Trainer Friends

For my friends in the mid-west, I wanted to share a great dog training opportunity.  This session will be taught by an amazing dog trainer, and my former mentor, Inga From.  Inga is one of only a handful of people in the United States that teaches positive gun-dog training.  If you are looking to do some hunting with your dog, or have a dog that loves to fetch, I highly recommend you consider taking this seminar with Inga.  I was privileged to have attended former Gun-Dog Training weekends with Inga, and they are quite informative and fun.

Details and registration available at www.PositiveGunDogsMN.com

Field Sport for the Family Dog

Intro weekend

Positive Gun Dogs of Minnesota welcome

Inga From, CDBC, CPDT-KSA

As She Presents Her Two-day Beginner Positive Field Dog Seminar

May 3rd^th & 4th, 2014

Stone Mountain Pet Lodge–Blaine, MN

About this seminar:

An urban field sport for the family dog is an opportunity to see what your sporting breed dog was bred to do or for any dog that loves to fetch!

Effective and efficient dog-friendly training methods for field dogs without the use of force fetch training or e-collars.

Seminar Overview:

Day One: • Overview of positive field sport’s • Positive training basics • Assessment of foundation skills • Introduction to scent work • How to teach a retrieve with positive training		Day Two: (outdoors) • Into the field • Introduction to field training • Individual time with instructor • Level 1: K9 Field Sport Testing

Cost: Two-day working spot for one handler & one dog $235

Team Discount: Two-day working for two handlers & one dog $270

Two-day auditor/observer spot-no dog $180

Inga From, CDBC, CPDT-KSA  My Bio
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
 (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer 
(Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers)

Offers Positive Training for dog owners and their dogs.

Association of Pet Dog Trainer’s national award winner

Positive Training based on the LIMA (Least Invasive Minimally Aversive) principle.

Professional Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

Inga specializes in shelter/rescue dogs. She has worked in shelter settings for over 10 years. Five of those years were spent at a local humane society where she served as the expert for the shelter in behavior and training. 

Inga Offers:

Animal Shelter/Rescue Consultant for Behavior and Training, Implementing New Programs and Staff Training.

 Private In-Home Training & Board & Train

 Positive Dog Training Group Classes and Seminars

Field Sports for the Family Dog - Host your own event

 Corporate and Non-Profit Team Building with Dogs

Consultant for finding your next Canine  

Dog Trainer Mentorship Program

Trainer Tips--Picking up Poop in the Dark

So I was hanging out with some neighbors and their dog the other night and we went out to the yard for a last dog potty break before bed.  Many times I see people bring flashlights or use their cell phone to find where the poop landed, but what happens when you have none of these things and are searching for it in the dark?

Well this month's Trainer Tip is helpful, yet extremely simple.  It's something I've been doing for years now.  Whenever my dog(s) stop circling and go for the Number 2, I point my foot in the direction of where it will land.  That way you don't have to stare and watch, which of course no one really wants to do, but you also won't lose it in the dark or bad weather and spend time having to search.  Like I said, simple, but very helpful.

So from now when you take your dog out at night to do his business, just remember to point your foot the direction of where the poop will land and you won't lose it in the dark.

Happy night walking everyone!

Breed of the Month--King Shepherd

King Shepherd

Color:  Sable, bicolor (mostly black with red, cream, or tan), black saddle with red, gold, tan, silver, or cream markings, solid black, solid white.

Height:  Males:  27 inches/  Females:  25 inches

Weight:  Males:  100 lbs/  Females:  80 lbs

Life Span:  11-14 years

Breed Health Concerns:  May include hip dysplasia.

Coat:  Two varieties:  1) Coarsehaired:  has dense, straight outer coat with varying hair lengths, 

2) Longhaired:  has a longer coat but is not always straight.

Country of Origin:  United States

Visit the American King Shepherd Club (AKSC) for more information.

It is unknown just how many breeds went into making the King Shepherd, but among those credited most often include:  the German Shepherd Dog, Alaskan Malamute and the Great Pyrenees.  American breeders David Turkheimer and Shelley Watts-Cross are credited with the development of this breed.

Originally developed to get away from the many breed health problems of the German Shepherd Dog, the King Shepherd was developed to serve as both guardian and shepherd.  He is most defined by his massive head.  The King Shepherd is strong, rugged, and solid.  The breed was developed as a protector, but also as a working and family dog.  He is poised, self-confident, and alert.  He may be somewhat wary of strangers, as it is his instinct to protect his family.

Exercise:

The King Shepherd is most satisfied when he has work to do.  This breed needs plenty of daily walks and regular exercise to be happy.  If not properly exercised, the breed may become destructive.  Consider this breed a high energy breed.

Grooming:

Both coat types of the King Shepherd need regular brushing a few times each week.  His undercoat will shed and must be kept clean from dead hair.  The longhaired King Shepherd's coat will need a bit more attention as it is more likely to become caked with debris and tangled.

Training:

Socialization from an early age is extremely important for this large breed.  The King Shepherd is obedient and intelligent and training him can be a real joy.  It is very important to build a good relationship between owner and dog right away.  As with the German Shepherd Dog, the King Shepherd as a breed is very owner/ family orientated.