Red Cross Pet First Aid

Today I was very fortunate to be able to attend a Pet First Aid class given by the American Red Cross.  This class included both dog and cat first aid training.  I learned how to deal with many possible emergencies like injuries and illnesses.  Some other points of interest include:  giving dog medications, how to properly prepare for a disaster, and how to know if it's a medical emergency.  I highly recommend this short class for the anyone working in the animal industry, and even the average pet owner.  It's always good to know what to do when a loved one needs your help.  You even get a little card for your wallet signifying that you are certified in Pet First Aid by the American Red Cross.

Below is some of my friends that helped teach me how to properly do CPR on an animal and how to help a dog choking on an object.  Thanks for all your help guys!

Basic Manners Dog Training Class starting July 8th

I have a Basic Manners dog training class starting very soon.  This class is the beginner class for dogs (and their owners) who need some information and help training.  This class is great for young dogs, but good for dogs of any age.  The class runs for 6 weeks, one hour per week.  This is the last class I will be teaching in Minnesota.

I have severely discounted this class because I am currently building a new training program.  Although this class will be very organized, I will be using extra time to try new things within the class, and change a few things up.  This six-week class is only $50.

Basic Manners will help you learn how to better communicate with your dog using positive reinforcement training.  I will teach you how to motivate your dog to work for you.  You will learn what steps to take to help break bad habits.  With some hard work from you and your dog, and a LOT of patience, you may soon be hearing my favorite words..."you have SUCH GOOD DOGS."

Basic Manner Dog Training Class
Sunday evenings 6-7 p.m.
July 8 - August 12
Held at:  Veterans Memorial Park
6335 Portland Ave
Richfield MN
(Located in Richfield off of 35W and Hwy 62)
**This is an outdoor class**

Some things you will learn in this class include:  Watch me, Sit, Down, Come when called, impulse control, loose leash walking, stay, and helpful money saving tips.

To register for this class, please contact:
Athena Angelic
Email:  suchgooddogs@gmail.com
612-877-1554


Things to bring for class:
Veterinarian records of your pet's vaccinations, including:
Rabies, Distemper, & Bordatella

Pen and paper for note taking (very important!), dog water, soft stinky treats, 4-6 foot leash, regular buckle collar, and a good attitude.

Please note that you DO NOT bring your dogs to the first class.  The first class is lecture.

Twin Cities Pride Fest 2012

Once again I had the privilege to help raise some money for my favorite rescue, Midwest Animal Rescue Services, at this year's Pride Fest.  There were many booths at the event this year, and I would like to thank each and every person that stopped by the MARS booth this weekend and donated to our animals in need.  We had a very fun weekend letting people spin our prize wheel while gathering numerous donations.  We also had a fabulous raffle to win one of three gift certificates from Hot Dog Walking, or win the big prize of a Basic Manners 6 week training class from MARS.

You can still donate to MARS at any time!

Athena, Inga From, Sheila Lund

Give it a spin...see what we win!

Trainer Tips--Pulling towards an object on Leash

The best way to teach your dog to walk properly on the leash without pulling is to teach your dog Loose Leash Walking (see previous post).  Properly walking a dog on a leash means the dog does not pull you; that the leash is loose.

A helpful tip to go along with this is...never let your dog pull you over to anything.  If a dog really wants to get to this tree over here and pulls you over to the tree, you just rewarded your dog for pulling.  When meeting a new dog, do not let your dog pull you over to greet.  The owner must take leadership over the dog.  We must communicate to our dogs in a way they understand.  Letting your dog pull you over to anything is rewarding them for pulling.  Don't do it!

You can see the dog pulling to get to the tree.

Notice how tight the leash is.  You do not want this!

Random pit bull puppy

So my husband and I were outside sitting on our step with our dogs when two bike riders went whizzing by the corner.  Just behind, was a little dog trying to catch them.  I thought, "Hmm, that was a little odd."  Sure enough the bikers come back around the corner with the excited puppy following.  They asked if we knew the owners, we didn't know, but we did what we always do and took the pup in until we could find her home.

She was only with us for 2 days, but she certainly was a lot of fun.  She reminded me how cute puppies are and playful and fun.  But she also reminded me just how much work having a puppy can be!  Although we enjoyed having her, we were happy to send her back home when the time came.  Her and Caravaggio had a very good time together.  They played quite often.  The puppy did quite well on our walks and listened very nicely.  It seems her owners are doing a very good job with her.  She was very sweet and OH SO CUTE!!

Puppy & Athena

Dexter & the puppy

Puppy & Caravaggio

Puppy learning/playing fetch.

Puppy & Nekita

Breed of the Month--Whippet

Whippet


Color:  Any
Height:  Males:  18.5-22 inches/  Females:  17-21 inches
Weight:  25-40 lbs
Life Span:  13-15 years


Breed Health Concerns:  Eye problems.


Coat:  Close, short, from, smooth
Country of Origin:  Great Britain

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more informations.

The Whippet, capable of speeds up to 35 miles per hour, is the fastest domesticated animal (by size).  A miniature version of the Greyhound, the Whippet was developed in the 1800s.  The Whippet is known as the "poor man's racehorse."

Intensely focused while running, the Whippet is an adaptable breed that is easygoing, affectionate and gentle.  Generally all-around friendly, the Whippet is still very attached to his family and does well with other dogs and children.  The Whippet is a sighthound and should be kept in an enclosed space or on lead so he does not take off after anything.

Exercise:
A good daily walk will give the Whippet sufficient exercise.  It would be wise to have an area where the Whippet can run with some bursts of speed in a secure area.

Grooming:
Whippets are naturally fairly neat and clean.  The occasional hound glove and brushing is sufficient.

Training:
The Whippet is a sensitive breed and should be trained with positive reinforcement.  He is not a super fast learner, but is intelligent and enjoys engaging in fun training sessions.  Socialization is important for this breed.