Thursday, May 31, 2012


UPDATES and NEW STUFF IN TURQUOISE!



The Puppy Party day is changing to Saturdays instead of Sundays for the summer!  The puppy party previously scheduled for Sunday, 6/3 at 2pm, is now Saturday 6/2 at 3:30pm instead for pups 6 months, and under, (the young“softer” players)!



NEW!!!  We have an “Older” puppy party on Saturday, 6/2 for pups 6 months and over (the older “rougher” players) at 4:30pm!



Each party will be 45 minutes and requires and invitation, so email soon to receive one to k9frend@earthlink.net.  Play is completely supervised and inappropriate play will not be tolerated!



NEW**** WE NOW HAVE STAFF HERE EVEN WHEN I AM NOT IN TOWN!  REMEMBER WE DO BOARDING FOR OUR STUDENTS and, NOW, pre-approved referrals!  If your dog has trained with us, and is dog and people/kid friendly, we are happy to discuss boarding options with you.  Evaluations are always free! If your dog is not “dog, people, or kid friendly,” or just needs some training, we are happy to discuss board and train options for your dog while you are traveling! If you are boarding, remember to bring food for your dog…bellies get upset when they change food AND have to adjust to a new environment!



STILL ROOM!!!!  This is an amazing dog sport that requires little or no obedience and no dog social skills, just a dog’s overwhelming desire to follow his/her NOSE!!! This is a great confidence builder for shy dogs and doesn’t require a lot of physical prowess so can be wonderful for older dogs too! 

INTRO TO K9 NOSEWORK IS HAPPENING in Burbank for beginners ON JUNE 24th for 6 classes... BUT THEY ARE NOT CONSECUTIVE as previously stated…. the first 5 are consecutive and then we are off on 7/29 due to a Nosework trial, then back for class 6 on 8/5.  I only have a few spaces left so please let me know if you will attend ASAP! All you need to do is fill out a registration and mail it in, or send in a PayPal registration.  If you are already on the list for next available class, please send me an email and verify that you still want to attend.  All dogs must be crated between turns at class, so you must bring a crate to participate. The dogs in this class do not socialize so it is not necessary to have a dog friendly dog, but the dog must be people friendly and in your control to and from the carJ UNLOAD YOUR CRATE AND EQUIPMENT FIRST AND AWAIT INSTRUCTION BEFORE UNLOADING YOUR DOG(S). MAKE SURE TO BE THERE A BIT EARLY FOR THE FIRST CLASS TO TURN IN PAPERWORK!



NEW CLASSES STARTING and still space available:








June 2nd Saturday at Tarzana Park Class is full for Tarzana for new students..   BUT WE ARE ADDING ANOTHER CLASS AT 8:30 AM!!!!  THE FIRST CLASS STUDENTS WILL COME AT 9:45AM and we will divide the group into two smaller ones!   Make sure you have a second choice listed in case this one fills up too!J

Advanced group… 8:30am –



Beginning……. 9:45 (will be split into two classes 8:30/9:45 after the first week)



Intermediate…… 11am may be cancelled due to low enrollment



June 6th at Wednesday Northridge park (very low enrollment- may postpone a few weeks)



Intermediate ….. 6:20



Beginning …… 7:30



June 18th Monday at Jesse Owens Mini Park (start date changed to 7/9 9:30am)



Beginning …… 9:30 am



Intermediate…… 10:30am may be cancelled due to low enrollment





July 8th Sunday at Colorwest Printing in Burbank



Beginning ….. 9am



Intermediate…10:15am





West Van Nuys Thursday nights: 

We will be starting an indoor/outdoor Beginning class in West Van Nuys Thursday nights with w/Bobby Harouni… we are planning to start on 7/12/12 and just finalizing details.  Space is limited …think of how nice and cool it will beJ

Rally will be at Pet Orphans with Jody!  You can sign up for that thru them!  We will be referring all Rally Students to Jody for nowJ

The A.K.C. Rally obedience classes will be suspended for the summer! Current student will be provided opportunities to continue with Jody at her new location! We will contact you separately if you are one of her current students. Jody has taken a position with Pet Orphans of Southern California, congratulations Jody! She will be adjusting to a very busy schedule in July and August. We will be working together with Jody and Pet Orphans to provide you the wonderful training to which you have become accustomed!





Our AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and S.T.A.R. Puppy test date has been changed to 7/29/12 at Tarzana Park …anyone can test! Testing is free for our Intermediate course graduates! The original date was 6/24 but there is a seminar that weekend I need to attend and I cannot do bothL



Any changes further changes and more details will be POSTED AT www.mybestfriendobedience.comand on the www.akc.org. make sure to stay tuned!





Accepting registrations NOW for all classes at www.mybestfriendobedience.com just click preregister for details.



It is looking like my “summer camp for kids and dogs”adventure may need to wait until next summer so I can plan better but please keep this in mind for next year and I promise to have the curriculum developed and permits needed by then! The SPCA in Long Beach has a program for those who don’t mind the travel.





Thank you for receiving this e-mailing! You and your dog are the most important thing to us! Our trainers are all eager and willing to help you, and if they don’t know an answer they will find out!  I want to take this opportunity to thank you for being a part of my life and that of My Best Friend Obedience! Our goal is to help you in any way we can, and while we do charge for our services, we are here for you! If you don’t get me in the office, try my cell. I don’t usually charge for phone help and am here to help with answers to your dog training/behavior questions!  There is no such thing as a stupid question… if you just need a shoulder to lean on with dog issues, or a referral, we are here. Our sincere goal is to help with the issues you have with your dog, and you can count on honest and straight forward information! When we can’t help we will get you a trainer who can!



ONE OF YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS IS HELPING IN THE OFFICE, SO IF I APPEAR TO BE MORE ORGANIZED IT IS NOT MY FAULT;-) I AM THE NEW BOOKKEEPER SO IF THE BOOKKEEPING IS WORSE… IT IS MY FAULT;-)



THANKS FOR CONTINUING TO RECEIVE THIS EMAIL… JUST REPLY TO OPT OUT OR FORWARD TO SOMEONE ELSE IN NEED!



Karen Reardon Taylor, CPDT-KA

Owner, Trainer and Behavior Counselor

Professional Charter Member or the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and  American Humane Association

AKC CGC and S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator

member Valley Hills Obedience Club


Reseda, CA

818 996 3647 or 866 996 3647

cell 818 720 3647

fax 818 996 0422


Friday, May 18, 2012

nosework is not consequetive (miss 7/29) and adding a class for beginning tarzana


The Puppy Party day is changing to Saturdays instead!  The puppy party now scheduled for Sunday, 6/3, is now Saturday 6/2 at 3:30pm instead of 2pm (in case of heat)… for pups 6 months, and under, (the young “softer” players)!  So now we are able to do an “Older” puppy party on Saturday, 6/2 for pups 6 months and over (the older “rougher” players) at 4:30pm!  Each party will be 45 minutes and requires and invitation, so email soon to receive one to k9frend@earthlink.net.  Play is completely supervised and inappropriate play will not be tolerated!


INTRO TO K9 NOSEWORK IS HAPPENING in Burbank for beginners ON JUNE 24th for 6  classes... BUT THEY ARE NOT CONSECUTIVE as previously stated.  the first 5 are consecutive and then we are off on 7/29 due to a Nosework trial, then back for class 6 on 8/5. I only have a few spaces left so please let me know if you will attend ASAP!  All you need to do is fill out a registration and mail it in, or send in a PayPal registration.  If you are already on the list for next available class, please send me an email and verify that you still want to attend.  All dogs must be crated between turns at class, so you must bring a crate to participate.  The dogs in this class do not socialize so it is not necessary to have a dog friendly dog, but the dog must be people friendly and in your control to and from the carJ  UNLOAD YOUR CRATE AND EQUIPMENT FIRST AND AWAIT INSTRUCTION BEFORE UNLOADING YOUR DOG(S).  MAKE SURE TO BE THERE A BIT EARLY FOR THE FIRST CLASS TO TURN IN PAPERWORK!

NEW CLASSES STARTING and still space available:




June 2nd Saturday at Tarzana Park

Advanced group… 8:30am

          Beginning……. 9:45
 full but we may add an 8:30 class

Intermediate…… 11am

June 6th at Wednesday Northridge park

Intermediate ….. 6:20

Beginning …… 7:30

June 18th Monday  at Jesse Owens Mini Park

Beginning …… 9:30 am

Intermediate …… 10:30am

This class is in danger of postponement due to lack of interest (I figured there would be a lot of kids wanting to do this class due to summer break)! let us know if you intend on joining this group and we may keep it goingJ



July 8th Sunday at Colorwest Printing in Burbank

Beginning ….. 9am

Intermediate…10:15am



Our AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and S.T.A.R. Puppy test date has been changed to 7/29/12 at Tarzana Park … anyone can test! Testing is free for our Intermediate course graduates!  The original date was 6/24 but  there is a seminar that weekend I need to attend and I cannot do bothL

Any changes further changes and more details will be POSTED AT www.mybestfriendobedience.com and on the www.akc.org .  make sure to stay tuned!

The A.K.C. Rally obedience classes will be suspended for the summer!    Current student will be provided opportunities to continue with Jody at her new location!  We will contact you separately if you are one of her current students.  Jody has taken a position with Pet Orphans of Southern California, congratulations Jody!  She will be adjusting to a very busy schedule in July and August.  We will be working together with Jody and Pet Orphans to provide you the wonderful training to which you have become accustomed!

Accepting registrations NOW for all classes at www.mybestfriendobedience.com  just click preregister for details.

It is looking like my “summer camp for kids and dogs” adventure may need to wait until next summer so I can plan better but please keep this in mind for next year and I promise to have the curriculum developed and permits needed by then!  The SPCA in Long Beach has a program for those who don’t mind the travel.

REMEMBER WE DO BOARDING FOR OUR STUDENTS!  If your dog has trained with us, and is dog and people/kid friendly, we are happy to discuss boarding options with you.  Evaluations are always free!  If your dog is not “dog, people, or kid friendly,” or just needs some training, we are happy to discuss board and train options while you travel!

Thank you for receiving this e-mailing!  You and your dog are the most important thing to us!  Our trainers are all eager and willing to help you, and if they don’t know an answer they will find out!  I want to take this opportunity to thank you for being a part of my life and that of My Best Friend Obedience!  Our goal is to help you in any way we can, and while we do charge for our services, we are here for you!  If you don’t get me in the office, try my cell.  I don’t usually charge for phone help and am here to help with answers to your dog training/behavior questions!  There is no such thing as a stupid question… if you just need a shoulder to lean on with dog issues, or a referral, we are here.  Our sincere goal is to help with the issues you have with your dog, and you can count on honest and straight forward information!  When we can’t help we will get you a trainer who can!

ONE OF YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS IS HELPING IN THE OFFICE, SO IF I APPEAR TO BE MORE ORGANIZED IT IS NOT MY FAULT;-)  I AM THE NEW BOOKKEEPER SO IF THE BOOKKEEPING IS WORSE… IT IS MY FAULT;-)

THANKS FOR CONTINUING TO RECEIVE THIS EMAIL…  JUST REPLY TO OPT OUT OR FORWARD TO SOMEONE ELSE IN NEED!



Major Brand Pet Foods Recalled Due To Salmonella

May 7, 2012 9:23:00 AMOn May 4, 2012, Diamond Pet Foods expanded a pet food recall due to possible salmonella contamination. More than a dozen people in several states may have been infected due to contact with contaminated pet food. Affected foods include specific lots of dry dog and cat food branded as:

Diamond Pet Food
Kirkland Signature (Costco brand)
Natural Balance
Wellness (WelPet LLC)
Canidae
Apex Pet Foods

These foods were widely distributed in the U.S. and Canada.

You can check your pet food to see if it has been recalled. Affected bags of food have best-before dates between December 9, 2012, and April 7, 2013. Recalled foods include:

· Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
· Country Value
· Diamond
· Diamond Naturals
· Premium Edge
· Professional
· 4Health
· Taste of the Wild
· Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Lamb
· Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Chicken
· Kirkland Signature Super Premium Mature Dog Chicken
· Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Dog Formulated with Chicken & Vegetables
· Kirkland Signature Super Premium Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula
· Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Cat Formula
· Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Formula for Dogs
· Wellness Complete Health® Super5Mix® Large Breed Puppy
· Canidae Dog, All Life Stages
· Canidae Dog, Chicken Meal & Rice
· Canidae Dog, Lamb Meal & Rice
· Canidae Dog, Platinum
· Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog
· Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog
· Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison Dog
· Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog
· Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Large Breed Bites
· Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Small Breed Bites

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can affect both animals and humans. Symptoms may include decreased appetite, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Pets and people who carry the disease can infect others, so if you or your pet are experiencing symptoms and you have purchased and used the affected dog food, take all due precaution and see a doctor and/or veterinarian. You can prevent spread of the disease by washing your hands thoroughly and following physician instructions.

If you have purchased one of the recalled pet foods, you should immediately stop feeding it to your animals, and contact the place you purchased the pet food from - refunds may be available. For complete information, visit the
Diamond Pet Foods recall page, the Costco pet product recall pages, the Natural Balance recall page, the Wellness recall page, the Canidae recall page, or the FDA's recall page, which has information on multiple brands in the Animal Health section. The CDC also has information on documented salmonella contamination.






Karen Reardon Taylor, CPDT-KA

Owner, Trainer and Behavior Counselor

Professional Charter Member or the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and  American Humane Association

AKC CGC and S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator

member Valley Hills Obedience Club


Reseda, CA

818 996 3647 or 866 996 3647

cell 818 720 3647

fax 818 996 0422




Tuesday, May 1, 2012


We have had a death in the family, not my direct family, but I won’t be able to do the Puppy Party this Sunday.  Instead it will be 5/5/12, Saturday, at 4:30pm.  So, if you will attend, make sure you have a reservation and invitation.  Send me a reply to this email to be sent an invitation.  The next pup party, after 5/5, is June 3rd…. currently scheduled for 2pm, this may change to 4pm due to heat.

Our AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and S.T.A.R. Puppy test date will be changed in the next few days… we are deciding the best date near the original date of 6/24.  Sorry if you already booked this date but there is a seminar that weekend I need to attend and I cannot do bothL   KEEP POSTED AT Www.mybestfriendobedience.com!

INTRO TO K9 NOSEWORK IS HAPPENING in Burbank for beginners ON JUNE 24th for 6 consecutive classes!  I only have a few spaces available so please let me know if you will attend ASAP!  All you need to do is fill out a registration and mail it in, or send in a PayPal registration.  If you are already on the list for next available class, please send me an email and verify that you still want to attend.  All dogs must be crated between turns at class, so you must bring a crate to participate.  The dogs in this class do not socialize so it is not necessary to have a dog friendly dog, but the dog must be people friendly and in your control to and from the carJ

The A.K.C. Rally obedience classes will be suspended for the summer!  We will do our best to come up with some work for the current students, but Jody has taken a position with Pet Orphans of Southern California, congratulations Jody!  She will be adjusting to a very busy schedule in July and August.  She has vowed to come back in September and teach the Rally classes again …so don’t worry; you will be back in the saddle again soon!

Accepting registrations NOW for all classes!  June and July start dates are posted on the website at www.mybestfriendobedience.com, but the following is a list of the ones coming up soon:

The next class coming up is 6/2/12, Tarzana Park, Saturday morning at 9:45 for beginning.  The advanced class has changed to 8:30am from 11am!  The intermediate is now at 11am, so if you wanted to sleep in… this one is for you!

The next on the schedule is the 7:30pm beginning class at Northridge Park on 6/6/12… the intermediate is usually just before that at 6:20pm.

The West Van Nuys class at Jesse Owens Mini Park at 10am on 6/18.  This class may be moved to 9am if it is too hot!  Currently, there is only a beginning level course at this location… if the demand is there we will offer an intermediate level immediately following beginning!

The Burbank class starts again in July on the 8th (same date as the puppy party for July) for beginning and intermediate levels…see the website for details.

It is looking like my “summer camp for kids and dogs” adventure may need to wait until next summer so I can plan better but please keep this in mind for next year and I promise to have the curriculum developed and permits needed by then!  The SPCA in Long Beach has a program for those who don’t mind the travel.

REMEMBER WE DO BOARDING FOR OUR STUDENTS!  If your dog has trained with us, and is dog and people/kid friendly, we are happy to discuss boarding options with you.  Evaluations are always free!  If your dog is not “dog, people, or kid friendly,” or just needs some training, we are happy to discuss board and train options while you travel!



Thank you for receiving this e-mailing!  You and your dog are the most important thing to us!  Our trainers are all eager and willing to help you, and if they don’t know an answer they will find out!  I want to take this opportunity to thank you for being a part of my life and that of My Best Friend Obedience!  Our goal is to help you in any way we can, and while we do charge for our services, we are here for you!  If you don’t get me in the office, try my cell.  I don’t usually charge for phone help and am here to help with answers to your dog training/behavior questions!  There is no such thing as a stupid question… if you just need a shoulder to lean on with dog issues, or a referral, we are here.  Our sincere goal is to help with the issues you have with your dog, and you can count on honest and straight forward information!  When we can’t help we will get you a trainer who can!

ONE OF YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS IS HELPING IN THE OFFICE, SO IF I APPEAR TO BE MORE ORGANIZED IT IS NOT MY FAULT;-)  I AM THE NEW BOOKKEEPER SO IF THE BOOKKEEPING IS WORSE IT IS MY FAULT;-)

Last Sunday’s Puppy Party was a blast! The next one will be 5/5 Saturday at 4:30pm, then 6/3 Sunday, at 4pm, then 7/8 Sunday at 4pm!

Our Beginning/Novice A.K.C. Rally Obedience Class in Burbank has been so popular that we have had to add an Advanced/Excellent course!

Jody’s students are winning titles! 

Our next Burbank Class is Sunday Morning, 7/8 for Beginning, Intermediate and Rally Obedience

Tarzana Park Classes start Saturday Morning, 6/2 for Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of Obedience

Northridge Park Wednesday night obedience class is set to start on 6/6 for Beginning and Intermediate levels

Balboa Park, Encino, Thursday night class for Focus on Agility is 6/7

And West Van Nuys Monday morning class will be happening 6/18, this is a Beginning Obedience course only for now!

We are still working on a location for the next Intro to Nosework class… the issue is we need a bit more space for class!  a good size open area 20 x 20 with a place for observers (there are usually 6 in a class) and a place for students to park with dogs in their cars in crates close by or a place for them to crate the dogs inside away from the training area! if anyone know of a fenced or indoor area that is safe and rentable,please let us know!  if it works out, you will be given a proper biscuit. We are looking for a Saturday location…but weekday evening could work too!