tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33356559159955607362024-03-21T14:35:19.453-07:00WOOFS! Dog Training CenterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316611166223633952noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-89348479579672470612018-09-04T22:13:00.000-07:002018-09-04T22:13:36.602-07:00Training Methodologies<script type="text/javascript">
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<b>By <a href="http://www.woofsdogtraining.com/about-us/meet-our-trainers.html#ericapytlovany">Erica Pytlovany</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Positive reinforcement training</b>, at its core, takes the following strategy:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Look for, or create, behaviors that we like, and then</li>
<li>Reinforce those behaviors, while we</li>
<li>Passively ignore or actively prevent the behaviors that we don't like</li>
</ol>
<br />
<b>Clicker training</b> is positive reinforcement plus use of some kind of consistent, neutral mark that highlights the exact behavior that we want to repeat. The mark could be a click, a tongue cluck, a whistle, the word "yes!", a flash of light, or any other neutral signal that the learner can perceive. Clicker training is really about the mark, not the the actual clicker device; we could just as easily call it "marker training".<br />
<br />
Within this framework, there are many ways to catch or to create behaviors. I will refer to dogs for all descriptions, although we would use the same approach to teach <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puYANVYxPys">cats</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs-tAHqGruY">hyenas</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-7Xo0l53IM">llamas</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSUACcbHYRo">gibbons</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smLgs_OMQKI">dolphins</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ue_gi5yS4I">parrots</a>, or even <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hdTb3ZMsYA">goldfish</a> (yes, this is real).<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Capturing</b></h3>
<b>Description: </b>Mark and reward a behavior that the dog offers spontaneously during a training session, or even just while wandering around the house. See something that you think is really cute? Click it! Examples could include: cocking head to the side, sneezing, shaking off, holding ears a certain way. Also an easy way to teach sit.<br />
<b>Upside:</b> Perfect when there's some behavior your dog offers and you'd like to put it on cue.<br />
<b>Downside: </b>Your dog has to offer the behavior all on its own. You can't capture something that he never offers on his own.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Luring</h3>
<b>Description:</b> Get your dog to follow a toy or food (primary reinforcer) to put him into a particular position (i.e. sit, down, heel position) or get him to follow a certain path (i.e. walk with me, go over a jump).<br />
<b>Upside: </b>A quick way to jump start a new behavior, especially if you lure the behavior one to three times and then switch to one of the other strategies.<br />
<b>Downside:</b> It can be hard to "fade out" or get rid of the lure. If the dog is only following the food or the toy, he is not thinking about what he is doing and so probably won't connect the treat with the final behavior. It might look like the dog "knows" how to do the behavior, but he can actually just do it when he's given assistance or when the treat is present.<br />
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<h3>
Shaping</h3>
<b>Description:</b> Shaping is a lot like the "Hotter, Colder" game we play as children except that you only get to use the word "hot", aka the click. We start by capturing one small piece of the behavior and then gradually clicking for more and more pronounced movements toward our goal. An example: to shape a wave goodbye, we could click when the dog shifts his weight off his front paw, then click when the paw comes off the ground a tiny bit, then click when the paw is a few inches from the ground, and continue to only click the highest lifts until the paw is raised high. Another: to teach a dog to touch a target, we might first click when the dog looks at the target, then click any movement toward the target, and finally click for contact with the target.<br />
<b>Upside:</b> We can lead the dog through complicated behaviors and behaviors that he would not naturally do on his own. Shaping also teaches the dog a lot about problem solving, which is not so important for simple behaviors like sit, but which is very important if you want to do more advanced training later on. Shaping is also great mental exercise.<br />
<b>Downside:</b> While shaping is easy to learn, it is hard to master. At it's highest level, shaping can seem a little like the proverbial story about what Michelangelo said at the unveiling of his immortal David. He was asked "How could you have achieved a masterpiece like this from a crude slab of marble?" "It was easy," he replied. "All I did was chip away everything that didn't look like David." Anyone can shape, just as anyone can sculpt, but it does take some experience and finesse to shape more complex behaviors.<br />
<h3>
Targeting</h3>
<b>Description:</b><br />
<b>Upside:</b><br />
<b>Downside:</b><br />
<br />
<h3>
Environmental Manipulation</h3>
<b>Description:</b><br />
<b>Upside:</b><br />
<b>Downside:</b><br />
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<h3>
Molding</h3>
<b>Description:</b><br />
<b>Upside:</b><br />
<b>Downside:</b><br />
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<h3>
Social Facilitation</h3>
<b>Description:</b><br />
<b>Upside:</b><br />
<b>Downside:</b><br />
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<h3>
Imitation</h3>
<b>Description:</b><br />
<b>Upside:</b><br />
<b>Downside:</b><br />
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.714285714rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
It might have happened, just like the story of <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Michelangelo</strong> being congratulated at the unveiling of his immortal David.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.714285714rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“How in God’s name could you have achieved a masterpiece like this from a crude slab of marble?” a fan is supposed to have asked him.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“It was easy,” Mike is said to have said. <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“All I did was chip away everything that didn’t look like David.”</strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div>
We can teach dogs to do all sorts of things from dog sports to polite house manners to low-stress veterinary exams. We can stop problem behavior by installing new and better behaviors, for example sit and stay can replace jumping on guests. We can even teach <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puYANVYxPys">cats</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs-tAHqGruY">hyenas</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSUACcbHYRo">gibbons</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smLgs_OMQKI">dolphins</a>, and even <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hdTb3ZMsYA">goldfish</a> (yes, this is real).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316611166223633952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-56961639867150575852018-02-11T15:28:00.000-08:002018-09-04T21:24:44.914-07:00Why Teach Tricks?<script type="text/javascript">
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<b>By <a href="http://www.woofsdogtraining.com/about-us/meet-our-trainers.html#laurasharkey">Laura Sharkey</a> & </b><b><a href="http://www.woofsdogtraining.com/about-us/meet-our-trainers.html#ericapytlovany">Erica Pytlovany</a></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9ZlRV3KUAU_E-tHfNwwfMKeQi5a86arK_x2o-Rd4GoK-ShY-eUeozF1rBAS3TlsmJ4jXQzGZi5zOcQRg9kV5kd_O26owRK6DMzC19FSDGKEXVxePBToaizxEplNmANKGC9GupNHw9Z0/s1600/Ligio+with+shoe+x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG1XRuFsM8NahyOw8GNM2Hcz9xJJZoVhMlxG7rkCa96f1QFC2Bp1CEEzCB5jYVz9slgH5T9qiO1tsjpGhradeFJHbrLjvekphEy-mxag7JNQ5CfuwNKwGttd8rWWoJEGRj3bBRlv4wZc/s1600/Bentley.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bentley hugs his toy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Teaching tricks is great for dogs. It provides them with both mental and physical stimulation and helps create a stronger working relationship between the dog and the handler.<br />
<br />
To start: want better basic obedience skills? Teach some tricks. The more things you teach your dog, the better he gets at learning. The more often you ask for behaviors, the better she gets at offering them.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Tricks can be easier and more rewarding to teach because we place less pressure on ourselves and our dogs. When we teach "down" or "stay", it feels important and serious. When we teach "spin" or "roll over", it just feels like fun. The extra pressure of “obedience commands” stresses us out, and can make us frustrated or angry when the dog doesn’t get it right. The truth: your dog doesn't know the difference! <b>To your dog, it's all just tricks.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What can you gain by teaching tricks?</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Easier vet visits:</b> Just think how much easier your dog's exam can be if you can ask him to "play dead" instead of holding him down on his side.</li>
<li><b>Cooperative care: </b>Can you use "shake" or "give paw" to help with nail trims? How about "go to your mat" to clean your dog's muddy paws?</li>
<li><b>Work through distractions:</b> Uh oh, squirrel! But your dog loves to "spin" and "sit pretty". Can your dog do a fun trick with you instead of focus on a distraction?</li>
<li><b>Closer relationship with your dog:</b> My own experience? The more often I train tricks, the more my dogs pay attention to me. (They snuggle more, too.)</li>
<li><b>Build reliable response:</b> The more you practice "fun" training exercises and play with your dog, the more likely your dog will comply with you in a "real life" scenarios where you might need immediate cooperation.</li>
<li><b>Every dog can play:</b> Young puppy? Old dog? Three legs? Blind? Deaf? Who cares! Every dog can learn tricks. Trick training is a stellar way to creatively engage and exercise senior dogs and dogs with disabilities.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Trick Dog Titles</span></b><br />
You can earn Trick Dog titles and certificates with your dog, even from the comfort of your own home.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.domorewithyourdog.com/"><b>Do More With Your Dog</b></a> awards titles and certificates for Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert and Champion Trick Dog. Titles require witness by a Certified Trick Dog Instructor and can be done either in person or by video. For the certificate, you can ask anyone to witness your tricks for you.<br />
<a href="http://www.domorewithyourdog.com/">http://www.domorewithyourdog.com</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.akc.org/about-trick-dog/"><b>American Kennel Club</b></a> offers Trick Dog Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Performer titles. Tricks may be witnessed by any Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, except the Performer level, which are submitted by video. All AKC-registered dogs are are eligible, and all mixes, non-registered dogs and non-AKC breeds may apply for an AKC PAL number if spayed or neutered (intact dogs are not eligible for this program unless they have AKC registration).<br />
<a href="http://www.akc.org/about-trick-dog">http://www.akc.org/about-trick-dog</a><br />
<br />
Involve your whole family! Trick Dog Titles are a great way for kids of all ages to build a positive relationship with the family dog.<br />
<br />
Kit Kat, our twelve-year-old mixed breed dog, shows off her Novice Trick Dog skills:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OwLnSL2gUGM" width="560"></iframe><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Want to try it?</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>First, <b><a href="http://www.domorewithyourdog.com/trickdog/images/titles/NTDapp.pdf">look at the tricks</a></b> on the application for Novice Trick Dog. You can probably check off more than you think! When you're ready to apply, you can <a href="http://www.domorewithyourdog.com/trickdog/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=148"><b>submit your application online</b></a>.</li>
<li><b>WOOFS! students:</b> <a href="http://woofsdogtraining.dogbizpro.com/Public/Registration/Index.aspx?tab=classes&cat=16" style="font-weight: bold;">Join us in Tricks class</a><br />Class is a mix of group activities plus tricks and activities that you can select yourself. Students often choose tricks to: help with another sport, make vet visits easier, be useful during therapy dog visits, earn titles, and of course, just to entertain!</li>
<li><b>Join our Facebook group:</b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/woofstricks" style="font-weight: bold;">WOOFS! Dog Sports & Tricks</a></li>
<li><b>Do More With Your Dog</b> offers free Facebook <a href="http://www.domorewithyourdog.com/trickdog/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=155" style="font-weight: bold;">Spark Teams</a><br />Each teams is led by a Certified Trick Dog Instructor. Groups include coaching and offer many how-to videos.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>Erica Pytlovany is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CDTI) and Stunt Dog Judge though Do More With Your Dog, and a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator through the American Kennel Club. WOOFS! Dog Training Center is not directly affiliated with Do More With Your Dog or with the American Kennel Club.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316611166223633952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-50147011666897848352018-02-08T07:26:00.001-08:002018-09-04T21:25:40.798-07:00Earn Stunt Dog Titles from Do More With Your Dog!<script type="text/javascript">
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<b>By <a href="http://www.woofsdogtraining.com/about-us/meet-our-trainers.html#ericapytlovany">Erica Pytlovany</a></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.domorewithyourdog.com/trickdog/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=96&Itemid=218">
<img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1mwsNmp5KFz949ZKNxq-Cyfoy8-YdSdbMvZVSuAgIIj-O2dtd3N7H-TzCh3NOIlgoKxTQBBL0syg8M4lKwFCZrrkbsNbKV8jSNczwox23zH6W5QlIClbd4N1Rki81RyV88klN4l4fyk/s1600/stunt+dog.png" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;" /></a>
Do you like to teaching your dog some tricks? Want ideas for what to do next? Starting in March 2018, you and your dog can earn <a href="http://www.domorewithyourdog.com/trickdog/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=96&Itemid=218"><b>Stunt Dog titles</b></a>!<br />
<br />
<b>What is the Stunt Dog title program?</b><br />
Stunt Dog is a new titling program brought to us by <b><a href="http://www.domorewithyourdog.com/">Do More With Your Dog</a></b>. Titles are awarded through performances in live ring trials that showcase tricks as well as the skills needed for your dog to stay and to focus under pressure. The first four levels are highly structured -- makes it easy to started! Creativity and artful performance are expected at the Champion level.<br />
<br />
<b>What I like about the Stunt Dog program:</b>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><ul>
<li>It is VERY EASY to get started. No formal, fancy obedience is required -- complete the required activities and earn the title. You can even reward your dog at appropriate times during your performance. Watch the video below to see what's required for the Novice level.</li>
<li>As you practice stringing tricks and skills into a longer "performance", you build stronger behavior and more durable connection with your dog.</li>
<li>Ever wanted to show off your dog's skills at therapy visits, nursing home or just to your friends? Interested in Canine Freestyle? Training demonstrations? Develop your performance skills from the foundation on up.</li>
</ul>
<b>Who can participate?</b><br />
All dogs are welcome! If your dog can hop up on a pedestal (short table), he can participate. Although it can be fun and showy, dogs are not required to perform jumps or other feats of athleticism, especially at the lower levels.<br />
<br />
<b>Example of a Novice Stunt Dog run:</b><br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0HmPakPsnmE" width="600"></iframe>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Wow, we can do that! Where can I earn the titles?</b><br />
The first competition will be held at the TriDEx Trick Dog Expo at Purina Farms, March 2018. After that, trials will be held at various locations around the country.<br />
<br />
More specifically for WOOFS! folks: I would like to hold trials at our Ballston or Shirlington campus as soon as April 2018. Trials can be any size, so ours may be only a few dog and handler teams. See, easy!<br />
<br />
<b>Are titles recognized by the American Kennel Club?</b><br />
AKC is sponsoring the first competition at the <a href="http://domorewithyourdog.com/trickdog/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88&Itemid=204">Trick Dog Expo (TriDeX)</a> in March 2018, and will likely recognize Stunt Dog titles soon after the launch of the program. The website currently says "AKC-recognition pending".<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>Wanna play?</b><br />
- Learn more on the official site: <a href="http://www.domorewithyourdog.com/trickdog/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=96&Itemid=218"><b>Stunt Dog Competition Overview</b></a><br />
- <a href="http://woofsdogtraining.dogbizpro.com/Public/Registration/Index.aspx?tab=classes&cat=16"><b>Join our Tricks class</b></a><br />
- <b><a href="mailto:info@woofsdogtraining.com">Request a Stunt Dog Competition</a></b> at WOOFS! DTC<br />
- Join WOOFS! Facebook group: <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/woofstricks">WOOFS! Dog Sports & Tricks</a></b><br />
<br />
<i>Erica Pytlovany is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CDTI) and Stunt Dog Judge though Do More With Your Dog. WOOFS! Dog Training Center is not directly affiliated with Do More With Your Dog or the Stunt Dog program.</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316611166223633952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-10996617897303599372018-01-15T13:12:00.003-08:002018-09-04T21:27:08.509-07:00Fenzi TEAM Titles for Advanced Obedience Training<script type="text/javascript">
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<b>By <a href="http://www.woofsdogtraining.com/about-us/meet-our-trainers.html#ericapytlovany">Erica Pytlovany</a></b><br />
<br />
<b></b>
<div>
Ready for advanced obedience training and want ideas for what to do next? Let's look at one option: <b>Fenzi TEAM Titles</b> (<a href="http://fenziteamtitles.com/">http://fenziteamtitles.com</a>).</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.fenziteamtitles.com/"><img alt="Fenzi TEAM Titles" border="0" height="130" imageanchor="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FqRQ5sZaxwQF7HSi7lEToQ6b1bGA9gEsRV7UDeyI8zd5PldEFZCWsg2l6W372UgXVp2kZN6_tqy3pZ6L0R3eNsSz_9PAGpgZEht_qXC2czxBdgUgyzn1iewcoXKSSY9AlvMmA5mXSuQ/s1600/TEAM-Website-Logo-Transp.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" width="130" /></a>TEAM stands for <b>T</b>raining <b>E</b>xcellence <b>A</b>ssessment <b>M</b>odules, and is made up of 6 levels of video "tests" for foundation through advanced obedience training skills. Levels 1 - 3 are Sport Foundation, and build valuable sport skills from formal obedience to rally, freestyle, or even agility. Levels 4 - 6 are Obedience Master and practice complex behavior chains, reduced reinforcement, and a high degree of fluency and discrimination.<br />
<br />
<b>What I like about the TEAM program</b>:
<br />
<a name='more'></a><ul>
<li>Sensible progression of skills, starting with a range of basic foundation items and layering of new challenges at each level</li>
<li>Modular structure makes it rewarding to work on individual pieces of a complicated exercise so that it doesn't feel overwhelming</li>
<li>Completing the video test is hard! If you plan to compete in live trials, the tests are a better simulation than you might imagine</li>
<li>Don't get a successful video? No problem, try again tomorrow. If you mess up in a live trial, you have a long drive home, and you might wait weeks to try again.</li>
<li>Tests require that you are very specific about your cues and your treats, so you are pushed to practice clean handling and mechanics</li>
<li>Don't care about the video tests? Most of the skills still have practical, "real life" application, so you can still use the structure and the checklist</li>
</ul>
I suggest the program if you are interested in any dog sports. If you want to compete in formal ring obedience, I'd consider this "a must".<br />
<br />
<b>Cheat sheet for Level 1 exercises</b> - right click to enlarge. <br />
<i>Formatting credit to <a href="http://www.clickercoachdogtraining.com/">Emily Gaydos</a></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3cxpNZvCqotxfN4LQ0qG7ZsHwXtFNnWPxOWSwegu0l1AavHJPQ_UCzV2-lDJq3_7mYZYktIiIOv__TU8bpOC5dER3wh_V_bEhXv0FB18Z1nHH0bFsiqTOYvW4f5UGjV9HCf492vMGwc/s1600/TEAM+L1+Cheat+Sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="916" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3cxpNZvCqotxfN4LQ0qG7ZsHwXtFNnWPxOWSwegu0l1AavHJPQ_UCzV2-lDJq3_7mYZYktIiIOv__TU8bpOC5dER3wh_V_bEhXv0FB18Z1nHH0bFsiqTOYvW4f5UGjV9HCf492vMGwc/s320/TEAM+L1+Cheat+Sheet.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Examples of passing Level 1 videos:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Jan & Sky:<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s1PAnIdOmp8" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Janet & Teddy:<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bnZyLFekAgE" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
And before you ask: No, you do not have to be a poodle-owner named Janet in order to play.<br />
<br />
<b>Want to try it?</b><br />
<ul>
<li>WOOFS! students: <a href="http://woofsdogtraining.dogbizpro.com/Public/Registration/Index.aspx?tab=classes&cat=16">join the Sports Obedience class</a></li>
<li>WOOFS! Facebook group for Dog Sports & Tricks<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/woofstricks/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/woofstricks</a></li>
<li>Official TEAM Facebook group:<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142115976184339/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142115976184339/</a></li>
<li>Fenzi Dog Sports Academy holds a multitude of terrific online classes:<br /><a href="https://fenzidogsportsacademy.com/">https://fenzidogsportsacademy.com</a></li>
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<i>WOOFS! Dog Training Center is not affiliated with Fenzi TEAM Titles or the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316611166223633952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-53043261545560853462017-11-08T06:37:00.000-08:002018-09-04T21:27:36.309-07:00Suzanne Heenan Certified by CCPDT<script type="text/javascript">
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We are pleased to announce that WOOFS! trainer Suzanne Heenan has been awarded CPDT-KA certification through the <a href="http://www.ccpdt.org/">Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers</a>.<br />
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CPDT-KA stands for Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed. Applicants must complete 300 hours of client training before trainers are eligible for an extensive semi-annual test. Certificants must demonstrate ongoing education and professional development to maintain credentials. CCPDT offers the only international, standardized certification for professional dog trainers that is both science-based and independent of any course of study.<br />
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With this accomplishment by Suzanne, WOOFS! Dog Training Center boasts seven trainers that have been credentialed by the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers. Congratulations Suzanne, and thanks for your continued dedication!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316611166223633952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-24340258875255486772017-06-26T04:17:00.000-07:002018-09-04T21:29:32.683-07:00Fetch my slippers, not eat them!<script type="text/javascript">
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<b>By <a href="http://www.woofsdogtraining.com/about-us/meet-our-trainers.html#ericapytlovany">Erica Pytlovany</a> </b><b>& <a href="http://www.woofsdogtraining.com/about-us/meet-our-trainers.html#laurasharkey">Laura Sharkey</a></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9ZlRV3KUAU_E-tHfNwwfMKeQi5a86arK_x2o-Rd4GoK-ShY-eUeozF1rBAS3TlsmJ4jXQzGZi5zOcQRg9kV5kd_O26owRK6DMzC19FSDGKEXVxePBToaizxEplNmANKGC9GupNHw9Z0/s1600/Ligio+with+shoe+x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9ZlRV3KUAU_E-tHfNwwfMKeQi5a86arK_x2o-Rd4GoK-ShY-eUeozF1rBAS3TlsmJ4jXQzGZi5zOcQRg9kV5kd_O26owRK6DMzC19FSDGKEXVxePBToaizxEplNmANKGC9GupNHw9Z0/s1600/Ligio+with+shoe+x150.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ligio, 10 weeks old</td></tr>
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"Now what do you have"!?! Despite the fact that we puppy proofed the house, this comment kept coming out of our mouths. The puppy had yet another item of contraband. A shoe, a sock, a bag of chips. The items just kept coming. It was time to play "Whatcha Got"? <br />
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Young puppies explore the world with their mouth. It is totally normal for them to pick up and chew on pretty much everything within reach. In our house, we turn this into the "Whatcha Got?" game. This game is much more fun and effective than the Steal It & Run Game. You know the Steal It & Run Game, right? It's where your puppy steals an item and you get upset and chase after him while he tries to escape with his prize.<br />
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WARNING: the "Whatcha Got?" game is going to seem totally WRONG. It goes against what we instinctively want to do, which is to scold and punish. But the science tells us that scolding and punishing is not teaching -- and what we really want to to do is teach.<br />
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<b>Here is how to play (aka train):</b><br />
Your young puppy just picked up a household item. Get really excited and ask her to bring it to you. As she is trotting in your direction, consider the following Two Questions:<br />
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<li><b>Is it dangerous?</b></li>
<li><b>Is it expensive?</b></li>
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If the answer to either of these question is yes, we immediately trade the item for a treat or a toy. For example:<br />
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<b>Bottle of cleaning solution = </b><span style="color: red;">Dangerous. <b><span style="color: red;">TRADE, NO PLAY.</span></b></span></blockquote>
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<b>Your iPhone = </b><span style="color: red;">Expensive. </span><b style="color: red;">TRADE, </b><b style="color: red;">NO PLAY</b></blockquote>
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<b>An empty toilet paper roll = </b><span style="color: #38761d;">Not dangerous. Not expensive. A little messy, but it's free entertainment. <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>PLAY!</b></span></span></blockquote>
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<b>Your sneaker = </b><span style="color: #38761d;">Not dangerous. Possibly expensive. </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>PLAY! & then trade for an appropriate toy...</b></span></blockquote>
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Why yes, we <b><i>did</i></b> just suggest that you let your puppy play with your sneaker. Encourage your puppy to bring the sneaker, play tug or fetch for just a minute, and then trade out for something more appropriate. If the item is not dangerous or expensive, then it's an <i>opportunity</i>. Teach your puppy to fetch you all manner of random things!<br />
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Zephyr, 19 weeks old, shows you what it looks like:<br />
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Don't get us wrong -- you should still do Puppy Proofing and put your shoes away! Close the bathroom door so that pup doesn't tear up the <i>full</i> toilet paper rolls. But we promise that your your puppy won't become a Nike-shredding monster just because he gets his mouth on your shoes a time or two. We have donated several socks to the cause over the past few weeks. But a few socks now is much better than losing couch cushions or other expensive items later.<br />
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Want some evidence? In the next video, 9 week old Zephyr and her brother, Scuttlebutt, attack the broom without mercy. Just 2 months later, you can see that Zephyr has learned to be a civilized creature when the broom is in motion. No damage done!<br />
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Life with your new pup really can be all fun and games, even when you're training a Very Important Skill. Puppyhood doesn't last long, so enjoy every minute!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316611166223633952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-17621073997175855862017-06-06T07:18:00.000-07:002018-09-04T21:29:59.203-07:00Choosing a Great Dog Walker<script type="text/javascript">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt76_KhI42Y1LwH8DEZQ4uCVFqsrNusg-b8DhsnPHQFj8p5XiCVPyP20XdFwZBZPS9TZTylhZGwsuEBWnTrX11ezLS7CCNqfIZGj8D9tr9QjLpgVYfnxl-knsGo_0f5hczI2uWsowVnLEt/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt76_KhI42Y1LwH8DEZQ4uCVFqsrNusg-b8DhsnPHQFj8p5XiCVPyP20XdFwZBZPS9TZTylhZGwsuEBWnTrX11ezLS7CCNqfIZGj8D9tr9QjLpgVYfnxl-knsGo_0f5hczI2uWsowVnLEt/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-kerning: none;">You’re a busy professional. You’re juggling more balls than you care to count. Getting a little help can make a big difference, and these days many dog owners turn to dog walkers to take that daily task off their plates. But in light of a recent tragedy involving the death of six dogs left in a too-warm car by their dog walker, you may be questioning this decision. How do you choose who to trust with your four-legged family member?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Professional dog walking has grown rapidly over the last ten years, and more and more dog lovers enter the field every day. What most dog owners don’t realize is that, because walking is a young business, there is currently no regulating body to dictate the standards of care or qualifications for the work. In short, anyone can call themselves a dog walker, with nothing but a love of dogs to qualify their resume. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But walking dogs, particularly in groups, requires more than a love for dogs. There are specialized knowledge and skill sets, as well as ethical business practices, necessary to ensure the safety of the dogs in a walker’s care, as well as the safety of other dogs and humans who share the trails, parks, and sidewalks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">At WOOFS! we don't offer dog walking but we do train dog walkers to read body language so that they understand the dogs that they are walking better. This is especially important if you have a special needs dog who is shy or reactive. You want to make sure your dog walker knows how best to help your dog. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Here are ten questions to ask of anyone you’re considering hiring to walk your dog:</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">1. Are you trained in canine learning theory, body language, and pack management?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You want anyone caring for your dog to know how to: a) use sound, humane training methods; b) read body language and take appropriate steps to prevent fights (and properly break them up when need be); c) judge which dogs to place together for maximum compatibility; and 4) handle issues like quarrels over toys, space, or play styles. In short, your walker should have a professional knowledge and skill set to keep the group together and under control while everyone has a great time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">2. How many dogs do you walk at once?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Some cities, counties and park districts now regulate the number of dogs a walker can take out together. But most do not. This means some walkers walk multiple dogs on leash or escort six or eight dogs to local dog parks. Whether on or off leash, each dog added to a group increases the potential for conflict, injury, lost dogs, and distraction – not to mention making individual attention neigh impossible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">3. Do you walk alone?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A walker’s job is to keep the dogs in his or her care safe and show them a good time. This means keeping vigilant focus. Teaming up with a friend can be fun, but it inevitably reduces attention. If that friend is also a dog walker, going out together combines two sets of dogs, making the pack too large for maximum safety. For best results, your walker should hit the trail with dogs, not other people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">4. Do you do the walking?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Most dog walking companies are very small — the sole proprietor is the sole walker. Some have multiple employees, however. If you’re considering a larger company, it’s important to know how employees are chosen and trained.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">5. What size dogs do you walk together?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Small dogs should be grouped with other smalls, and the same for big ones. It’s too easy for small dogs to be injured during the course of play with and among their larger peers. And the risk of predatory drift, in which one dog attacks and even kills another, is much higher than is generally realized. It’s safest to stick to the 50% rule. For example, if your dog weighs 30 pounds, his playmates should weigh no more than 60 pounds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">6. How much time do you guarantee on the walk?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If the walking service you’re considering involves car transport, make sure the time quoted is time <i>out of the vehicle</i>, roaming and having fun. The car ride shouldn’t be included. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">7. What kind of training methods and equipment do you use?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommend only positive-reinforcement based training. Your walker should know how to keep a group of dogs under control and safe without the use of choke, prong, and shock collars; hitting, shoving, or yelling. The dogs are supposed to have a good time out there. We don’t allow teachers or camp counselors to spank our children. A professional walker shouldn’t need to resort to such measures, either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">8. Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Any walker using the word “professional” should carry dog-walking insurance and have a business license. And any employees should be bonded as added protection for you and your home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">9. Do you have a professional service contract and references?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You should be asked to sign a contract to help avoid later conflicts and make clear the walkers’ responsibilities and your own as a dog owner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">10. Are you certified to provide canine first aid, and what are your emergency protocols?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">What will your walker do if a dog is injured in her care? If your dog is part of a group, what will she do with the rest of the dogs if one member of the group is hurt and requires her full attention? What about if her vehicle breaks down, if a dog is lost, or if a natural disaster occurs? Your walker should always carry emergency information and know the fastest route to the emergency veterinary clinic. Unfortunately, many dog walkers don’t think about these things until they occur.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We are currently seeing an explosion of dog walkers and dog-walking companies, as more busy professionals and families turn to their services for relief from the guilt of a long day at work, and the incredible convenience of coming home to a calm, well-exercised dog. If that’s you, choose your walker wisely and enjoy the benefits and a big dose of peace of mind. Your dog walker should make your dog’s day a blast and your day easier, not add worry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Laura Sharkey teaches the </i><a href="http://dogtec.org/dogwalkingacademy.php"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 255); color: blue;"><i>dog*tec Dog Walking Academy</i></span></a><i>, a professional certification course for dog walkers. (Is your walker a grad?) She owns WOOFS! Dog Training Center a professional dog training company. </i></span></div>
Laura Sharkey PhD, KPA CTPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10368370455595315443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-21487644962830736592017-06-02T07:00:00.000-07:002018-09-04T21:30:29.517-07:00Ballston Daycare Closing June 30th<script type="text/javascript">
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<b>By <a href="http://www.woofsdogtraining.com/about-us/meet-our-trainers.html#laurasharkey">Laura Sharkey</a></b><br />
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This was a tough decision to make. For 15 years WOOFS! has been offering daycare at our Ballston location. There is where WOOFS! started. It was here, in 2002 that I was able to follow my dreams and jump from science to a career in dog training.<br />
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Since then I have learned a lot. I was able to fulfill a lot of what I dreamed about. A well run daycare where the behavior of the dogs was the most important thing. I have met so many great dogs and great owners, many of whom have given me the greatest honor by returning to WOOFS! with their next generation of dogs.<br />
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There has also been a lot of learning. Over the years I have come to realize that not all dogs love daycare. For even the most gregarious, being in daycare for 8 to 12 hours can be too much. Realistically, a 4 or 5 hour day is more than enough. We are working to create a daycare environment that meets the needs of dogs better.<br />
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I have also learned that finding good people to help manage all of the dogs who want to attend our daycare is probably the biggest challenge of all. While WOOFS! has had some AMAZING people work in our daycare through the years, the great people never stay long enough. Filling their boots is a constant struggle.<br />
<br />
I am looking forward to doing more training and consolidating our daycare services in one location. We are hoping to take daycare and boarding to the next level with a smaller more personalized daycare and boarding service. I will be forever grateful to all of the WOOFS! Ballston clients who helped take my little dream and grow it into a career that I love.<br />
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Much love,<br />
Laura Sharkey<br />
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<br />Laura Sharkey PhD, KPA CTPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10368370455595315443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-14787752325870633052017-05-17T06:40:00.000-07:002018-09-04T21:30:52.674-07:00Race to Your Space!
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<b>By <a href="http://www.woofsdogtraining.com/about-us/meet-our-trainers.html#ericapytlovany">Erica Pytlovany</a></b><br />
<br />
Does your puppy go to his crate at nap time? When visitors arrive? When you need to leave for work, or when it's time for bed? The crate provides a safe, quiet space for your puppy. But does he run into the crate with wild abandon, at your request? If he doesn't, why not? Here's how to teach your dog to <b><i>run</i> </b>to his crate on cue.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">What it looks like:</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to train it:</span></b><br />
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<li>Puppies (and adult dogs too!) get a kibble toss or some kind of treat EVERY SINGLE TIME they run into the crate. Keep a large container of kibble and treats handy so that it's always accessible.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>If it is not crate time and puppy runs into the crate, you still throw some treats into the crate.</li>
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<li> Puppies eat all meals in the crate.</li>
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<li>Pups regularly get stuffed Kongs or chewies in the crate.</li>
</ul>
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<li>Puppies get plenty of playtime outside of the crate every single day. Very young pups typically go into the crate when they are already tired out and ready for a nap.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>When there are multiple dogs, treats only appear if dog is in their own crate. No crate hopping!</li>
</ul>
Follow these very easy steps and before you know it, your puppy will RACE you to his crate every single time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316611166223633952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-8192571446058308312017-05-01T07:26:00.000-07:002018-09-04T21:31:53.494-07:00Pawsitive WOOFers: May 2017<script type="text/javascript">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocRnzQDAm7osObmfdW6iSU66KaXuzzuz7sUTklPLUbo0SiZdOPkeufs7WgG-1EAPHiuC4EQAUCDJmldlygsaiEwEKceASV-hI_kjef5v_MUE0ct2TgQWptEP9H2wkSpcLD3N4rPU22DMO/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocRnzQDAm7osObmfdW6iSU66KaXuzzuz7sUTklPLUbo0SiZdOPkeufs7WgG-1EAPHiuC4EQAUCDJmldlygsaiEwEKceASV-hI_kjef5v_MUE0ct2TgQWptEP9H2wkSpcLD3N4rPU22DMO/s1600/unnamed.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><i>By Cynthia Robertson</i><br />
<br />
Get the scoop on our positive reinforcement trainers at WOOFS! This month, meet Erica Pytlovany, a senior trainer and behavior consultant who has been WOOFing for 10 years!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>1. Did you have a background in working with dogs (or other animals) prior to working at WOOFS?</b><br />
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I started working with horses and riding when I was 11 and I dreamed of being a professional horse trainer when I grew up (hunter jumper, and later dressage). It was much later, when I first learned about clicker training, that I began to train dogs and started to compete in Agility and Rally Obedience.<br />
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<b>2. What are your goals/aspirations in being a trainer?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Too many goals and aspirations! I want to get back into the Rally Obedience ring this year. I'm training Primrose (3 year old Border Collie) in Canine Freestyle. I am getting started with Fenzi TEAM titles for obedience training. I want to complete Caleb's (6 year old Border Collie) Trick Dog Champion title. And I am getting ready to submit for my own TAGteach Level 3 certification. And that's just what I'm trying to complete in 2017!<br />
<br />
<b>3. What is the most challenging part of working with animals for you and why?</b><br />
<br />
The most challenging part of working with animals is to learn to completely set your ego aside. If your animal is struggling with something, it's almost certain that YOU need to make changes. Maybe your trainee is just having a tough day and you just need to stop and try again tomorrow. Maybe your brilliant, perfect training approach isn't as amazing as you think it is (and trust me, your animal will let you know!). Maybe your expectations are just way too high and you need to do a major reset. When things go wrong, we tend to take it very personally, but to be an experienced trainer is to step back, adjust your plan, and work with the animal in front of you at the moment.<br />
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<b>4. What is the most rewarding part of working with animals for you and why?</b><br />
<br />
I love the way that choice-based positive training gives us a way to have two-way conversations with our furry, finned, and feathered family members. Through training, we develop a common language. It's exhilarating to connect during a training session, but during everyday life, it's even more deeply satisfying to know I've established strong ways to communicate with my dogs and other animals, and they can communicate with me just as easily. We have a relationship built on trust, and I am committed to being consistent, fair, and most important, to listen to them as much as I would like them to listen to me. Sometimes people ask me how you can tell what your dog wants. Just ask them and watch. They're ususally pretty darn clear about what they want, if you only take the trouble to pay attention!<br />
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<b>5. What is the most rewarding part of working at WOOFS! for you and why?</b><br />
<br />
The most rewarding part of working at WOOFS! is the community that has grown over the years. Our clients and students are some of the nicest people I could hope to spend my time with, and I'm consistently inspired by all of you. We often think of ourselves as Aunties and Uncles as much as trainers, especially when we get to see puppies grow up and develop over years. I am also grateful for the incredible camaraderie and collaboration amoung our fantastic trainers - we continually push each other to improve our teaching methods, our class material, and our own training skills.<br />
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<b>6. Tell us about your pets:</b><br />
<br />
In addition to our canine family members, we have Darwin, a 7 year old Citron-crested Cockatoo, an orange Hellraiser cat named Scotty Don't, and a large saltwater aquarium.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmjXIKD8lBB_BWbwDs7_QGf84cIwz7h3mr4sNf4rX3IYxrYDmHFSKwquLSAH_xsx26QPytl37kIV_uChyb1Zp2Hw2wURZrJaO1Lw0ntGeMG3p26VZ3XmGKzlUrgCLuesHSIqxZHJhjeti/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmjXIKD8lBB_BWbwDs7_QGf84cIwz7h3mr4sNf4rX3IYxrYDmHFSKwquLSAH_xsx26QPytl37kIV_uChyb1Zp2Hw2wURZrJaO1Lw0ntGeMG3p26VZ3XmGKzlUrgCLuesHSIqxZHJhjeti/s200/unnamed-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>7. Certifications and Accomplishments:</b><br />
<br />
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)<br />
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), 2008-2014<br />
- TAGteach Level 2 Certification<br />
- Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CDTI)<br />
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator<br />
- Professional Member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)<br />
- Professional Member of Pet Professional Guild (PPG)<br />
- Competition titles in Rally Obedience as well as accomplishments in agility, obedience, and sheep herdingUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-81797265051368207162017-04-01T06:53:00.000-07:002018-09-04T21:32:17.214-07:00Meet the Daycare Team: April 2017<script type="text/javascript">
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<i>By Cynthia Robertson</i><br />
<br />
WOOFS! has an awesome staff. So who are these people who choose to spend their days with the dogs? This month we are featuring <b>Cynthia</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwVdSm9ToTsKyuDkqDmstqguMIb1kjyRCyz-XuJSTWc7H6JJBaWrXZ1c0L-LHsMYc4tiBdRji8v17sQ4XTU4zZ3PRILE4muyZeNCtziVXIopSN9yaClTFKIeBkoYTpnhtcNqnF7Fm8aY3/s1600/Cynthia+Robertson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwVdSm9ToTsKyuDkqDmstqguMIb1kjyRCyz-XuJSTWc7H6JJBaWrXZ1c0L-LHsMYc4tiBdRji8v17sQ4XTU4zZ3PRILE4muyZeNCtziVXIopSN9yaClTFKIeBkoYTpnhtcNqnF7Fm8aY3/s200/Cynthia+Robertson.jpg" width="149" /></a>Cynthia joined the WOOFS! team in July 2013 as a daycare attendant. She is now the General Manager of our Daycare and Boarding Operations, as well as an Apprentice Trainer. Cynthia came to WOOFS! with a background in working with dogs and horses. She was an avid equestrian growing up and has received numerous awards, and always loved volunteering at animal rescues and youth riding programs. Cynthia recently graduated with distinction and was named a Certified Training Partner by the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior. Additionally, Cynthia is Certified in Cat and Dog First Aid and CPR by the American Red Cross, has her TAGteach Level 1 Certification, and is an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjun0uhxH5W5LIgTw-dmNMmvdwaXeTKWYyVTXtj_IIHY12FK_hWTrRHqJ-dinHi3OLJQfNvs3DzCF5TaHgxatsuojhfYO-WYJCspK2GafY9ERtgM-ePXWxatAnzWHqRQfFqZ0fM49pwhOP9/s1600/Bean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjun0uhxH5W5LIgTw-dmNMmvdwaXeTKWYyVTXtj_IIHY12FK_hWTrRHqJ-dinHi3OLJQfNvs3DzCF5TaHgxatsuojhfYO-WYJCspK2GafY9ERtgM-ePXWxatAnzWHqRQfFqZ0fM49pwhOP9/s200/Bean.jpg" width="192" /></a>Cynthia says "I love spending a lot of time with the daycare dogs on a daily basis and really getting to know them, their personalities, and their quirks. I also love interacting with our wonderful clients. My favorite part of working at WOOFS! is the problem solving aspect of the job and that I am constantly learning!" Cynthia hopes to transition from an apprentice trainer to a full time trainer at WOOFS! In the future, she would love to give back to the community by helping to train therapy or service dogs and horses, as well as resume volunteering at shelters and rescues.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP2cIYAXYTSBmoq6ZrTAuDWcEltd_c0oFXbKsA__jHM3Wd-rAFJDiQFr7j98kEIBD_NaqITjjQxFSdA0xOrC9BKKwLvTZ9pYndvj4nxzXCRIGpxxniFWx6MSY_ngz9mbBd9vZCdp_5T9V/s1600/Cynthia+%2526+Wega.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP2cIYAXYTSBmoq6ZrTAuDWcEltd_c0oFXbKsA__jHM3Wd-rAFJDiQFr7j98kEIBD_NaqITjjQxFSdA0xOrC9BKKwLvTZ9pYndvj4nxzXCRIGpxxniFWx6MSY_ngz9mbBd9vZCdp_5T9V/s200/Cynthia+%2526+Wega.jpg" width="193" /></a>Cynthia currently owns Bean, a 2 year old mixed breed rescue who is obsessed with fetch and was her canine partner in the Karen Pryor Academy course. She also owns Wega, a 27 year old Swiss Warmblood who has been in her family for 17 years and is currently retired in Southern California. Outside of work, Cynthia enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, and reading.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-5525621460796174662017-04-01T06:47:00.000-07:002018-09-04T21:32:39.552-07:00Upcoming Community Events: April 2017<script type="text/javascript">
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<i>By Cynthia Robertson</i><br />
<br />
Check out some fun dog-related events in our area!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
4/6: <a href="http://www.humanerescuealliance.org/default.aspx?p=151325&evtid=581343&date=4/6/2017">HRA's Paws & Effect Silent Auction</a><br />
4/7: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qYZRfCEl3aKyy-uR4baMDjojiHGtI4RfayWIK08fzx1bWu1KS7PpnHsmYzphdtauBOx1OQm79sX3aUjuMFKJFgKwBaxsDxcf7zwmSxd8i5ijv9Din80NNTgmoMlth4Li5gSl_-t8S1iLXUw5u8RWcN10Lni5R46b__xywtvGUnzygQkhPaS32w_YHcHfsxHsLnRSkDz-cGwGTvbHZbeSxw==&c=jdfitD-kTt2gMyCXD9C2_S0tjP1aeaotNRBP8b04a8rMdu_lNI_Peg==&ch=ISSZEakdOVD1crdMw_TX95w9zfsbulM-AobXPXKvdlhklwumQL-eQQ==">AWLA's April Fund Run/Walk</a><br />
4/8: <a href="http://support.humanerescuealliance.org/site/TR/RunwayShow/FashionforPaws?pg=entry&fr_id=1360">HRA's Fashion for Paws Runway Show</a><br />
4/9: <a href="http://ophfastandfurriest3.weebly.com/event-information.html">Operation Paws for Homes Fast & Furriest 5K Run/Walk</a><br />
4/15: <a href="https://apm.activecommunities.com/hanoverparksrec/Activity_Search/k9-heroes-day-featuring-pooch-pursuit/1125">Hanover's K-9 Heroes Day featuring Pooch Pursuit</a><br />
4/15: <a href="http://www.humanerescuealliance.org/default.aspx?p=151325&evtid=559192&date=4/15/2017">HRA's Kitten Yoga</a><br />
4/16: <a href="http://www.localsforlocals5k.com/hello-spring-5k.html">Locals for Locals 5K to benefit HRA</a><br />
4/20: <a href="http://www.humanerescuealliance.org/default.aspx?p=151325&evtid=576339&date=4/20/2017">HRA's Construction Rocks DC</a><br />
4/22: <a href="http://worcestercountyhumanesociety.org/boardwalkin-for-pets/">Worchester's Boardwalkin' For Pets</a><br />
4/23: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qYZRfCEl3aKyy-uR4baMDjojiHGtI4RfayWIK08fzx1bWu1KS7PpnHsmYzphdtauFA3n0VQVESBV-2BO70nWt2h7uROQui9bDPhGESc0aPFiJDVqHH-jTAqjh-ZxKANWB_jB_qUesJUV9rafLpgHUzIHoCOfJbKCrgw715GdoCFA7sY0TuzMeM0xF_AEBNFp4hhP_I0qsw1ffOcAcoTKfw==&c=jdfitD-kTt2gMyCXD9C2_S0tjP1aeaotNRBP8b04a8rMdu_lNI_Peg==&ch=ISSZEakdOVD1crdMw_TX95w9zfsbulM-AobXPXKvdlhklwumQL-eQQ==">Alexandria Love Your Pet Day</a><br />
4/28: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qYZRfCEl3aKyy-uR4baMDjojiHGtI4RfayWIK08fzx1bWu1KS7PpnHsmYzphdtauXkpFa3HadkjltBUpeBI5hgxwQhVPH9A2_ca6YJ1wZsjin6IjrQdUR8w5D4ML4ZyVvbBcJ5IfRzPLlwJTVeKy1_cO3NPjY3v0JIQ3O-2YMqukQ8Mzu8n4fw544an8YEeozK5RuxudlzCbSzFXW4D9oCCX0wAoRc1pNgwS-O_aPlt1AzR7uDSwbg==&c=jdfitD-kTt2gMyCXD9C2_S0tjP1aeaotNRBP8b04a8rMdu_lNI_Peg==&ch=ISSZEakdOVD1crdMw_TX95w9zfsbulM-AobXPXKvdlhklwumQL-eQQ==">Winchester's Dog Gone! Scavenger Hunt</a><br />
4/29: <a href="http://m.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/info/special-ticket-pups-park">Pups in the Park</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-25748095052829568242017-03-21T07:58:00.000-07:002018-09-04T21:33:02.679-07:00Meet the Daycare Team: March 2017<script type="text/javascript">
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<i>By Cynthia Robertson</i><br />
<br />
WOOFS! has an awesome staff. So who are these people who choose to spend their days with the dogs? This month we are featuring <b>Kia</b>.<br />
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Kia joined the WOOFS! daycare team in May of 2016. Previously, she was a pet sitter for two years. Kia says, "My absolute favorite part of working at WOOFS! is getting to interact with so many different breeds. I also love learning about dog behavior."<br />
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<br />
Kia currently owns a 9 year old Cattle Dog named Shy. Kia and Shy love to travel together and have driven across the country twice through 10 different states. In the future Kia aspires to start a Cattle Dog rescue group.<br />
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Outside of work, Kia loves to draw, make music, and design clothing. You can meet Kia at our Shirlington Campus Monday and Friday afternoons, or Tuesday through Thursday in the morning!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-78177209989154365982017-03-01T07:59:00.000-08:002018-09-04T21:33:27.133-07:00Pawsitive WOOFers: March 2017<script type="text/javascript">
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<i>By Cynthia Robertson</i><br />
<br />
Get the scoop on our positive reinforcement trainers at WOOFS! This month, meet <b>Marti Friedman</b>, an apprentice trainer at WOOFS! since May 2016. Marti recently graduated with distinction and was named a Certified Training Partner by the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>1. Did you have a background in working with dogs (or other animals) prior to working at WOOFS?</b><br />
<br />
I was CFO of a Non-Profit that raised Labrador Retrievers to be explosive ordinance detection canines for various homeland security agencies. Our success rate in placement as EOD canines was 90%. I managed foster families across the country as they raised their pups and I personally raised three of our successful EOD canines: "Seamus" currently a US Marshal in Chicago, "Indie" a Mexican Federal Agent at the US Embassy in Mexico, and "Stryker", now retired but previously the EOD canine for the Vatican and the Swiss Guard.<br />
<br />
I was also previously the financial consultant for McLean Animal Hospital for 10 years, as well as the CPA for a horse breeding farm and racing stables.<br />
<br />
<b>2. What made you want to work with dogs? </b><br />
<br />
I have always enjoyed training dogs and being around animals. I grew up around horses and cats, but dogs came into my life late. My first dog, a Rottweiler, was a wedding present from my husband (Nothing says "I Love You" like a German import! "Happy Anniversary" was a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog!)<br />
<br />
<b>3. What are you goals and aspirations in being a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner? </b><br />
<br />
To not only teach positive reinforcement training to dog owners, but also to show them that positive reinforcement training builds trust and deepens the relationship between owner and dog.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>4. What is the most challenging part of working with dogs for you? </b><br />
<br />
I want to fix everything or want to work on too many behaviors at once! I believe most dogs can be good companions if taught and cared for properly. I think it is most emotionally challenging to see a dog that is shut down and realizing he may not be reachable.<br />
<br />
<b>5. What is the most rewarding part of working with dogs for you?</b><br />
<br />
It is so rewarding to see the difference in the owner as they become more confident in their ability to work with and teach their dog.<br />
<br />
<b>6. What is your favorite part of working at WOOFS?</b><br />
<br />
I love the camaraderie, as well as the professionalism of the trainers and their willingness to help each other along the way. All of the trainers have an amazing depth of education, knowledge, and dedication to this "craft".<br />
<br />
<b>7. Tell us about your dogs:</b><br />
<br />
Mojo (age 6) is a male mutt we rescued from a hoarder situation. Mojo came to us at 6 months - he had spent his puppy-hood living in a basement, basically sensory deprived, and not housebroken. Patience and time has brought him into his own. While he is still an anxious dog outside of the home, he is a very friendly and sweet companion. He has proven himself to be a wise older sibling to Karma and cheered her on during her KPA training.<br />
<br />
Karma (age 18 months) is a female Giant Schnauzer/Poodle mix. We are her second home - she came to us at 12 weeks old (bounced out of her first home for being too energetic!) Karma is a high energy, true working dog. We got each other through KPA and both of us came out stronger. Karma's post KPA accomplishments include earning her Novice and Intermediate Trick titles in one session. She has recently mastered her Advanced Trick behaviors - ready to show them off at any time! She is a "challenging" adolescent who always wants to work.<br />
<br />
<b>8. Anything you would like people to know about you?</b><br />
<br />
I am married and have 2 sons (ages 17 & 20 years).<br />
<br />
When I'm not training my dogs I love adventure travel, hiking, baking, good wine and binge watching Netflix. I am a CPA and CFE.<br />
<br />
I am also an APDT Member, and am enrolling in the Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT) program at University of Tennessee this March.<br />
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-48609106535905591872017-02-27T09:23:00.001-08:002018-09-04T21:34:02.466-07:00Fun Dog Show 2017<script type="text/javascript">
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Come join us at the Fun Dog Show to benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria!<br />
<a name='more'></a>The fundraiser is a dog-friendly and kid-friendly event featuring a doggy costume contest and a St. Patrick's Day Parade.<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday, March 4: </b> <a href="https://donate.alexandriaanimals.org/alexadria/events/fun-dog-show/e117558">Alexandria's Fun Dog Show</a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx8K23nXlGWNehjbye0uk4L2_gBamk64RT3Xyq-KAxggKK46XTb8d_Jg-vI9xA0nwG2f4zkp1mLH-YF0f0GtyUU_D2WgWzrXGX3hVL4Lh462XE_ucbrkC7xPZsx13WSH8PGNhA0Hn4sV0/s1600/alex.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx8K23nXlGWNehjbye0uk4L2_gBamk64RT3Xyq-KAxggKK46XTb8d_Jg-vI9xA0nwG2f4zkp1mLH-YF0f0GtyUU_D2WgWzrXGX3hVL4Lh462XE_ucbrkC7xPZsx13WSH8PGNhA0Hn4sV0/s200/alex.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>Location:</b> Alexandria's Old Town Market Square<br />
<br />
<b>Time:</b> 10:30am - 12:00pm<br />
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<b>Features: </b> Doggy Irish Costume Contest - prizes for Most Outrageous, Most Creative, Dog-Owner Look-Alike, and Luckiest Dog. The Ballyshanners Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at 12:00 pm after the contest ends.<br />
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<a href="https://donate.alexandriaanimals.org/alexadria/events/fun-dog-show/e117558">Register online today</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-51278459891493114572017-02-01T07:37:00.000-08:002018-09-04T21:35:01.379-07:00Meet the Daycare Team: February 2017<script type="text/javascript">
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<i>By Cynthia Robertson</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
WOOFS! has an awesome staff. So who are these people who choose to spend their days with the dogs? This month we are featuring <b>Anna</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28Wf1V-oZQtg_e3Z8YVDrYpGdvW8jJPbrsBkLWf_p3hgRGm2RlvAO6gh6LaLPQrSIcAULxA1bYfGqrIr0U9wLm2HPmOqhW4st1NN-7Y6y7wwajdVpmh6bX-p_h6P5wutww97OM0x5Xicp/s1600/Anna+Perez-Lopez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28Wf1V-oZQtg_e3Z8YVDrYpGdvW8jJPbrsBkLWf_p3hgRGm2RlvAO6gh6LaLPQrSIcAULxA1bYfGqrIr0U9wLm2HPmOqhW4st1NN-7Y6y7wwajdVpmh6bX-p_h6P5wutww97OM0x5Xicp/s200/Anna+Perez-Lopez.jpg" width="146" /></a>Anna has been a daycare attendant at WOOFS! since May 2016. Her favorite part of working at WOOFS! is watching the dogs rolling around, playing, and having a great time! She also loves learning all of the different personalities for each individual dog. Anna's passion for dogs began when she walked dogs for her neighbors. In the future, she would like to continue house sitting for people with pets. Anna is a dependable, hard-worker, who is always up for a task!<br />
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Anna currently owns a cat named Pearl, a Russian blue/Tabby mix. Together they enjoy playing chase and hide-and-go-seek. Outside of work, Anna loves to play tennis with friends and family. Although she does not compete, Anna has been playing tennis for nearly 12 years!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-63474424995697143622017-01-24T09:33:00.000-08:002018-09-04T21:36:46.373-07:00Team Members Named Karen Pryor Certified Training Partners<script type="text/javascript">
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WOOFS! would like to congratulate three team members who have graduated with distinction and been named Certified Training Partners by the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior: Apprentice Trainer Marti Friedman, General Manager Cynthia Robertson, and Agility Trainer Melissa Bishop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5zUmGfEBsO6IhWrhPHVESW480LfFbXUtGs31-s2nuTrY94OT59HJGjCb2bKa0v2FzoIO50u29nqr53P6s7WK1nwDMroRAUZG7X72tSJE9rkvH9ooeIFWNHxpArHHg_KlieUG7SkoWvp1/s1600/KPA+logo2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5zUmGfEBsO6IhWrhPHVESW480LfFbXUtGs31-s2nuTrY94OT59HJGjCb2bKa0v2FzoIO50u29nqr53P6s7WK1nwDMroRAUZG7X72tSJE9rkvH9ooeIFWNHxpArHHg_KlieUG7SkoWvp1/s1600/KPA+logo2.png" /></a><a href="https://www.karenpryoracademy.com/">Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior</a> is an innovative institution committed to educating, certifying, and promoting the next generation of animal trainers. Certified Training Partners participate in an extensive educational program culminating in a detailed assessment of their technical ability and hands-on skill teaching pet owners and training pet dogs. Successful candidates must complete the program, earn the equivalent of an A on each component of the assessment, and pledge to uphold the high standards and practices of Karen Pryor Academy.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGek5BxpA7UmRm_Wy6MVLqGsn6zfO8oLOtrXZ55Mfj2QA1zk-7VcV-8kMBea4NpLzrp3sDwfrBRLWSMr46a9-r3BF8rII0ToVI6PQfB4y0Km9qzMVYBfsUrPkLSHwU8WxRuFWygOEoyRC/s1600/KPA+200x123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGek5BxpA7UmRm_Wy6MVLqGsn6zfO8oLOtrXZ55Mfj2QA1zk-7VcV-8kMBea4NpLzrp3sDwfrBRLWSMr46a9-r3BF8rII0ToVI6PQfB4y0Km9qzMVYBfsUrPkLSHwU8WxRuFWygOEoyRC/s1600/KPA+200x123.jpg" /></a><br />
We are incredibly proud of this achievement, and of Marti, Cynthia, and Melissa's continued dedication to world class animal training!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-22981273857285450582017-01-02T07:24:00.000-08:002018-09-04T21:35:40.727-07:00Meet the Daycare Team: January 2017<script type="text/javascript">
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<i>By Cynthia Robertson</i><br />
<br />
WOOFS! has an awesome staff. So who are these people who choose to spend their days with the dogs? This month we are featuring <b>Marcus H</b>. <br />
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Marcus has been working at WOOFS! since August 2016 as a daycare attendant. His favorite part of working at WOOFS! is constantly being surrounded by dogs. Marcus currently owns two 10 year old red nose Pitbulls named Roco and Diesel. Marcus loves to play with them around the house with their favorite toys.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nmNF2KBw4Z2ZyWeNz7FsbV8sTxVcAjGk_bnxP2mT35ZiFrsNoXsvVp-m-5cZg7NnFpwDaJ4Lv7BqIEmoLiXcOJwrye-OGdzoXoEPpHh6MAXgWYMm76TmbPm_8S0hE6EkEBBb7W0odldw/s1600/Marcus+Hart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nmNF2KBw4Z2ZyWeNz7FsbV8sTxVcAjGk_bnxP2mT35ZiFrsNoXsvVp-m-5cZg7NnFpwDaJ4Lv7BqIEmoLiXcOJwrye-OGdzoXoEPpHh6MAXgWYMm76TmbPm_8S0hE6EkEBBb7W0odldw/s200/Marcus+Hart.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<br />
Marcus wants to continue working with dogs and hopes to have the experience of training dogs. Specifically, Marcus would love to work with dogs in the K-9 Units of the Police Force or the Military.<br />
<br />
In his spare time, Marcus likes to play video games and also enjoys working out. You can meet Marcus at our Shirlington Campus Sunday through Thursday afternoons!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-87522133217225049222016-12-30T09:35:00.000-08:002018-09-04T21:36:53.678-07:00K9 Nosework Seminar<script type="text/javascript">
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WOOFS! is pleased to host a K9 Nosework seminar by Jacy Kelley (Canine Copilots) on Sunday, January 22, 2017. Topic is Container Mysteries: "This full day workshop is geared towards those that are trialing and having struggles with containers, distractions, or anything else that can cause problems."<br />
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Limited working spots are $100: Working spots are now full<br />
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Auditor spots (unlimited spaces) are $50: Register at <a href="https://woofsdogtraining.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/events.aspx?event=2502">https://woofsdogtraining.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/events.aspx?event=2502</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-34251375253836018922016-12-01T09:37:00.000-08:002018-09-04T21:36:23.563-07:00Meet the Daycare Team: December 2016<script type="text/javascript">
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<i>By Cynthia Robertson</i><br />
<br />
WOOFS! has an awesome staff. So who are these people who choose to spend their days with the dogs? This month we are featuring <b>Joella</b>!<br />
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Joella has been working at WOOFS! for over 3 years and is currently our Executive Assistant. Joella came to WOOFS! with an extensive background in behavior and mental health. Additionally, Joella took up interest working with animal rescue groups: creating projects geared towards raising animal awareness, animal abuse, and the impact of rescue organizations along the way. She has had various pets of her own that have also contributed to her love for animals and the positive impact they have on people's lives.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb89CanWPoio87FvMgNLHB3PeurNunDRHf2vErpIlGuNR1x4ZrCK1llgTs0O3P5FKe56TJ5qn43fOF4qbJWyajjg6cmuajzPA7SFeyNlTJw-x4cxXizp0Onj0CvuaAk6zV0zEPlvgaSKIB/s1600/Joella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb89CanWPoio87FvMgNLHB3PeurNunDRHf2vErpIlGuNR1x4ZrCK1llgTs0O3P5FKe56TJ5qn43fOF4qbJWyajjg6cmuajzPA7SFeyNlTJw-x4cxXizp0Onj0CvuaAk6zV0zEPlvgaSKIB/s200/Joella.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>
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Joella says, "I love getting to know the animals, their unique characteristics, and finding out what makes them tick. It's very rewarding to see how positive reinforcement and guidance has benefited the dogs we are fortunate to engage with, including the foster dogs that we dedicate so much time and effort into giving the best possible treatment and experiences. It's amazing to see that with reinforcement and consistency, the quality of an animal's life can double and even give you more in return." Joella hopes to continue to work with animals in any way she can to facilitate positive and healthy outcomes.<br />
<br />
Joella currently owns two dogs of her own that she loves to teach tricks, take for walks, and play with (especially using mentally stimulating toys). One of Joella's pups has lost both eyes, but that does not stop him from enjoying his life and their time together!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-38761666892752098052016-12-01T09:17:00.001-08:002018-09-04T21:37:48.982-07:00Upcoming Community Events: December 2016<script type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>By Cynthia Robertson</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check out some fun dog-related events in our area!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">11/25-1/6: <a _mce_href="http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/activities-tours/christmas-at-mount-vernon" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/activities-tours/christmas-at-mount-vernon" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="color: blue !important;" target="_blank" track="on">Christmas at Mount Vernon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12/3: <a _mce_href="http://www.virginia.org/listings/Events/AnnualAlexandriaHolidayBoatParadeofLights/" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.virginia.org/listings/Events/AnnualAlexandriaHolidayBoatParadeofLights/" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank" track="on">Alexandria's Holiday Boat Parade of Lights</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12/3: <a _mce_href="http://www.virginia.org/listings/Events/HolidayFestivalTakeaWalkintheWoods/" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="font-weight: bold; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.virginia.org/listings/Events/HolidayFestivalTakeaWalkintheWoods/" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank" track="on">Torpedo Factory's Holiday Festival</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12/4: <a _mce_href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rural-dog-rescue-reindeer-run-fundraiser-tickets-28905174154?aff=es2" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rural-dog-rescue-reindeer-run-fundraiser-tickets-28905174154?aff=es2" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank" track="on">Rural Dog Rescue Reindeer Run</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12/5 - 12/7: Holiday Photos at WOOFS! Shirlington daycare</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12/12 - 12/14: Holiday Photos at WOOFS! Shirlington daycare</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-58727095453424498762016-11-02T09:39:00.000-07:002018-09-04T21:38:03.505-07:00Thanksgiving Drive 2016<script type="text/javascript">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnMgSfjisPoMmjiGBpWn9U-M_nJyUEnlUXtdORr5AHp4l_WYcRUgKe5i1SEpLJzAsgRfNqH2gp_aTtnPzTVBU-r6m9xN_vpy011nya6KvifKhHjba9nHyqqAI1Zzw53dpDtCwP0sO-WF3/s1600/awla_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnMgSfjisPoMmjiGBpWn9U-M_nJyUEnlUXtdORr5AHp4l_WYcRUgKe5i1SEpLJzAsgRfNqH2gp_aTtnPzTVBU-r6m9xN_vpy011nya6KvifKhHjba9nHyqqAI1Zzw53dpDtCwP0sO-WF3/s1600/awla_logo.gif" /></a><br />
<i>By Cynthia Robertson</i><br />
<br />
WOOFS! is holding our 3rd annual Thanksgiving Pet Care Drive to benefit the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. Donation bins will be at Ballston and Shirlington Campuses throughout the month of November.Requested donation items include:<br />
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- Vienna Sausages<br />
- Pill Pockets<br />
- Pup-Peroni®<br />
- Pigs Ears<br />
- Bully Sticks<br />
- Kongs (Large & XL only)<br />
- Kong Wobblers<br />
- Natural Balance® Dog Food Roll<br />
- Canned pate style wet dog food (Purina One®)<br />
- Cat Scratchers<br />
- Scamp or non-clump litter<br />
- KMR® for kittens (canned)<br />
- Royal Canine® kitten food (canned & dry)<br />
- Canned cat food (9 Lives® or Friskies® Pate)<br />
- Clorox Wipes<br />
- Gift Cards to Staples & Home Depot<br />
- White & Colored Copy Paper<br />
- Paper Towles & Toilet Paper<br />
- Dawn Dish Detergent<br />
Don't have time to stop by? Donations can be sent to:<br />
<br />
<i>WOOFS! Dog Training Center</i><br />
<i>4241-A N. Pershing Drive</i><br />
<i>Arlington, VA 22203</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-1674083636168232052016-11-01T06:30:00.000-07:002018-09-04T21:38:41.827-07:00Meet the Daycare Team: November 2016<script type="text/javascript">
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<i>By Cynthia Robertson</i><br />
<br />
WOOFS! has an awesome staff. So who are these people who choose to spend their days with the dogs? This month we are featuring <b>Marcus D</b>.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Marcus joined the WOOFS! team in April 2016. He is currently a desk supervisor at our Shirlington Campus. Marcus says "I learn something new about dogs every day I work here, which helps me do my job better and will prepare me for when I have a dog of my own." While Marcus does not currently have any pets of his own, he loves Boxers and Giant Schnauzers because of their exuberant personalities.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQkCkmfMi7Q47yE0FizhRFsS8yT8rA7bgN99pevkqmGs_n1n87Hs2CXvAdji-KcLkyUSZobSKatUXOSNIYHZkL6R2VU6pDHtCIGbAIWZWV9qa59gcU7ss3JTF77nLU7qSVA5LmzGzMBjv/s1600/Marcus+Dickens+Headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQkCkmfMi7Q47yE0FizhRFsS8yT8rA7bgN99pevkqmGs_n1n87Hs2CXvAdji-KcLkyUSZobSKatUXOSNIYHZkL6R2VU6pDHtCIGbAIWZWV9qa59gcU7ss3JTF77nLU7qSVA5LmzGzMBjv/s200/Marcus+Dickens+Headshot.jpg" width="177" /></a>Prior to joining our team, Marcus served in the US Army for 5 years where he worked as a Human Resources Specialist and was deployed abroard for a year in Kuwait. Outside of work Marcus enjoys watching movies and playing video games. He also likes to play the Bass Guitar, especially metal and alternative music, and tries to go fishing whenever he can. Because Marcus does not eat fish, he always releases the fish he catches.<br />
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You can meet Marcus at our Shirlington Campus Monday through Friday mornings!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-28510253871462907512016-10-05T08:36:00.000-07:002018-09-04T21:38:55.192-07:00WOOFS! Winter Workshops<script type="text/javascript">
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<i>Join trainers Erica Pytlovany and Jennifer Thomas at our Ballston Campus for some workshops this winter!</i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">The pre-requisite for all workshops are Puppy Kindergarten or a Basic Obedience Class at WOOFS! or a comparable positive reinforcement training facility.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Gq-It9MbYH1gjUhBJTCCeHuUnDpByNSPUHVVvohkBlKDDX9fKhrD1116nW9EP7KzUlcR_tkqwsUv5jSIRPuGNG_tCPhgQ9UsSr8apAnvKEZ7dvqqXffyv0JeKIVWMqLl7RO5jp-Eu4HTDWQIR0H3Yie0TCTkVhXZVbpY5dEykW8ERKt9IlUrqEYjOR7_Sl9zSaew52VuyPX7rFoH2_7GmynSGrEdCarlHnAbTMIeejTBd3LyCb-15K5whzrUrbfxcjVva2VhxSkC-lcSw1zvHg==&c=eltVv8571nhcN0TXsst8GJ3axbJ1baX__TX8P2Vu_5CpKxJI4VGNLQ==&ch=Yp-Am4uSLaVetLmxIuqDyxTevztLkfhZvmQ3nQl1Tj84wrozutyJZw=="><span style="color: blue;">Recall Workshop</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">Saturday December 3rd & 10th, 11:45 am - 1:00 pm</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">Cost: $75</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">Does your dog come to you every time you call them, without fail? This two week intensive workshop will focus on teaching your dog a reliable recall, so that when you call him, he happily comes bounding over to you.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";"> _________________________</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Gq-It9MbYH1gjUhBJTCCeHuUnDpByNSPUHVVvohkBlKDDX9fKhrD1116nW9EP7KzW7zBP3-04QyUG0CeoRkAQs97Oes_mqZFKtt9nm0-M3vGiIgGUoflmgcxd36y9g8xgF2GBf-E2aypgQ7yg7jbj_XVrNZCkWUrWDka9IIuWaNCNxZVL3QW-EwcHgR5gpY5bqlWe3HxuTcl4755ZfIFBrFzzXTJ2MgiwwgJYyQpNxquHfACjzXD00d_WpFEqXwVjl1ZD_CbgiesVufaWOY4yA==&c=eltVv8571nhcN0TXsst8GJ3axbJ1baX__TX8P2Vu_5CpKxJI4VGNLQ==&ch=Yp-Am4uSLaVetLmxIuqDyxTevztLkfhZvmQ3nQl1Tj84wrozutyJZw=="><b><span style="color: blue;">Jumping Replacement Therapy Workshop</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">Workshop #1: Saturday December 3rd, 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">Workshop #2: Saturday December 17th, 11:45 am - 1:00 pm </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">Cost: $38</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">Do you have an enthusiastic greeter? Are you afraid to allow your dog to meet people for fear that he might knock them over? Join us for this one day workshop to teach your dog to sit politely for greetings.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Gq-It9MbYH1gjUhBJTCCeHuUnDpByNSPUHVVvohkBlKDDX9fKhrD1116nW9EP7Kz1MqgX1BM4H8rNfImUULMy9BMezJF8CEdTjviw3qQkpxKe4IaJ8cL1CCZytFn-Jcedrhbo4spZYFeqVIEKnNDF7fUXKXkvwX8jdcSqElGiNCk_DhJ25jwzY9NqzLcJkGgDn3EKKvYvEkLg96qZvBbc3fc5kiKgn2GN-AMbrzE_yxOhCKlPb2GYDkuz106o-VT0iqfS4qzsLBey14aJhYVKA==&c=eltVv8571nhcN0TXsst8GJ3axbJ1baX__TX8P2Vu_5CpKxJI4VGNLQ==&ch=Yp-Am4uSLaVetLmxIuqDyxTevztLkfhZvmQ3nQl1Tj84wrozutyJZw=="><span style="color: blue;">Loose Leash Walking Workshop</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">Saturday December 10th & 17th, 1:15 - 2:30 pm</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">Cost: $75</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">Does your dog pull you down the street on your walks? Or does he constantly stop and sit down? This workshop is a two-week intensive focus on teaching your dog to walk politely on a loose-leash at your side. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3335655915995560736.post-5851742369841477902016-10-02T11:07:00.000-07:002018-09-04T21:39:19.414-07:00Upcoming Community Events: October 2016<script type="text/javascript">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>By Cynthia Robertson</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="webkit-fake-url://bee6a057-325a-4205-9807-5c6604863ad9/application.pdf" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">Check out some fun dog-related events in our area!</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">10/15: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Gq-It9MbYH1gjUhBJTCCeHuUnDpByNSPUHVVvohkBlKDDX9fKhrD1116nW9EP7KzVWr5CYD4a_S8kFQx9hNmDNKXObKRR_EZpSkgBVFV0LFZ1vJzPB1PLRgJ0rSnmtKWbu9jk3bLPKnYfGXdG32MBk5alPGZNp-Byb7Chr1WoRI06qTh_ytfOF4GjslaMc-6Vs1ofwRqXM9Pdj_fdz4r-p1mO38J84QK&c=eltVv8571nhcN0TXsst8GJ3axbJ1baX__TX8P2Vu_5CpKxJI4VGNLQ==&ch=Yp-Am4uSLaVetLmxIuqDyxTevztLkfhZvmQ3nQl1Tj84wrozutyJZw=="><span style="color: blue;">K-9 Krawl 5K</span></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">10/15: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Gq-It9MbYH1gjUhBJTCCeHuUnDpByNSPUHVVvohkBlKDDX9fKhrD1116nW9EP7KzsGLBwYZHOXsb0Z_IxSRxzKlCQ64KCJAXVmX--0S8PObcBMB171_hB-mZrDLlOZphTVf5hIeekp32_DHCw9a1HhvyBLHXaZVir0ynf3SOYR6oexXgGNDSXQ==&c=eltVv8571nhcN0TXsst8GJ3axbJ1baX__TX8P2Vu_5CpKxJI4VGNLQ==&ch=Yp-Am4uSLaVetLmxIuqDyxTevztLkfhZvmQ3nQl1Tj84wrozutyJZw=="><span style="color: blue;">PetOberfest</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">10/16: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Gq-It9MbYH1gjUhBJTCCeHuUnDpByNSPUHVVvohkBlKDDX9fKhrD1116nW9EP7KzOByj4cmJ5Sf06MoVLh8ssvDUmPhzyGf8Vp9XbQTZCJYqpJgjuEPd-T5VfU5Vv2wdQIK9lCzIKMBNWMOJ8FfRW56QSvMRKHpkNe5eGfUdCms6HLw7n9Q5-z7GznnWGUSBLW2RHl7HGa67CCRIZA_-IABTMTjzJ2QiO1ApSgCxG61-V518CP0PGg==&c=eltVv8571nhcN0TXsst8GJ3axbJ1baX__TX8P2Vu_5CpKxJI4VGNLQ==&ch=Yp-Am4uSLaVetLmxIuqDyxTevztLkfhZvmQ3nQl1Tj84wrozutyJZw=="><span style="color: blue;">AWLA's Pints 4 Paws</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "georgia";">10/19: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Gq-It9MbYH1gjUhBJTCCeHuUnDpByNSPUHVVvohkBlKDDX9fKhrD1116nW9EP7KzvmMHfsuYadN7mEMbhLcgWuY441TV-gt1cJ7jb7oRljM6PiWMaKRYVpvCbmuezZkAT25T7m3tZCJpU1uzDN8oKm3HbHhcXjRWtT_qnbTvAfTZCUUDhxAd83vhuJ4oU7J6SfkMeK5LnKe4mZmBtVsxsHc6LgkUZbotgsXcBhXNiFolpAqulNbq21kanyOXhIhcsaVLEpMIGL_Q9lYXGewK9w==&c=eltVv8571nhcN0TXsst8GJ3axbJ1baX__TX8P2Vu_5CpKxJI4VGNLQ==&ch=Yp-Am4uSLaVetLmxIuqDyxTevztLkfhZvmQ3nQl1Tj84wrozutyJZw=="><span style="color: blue;">HOWL-o-Ween Hayride</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">10/28: </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Gq-It9MbYH1gjUhBJTCCeHuUnDpByNSPUHVVvohkBlKDDX9fKhrD1116nW9EP7KzXy5z-V30ZREidmOxAftIu5-8dk9yWZFAbywnVzs3SFii0_8qREdMA1-R6INfEeIrlv-hUuvMVrjHR_g7jXGcvcdNO950wNnsZmPWMA1GWhD0F6dQKL48lvCYXoSgu86jfKe56uVIgmNpqVFXhpbxsDEEUhm0gGsruUl5oUgBsPdzq4fr58yYFw==&c=eltVv8571nhcN0TXsst8GJ3axbJ1baX__TX8P2Vu_5CpKxJI4VGNLQ==&ch=Yp-Am4uSLaVetLmxIuqDyxTevztLkfhZvmQ3nQl1Tj84wrozutyJZw=="><span style="color: blue;">Canine Cruise on the Potomac</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">10/29: </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Gq-It9MbYH1gjUhBJTCCeHuUnDpByNSPUHVVvohkBlKDDX9fKhrD1116nW9EP7KzHEqMdegS00ECBQDT_bse72XL3IqgF4cAOZCAvsg_zF3SL0IhUBSzip0LI7HVshzsSgv_c7JJAeyQ0nJ0a8-IqyPT24eMOBtdep_sBTN8NvTYaNOTUhjHeCrZEy3HgnKqMf2glvaarDQ=&c=eltVv8571nhcN0TXsst8GJ3axbJ1baX__TX8P2Vu_5CpKxJI4VGNLQ==&ch=Yp-Am4uSLaVetLmxIuqDyxTevztLkfhZvmQ3nQl1Tj84wrozutyJZw=="><span style="color: blue;">GRREAT 3K Walk</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">10/30: </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Gq-It9MbYH1gjUhBJTCCeHuUnDpByNSPUHVVvohkBlKDDX9fKhrD1116nW9EP7KzzACecDurV1PGdmCo7GIHoiJ6ZWNdNQadpdcCpYkgszLr0nKz0D2rDYvQ9TRvRGpBRZ6603bDbRg7ecJnLW32TVGNOx_isJhIYKuQXmArf3CiIrCXgE5W7HaYp4jmUSNGy7Z-_AKt9IB-fEw186vZ3NRL5vaiekXz&c=eltVv8571nhcN0TXsst8GJ3axbJ1baX__TX8P2Vu_5CpKxJI4VGNLQ==&ch=Yp-Am4uSLaVetLmxIuqDyxTevztLkfhZvmQ3nQl1Tj84wrozutyJZw=="><span style="color: blue;">AWLA's Howl-o-ween Fundraiser</span></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">10/31: </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Gq-It9MbYH1gjUhBJTCCeHuUnDpByNSPUHVVvohkBlKDDX9fKhrD1116nW9EP7KzK-8UEoOKIrxpM05qeQxZtEdrbWQt2UaBczhqf6kCkAA3utoxXHkiT1kyehUrl3bYKWlLcikfqPr_KLiHx1BxNa1Nfz-QpJdemm6RuXyZWiufmyfW8Xh6QBXS8323VNMe4ZjBkQWF5PoPTnUEy36AorvLKVjLLSULL_lzUcG5NzcWDA_J5VNKwf0VLBSG4P94kTINSSwSFEZQuGmgztF0Q1e3aJW4pmrL2jRfA9mhQ1aZYn8W_15Nfg==&c=eltVv8571nhcN0TXsst8GJ3axbJ1baX__TX8P2Vu_5CpKxJI4VGNLQ==&ch=Yp-Am4uSLaVetLmxIuqDyxTevztLkfhZvmQ3nQl1Tj84wrozutyJZw=="><span style="color: blue;">Howl-o-ween at Lake Anne Plaza</span></a></span></b></div>
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