AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program!

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy^sm Program now offered by CBC

Because our Socialization Program on Thursday's has been such a success, I have decided to add this S.T.A.R. Puppy Certification Program on June 29th.

A key component of the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy^sm Program is a responsible owner. Our Canine Good Citizen^sm Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge is for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy^sm Program too. Responsibility should start the moment you decide to add a new dog or puppy to your family.

AKC CGC Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge

I will be responsible for my dog’s health needs. These include:

• routine veterinary care including check-ups and vaccines
• adequate nutrition through proper diet; clean water at all times
• daily exercise and regular bathing and grooming

I will be responsible for my dog’s safety.

• I will properly control my dog by providing fencing where appropriate, not letting my dog run loose, and using a leash in public.
• I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification when appropriate (which may include collar tags, tattoos, or microchip ID).
• I will provide adequate supervision when my dog and children are together.

I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.

• I will not allow my dog to run loose in the neighborhood.
• I will not allow my dog to be a nuisance to others by barking while in the yard, in a hotel room, etc.
• I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in all public areas such as on the grounds of hotels, on sidewalks, parks, etc.
• I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in wilderness areas, on hiking trails, campgrounds and in off-leash parks.

I will be responsible for my dog’s quality of life.

• I understand that basic training is beneficial to all dogs.
• I will give my dog attention and playtime.
• I understand that owning a dog is a commitment in time and caring.

S ocialization
T raining
A ctivity
R esponsibility

Help your puppy be the best he can be!

Puppy Classes Thursday's at 5:00 Tender Touch

Puppy Class

It all starts here. The most important class you can take with your pet.
For puppies 8 weeks-5 months
Start your new pup on the path to becoming a well mannered dog. Early socialization and training play a major role in the rest of your dogs life.   This class combines basic manners training as well as playtime.

Class Topics include: Sit • Down • Come • Stay • Bite Inhibition* Greeting Politely • Common Puppy Issues * Leash Basics


Join us on Thursday's at 5:00 pm TTVH, for a fun Play session and help educate your dog on how to interact with other dogs.

Kids and Dogs

Alex asking Annie to let go of the ball.

I do not believe our dogs are trying to dominate us, yet they learn over time what they can get away with.  Sound like some children you know?

Just like children go to the parent who is most lenient, dogs quickly learn who will follow through and who will not.  They know exactly who will reward and who will not, and make choices based on this relationship.

Consequence drives behavior with both kids and dogs.  Think of consequences as being Positive not negative!  Thanks for loading the dishes!  What a gooood boy!!
When Annie learned that "Leave it", meant Alex would continue playing with her and rewarded her for bringing the ball back, she was happy to comply!

If by chance you want better behavior from your dog or your child, try motivating them to comply and reward with something they want or like.  Many people say dogs are stubborn, however the truth is they have competing motivations, so use rewards like your pitch, food and play to help them consistently make the right choices!

Rewarding Rescue Information Night!

I appreciate everyone who attend my Rescue Information Night at Tender Touch!  It was nice to put a face to the many cyber net names:)

I believe we all have our hearts in the same place and all want the best for as many homeless dog as possible. I hope you all enjoyed your time and learned something new to try with your own dog or foster dog.

Sophie, the Scottie you all met is a great example of how a dog with a bite history, and labeled fear aggressive was really territorial and predatory.  Once the triggers were identified, I was able to successfully desensitize her to the things she feared.  She now has her Canine good Citizenship and is used on many of my private sessions.  She can also enjoy relaxing walks on the beach, in Portland or where ever we want to take her.

Never use aggressive techniques to modify aggressive behavior, doing so only suppresses the emotion temporarily. Positive Reinforcement Techniques, Counter Conditioning, appropriate exercise, daily management, and diet are all key elements to successfully modify Territorial, Predatory, Fear, and Dominant Aggression.


Thanks again and I look forward to working with you all in the future!
Judy

Canine Behavior Counseling – Rescue Night Info Session

If you haven't heard, I have organized a Rescue Night for volunteers and foster Parents. The goal of this meeting is to provide information on Aggressive Behaviors as well as to answer questions. 

Fear Aggression

To check if we still have room,  please RSVP to Connie Pacillo   pacillo1@yahoo.com

What: Canine Behavior Counseling – Rescue Night Info Session

When: Thursday, May 26 – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Tender Touch Veterinary Hospital

2^nd Floor

336 Gorham Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074

    This will be a fun and informational evening for all!