Toledo Dog Training Sponsors Puppy Workshop Fundraiser

Toledo Dog Training Sponsors Puppy Workshop Fundraiser
Toledo Dog Training will do its part to educate the public about the importance of positive puppy training and to raise money for Assistance Dogs Of America Inc.

The fundraiser and informative lecture will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. on Monday, July 27 at Toledo Dog Training’s headquarters in Holland, Ohio. The event seeks to raise money for Assistance Dogs Of America’s Puppy Program and to educate the public positive puppy training and puppy behavior.

This 2.5-hour workshop will teach puppy owners how to provide a well-balanced & harmonious household with their puppy. Miscommunication between puppies and owners can result in chaos. This workshop will address such issues, and get owners and their puppies off to a good start.

Topics include:
· How To Train Your Puppy
· Motivating Your Puppy
· Potty Training/Crate Training
· Mouthing
· Jumping
· Hyper Puppy
· Proper Toys
· Puppy Socialization
· Puppy Development
· Appropriate Leadership Skills
· Handling Your Puppy
· Puppies & Children
· Preventing Behavior Problems
· Handouts Provided
· Q & A

“At Toledo Dog Training, we are dedicated to improving relationships between owners and their dogs. Puppies start learning in the womb, therefore owners should be prepared to teach their puppies how to live in their human world right away,” said Tonya Wilhelm, owner and dog trainer. With positive training, no puppy is too young to start training. Starting puppies young with socialization and training is key for the dog to live up to its true potential as a member of the family. Tonya teaches proper socialization, how to build a good relationship with the puppy and how to avoid common behavior problems.

Puppy training and socialization is a key component in helping ensure a mentally stable adult dog. Studies show that exposing puppies to a variety of people, places, and things in the early stages of development help puppies develop into confident and well-adjusted dogs.

Pre-Registration is required. Interested puppy owners can call Tonya at 419-699-7785 or register online at Toledo Dog Training’s website at http://www.toledodogtraining.com

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LOCAL CONTACT:
Tonya Wilhelm, Training Director
419-699-7785
Topdog@ToledoDogTraining.Com
http://www.toledodogtraining.com/

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 a superior dog training center. 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.

Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. helps children and adults with disabilities achieve greater independence by training and placing service and therapy dogs to assist with the individual’s daily needs. http://www.adai.org/

Toledo Dog Training Offers Pet First Aid Training

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
Class Day/Time/Dates 2009
----Class is attended without dogs
Thur 7pm (6-25; 7-2; 7-9; 7-16)-Holland

Sign Up Now!

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.
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Marley & Me Press Release

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
    
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Handling Your Dog-Nail Trims & Grooming

As early as possible, you should start to get your puppy/dog use to being handled. He must learn to trust you and others to manipulate varies parts of his body for his own health and safety. You want to be able to touch all parts of him including his paws, ears, mouth, collar and tail.

In this 4 week class, we will teach you how to gradually expose your dog to handling exercises (including nail trims). You will work towards teaching your dog to build an association that handling is a good thing, he will learn to look forward to being handled by you and others.

Prerequisite: Current Vaccines(DHPP, Rabies & Bordetalla), Pass A Toledo Dog Training Class

Topics Covered: Motivation, Stress & Calming Signals, Body Language, Tools Of The Trade, Muzzle Desensitization If Needed

4 Weeks 1hr Classes $65 (continuing education discount already applied)

Class Day/Time/Dates 2009-Tentative
Mon 7pm (1-5; 1-12; No Class 1-19; 1-26; 2-2)-Holland
Thur 6pm (6-25; 7-2; 7-9; 7-16)-Holland
Thur 7pm (11-12; 11-19; No Class 11-26; 12-3; 12-10)-Holland

Sign up now! 4 dog limit.

How To Play With Your Dog Class

Play is important & underused as a training too. Playing the right games with your dog helps improve your relationship & understanding of your dog. However, the wrong games can be detrimental to your relationship.

In this 4 week class, we will teach you how to properly play with your dog. We will introduce you to ways to start play with a dog who hasn't learned how to play with their humans. And even teach you new games to play!

Prerequisite: Current Vaccines (DHPP, Rabies & Bordetalla), Pass A Toledo Dog Training Class

Topics Covered: Motivation, Good Games, Bad Games, Starting Games & Ending Games

4 Weeks 1hr Classes $75-Includes Play Together, Stay Together Book. (continuing education discount already applied)

Class Day/Time/Dates 2009
Mon 6pm (1-5; 1-12; No Class 1-19; 1-26; 2-2)-Holland
Thur 7pm (6-25; 7-2; 7-9; 7-16)-Holland
Thur 6pm (11-12; 11-19; No Class 11-26; 12-3; 12-10)-Holland

Sign up now! 4 dog limit.

Toledo Dog Training's Puppy Group & Dog Walking Group

Thank you for your interest in Toledo Dog Training’s Puppy Group & Dog Walking Group! Due to the growth of our membership (puppies do get older ;) we have added Dog Walking Meetups!

1. Puppy Meetups: Meet other local Puppy Owners. If your dog is less than a year old and you would like to meet other puppy owners to help socialize your puppy, join Toledo Dog Training’s Puppy Group & Dog Walking Group.

We can meet at Toledo Dog Training's Holland location for puppy play dates, member's homes or go to the park for walks.

Reservations for play dates at the Holland Dog Training Center are required to ensure appropriate number of puppies for proper play sessions.

Puppies can enjoy romping & playing with one another while being monitored by an experienced dog trainer. Questions & discussion on puppy raising is available during puppy playtime.

Play dates at the Training Center are $2 per puppy to help cover Meetup.Com fees.

2. Dog Walking Group: Meet other local Dog Owners. If you and your dog enjoy walking, hiking & socializing, join Toledo Dog Training’s Puppy Group & Dog Walking Group! All breeds and ages are welcome!
Free

Join Toledo Dog Training's Puppy & Dog Walking Group!

Toledo Therapy Dog Training

Our unique Therapy Dog Training Course prepares both the dog & owner/handler to become a registered Pet Partner through Delta Society! Delta Society is the only national registry that requires volunteer training and screening of animal/handler teams. Delta Society's Pet Partner Teams are able to assist in Animal-Assisted Activity and Animal Assisted Therapy programs. Teams can visit participating animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools and other facilities.
After graduation, we will help you connect with local facilities in your area.

Our Therapy Dog Training class focuses on preparing the handler and dog for the therapy environment. We will work on skills that include working around medical equipment, unpredictable circumstances, loud noises, distractions, medical scents & even have mock visits!

Prerequisite For Dogs: For dogs over 1 year & with owner for at least 6 months. Current Vaccines, This is an advanced-level course and all dogs should have their AKC Canine Good Citizen title within past 2 years. Please note: dogs that have been trained for any type of bite work cannot enroll.

Prerequisite For Handlers/Owner: Handler must be at least 10 years old to become a Pet Partner.

Class Details: 6-1hr classes, plus 1 Pet Partner evaluation & Delta Society's Pet Partners Team Manual (Manual value $42)

The price of the class also includes a Delta Society's Pet Partners evaluation and a Pet Partners Team Manual (required to become a Pet Partner).

Topics Covered: Determining stress and calming signals in your dog, ethics, liability, handling difficult situations, animal health & safety, interacting with special people, local therapy locations & joining a therapy dog group!

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

As a Registered Delta Society Pet Partner, you will receive:

• 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 to Toledo Therapy Dogs

Tentative 2009 Class Start Dates:
Wednesday January 7th 6pm & 7pm
Thursday April 16th 6pm & 7pm
Monday September 14th 6pm & 7pm

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