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Probably an overview of my training and "doggie" background would be of assistance. I've been involved in competitive obedience since I was 14. It's strange how recent that seems to me! Yet, when I look in the mirror, I'm assured it's been quite a few years. I'm currently serving as the Canadian Kennel Club Obedience Representative for Alberta and Northwest Territories, I'm an approved allbreed obedience judge and have served on various Canadian Kennel Club legislative committees. I was the owner and training director of Western Canine Academy until my retirement from commercial dog training five years ago. My interest in behaviour modification developed slowly while observing the dogs who attended our obedience classes with their owners. It's a huge interest for me now in that I'm constantly fascinated and amazed at the manner in which dogs learn and their varied ways of dealing with everyday situations. Home is shared with my husband, Ron, and five dogs and two birds. We have two grown children who are currently in their master's programs. Our daughter, Kim, lives in British Columbia and our son, Grant, is attending school in Saskatchewan. Each owns a dog but while the kids are away, the canine pals live with Gramma and Grampa. Kim's Sheltie, Aurora, is 11 and is the matriarch of our canine family. Grant's boxer, Bo, is currently in his practicum stage toward becoming a visiting pet therapy dog. Additionally we have three Australian Shepherds, BeeBop, and her two kids, Clue and Serena. All the dogs are involved in activities so I'm kept pretty busy. Probably the most important aspect of working with a dog is to ensure that regular socializing occurs. While trying to maintain a regular socialization program for "Buddy" can sometime be daunting, I have found an easy way to accomplish the goal without expending too much effort. Take Buddy with you when going to a mall. Leave him to wait in the car while you tend to your errands (we aren't talking about a day that is too warm or conditions below freezing). When you have completed your errands, return to your car, attach a 4-6' leash (retractables aren't a good idea for this kind of walk) to Buddy's collar, and begin to walk around the outside perimeter of the mall. Be sure you have some treats in your pocket to give Buddy on the walk. Since malls are busy places, the two of you will encounter a variety of situations. There will be teenagers, young children, elderly people, shopping carts, strollers, and those in a hurry. Cards and delivery trucks will be starting, running and moving and a certain amount of exhaust will be in the air. Buddy will be exposed to various sounds, scents, and stimulants. Continue to walk slowly with your dog, stopping to chat with anyone who seems interested. On occasion, there will be an individual who asks if your dog may be petted. Often my reply is "Sure - and would you like to give him a treat?" Once this door has been opened, it is easy to had the visitor a treat and demonstrate proper feeding procedure (hand flat, treat in palm). Everybody wins, you get a nice walk with Buddy, Buddy has met some new friends, and you've given a lift to a harried shopper's day. If Buddy has this kind of outing once a week, you will have a well socialized dog without having to actually work at it. Some of you may say that there has to be more socialization work than outlined here, however if a little free time is all you have, then if you repeat the "mall walks" weekly, you will find large improvements in Buddy's attitude toward his surroundings. A general rule of thumb I try to live by is if you can take Buddy with you, do it. Don't leave him home just because it's easier. These suggestions are for a dog who isn't showing behaviour problems. If you dog is extremely shy or you fear your dog might attempt to bite, you shouldn't try this. There are other types of modification you can try, but we will discuss them another time.
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