Cleveland's Source for Dog Training News and Information
|
NEW AGILITY SERIES OF CLASSES!
We are very pleased to announce a new series of Agility training classes. These classes are not only for people interested in competition, but also for those of you who have taken basic classes and are looking for something to keep the fun and learning going!
The first class in the series, "Foundations for Agility (And More!)", is designed as a fun, informative and interactive venture into the world of Agility. Emphasis is placed on foundational self control skills such as stay, shaping behaviors, teaching your dog to make correct choices, some preparation for off leash work and much more. Not only will you learn more about training, this class will help you strengthen your relationship with your dog. Interest in competitive Agility is not necessary; If you just want to get out and do something fun with your dog, this is a great class for you.
The second class in the series is called "Agility:Introduction to Obstacles". Although some introduction to equipment like jumps or the tunnel may happen in the Foundations class, this class is where you get to see and work with all the equipment that is used in Agility. Jumps, Tire Jumps, Tunnels, A-frames, Weave Poles and more will be introduced in a manner that will get the dog used to it in a safe way while you get to work on your mechanical skills of how to shape your dog into these obstacles in a fun and efficient manner. This class is more focused on Agility Equipment and is also an extremely fun, relationship building opportunity.
Finally, our "Competition Agility" class is for people (and dogs!) who have enjoyed what has happened in the previous classes and want to keep going. The goals will be to prepare for competition and also increase speed and accuracy. Although it is called Competition Agility, people who have no desire to compete are welcome to register and have fun in this exciting class.
Each class in this series is designed to build upon what you have learned and applied in previous classes. They are also designed to be loose, fun and informative. The Agility series is currently running at the Cleveland/Lakewood location, will be started at Mentor in July and plans for Richmond Heights are in the works for a fall beginning. There are also plans for an Agility League in the works. More details on this in the July newsletter.
OTHER SPECIALTY CLASSES
In addition to the Agility series, we are slowly introducing some specialty classes. Last month we began a class called "Good Manners & Play", specifically designed for Sighthounds (Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds and mixes of these breeds). The class has been a success and will continue to be offered.
In June, we are excited to add a class for Senior dogs into the mix, called "New Tricks for Old Dogs". This will be a 4 week class set up for dogs that aren’t considered spring chickens anymore and need to get out of the house and have some fun. We will work on some forms of mental stimulation like shaping exercises, play some games and just generally have some light and loose fun. This class will begin Tuesday, June 20th at 6:30PM at our Lakewood/West Cleveland location..
For more information on any of the classes above, call us at 216-221-DOGS (3647) or go to our website at www.northcoastdogs.com.
BOOK CLUB!
We have been asked in the past if we would ever consider hosting a book club and are currently gauging interest for this type of offering. It would be a bimonthly gathering to discuss a book chosen to read and discuss as a group. Training books or just general fun dog books will be included. If you have interest in attending an offering of this kind, please let us know by sending an e-mail to mail@northcoastdogs.com.
MORE GREAT READING
Look for a new informational pet magazine to be hitting the west suburbs of Cleveland the beginning of July. The magazine, called “The Cleveland Canine” will be a bi-monthly free publication that will be available in many locations throughout the west side. North Coast Dogs will be supplying training articles and also a regular behavioral question and answer section.
On the East side, keep your eyes out for “The Printed Pet”. This is also an informative pet publication available throughout the Eastern suburbs of Cleveland and Lake County. North Coast Dogs is also proud to be a regular contributor to this excellent resource for animal lovers.
EVENT
Saturday, June 10th - 4th Annual Senior Dog Bowl
A benefit for The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs
Meszar's Lanes
4231 Fulton Road, Cleveland
7pm - 11pm
$20 includes a night of bowling, shoe rental, pizza buffet, salad bar, dessert, reduced cash bar, and door prizes galore!
Call (216)351-4694 or (216)485-9233
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST
When: Saturday, June 17th - 12:30pm
Where: North Coast Dogs'
Lakewood/West Cleveland location, 10237 Berea Rd., J, Cleveland
Advanced registration for the CGC test is necessary. Call for details (216)221-DOGS (3647).
The Studio at North Coast Dogs
New at "The Studio": Photo Mugs!
A great new way to show off your pet! These mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe, and come with your favorite studio portrait on one side and our studio logo on the other. An excellent gift idea (Father's Day is June 18th)! Mugs are $15.99 each (sitting fee not included).
For more information about our studio or to reserve a session online, visit our website at www.northcoastdogs.com. Month-by-month studio albums are now also available on our website!
The flowers are blooming, trees have grown leaves and April showers have passed. (Although they came in May!) Yes, spring has officially sprung. Before long, the joyous occasion of Independence Day will be upon us. BBQ’s, picnics, swimming, camping and of course, fireworks.
“FIREWORKS!” my dog says.
“Yes, fireworks.” I reply.
Fireworks are fun and celebratory for humans, though dogs just don’t get it. In fact, many of them think it is an extremely bad idea to be exploding really loud stuff with bright lights attached. The Fourth of July is just about a month away which means you still have time to prepare.
There are a few things you can do to get your dog ready for the holiday. A wonderful CD, which can be purchased by clicking HERE, has recorded fireworks displays. This can be played at whatever volume is appropriate for your dog. Make sure you know how to recognize stress signals (excessive panting, pacing, ears back, etc.), and adjust the volume accordingly if the dog becomes stressed. While the CD is playing, run your dog through a fun and interactive training session. As the dog gets better, increase the volume slowly as appropriate for each individual dog's progress. Mix up your training sessions with treats and praise for behavior or a fun game of fetch or tug (for appropriate dogs).
In addition to using this CD to help your dog learn to cope, you can also prepare and get him/her used to a safe den-like area. The area should be able to be darkened with a soft place to lie down. Have the dog go into that area now to earn treats so when the fireworks start, a safe haven has already been determined.
Many things can be done on the day to make your dog's 4th of July experience a little more comfortable. Dogs that are startled or become panicked can sometimes “head for the hills” as they say. Dogs will flee for safety even though they don’t quite know where safety might be. Make sure you have proper identification on them in case they should run. This is not the day to leave your dog out unattended. And, it is not a good idea to take your dog to a fireworks display with you. The noise level at these displays is much more than a dog can handle. A dog's sense of hearing is much greater than ours, remember. Walk your dog before it gets dark and feed an hour before any display may start. You can also add potatos or pasta to dinner to help make your furry friend sleepy. When it gets dark, let him/her go to the safe area and play some gentle, rhythmic music to soothe and drown out some of the noise.
Hopefully, with some preparation prior to and some simple steps the day of, this 4th of July can be a celebration for canine and human alike!
Just For Fun
Travelling with your pooch this summer? Here are some fun dog-related travel weblinks you might enjoy:
www.trailresources.com- A great website for people and dogs who love hiking.
www.letsgopets.com - Links to articles and books on travelling with your pet.
www.petsonthego.com - Resource for finding pet-friendly accomodations.
A Friend in Need - Dickens
Meet Dickens - Waiting for a home at the Parma Animal Shelter
Dickens is a 1-1/2 year old small Labrador Retriever mix. He weighs about 40 pounds and will probably not get much bigger. He still has a lot of playful puppy in him but has calmed down considerably during his stay at the shelter, which has been more than 6 months. He loves to play fetch and learns quickly. He likes other dogs.
Dickens would be great in a family dedicated to training and stimulation. He has been neutered and is up to date on all shots. He seems to be housebroken.
Please call (440)885-8014 if you are interested in Dickens or send an email.
Event Calendar
Notes in Blue are Lakewood Classes
Notes in Green are Mentor Classes
Notes in Red are Richmond Heights Classes
| June 2006 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|
|
1 6:30pm |
2 6:30pm |
3 10:30am |
||
4 |
5
|
6
|
7
|
8 6:30pm
|
9 6:30pm
|
10
|
11 |
12
|
13 6:30pm 8:00pm
|
14
|
15 8:00pm
|
16 8:00pm
|
17 10:30am 12:30pm
|
| 18 |
19 |
20 6:30pm
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24 10:00am
|
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28
|
29 8:00pm |
30 6:30pm
|
|
View printable version of this calendar.
Sign up for a class online.