Archive for November, 2009
New Exciting Training Classes at AnnaBelle’s Pet Station!
Sunday, November 29th, 2009
Check out all our classes at www.coolcitydogs.com.
Carol’s Corner – Is Corrective Training Necessary to Train Effectively?
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
Dear Carol:
Do you believe in using choke chains on dogs to teach them to obey?
Thanks for your time.
Kim B.
Hello Kim: Do I believe they can work? Absolutely. Dogs have been effectively trained for years using correction as an incentive to change their behavior. My initial background was based primarily on corrective training. However, in order for a correction to effectively change behavior, it must be consistently applied, timed correctly, and also be something the dog finds unpleasant enough that he wants to avoid it. Those criteria can be hard to meet.
Do I believe corrections or choke chains are necessary? Absolutely not. I learned years ago that the most effective training involves focusing on and reinforcing desired behaviors. I feel my responsibility as an instructor is to teach my students the most effective, humane training techniques possible. However, I try never to lose sight of the fact that the student’s background and personal beliefs will always have an impact on their training tendencies. My background is such that I can teach and discuss the pros and cons of each method or philosophy, enabling each student to determine which methods are right for them.
Thank you for your interest,
Carol Hein-Creger has been training dogs and their owners for over 30 years. She has trained thousands of people, including many local dog trainers. Carol is currently teaching at AnnaBelle’s Pet Station in downtown Lansing. Check out her her upcoming class schedule.
Do you have a training question for Carol? Send an email to info@coolcitydogs.com with “Carol’s Corner” in the subject line or use the “Contact Us ” form.
AnnaBelle’s Pet Station Introduces the Day Care Depot!
Saturday, November 14th, 2009AnnaBelle’s Pet Station introduces the Day Care Depot! Our Day Care Depot Open House is January 11, 2010 from 5-7 p.m. and we open for day care services on January 19, 2010!
Why doggie day care? Well-socialized dogs are happier, healthier, and better-behaved. With doggie day care, high energy dogs will get the exercise and activity they need. We can help shy dogs come out of their shell, without being stressed or overwhelmed. With additional activity, socialization, and training, your dog will be more content, less stressed and problem behavior can be reduced.
Why AnnaBelle’s Day Care Depot? AnnaBelle’s is the only Ingham County doggie day care provider where the dogs are assigned play groups by size, temperament, and play style. AnnaBelle’s day care program is unique in the Greater Lansing area because it provides a structured day for your dog, which includes group play time, snack time, dog training activities, and rest periods consistent with your dog’s need for “den” time; AnnaBelle’s day care clients are also taken for outdoor walks at least twice a day. Animal behavior specialists highly recommend structure and rest periods, rather than “all day play.”
AnnaBelle’s Day Care Depot also offers small play groups, so that all of our canine clients have the opportunity to interact with staff and with each other safely and in a low-stress environment. Our day care activities are supervised by Dawn Pizzoferrato, a certified dog trainer, Carol Hein-Creger, a master trainer with more than 30-years of experience and Erinn Hadley, an experienced professional handler and trainer. All dogs must undergo temperament testing and approval by our training staff to participate in group play day care. Temperament testing will be available in advance of opening on Saturdays, January 9 and 16, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
AnnaBelle’s offers competitive pricing, multi-day discount packages, and a special discount for training and grooming clients. Training students and grooming clients who drop their dogs off for day care on the same day as a training class in which they are participating or on the same day as an appointment for grooming services, receive a 10% discount off the regular price of Day Care Depot services.
Join AnnaBelle’s Founding Furry Faces!
For the Grand Opening of AnnaBelle’s Day Care Depot, we are offering special discounted pricing for all multi-day passes purchased on or before January 11, 2010:
5 day pass: $99 (regular price $129)
10 day pass: $199 (regular price $229)
20 day pass: $349 (regular price $399)
Single day: $28
½ day: $15 (4 hours or less).
Pre-Grand Opening multi-day passes do not expire until July 11, 2010, regardless of date of purchase. Shortly, these passes will be available for purchase on-line or at AnnaBelle’s temperament testing Saturdays. Day Care Depot Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, beginning January 19, 2010.
Check our website regularly for more details about our Grand Opening Specials, purchasing multi-day passes, and the Day Care Depot Open House on January 11, 2009!
Ask AnnaBelle – Grooming Q&A
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
Dear AnnaBelle:
My groomer does something to me she calls “pad cleaning,” where she shaves the hair out from between the pads on my feet. It doesn’t hurt, but it sure does tickle sometimes! Why does she do this?
-Zack, a wiggly Maltese, St. Louis, MO
Dear Zack:
I see that your groomer is taking very good care of you! There are glands in your pad area that can become stinky or irritated if moisture is trapped there by large amounts of hair. Your groomer also keeps your pads clear of hair to prevent ice balls from getting trapped in the winter and to keep that area free of debris in the summer.
My groomer has even found small stones matted in the hair in some extra hairy pads. OUCH! Can you imagine walking on that? So, Zack, thanks for writing in and during your next groom, make sure you put out those feet for your groomer so she can get them nice and clean for you!
-AnnaBelle
Got a grooming or training question for AnnaBelle? Send your question to: Contact us!