Go Canada Go!

News:

For those of you who are unaware, I will be doing a seminar tour this Spring. Kick starting it in Fort McMurray, AB on March 6th and then 10 other cities in May. We have confirmed 5 of the 13 cities with further information on the Seminar Page. There is a discount of 50% for children 15 and under.

Our first 2010 CET course starts in 5 weeks in Kelowna, where the grass is already getting green... not to rub it in for those of you who are still battling the snow! We will have our first American student driving up to Kelowna to do the course, so we are very excited about that, along with the other Canadian students.

The winner for 'Best In Owner Dog Look alike goes to Kate and her dog Alta. Honorable mention goes to Amanda E and Noah. To view these ladies and their look alike pooches, go the Gallery.
Thanks ladies!

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Feb 16th- March 1st's photo topic is:
Best in 'Cuddling'.
Please submit your photos to Daniela at daniela@bradpattison.com. Within your e-mail, please include your name, phone number, dog's name, age and location.
Our team members will pick the winner for each week and post the picture in the gallery. At the end of the year, we will leave it up to you, the viewers to cast your vote on which 'Best In' photo wins. Hustle Up™ prize gear will be given to the top three voted.

Episode Question of the Week:
Congratulations to Brian, who is this weeks 'Episode Question of the Week' winner!
Q: At what age was the mom bound to a wheelchair?
A: 17

Viewer Question of the Week:

Q: I would like your advice on a couple of problems I have with my 18 month old Soft Coated Wheaton.

1. When I walk Tia she has recently started to growl at any approaching dog. Naturally, this scares the dog, but Tia is really friendly and just wants to play and say 'hello'.

2. When we are at the dog park and she is playing with other dogs, she is not very good at responding to my 'Come' command- she eventually comes, but takes her time.

A: 1. Assessing the growl and when this happens is important to look at. At what distance does this happen at? Is it happening when your dog is in range to sniff, but you will not permit the dog to sniff?

Quite often many dogs want to say hello but the owner does not allow or permit the dog to do this, therefore a dog may become very vocal in it's attempt to tell you 'I need to meet and greet many other dogs'. I do wonder if your dog has enough dog friends to fulfill it's social needs.

2. Part 2 of your question does say a lot about your dog's social needs and may point to a simple issue that does not need to be an issue. A common fault with the majority of people who frequent dog parks is that they are on their own timeline to get to the park and then leave. if the dog's social needs are not being met, then a dog will rebel. It is important to stop and permit your dog to say 'hello', build dog friendships, pick up the daily news and so on. If you do need to get your dog to come, then only say it once. Leave the leash attached to your dog so you can then pick it up and pull your dog away to come with you. A dog is not allowed to dictate to the owner what the rules are. Find the balance between you and your dogs needs. This will take time and will change as the dog gets older.

Enjoy the park!

Video of the Week: