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DOG TRAINING STUDENT ELLEN MORROW MAKES PEOPLE FEEL BETTER WITH HER DOG CHARLEY

We wish you the best and brightest holiday season and hope your new year is better than you can ever imagine. Remember to kiss your family and tell them you love them, even the furry and feathered ones, as often as possible and value every day you have with them! Never feel guilty for the time you don't have, just cherish every moment you do! Always give thanks that you have another day to make better than the last one and do unto others as you would hope they do unto you! Be safe and enjoy! Thank you for being in our lives! We truly treasure our relationship with you and yours and wish you a prosperous new year! Love and best wish wishes for the coming year, Karen, Doug and Bryce Taylor - Dec. 2010

A note from Danielle and Brooklyn,  Thank you so much for all of your support, efforts, and prayers while my little girl was gone.  I got her back after 28 and 1/2 hours on Saturday night at 9:30 pm.  It took what felt like a village to get her back, and it took me being a relentless detective to bring her home, but it was well worth it.  I wanted to share with all of you what happened, because I think it could help anyone who has lost or had a pet stolen.  After some serious PI work, I found out that there were 4 witnesses that had seen Brooklyn get taken from right outside my apartment front doors.  They were kind enough to provide me with the details of what had happened, and a very detailed description of the woman who took her.  They also said that they would provide a statement to the police and could positively identify her if they saw her again.  So with that information, I went to the police station and filed a police report.  I learned that if anyone finds a dog, collar or no collar, you have 6 hours to bring that animal to an animal shelter to have it scanned for a microchip and document it as a found dog.  You do not have to relinquish the dog to the shelter, but it does need to be reported properly.  If you fail to do so within those 6 hours, it automatically becomes a crime and is considered stolen property.  If the animal is valued at over $400.00 or you have proof that you have spent at least that amount of money on the dog, it then becomes Grand Theft and a felony!!!  With this information, I re-made all of my "missing" posters to "Stolen Dog" posters and put in bold letters on them, that a police report has been filed and that the suspect can be identified.  This is what got my girl home!  Within an hour of replacing my old signs with the new ones, in the same exact places that they were for 24 hours, I got my one and only phone call.  It was a woman who said her friend saw the poster and took a picture of it on his phone and sent it to her.  Long story short, she said the dog she had looked like Brooklyn, but that she was in Orange County with her.  I LIVE IN WEST LA!!!!  She said that she would be back in LA later that night.  I told her she was micro chipped and she told me that she didn't think she was because she couldn't feel it!! I told her to meet me at the vet to have her microchip scanned if she wanted definitive proof that she was my dog.  I wanted to jump out of my skin!  She never called again, and when we finally called her, she was already back in LA, and at the vet's office waiting to have her microchip scanned.  I rushed to the office and there was the exact woman the witnesses had descried with my baby in her lap!!  She told us this BS story about how she found Brooklyn, which was a total lie.  She would have kept her, sold her, or given her away, if my scare tactics had not worked.  Posting on the sign that she could be identified and that the police were involved, as well as telling her that Brooklyn was micro chipped was enough to scare her into bringing her back.  I walked away with my dog, and if my sister wasn't there, I would have beaten the crap out of this woman and pressed charges.  So just a warning to all my fellow dog owners and lovers out there, there are some really shady and awful people around, so be so careful!!  If you have a stolen animal, be persistent, never give up, and continue to question, question, question, everyone you can.  Don't be afraid to go to the police, they actually will help.  If you keep pursuing everyone and everything, people get scared, and it is your best chance of getting your pet back.  I am so relieved to have my girl home, and I have not let her leave my arms!  LOL. Thank you so much!!  AND I WANT TO PERSONALLY THANK ALL OF YOU WHO HELPED PASS THE WORD HERE, AND WITH THE RESCUES...THANKS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!

Kuvasz Inga Delaporte (one of our alumni) with her "co-workers” at Dr. Carol Marienthal-Skaar’s office  - Toluca Burbank Dog and Cat Hospital!  They received Best in Burbank honors in the local paper!

RALLY OBEDIENCE At Burbank/ North Hollywood location is scheduled to begin on October 30th at Noon at the North Hollywood/Burbank location! Now offered at MBFO, one of our newest trainers, Jody, at the helm. She has loads of experience and can’t wait for you to join up! This is obedience made fun! if you are looking to compete in obedience but don’t like the drudgery of the usual practicing for obedience competition events and you want to be able to praise your dog during competition…this may be for you. INTERMEDIATE CLASS AT BURBANK Jody will also be teaching an Intermediate/CGC obedience course in the East section of the SFV right after Bobby’s Beginning course… at 10:30 am…if you’ve been waiting, here it is! Starting on Sunday, 10/30 CALENDAR PROBLEMS If you have scheduled a private session and I did not show up…(it only happened once that I know of)… I am blaming GOOGLE! Yes, I have been trying to automate and use an electronic calendar that allows me to schedule on my phone and on line! It also allows you to see my availability and while there are some glitches it does seem to work for the most part so I am trying to get past the learning curve… please be patient and if I am not there when I am supposed to be call or email ahead just to confirm and I am trying to do the same! FOCUS ON AGILITY (obedience class teaching focus for the agility bound) currently has no registrants, so we aren’t planning to be there on Monday night. Let us know if you are coming otherwise we will cancel this go round and see you in November on Tuesday night the 8th at 7:15! Make sure you register in advance. PUPPY PARTY PUPPY PARTY THIS WEEKEND!!!!! SUNDAY, 11/6, at 2pm please email me at k9frend@earthlink.net for an invitation, no pups over 6 months or under 3 months and all pups must be healthy and have two sets of vaccines! You are welcome to attend this event even without your pup! I can’t wait to see you all! NOTE THE TIME CHANGE OF THE PUPPY PARTY TO 2PM!!!! THE NEXT PUPPY PARTY is on SUNDAY, 12/11, at 2pm. These parties are at my home so an invite is required, address is NOT on this website so contact us to request and invite! AKC CGC/STAR PUPPY TESTING This Sunday 9/25 from 9 am – 11 am at Tarzana Park! No reservation necessary, first come first served! You must bring your graduation certificate if you are a graduate entitled to free testing (you can also call the office for an emailed facsimile) or pay a $20 fee .. yes, I misquoted the fee last time… it is now $20 for non-graduates. Dog Show Tour OCTOBER 1ST Ever wanted to go “backstage” at a dog show and see in person some of the unique looking dogs you’ve seen on TV? Curious about some of the various sports open to you and your dog? Looking for a fun and educational outing for you and your kids? Oct 1 and 2, at L.A. Valley College, 5800 Fulton Avenue in Van Nuys, the Burbank Kennel Club will be holding their annual dog show and My Best Friend Obedience Trainer Jody Davidson has offered to lead a group around the show. Jody has shown dogs for more than 40 years and was an AKC Judge. She’ll be exhibiting a Clumber Spaniel at the show. She has promised visits to the grooming areas, some question and answer time with a Professional Handler, a full explanation of how dogs are judged as well as stops at the many vendors of dog food, toys, treats and equipment where great bargains can be found. This program is FREE OF CHARGE to current and former MBFO clients. Interested? Feel free to e-mail Jody at chicagodavidsons@yahoo.com for more details. BEGINNING, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LEVEL OBEDIENCE CLASSES are starting in October which is now just a few weeks away! We just started our Monday daytime class at 10 am, which will be at Jesse Owens Park in West van nuys. We have a wonderful group of all pups (by the old TAMS PET FOOD, yes they are moving to TAMPA and VANOWEN…make sure to go over and visit after 10/1 or hit the store now for moving sales)! The Wednesday night NORTHRIDGE PARK CLASS will happen on 10/5 with beginning level class at 7:30 pm, and maybe a 6:20 pm intermediate, if you get your registrations in soon. Beginning class is already filling up … we will not have class on 10/12 because I will be at the APDT conference. The SATURDAY class at Tarzana Park will have all three levels of training (beginning 9:45 am, intermediate 8:30 am and advanced at 11 am) starting on 10/22 … these classes are already filling up as well! The Sunday classes in our North Hollywood/Burbank location will begin on 10/23 starting with Bobby’s beginning at 9 am, followed by Jody’s intermediate at 10:30 am, and Rally Obedience at Noon!

FOCUS ON AGILITY  By My Best Friend Obedience in conjunction with Jump City Agility currently has no registrants, so we aren’t planning to be there on Monday night. Let us know if you are coming otherwise we will cancel this go round and see you in November on Tuesday night the 8th at 7:15! Make sure you register in advance.   Focus on agility classes monthly for 4 weeks at 7:15 at Balboa Park by the agility classes! The class starting day changes to allow all to participate. Currently this class has no registrants, so we aren’t planning to be there on Monday night. Let us know if you are coming otherwise we will cancel this go round and see you in November on Tuesday night the 8th at 7:15! Make sure you register in advance.   WE WILL ONLY TAKE 8 DOGS IN A CLASS SO SIGN UP NOW! TO REGISTER PRINT THE REGISTRATION FORM OR PAY BY PAYPAL. (If we fill up we will start a waiting list for a 6pm or 8pm class). THE FEE FOR THIS CLASS IS $90.00 for the 4 week series.  (Mail in a check or pay cash for $5 off)   (we meet at Balboa Park by the West End of the parking lot by the agility classes) THESE MONTHLY OBEDIENCE COURSES WILL HELP YOU AND YOUR CANINE COMPANION BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE AT AGILITY CLASS.  Some of the skills we will "hone" are:  Focus, Watch-me, Here/Come (Toward handler), Turn (away from handler), Targeting (a particular item), Touch (hand touch), Sit/Down-Stay skills with distractions, Wait/Stop (on a contact for example), Leave-it (sniffing treats dropped, etc.), Hand directing, Heel on left or on right, and whatever else YOU want to work on.  For info call 818 996-3647

We have decided to do AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy testing like we do Canine Good Citizen CGC testing, quarterly ... so we will test for S.T.A.R. Puppy in February, 2011, along with the CGC students (intermediate level). CGC TESTING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EVEN IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE OUR CLASS AND THE FEE IS $15. We require students to do beginning obedience plus 2 puppy parties (or private socializing appointment) to get the requirements for  S.T.A.R. Puppy testing! If you want to acquire the skills for the CGC test, enroll in our intermediate course (prerequisite is beginning level obedience). For more details go to www.akc.org and type "star puppy" into the search engine to find a printable brochure!  Here is the outline:  20 STEPS To Success: The AKC S.T.A.R. PuppySM TEST OWNER BEHAVIORS: 1. Maintains puppy's health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy) 2. Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge 3. Owner describes adequate daily play and exercise plan 4. Owner and puppy attend at least 6 classes by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator 5. Owner brings bags to classes for cleaning up after puppy 6. Owner has obtained some form of ID for puppy-collar tag, etc. PUPPY BEHAVIORS: 7. Free of aggression toward people during at least 6 weeks of class 8. Free of aggression toward other puppies in class 9. Tolerates collar or body harness of owner’s choice 10. Owner can hug or hold puppy (depending on size) 11. Puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy PRE-CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® TEST BEHAVIORS 12. Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner 13. Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet) 14.Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps) 15.Walks by other people-Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away 16. Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure 17. Down on command-Owner may use a food lure 18. Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called 19. Reaction to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away 20. Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns) American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership. American Kennel Club 8051 Arco Corporate Drive Raleigh,NC 27617 www.akc.org (919) 233-9767 info@akc.org For more information on AKC S.T.A.R. PuppySM, contact starpuppy@akc.org GK9S13 (09/08) AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPYSM PROGRAM _ S OCIALIZATION _ T RAINING _ A CTIVITY _ R ESPONSIBILITY

THE Puppy Party 

I met a trainer, he actually approached me about interning a few years back, and he said he had this cool website where puppy owners could host puppy parties at their location for other pups to help socialize them.  I thought to myself, what a great idea!  So we are doing one here at My Best Friend Obedience on August 21st and September 25th. All will be held on Sunday afternoon at 4pm.  You will need to call the office or email to be put on the list to attend and get directions.

Enrollees will need to sign a release form and bring their puppies current vaccine records (even if they are not complete), a copy of the last veterinary report, or something current giving your pup a clean bill of health, bring a pair of rarely used shoes to change into so you don't bring in any diseases on your feet.  And please bring a clean pup that has not been to a dog park or walked frequently in public areas, we want to keep risk of disease non-existent.  Donations for the hostess are welcome.  If your puppy has ANYTHING (cold, mange, fleas, worms, or if he might have something) he/she will not be welcome, sorry, maybe next time.  No puppies over 5 months old please!  No pups younger than 9 weeks. RSVP required!

Check out our latest puppy party pictures ~> click here
for even more clips click links below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwAH4UMfp4Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwAH4UMfp4Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md64SXOCJEw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1rUwe_pKPI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8mS1Luul_k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSQarJ2QCyg

Protect Your Pet and Keep LA Healthy.

Today, dog owners must be extra careful about maintaining their dog's health and preventing their pet from being exposed to disease.  There are two life-threatening diseases known as Canine Parvovirus and Canine Distemper that are increasingly reaching the digestive systems of our healthy pets.  These diseases can cause dogs to have partial or total paralysis, irreparable nerve damage, vomiting and diarrhea.  Without catching the disease early enough or providing your pet with extensive hospitalization, death may occur within 72 hours.  There is also a parasite known as Giardia, which not only affects dogs, but also causes humans to have diarrhea and abdominal pain.  Although Giardia is easier to treat, it also is more prevalent throughout communities. 

Recently, the South Los Angeles Animal Shelter discovered a Giardia breakout, which resulted in 30-40 dogs being infected. Fortunately none of the pets had to be euthanized, as all infected dogs were promptly treated.  Dr. Steven Feldman, of Los Angeles Animal Services, stated "The transferring of Giardia can be from animal to animal, person to person, animal to person or person to animal.  Prevention is based on good sanitation practices to prevent ingestion of any feces, contaminated food, water, or objects.  It is important to dispose of waste materials in such a way that they cannot contaminate surface or ground water." 

The increased spreading of such diseases is in part due to pet owners not picking up after their dogs.  That's right!  When someone doesn't pick up after their dog, your pet's chances of getting infected with one of these diseases are increased. 

As a matter of fact, not picking up after your dog is also very harmful to the environment.  Unattended dog waste gets unintentionally washed down into our storm drain system when it rains. This toxic mix of dog waste and water then flows untreated into our local waterways and ocean.  The bacteria found in the fecal matter affects our aquatic life, the tourism industry, our economy, and those who swim at our beaches.  This is a consequence that can negatively impact not only our pet's health, but our own health as well. 

Don't let what happened in the South Los Angeles Animal Shelter take place in your neighborhood.  It is important that as dog owners, we do our part and pick up after our pet and remind our neighbors and friends to do the same.  This is especially important because if your neighbor isn't picking up after their dog, you and your healthy pet has the potential to be affected by their negligence.  Remember to do the right thing.  Pick up after your dog and continue to protect our pets and the environment. 

For more information on how you can help prevent Stormwater pollution, please call 1-800-974-9794 or visit www.lastormwater.org

CGC Training/Testing
CGC Test Items

f you are interested in taking a canine good citizen (CGC) test, October 1, 2011 from 9:00am to 11:00am, AT TARZANA PARK (SEE TARZANA CLASS LOCATION) Anyone can attend and take the test.

My best friend obedience students who graduated from intermediate level class but did not yet take the test, or who have not passed the test, may participate for FREE, please bring your graduation certificate or email in advance so that we may verify your eligibility!

all others who want to take the test must pay $15.00. 

students must email in advance and let us know that you are planning to attend, then we will take all others on a first come first served basis until 11:30.

HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON IF WE don't SEE YOU BEFORE THEN!

I have listed the test criteria below for your convenience

Before taking the Canine Good Citizen test, owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge. We believe that responsible dog ownership is a key part of the CGC concept and by signing the pledge, owners agree to take care of their dog's health needs, safety, exercise, training and quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by doing things such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting dogs infringe on the rights of others.

After signing the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, owners and their dogs are ready to take the CGC Test. Items on the Canine Good Citizen Test include:

Test 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. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

Test 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. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 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. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.

Test 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. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.

Test 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 (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.

Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.

Test 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. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g, "there, there, it's alright").

Equipment

All tests must be performed on leash. Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or slip collars made of leather, fabric, or chain. Special training collars such as pinch collars, head halters, etc. are not permitted in the CGC test. We recognize that special training collars may be very useful tools for beginning dog trainers, however, we feel that dogs are ready to take the CGC test at the point at which they are transitioned to regular collars.

The evaluator supplies a 20-foot lead for the test. The owner/handler should bring the dog's brush or comb to the test.

Encouragement

Owners/handlers may use praise and encouragement throughout the test. The owner may pet the dog between exercises. Food and treats are not permitted during testing, nor is the use of toys, squeaky toys, etc. to get the dog to do something. We recognize that food and toys may provide valuable reinforcement or encouragement during the training process but these items should not be used during the test.

Failures - Dismissals

Any dog that eliminates during testing must be marked failed. The only exception to this rule is that elimination is allowable in test Item 10, but only when test Item 10 is held outdoors.

Any dog that growls, snaps, bites, attacks, or attempts to attack a person or another dog is not a good citizen and must be dismissed from the test

For more information see http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm
 

Obediently yours,
Karen Taylor
(818) 996-3647