FREE DOG TRAINING and PROBLEM SOLVING SEMINARS: Attend our FREE PETCO Training Seminars to understand your dog and become better equipped to prevent and solve problem canine behaviors. You will learn how to reward good manners and encourage socialization for a lasting and loving relationship between you and your dog.

Puppy Playtime : Puppies are fuzzy little sponges & should meet other puppies & pet parents in a safe environment. Bring your puppy & come join the fun! A Dog Training Instructor will be present at all times.

Potty Training: In this seminar, the Dog Training Instructor will discuss techniques for the prevention and management of potty training mishaps. Topics covered will include proper crate training, the importance of keeping a regular schedule, and what to do when accidents happen (and they will!). Excellent for pet parents with puppies or adult dogs. Successful potty training can last a lifetime.

Puppy/Dog Socialization:  This seminar learn how to introduce positive social learning experiences into your puppy’s/dog’s life. You will learn how to encourage healthy, friendly behaviors with other pets and strangers, recognize signs of fear or aggression and there will be a discussion on how to raise a well socialized companion dog.

Behavior & Manners: Most behavior problems can be solved with good training, re-direction, environment management and proper exercise. The discussion will address how to prevent and solve common behavior problems with barking, chewing, digging, jumping up, running away, and more. Learn the causes of these behaviors and positive ways to change them. A well trained dog is a happy dog and has more freedom to be with you.

Loose Leash Walking: Want to take your dog to the park, to the local PETCO store, or walk calmly down your street? Learn positive reinforcement techniques to teach your dog how to walk politely on a leash. Dogs pull on leashes because of excitement, distractions, lack of exercise or simply just because we follow. Sign up now as a first step towards your long walk together throughout your dog’s lifetime.

Your Adopted Dog: There are many great pets in animal shelters and we are here to help with the transition! Learn positive ways to interactive with your new friend and prepare for concerns you may have. Importance of attending a group class, regardless of age, is discussed with many great best practices. Get prepared for your new Adoptive family member or learn more about your recently Adopted family member. Seminar covers introducing adoptive dog to other pets, potty and crate training, the do’s and don’ts when bringing home your adopted animal, nutrition, and basic training commands and much more.

Canine Communication/Understanding Your Dog: Do you ever wonder why dogs bark or bury bones? During this seminar, pet parents will understand how to recognize common dog body language and why their dogs “do that”! Ever wonder what Rover is trying to tell you? Ever wonder what Fido is trying to communicate to his canine friends? Are you confused by their greeting rituals and play behavior—and not certain when you should be concerned? Learn what your pooch is really telling you. This seminar covers the basics of reading canine body language, what it really means, reviewing the complex world of canine communication, and how to best communicate with your dog.

Monday, February 1^st, 2010 Puppy/Dog Socialization @ 5:30 pm

Monday, February 8^th, 2010 Behavior & Manners @ 5:30 pm

Saturday, February 13^th, 2010 Potty Training @ 10:00 am

Saturday, February 13^th, 2010 Puppy/Dog Socialization @ 1:00 pm

Saturday, February 20^th, 2010 Teaching Good Behavior & Manners @ 10:00 am

Saturday, February 20^th, 2010 Loose Leash Walking @ 1:00 pm

ALL Seminars held @ PETCO, 1603 Hilltop Dr., Redding, CA (530) 226-1200

(Please DO NOT BRING DOGS to the Seminars)

NEW PUPPY and DOG TRAINING CLASSES STARTING for FEBRUARY 2010

You may have watched “The Dog Whisperer” or “It’s Me or the Dog” Television shows. Maybe you have read a dog training book or two.

NOW IS THE TIME TO START your dog off RIGHT with a GOOD PUPPY or DOG TRAINING CLASS!

It is great that your dog can sit, down, stay in your house! If you have done this, it shows you are a good responsible dog owner and off to a good start.

Classes provide the socialization environment to improve your dog’s training. Classes provide the “real life” distractions your dog encounters on a day to day basis out in the real world. How will your dog do those things when you are walking through your neighborhood? Will your dog walk nicely and not pull on a leash? Will your dog ignore the cats, squirrels, birds, rabbits that you encounter on a favorite walking trail? Does your dog jump all over your guests? Does your dog dash out the door? Does your dog appear to have selective hearing when you want them to come or maybe not come at all?

Then it is time to take your dog training to the next level and join a dog training class.

My classes are fun, educational, full of health, safety and nutrition tips. My approach to dog training is the use of Positive Training methods, encouraging good behavior, ignoring bad behavior and positively correcting bad behavior. My classes will help the most problematic dogs as well as the ones that are nice but just need a little bit more. My classes also include how to build trust, leadership and working with distractions.

As an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, my Puppy Classes offer you the chance to get your AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Certificate. I also offer for those dogs that are well behaved the Canine Good Citizenship Test for dogs older than 1 year and your dog can be a mixed breed or a pure bred for the AKC CGC Certificate and the S.T.A.R. Puppy Certificate!

So… come join the fun and build the bond with your puppy or dog that will last a lifetime!

Puppy Classes (3-6 months) Basic Family Dog Classes (6 months and older)

Tuesday, February 2^nd, 2010: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class @ 5:30 pm; Basic Family Dog Class @ 7:00 pm

Thursday, February 18^th, 2010: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class @ 5:30 pm; Basic Family Dog Class @ 7:00 pm

Monday, February 22^nd, 2010: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class @ 5:30 pm; Basic Family Dog Class @ 7:00 pm

Saturday, February 27^th, 2010: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class @ 10:00 am; Basic Family Dog Class @ 1:00 pm

ALL Classes held @ PETCO, 1603 Hilltop Dr., Redding, CA (530) 226-1200

January Schedule of Dog Training Classes:
New Classes Begin:
Thurs., Jan. 7th;
Mon., Jan. 11th;
Wed., Jan. 20th.
Puppy Classes start @ 5:30pm & Basic Family Dog classes start @ 7pm

January Schedule of Free Seminars
Free Seminars-Mon., Jan. 4th-Potty Training @ 5:30pm & @ 7pm Puppy/Dog Socialization
Free Seminar-Loose Leash Walking,Wed., Jan. 6th @ 7pm
Free Seminar-Training & Help for Your Adopted Dog – Sat., Jan. 9th @ 2:30pm.
Free Seminar-Behavior & Manners-Tues., Jan. 12th @ 7pm
Free Seminar on Canine Communication & Understanding How Your Dog Thinks, Saturday, January 16th @ 2:30pm.
FREE PUPPY PLAYTIME-Saturday, January 23rd 2:30-3:30pm
Free Seminars-Sat., Jan. 30th-Training & Help for Your Adopted Dog @ 1pm & Canine Communication & Understanding How Your Dog Thinks @ 2:30pm

January Schedule of “Test Drive” the Dog Trainer a FREE 1/2 hour one-on-one private session on any topic you choose
Wed., Jan. 6th from 5-6:30pm
Tues., Jan. 12th from 5-6:30pm

ALL CLASSES, SEMINARS & ACTIVITES ARE @ THE REDDING, CA PETCO 1603 HILLTOP DR.

FOR SIGN-UPS & INFO CALL PETCO 530-226-1200

My newest addition arrived at my home Wednesday afternoon, December 9, via an animal rescue group from the Burney/Fall River Mills area called SNIPPP.

They brought to our home a 10 month old male pup named “Bingo” who is ¾ Australian Kelpie and ¼ Queensland Heeler.

He is a FOSTER dog that I am helping to rehabilitate so he goes with me to Petco and helps me teach my dog classes.

He came from an elderly man who had beaten the dog and threw him outside in 6 below zero weather. He had no fenced in yard in the mountains and the dog was often found running along the side of the roads and wandering. He was terribly mistreated and SNIPPP had been trying to get the man to surrender the dog to them for quite some time.

The rescue group paid to have him neutered in November and he got at least a Rabies shot, but hadn’t had any other vaccinations.

He was starving for love and attention. He is very smart and learns commands very quickly. It is a delight to work with such a sweet dog. It is also sad to see him belly crawl and cringe and the slightest movement that reminds him of his mistreatment.

He had never been on a leash, been in a crate and stayed outside most of the time. He is now wearing a no-pull harness by Premier (the makers of the Gentle Leader Head Halter) and is walking on a leash beautifully.

He is now crate trained, knows several basic commands and gets along with all the other animals in my household and with my roommate, Dee. Except I must say Skippy and one of our cats, Alexandria Rose don’t like him, but Bingo is smart enough to stay out of their way.

I will keep working with him at least through January and see him through his second set of vaccinations and get him ready for adoption, with nice manners when he is ready to be placed again.

Dee & I have since renamed him, “Christmas Beau Ty,” and call him “Beau Ty.” It seems to fit him perfectly.

I will keep you posted on “Christmas Beau Ty” and all his activities. We are looking forward to my sister and her Sheltie, Traveler, coming up for the Christmas holidays. We shall see how Beau works out with Traveler.

Remember this Christmas the MANY RESCUES and Animal Shelters that need extra help – financially, volunteers, foster homes and other tangible donations. Check out www.petfinder.com for a Shelter or Rescue group near you and see what you can do to make a difference in the life of another animal!

Merry Christmas!

I had my third year anniversary with Petco as a Dog Trainer this past October. I am the only Dog Trainer at our Petco facility and I can honestly say I get to go to work and play with dogs and meet all kinds of new people!

In March, the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation authorized retraining and education for me to attend the Animal Behavior College to become a Professional Dog Trainer (technically that is what I am at Petco). This will in the future open doors of opportunity for having either potential growth via Petco or branch out on my own a bit more. I finished the online and book learning in August

I began my externship with a Dog Training Mentor, Cari Bowe, in September. I finished phase one of three before the rains and the weather permitted anymore. I hope to finish the last two phases early spring.

I also hope to begin my volunteer requirements with the Shasta County Animal Control after the first of the year.

When my externship and volunteer phases are completed, I will then take my final exam.

I hope to continue with my dog training education in working with Shelter dogs and rehabilitating problem behavior dogs and dogs whom have aggression issues.

During the Spring/Summer of this past year I taught Agility classes for the Nor Cal Dog Training Club and had a great time. Also with the Nor Cal Dog Club and through my own dog training business, a few friends and I did some demonstrations at some local elementary schools in April and June. We did Obedience, Agility, Flyball and Tracking demos. It was lots of fun for the dogs, the kids and us!

I have also been busy doing demos or having informational booths at various “animal/dog” events in and around my community.

In April, I had an info booth and offered the AKC Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) testing for the annual “Love Your Pet Expo” a benefit for local animal rescue groups. My Shetland Sheepdog, Dani Joy, did some Agility and Flyball demos at this event and had a great time.

In May, I participated in the Haven Humane Society’s Dog-a-thon.

In August, I did some demos with 2 other dog trainers in the area, Lyn of River Dog Agility and Chere McMillan of the Capable Canine, at the Open House for the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Manton (near Shingletown east of Redding). Unfortunately, Dani Joy ended up with a foxtail embedded in her chest wall and had to have surgery as it was headed to the heart/lung cavity. Thankfully, she is doing great now.

Also in August, I had an informational booth with Petco at a fundraising event called “Woofstock” a benefit for a local animal rescue group.

In September, I coordinated a demo event for the Nor Cal Dog Training Club at the annual Honey Bee Festival in Palo Cedro where we did Agility, Rally Obedience, and Flyball demonstrations. My two Shelties, Patrick Ryan and Dani Joy, showed off their stuff in Flyball and Dani Joy got her picture in the Palo Cedro newspaper. My Italian Greyhound Skippy did some beginning Agility at the demo as well.

Also in September, I went to the 2^nd Annual Chico Canine Carnival, a benefit for Animal rescues in Butte County. I offered the AKC CGC testing and my dogs did Flyball demos.

I was supposed to do some Flyball demos and some more AKC CGC testing for the Siskiyou Paws for Walk fundraising event that same month, but ended up coming down sick.

In October, I coordinated a dog-sport community event (sponsored by Nor Cal Dog Training Club) in Anderson called “Pawsibilities Unleashed” where we had numerous dog trainers, dog sporting activities and animal rescue groups putting on demonstrations, offering information and encouraging responsible dog ownership.

After that event ended, I resigned from the Nor Cal Dog Club. I am now also an inactive member with my flyball team the Gold Coast Flyers.

Still on the subject of dogs… over Memorial Day Weekend I traveled down to my dad’s home in El Dorado, CA and went to the “Hangtown Kennel Club’s Dog Show”. I had Patrick Ryan entered for 3 days in competition Rally Obedience (Rally “O” for short). He came home with 2 qualifying scores. He needed 3 to get a Rally Novice Title. Unfortunately, his owner (me) messed up – always “handler error” – and it was his best performance of the weekend. My dad and step-mom, Marti were there to cheer me on and take pictures.

In the second week of June, I went to a four day dog show in Gridley, CA and entered both Dani Joy and Patrick Ryan in Rally “O”. Dani Joy got her title in Rally Novice on the fourth day. Patrick Ryan got his Rally Novice on the first day and 2 qualifying scores on the 2nd and 3rd day, in Rally Advance. However, like the last show, Patrick did a “star” performance but once again – handler error! So we need another show to get his Title in Rally Advanced. I was still so very proud of them!

Patrick just turned 10 years old this past week. He is showing more of his age and he is losing a bit of his hearing. But he is still as smart as a whip. He is now learning new tricks and I am thinking of taking up the sport of Canine Freestyle (a.k.a. doggie dancing).

Dani Joy will be 7 years old in January and is still the jumping live wire as ever. Although she has mellowed just a touch, enough to focus more on commands and do her Rally “O” and a few tricks too!

Skippy got his AKC Canine Good Citizenship while we were at the Chico Canine Carnival in September, which is his first step in any kind of event. I hope next year to enter him into Rally “O”. By the way, he is finally potty-trained! Skippy will be 4 years old in March. He still has some behavioral issues to work through what other dog trainers like to call “resource guarding” he thinks EVERYTHING belongs to him, the living room, Dee, the cats, the toys, the yard, etc.

My private dog training business has been primarily focused on private lessons with one-on-one training with the dog and the dog owner. It has been challenging and very rewarding.

This year I created a new website and as you know this blog – just for my dog training business and all things dog… check out my website at:  www.k9keltsdogtraining.com

I need another dog like I need another case of the swine flu! Of course one of the possible side effects of the meds I am on or perhaps the swine flu is delirium or halucinations! So what was I thinking when I looked at an email sent to me that I usually just pass along to people who might need a dog, but instead happened to take a look at one of the dogs… her name is Janice… her face reminded me of my Megan… so… in spite of how horrible I feel, I go down to the County Animal Shelter to take a look… my best friend Dee is driving! The whole time we are discussing how we can’t afford it, it’s not the right time, maybe one of our friends can take her until after the first of the year when finances MIGHT be better (fat chance!), will really work with Patrick and his dementia and Skippy and all his neurosis and Dani Joy always feeling left out because the other two are so demanding! Where would I fit another dog crate in my room? What about vaccinations, heartworm meds, spaying, etc…

Well… she is past due to be euthanized.

Well… she is only 35-40 lbs.

Well… she is chocolate lab and border collie.

Well… she is very sweet, gets along with all animals including cats and knows some obedience

Well… I got my mind back just in time and we went home without the dog.

In the meantime… YOU CAN FIND HER AT PETFINDER.COM along with many other dogs at the Shasta County Animal Shelter who need a home. Janice has been in there since July! So pray she finds a home soon!

It is with terrible sadness that yesterday, while the home was still being consumed by blazing fire, that I learned a Puppy, Starshine, had been trapped inside and died.

This little puppy just graduated from my Petco Puppy Class this past Wednesday with Pet Parent Betsy. She was so full of life, energy and smarts!

I got the call from another dog trainer friend, Barbara Darrow, who was going to work with her on Flyball and Dock Dogs and other Border Collie activities! Starshine, also called Star, was a red Border Collie. I was just getting ready to email pictures of her to Betsy, but hadn’t photoshopped them yet.

She will be greatly missed. I know Betsy lost her entire home, barely escaping with her life. Please pray for Betsy as she grieves the loss of her belongings and the loss of Star.

NEW CLASS START DATES:

• AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY Classes: (for puppies 3-6 mos.)
• BASIC Classes: (for ANY dog older than 6 mos.)
• AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZENSHIP Classes: (for dogs completing Basic or Equivalent)

Wednesday, October 28^th, 2009

• AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY Class: 5:30 p.m.
• BASIC Family Dog Training Class: 7:00 p.m.

 Thursday, November 5^th, 2009

• AKC Canine Good Citizenship Class: 7:00 p.m.

Monday, November 16^th, 2009

• AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY Class: 5:30 p.m.
• BASIC Family Dog Training Class: 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 24^th, 2009

• AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY Class: 5:30 p.m.
• BASIC Family Dog Training Class: 7:00 p.m.

FREE 1 Hour Dog Training Seminars

Seminars are an introduction to PETCO’s Dog Training Classes. These FREE Seminars include basic information on Behavior Problem Solving, Training Tips, and more! (please NO dogs at Seminars)

Monday, October 26th, 2009 Puppy/Dog Socialization @ 5:30 p.m.	Monday, November 9th, 2009 Behavior & Manners @ 5:30 p.m. Loose Leash Walking @ 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 Potty Training @ 5:30 p.m. Puppy/Dog Socialization @ 7:00 p.m.	Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 Holiday Safety Tips for Your Pet @ 5:30 p.m. Traveling Safety for Your Pet @ 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 21st, 2009 Help for Adopted/Rescued Dog @ 1:00 p.m. & How Your Dog Communicates @ 2:00 p.m.

FREE ½ hour One-on-One Training Session “Test Drive the Dog Trainer”

Discussions & Training Tips can include: behavior problems, obedience tips, etc…

This is one FREE ½ hour session per customer – not per dog.

Thursday, October 29th, 2009 “Test Drive the Dog Trainer” 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.	Monday, November 2nd, 2009 “Test Drive the Dog Trainer” 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 14th, 2009 Meet & Talk with PETCO Dog Trainer, Kathy Dunn 11a.m. – 2 p.m.

For more information contact: PETCO @ 226-1200 or visit www.k9keltsdogtraining.com

Petco Puppy S.T.A.R. Classes $79.95 * Basic Classes $79.95* AKC Canine Good Citizen Classes $99.95

So… you have a new Puppy, a new Dog, perhaps you found your new friend wandering the streets, picked her out at the Shelter, or rescued him from a local Rescue group… what’s next?

The best thing you can do for you, your dog, your family is take a dog training class!

But… you might say, “I have books I can read, I can watch dog trainers on TV, I can surf the net, what do I need a dog training class for?”

Well… I commend you if you have done all your research! Bravo! Your dog will love you for all the effort you are putting in to learning about your new canine friend.

Or… you might say, “I have owned dogs all my life and have never had any problems training my dogs in the past, what else is there?

Dog Training Classes offer a great opportunity for you and especially your dog or puppy to socialize and test their dog training skills in a variety of distractions. Will your dog come to you when it sees a squirrel or a cat running in his path? When you take your dog for a walk on a leash, does your dog pull, get in your way, trip you up, get distracted and yank your arm out of your socket? Is your dog friendly to strangers or other dogs? Does your dog jump on you, your friends, your family? Can you trust your dog to be gentle with children or the elderly? Does your dog bark, whine, howl? What about housetraining issues? Does your dog Trust You? Are you the “Leader of the Pack”?

These are the kinds of things besides just a simple sit, down, stay that you can learn in a book. What if your dog presents a challenge that you never imagined and no matter how many books or articles or tv shows you gather information from, you are still left with no answers?

Each and every dog, just like people (even twins) are unique and have unique personality, breed and temperament traits. There is not only ONE way to teach a dog. Experienced Dog Trainers have learned to have what is called the “Trainer’s Toolbox” a variety of ideas and training techniques that will fit your own dogs unique personality.

As a dog trainer, I can offer some ideas, training tips, and yes Dog Training Classes. Presently, I have some new classes beginning at the Petco in Redding, CA.

For Puppies that are 3 – 6 months, there are classes beginning Wednesday, October 28th @ 5:30 p.m.

For the Family dog that is 6 months and older, there are classes beginning Thursday, October 15th @ 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, October 28th @ 7:00 p.m.

For those who would love to do something a little more challenging and get an AKC Canine Good Citizenship Certificate, you can join the class that begins, Wednesday, October 15th @ 7:00 p.m.

Plus if you take a look at my website you will find more information about me, my dog training classes, free seminars and free 1/2 hour one-on-one private sessions.  K9 Kelts Family Dog Training.

I look forward to seeing you!

Pawsibilities Unleashed Logo

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009

Anderson River Park (Moose Grove)

10 a.m. -  3 p.m.

Fun-filled day of doggie activities and education for dogs and the people who love them!

Come out & meet various breeds and mixed breeds showing off their stuff!

On Saturday, October 3^rd, 2009 the Northern California Dog Training Club a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation is holding an event called “PAWSIBILITIES UNLEASHED” in conjunction with the American Kennel Club’s two annual events – Responsible Dog Ownership Day (held throughout the month of September) & Meet the Breeds (held in October). Last year, more than 600 dog clubs and other organizations hosted events nationwide reaching millions of dog lovers and potential pet owners through extensive media coverage.

The following is the Mission Statement of the Northern California Dog Training Club: “Our Mission is to empower dog owners to have a positive experience and relationship with their dog/s by offering professional dog training and activities, and by encouraging members to uphold the Club’s values of respect, tolerance, fairness and courtesy for all people.”

According to most statistical research the #1 reason dogs are euthanized is due to behavioral problems. The Northern California Dog Training Club recognizes the value of training and education people in basic dog training, manners and in understanding the unique characteristics of each breed.

This year’s event is bringing together the numerous dog clubs, dog sports, dog trainers and various pet vendors together to educate the community on Responsible Dog Ownership. By doing this event we hope to REDUCE the shelter/rescue population, encourage RESCUING dogs that are in shelters/rescues, offer TRAINING and REHABILITATION opportunities, and REJOICE in the various dog sporting activities that are available for all breeds, mixed breeds, large and small dogs.

At “PAWSIBILITIES UNLEASHED” we will be having various demonstrations and activities for dog lovers of all kinds including but not limited to: Agility, Flyball Racing, Obedience, Tracking demos, AKC/CGC testing, Canine Freestyle (Doggie Dancing), Schutzhund, Rally Obedience, Therapy Dogs, Guide Dogs and more.

We would like anyone to participate in several ways:

1. Show up and Enjoy the Fun!
2. Do a Demo (please contact me ASAP)
3. Promote & Advertise this Event to Everyone in our Area!
4. Have a booth (booth fee is $20) at this event offering: an ID Microchip clinic, Health clinic, Health screen testing or First Aid Seminar for dogs
5. Sponsor this event with a donation of $100 – $500 to cover the costs of park reservation, insurance and publicity expenses.

All proceeds are tax-deductible and I have enclosed a copy of our Non-Profit status. Thank you again for the positive influence we can ALL make on the lives of many dogs in our community. If you have any further questions or need any additional information please feel free to contact me.