Monday, April 29, 2013

Upcoming SAR Workshop





  Sun Treader Training presents


the
“My Dog Could Do That” Search And Rescue (SAR) Workshop
You’ve always wanted to try SAR; you’ve always wanted to know whether your dog could do it.  Let’s learn to find some people!

  • REAL training exercises
  • REAL retired SAR handler and training officer
  • REAL thorns and poison ivy (really!)
May 18, 2013, 8 am to approximately 2 pm, lunch break for tailgate picnic.  Session will include basic training for dogs in using air scent and for humans in understanding it.  Not sure what air scent is?  We’ll cover that, too.  Cost is $45; maximum enrollment 10 dog/handler pairs.

No previous experience in SAR required; dogs must have solid off-leash recall and be friendly toward people.  All breeds welcome.  Call 678-642-9303 or email ms.e.tracy@gmail.com for more information.  Event will be halted or postponed in case of strong winds or lightning.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

New Price List

The basic six-lesson plan doesn't seem to be suiting anyone much.  I'll still offer it, as it's a great path to a dog trained to do whatever you like, but most people seem to want a dog that comes when he's called, walks on a leash without being a complete menace, stands still on request, and sits when told.  That's all in Lesson 1 (compare that to your other puppy classes!)  Also, this area seems to need a few services that aren't currently being provided, or at least aren't easy to find.  So, here's the new system and costs:

Six lessons, $200.  Will cover the fundamentals of pretty much every dog sport and dog job.   Dogs are dogs; that's about 30 basic concepts.  Yes, you have to practice at home.  Lessons last around an hour.

One lesson, $50.  Will cover bonding, coming when called, walking with the human, standing still, and sitting.  Yes, you still have to practice at home.  Lessons last around an hour.

Consultation, $25.  If you're uncertain of your puppy or adult dog's ability to be trained or to meet the physical demands of the training you're hoping to do, I'm happy to have a look at him or her.  It may be that the dog is trainable, but not by me, and I'll be honest with you about it.  This will probably take about half an hour.

Puppy-Raiser's Checklist, $25.  If you're about to whelp a litter and want to raise the best puppies possible, we'll discuss nutrition, socialization, early training, and the Superdog system in the puppies' first eight weeks.

Pre-breeding Checklist, $25.  Thinking about breeding Soozy Floozy for the first time?  We'll discuss whether you, your wallet, your dog, and your puppies are likely to survive the experience and go over a checklist of necessary health tests and other preparations.  (Free hint: if you think that fee is too much money, you're not ready for puppies.  Doing it right costs!  Doing it wrong may cost more!)

The above puppy is Piglet.  She was rescued from an intersection some months ago and is a mostly good girl.  Her worst habit is draining the water dish no matter how much is in it, with certain inevitable consequences about 20 minutes later.  She is available to the right sort of permanent home.