to cool themselves, so we need to respect their need for avoiding direct sun and too much exercise.

A tip for building a reliable recall:

Play recall games in all kinds of places and in all kinds of directions -- not just to the back door of the house when it is time to be crated or confined. Click and treat for recalls while you work in the garden, for recalling away from the rat snake (ask me how I know) in the stone wall, the mother bear sleeping at the base of a tree (yup, ask me...) or the three baby bears descending from a tree in the yard from 70 feet up, sliding like firefighters on their way to a call. Recall a puppy away from digging or a game of chase, and then release back to digging or chasing. Recall, click, and treat while you brush your teeth. Carry treats and a clicker and surprise your dog or puppy. That tenth time, you'll be relieved to find that your puppy loves the game and comes sprinting.

06/06/2024

June update on summer training:

My group classes at Horses and Hounds are on summer break, due to high temperatures and humidity and client vacations and commitments,

Private lessons are still available every day of the week, aiming for cooler times of day or indoor air conditioned settings. Many people with new puppies or recently rehomed or rescued older dogs are using these lessons to get a start on building a relationship with their new companion and laying a foundation for learning together. I am working with puppies who are land sharks, young dogs who are fearful about walking their neighborhood, clients who are first time dog owners, and clients who have a new puppy for the first time in 10-12 years and are seeking more modern positive reinforcement training.

Private lessons are $130 per hour (includes CT tax) and are scheduled as needed, rather than in packages. I teach and coach primarily with clicker training for marking and shaping desired behaviors, gradually increasing a dog's vocabulary of skills that earn reinforcement. It is fascinating to watch a dog or puppy think hard and make choices that help it learn how to learn. They end up teaching us a lot about how to be their best partner. I also travel extensively for lessons or can meet via zoom. For distances more than 25 minutes from my home, a travel fee is added.

Group classes will resume in September with the following schedule. As the date grows closer, please be in touch to register or seek more details:

Younger Puppies (3-6 mos)
Sundays 10:15 to 11:15
Starts Sunday 9/15

Older Puppies (7-30 mos)
Wednesdays 5:30 to 6:30
Starts Wednesday 9/11

Polite Manners (12 mos+)
Wednesdays 6:45 to 7:45
Starts Wednesday 9/11
or
Sundays 11:30 to 12:30
Starts Sunday 9/15

05/07/2024

We've been busy at home at Storybook Farm, raising a wonderful litter of delightful and thoughtfully bred Border Collies. They're getting mobile and coordinated and full of personality, and we are excited to see their temperaments and talents emerge. Therapy dogs....agility dogs.....rally....barn hunt.....scent work....dog trainer demo dogs? Both puppies have been DNA tested via Optimal Selection and both are now covered by Trupanion insurance for illness or injury. Born on March 20th, they are now almost seven weeks old.

Sire: Ch Overdrive's Far Out, Man CGCA FDC TKN (USA)
Dam: Make a Storybook Difference of Bordertreowe OF (Serbia)

04/14/2024

Spring Dog Training Classes! Wow, does it ever feel great to write that! Four new series of five classes will start at Horses and Hounds in Granby, CT, in two weeks. Please be in touch if you'd like to register or if you'd like more information. Details will also be posted on the Horses and Hounds website under Services >>> Dog Training. Private lessons are also available for specific needs or schedules.

Younger Puppies (3-6 mos)
Sundays 4/28 thru 5/26
10:15 to 11:15

With younger puppies, we focus on polite greetings and early skills for sit, down, recall, stay, and walking on leash. Handlers learn to use clicker training for positive reinforcement, and puppies learn how to learn and offer positive behaviors. Their vocabulary of worthwhile skills increases while handlers become more proficient at capturing polite manners. We brainstorm effective solutions for common puppy challenges – teething, mouthing, housetraining, crate training, and appropriate play. [Cost for the series is $265.88]

Older Puppies, Immature Dogs (7-36 mos)
Wednesdays 5/1 thru 5/29
4:30 to 5:30

For older puppies or dogs with previous experience, we expand their skills with leave-it, trade, stay with greater distance and distractions, and more refined walking on leash. We work on polite greetings of unfamiliar people and dogs, along with increased impulse control and ignoring other dogs who are working and moving. We brainstorm ideas for enrichment and exercise and skills related to everyday living.[Cost for the series is $265.88]

Polite Dog Skills for the Real World (12 mos and up)

Sundays 4/28 thru 5/26 Wednesdays 5/1 thru 5/29
11:30 to 12:30 or 5:45 to 6:45

This class is for mature dogs who already have basic skills and whose owners want to generalize and expand those skills. We will work on reliable polite behaviors for walking on trails, walking the neighborhood loop, and gathering for coffee or picnics. Owners will practice refining their observation and communication, reading canine body language and shaping behavior with positive reinforcement. We’ll use rally obedience skills as goal behaviors with the AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation as a goal. For handlers considering volunteer work as a therapy dog team, this is a good stepping stone. Several optional outdoor field trips will be added during non-class time, as appropriate: an ice cream shop, a coffee shop, and a nature trail outing. [Cost for the series is $265.88]

03/06/2024

New classes for March and April at Horses and Hounds in Granby, CT. Come play and train with us and learn with your dog. We look forward to meeting you!

Younger Puppies (3-6 mos)

Sundays 3/24 thru 4/21
10:15 to 11:15

With younger puppies, we focus on polite greetings and early skills for sit, down, recall, stay, and walking on leash. Handlers learn to use clicker training for positive reinforcement, and puppies learn how to learn and offer positive behaviors. Their vocabulary of worthwhile skills increases while handlers become more proficient at capturing polite manners. We brainstorm effective solutions for common puppy challenges – teething, mouthing, house-training, crate training, and appropriate play.

Cost for the series is $265.88

------------------

Older Puppies, Immature Dogs (7-36 mos)

Wednesdays 3/27 thru 4/24
4:30 to 5:30

For older puppies or dogs with previous experience, we expand their skills with leave-it, trade, stay with greater distance and distractions, and more refined walking on leash. We work on polite greetings of unfamiliar people and dogs, along with increased impulse control and ignoring other dogs who are working and moving. We brainstorm ideas for enrichment and exercise and skills related to everyday living.

Cost for the series is $265.88

------------------

Polite Dog Skills for the Real World (12 mos and up)

Sundays 3/24 thru 4/21
11:30 to 12:30
or
Wednesdays 3/27 thru 4/24
5:45 to 6:45

This class is for mature dogs who already have basic skills and whose owners want to generalize and expand those skills. We will work on reliable polite behaviors for walking on trails, walking the neighborhood loop, and gathering for coffee or picnics. Owners will practice refining their observation and communication, reading canine body language and shaping behavior with positive reinforcement. We’ll use rally obedience skills as goal behaviors with the AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation as a goal. For handlers considering volunteer work as a therapy dog team, this is a good stepping stone. Several optional outdoor field trips will be added during non-class time, as appropriate: an ice cream shop, a coffee shop, and a nature trail outing.

Cost for the series is $265.88

02/10/2024

Greater Simsbury area in Connecticut:

Got a fabulous canine supermodel? I am looking for great subjects for publishers. Candidates need to have solid obedience skills (although puppies are forgiven...) while off leash in a beautiful location. Excellent benefits for breeds or skills that are in demand :-) It is usually a fun outing in a lovely setting and a great training opportunity. Snow expected soon! Spring expected eventually! Come play and get your dog in print: click, treat!

01/26/2024

Registration is now starting for February Dog Training Classes at Horses and Hounds, LLC, in Granby, CT. Please send a message if you'd like to register or you have specific questions.

We use clicker training and positive reinforcement extensively; come learn how to use this effective and transferable skill! You might be intrigued by what your dog can learn (and is learning) without anyone saying a word :-)

Wednesdays 2/14 thru 3/13
5:45 to 6:45
Older Puppies: Polite Manners and Socialization
(7 to 36 mos)
Cost: $265.88 (includes CT tax)

Sundays 2/18 thru 3/17
10:15 to 11:15
Younger Puppies: Early Skills and Positive Reinforcement
(2.5 to 6 mos)
Cost: $265.88 (includes CT tax)

11:30 to 12:30
Older Puppies: Polite Manners and Socialization
(7 to 36 mos)
Cost: $265.88 (includes CT tax)

1:00 to 2:00
AKC Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog Preparation
(12+ mos and solid basic skills)
Cost: $265.88 (includes CT tax)

Mary Fish Arango MA MEd CPDT-KA teaches all of the classes listed. Mary has 30 years’ experience teaching obedience skills and manners at all levels and has been a therapy dog evaluator since 1997. Seven of her family dogs have worked as therapy dogs in hospitals, critical care units, assisted living facilities, and schools.

All classes use clicker training and positive reinforcement as the primary tool; it is exceptionally effective and transferable to teaching new behaviors independently. Puppy classes focus on polite greetings of people and dogs, impulse control, basic skills for family living, and solutions for common challenges. As puppy skills increase and maturity begins, greater distractions are practiced and more complex skills are introduced.

The AKC Canine Good Citizen test is an evaluation of basic manners and polite behavior in public: meeting unfamiliar dogs and people, ignoring distractions, and maintaining basic obedience in distracting conditions. Potential therapy dogs need to have these skills and the temperament to engage with dozens of strangers in unfamiliar (and sometimes challenging) settings. The class for AKC Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog Preparation is designed to give handlers experience that helps them assess their dog's suitability for volunteer work as a therapy dog, identifying skills and temperament which are a particular strength and skills that could use some additional generalization and practice.

Please contact Mary directly to register or ask questions. Payment for a class will hold a spot for you -- cash, check, or Venmo.

Address

26 Woodlot Road
West Simsbury, CT
06092

Telephone

+18055708899

Website

facebook.com

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