Mid Coast Dog Training

16/12/2023

We have a new website https://midcoastdogtraining.com/ check it out!
I also lost access to my page because I was hacked so I will be setting up a new one. Unfortunately I currently have no way to access this one apart from to post via instagram. If you have sent me a message I can’t see it! I will be setting up a new one so keep an eye out for that.

16/11/2023

This video shows all the things not to do that I talk about when we discuss dogs and kids!

12/11/2023

Providing choices in a way that sets a dog up for success is a huge part of my training philosophy. You can see the difference in the confidence and decision making of a dog who has been supported in making choices compared to a dog who is used to always being told what to do. It empowers the dog and frankly, makes your life easier!

On hikes, Arry chooses to focus on me when she sees a person, dog or horse. It's much easier to then give her guidance (come, stay or 'go say hi' depending on what is appropriate) when she's already choosing ME over the distraction.

On walks, Lupine chooses to focus on me when a dog barks. It's much easier to guide her past that very hard distraction when she's already choosing ME over barking back at the dog.

Now of course there were several games used to teach my dog to choose me since running up to people and dogs or barking back at other dogs are all behaviors that would be very rewarding. But by taking the time to help your dog to make good choices, you end up having to do less in the long run.

www.PawsitiveChangeMT.com

11/11/2023

First place for fig and her CD title. 3 quals in 3 tests she’s a great little worker! Thanks to Mid Coast Kennel Club of Maine - MCKC for day one of the fall trial. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day for Bonnie. She did a wonderful test but a loud treats packet noise right outside of the ring as I asked for the down meant she missed my signal and left us with an NQ. I was really happy with her performance and hopeful that tomorrow she will do great!

02/11/2023

I am running an online mini class this month, it is going to be all of the control unleashed foundation skills. This is a great class for anyone that wants to learn some games to keep their dog calm and engaged with them in different environments. This is a great all around class for beginner- advanced as it will likely be new stuff for all! (unless you're a current private client!).

We will cover Look at that, chin rests, pattern games and mat work.

The class runs for 3 weeks Tuesday nights November 14th ,21st, 28th at 6pm

The price is $100

You can sign up via the link below

I hope to see you there!

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19128472&appointmentType=54660289

Dog training and puppy socialisation classes. In Midcoast Maine and surrounding areas

28/10/2023

Halloween is just 3 days away!!
Here are some helpful tips for this spooky day.

25/10/2023

I got my CCUI certification! So much work went into learning, teaching and filming, then editing and submitting all the awesome games, thank you to everyone who helped with videos and to all of my clients and colleagues who offered to take time to learn new games and film with me. I really appreciate you all. Now let’s help some dogs with control unleashed games by Leslie McDevitt!!

25/09/2023

20/09/2023

https://aggressivedog.com/2021/11/23/is-it-a-kiss-or-a-dismiss/

“We just don’t understand why he bit her out of the blue! He always gives her kisses! He loves our daughter!” These are the very words I heard repeated over and over through our Family Paws Dog & Baby Support line that led me to dig deeper. So frequent is this type of call and […]

14/09/2023

AKC community canine class doing a great job in Damariscotta.

13/09/2023

The Best Way to Find a Happy, Healthy Griffon Puppy from a Responsible Breeder: Recognize the Flags!

Here are some of the positive things to look for in a breeder.

Member of local kennel club or breed club – the breeder is willing to follow a Code of Ethics and be governed by a group of their peers. It shows a commitment to ethics and responsibility.

Has titles in conformation or performance – they objectively test their dog’s conformation to the standard, temperament, agility, intelligence, etc.

Has a contract/offers lifetime support – the breeder will take the dog back in the event you are unable to continue on as the owner. The breeder is willing to consult and troubleshoot any issues such as training or grooming throughout your dog's life.

You can see their home/where the puppies are raised – a good breeder has nothing to hide. Their dogs are all healthy and happy. Dog areas are clean and well maintained with fresh water.

Makes health testing/vet records available – the breeder can provide evidence of the dog’s (and its ancestors') health.

Asks questions about your life and how you plan to care for your pup – the breeder is invested in the dog’s future. These dogs are not just a paycheck to them.

Knows the breed history and can give detailed pedigree history – knowing the origins of the breed and the origin of their line ensures a deep understanding of purpose and temperament. Having an intimate knowledge of both means they can properly council you on training, behaviors, and health.

Have more questions? Contact us! https://abga.club/

09/09/2023

Some basic tips..

Reinforcement drives behaviour. If the outcome is worth it, they’ll keep doing it. Remember it’s from their perspective, not yours.

Dominance is a thing. You just don’t have to worry about it.

Not all dogs are equal. You’ll have a very different experience with a bull dog compared to a husky. Genetics really do matter.

Aggression is normal. Don’t lose your mind if or more likely when it occurs. I guarantee, you won’t go through your life never arguing with anyone again.

If you don’t like something your dog is doing, don’t keep letting them do it. If they keep running off, put them on a lead. If they keep jumping on people, put them on a lead. You can’t train a dog if you don’t manage the bad stuff.

Dogs focus more on visual stuff, not verbal stuff. Concentrate more on what you’re doing, not what you’re saying.

Dogs have needs. Before you expect them to behave how you want them to, make sure you’re letting them be a dog.

If you want the dog on your sofa or the bed, let them on. They won’t try and take over the household no matter what anyone tells you.

The dog daddy is a terrible dog trainer and a massive t**t.

All the best.

Also, subscribe to our website for our exclusive content:

www.Thinkdog.nz

30/08/2023

Here is some info for clients looking for a puppy

I offer pre purchase appointments where I am happy to offer advise about where to find a great breeder, finding a good shelter dog, or rescue that will fit your family and lifestyle.

First step to find an ethical breeder is to go to a breed club, so for an example you would google “English cocker spaniel club of America” on whatever breed you pick you will find a breeders page here is the one from the English cocker spaniel club’s page https://englishcocker.org/breeders/

They will also have a breeder directory here is the one from the english cocker spaniel as an example https://englishcocker.org/breeders-2023/

This page doesn’t have links to websites, which is pretty normal, but I would usually google the kennel name plus the breed and it will come up.

Generally it's a funny rule that good breeders have bad websites or no websites. Websites can be really expensive to create and maintain and I guess because if you’re ethically breeding, well then there’s really not much extra money in it for fancy websites.

It is totally fine for the breeder to have multiple female dogs, that is very normal. I know excellent breeders with quite the collection of dogs that are very well cared for. The red flags come when they are all being bred at the same time, and there are multiple litters available at once, especially if advertising multiple currently available 10+ week old puppies. A good breeder will almost always have a wait list, or you will need to wait for a certain dog to be bred, an application process, will want to talk to you on the phone and get to know you and your intentions for their dog. Obviously there are exceptions to this rule, good breeders will occasionally have currently available puppies if a home falls through for whatever reason. They will also be competing their dog in some way, conformation, sports etc. They will also have a health guarantee that includes behavior as well as a guaranteed return policy for the life of the dog, this ensures the dog never ends up in a shelter, or is never passed onto an unknown person. I know breeders who will refuse puppies to people they don't get along with because they know they are entering a 10+ year (life of the dog) relationship with that person where they will be in regular contact.

Here is a great article on a breeders page (go to the bottom)
https://brandilynenglishcockerspaniels.com/litters/

The OFA is a great resource, they are the organization that offers and advises health testing for all breeds, you can search required health tests by breed and make sure that information aligns with any breeder you may find here is the link to that https://ofa.org/prospective-owners/

The Poodle club of America has a great code of ethics that can be used with any breed, take a look and see if any prospective breeders you are talking to about puppies offer what they state should be provided as standard. https://poodleclubofamerica.org/code-of-ethics/

Please remember this post is not a judgement on a dog you may have already purchased, it is purely educational for those who may be considering a puppy in the near future.

09/08/2023

Come down to The Pour Farm in union for my talk about dog training!

07/08/2023

3 cgc graduates this morning! Congrats to you all for your really hard work!

03/08/2023

TUESDAY, August 15th at 7pm!

Generously sponsored by Medomak Veterinary Services and Midcoast Dog Training, WELL GROOMED follows champion groomers and their gorgeous, vibrant dogs through a year in the life on the technicolor competition circuit.

The film effervescently explores an American not often portrayed in cinema. From South Carolina to California, New York to Arkansas, WELL GROOMED is a revealing look at pets, families, friendships and the glory of creativity through a bright prism of color.

JOIN US!
Runtime: 87 minutes

27/07/2023

AKC community canine registration open for those who have their GCG.

Dog training and puppy socialisation classes. In Midcoast Maine and surrounding areas

25/07/2023

This is Give Me A Break from control unleashed. It's a great game to teach your dog a context cue that when you turn your back they should come to you. We start by working in an enclosed area and then adding a helper, then working towards a slightly altered version with a helper. Usually Molly (the dog in the video) would be all over me if I got that close to her while she was off leash.

23/07/2023

I’m working on chin rests for cooperative care as part of my training for the CCUI qualification. This is a behavior that gives the dog control over the environment. I will use the chin rest as a “yes” from her to go ahead with things such as grooming, nail trims, sharing treats.. the sky is the limit! As part of this communication I will teach her than lifting her head will cause the nail trim, grooming etc to stop. It gives the dog control and is a great tool for relieving anxiety around these kinds of tasks. Often just taking the time to help your dog understand what your asking and giving a way for them to communicate what they’re comfortable with, will help them.

09/07/2023

Just a few ways to use targeting:
1. Move from place to place.
2. Recall.
3. Build relationships and greet new people.
4. Redirect to a new activity.
5. Position in place.

07/07/2023

Why can't your friend spot a puppy mill or unethical breeder?
And should you say something to them?

This question came up several times recently.
What would you do?

Personally if they already bought the puppy I wouldn't bother to say anything.
If they are suggesting another friend/family member buy a puppy from a poor breeding operation I'd speak up and try to educate.
It's tough though. Sometimes there is no point to say something but it might be worth trying.

I get asked frequently, what can I say?
Here are some talking points.

⚡If you are looking at a breeders social media page how can you tell if it is a good breeder with good practices vs one that is producing quantity over quality?
A bad breeder is not going to announce it on social media! They will make themselves look good on social media.

Look deeper than social media and do some digging.
There will be signs but they are not going to make it apparent.
Bottom line, social media is not "research".

⚡What do they mean by health testing? Ask your vet to review the results of the parents health tests. Many people now lie and say they are "health testing". Be sure to get specifics. What tests? Who did the test? What is the result? Embark or other DNA kits are not healthy tests. Recently I have seen a number of fake health tests. Be sure to validate.

⚡Where did the parents come from? What are they like? Where do they live? Learn about them. Meet them.

⚡Breeding numerous breeds or mixes is a red flag.
This means they don't have a healthy line that they are breeding and observing, it means buying a dog and breeding it. They will not know about this dog or this dog's line.

⚡ Puppies have been vetted? By a vet or at home? Being seen by a vet is much more than just a dewormer and vaccine. Which vet clinic did the puppy go to for visits? Make sure to see proof. Contact the vet clinic. You'd be shocked how often people will lie about this even falsifying paperwork.

⚡ Socialization is much more than having a few kids run around a puppy. Puppy should feel a variety of textures under foot, see new things, play with toys, go outside (also important for eye development), go for car rides, go to the vet clinic. Puppies should have a wide variety of positive experiences before 8 weeks old.

⚡WHY are these dogs being bred? Get clear and specific answers. The parents should have exceptional temperaments. Has the dog been walked off the property? Been to different places? Competed in dog sports?
⚡Breeding for a color is a red flag. Multi colored or flashy, merles, silvers, especially if not typically seen in the breed or mix might be a red flag.

⚡The breeder has lots of dogs and it is unclear where the dogs are housed. I once went to a beautiful home in Maine that was essentially a puppy mill. She had 8, 9, 10 dogs breeding at a time. Dogs lived in bathrooms, in kennels in the basement. Some rooms had so many dogs I couldn't see the floor. But people picking up their cute puppies didn't know that. Some but not all of her dogs were seized in an animal abuse case.
If these were cows or other livestock you would need farm help to care properly for the animals but dogs can be hidden away behind well kept lawns and big houses. If you think a puppy mill is in a falling down trailer, think again. Some are in beautiful houses with well tended lawns and flower gardens.

⚡But they have a kennel number or are AKC registered? That means nearly nothing other than paying a fee. I wish this means the dogs are well cared for but it does not. AKC does not inspect. Kennel licences are easy to obtain. The animal abuse case I mentioned above? Yes, she had a kennel licence and some AKC registered dogs.

⚡Being able to come get a puppy without waiting is a red flag. Puppies are living beings. If they have some on the backshelf ready to go home right now is a sign that there are multiple litters and puppies are being produced for production. The Veruca Salt "I want it now" mentality is a big part of our culture and unfortunately funds some unethical operations.
The wait is often part of getting a puppy.

But why not buy a puppy from a bad breeding operation?
1. Your puppy is at risk of health and behavior problems. All puppies are cute. This puppy will be an adult before you know it. Buy a puppy for who they will become as an adult not because they are a cute puppy. Remember, puppies are never blank slates. Genetics and early socialization matter! It is not simply about the breed or breed mix, more importantly it is about their family genes.
2. You might be part of the problem. Buying a puppy from a breeder supports their operation. You are the direct source of resources to continue the operation. Are you happy with how the parents and other dogs are being housed and treated? If not, don't financially support the operation.

I am not anti breeders. I have a dog from a rescue and one from a great breeder.

03/07/2023

I’ll be teaching at positively best friends on Monday afternoons.

Dog Training and Canine Activity Center in Midcoast Maine

26/06/2023

I still have spots in the cgc starting tomorrow night at 5pm!

12/06/2023

I have listed new classes on the website for sign up

Basic obedience - Monday at 6pm
CGC prep - Tuesday at 5pm
Agility fun - Wednesday at 6pm

Classes usually fill fast so grab a spot while you can!

Sign up here

Schedule your appointment online Mid Coast Dog Training

30/05/2023

Last nights puppy class working on some new things!

04/05/2023

There are still a few spots in Monday basic obedience at Mid Coast Dog Training 5:30pm. Wednesday is full.

I also have spots in the Spring sports class at Positively Best Friends in Edgecomb at 2pm on Mondays.

29/04/2023

Dogs with jobs for the win!