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Free Educational
Workshops
to help you understand your dog, prevent problem behaviors, and deal with behavior issues.
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The following workshops are free -– but you must register at:
www.yourdogsfriend.info or 301.983.5913.
We love dogs, but please leave yours safely at home. |
From Fear to Confidence - Proven Techniques to Reduce Your Dog's Fears
We all suffer when our dogs are afraid. So, come learn the steps you can take to help your dog overcome his fears - whether thunder, the vacuum cleaner, garbage trucks, or anything else. You will learn how to: identify in detail what triggers your dog's fear; recognize the body language that indicates your dog is moving into a fearful state; and reduce your dog's fear by using desensitization, counter conditioning and other tools. Bring a pad and pencil, so you can determine the steps to take with your own dog.
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1:30-3:30pm (note time change) POSTPONED TO SUNDAY FEB 28th due to snow!
Potomac Community Center
11315 Falls Rd.
Potomac, MD 20854
Speaker: Jeni Grant, CPDT, www.TrainYourBestFriend.com |
Dominance in Dog Training – an Outdated and Dangerous Approach
Some television shows, trainers, and dog owners would have you believe that to train your dog, you must prove that you are dominant. That may be how dogs were trained in the past, but a growing body of science on both how wolves behave in the wild and how dogs learn has led to new, more effective and humane ways to train our dogs -- whether teaching skills, preventing behavior issues, or dealing with problems that already exist. A veterinary behaviorist will shed light on the impact and long-term consequences that using dominance can have on our pets.
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Sat, Feb 20, 2–4pm
Potomac Community Center
11315 Falls Rd.
Potomac, MD 20854
Speaker: Dr. E. Kathryn Meyer, VMD, www.VeterinaryBehaviorClinic.
com
president, American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, 2008-2010
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Achieving Your Training Goals
We will discuss tips on how to achieve your training goals, why dogs do the things they do, and how lifestyle affects training. Learn how to effectively use treats, toys, and life rewards to motivate your dog, as well as when and how to stop using them. |
Sat, Feb 27, 12–2pm
Potomac Community Center
11315 Falls Rd.
Potomac, MD 20854
Speaker: Katalin Kerekes, www.SpecialPawsTraining.com |
So, You Think You’d Like to do Pet Therapy Work…
Our speaker will help you decide whether therapy work is appropriate for you and your dog; which setting would best suit your dog’s temperament; and what you can expect from different organizations and placements. She will also discuss what training your dog will need and how to tell if your dog is enjoying the experience. Current volunteers doing various types of therapy work will relate their experiences and answer questions as well.
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Sat, Mar 6th, 2–4pm
Potomac Community Center
11315 Falls Rd.
Potomac, MD 20854
Speaker: Cathy Reisfield is a former clinician with several years experience training service dogs and screening shelter dogs for service and therapy work. She also assists in teaching a local Delta Society class. |
Practical Solutions for Practical People
Does your dog chew on furniture? Jump on guests? Not come when called? Or bark incessantly? You may not think of these as training issues, but they are. Training should help your dog understand what behaviors you want and teach alternatives to the behaviors you don't want. The training process should be enjoyable for your dog, so he always wants to listen. We will show you how to teach your dog realistic techniques for everyday problems.
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Sat, Mar 13th, 2–4pm
Potomac Community Center
11315 Falls Rd.
Potomac, MD 20854
Speaker: Jules Nye, CPDT, www.sitstayandplay.com |
| Aggression: What it is and What it isn’t We'll talk frankly about barking, growling, lunging, snapping and biting. We’ll defuse and demystify these behaviors by discussing: how they come about, how to prevent them, how to manage and calm a prickly dog, and also how to identify and avoid truly dangerous situations. Learn new perspectives and strategies that will help you live with and love your cranky companion.
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Sat, April 10, 2–4pm
Silver Spring Library,
downstairs meeting room,
8901 Colesville Rd.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
PLEASE NOTE: This is a different location than the other workshops.
Speaker: Laura Costas, www.1on1dogtraining.com |
| Doggy Brain Games
When sit, down and stay just aren’t that much fun anymore… come to this workshop to learn how to keep your family dog happy and busy. We will explore the different ways to keep your dog’s brain working with simple games to more involved dog enrichment programs that work their natural instincts.
Learn about innovative, inexpensive ideas like: making your own puzzle toys, using a muffin tin with tennis balls to hide a treat, safely creating backyard agility with household furniture, and making everyday activities, like mealtime, a chance for mental stimulation. |
Sat, April 24, 2–4pm
Potomac Community Center
11315 Falls Rd.
Potomac, MD 20854
Speaker: Lisa Colon Tudor, CPDT, www.kissablecanine.com |
TTOUCH: A Way to Help Reactive, Aging, Anxious and Fearful Dogs
A certified TTouch (Tellington Touch) practitioner will discuss and demonstrate TTouch -- a method using body work, wraps and confidence exercises to reduce stress in dogs. Learn techniques to help your dog relax his body and calm his mind. Demo dogs will be available for practice. |
Sat, May 1, 2–4pm
Potomac Community Center
11315 Falls Rd.
Potomac, MD 20854
Speaker: Pam Wanveer www.WoodsideTTouch.com |
Protecting the Kids & Dogs We Love
Parents
Take this quick quiz . . .
1. Name three things a dog does with his mouth that indicate discomfort.
2. Which age group receives more dog bites: kids from 0-5 or 5-9?
3. Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, and Labradors share one trait that can make supervision trickier. What is it? (Many other popular breeds have this trait as well.)
4. Name the three categories of dog behavior that all parents need to know.
5. What are three common signs of affection that make dogs uncomfortable?
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Sat, May 15, 2–4pm
Potomac Community Center
11315 Falls Rd.
Potomac, MD 20854
Noted dog trainer and author Colleen Pelar will answer these questions and more. Colleen uses pictures and videos of children and dogs to show parents what to look for -- whether at home or in the neighborhood. What you will learn is too important to miss! |
We love dogs, but please leave yours safely at home! |
If you are interested in dog training for a fee, Your Dog’s Friend is now offering dog-friendly, rewards-based training classes.
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For class information, go to:
www.yourdogsfriend.info |
This page last updated 2-5-10
United Way #8330
Combined Federal Campaign #54823
Maryland Charity Campaign #6035
Federal Tax ID #52-6044968
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