Vol. 1

April '03

Cleveland's Source for Dog Training News and Information

Welcome!

Here's the new look we promised.  I hope you find it attractive, informative and easy to navigate.  Take your time and look around.

As always, please let us know how we can improve.  What do you think of the layout?  What about the content?  What kind of news would you like to see here?

Speaking of news ... do you have a great story idea you'd like to contribute to North Coast Dogs News?  Or perhaps you just have an event coming up you'd like to publicize.  Either way, email your ideas to Michael and we'll be in touch.

P.S. Special thanks to Jeph Remley at Jephers Media for the cool new revamp!

 

Why Nonviolent?  A Personal Note

I founded North Coast Dogs in 1999 with a clear vision.  We as trainers would nurture and enhance the canine-human bond in a gentle and positive way.  There was no question about it.  We would never employ psychological or physical violence in the education of dogs (or humans for that matter).  That means not using any type of hurtful "training" collar, no shake cans, no bitter apple spray bottles to the face, no air horns and no hitting.

It's a noble goal shared by thousands of other trainers worldwide.  In fact, the exclusive use of positive reinforcement training has a rich history dating back to B.F. Skinner.  And the efficacy is irrefutable.  It works!  Moreover, nonviolent training is effective and it has side benefits.  By using food, play, fun and praise you not only teach your dog obedience skills.  You teach your dog to love learning.  How cool is that?  Your dog learns, loves to learn and bonds more closely to you all at the same time.

It never occurred to me that this inspired approach to training would be controversial.  How naive I was.  Not only is it controversial but daily we face those who challenge the concept.  "Doesn't a dog need to be put in his place?"  " If it involves the safety of my family then I'm going to smack him."  "Yeah, he'll do it for a treat.  But, I don't want to always have to have a treat or a clicker with me."  Our reply is always gentle and educational.  We hear the concerns expressed and we always stand ready to teach and demonstrate the nonviolent solution to troubling problems.

Sometimes it's hard to take such a stand.  Rarely we lose a client over it.  Even more infrequently it results in jarring changes within our organization.  But always it is a stand worth taking.  Our promise to all of you is to help you discover the dog you always wanted in the dog you already have.  None of us wants a dog to yell at, or hit, or frighten or hurt.  We want a dog to enjoy, to cherish, to care for and to love.  Such a noble goal.  And so attainable.

Rally Obedience Demonstration

So what is Rally Obedience anyway?  It's often hard to explain.  So, why don't we just show you?

Please join us for a demonstration of Rally Obedience at our Lakewood Learning Center, Thursday, April 10th at 7:15 p.m.  Leave your dog at home for the evening.  We'll have a few on hand for you to watch and work with.  This is an excellent opportunity for you to see the new sport of Rally Obedience first hand.  And, best of all, the event is FREE.

Rally Obedience competitions are sanctioned by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).  Rally-O is open to all dogs and people regardless of either's breeding!  The sport encourages the use of nonviolent training and the enhancement of the special bond between people and dogs. 

Thank You Sue Sternberg

Thank you to everyone who attended A Saturday With Sue, our one-day workshop with Sue Sternberg.  Dozens of shelter groups from four different states were here.  So, too, were trainers, pet sitters, veterinary staff and other dedicated dog owners.

Our day with Sue included some excellent training advice and quality-of-life suggestions for shelter dogs.  But the benefits continue on.  Sue even took a local dog back to her shelter for placement in New York.  What a gift.

See more pictures from the Sue Sternberg workshop February 22nd, 2003.

 

Canine Play and Aggression with Jean Donaldson

And just a reminder that Jean Donaldson will be joining us for a 2-day workshop October 25-26, 2003 at the Cleveland Airport Marriott.  This is a rare opportunity to spend an entire weekend of learning with one of the most intelligent and reasoned voices in the world of dog training.    Sign up.

Wanted: Therapy Dog

Is your dog sporting that handsome yellow tag?  All dressed up with no where to go?

We can help.  North Coast Dogs just got a call from Rolling Hills Rehabilitation and Wellness Center.  They are looking for a TDI certified dog to pay them a visit from time to time.  If you are interested please call them directly at 330-225-9121.

And if you need help finding a place to take your Therapy Dog for visits you can call us for a referral.  216-221-DOGS.

Nose News

Your dog's nose is an amazing organ that's for sure.  And we have just the class to put that snout to good use.

Tracking class is a fun outdoor class for Spring and Summer.  You'll learn how to take advantage of your dog's search and scent discrimination skills.  We think seeing is definitely believing.

So, Please join us for a Tracking Class demonstration at our Brunswick Learning Center Tuesday, April 15th (tax day) at 6 p.m.  Again, the good news is it's FREE!

 

 

Events Calendar Highlights

Our popular events calendar is now part of North Coast Dogs News.  You'll always be able to see the latest class start dates, Dog Park Classes and special events online right here!  Of course we'll still have printed calendars for you to take home at both of our locations.  Good deal huh?

Now this month's highlights:

Puppy Easter Egg Hunt

How fun is this?  If you have a puppy under 6 months of age enrolled in one of our puppy classes OR if you have a recent graduate you won't want to miss our Second Annual Puppy Easter Egg Hunt at the Lakewood Center.  Admission is FREE and there will be prizes.  It's Saturday April 19th at 1 p.m.  Email Jonathan Corrigan to RSVP.

Pet First Aid / CPR Class

Our first-ever Pet First Aid / CPR class was a huge hit!  We Red Cross certified nearly 30 attendees.  And the students overwhelmingly gave the class high marks for organization, content and presentation.

Our next Pet First Aid / CPR Class is Thursday, April 24th at 6 p.m.  This is a 3 hour class!  $35.

Acupressure Workshop

Join canine massage practitioner Maria Duthie for an afternoon workshop on acupressure for dogs Saturday, April 26th at 4 p.m.  E-mail Maria to sign up.

Dog Park Classes

No, there are still no pictures of young Phoebe not in motion.

Dog Park Classes continue to be very popular at both our Lakewood and Brunswick Learning Center.  We've added extra dates in April to accommodate the demand.  Please remember to sign up early and often.

And some reminders.  Your dog must be current on vaccinations, including Bordatella, to attend any class including Dog Park Class.  Dog Park Class is mostly play but we do schedule some "time outs" to practice recall from play and short down stays.  No treats in Dog Park Class please.  The reinforcement for those down stays is "go play!"

 

Event Calendar

 

Sign up for a class online.

Gift Certificates

Don't forget that gift certificates are always available for our classes, in-home behavior modification and products.  They are the perfect gift for any occasion.  Please contact Jonathan Corrigan to purchase one today!

Feedback

Thanks to all of you who've offered your comments both complimentary and constructive.  Your feedback helps us improve our service.  In fact, many of our new upcoming classes and events come from our clients' suggestions!

Next Month

There is certainly a lot to look forward to in our May issue!

New and exciting 4-week classes for Summer!

Excellent new trainers joining North Coast Dogs

Plus an event so huge everyone will be talking about it.  But we can't ... not yet.