IN 2021, CONSIDER A VIRTUAL TRAINING CLASS FOR YOUR DOG OR CAT
By Juliette Nash, Community Training Coordinator, San Diego Humane Society Photos courtesy San Diego Humane Society January 16, 2021 (San Diego) — Whether you’ve just adopted a puppy during the pandemic or you’re a longtime pet owner, positive reinforcement-based behavioral training is key to a happy, healthy human-animal relationship, especially while everyone is spending more time at home. But with most traditional in-person training classes on hold in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, you may feel your options are limited. That is not the case, though — and trainers at San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) have moved many of their training classes online. They have found online training classes, conducted via Zoom or other video chat platforms, can bring tremendous results to pets and families alike. The Importance of Training Your Pet Training, when done right, is about more than just preventing accidents in the house or keeping your pet from chewing on the furniture. Positive reinforcement training, which focuses on rewarding good behavior with toys, treats and positive attention while ignoring undesirable behaviors, has many benefits. These include better communication, mental stimulation for your pet, and involving everyone in the house, all of which strengthens your bond with your furry friend, leading to better behavior. Plus, it’s just more fun for everyone! Multiple scientific studies over the past two decades have demonstrated that dogs trained using positve reinforcement methods show higher levels of obedience; are less likely to show aggression or fear; learn new skills more quickly; and are more interactive with their owners. Positive reinforcement training isn’t just good for dogs, either — you can even use the same methods to train cats in behaviors like using a scratching post, using the litter box, walking on a leash or even doing tricks! Getting Started with Virtual Training Classes If the pandemic has brought a new animal companion into your life, it’s important to start training right away. Don’t worry if you can’t attend a traditional, in-person training class. All-online virtual training classes, whether in small groups or one-on-one, are an excellent way to train your dog or cat right at home in their usual environment, with fewer distractions — and they’re incredibly affordable. January is National Dog Training Month, which makes now the perfect time to take advantage of the many free and low-cost training resources available through SDHS. The certified Behavior & Training Team at SDHS offers more than 50 different classes year-round, and most are currently available online. In addition to basic behaviors, addressed in classes like our popular Marvelous Manners course, SDHS offers specialty classes that address different aspects of high arousal behavior in dogs (Shy Dog, Fabulous Focus for Impulse Control, Reactive Rover and Feisty Fido), enrichment-based classes such as nose work and living room friendly dog sports — and of course, several classes for cats! If there has been a silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been an increase in shelter pet fosters and adoptions, or more time at home with their pets for many people now working remotely. Training classes, whether in basic obedience or fun new tricks, will make this uncertain time something memorable for everyone. They can also resolve many behavioral challenges that may be straining your life at home. San Diego Humane Society is here as a resource for all pet families in San Diego County that need help. All animals are trainable, and believe it or not, they all learn in the same way! As we approach the new year, consider a virtual training class to build an unbreakable bond between you and your pet for years to come. —————————————————————— Juliette Nash, MS, is the Community Training Coordinator for San Diego Humane Society. Juliette helps the SDHS community address their behavior and training concerns through organizing, developing, and curating content for our extensive range of training classes for dogs and cats, community outreach projects, and responding to inquiries to our behavioral helplines. Juliette holds a master’s degree from the University of San Diego in Marine Science and has spent more than a decade researching the social and vocal learning behaviors of killer whales. Juliette grew up training a wide variety of animals and has been professionally training dogs for the past 10 years. When she’s not at work, Juliette is being trained regularly by her three cats: Kitty (15) Ginny (4) and Poe (2). Printer-friendly version
ANIMAL TALES: A GUIDE TO PET THERAPY AND DOG TRAINING
By Mimi Pollack December 10, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) –Animals have a way of reaching others and comforting in a way that people sometimes can’t. When a well-trained and loving dog is brought to a retirement home, a nursing and rehabilitation facility, or a hospice, etc., it brightens the day of so many people, bringing positive companionship. That is why pet therapy dogs provide such an invaluable service, and there are many owners who would like their pets to participate. However, if someone is interested, it is very important to do some research first. An organization called, “Love on a Leash” has a new book out called, “A Guide to Pet Therapy”. The book is written by Liz Palika who provides an easy to follow and informative step by step guide. Palika has been working with both dogs and their owners for over 25 years. She currently gives classes at Kindred Spirits in Vista. The book is organized in a clear and concise way with enough details to explain the necessary information. Each chapter covers a different aspect, including basic and specific obedience training, what a pet therapy dog does, and if your dog qualifies. In addition, the book offers a wealth of information for pet owners to consider, helping them decide if pet therapy is for them. This includes what it takes to be successful as half of a pet therapy team, and the types of facilities where one can volunteer, such as hospices, hospitals, retirement homes, and school and library reading programs. The author, Liz Palika, has the right characteristics to be a good dog trainer. She is firm and pragmatic, with a heart of gold. Together with the affable Kate Abbott, and Petra Burke, Palika co-owns Kindred Spirits which she started. Kindred Spirits offers a variety of dog classes from basic to intermediate obedience classes, along with canine good citizen, and pet therapy training. They will work with both the owners and their dogs to see if the dog has what it takes to do different types of pet therapy work. They also offer private classes. They work in conjunction with Love on a Leash. When a dog has completed its pet therapy training with Kindred Spirits, Love on a Leash provides the official certification. Working with dogs has been a lifelong passion for Palika. Her first pet therapy dog was Carebear in 1986. When she saw he was bored and needed more to do, she contacted an activities director at a nursing home and began to visit. Other facilities followed, and she realized there was a need for this type of service, so she founded Love on a Leash in 1994. It became incorporated in 1995 as The Foundation for Pet Provided Therapy. It has grown to 28 states, and is a non-profit organization. Palika is no longer on the board, but still works in conjunction with them. Pailka had had 13 pet therapy dogs over the years. Her preference is for Australian Shepherds, and she likes to have 3 at a time, a younger, middle and older dog. She gives them all names from Star Trek, and her current dogs are Bones, Sisko, and Bashir. They all participate in the training classes with Palika at Kindred Spirits. Palika has had a satisfying life bringing this special kind of joy to others, working with her beloved dogs, as well as writing many books, and she plans to continue for a long time. www.loveonaleash.org www.kindredspiritsk9.com www.lizpalika.com Mimi Pollack is an ESL teacher at Grossmont College and freelance writer. Printer-friendly version
JAMUL CHAPARROS 4-H KICKS OFF NEW PROGRAMS SEPT. 2
August 27, 2014 (Jamul) – The Jamul Chaparros 4-H Club kicks off its new year on Tuesday, September 2nd at 6:30 p.m. If you are 5 years to 19 years old and want to learn more about camping, arts and crafts, pygmy goats, rabbits, or poultry, you’re invited to stop by. Or perhaps you are into cavys, computers, or dog training? The Chaparros have projects for all interests and age levels. “Come join a wonderful group of kids and learn how to be a future leader in this club, this community, our country, and our great world,” says Wendy Teasdale, co-community leader. We love new members and are kicking off some fun new programs this year.” The unit meetings are the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Jamul Primary School, 14567 Lyons Valley Rd, Jamul, CA 91935. For questions, contact webmasters@jamul4h.org Printer-friendly version
DREAM DOGS: DOGS & PUPPIES NEED HOMES
By Cate Sacks www.shelterdogstodreamdogs.com March 14, 2011 (Blossom Valley) – Looking for a great companion, therapy dog, or family dog? Check out these graduates of our “Shelter Dogs to Dream Dogs” training. All dogs and pups have learned manners, respect, and basic obedience and are ready for their new, forever homes. Yorkie Maltese 1 year – spayed female – very lovable! Cutest puppy in the world! 2 month old spayed female – very cuddly Shepherd mix puppy, neutered male, 2 mos. – bonds closely Moppy head! Poodle-Maltese, adult – independent dog, needs owner to give him his own space Black purebred Schnauzer puppy, neutered male, 5 weeks old – available soon for adoption. Taking reservations. (no photo) Border terrier/Chihuahua, 2 pounds, 5 weeks, spayed female – available soon for adoption. Taking reservations. (no photo) For more information on adopting these dogs or others, visit www.shelterdogstodreamdogs.com or call (619)813-1252. Shelter Dogs to Dream Dogs trains dogs from animal shelters and helps them find adoptive homes. Cate Sacks runs this remarkable canine rehab facility from her home in the Blossom Valley area of El Cajon. Read East County Magazine’s article on her amazing accomplishments here: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/4980. Printer-friendly version
SHELTER DOGS TO DREAM DOGS: EL CAJON WOMAN HELPS 500 ABANDONED PETS FIND HOME
By Caleb Trainer December 10, 2010 (Blossom Valley)–Puppies are popular gift choices this time of year. But, it’s all too common for pets to become discarded holiday presents left at shelters as Christmas morning becomes a distant memory, according to dog rescue groups. Cate Sacks, in the Blossom Valley area of El Cajon, works hard to turn around the fortunes of those puppies and hundreds of other shelter dogs. Through her dog-adoption program, “Shelter Dogs to Dream Dogs,” Sacks places animals with qualified adoptive owners — but only after both dog and person receive a dose of intense attention and training. At any given time, Sacks typically has a handful or more of former shelter dogs in training at her home and largely relies on her contacts, word-of-mouth and her website to find just the right adoptive owners. She estimates that since starting work with shelter dogs four years ago, working exclusively since 2008 with the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility, more than 500 of the down-trodden have passed through her doors. Sacks is an animal behavioral specialist and former Montessori school teacher. The 43-year-old mother of two says her combined education and experience are perfect for dealing with shelter dogs. Helping her look after the dogs is her 9-year-old daughter, Makena. “You basically realize that you train dogs and kids the same,” she said. “Most of my training has come from working with shelter dogs.” Sacks said many of the dogs come to her “unwanted, untrained and absolutely out of control.” She added, “I’m taking the ones from the shelter that can’t be adopted.” But, it’s not long – typically a matter of weeks – before the transformation takes hold and dogs that were previously not wanted become the right pet for the right family, she said. “I have some dogs that have had a very hard life and I have to spend more time with them. So it’s just a matter of how long it takes for the dog to become comfortable. I just go at the pace of each dog,” she said. An extreme case, involving a severely abused dog, required six months of care and training. Working with Sacks, is Linda Septon, the adoption and rescue coordinator for Chula Vista’s shelter. Sacks calls Septon an “angel.” Septon said she sometimes will ask Sacks to take a specific dog while at other times Sacks chooses on her own. Septon said, “Certain dogs we know that need Cate’s training program or we feel will thrive in her dog therapy training program are pointed out to her when she comes to the shelter.” Dogs with “behavioral issues (and) not available to the public,” are an example of those for Sacks, Septon said. Once Sacks determines that a dog has progressed well enough to move on to a permanent home, she then works carefully to match the animal with the right person. Another aspect of the process involves training that adoptive owner. “I have to educate the people. You have to teach the humans how to understand and listen to the dog,” she said. “Every animal is different, but I require that people have enough time (to be with the adopted dog). I need to ask enough questions to make sure they won’t be backyard dogs,” Sacks said. “Backyard dogs” is how she refers to those animals that end up alone and unattended all day. Sacks estimates that 75 percent of the adopted dogs leaving her tutelage are either “companion” or “therapy” dogs. She said the difference between a companion dog and a therapy dog is that a therapy dog goes through training that ends with passing a standardized test. “If your dog is your best friend and you work from home and the dog goes with you wherever you go, then that’s a companion dog,” Sacks said. “The other 25 percent are typical family dogs,” she said. It takes a certain character of dog for it to be adopted as a family dog, Sacks said. “I, sometimes, have dogs that don’t really care” if they receive limited amounts of attention from their owners. One example of just such a dog is a small white poodle-mix she calls “Sid.” She points out, “Sid has been sleeping all day on this bed. So, if there’s someone that works eight hours a day (and isn’t home) that would be fine. It wouldn’t make a difference to Sid.” She added, “I really work individually with each dog and I talk to the new owners” to see if it’s the right fit. One of the things she covers with prospective owners is a single-page adoption contract. Sacks requires that it be reviewed and completed as another part of the process. She said she spends about 15 minutes discussing with the adoptive owner each item on the agreement. That adds up to hours of discussion. The first and second lines of the contract make clear her expectation of that new owner. They read, “I understand that adopting an animal is like adopting a child. I promise to love and care for this animal as I would for a human child.” The adoption agreement, coupled with a non-refundable fee that can be $350 or more, helps Sacks identify committed, prospective owners. The fee also helps cover the shelter fee and costs she incurs for dog food, training and other expenses. “I have people come here and think they’re making a purchase. They think they are shopping. But it should be (viewed) the same as if you’re adopting a child.” Sacks added, “A lot of people don’t want the adoption fee or they don’t want the responsibility and they go away. “I’m not an adoption agency where we take them in and give them out (with no care or special training). The thing that I need is I need people to know what I do, so that people know they