FUN DOG SHOW
We held a fun dog show on October 2nd to raise funds for the Sathya Sai donkey sanctuary at Castlebaldwin. The weather was kind to us and I would like to thank everyone for their participation. Everyone enjoyed themselves especially the classes such as musical chairs, with
 |
some dogs taking it literally as can be seen by the photo!. Special thanks to Avenir Design, AS Ireland and Ardcarne garden centre for their very generous prizes for our 'Best in Show' and special awards. A big thank you to everyone that donated prizes and helped both prepare for and help organize the smooth running of events on the day. I would like to thank Darren Carr for taking some great photographs through out the day, which can be seen in the photo gallery. Jerry Lundy, our local councillor, very kindly took time out of his busy schedule to present the prizes. The cakes and pastries that friends had baked for the day were delicious and very popular as there was very little left at the end of the day! The show was only attended by those that had trained their dogs with me and I was very proud of the way the dogs behaved and the way they were handled. We raised 800 euro and 21 cent on the day which we were delighted with for a small event.
HEELWORK TO MUSIC
Our heelwork to music and canine freestyle sessions are great fun. It is an excellent way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, and also keeps your dog both physically and mentally fit.
I work with you and your dog on an individual basis. The sessions are held on a Saturday, or at certain times during the week, if preferred, by arrangement.
This sport is suited to any breed of dog, young and old alike, and to dogs with special needs. I am currently working with a blind Border Collie who enjoys this activity very much. He is a young dog with a strong working instinct, and this sport enables me to channel his boundless energy in a constructive and rewarding way.
ADVANCED COURSE IN CANINE AGRESSION COMPLETED
I am delighted to say that I have now successfully completed the Advanced Course in Canine Aggression with the Canine Behaviour Centre in the UK.
Although it was a very difficult course I found that the research that I had to do invaluable, and I now have time to concentrate on my new book.
'DOG MEETS DOG' GROUP
We are now running a 'Dog Meets Dog' group session for anyone that has completed a Basic Obedience Course with me and whose dog is lacking social skills when meeting other dogs. We cannot make a dog like another dog but we can teach people to manage their dog's behaviour and modify it to enable them to feel less stressed and more in control when they take their dogs for a walk. This is a carefully supervised group situation which will put no dog at risk. If you feel you might benefit from this please contact me.
IRISH GUIDE DOGS
I was asked if I would like to attend an evening organised by the Irish Guide Dog Society, to answer questions on training and behaviour problems.
There were talks by Deirdre Keaveney representing the society, Brendan Healy of Innisfree Vets and Stephanie, a trainer of guide dogs from the United States.
It was a well attended and thoroughly enjoyable and informative evening.
K9 CAPERS
I am running a club held once a fortnight on a Sunday afternoon, from 3 pm to 5pm.
It is open for anyone that has completed their puppy or basic obedience course.
It's a couple of hours of fun and socialisation for both dogs and humans alike. Fun agility, obstacle course, heelwork to music, play and a jump pool for those that love water!
OTHER NEWS
I have now started work on my second book which will tell in detail how I have trained Lucy, the subject of my first book, Smokie a young border collie who is almost blind and Bertie who was an escape artist!
We are also working on a serious of videos of 'Heelwork to Music' routines which will be available to view on the site in the near future.
OUR FUNDRAISER!
We held a fun day dog show here on September 2nd to help raise funds towards an Isolation Unit for the Sligo SPCA. It was by invitation only for past and present trainees.
The sun shone all day and great fun was had by all. We had lots of events such as musical chairs and Fancy Dress and I am sure the dogs enjoyed it as much as the owners. I was very impressed with the behaviour of all the dogs that were a credit to their owners. I felt very proud of them all.
I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all our sponsors and to everyone who gave their time to help on the day. My son Derek came over from England for the weekend and worked very hard with me the evening before, preparing everything. My husband Derek (Snr) did all the printing and paperwork and without whose help the show would not have taken place. The brilliant photos were taken by Darren Carr the veterinary surgeon from Innishfree Vets Sligo, and thanks also to my Vet Suzie for helping me with the dogs and keeping me calm!
About 70 people attended and we raised €850 on the day and a cheque was subsequently presented to the Sligo SPCA for this amount.
Special thanks must also go to our TD John Perry who dashed over to us from another appointment, in order to judge the Fancy Dress and award all the Rosettes and raffle prizes.
View some photos from the fundraising day here>>
|
Star of the month