Community Training Partners Program

Community Training Partner - David Roe CA

mikeharmon — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:11:06 GMT

David Roe

· Contact Information for Referrals: 818-729-0550 or www.bluedogboarding.com

· Attached are a few pictures of David training Smokey (a Best Friends referral)…

o Sit/Stay at Blue Dog facility (foundation)

o Recall (practicing while out on walk)

o Down/Stay (with distractions at Home Depot)

o Down/Stay (varying locations to solidify behavior at outdoor eatery)

· There are several videos of David training on the Blue Dog website and they can all be found here: http://bluedogboarding.com/training.html#

Community Training Partner - Sam Wike NJ

mikeharmon — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:03:33 GMT

Sam Wike (In the center of the picture)

Born July 1957

US Army active duty

1983-1989

Police Officer

NJ Transit PD

1989-2006

Explosive Detection K9 handler

2002-2006

Explosive Detection K9 handler Officer in Charge 6 teams:

2003-2004

Explosive Detection K9 Unit Supervisor (Sgt) & unit trainer: 8 K9 teams

Dec 2004-May 2006

Petsmart

Lead Trainer

July 2006- Nov 2007

Purr'n Pooch

Lead Trainer

Nov 2007- present

Best Friends Community Training Partner

2009

CPDT Certification 2008

APDT Professional Member 2007

AKC CGC Evaluator 2008

US Police Canine Assoc. member 2002

Specialization:

Fears, Aggression & Socialization

Obedience & Manners

AKC CGC trainer/evaluator

Community Training Partner Projects:

http://news.bestfriends.org/index.cfm?page=news&mode=entry&entry=0CFBBEDC-9B2A-FFD2-FD01388BEC9D2625

http://news.bestfriends.org/index.cfm?page=news&mode=entry&entry=2F289EC1-0647-8BE6-A248ECC2756185BD

Resources

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:06:59 GMT

Documents

Links

Training Techniques.doc

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:40:52 GMT

TrainingPartnersApp.doc

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:38:23 GMT

Mike Harmon Accepts Position as Training Partners Program Coordinator

megfio — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:32:15 GMT

Mike Harmon has agreed to step into the position of Training Partners Program Coordinator in 2008. This assistance is greatly needed as Dogtown moves forward to meet the challenges of the Training Partners Program and developing enlightened standards of care for the Vick Dogs and other dogs already at Dogtown with similar behavioral/emotional problems, while retaining the commitment to all the Dogtown population.

Mike was a volunteer with LA Programs prior to 2005 and Hurricane Katrina. He then spent a number of months in Tylertown helping out with volunteers, logistics and animal care.

Afterwards, Mike joined the Dogtown team as a caregiver. Mike had been called on to help Dogtown with projects such as Pahrump, Pet’s Alive, and Virginia puppy mill.

Best Friends and Dogtown are proud to entrust the Training Partners Program to Mike, and look forward to a very active and vibrant program attracting the best of the training world to our Best Friends dogs.

Mike’s mother has been very active in volunteer work with Best Friends in Los Angeles for a number of years. After college (and we are sure with his mother’s ‘encouragement’) Mike decided that he wanted to be in a position to give more to society.

ATTENTION PLEASE -- INFORMATION REGARDING FORMER TRAINING PARTNER

edward — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:44:43 GMT

Kelly Gaunce is no longer approved as a trainer by Best Friends Animal Society. She is no longer part of the Best Friends Training Partners program. Best Friends does not recommend any person, shelter or rescue group place dogs with Kelly Gaunce. We have reports she does not meet basic standards for care and placement of dogs and does not screen applicants or provide information necessary for the care and management of the dogs. Kelly Gaunce has been uncooperative in providing information regarding dogs we have sent to her. You may be placing dogs in danger by sending them to Kelly Gaunce.

Wonderful Update on 4 Training Partner Dogs in Nevada

darap — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:41:26 GMT

Sarah Anderson, a training partner from Nevada, reports that all of her training partner dogs have been adopted!

Sophia (renamed Mamba), Adonis, Jazz and Ryder have all found homes and you can read all about it on their web pages. Sarah is working on updating each of the dogs pages with the latest information on how they are doing in their new homes. She welcomes anyone who is interested to read for themselves about each of these dogs.

Sophia
Adonis
Jazz
Ryder

What wonderful happy endings for all of these dogs!

Training Partner Dogs

darap — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:23:30 GMT

Here you will see pictures and descriptions of sanctuary dogs that have been selected to be in the program. If you are interested in working with one of these dogs in a training capacity please send your contact information along with the dog's name to trainingpartners@bestfriends.org.

Update on Pogo from Training Partner Melody Coulter

darap — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Pogo has found his permanent home.....with Melody's mother!

Thats right! In a recent update from Melody she revealed that indeed her mother had fallen in love with Pogo and now had a home with her. It seems that Pogo and Melody's mother have a special bond. Melody helps care for him and she and her mother feel so lucky to have him in their lives.

Hooray for Pogo!

Helping a Dog Come Out of Her Shell

darap — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Wendy LeSage is a professional trainer who, six months ago, took a Katrina survivor named Blackie to help her overcome her fears. Blackie is a feral, black Lab mix who was in need of someone to help her build her trust in people and acclimate her to a more “normal” life. Wendy LeSage was up to the challenge. She has been working with Blackie for several months and her work has paid off.

When Blackie first arrived at Wendy’s at the end of December, she was afraid of most everything, including Wendy. Blackie wouldn’t make eye contact with Wendy, let alone go near her at first. Wendy realized from the very beginning that patience and time would be the keys to success when working with this shy and fearful girl. She took very small and careful steps with Blackie, never pushing her too far beyond her comfort level. In the beginning she simply allowed Blackie to become comfortable with her new environment and did not ask for anything more. Wendy provided her with toys and though she never witnessed Blackie playing with them strangely, the toys were piled all around her dog bed. In an update in early February Wendy wrote, “Blackie has made tremendous strides, she seems happy and alert. Still not ready to make friends, but I haven't pushed her. She does like Lenny Kravitz music and seems to smile when I sing to her.”

Gradually, Wendy began working on helping Blackie become more comfortable with her. Using food and treats Wendy started teaching Blackie to change her association with people, one person at a time starting with herself. Finally, by early March, Wendy was able to take Blackie for a walk on a leash. For a well socialized dog this is no great feat but for a dog like Blackie this was a huge step.

Since then Blackie has been making slow, consistent progress. While Blackie is still skittish Wendy feels that she is much more relaxed and comfortable. Wendy and Blackie are still working on becoming better friends and she is helping Blackie make canine friends as well. “She still doesn't come to me, but almost. She actually got up when I called her today, took a step and then stopped herself. She is making friends with my Rottie and a GSD that is a rescue that is kenneled next to her. She no longer runs from the other dogs, but lets them sniff her through the fence without running away.” Wendy feels that she and Blackie have a long way to go but is confident that this girl can continue to improve.

Stay tuned for more updates on Blackie in the future…

"Pogo Eats Strangers" from Melody Coulter's journal

randilee — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:00:00 GMT

submitted by Randi Bildner

The life of a Training Partner is a fascinating, although it’s not for everyone. It is a difficult job which one must be completely devoted.
In her own words, Melody Coulter of "GOOD DOG" Training tells the story of how she won the respect of her partner, Pogo, and how she is working toward the goal of getting him ready for a "normal" life.

From Melody Coulter’s Journal.

"Pogo Eats Strangers," so I was told. When I first met him he exploded, barking, growling, snarling, lots of teeth, lunging-- all the tricks that make scary people go away; and he was good at it! Then he added a 4 foot straight up in the air jump that explained why he was named Pogo.

He looks like a small red Chow: lots of russet hair, thick muscular body, curled tail, but with short Jack Russell legs that makes the jumping all the more impressive. It was obvious why he couldn't be adopted, he had bitten potential adopters, he wasn't bluffing, he would back-up these threats with teeth if necessary.

I had been flown to his shelter in New Jersey from Iowa by Best Friends Animal Society as part of their Trainer-Partners program. Best Friends matches dog trainers experienced in dealing with aggressive dogs with refugees (who need more training than most) from their incredible Hurricane Katrina effort.

Best Friends, which is based in Utah, was a major player in getting those stranded animals out of New Orleans. Other rescue organizations would put down a dog like Pogo, but Best Friends was determined, after all theses animals have been through, to give them another chance.

Pogo survived the storm alone for 3 weeks in those toxic, flooded streets before being rescued. It's hard to imagine how he did that. I look at him and think, "I wish you could talk to me buddy; the stories you could tell."

The busy shelter staff left me alone with him so I pulled up a bucket outside his run, sat down, turned sideways, tried to keep my body loose, a smile on my face and NO eye contact. Then I began gently pitching small pieces of canned chicken breast towards his feet. This is pretty heady stuff for a guy living on dry food and sleeping on cement. I had his attention.

It's hard to continue to be rude to someone who’s not moving towards you, who is smiling and is slipping you the equivalent of 50 dollar bills through the fence!

He stopped barking but wasn't going to be won over so easily. It took a half an hour or so just to calm down. It helped to throw some of the chicken to the dogs on either side of him making, him want my attention all the more.

The staff came in to clean this section of runs so I would walk around, talk with them and then stroll back over and give him a treat; he was reacting less and less to my approach.

Everyone was leery of letting him out to greet me because that's when he had attacked strangers before. I thought he'd be ok and was ready to throw a big chunk of chicken if he rushed me. He rushed me all right but it was for the chicken.

I made no effort to touch him, and that, as much as the treats, kept me safe. Had I leaned over him and tried to pat him on the head (like any adopter would do) he would have nailed me. He reminded me of a tough little street kid ready to take offense at the slightest thing.

Since we both passed that first all important test they brought me a 20' lead and we went exploring the grounds. Chicken didn't matter then; there was no time for goodies, too many incredible smells and sights, even squirrels. Who could blame him, for over a year Pogo had grown used to cement walls on three sides and had been staring out at a solid wooden fence that stood 8 feet from his kennel door.

A misty rain was falling and after 30 minutes of aerobics I sat down on a dry spot underneath a thick pine. He would come back to me occasionally, get a quick treat and be off to the end of the tether to smell some more. On one of these drive-by greetings I reached out and stroked him from shoulder to tail avoiding his head. He oh-so casually turned and came back by so I could do it again. My heart gave a flip. I was a stranger no more.

This is the beginning of my journal about rehabbing Pogo. . He's made progress, not ready for prime time yet, but a whole different dog. He's smart, constantly trying to make up for all that sensory deprivation, very trainable and has the personality of a true individual, and surprise -- he's very affectionate. This boy loves a lovin'; although he still reacts like a crazy man if surprised by a stranger.

This type of behavior takes time to change; it takes what's called counter-conditioning and desensitization. For example, if I was trying to help someone get over a fear of spiders, I wouldn’t dump spiders in their lap, we’d start with them across the room in a jar so they couldn't possibly hurt the person and they would feel safe. From there we would progress in small increments moving the spiders closer until the person became comfortable.

That's what I’d do with Pogo. The best place to find strangers is the park, but there's no one in the park right now. Things may go faster than I think once we can get out but he's pretty reactive so I'm not going to get my hopes up with everything he's been through. There are no quick fixes; but he CAN be fixed.

Melody summed up her thoughts with the words below:
I really hope to get the word out about this little guy. Once I get him into a good home, I will be very happy to meet a new partner who needs some help.

Happy Valentine's Day - Love Shrek

randilee — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 08:00:00 GMT

11/07 - Update on Shrek....He's Found His Forever Home!

That's right, our favorite dog Shrek has found his adoptive home. It seems that many people's predictions and hopes were right on. After giving it a lot of though, Eric decided that he could not live without Shrek and decided to adopt him! So Shrek and Eric are now living happily ever after. What a nice ending to a wonderful story!

by Randi Bildner

It is more than appropriate to post an update about Shrek (the irresistible little Blue Heeler) on Valentine's Day.

On Tuesday, February 13 I received a call from Training Partner and foster mom, Twilla Caudron, saying that Shrek asked her to phone me. Caudron was happy to oblige explaining Shrek's lack of thumbs impair his phoning abilities.

It turns out that Shrek has much to celebrate this year. The lucky young man actually has two Valentines: foster mom, Caudron and Database Administrator, Eric Palmer. The exciting news is that shortly, one of these two will become Shrek's permanent owner.

Both Caudron and Palmer have decided that it is in Shrek's best interest that he spend the rest of his life with one of them.

Now, the only question is who?

Before we get involved in the details about where Shrek may or may not be moving to, it was important to him that an update about his comings and goings be provided. He also asked that a few things mentioned in his previous article be revised.

First of all, Shrek would like to make it clear that he was NOT turned down for the Champion Chihuahua guarding position that he had been "interviewing” for. It was though a mutual decision that he bow out of the running and do something more suitable to his personality.

Although he’s still refusing to go into full details about his first interview with senior citizen, Art, he did offer this tidbit. While he feels that Art is nice enough, he believes that Art may be better suited for a companion who does not have such a strong personality, in other words, one who is "less dog."

Shrek would also like to share some information that mom, Caudron, learned while working with him. It appears that the young man have gotten a bum rap for some of his past escapades. It seems that some of his actions that had gotten him into trouble at the Best Friends Sanctuary are in actuality instinctual behaviors to heelers.

Caudron has learned that experts on the breed even have an excuse for "some" of Shrek's "nips." The heeler professionals adamantly state, "don't ever say bite." Not that this is much consolation to the recipient but, it may be that some of Shrek's "bites" could have been "nips'' that heelers instinctively use during their herding techniques.

Caudron has enjoyed every moment she has spent with Shrek and beams when she tells of his accomplishments.

Now that he satisfactorily trained Tommy, Caudron's female Papillion, (mistakenly reported by me as Shrek's foster brother)I would like to extend my deepest apologies to Tommy. Shrek has been working on his a new job: teaching recent addition, Romel -- a Rottweiler, the ins and outs of dogdom -- specifically how to play appropriately. Caudron, who fosters animals for Rottie Aid of Denver, took Romel home when his owner passed on.

Caudron reports on Shrek's continued progress since coming to live with her. His achievements include: retrieving, sit, down, leave it, along with one of Caudron's favorites - becoming her personal foot-warmer, stating “It was easiest thing I ever taught him.” Shrek sleeps with Caudron, who says he keeps her so toasty he is saving her a fortune in utility bills! Shrek allows his foster mom to carry him upside down and handle him in any way. Caudron also taught Shrek to sit up and make a really a cute face. The two enjoy practicing his retrieving. When Caudron throws a bone Shrek will wait and stay, shaking with excitement until given the command to retrieve.

Caudron says that Shrek has her bosses totally charmed and can be very calm; recently discovering that it is very cool to be a lap dog. Shrek makes himself very small and enjoys a good cuddle. On the other end of the spectrum are what Caudron calls, "the crazy dog attacks." This is when, "out of the blue," Shrek rips around as fast as he can, filled with pure joy, barely making it around the corners without careening into them.

Caudron speaks of Shrek's intelligence. “He tries to understand English and gets very worried when he does not understand something. He focuses very hard; you can actually see him worry. He puts his ears back until he gets it.” Caudron continues, “Shrek just loves to learn. It is almost a telepathic experience to watch him reach out, trying to focus.”

A recent activity Shrek has taken a liking to is watching television. He is avidly following the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Every once in a while he goes behind the TV to see how all of those dogs are getting in and out of his television set.

Another fun activity for Shrek is sitting in the car. Caudron says if she leaves the car door open Shrek sits there all day, completely happy, whether or not they are going anywhere.

Palmer is still thinking about having Shrek move back to Kanab to live with him so they could return to the former routine the two enjoyed together, but worries that Shrek may be bored by simply going to work with him. Caudron feels that this would not be the case. Explaining that heelers are very content sitting around and waiting. This comes from the herding instinct where much of the time is spent just watching the animals in their care. Palmer admits that he hasn't been hiking as much since Shrek left.

Caudron says every once in a while Shrek asks her to call his buddy Palmer, just so he can say "Hi." She decided that if Palmer decides he wants to keep Shrek, it would be okay with her. Explaining that she would miss him terribly, but, “It’s all about the dog.”

Caudron feels that her niche is to take in foster dogs and then release them to fabulous homes, “where they will have lives that are so incredible you can cry.”

She still remembers Palmer's sad face when she left the Best Friends Sanctuary with Shrek. She said that it looked as if Palmer was surprised, not realizing that someone might adopt or foster his buddy. Caudron feels that Shrek would be very happy with Palmer. While she would be very sad to see this lively addition to her home leave, she says, it is all about the animals and wants to do what is best for Shrek. Shrek loves Eric. Caudron stresses that the most important thing is to have this dog in a good happy place

The fact that Shrek never "heeled" either Caudron or Palmer is another sign that Shrek belongs with one of them.

Caudron laughingly states that Palmer was recently horrified when he found out that she has been bathing his buddy in a lilac bath and using lilac cream rinse on his hair.

The most important thing is that Shrek is one very loved boy. Whether his future will bring additional lilac baths or creek hikes, only time will tell.

Stay tuned for future updates, we can only wonder what next Valentine's Day will bring for this special, little blue heeler.

Photos taken by Twilla Caudron, who stated, "You can’t send just one photo when it comes to Shrek."

A New "Leash" on Life

randilee — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 08:00:00 GMT

By Randi Bildner

The Best Friends Training Partners Program has done an incredible job of uniting wonderful trainers with dogs in need.

Training partners are very special people who run the gamut – from working miracles with their incredible techniques to simply providing dogs with something they may have never had – love.

The knowledge and expertise exhibited by these trainers has been evident in each interview for the Training Partner stories. But, in addition to this, I have encountered something unexpected: a genuine sense of pride and love for these dogs. Each time I speak with a trainer, the sense that, their dog – their partner, is special has been conveyed.

Through our warm, fun and caring conversations it has been understood that each dog has been considered an individual.

To no one's surprise, the majority of the dogs involved in the program are pit bulls or other poorly maligned breeds. The Training Partners themselves, through their zealous and creative actions, are working to change this perception.

Training Partners have educated the public by bringing out the best in their dogs. The training provided has proven that dogs who may have been considered hopeless by some can make wonderful companions.

The trainers have been successful at giving these dogs a fresh start –spreading the word, literally showing them off!

Training Partner, Susan Strough, is a perfect example of the professionalism and dedication of the men and women in this program. Strough, who said she considers it a privilege to be part of the program, thinks that her partner, Dozer –a senior pit bull, is a very special boy.

Strough was able to share her feelings about Dozer in a big way, by getting him air time on TV. Dozer along with his foster brother Chase, a German Shepherd mix appeared on an adoption spot on Good Morning Texas. "He did very well on television; he behaved, sat, shook hands and gave kisses.” Adding that Dozer was also extremely quiet, Strough mentioned that the host of the show said, “I have never seen a pit bull sit up and shake hands before.”

Before coming under the care of Best Friends, Dozer led a sad life. He was picked up with a group of fifty chained dogs who were part of a hoarding situation.

Dozer may not have had it easy for his first 8 plus years but Strough is doing everything she can to make life good now.

Stating continuously “he is just precious” throughout the interview, she continued by saying, "Dozer is so awesome, everybody who meets him loves him.”

Strough says her husband is in love with him too. “He talks about him all the time and tells me that Dozer is chilly and I need to buy him a sweatshirt. One day we dressed him up as an Irish Cowboy and another day as an Angel. He is so tolerant and doesn't care at all what we ask him to wear; he would wear a tutu as long as there are treats involved.”

Susan Strough’s training and boarding facility, Canines First, is located in Dallas, Texas. Strough, who is the sole trainer and behavior evaluator, does employ several people whose jobs are to make sure that the dogs are happy healthy clean and have a good time.

Dogs come for day care but, Strough stresses, “It is not free run, there is always training involved.” The facility has a limit of ten dogs and offers several types of training.

Strough says of Dozer, “He has progressed very well, learning to sit, stay, heel, down, lay and leave it. Her husband agrees saying, “He has come very far and just keeps getting better.”

Dozer did have quite a marking problem when he arrived, which Strough proudly announced – "has gone from 100% to 20%, after he urinated on every square inch of the facility."

Strough is working on Dozer’s dog aggression problem. “I train him right next to my other foster dog and he could care less about acting aggressively.” Strough is hopeful that eventually Dozer will socialize without muzzle.

She shared a very sweet story about Dozer’s creative ability to play despite being crated. A black lab mix presented a toy outside of Dozer's crate, and then the two dogs, Dozer and the lab played tug o' war through the crate!

Strough goes on to say that pit bulls have not been the majority of the breed that she has worked with. Stating, “I have only worked with a handful, but If Dozer is a representation I don't know how I will live without one. I enjoy enriching his life and he is enriching mine too. He really is an ambassador for his breed.”

Strough says that Dozer likes to sleep. She says she will miss him when he is adopted but feels, “He deserves a home with a mommy, a daddy and a couch.”

In addition to his television spot, Strough is advertising for a good home for Dozer on her website.

She mentioned that one application had been sent to a potential adopter, but she did not hear back and assumes her terms are too strict.

Strough summed up our conversation by telling me, “Dozer is lying in my lap, he is the sweetest baby. He did not deserve to be tied on a chain for the better part of his years.” Strough is working very hard to see that the rest of his life is filled with as much joy as he brings to her.

When speaking of her facility Strough wanted to add, “All dogs are welcome here any breed or temperament. This is a place for those that others won't take, a refuge for the unwanted."

For more about Susan Strough, Dozer and Canines First, go to http://www.susanstrough.com/charity.html

The Adventures of Shrek!

randilee — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT

By Randi Bildner

Once upon a time a little Blue Heeler was found wandering the streets of Kanab. He was brought to a beautiful place named Best Friends and was named Shrek. Shrek lived at Best Friends for two years where much of that time was spent “hanging out” with his best buddy, Database Administrator, Eric Palmer.

As it turns out, the little Blue Heeler was not exactly the dog of fairytales; in fact upon hearing about Shrek’s antics it appears that he would be better suited for his own sitcom.

Eric Palmer is Shrek’s special buddy. Shrek and Palmer shared good times and many adventures together. Palmer said he is “bummed out” that his buddy left and was happy to offer details of some of their antics in a recent telephone interview.

Shrek was actually the first dog that Palmer enrolled in Canine Good Citizen Class, also know as CGC. Palmer states, “Shrek is the kind of dog that makes you look good.” At first, Shrek made Palmer look good. Palmer explained how proud he was as Shrek soared through his tests with flying colors, until the last one - supervised separation. Apparently Shrek did not want, nor did he see, the reason to be separated from Palmer, so he decided to give a “little nip” to the person who had the nerve to do such a thing. Needless to say, Shrek flunked CGC.

Palmer says “Shrek loves car rides, but he is not very good at them.” Shrek simply wants to be in the front seat and insists on getting there no matter what it takes to accomplish this feat. Palmer described these rides: “I would put him in the back seat of the car, and Shrek would consistently nose-dive into the dashboard.” Palmer also explained that during their car rides Shrek commonly stumbled sideways, “he just couldn’t get the concept of leaning into turns.” Contrary to Shrek’s inability to figure out how to ride in cars, Palmer insists “He is really smart; he is so smart that he gets into trouble.”

Palmer jokingly tells of another Shrek “talent,” keeping managers away. When Palmer sat at his desk Shrek often decided no one should bother his buddy, including the department manager. When Palmer’s boss came too close for Shrek’s comfort he would step between them and nip his toes. Co-workers joked that Palmer trained Shrek to do this useful trick.

On days off, Palmer would often return to the Best Friends Sanctuary to take Shrek for an afternoon hike. During the hot Utah summers, the only type of hike that would please Shrek was a creek hike. Together they would find deep pools of water so Shrek could enjoy this activity. Palmer explains, “Shrek loves to swim but can’t do this well.” Shrek’s bad leg (which he broke twice) is what keeps him from being a champion swimmer. It was his bad leg that made Shrek “famous” with the clinic staff too. When Shrek initially came to Best Friends he had a compound fracture. The doctors made sure that the little Heeler’s leg was fixed and that he was good as new. This did not last very long; Shrek was placed in a run and broke his leg again.

When telling tales of Shrek one cannot forget the “pig story.” Palmer whose office is located near the farm animals at Best Friends, liked to take Shrek on visits to this area. The visit would usually include a lot of barking on Shrek’s part. On one of these visits Palmer and Shrek encountered a pig. Shrek, who never did any herding in his life, decided at that moment it was time for this instinct to kick in. Palmer states, “it was hilarious to watch as Shrek started running circles around the pig to keep him in one spot,” saying Shrek must have been thinking, “I know that I am supposed to do something with this pig.” Apparently the pig did not see the humor of Shrek’s actions and charged him.

Palmer continued telling of Shrek’s “uniqueness,” saying “he is not really a dominant dog but he wants to be. Shrek definitely has a mind of his own; he picks who he likes and who he doesn’t.” Palmer learned this first-hand when he had the “privilege” of being “anointed” by Shrek. While working one day, his buddy at his side, Palmer stopped to help a co-worker with a computer problem when Shrek decided to urinate on his leg, marking Palmer by showing his love in such an endearing way.

Training Partner Twilla Caudron was reading an ad in a dog magazine when she learned that Best Friends Animal Society was looking for trainers to work with “special” dogs. Caudron made the trip to Kanab and left with her partner, Shrek.

Caudron has also been quite taken by Shrek and says he is doing just great. Shrek is currently living in Caudron’s home which includes foster brother, a Pappillion named Tommy. Caudron says Shrek loves playing with Tommy and enjoys his schedule which consists of: get up, go outside, come in, breakfast, toy time, nap, toy time again, supper and movie time in front of the fireplace with mom and Tommy.

Caudron is working on Shrek’s issues, which include overprotective biting. She goes out of her way to make sure that Shrek is properly socialized, taking him on visits on a regular basis. Caudron has said he has shown no aggression, stating Shrek gets along great with other dogs and people.

Shrek goes with Caudron to the boarding and grooming facility where she works and curls up like a little ball. She is pleased that her bosses are very supportive of her dog rescue work.

While Caudron says that Shrek does very well in her home the dog behaviorist that analyzed him said he would really thrive and show his full potential if he had a job; so Caudron has been taking Shrek on “interviews.”

Shrek’s first interview was with Art, a senior citizen. Caudron heard that Art had been looking for a dog as a companion so she set up an “interview” with Shrek. Shrek is not going to be Art’s companion and does not wish to reveal the details of that particular interview. On the bright side, he did very well with his second potential “employer,” Rita, who lives on 32 acres and raises champion Chihuahuas. Shrek’s “position” would be to keep her Chihuahuas and various other animals safe from coyotes. Caudron was thrilled that Shrek did well on his first visit but says that Rita wants to schedule a series of interviews, so the jury is still out on this position.

Job or no job, the important thing is that Shrek will never be homeless again; Eric Palmer and Twilla Caudron have both been smitten (no, I didn’t mean bitten) by this special boy.

Palmer admits that this special guy caught his attention and he still thinks about him, saying “he is a very cute little guy, who really looks good in photos.”

Caudron says that “Shrek can live with her for the rest of his life, he is a ‘piece of cake’ to have around." She says that he looks after her and patrols the house and that she would miss him if he were gone.

Shrek has progressed very well. Now when Caudron takes him for a drive in her Jeep, he actually stays in the back seat, which is a good thing, because nose-diving into dashboards may inhibit his ability to look cute in pictures.

Best Friends Adoptions

randilee — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT

Ann Allums, Best Friends Animal Society trainer would like to share some delightful updates.
main photo, Ariel and her new family

The dogs listed below were originally thought to need training partners. Ann, using her expertise was able to determine that these "kids" were ready to go directly into their forever homes.

Read the latest about Minnie Mouse (Gia), Freeway, Pebbles, Fathead, Sugar and Ariel's new families!

Minnie Mouse- (renamed Gia, after the supermodel!): She’s doing great! She loves going for car rides, and sits perfectly still in the passenger seat. She sleeps with her person in bed. She is learning lots of good manners in her training class. When Gia is in the yard, she lets her family know when she wants back in by staring at them in the window.

Sugar- She is the best thing in their lives! They buy her new toys all the time. They are so protective of her that they were afraid to leave her at the boarding kennel over the holidays because they didn’t want her to get sad!
pictured Sugar

Freeway- He doing better than great! They totally love him and think he’s the best! He makes them laugh all the time. He is learning a lot in his training class. At home, he has his upstairs blanket and his downstairs blanket. Everyday when the daughter gets home from school, she sends pictures via phone to her mom (who is still at work) showing the latest Freeway! They love Freeway so much! Everyone in the neighborhood loves him, too!

Pebbles- They love her! She plays with the other dogs and is great with the cats! She is so happy finally living in a house! She goes on beach walks daily! She’s excellent with the baby! (This is the dog that spent 3 years in the shelter system!)
pictured Pebbles, Santa, Ann Allums and her dogs

Fathead- He is getting spoiled, living with his adopted family and their new puppy. He plays with the puppy, and is so gentle! He sleeps in bed with his dad and mom.

Ariel- She is doing great! She loves going running everyday. She follows her mom all around the house, not wanting to miss anything. She is so good with their baby!

This wonderful news shows how these great dogs are thriving, all it took was someone to give them a chance.

Dreams Do Come True...Gomer Has A New Loving Family and a Very Special Job!

michelle — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT

by Denise LeBeau, Best Friends Animal Society

Pictured are Gomer and Kara Horn at Dutchess County SPCA.

A Dog in the Training Partners Program Gets A Loving, Forever Home and a Very Special Job!

You may have read or heard about Gomer. He is a very popular guy who has quite a story. This senior boy had a history that would rival any homeless dog. Please read Gomer's story: The Story of Gomer.

Gomer used to live for many years at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary where he was in the Training Partners program. He was loved, of course, but every dog wants his own human. Well after many years, Gomer had some luck and a couple of angels enter his life this past spring. Gomer, a senior Pit mix, was chosen after by the Dutchess County SPCA in New York. How did this happen you may ask.

Well, it happened when friends Lori Arkin of Dutchess County SPCA and Victoria Wells of Behave Yourself! of New York came to Best Friends in Utah to choose a dog for their program. After arriving, they would eventually choose Gomer as the dog they wanted to help to get the extra training he needed to one day go to his forever home. Mind you, Gomer is a senior dog. No matter...Gomer really impressed these two wonderful young ladies, Lori and Victoria. (Unfortunately senior dogs are sadly looked over so much of the time.)

Gomer was chosen, and off they would go back to New York. So Gomer was on his way to a new tomorrow. But what about a new home with very own human? Would that ever happen? Lori and Victoria specialize in helping even the hard to place dogs. With a little extra training, they thought Gomer would find his forever home soon enough.

Lori, who sits on the board of the Dutchess SPCA, said Gomer was special, and he would be a good fit with them. This life-changing organization specializes in older dogs and has a progressive walking/training program that she knew could help this special dog, Gomer. And that would lay the foundation for him to be adopted to his forever home.

In the meantime, unbeknownst to Lori and Victoria at the time, a lady by the name of Kara Horn of New York had decided she wanted an older dog. So she put the word out that she was looking for a great rescue dog. She looked around and did look at another dog, but when Kara met that dog it wasn't the strong connection she was looking for.

Now, Kara knew what she exactly was looking for in a dog: an elder statesman, must be good with strangers, must be good with children, and possess a lower energy level. She still wanted a dog in relatively good health, as her new dog would have a job to do!

She eventually talked to Leah at the Dutchess County SPCA and gave her the criteria. So the search was on. Kara would meet a few dogs there at Dutchess County, but they were too young, too convalescing and/or too jumpy for her. Then as she was doing a final walk-through at the kennel... there was Gomer.

At first, Kara didn’t think Gomer was a good match for her. She explains, “Gomer was happy to see Leah, but he didn’t run to the front of the kennel and bark like the other dogs. After he said "hi" to Leah, he went back to his bed and laid down.”

Leah told Kara that really Gomer was a much different dog out on a walk and away from the kennel (like so many dogs). So Kara took Gomer out on lead to see for herself, and she was shocked! Gomer was full of life and energy out on his walk. His kennel demeanor belied this spunky, outgoing side of him! Karen knew right then that she and Gomer were the right fit. So this boy, who had no real human to call his own for probably a decade, was adopted. Miracles do happen!

Soon Gomer would be leading his new life. And as for that job....off to campus they went! Campus?! That’s right, Gomer is now the assistant House Advisor and Resident Life under Kara’s direction. They are a prominent presence at the tony university – Vassar College (fortunately for Gomer, Vassar has been co-ed since 1969).

Both Gomer and Kara live and work on this gorgeous campus in the Hudson Valley, where Gomer is totally Big Man On Campus!

Kara says that everyone loves Gomer. Both students and faculty are like “Hey Gomer,” “Gomer – What’s Up,” “Looking Good Gomer!” His popularity has resulted in Kara making friends all over the place. Actually Kara was surprised at what a total conversation starter he is! People stop her to talk with and about Gomer left and right, and he eats it right up!

Yes, Gomer is very popular...he’s BMOC! He’s got it all, but what about the behavior problems? Previously Gomer had been in the Training Partners Program because of some "behavioral issue." So what’s it really like to live with this “problem” child?

Kara says Gomer has no major problems at all. She had been told about his dog issues, and some housebreaking problems, but she manages them. That includes the squirrel fever and the bike chasing. He likes to chase them both. They even went up to the bike shop and sniffed some bikes so he could see there wasn’t much to be afraid at all of when it comes to bicycles.

Okay, he had a few “accidents’ in her apartment, but with a regular schedule of intermittent longer and shorter works, he hasn’t had one accident in th longest. Karen has found that he really doesn’t like other dogs that are too nosy or interested in his business (who would?!). There hasn’t been one skirmish or dog incident since she’s had him!

He also let Kara know that his dog bed wasn’t quite as fluffy as he’d like. He had a perfectly good bed, but it is not quite the couch that he would prefer. So he started going up on the couch, and making himself at home. So the DSPCA recommended turning the couch cushions up so that it wasn’t comfortable. That advice and his brand new and improved dog bed wound up being the perfect solution to his furniture habits.

Besides being incredibly handsome, very popular and a lot of fun, Gomer is also a lady’s man. Kara’s two nieces, which are three and four years old, both love Gomer and he loves them! He’s turned out to be the perfect children’s companion animal; and he does his stoic best to not get too carsick on the four and a half hour drive to Williamsport, PA for the family gatherings! Gomer’s so laid back and friendly he’s got her family eating out of his paw, too!

He’s got this extra cute habit as well, Kara confides. He has a stuffed animal fetish. He thinks all the stuffed animals are his! One day Kara was home and she heard a strange thud, Kara who collects elephants, found that Gomer had gotten onto the shelving as was helping himself to a stuffed elephant, which he proudly pranced about with joyfully.

Another time at a student leader meeting, Gomer made himself at home by "borrowing" someone else’s stuffed animal and lead a rousing game of tug! Seeing the obvious need for Gomer to have his own stuffed animal stash, Kara reports that he’s got a basket filled to the brim with his favorite stuffy toys! (Note to Santa: this one’s easy!)

Fancy bed, stuffed animals galore and his own toy chest, what else has this pampered pooch demanded? Well, it turns out he didn’t even want to eat for the first two weeks on campus... must have been first day of school jitters!

So Kara was on a mission. She was trying all different brands and kinds of dog food, both wet and dry, the old hot dogs in meal trick, and even went as far as sprinkling cheese on his food...maybe a little parmesan would do it. Gomer finally settled on the perfect dog food combo that Kara is happy to report he devours everyday, and his appetite and health couldn’t be better.

This is such a wonderful ending to a great story! The picture above shows how much he loved Kara from the beginning. We look forward to hearing more tales of Kara and Gomer winning friends and influencing others at Vassar and everywhere else!

Best Friends Training Partners Program
Click Here

Vassar College
Click Here

Dutchess County SPCA
Click Here

Please read the related story on Gomer.
Click Here

Harley and Honey (The Dancing Queen)

randilee — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT

by Randi Bildner

It's quite befitting that Honey, a yellow lab mix, now calls Pampered Paws Doggie Daycare and Kindergarten home. Dubbed the "daycare diva" by her Training Partner, Cathy Jacobs, Honey is very much in her element.

Jacobs laughs, as she describes Honey, prancing with her front feet as she heads up the daycare’s "welcome center." "She loves to show the new dogs around." Jacobs imagines that Honey is telling them, "Hey, let me show you where the toys are."

Dr. Karen Dashfield who runs the facility, (K-9 Care Center in Newton, NJ) that Honey came from, agrees, “She is really a party hostess at heart, so we knew she would be thrilled to be the meeter and greeter at the daycare.”

Life has not always been a "party" for Honey and her pal Harley, a German Shepherd mix, also from the K-9 Care Center. Both dogs are part of Best Friends Training Partners Program and are Hurricane Katrina rescues.

Dr. Dashfield was happy to provide some background information on the two dogs.

"Honey is a wonderful female lab mix who came to us in January with 9 puppies in tow. Honey along with her pups was adopted, but sadly she was returned. Honey, who was picked up pregnant in December, loves other dogs. Due to her prolonged period of abandonment in New Orleans after the Hurricane, she has become quite adept at escaping from yards and crates in search of food, even if she doesn't need to eat. She is quite overweight these days and further suffers from separation anxiety. You can’t blame these dogs; their owners really did walk out the door and NEVER came back. Cathy Jacobs' doggy daycare seemed like the ideal situation for Honey to get over her abandonment issues.”

“Harley is a great little shepherd mix who also came to us in January. He was picked up in New Orleans early in October. Harley is a super sweet dog in public. He loves hugs and kisses and gets along well with most other dogs. He was adopted by an older couple and was very gentle, but displayed aggressive behavior when anyone came near their house or car, this included their children and grandchildren. Out in public he would be a perfect angel. He was most likely a yard dog in New Orleans, kept out in the back yard purely to protect his home and yard, and hence has been taught that it was his job to guard his home and his people. The doggy day care set up at Cathy Jacobs' seemed ideal for Harley to learn that lots of people and animals come and go, and that this is okay.”

Jacobs, a talented trainer who recently became part of Best Friends Animal Society’s Training Partners Program is the owner of Pampered Paws Doggie Daycare and Kindergarten, located in Farmington NM, just south of Durango Colorado.

Her facility has full-time day care and training programs. Jacobs, who is the sole trainer, is a very special and dedicated individual. The daycare dogs are separated into three “free run” groups according to size and temperament. Obedience classes are divided into two groups according to age; six months and under and those who are over six months.

Jacobs traveled to New Jersey to accompany her “partners” back to her facility. She noticed that initially Honey was shy while it was immediately apparent that Harley loved people and dogs.

Jacobs, whose husband and daughter picked them up at the airport, was amazed that neither dog urinated in their crates. On the drive home they stopped at Wendy's, where Cathy’s husband Jake, (now sitting in the middle of the two dogs) shared his extra large vanilla frosty with them.

Jacobs noticed the dog’s personalities start to emerge almost immediately. She has also started to notice some progress, “Harley has not growled and he quit peeing on the walls.” She is continuing to work on his protection issues.

Honey can probably go into a home but Jacobs wants to make sure she has additional obedience training and does not want to uproot her. “She has been to obedience classes, and people just love her! It would be beneficial for both dogs to be adopted into homes where they would have other dogs to play with."

She reported that Harley also attended obedience class, stating, “Harley is just Harley wagging his tail and giving big kisses.”

Jacobs feels that part of the dog’s progress can be attributed to not being in a kennel anymore. “Here they have room to run, meet new friends, and watch supervised television shows such as Animal Planet and Doggie Sitter videos from Petco.”

Jacobs, a former high school biology teacher, sees great things in store for both Honey and Harley. She believes that Honey is the perfect candidate for one of her favorite hobbies: freestyle dance. Her current dance partner Barlo, one of her four Japanese Chins is also a certified Delta Society Agility dog. Jacobs feels that Harley would really excel in this area. She also believes that Honey has the potential to become a therapy dog just like one of her other Chins, who is known as the “hairy therapist.”

Jacobs jokingly tells us that she sleeps on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2 and 4 am, adding she does not have time to go the hospital with her therapy dogs, but makes the time.

She is happy to be working with Best Friends and thinks that the Training Partners Program is great. She is currently thinking about the possibility of applying for an additional “partner.”

Jacobs work has been extremely diverse. For fifteen years she has been involved with the 4H Pooch Patrol. Her responsibilities include overseeing 103 kids in this program. "The kids learn dog obedience, showmanship, and training." Jacobs was recently inducted into the 4H New Mexico Hall of Fame.

Cathy Jacobs is a wonderful addition to the Training Partners Program. She wanted to mention that she learned quite a bit from the time she spent with Dr. Dashfield and was impressed with both the Doctor and her facility.

Dr. Dashfield would like people to know, "We still have Katrina dogs in need of homes, the majority of whom really need training partner placements."

For more about these dogs please visit www.k9carecenter.org

Stay tuned for future updates from Cathy Jacobs about Honey's and Harley's progress.

Story by Randi Bildner

Joanne Hjella & Harry!

scratchtopaz — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT

There is Nothing To Fear, But Fear Itself!

“Fear aggression does not subside right away,” Joanne Hjella of Canine Academy in Larsen, WI, tells me, rather matter-of-factly, during our follow up interview for this Network story.

Joanne is one of the qualified trainers that have taken a behaviorally challenged dog through the Training Partners Program. The trainers foster the dogs, while they work with them, and then screen for adoptive homes. The program was initially implemented for Katrina dogs, but it became apparent there were dogs living at the sanctuary that could use a leg up to get into his or her forever home!

It’s a big commitment from the trainer, and sometimes it becomes a bigger commitment, as the dog’s true nature reveals itself. In this case, Joanne assessed Harry, the standard poodle mix that she took on as dominant aggression.

“I knew he was going to be a challenge. While at the sanctuary, meeting the dogs, I wanted to take them all home. But what stood out about Harry is that he’s a jumper! He’ll go 6 feet straight up in the air. We nicknamed him Boing Boing! I was told he needed manners, and I knew how to work with that. But, when I took him out and patted his back he growled. I thought this was dominant aggression,” Joanne relates her connection to Harry and why she chose him. Joanne owns and trains German Shepherd Dogs, so she knows a thing or two about dominant aggression!

Soon after she got him home, a clearer picture came into focus. She put this poodle mix on the grooming table and he became quite aggressive, when she put him into his crate and he quickly turned to bare his teeth! He originally tore apart the “arm” she used to test for food aggression, it just wasn’t adding up to being dominant. After an angry bout, Harry would come back to her with his head hanging down, bashfully.

At first he would start growling as soon as he went on the grooming table, and Joanne was told he didn’t like women – it all started coming together, most groomers are women, she began to think that his behavior rather than having to do with dominance was fear based and it seems to have stemmed from a traumatic experience at the hands of a groomer. It makes sense, most groomers are women and his aversion to anything associated with grooming is palpable.

“Fear aggression is the longest and hardest behavior to fix,” she tells me knowingly! He doesn’t even like to be brushed! Poodle mixes need to be brushed. So she’s been working slowly putting him on the grooming table for a second, rewarding with a cookie if he doesn’t growl, and putting him right down. Slowly conditioning him to his fears is the only way to get him to come around!

How does he do with strangers? I asked. Well, Joanne had her mother-in-law over, and she gave her the Harry speech, as in don’t look at or touch Harry, just ignore him. So her mom-in-law behaving like a pro was effectively ignoring Harry from the couch when he came over and wedged his head under her hand for a pet! And proceeded to nuzzle her, like come on pet me!

So how is he in public, I ask, bracing myself for an ornery answer. “Like a champ!,” Joanne explains, he’s perfect on lead, walks right beside you, but I’m always careful to make sure no one is running up on him, that kids aren’t lunging towards him, I have to be mindful of his critical space.” She says she’s surprised at how many people ask before trying to pet her dogs, but she is walking about with German Shepherd Dogs and you could hug them before trying to throw your arms around Harry!

“Harry only lashes out when he feels threatened,” Joanne explains – he really wants friends and social contact, he loves her pack of five other dogs to play around with, but as soon as he feels a threat, he’s heard the best defense is a good offense, and begins his toothy display.

Joanne says one of the things she does when Harry is “acting out” in his crate is to turn sideways and talk very softly and when his anger subsides she either gives him a cookie and/or lets him out of the crate. She’s also started a play therapy game of “shake hands” which acclimates him to having his sensitive feet touched and then he gets a reward. The main thing is that she is very calm and consistent with Harry, he needs the gentle but firm touch that a game of “shake hands” can provide.

“Being a trainer, I work with clients that have generally had the dogs since they were puppies. That is one of the challenges that comes with Harry, you don’t know what his history is for sure. I can speculate, but it’s so much easier when someone tells me all I need to know, and I can analyze the situation and tailor a program to meet their needs; Harry is doing his best to let me know what works for him!” Joanne says with a twinkle in her eye!

Yes doing the best for what Harry needs is good indeed!

If you’re in the Larsen, Wisconsin area and looking for a great trainer, you can contact Joanne Hjella of Canine Academy at canineacademy@tds.net

What's in a Name?

randilee — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT

story by Randi Bildner

Professional dog trainer Butch Cappel speaks with warmth, love and pride, when he refers to the 24 rescue dogs that live at his boarding and training facility in Burleson, Texas.

Ten of these dogs are Best Friends Katrina rescues. Cappel, who is part of Best Friends Animal Society’s Training Partners Program, is a natural to work with dogs that need a bit more training than most. His sweet demeanor and sense of ease is evident when he speaks about his dogs; describing his work as “easy and fun.”

Cappel joined the Training Partner's program several months ago. His "partners" in the program consist of a combination of breeds including six Pit Bulls, a Boxer mix, a Golden Retriever mix and a variety of Rottweiler mixes.

Cappel notes that since the dogs became part of his life they have shown considerable progress, pointing out that they appear calmer and are definitely more sociable.

The only difficulty Butch Cappel and his wife, Denise, have encountered has been related to what the dogs should be called.

The Cappels have very different ideas when it comes to dog names. Butch opting for the practical - prefers names like Red, Stripe and Brindle, stating that he likes to use names that help him identify the dogs. Denise, (described by her husband as the designated pack leader) tends to lean toward names that “fit their personalities.” For example, Denise named one of the dogs Charlene. Charlene likes to wrap herself in a blanket and simply “seems like a Charlene,” according to Denise. “Charlene is very serious about her blanket and must have it with her at all times, even when the weather is 100 degrees.” Cappel refers to Charlene as MC (master of ceremonies,) stating, “She just likes to come up to you and tell you everything that is going on.”

Another dog, a brindle Pit Bull referred to as Kick Back or KB by Cappel, is called Cutie Pie by Denise. Cappel considers this dog to be very relaxed and says that he is “a kick back type of dog.” Denise makes no bones about it; saying “this dog is cute,” so she refers to him as Cutie Pie.

Then there’s Streak, that’s Cappel’s name for the dog; he has no idea what Denise calls Streak, so for now, he’s just Streak.

Cappel was very excited to offer the good news about Nino, a Boxer mix. Nino has been picked out by a young newlywed couple from Arlington TX, who just bought a brand new home and have been looking for a brand new dog to add to their household. Things are looking good for Nino who Cappel says, “is a cool dude who loves everyone.” The Cappels are happy to report that a few of the other dogs have been looked at and their situations are pending.

Butch Cappel has been rescuing and training dogs for decades. His last two work partners were rescue dogs who worked alongside him at the private security company he formally owned.

He has a true appreciation for what his dogs have gone through, “it just seems that dogs that go through traumatic circumstances are much more receptive and are more appreciative, they just seem to know.”

Butch Cappel is a wonderful addition to Best Friends Training Partners Program. He and his wife Denise are a breathe of fresh air, they are good people who improve the lives of the six Pit Bulls and four mixed breeds in their care—no matter what their names are.