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Welcome to the final 2008 edition of the Carolark Times
2008 – The Year In Review It has been a busy year. In March, Carolyn visited the University of North Texas to see the programs offered there in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Operant Conditioning, methods taught here at Carolark. Some programs reviewed were teaching cats, horses, dogs and raptors as well as athletes, and children. April saw the very successful Canadian Association of Pet Dog Trainers Conference held at the Travelodge here in Ottawa. In August, Carolyn had the honour of being one of the Keynote speakers at the third annual Japan Association of Pet Dog Trainers Conference held in Tokyo. Carolyn also led an Advanced Shaping workshop for trainers there, and introduced Puppy Classes by running a demonstration “Puppy Party”. In October, Carolyn was once again the Teaching Assistant for world-renowned teacher and trainer, Bob Bailey at his “Teaching Operant Conditioning Course” hosted by Terry Ryan in Sequim, Washington. Trainers aspiring to improve skills while gaining professional accreditation are enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy for Behaviour and Animal Training, Dog Trainer course. Carolyn is the Canadian Faculty member of this prestigious school. The second course in Ontario is now underway with students traveling from Mississauga and Deep River as well as locally to attend the workshop portion of the course at Carolark. Take a look at www.karenpryoracademy.com for more information. A new course will begin in January. Carolark is expanding services to better meet the needs of our clients. One popular option for folks with dogs with no major behaviour problems is the opportunity to book four half-hour training lessons. Appointments can be scheduled for the convenience of busy families. Regularly scheduled daytime classes are great for retired folks, shift workers and stay-at-home parents. At-home parents enjoy attending doggy school after dropping little ones at playgroup or kindergarten. Early puppy training continues to be a highlight and a valuable head start to get puppies off on the right paw. Rally Obedience and Freestyle are fun options for graduates of foundation levels. Mark your calendars for the April 4 & 5 seminar on the use of Bach Flower Remedies with Don Hanson, the first Bach Flower Registered Practitioner recognized with a specialty in working with animals. Many of you will remember Don from the CAPPDT Conference where he was one of the most popular keynote speakers, talking about his evolution as a trainer. Don has served as President of APDT. He and his wife Paula own Greenacres Kennel, store, daycare and training in Bangor, Maine. At this seminar, Don will show you how you and your pet can be calmer, happier, healthier and more confident with Bach Flower Essences. Check our website regularly for photos, letters, upcoming events and class schedules.Carolyn
Clark and all the Staff,
Introducing the Carolark Team Each edition we like to introduce a valuable member of the staff that comprises the Carolark team. This edition we are pleased to introduce Sue Galvin. Sue Galvin, Gypsy and Archie What's in a clicker? I remember working in the Agility field with my now old dog, Gypsy, when one of the other members came running up to all of us waving a just released book in her hand. The book was by Jean Donaldson, and she was excitedly yelling “Everyone has to read this book”!!. “Culture Clash” revolutionized the way we started to work with our dogs, kids, friends, well... you understand if you have ever applied clicker training to your behaviour modification work. We already understood that positive rewards encouraged our animals to work with us, but sometimes our method of communication was a whole lot confusing to our canine partner. Once we got the timing of our clicker down, we found our dogs would work really hard for that “click”, which not only predicted a treat, (a thrown ball, a tug game or tasty munchie), but that they did it!... they understood!! “Dogs want to do what works” is what Sandy Leach, one of our Carolark instructors always says, and that is so right. We, as people, get happy when we see the light bulb go on in our canine's eyes, and, when we're happy, our dog is happy! There is such a feeling of accomplishment for us both.The clicker method of training has made most of the challenges we give our pets a great game, where everyone wins! I had been training my own dogs for many years, and, of course, helping people that I would happen to meet on dog walks. Each dog I had shared my life with had taught me a new set of lessons. The obedience style I learned from classes that I always attended with each dog was given by folks who loved dogs, but whose methods were based on the old leash pop corrections. This made our dogs and us rather unhappy with each other. Some people would actually end up with dogs that would cringe when they came to class. That training philosophy was based on punishment, as opposed to the clicker philosophy which is based on shaping, and provides encouragement and reward for each little step closer to the desired behavior. Many of the dog people felt in the depths of their soul that positive reward was the way we wanted to work with our pets, and, by using the clicker, we were rewarded with how quickly the dogs got caught up in the game and worked really hard to solve the puzzles we gave them. When I adopted my next puppy, Archie, I sought a school that trained dogs using the clicker philosophy. Carolyn Clark's name was actually listed in “Culture Clash” as one of the consultants to Jean Donaldson! Archie and I have had nine years of wonderful communication that has been made possible through clicker training and Carolyn's carefully designed learning program. That doesn't mean that we do everything that the other wants all of the time, but Archie is the most happy of all my dogs. Great sense of humour, and not worried about making a “mistake” while we learn something new. What a joy! When I heard that Carolyn was bringing Jean Donaldson to Ottawa, I immediately signed up to hear what she had to say. What an opportunity to discover where the leading edge of animal behavior was going. Shortly after the seminar, Carolyn contacted me and asked if I would be interested in joining the “Green Team” at the school. I immediately signed up as an assistant, and have been happily working with the best of instructors. Every seven weeks, I get to meet a new group of people and dogs who are genuinely interested in communicating with each other, and I have the privilege of helping them achieve that very thing. There isn't a class where I don't learn something from the dynamics of each individual, handler or dog. Over the years I have attended many workshops and seminars relating to obedience training, agility and behavioral sciences, and am registered with the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Trainers. I have been working at the school for four and a half years. You can find me there on Thursday evenings working with Jo-Anne Steele, and Sandy Leach. So, you see, if you pick up a clicker, it can lead to all kinds of life changes! Powerful little tool!
Less Than Two Weeks to Christmas!!!!
Holiday Gift Season is upon us. The Centre for Applied Canine Behaviour has the latest in canine books, DVDs and training equipment. These items would make lovely gifts for your canine friends! Another option is to purchase a gift certificate to one of the classes that are offered at Carolark. If your family or friends are getting a puppy, a gift certificate for puppy class would be invaluable. Or you may want to enroll in one of the 3 levels available at Carolark: Level 1 Basic Good Manners class, attend Level 2a Good Manners and More, or participate in Level 3, the Advanced Training. Please
contact the Centre at (613) 591-3277 or visit in person at 600 Eagleson Rd.,
Kanata to make your holiday gift purchase.
Christmas decorations and trees will soon be making an appearance. Please keep these tips in mind for a fun and safe holiday.
Wind chill causes colder conditions than what is read on a thermometer. Dogs shouldn’t be left outside for long periods of time. Even a half hour in frigid temperatures can cause problems. Trim excess hair from footpads and toes of longhaired dogs. This makes it easier to remove ice and snow. Anti freeze that leaks onto driveways and roads smells and tastes good to dogs. However, it is highly poisonous and can be lethal to your canine companion if ingested.
When the weather is too cold to take your pet for a long walk try these fun indoor activities. Mental stimulation can be just as tiring as physical exercise.
Practice these tricks
Rub a good smelly
treat on your arm/cheek and then tell your dog kiss in a happy tone of voice.
Kneel in front of
your dog extending one leg. Show your
dog the treat and place the hand with the treat under the extended leg. Hold a treat in your
hand and lure him through the tunnel created by your legs. Or try a game of hide and seek. Position yourself in the dining room, living room etc. then call your dog to you. When your dog arrives at your feet, reward him with a delicious treat. Next have your friend or spouse call your dog from another room and then reward your dog for coming. Repeating this exercise will help practice your dog’s recall. You can actually train your dog by having fun!
Upcoming Events Your pet can have its picture taken with Santa Paws for the Ottawa Humane Society: PetSmart Emerald Plaza $15.00 for a 4 x 6 photo ................................................................................................................ Tellington TTouch
TTouch is a gentle, respectful and effective approach to the care and training of your companion animal. It is a great way to spend time with your dog and improve the relationship with your canine friend. If you would like a private consultation or if you would like to schedule a workshop please call to reserve at 613-591-3277 for further information................................................................................................................. Carolark is delighted to announce will present a two day seminar April 4th and 5th, 2009 Bach Flower Remedies
Donald Hanson is the
only North American practitioner registered with the Dr. Edward Bach
Foundation. Check the website for registration information.
Puppies for Christmas It's the day before Christmas The wreath which had cheerfully The stockings so hopeful, The tree was subjected I catch them and hold them; Now as I watch them Should children and puppies Could they be the message
Editor: Dian McTaggart
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