Toledodogtraining’s Weblog

• Rally-Obedience Demos, Agility Demos, Pet First Aid Info, & Level Assessments.  Assistance Dogs of America & Golden Retriever Rescue will be there too.
• You will also have the opportunity to work with a trainer & try basic obstacles & try for yourself.  $15

We’re Moving!  But don’t worry, it’s just down the road.  Thanks to all of you, I have been able to expand Toledo Dog Training’s Holland location.  In September
our Holland headquarters will move into a 2500sf building just behind Kohl’s (6128C Merger Drive).  Needless to say I’m pretty tickled about the expansion.  With this move, new & improved classes and services will be offered (eventually).  Classes will continue to be taught once a week in Perrysburg. 

Classes $20 Off This Week-In honor of this move, I am offering any new registrations $20 OFF their class tuition until Friday July 31, 2009. 

Promo Code: Merger09

Upcoming Classes:

 Puppy Class Start Dates: 9-1-09-Perrysburg; 10-14-09 Holland 
Beginner Class:  8-19-09-Holland; 9-24-09-Holland; 10-27-09-Perrysburg
Agility 4Fun:  9-21-09-Holland
Tricks Class: 9-21-09-Holland
Check Availability Here
 

Toledo Dog Training Offers Pet First Aid Training During National Pet First Aid Awareness Month According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 25 percent more pets would survive if just one pet first aid technique were applied prior to getting emergency veterinary care. American Red Cross Pet First Aid Classes provides participants with pet-saving techniques and shows participants how to recognize emergencies and confidently respond to life-threatening conditions.

Toledo Dog Training, is a top-quality dog training center with locations in Holland and Perrysburg is offering area dog owners and pet-care providers the opportunity to gain crucial dog first aid and CPR skills that could prove life saving should their pet ever experience an emergency. Pet First Aid classes give pet owners the confidence and skills necessary to tend to unexpected emergencies until they can get their pet to a veterinarian.

Toledo Dog Training’s Pet First Aid Class is a 4-week training course held at their Holland location. Led by Tonya Wilhelm, founder of Toledo Dog Training, this program covers a variety of dog first aid techniques ranging from caring for an unconscious dog, performing CPR, caring for a dog in shock, and many more. Additionally, the class includes a dog first aid manual, and DVD, and upon successful completion each participant will receive a certificate.

“Learning pet first aid is an essential skill for every responsible owner and pet-care provider,” said Tonya Wilhelm, owner of Toledo Dog Training. “I was delighted when the local Red Cross contacted me about presenting this opportunity to our local community.

4 Weeks 1hr Classes $60-Includes Dog First Aid manual(116pg) & DVD

For additional information and registration, please visit www.toledodogtraining.com or call 419-699-7785

Tonya Wilhelm has been teaching owners and their dogs since 1998. Her positive and fun training approach has been building lasting dog-owner relationships ever since.

Toledo Dog Training is located at 601 S. McCord Rd., Holland, OH 43528 with a satellite location at South Suburban Animal Hospital in Levis Commons-Perrysburg. ###

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers States Marley & Me Highlights the Positive Impact of Training

Professional dog trainers agree that upcoming movie is a wonderful opportunity to promote the benefits of positive, science-based dog training. Working with a professional trainer and learning about your dog’s physical and mental needs can eliminate potential behavior problems in the home.

Greenville, SC (PRWeb) – December 19, 2008 –The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the largest educational and professional association for dog trainers in the world, believes the movie Marley & Me is a great opportunity to promote reward based training for all dogs. The movie, based on the bestselling book by John Grogan, opens Christmas Day and depicts an exuberant Labrador Retriever whose behavior creates turmoil in his owners’ lives.

Dogs with the size, energy level and behavior issues of Marley often end up in shelters because their owners do not know how to work with them.  Labrador Retrievers are one of the top five breeds that are relinquished to shelters. This belies their image as a favorite family dog. Working with a trainer and understanding your dog’s physical and mental needs can go a long way toward keeping dogs in their homes.

Some members of the APDT have provided tips for living with “unruly” dogs on the APDT’s Web site, www.apdt.com.

Some highlights include:

1. Crate Training – Teach puppies to love their crate. Crates prevent dogs from engaging in destructive behaviors around the house when owners are not at home or unable to supervise them with their complete attention.
2. Reinforce for Calm, Quiet Behavior – Trainer Tayrn Hodge recommends reinforcing your dog  for calm, quiet behavior and to have them “sit or lie down to get everything – sit at doorways, sit or lie-down for meals, sit for petting, sit for getting his leash on, sit before tossing his ball.”
3. Use Proper Equipment for Walks – There are a large variety of new products on the market that can assist with making your walks with large or unruly dogs more pleasant. Some of the new products you can try are head halters and front clip harnesses which prevent pulling without choking your dog or causing discomfort.
4. Understand Your Dog’s Breed Tendencies – Learn about the type of dog you’re bringing into your home before you do so. Paul Owens, author and trainer jokes, “…in my 35 years of training, I’ve met maybe two Labs who aren’t constantly self-employed as gardeners, home decorators and official bull-in-a-china shop court jesters.” You can find breed information through breed clubs, breed rescue web sites, and from trainers and shelter workers.
5. Provide Appropriate Exercise and Outlets for Play – Kellyann Conway, President of the APDT, says, “Exercising your dog is important but making time to *play* with your dog is vital to developing and maintaining a great relationship with him. Actively playing with your dog will keep him fit both physically and mentally.”
6. Environmental Enrichment –Trainer Teoti Anderson says, “Dogs need outlets for their energy. Some dogs would be just as happy munching on your sofa as chasing a tennis ball! It’s up to us to teach them what’s appropriate.” There are many toys today that are designed to stimulate your dog’s mind and keep them occupied for.
7. Recognize Behavior Problems –It isn’t always an obedience problem—unwanted behaviors are sometimes brought on as a result of fear or anxiety. These behavioral problems can only be solved through a behavior modification plan under the guidance of a professional that takes these issues into account. Visit the APDT’s Trainer Search at www.apdt.com to find a professional in your area.
8. Try Fun Outlets for Your Dog’s Energy such as Dog Sports –Many destructive behaviors stem from a lack of a “role” for the dog to perform. Finding things to engage your dog’s mind and physical energies can provide a positive outlet. Trainer Laurie Williams suggests looking at dog sports such as agility, Rally, Frisbee, and flyball. Laurie adds that teaching your dog a sport “…will definitely be much more productive than rearranging your landscaping!”
9. Make Training a Part of Your Life –Trainer and author Nicole Wilde recommends, “Incorporate training skills into your everyday life. For example, practice down-stays during television commercials and while you’re eating dinner, and have your dog sit to greet visitors.” 
10. Work with a Qualified Trainer – A professional trainer can help you communicate effectively with your dog to create a harmonious relationship. Whether through a group class, or sessions in your home, working with a qualified trainer can make life with any dog go smoother. Visit the APDT’s Trainer Search at www.apdt.com to find a trainer in your area.

CONTACT FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF PET DOG TRAINERS:

Mychelle Blake, Communications Director

1-800-PET-DOGS

Direct: 702-966-8060 or 866-245-2742

MBlake@apdt.com     

LOCAL CONTACT:

Tonya Wilhelm, Training Director

419-699-7785

Topdog@ToledoDogTraining.Com

www.ToledoDogTraining.Com

* * * *

• Weave Poles
• Open Tunnel
• Closed Tunnel
• Jumps
• Tire Jump
• Dog Walk
• And More!

• Current Vaccines
• Pass  A Toledo Dog Training Group Class
• Dog & people social (dogs are likely to cross paths, so they must be friendly)
• First class is a mandatory orientation, without dogs
• This class will be primarily outside, so please dress appropriately.

Commands/Skills Taught:

• Accepting a friendly stranger
• Accepting petting
• Appearance & grooming
• Out for a walk
• Walk through a crowd
• Reaction to distractions
• Sit/Down/Stay/Recall/Leave It/Offer a treat
• Animal passed to 3 strangers (small dogs)
• Animal placed on lap or table (small dogs)
• Reaction to neutral dog
• Overall examination
• Clumsy petting
• Restraining hug
• Staggering & gesturing
• Angry yelling
• Bumped from behind
• Crowded & petted by several people
• Proactive Handler/Owner

• Delta Society Membership and Interactions Magazine
• $1 Million primary liability insurance
• Identification badge & collar id tag
• Referral to facilities searching for Pet Partner teams
• Exclusive offers to Pet Partners accessories
• Opportunity to network with other Pet Partner teams
• Support from the Delta Society office
• Membership option to Toledo Therapy Dogs

Our Kids Dog Training Camp is a wonderful way for your child to enjoy their dog and to build up your child’s confidence and self esteem. Our one day Kids Camp will help your child learn proper dog handling skills, dog safety, and basic dog training commands & mini agility.

Kids Dog Training Camp is designed for children 8-13 years of age. Dogs should have taken at least one adult dog training class and should not have aggression issues with dogs, people, or kids.  Dogs must be comfortable in a crate, because they will be crated at intervals throughout the day.  

July 9, 2008 9-2pm-Holland   Sign Up Now!

Our Kids Dog Training Class is a wonderful way for your child to enjoy their dog and to build up your child’s confidence and self esteem. Our Kids Class will help your child learn proper dog handling skills, dog safety, and basic dog training commands & mini agility.

Wed 10am (7-16; 7-23; 7-30; 8-6)-Holland  Sign Up Now!

1. Accepting a friendly stranger: This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.
2. Sitting politely for petting: This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.
3. Appearance and grooming: This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so.
4. Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead): This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog.
5. Walking through a crowd: This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.
6. Sit and down on command and Staying in place: This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler.
7. Coming when called: This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.
8. Reaction to another dog: This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.
9. Reaction to distraction: This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.
10. Supervised separation: This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners.

TEST ONLY $15 (includes certificate, if passed)  Sign Up Now!  Holland

AKC CGC Test Only 2008 Wed July 9th 6pm, 6:15, 6:30; 6:45; 7:00; 7:15; 7:30

Announcing a new event for Toledo Dog Training’s Puppy Group!
What: February Puppy Meetup
When: Wednesday, February 13, 1:00 PM
Where: Toledo Dog Training-601 S. McCord Rd Holland, OH  43528

Event Description: Event Description: Come out to Toledo Dog Training’s Puppy
Meetup on Wednesday February 13, 2008 at 1pm. Puppy play date will be held at
Toledo Dog Training’s Holland location-601 S. McCord Rd Holland OH.

Reservations are required to ensure appropriate number of puppies for proper play session.

Puppies can enjoy romping & playing with one another while being monitored
for proper play & manners. All play sessions are closely watched for proper
socialization to make sure every puppy is enjoying playtime.

Email me at toledodogtraining@yahoo.com to sign up!

Learn more here:
http://puppy.meetup.com/103/calendar/7122358/