Updates to schedules and items of interest to My Best Friend Obedience students and website visitors
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
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Thursday, February 15, 2018
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Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Sunday, December 24, 2017
The Night before...
'Twas the night before Christmas, all through Channel Islands
Not a creature was stirring, not even Sea Lions;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that the Amazon truck would be there!
Bryce was nestled all snug in his bed,
While remote control skateboards danced in his head ;
And, Karen, in her 'kerchief, and Doug in his hat,
Had just settled down for a little nightcap,
When out on the sand there arose such a clatter,
I spilled my drink rushing to see what was the matter.
And then on the way, while I tripped and I splashed,
I Tore open the Door, my drink landed on Crash!
The moon on the crest of a blue foamy wave,
Gave the luster of mid-day thru a beach foggy haze,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a glowing exhaust plume from some space bound rocketeer
With a sonic boom vibrating strong in my ear …
It couldn’t be Saint Nick with eight tiny reindeer??
More rapid than eagles, the coursers they bounded
Could it be North Korea, or Aliens, we pondered?
"Call neighbors! Call Family! Call Crash and Snickers!
Should we run, or is it just DONNER and BLITZEN?
To the top of the house! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!
We’ve watched with high hopes, fires and hurricanes fly,
When we meet with an obstacle, we collectively sigh,
Oh please bring us some peace and some cheer this season,
and no more disasters, no matter the reason.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the net..
The loud sonic booms had just been SPACEX!
As I drew in my breath, and was turning around,
The Falcon 9 light show was sure to astound!
It was just in that moment, just then, I remembered
We should not live in fear, but rejoice this December
Be thankful what we have, and for those we hold dear
And live in the moment to enjoy what is here!
Just then, all in fur, from their head to their paw,
My four footed’s reminded me to live life in AWE;
It’s not about presents or boxes under cover
But it is the fun, love and caring for each other!
So whether it’s the light show from Pacific collection …
Or SPACEX, or Santa, headed in your direction …
Remember to share it with those that you love
And add a small prayer for help from above!
As we marvel and enjoy each day we’ve been given
We are thankful for those who make it worth living
Our wish for you all as our own dreams take flight…
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!
The Taylors!
Not a creature was stirring, not even Sea Lions;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that the Amazon truck would be there!
Bryce was nestled all snug in his bed,
While remote control skateboards danced in his head ;
And, Karen, in her 'kerchief, and Doug in his hat,
Had just settled down for a little nightcap,
When out on the sand there arose such a clatter,
I spilled my drink rushing to see what was the matter.
And then on the way, while I tripped and I splashed,
I Tore open the Door, my drink landed on Crash!
The moon on the crest of a blue foamy wave,
Gave the luster of mid-day thru a beach foggy haze,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a glowing exhaust plume from some space bound rocketeer
With a sonic boom vibrating strong in my ear …
It couldn’t be Saint Nick with eight tiny reindeer??
More rapid than eagles, the coursers they bounded
Could it be North Korea, or Aliens, we pondered?
"Call neighbors! Call Family! Call Crash and Snickers!
Should we run, or is it just DONNER and BLITZEN?
To the top of the house! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!
We’ve watched with high hopes, fires and hurricanes fly,
When we meet with an obstacle, we collectively sigh,
Oh please bring us some peace and some cheer this season,
and no more disasters, no matter the reason.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the net..
The loud sonic booms had just been SPACEX!
As I drew in my breath, and was turning around,
The Falcon 9 light show was sure to astound!
It was just in that moment, just then, I remembered
We should not live in fear, but rejoice this December
Be thankful what we have, and for those we hold dear
And live in the moment to enjoy what is here!
Just then, all in fur, from their head to their paw,
My four footed’s reminded me to live life in AWE;
It’s not about presents or boxes under cover
But it is the fun, love and caring for each other!
So whether it’s the light show from Pacific collection …
Or SPACEX, or Santa, headed in your direction …
Remember to share it with those that you love
And add a small prayer for help from above!
As we marvel and enjoy each day we’ve been given
We are thankful for those who make it worth living
Our wish for you all as our own dreams take flight…
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!
The Taylors!
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Emotional support dogs need training. To anyone who thinks they can just adopt or purchase a dog, get a doctors note, buy a vest, and your dog can be an emotional support dog, you are technically right ... but you are wrong. These dogs need training, they have to hold their excrement in public places, they cannot be aggressive with ANYTHING. They cannot visit other people and animals without permission. They cannot bark at ANYTHING. They cannot chase ANYTHING. Please dont allow your "comfort" dog to be a discomfort dog to others! You cannot just get a dog and make it an emotional support dog and do whatever you want.... sorry! If this is not what you want to hear... or this offends you, sorry! If you all carry on "cheating" in this manner, you will eventually ruin it for all emotional support dogs that are really needed by some people, and are well trained so they dont bother others! And dont even get me started on collecting State Disability when you are not disabled ... Seriously folks, it is like chewing gum before you get pulled over to cover up that you've been drinking! Everyone knows, really! You aren't fooling anyone... we can tell by how your dog behaves. I get about 20 requests a week to help people make their dog a "service" dog (they mean emotional support which is different). Prior to this being a "thing," i got one request a month for help training emotional support dogs ... i guess in the last year there has been an epidemic of people with panic attacks and post traumatic stress disorder? No? Just saying...
www.mybestfriendobedience.com
www.mybestfriendobedience.com
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
my best friend obedience: Sometimes it is 'what' you say AND 'how' you say i...
my best friend obedience: Sometimes it is 'what' you say AND 'how' you say i...: Student Question: Ok, since Saturday (when you mentioned be careful of double meanings with commands) I've caught myself using "c...
Sometimes it is 'what' you say AND 'how' you say it!
Or what should I tell him?
ANSWER:
Sounds like you are asking, "What do I say when I
want my dog to stop sniffing a bush".
This is a fun question. Certainly makes one
think! Words are important!
“LEAVE-IT” is fine here, BUT some people like to
differentiate between stuff that is always forbidden (I use
“LEAVE-IT” or “NO”), and stuff that you don’t want him to have now.
(I still use LEAVE-IT, but I also use THAT’S ENOUGH, depending on the
context. I try not to use “NO” for stuff that I may let them have/do
later, but I am not perfect). Confusing? Yes, a bit! Do my dogs get
confused when I don’t use the right command? Yes, sometimes they do!
Don’t get so bogged down by the details you don’t say a
command when you need to, but think (like Sharon did) about being clear for
your dog’s sake.
For example... a burger wrapper on the ground may always
be forbidden (“No” or “Leave it,” maybe “Yucky”) but a biscuit may not be
forbidden, “Leave-it” , unless I don’t know where it came from, then it may be,
“NO”. For me usually tone plays a part here!
Sniffing a bush usually isn’t forbidden, unless in your
world it is NEVER ok to sniff a bush... so in my world, the word is
"That’s Enough" but, for me, "Leave-it" would not be
incorrect. I may use “That’s Enough” for barking too, or looking at
another dog … and I may use “NO!” if they are sniffing roadkill, or paying
looking at a snake passing at a distance on a trail, or see an aggressive dog
across the street, but I may also use “Leave-it.”
The answer is, there always room for improvement! I
try to use my tone to define what I need from my dogs at the moment, but strive
to better than me. Practice makes perfect. Clarity is
important for people, and dogs. I know, it isn’t black and white and that
is challenging…
Words can be tricky.. the easiest solution is to create a
glossary of terms for yourself that use for training, and post on the fridge with
definitions and uses. Read them often! Say it in a sentence?
Can you recall that word on the fly? What about your family?
I hope I answered the questions.
Happy training!
Here are a few from my list:
Sit-butt and front feet on ground
Down – check and front and back elbow on the ground, from
down I sometimes say “get comfortable” meaning to shift the back legs at the
very least you may be here awhile or “dead dog” for on your side and head down.
Bow – front elbows on the ground
Head down – chin on the ground or chair or my lap
depending on where the dogs is
Come – come to me
Front- sit front and center facing me up close to my
feet/legs until given a new command or released.
Heel – go to my left and remain there until given a new
command or released. Sit/down if I am stopped and walk if I walk unless
you are told to stay or I leave on my right foot.
Stand – on all four feet
Leave-it – don’t touch that (usually something they
cannot have at the moment)
Take it – pick that up
Find it – hunt for whatever we are hiding or playing with
(could be a scent)
Stay – Don’t move from the position you are in until
released or given a new command. My dogs are allowed to lie down if I
leave them a long time without release.
Let’s go – release from wait when leaving to walk, or
move along on a walk away from something.
ALL DONE! – release from any command, you are free to go
for now until a new command comes.
Hup up – get up on this!
Speak – bark
Wave – move front paw in air, other one to switch
paws
Paw – give me front paw, other one to switch paws
Roll over – obvious.
There’s more but you get it….
Then there are environmental cues like don’t leave the
yard and don’t leave the house and don’t jump on guests (when mom is watching,
lol) follow me on a walk
Monday, January 16, 2017
Common mistakes that new pet owners make when they first get a dog… and why paying attention to the body language of your dog is the best way to begin the making of the perfect pet!
Doing too much and overwhelming the dog with the best of intentions:
We have all heard that it is good to socialize your dog properly from the beginning. Keep in mind if you just got a dog from a rescue, or from owners who didn’t have time for the dog, or a new puppy, you want to start small and pay attention to the dog. Do a little research and find out what you dog’s body language means (Dr. Sophia Yin has some wonderful quick references). Spend some time watching your dog and practicing reading the various signals so you aren’t trying figure it out for the first time out in the real world. Then start small. It is that simple! Go to a quiet park when you first get the dog, not a street festival! Go to the vet and groomer for a visit, not an appointment. Go to the pet store for a quick biscuit, then leave, do it on a weekday. Please don’t confuse “shut down” with being O.K. Start with a friendly dog that you know well for dog introductions, not the dog park. If your dog has unexpected reactions, don’t wait, please consult a professional. This is one reason why we do groups :-)
Keeping the pet sequestered for too long because they seem scared:
We don’t want to push a pup to do more than they are comfortable doing but keeping them in the house for 3 or 4 months, and not venturing out or resuming your normal schedule, is too long! Call and invite friends over, a lot, keep your dog on leash with you so they can’t run and hide and don’t force introductions, just pet, play with or treat your dog during the visit to keep things fresh and fun. Watch that body-language and try to keep your own apprehension out of things. Keep it short and try again tomorrow. Consult a professional if the fear doesn’t seem to subside. This is one reason why we do Private training in home.
Thinking that guarding food, toys, or space is ok:
Let sleeping dogs lie? Don’t touch a dog while he is eating or has a bone? Good advice in general, but not my dog! It is never ok for a dog to guard food, toys or sleeping space. The last thing we need is someone to get bit reaching for that “favorite” ball, or moving the food bowl out of the way, or a bone. BUT, please don’t just take stuff away because they guard it, it will make the guarding worse! AND, don’t just trade it, repeatedly, for a treat. Never take a thing from a dog, but you can take the dog from the thing. People get bit by reaching under a dog guarding something, or under a table to get a dog in general. Again, watch that body language. You can start off trading for a treat, to get the item away from your dog, but proper training of leave it is key, and teaching your dog not to touch inappropriate items. As well as teaching your dog it is always more fun to let you have the item then to hunker down and guard it from you. This requires professional intervention if you are still having an issue with it with an adult dog, but don’t wait, it is easier to fix with a pup! This is one reason we specialize in aggression issues.
Giving the dog everything it wants because she/he had a horrible life locked in a cage at the rescue:
You cannot right all the wrongs done to dogs by giving them everything they want. If you do you will often create a monster. Don’t get me wrong, some owners are fine with letting the dog on the furniture, letting them roam the entire house, bark and jump at guests and passers-by, leaving a full bowl all the time, pulling on the leash, etc., I hear it all the time, “we are fine with all that stuff, if the dog would just listen when we tell it to do something.” And, there is the problem! If your dog wants for nothing, there is no incentive to comply with your wishes… But, if your dog knows you control stuff, it can be different. I know, your dog should do it because it loves you, after all that’s why you give it everything it wants! But I don’t think most dogs see it that way. For dogs it is simple, you work for stuff you don’t have, not stuff you’ve already got, unless there is a chance you may need to guard what you’ve already got for fear of losing it, which we already discussed! Watch your dog’s body language, does your dog perk his ears and turn his head to see what you want, in anticipation of the next fun interaction you will have together? Or ignore you entirely and continue doing something that he/she finds more gratifying? Remember I am not saying you shouldn’t “give” it; it is just how you give it that is the key! Relax with guests to get attention, not barking at other dogs to get to go visit them faster, be invited up onto furniture because you ask nicely, chew your own toys for attention, work hard to get your food from a toy or your owner, these are just a few things to do instead that will make you and your dog even happier than giving it away!
We are here to help you learn how to protect your dog from harm when you cannot supervise, to get your dog to potty in the right place, to overcome fear or aggression issues, to teach your dog to earn what you have to offer, and in turn you will earn the undying respect and love of your new dog! If you are interested in learning more, or how to implement the tools given to you above… please call us at 818 996 3647 or contact us through our website at www.mybestfriendobedience.com!
Doing too much and overwhelming the dog with the best of intentions:
We have all heard that it is good to socialize your dog properly from the beginning. Keep in mind if you just got a dog from a rescue, or from owners who didn’t have time for the dog, or a new puppy, you want to start small and pay attention to the dog. Do a little research and find out what you dog’s body language means (Dr. Sophia Yin has some wonderful quick references). Spend some time watching your dog and practicing reading the various signals so you aren’t trying figure it out for the first time out in the real world. Then start small. It is that simple! Go to a quiet park when you first get the dog, not a street festival! Go to the vet and groomer for a visit, not an appointment. Go to the pet store for a quick biscuit, then leave, do it on a weekday. Please don’t confuse “shut down” with being O.K. Start with a friendly dog that you know well for dog introductions, not the dog park. If your dog has unexpected reactions, don’t wait, please consult a professional. This is one reason why we do groups :-)
Keeping the pet sequestered for too long because they seem scared:
We don’t want to push a pup to do more than they are comfortable doing but keeping them in the house for 3 or 4 months, and not venturing out or resuming your normal schedule, is too long! Call and invite friends over, a lot, keep your dog on leash with you so they can’t run and hide and don’t force introductions, just pet, play with or treat your dog during the visit to keep things fresh and fun. Watch that body-language and try to keep your own apprehension out of things. Keep it short and try again tomorrow. Consult a professional if the fear doesn’t seem to subside. This is one reason why we do Private training in home.
Thinking that guarding food, toys, or space is ok:
Let sleeping dogs lie? Don’t touch a dog while he is eating or has a bone? Good advice in general, but not my dog! It is never ok for a dog to guard food, toys or sleeping space. The last thing we need is someone to get bit reaching for that “favorite” ball, or moving the food bowl out of the way, or a bone. BUT, please don’t just take stuff away because they guard it, it will make the guarding worse! AND, don’t just trade it, repeatedly, for a treat. Never take a thing from a dog, but you can take the dog from the thing. People get bit by reaching under a dog guarding something, or under a table to get a dog in general. Again, watch that body language. You can start off trading for a treat, to get the item away from your dog, but proper training of leave it is key, and teaching your dog not to touch inappropriate items. As well as teaching your dog it is always more fun to let you have the item then to hunker down and guard it from you. This requires professional intervention if you are still having an issue with it with an adult dog, but don’t wait, it is easier to fix with a pup! This is one reason we specialize in aggression issues.
Giving the dog everything it wants because she/he had a horrible life locked in a cage at the rescue:
You cannot right all the wrongs done to dogs by giving them everything they want. If you do you will often create a monster. Don’t get me wrong, some owners are fine with letting the dog on the furniture, letting them roam the entire house, bark and jump at guests and passers-by, leaving a full bowl all the time, pulling on the leash, etc., I hear it all the time, “we are fine with all that stuff, if the dog would just listen when we tell it to do something.” And, there is the problem! If your dog wants for nothing, there is no incentive to comply with your wishes… But, if your dog knows you control stuff, it can be different. I know, your dog should do it because it loves you, after all that’s why you give it everything it wants! But I don’t think most dogs see it that way. For dogs it is simple, you work for stuff you don’t have, not stuff you’ve already got, unless there is a chance you may need to guard what you’ve already got for fear of losing it, which we already discussed! Watch your dog’s body language, does your dog perk his ears and turn his head to see what you want, in anticipation of the next fun interaction you will have together? Or ignore you entirely and continue doing something that he/she finds more gratifying? Remember I am not saying you shouldn’t “give” it; it is just how you give it that is the key! Relax with guests to get attention, not barking at other dogs to get to go visit them faster, be invited up onto furniture because you ask nicely, chew your own toys for attention, work hard to get your food from a toy or your owner, these are just a few things to do instead that will make you and your dog even happier than giving it away!
We are here to help you learn how to protect your dog from harm when you cannot supervise, to get your dog to potty in the right place, to overcome fear or aggression issues, to teach your dog to earn what you have to offer, and in turn you will earn the undying respect and love of your new dog! If you are interested in learning more, or how to implement the tools given to you above… please call us at 818 996 3647 or contact us through our website at www.mybestfriendobedience.com!
Thursday, October 20, 2016
COMING UP THIS WEEK!
New class for ADVANCED OBEDIENCE at 12:45pm in Northridge at the Pampered Pet hotel!
If your dog has completed an Intermediate level of obedience and you want to prepare for AKC Canine Good Citizen testing (1st step prep for Therapy work) or AKC Citizen Canine Testing, (level 2 prep for Therapy work) or you just want to work toward your dog being off leash, this is the class for you!!!
Working without rewards in hand!
Dogs walk, or come, past your dog while in a stay
lots of heeling with distraction
Not jumping not matter what
Grooming by a stranger
Approach a person and dog and remain by your side
Distance Stays with distractions
Where your dog should be when in public
Come with distractions
Prepare for staying out of sight with a stranger (harder than it seems)
Walk thru a crowd without dog visiting people or dogs
Building confidence and Body awareness thru event marker training
Mock tests and MORE
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Growly Class is Back at Woodland Hills starting next week $129 for 6 weeks!
There is an introductory class scheduled for 9/22 at 7:30 for $50 to help you prep if your dog already has obedience training and is reactive to other dogs a bit! The 6 weeks will begin on 9/29 at Woodland Hills Pampered Pet Hotel on Thursday night at 7:45pm! Please contact us at 818 996 3647 for details... if you have been working on aggression issues privately with your trainer, and it is going really well at home, it may be time to step it up with a group class! Details can be found on our website at www..mybestfriendobedience.com
Northridge Tricks level 2 class is on 9/22 at 6:30pm with Pepsi $125
and Intermediate (foundation level 2) is on 9/22 at 7:45! $139
All the details can be found on our website at www.mybestfriendobedience.com or call the office at 818 996 3647
ALISON"S TARZANA PARK BEGINNER LEVEL COURSE IS NOW FULL...and we have postponed her Intermediate level course!
Don't forget the PUP PARTY SATURDAY 9/17 in Woodland Hills...INVITE REQUIRED!!
Freepeat: I am sad to say.. the end of 2016 will bring the end of our Beginning Free-repeat for life privilege! :-(
BUT... the good news is... class fees will be only $159.00 for Beginning level, AND if you do want to repeat, it is only half price, so it is a WIN/WIN for all!
Don't worry, those who have earned their freepeats by attending 5 of the 6 classes of Beginning Level Obedience, will still have the Beginning (and a few Intermediate prior to 2014) Free-peat privilege, as long as they wish to maintain it with 5 of 6 attendance, for the life of their wonderful dogs...and you can still reup for 1/2 price if you drop or leave for any reason...just as always.
Puppy Class:
We are changing the format of our pup classes... and ending the puppy parties in 2017! We will offer four week groups starting the first week of each month. One for younger, shy or smaller pups... and another for older, larger, more exuberant, pups! These groups will alternate location monthly and start the first week for 4 weeks. For example: we will have a weekend option for each age groups, and a week night option for each age group. We hope those of you with the older pups will continue to socialize them at daycare! This will give all the pups more social opportunities, and they will still take place at Pampered Pet Hotels Northridge and Woodland Hills.
Northridge Pampered Pet Hotel Thursday 9/22 6:30 pm TRICKS LEVEL 2 $125.00
Buy Now
Northridge Pampered Pet Hotel Intermediate Obedience Thursday, 9/22/16, 7:45PM
$139
Buy Now
Request Invite for Puppy Party Saturday, 9/17/16, Woodland Hills Pampered Pet
Donation Only to Trainer ($10-15 Recommended)
Buy Now
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Monday, April 4, 2016
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