Monday, June 21, 2010

It wasn't really a pitbull.

I am late blogging about this, but remember the story that hit the news about the pitbull who was shot by police just outside of halifax at the beginning of May?

Pit bull killed after trapping man, son in car



Silly Media, Silly Hype. It wasn't a "pitbull" at all.

It was a Mastiff/Boxer mix.

Check it out for yourself. :)


Me and my dogs in Halifax, Nova Scotia: A leashless reactive dog paid the ultimate price yesterday

Regardless, its very unfortunate that this happened. That any dog would put anyone in this situation. But, we will never know what exactly happened or if the situation could have been controlled rather then the dog being shot. Animal control are not even properly educated on how to handle a dog like this, why would the police be?

This is not the first time, nor will it be the last - that the media doesn't investigate enough to find out the breed of dog in dog attack incidents.

Speaking of crazy pitbulls on the loose, Miss Soleil was being doggysat by family, she got out. She did some barking, and even a little chasing, but everyone is okay. :) Apparently the lady walking the weinner dog was cool as a cucumber. She meant no harm. I really wish I could have seen this happen. To observe Soleil to see what really went on. Her body language and posture. I am sooo curious.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

At The End Of My Leash's Brad Pattison- Coming to Halifax



The past few years I have been trying to decide what to do with my life. How I wanted to make a living. I know I need to do something that makes me happy. Something I am passionate about. I am happiest when helping others and making a difference. My options range from social work to dog training/behaviourist.

Becoming a dog trainer seems easy in some aspects, and difficult in others. There are so many different types of trainers, so many different beliefs, and so many different methods. No wonder dogs are so screwed up. Us humans don't know what to believe ourselves.

So far I've looked into a few options of training. Apprenticing with a local dog trainer seems to be the way to go. I tried it. It didn't work. Wasn't well organized, and I didn't agree totally with her methods. I will also admit I didn’t stay around long.

I've looked into schooling with Ben Kerson in B.C www.wonderdogs.bc.ca/dog-training-program.html.

I have talked to local trainers about how to get into it as well.

In October Brad Pattison, author, dog trainer, human life coach, and star of " At The End Of My Leash" will be coming to Halifax to put on a 6 week "become a dog trainer" program. In reality, its an 18 day course and you will become a Brad Pattison certified dog trainer.

I have watched his show. I have done some research. I have read his opinions. Some techniques I watch make total sense, others just baffle my mind.

I am however, very curious about this course. Its around $6000. I am sure I would learn some and take the knowledge with me forever, but for the rest I know I would let it go in one ear and out the other. The course is just convenient. I could work my regular job during the week and do the course on the weekend. It would just give me something to start with. Some basic experience on both the good side and the bad side how a good dog trainer works.

Its a great debate as to what others think of him. My opinion isn't very high, so it is incredibly unlikely I would pursue this.