Cleveland's Source for Dog Training News and Information

Anniversary Issue

That's what the Lakewood Learning Center looked like a year ago, a big empty shell with a whole lot of work that needed to be done.  The North Coast Dogs team has always been very dedicated and hard-working.  We pulled together and transformed the space on Madison Avenue into a dog training school with very little professional help.  I'm still amazed at all we got done.

Hard to believe it's only been a year.  Time sure did fly by.  It all started with a class of eight September 25th, 2002.  Many of those first dogs went on to take other classes and even got certified as therapy dogs.  All are still delightful members of the North Coast Dogs Family.

Thanks to each of you who helped make this dream come true.  As always, there is more to come!

Top

Our First East Side Location

We're now offering classes in Richmond Heights on the east side.  The classes are at K9 Kingdom (26700 Highland Rd.) on Tuesday nights.  We're starting with a Family Dog Class (6:30 p.m. Sept. 23rd) and a Family Puppy Class (8 p.m. September 23rd).  But you can count on us to add more offerings including some of our upper level classes.

Spread the word.  North Coast Dogs has classes on the east side.  Call 216-221-3647 to sign up

K9 Kingdom Open House

K9 Kingdom is having its open house September 27th from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.  K9 Kingdom is home to North Coast Dogs east side classes, Kelli's K9 Kafe and Dog Day Out doggie daycare.  Don't miss your chance to come see this fun new wonderland for you and your dog.

Top

Welcome JoAnne Blaha

A warm welcome to JoAnne Blaha MA, DVM who is joining our team of trainers this month.  Many of you know Dr. Blaha from her work at Detroit Dover Animal Hospital.  What you may not have known is that Dr. Blaha has a great education in animal behavior and many years experience human behavior assessment and treatment.

Dr. Blaha was recently graduated from the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers.  Her duties with North Coast Dogs will include seeing in-home behavior modification cases.  Dr. Blaha will also continue to practice veterinary medicine at Detroit Dover Animal Hospital.

You can reach Dr. Blaha at JoAnne@northcoastdogs.com

Top

Congratulations Anne Ferry

Congratulations to North Coast Dogs trainers, Anne Ferry.  She was also recently graduated from the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers.

Many of you already know Anne from her great work teaching Family Dog and Family Puppy classes at North Coast Dogs.  However, that's just the beginning for her.  Anne plans to pursue a specialty in puppies and the early prevention of problem behaviors.

Anne and her dog, Macy (pictured right), first came to North Coast Dogs as clients.  Since that time Anne has turned many of Macy's troubling behaviors around, building her confidence and even competing with her in our first ever Rally Obedience competition.

We're very proud of all Anne's accomplishments and we're so happy to have her on our team.

Top

New Senior Dog CGC - Therapy Dog Class

North Coast Dogs has teamed up with The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs to offer a great Canine Good Citizen / Therapy Dog class.  And thanks to a grant from The Kenneth Scott Foundation we're able to offer the class at a discount -- just $100 for the six week class.

The class closely follows the standards set forth by the American Kennel Club and Therapy Dogs International.  Testing and paper work for certification is included.

This special class is for dogs 7 years and older.  Dogs with prior class training are encouraged.  Dogs whom you've trained on your own will certainly be considered with an evaluation. 

Class starts Saturday, October 11th at 10:30 a.m.  Call North Coast Dogs directly at 216-221-DOGS to sign up.  The class is also listed on our web page as a regular CGC class starting 10/11/03 at 10:30 a.m.

Top

Continuing Education Discount

Here's a new way you can keep up with training your dog and save money!  The North Coast Dogs continuing education discount automatically saves you 10% off your next class with us.  You don't have to join any special club.  It doesn't matter what the class is or at which location you take it.  You only have to do one thing to qualify: sign up for your next class before the class you are currently in ends!  That's it!

What that means is you never have to pay full price for a class again.  Just sign up for your next 4-week or 6-week session before your the class you are in now graduates.

Other North Coast Dogs offers

APL B-Team Update

  You might recall that North Coast Dogs has partnered with the Cleveland Animal Protective League to develop a training and behavior department.  That process is well under way now. 

The APL B-Team is a huge part of our efforts at the Animal Protective League.  It's a core group of volunteers recruited right from the ranks of the North Coast Dogs client list.  The B-Team will work directly with dogs at the APL.  They will assist in the fitting of Gentle Leader Head Collars.  They'll help in behavior assessments.  And, they will play a role in educating other volunteers in the proper methods of training and walking the dogs.

We're proud to say there is already a dozen or so committed B-Team volunteers.  And we can always use more.  Contact Michael directly if you are interested.

Top

Aggression Town Hall Meeting

We understand that working with your dog can sometimes be tough and frustrating.  And if your dog has an aggression issue it can be downright heartbreaking.  Fortunately, North Coast Dogs is here to help you through the long haul.

Several times throughout the year we'll be offering Aggression Town Hall meetings at our various locations.  These are great opportunities for you to refresh your knowledge of training and canine behavior.  They're also a great time to get answers to some of your questions.  All the while you'll be in a safe environment with other people who have dogs with similar behavior challenges.

These Town Hall Meetings are FREE to our clients working with fearful or aggressive dogs.  Just call 216-221-DOGS and let us know you want to come.  The meetings are also open to those wishing to learn more about dog behavior, specifically fear and aggression (admission $10).

Our Next Aggression Town Hall Meeting

Jean Donaldson

There is still room in the Canine Play and Aggression workshop with Jean Donaldson.

Jean Donaldson (pictured right at Chicken Camp) is the author of many books on dog behavior, most notably The Culture Clash.  She is a clear thinking and well spoken advocate for all that we admire and love about dogs.  She is also no nonsense in her approach to behavior.  A weekend workshop with Jean Donaldson is definitely a treat you won't soon forget.

This workshops is open to dog enthusiasts with all levels of education.

Event Details:

Classes to Look for:

Focus:

This new 4-week course only has one goal: that your dog remain looking at you no matter what else is happening in the environment.  This is all about your dog paying attention to (a.k.a. "listening to") you!  Starts Tuesday, September 9th at 6 p.m. in Lakewood.

Tracking

This is a wildly fun 6-week class centering on scent work.  Starts Friday, September 5th at 6 p.m. in Brunswick.

Top

Event Calendar

View printable version of this calendar.

Sign up for a class online.

Top

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!

Top

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!

Top