Happy HOWL-I-DAYS!!!

What a wonderful time of year! Festive, feast, fun and frolic and best of all ... family, friends and furries!!!!!!!

Hoping that you and yours have a very merry tail wagging Christmas and a joyous holiday season!

This is Paw in Hand's 12th year of sharing and caring with so many special furry friends and their families.  Many of them are regulars and we see them at their crazy moments and their best behaved moments -- they know how to get us to use our oppposeable thumbs!

Thank you for trusting us to care for your fur family again this year. Thank your for the cards and the thoughtful gifts too.

I shopped local for your gifts again this year. The Bully Sticks no doubt got devoured by your dogs and may not have made it to their stockings. The key chain tags are for you to match your dog's Paw in Hand identification tag. The peppermint and tea tree soap was made by Be Clean Naturally. They can be used for you or for your dogs!  The bars were customized with Paw in Hand's swirly stamp too! Thanks Kirsten! http://www.becleannaturally.ca/Welcome_to_Be_Clean_Naturally.html   

Did your dog get a 2013 District of Squamish licence in their stocking? If Santa missed you can stll get them at the Animal Control Office and Dog Pound or at the District of Squamish Municipal Office. $20 for spayed and neutered dogs if you get there before the price goes up....

We had a limited number of special edition soaps made by the local company Be Clean Naturally and included them in our Christmas gifts along with Paw in Hand keychain tags and no-stink Bully Stick chews which we have for sale.

Dreaming of a white Christmas? It happened for real this year and the dogs sure do love it! Here is some sniffing and dashing through the snow!

And then on to 2013....  There were some special dogs that made the calendar contest hosted by Tracy Sutherland Photography. One winner was Hunter who was a rescue dog that was in a foster home for a while and we boarded him until he got his forever home in the Upper Squamish. He is the March poster boy!
http://www.tracysutherland.com/





Hoping your 2013 is the best year yet!
Now what training classes are we going to offer next year.... Hmmm....

Arrrrrooooooooooooo!

Maren
and family
and furries
and the Paw in Hand Gang
Sarah, Amanda and Laura

Bully Sticks and Antlers - Odour Free Chews Available for purchase

We wouldn`t live without these! We use these for dogs that board in our home as well as in our puppy classes. At our training consultations we find that we are constantly recommending certain products. Now we stock some of the more popular products including these chews. Odour free and safe. Approved by most Veterinarians.


6" Bully Sticks - Odour Free



The average weight per 6" bully stick is 20 grams.  All natural from free range cattle from South America. These are approved by USDA, FDA, CFIA.

Sold individually
$3.00

Package offer - includes two premium sticks and two slightly irregular sticks
4 for $10.00

* prices include all applicable taxes


JUMBO Antlers - Naturally Shed



Jumbo antler for larger or dogs with aggressive chewing.  A great long lasting dog chew that is rich in glucosamine.  Great for maintaining joint health.  This is a no odor product that lasts weeks.  It is rich in nutrients. These are naturally shed.

Sold individually
$22.00

* prices include all applicable taxes


TO ORDER:
Contact maren@pawinhand.com with what products you would like and how many. Let us know when you would like to pick them up and we will ensure they are ready for you in our drop box at our office 40801 Perth Drive. Maren usually carries an assortment in her training tickle trunk as well so you can ask her at training class or at a home consult.

Free presentation of Before Baby and Beyond programs at Squamish Public Library - Thursday October 18 @ 6:30 - 8:00pm

For more information see our website:
"Before Baby and Beyond"
http://www.pawinhand.com/pages/before-baby.php
or 
contact Maren by email maren@pawinhand.com

Paw in Hand at the Sea to Sky Family Fun Fair

The 3rd annual Sea to Sky Family Fun Fair was held at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on Saturday September 15th.

Paw in Hand Pet Services had a booth to introduce our new specialized programs that promote safety for new and expecting families with dogs.

For more information check out Before Baby and Beyond on our newly updated website http://www.pawinhand.com/pages/before-baby.php 

or see Family Paws Parent Education  http://familypaws.com/

Paw in Hand was Top Fundraiser at BC-SPCA Paws For A Cause in Squamish

Thanks to all of our clients and friends and family ... Paw in Hand was the top fundraiser at the Squamish Valley Branch of the BC SPCA Paws For A Cause event on September 15, 2012. We not only had FUN on the day of the event but we also had FUN doing the fundraising!


THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

You helped raise $1116

2012 has been a particularly challenging year for the local branch with very high health care expenses and then an outbreak of ringworm that closed the shelter for about a month. That is in addition to their already long list of needs. The small trailer is not big enough for all the animals they are asked to care for. Foster homes are relied on for many of the animals in care. Funding is needed for many projects. Donations, volunteers and foster homes are needed on an ongoing basis. Contact them and see how else you can help.

 
For more information on the Squamish Valley Branch:
On the web
http://www.spca.bc.ca/branches/squamish/

On Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/bcspca.squamish?ref=ts&fref=ts 

or contact:

Government Road (in the Municipal Works Yard)
Squamish, B.C.
(604) 898-9890 

Summer Sniffs! Dog Days of Summer!

Summer Sniffs...

Dog Days of Summer!
The "dog days" of summer are already half way over but do you know what the expression really means?
Some will say that summer's "dog days" signify hot sultry days "not fit for a dog," while others suggest it’s the weather in which dogs go mad.  The phrase actually has a celestial origin where the "dog days" are actually defined as the period from July 3 through Aug. 11 when the Dog Star “Sirius” rises with the sun.

Summer Holidays
The Bruun family holidays are traditionally a couple of weeks in August and this year Maren will be away the week of August 13th and then again the week of August 27th.  Jessica will walk Monday and Friday as usual. There will be coverage for the rest of the days but we would like to confirm what your dog walking needs are to work out the walking groups in advance. Please let us know asap info@pawinhand.com and we will do our best to accommodate you!

PNE SuperDogs!!
Maren, Opal and Trixie have been chosen to be a part of this year’s PNE Superdogs showcase!! Once their performance schedule is confirmed, we will send it to everyone.  I know they would love to have you cheering for them!
Arrrroooo! Woof woof!!  (Translation:  Good luck Opal and Trixie!  There are sure to be a lot of great treats!!)

Can You Find us?
The Brennan Park Fall Program guide is hot off the press!  Send us an email info@pawinhand.com by August 31st with the page where our advertisement is found.  We will enter your name into a draw for AMAZING Paw In Hand Treats!

Paw In Hand Wags.....

NEW Team Members

Jessica Reid is the newest member of our Paw In Hand team! Jess moved to Squamish in 2003, and since then has come to know and love our favorite local wilderness trails. Jess has two furry family members: a spicy mare named Nevluk; and an adorable yet somewhat insecure doggie named Cosmos.  Both have taught her plenty about building mutual trust through positive reinforcement, non-verbal communication, and also how to create a calm, loving and FUN human-animal dynamic.

Tracey Scott has swooped in with her cape attached, armed with a pocket full of treats and knowledge of dog body language & communication, to reward all the lovely furry friends that occupy Paw In Hand’s headquarters!  Joining the team to assist Maren on the organizational front, she will be responding to emails, keeping the paper under control, and generally doing those behind the scene things to keep Maren out on the trails and in the training grounds.  She will even jump in to help out with a trail hike when needed!!  Tracey's family includes a husband named Robin, a daughter Alex, a son Kaden, a ball obsessed Lab/Retriever/Catahoula named Orla, and a calico cat named Cali.

In case you’re wondering what happened to Jenna … she got a full time job at the District of Squamish, but it is only temporary so she may return for the occasional shift in the fall because she loved her job and your dogs so much!

NEW wheels!
Your doggies have a wider selection of cushy rides now! The van will likely still be the main mode of travel but depending on who the chauffeur is that day, they could also be transported to the trails in the green Volvo Wagon or for those dogs that don’t mind (or love) truck rides the new Toyota Tacoma can take them to wonderful places!

NEW website!!!
Well … almost.
If you have any superb photos of your doggie we will consider using them for the website or at least for our client photo album! YOUR dog could be FAMOUS! Email them asap!

Exciting NEW programs!!!
Maren will be providing new family focused programs this fall in addition to the existing great training classes provided together with Katherine.  Paw In Hand is expanding to provide more education in helping people understand their canine's behaviour and we are wagging our tails in anticipation of these future opportunities!

Step into my shoes … Join me on a field trip!

To celebrate the Dog Days of Summer – a special offer for you & your dog!

Step into my shoes … Join me on a field trip!

Hi all,

For decades I have been hiking and biking on the trails around the Squamish area with my own dogs and with client’s dogs of all types and sizes. The years have tested different training “tools” and techniques and I have learned which ones are the most effective. I want to share them with you!

          

You have already learned some of the foundation skills in class. Now you have a chance to have me by your side to guide you in how to apply them to everyday situations on the very trails you love to share with your dog. You will learn to recognize (and then help your dog learn), REAL trail etiquette.

When: Field trips 1 – 1 ½ hours long. A variety of times for to match your schedule.

July:

Saturday July 7 @ 9:00 am

Tuesday July 10 @ 7:00 pm

Monday July 16 @ 6:00 pm

Friday July 20 @ 09:30 am

Sunday July 22 @ 9:00 am

Wednesday July 25 @ 6:00 pm

August: Dates to be announced

*Times subject to change or cancellation depending on registration.

Where: We will meet at different locations around Squamish, chat, do a few exercises & head out for a field trip! Locations will provide different situations & challenges that you might encounter on those lazy, hazy, swimming days of summer.

Prerequisites:

Previous training course or coaching session with Paw in Hand or associate suggested (focused attention, impulse control and basic commands) A private coaching session can be arranged.

Training registration form filled out within the past year.

Tags: Owner ID tag, current dog licence.

Cost:

$25 drop in (includes hst)

$60 for 3 field trips (includes hst)

Register:

Space limited to 4 dog/handler teams.

Pre registration recommended.

Drop in may be available.

Contact Maren at 604-892-4278 or e-mail maren@pawinhand.com to confirm your spot.

Note: 48 hours notice prior to start of class is required for cancellations or refunds. Class may be cancelled due to extreme weather, low registration or other reasons.

Let me know as soon as possible which days you want to join! It will be great getting together as a group!

Arrrrooooooo!

Maren

No Stink dog collars perfect for "Outdoor Recreation Capital" dogs

OUTDOOR RECREATION DOG COLLARS

The perfect collar for our wet coast weather and water loving dogs! Tested under extreme dog walking conditions in Squamish - these collars last for years!

 No Stink – High Visibility Dog Collars

 Polyurethane coated nylon. Dirt and odour resistant.

 Price $20.00 including hst









1” width, D-ring and Brass nameplate engraved with:

"Partners with my Dog"

www.pawinhand.com

604.892.4278


We stock “Paw in Hand green” in all sizes.

Sizes 15", 17", 19", 21"








To order:
Contact us with your dogs’ neck size, first and second colour choice
Payment due upon delivery
Email: maren@pawinhand.com

*next order deadline July 12

STEPS to a REALLY RELIABLE RECALL class - June 2012

STEPS to a REALLY RELIABLE RECALL class - June 2012

The inaugural course had two full classes of 4 partners ... dog and owners! Each evening we learned different skills, played some games, learned the subtle ways to use our bodies, mixed up rewards and by the end every dog was happy to come running to their owner when they heard the recall cue - even with nearby distractions! Way to go everyone!

 "MAPLE" come!

"RORY" come!

 "DAISY" come!

 "ZEPHYR" come!

 "BENNY" come!

 "Griffin" come!

 "DESTINY" wasn't at the flying come recall photo shoot ...

 

"KONA" missed the last night class so no rocket racing recall photo of her either...

Even with all the distractions you all managed to get your dogs to come running to you!

Congratulations on the great job you all did with your dogs! You all did a great job learning the new skills! And ... for all your efforts you get a graduation certificate and a special box of Auntie Kim's Better Bickies! Thank you so much to Auntie Kim for the special packages you put together for our training class students on graduation night! The dogs no doubt think they are lip licking, tail wagging scrumptious!

 

 

For more info see: http://www.betterbickies.com/

 

 

Another Really Reliable Recall Class will be held soon! 

Dogs that join us on our weekday dog walking field trips are taught to come running to an emergency whistle signal too. 

Check out our website for info on our dog walks and on upcoming classes! Our new website is expected to launch July or August!
http://pawinhand.com/pages/home.php

Graduates of STEP ONE Training Foundation Class!

Graduates of STEP ONE Training Foundation Class!

June's STEP ONE class had a full class of 4 dog and owner teams! They were all very different personalities from each other! All of them made some great strides in their training!

Guess which one was intense and focused? Guess which one was keen and always ready to learn? Guess which one had amazing focus? Guess which one was amazing at rocket recalls? Guess.....

Great work Chloe, Zephyr, Minni and Destiny and your people too!

Two of you are signed up for June's Really Reliable Racing Rocket Recall Class! I can't wait!

CHLOE!

ZEPHYR!

 

 DESTINY!

MINNI!

(picture coming soon?)

Congratulations on the great job you all did with your dogs! You all did a great job learning the new skills! And ... for all your efforts you get a graduation certificate and a special box of Auntie Kim's Better Bickies! Thank you so much to Auntie Kim for the special packages you put together for our training class students on graduation night! The dogs no doubt think they are lip licking, tail wagging scrumptious!

 

For more info see: http://www.betterbickies.com/

Upcoming Classes June and July

Hello all,

We have some new and some repeat training courses planned for June! Yikes, June is next week already!
Let us know which one you would be interested in asap. Only 4 spots per class. Most classes are 4 weeks long. See link to each class for more details.

Steps to a Really Reliable Racing Rocket Recall
Teach your dog to come immediately when called, the first time you call him, no matter what he is doing. Any age!
Instructor: Maren
http://pawinhand.blogspot.ca/p/steps-to-reliable-recall.html
Tuesday 6:00 *FULL June*
Tuesday 7:15 *FULL June*

Step One Training Foundations
For dogs 5 months of age or older: attention, impulse control, foundations of recall, leash walking and stays.
Instructor: Maren
http://pawinhand.blogspot.ca/p/step-one.html
*Taking registrations for July

Next Step Training Progressions
Instructor: Katherine
Prerequisite: STEP ONE
Improve focus. Add distance, duration and distraction to stays and recalls. Leash handling skills and Just the right amount of fun and games mixed in.
http://pawinhand.blogspot.ca/p/next-step.html
Tuesday 7:15
*Taking registrations for July


Advanced Puppy Steps
Instructor: Katherine
This class take off where basic socialization classes leave off … ensure your puppy is learning some life skills, to be attentive and choose you over other distractions.
http://pawinhand.blogspot.ca/p/puppies-wanna-learn-too.html
Sunday 10:00
*Ongoing registration 

Misfits Stepping Out and About
Instructor: Katherine
For owners of dogs that show outward displays such as growling, barking, lunging - usually dogs that are frustrated greeters or have fear issues and have learned "the best offence is a good defence"
*Prerequisite initial consult with Katherine or Maren
http://pawinhand.blogspot.ca/p/misfits-stepping-out-and-about.html
Sunday 11:30



Hope to see you and your doggie for some fun and learning! We are open to suggestions for future classes. Let us know what you and your doggie's needs are!

Arrrroooooooo!
Maren
and
Katherine

NEW class offerings and NEW training locations. May classes start NEXT WEEK!

We are excited to announce that we have some NEW class offerings and two NEW training locations. May classes start NEXT WEEK and are filling up quickly!

If you would like to register for any of these classes please let us know ASAP and submit your registration and payment by Friday May 4th. First come first serve. There is a limit of 4 dogs and handlers in each class.


May Classes: (for details click on the link or look at the side bar on the right side of the Blog)

Advanced Puppy Steps - Sundays at 10am
    Socialization and play is important for a puppy's development but their brains are ready to learn too!
    - Puppies up to 16 wks of age start on "obedience" and social skills
    - http://pawinhand.blogspot.ca/p/puppies-wanna-learn-too.html

Step One Training Foundations - Tuesdays 6pm
    Foundation skills such as impulse control, focus, attention, recall basics, stays, polite meetings and leash walking options.
    - http://pawinhand.blogspot.ca/p/step-one.html

Steps to a Reliable Recall - Two classes: Tuesdays 7:15 pm or Thursdays 7:15 pm
    Systematic, effective method that teaches you how to use different positive reinforcement techniques such as lure reward, targeting, and shaping to build a reliable recall.
    - http://pawinhand.blogspot.ca/p/steps-to-reliable-recall.html

Agility Foundation - Sundays 5:00 pm
    Build a strong partnership using your body, hand signals and your voice to communicate.  Have a BLAST racing around the course. Agility naturally teaches your dog how to pay attention to you.
    - http://pawinhand.blogspot.ca/p/agility-foundation-steps.html
   
Misfits Out and About - Sundays 11:30 am
    For dogs that "Act up" or are "Reactive" on leash. Working on polite social skills when out and about. *Private consult is a prerequisite.
    - http://pawinhand.blogspot.ca/p/misfits-stepping-out-and-about.html



Additional Classes tentatively offered in June:

Next Step Training Progressions - Thursdays
            Adding distractions and reliability to skills learned in Step One class. Additional leash work and distractions.

Dog Sports Foundations - Tuesdays
            Sampling of agility, scentwork, Rally-O, Tricks and Games

Stepping Out on the Trails - Reliable Recall
    Taking your skills out and working on real life distractions with life rewards


We are so happy with all the success stories you have shared with us so far and are motivated to help you continue your training education with your life long fur friend!

Arrrrrooooooo!

Maren and Katherine



Paw In Hand Pet Services
40801 Perth Drive, PO Box 3228
Garibaldi Highlands, BC V0N 1T0
604.892.4278

maren@pawinhand.com
www.pawinhand.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paw-In-Hand-Pet-Services

"Partners with your dog - side by side and Paw In Hand"

Intro to Dog Sports Graduates!

 Below are 3 of the 4 graduates from our Introduction to Dog Sports
a 4 x wk class!

Heidi we missed you and Kona last night!

Each week we covered a new sport to enjoy and fine tune your communication skills with your dog!

Last class we covered  CARO Rally - O

We started the class on leash but everyone was doing such a great job that the final "Rally-O Vegas style" round was done off leash!

Winner of that round won a $$ Jackpot.  Boy did everyone step up their game!!! It was CLOSE!

I JUST love the videos!!!!

Very impressive communication, using a number of different techniques from Step One Class.
Lure, Targeting, Shaping behaviors and Event Markers.

Handsignals were bang on and sure helped the dogs understand what needed to happen at each station.

LOVED the wagging tails, and enthusiasm from the dogs working with their guardians.

We made learning fun.  It's scientifically proven that long term potentiation (learning), takes place when we engage the pleasure center of our and their brains.  If anyone's interested, "Reaching The Animal Mind" by Karen Pryor is a fantastic book on clicker training.

 We paired the challenge of learning a new sport, with their favourite things in life.   Treats, toys, our enthusiasm and cuddles of course!

I love Rally - O as it also highlights  how powerful our body language is and how much they rely on it for information, compared to our verbal communication.  Following you, ignoring other people, dogs, toys on the ground is tough mental work.  All three teams each round became more focused and enthusiastic about being in the "ring" together.

Hands down, all dogs honed in and understood the hand signals faster to learn what we are trying to communicate for each station, rather than verbal cues.

Remember that important piece of information in times where we're asking something of our dogs.  Should they not respond, take a moment to look at their expressions.  Do they need help to figure out what you've asked of them?

It was clear last night that the moment a dog did not respond to a verbal cue, all the guardien had to do was use a hand signals rather than repeating a cue.  There's an art to proofing a verbal cue.  Most times even when we "think" the dog "knows" the cue, we give them hints with our body.

Very Very Well Done!!!!

They also went home with some delicious, healthy treats, thanks to Auntie Kim's Better Bickies :)

Videos!

Jackpot round of Rally - o

Patsy & Charming Chabo!


Carmen & Sweet Sweet Sascha!



Negar & Happy Party Girl Daisy!


Can you believe they rocked Rally-o in just one night!!!

Here's some videos of me and my crew enjoying the different dog sports at fun trials.  I'll have to dig up a video of Maren and Opal from a few years ago too!

Agility - Jumpers w/ Daizy


K9 Nosework w/ Daizy


Tricks n Games to make hanging around me fun helps with recalls and heel position!


Rally - o w/ Daizy


In dog sports (and in life) it's important to note that communication is a two way street.  Remember to take a moment to look and note how your dog (or person for that matter) is reacting in response to your voice and body language. 

Learning how to use positive reinforcement based methods effectively is one of the secret ingredients to communicating your wishes clearly.  Another secret (and relief..as it's good for one's soul) is knowing you do not need to use a stern voice or intimidating body language to get the job done either.

Thank you so much for making this class so much fun!

cheers,

Katherine

And the WINNER of the Be A Tree presentation is........

Bosleys Pet Appreciation Day was held this past Saturday April 14th from 11 - 3pm.

Bosleys raised funds for the local branch of the SPCA by accepting in-store donations and posting "pawprints" of donors on their walls and windows!

Squamish SPCA had a booth set up with the goal of public awareness and getting some new members.

Spectrum Animal Massage's Courtney Driver gave massages to passing by dogs in need. http://animalmassage.ca/

Katherine Mutzke demonstrated scent work for dogs. http://cleverk9.blogspot.ca/



















Maren of Paw In Hand gave children some tips about dog bite prevention and sold tickets to win a draw for a FREE "Be A Tree" presentation.

This raised just under $100 for the SPCA and....

CONGRATULATIONS!

The WINNER of the draw prize is ...... Evelyn Schoahs! The school that will be awarded the free presentation is Squamish Montessori School!

I look forward to sharing this excellent program with your class and having a fun time learning how to be safe around dogs together!

What a great way to celebrate! Doggone Safe is challenging its members and Be a Tree presenters to educate 50,000 children about safety around dogs using the Be a Tree program during the month of May to celebrate Dog Bite Prevention Week (3rd week in May).




The Be a Tree program is a leader in dog bite prevention programming. Please visit the Be a Tree website.

Be a Tree Program Information

The Be a Tree program is a dog bite prevention seminar program for school age children. This program focuses on fun and interactive activities to teach children how to read dog body language and how to act safely around their own dog and strange dogs. Doggone Safe discourages presenters from bringing live dogs into the classroom.

If you know someone else that would like to bring this program to their school or organization contact Maren for details.

Maren Bruun is a professional Certified Pet Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA, Doggone Safe member and licenced presenter of the Be A Tree dog bite prevention program.
Licensed presenter, Family Paws Parent Education
Member, Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers


Paw In Hand Pet Services
40801 Perth Drive, PO Box 3228
Garibaldi Highlands, BC V0N 1T0
604.892.4278

maren@pawinhand.com
www.pawinhand.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paw-In-Hand-Pet-Services