Archive for 'AKC'

Are You Enrolled in a Canine Life and Social Skills Program?

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 12:35 am  
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It looks like my pet parent is checking out the Canine Life and Social Skills Program to promote training using positive reinforcement. It has been been developed by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers to strengthen relationships between us dogs and our pet parents. I am all for that. Strong relationships are what keep us in our homes in spite of what we do…

Puppy with Pillow Stuffing

I Didn't Do It!

how we look (dirty & scraggly), or how much maintenance we require (annual vet visits).

This program is similar to the American Kennel Club’s S.T.A.R. Puppy Program

American Kennel Club Socialization Training Activity and Responsibility

Socialization-Training-Activity-Responsibility

and Canine Good Citizen Program in that life skills are taught and then tested by certified evaluators.

Recognition for a Canine Good Citizen

Are You Ready to Become a Canine Good Citizen?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The APDT C.L.A.S.S. program is based on input from both dog owners and non-dog owners, shelter workers and professional dog trainers. It is a 3-level evaluation for our pet parents to demonstrate our real-life skills and their basic knowledge of how to handle and care for us. The positive, reward-based training minimizes the chance that we will be punished and increases the chances of having fun with our pet parents.

We can earn a B.A., M.A., or Ph.D. certificate as we progress with our skills. An entire curriculum is available for use by shelters to either enhance their present programs or to create a new one. The dogs waiting for homes can be evaluated for no cost and then listed in the C.L.A.S.S. web site ins the “dogs for adoption” section…train ‘em up and match ‘em up! Fees for other dogs are only $5.00

The APDT designed C.L.A.S.S. with the needs of shelter dogs in mind. This makes the shelter dogs more adoptable.Knowing basic skills will increase the shelter pet’s chances of staying in their new home.  The marketing behind the C.L.A.S.S. program will attract people to these precious pets.

So ask yourself these questions:

  • Can you wait at the door?
  • Come when you are called?
  • Allow your leash to be attached?
  • Walk loosely on a leash and stare adoringly at  your pet parent?
  • Meet people nicely when you are out and about?
  • Leave the “untouchable” items untouched?
  • Wait for your food bowl to be placed in front of you?
  • Stay in one spot?
  • Settle down your wiggle butt?

If you can do these things, then you are ready to become a B.A. with C.L.A.S.S.

Have your pet parent study the rules and requirements in the Student Handbook. The components of Canine Life and Social Skills includes educating your pet parent in responsible dog ownership and positive reinforcement, assessing real-life skills, encouraging ongoing training, expanding the opportunities for those of us that are well-behaved and supporting shelters and rescues.

Scientific research has shown that we dogs do not behave “badly”; we just exhibit normal dog behaviors to get our needs met or to resolve conflict. We don’t feel guilty at all because we don’t know right from wrong. We just know what works and we figure out a way to get what we feel that we need.

Your pet parent will have to pass a multiple-choice test on dog information and ownership. They will learn how to relate to you by setting clear boundaries for you rather than confronting you with drama.

Positive, reward-based training works! How have your pet parents “trained” you?

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Now You Can Have Fine Art and Support Dogs Too!

Saturday, January 28th, 2012 at 2:47 am  
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Take your pet parent to The Fine Art Sale in New York City just before the Westminster Dog Show. Yes, that’s right…you can go to the festivities with them. You may want to help them select a dog painting for your room. You can join the AKC and AKC Humane Fund for the Barkfest at Bonhams’ Charity Brunch.

You will be able to meet the reigning AKC/Eukanuba National Champion “London,”

Best in Show Standard Poodle

London

aka Standard Poodle GCH Jaset’s Satisfaction. He will be making an appearance before he appears at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show the next day. Follow London on Facebook and Twitter. The 2011 AKC Humane Fund ACE Therapy Dog honoree Miki the Pomeranian will share his experiences on AKC’s Facebook page.

A Celebration of the Dog in Art begins Sunday, February 12, from 10 am to 12 pm. There will be plenty of goodies for you and your pet parent in Bonhams’ spacious galleries located in the IBM building on Madison Avenue between 56th and 57th Street. Plan ahead and make reservations to get in the door for a $50 donation to the AKC Humane Fund…if you don’t plan, then you will have to pay $60 at the door. The AKC Humane Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity so your pet parents can get a tax deduction for their donation…and remember, you get to eat the “goodies.” Have them call the AKC RSVP line at 1-212-696-8225 or reserve your spot online.

You will have to be on your best behavior as you go through the gallery. These artists painted their masterpieces back in the 1800′s so they are very old and very valuable. You better hold onto your pet parent’s money source because these paintings are irresistible. Check out the painting by F.de Wit of the Buffet Crasher…reminds me of some of my friends who steal food from the table when no one is watching.

The Fine Art Sale is all about Dogs in Show & Field. The Preview starts February 11-14. The Auction will be held Wednesday, February 15th at 10 am. This is Bonhams’ 30th annual sale. It will contain paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and other dog-related objects. American artists Percival Rosseau and Edmund Osthaus will have their works there. So will British painters John Emms, Maud Earl and the prolific painter Reuben Ward Binks.

So how does all of this artwork support dogs? The American Kennel Club Humane Fund, Inc. promotes the joy and value of responsible pet ownership through education, outreach and grant making. The AKC certainly helped us promote Responsible Dog Owner Day at the Frostburg Dog Park in Maryland so I’m all for other dogs having their parents donate for this cause.

Watch this pet video to see the true mastery of these painters. Tell me how you feel after you look into the eyes of those dogs…they come to life before your eyes!


Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia