Hi, I'm Shy....

What a great idea! Bark Avenue in Mesa is hosting a special training mini class on July 10th for owners of "Shy Guys." Dog trainer Stacey Larson will help owners understand why their dogs are shy. Class will practice exercises that will help overcome their shyness! Learn to empower your dog: overcome their issues, be more confident, & proudly "meet the world on all fours"!

* Does your dog back away when a stranger attempts to pet him?
* Does your dog meet other dogs on a leash with a big vocal response?
* Does your dog shy away from children? Men with beards? Or people in hats?
* Does your dog pee when approached by a stranger?
* Do you find that you are picking up your dog, when another dog is approaching?

If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above, this class is for you!!
Class is held in the Bark Avenue store, 3109 E. McKellips Road, Suite 104, Mesa, AZ  85213, 480-832-2510. Pre-Registration in the store. Fee $10

Here's barkin' atcha!
Friedo & Guido

North or South?

Maybe you'd like to escape "the hot zone" for a day?  The Prescott Kennel Club is holding a match on Sunday, August 15, 2010 that includes conformation, rally & obedience, a parade of titleholders, junior showmanship, and CGC (canine good citizenship) testing.  Check here for more information and to download a match entry form.  Their annual two-day show will be held on September 18-19, 2010.

Also on September 18-19, 2010, the Greater Sierra Vista Kennel Club will be holding a match and responsible dog ownership event.  Click on this link for more information.

Bark About Books!

A friend with some new puppies turned me on to these two great puppy training books so I'm passing the favor on to you! They both use the positive-reinforcement technique of clicker-training.


51 Puppy Tricks - by Kyra Sundance-  http://www.amazon.com/Puppy-Tricks-Step-Step-Activities/dp/1592535712 --  This book is very user-friendly because it has step-by-step photos on each page, as well as "troubleshooting" if you are not getting the desired result.  Older children who want to participate in the process will also appreciate the easy-to-understand instructions and photos in this book. This would be a great book to include with your puppy packs.

Clicker Training for Dogs, by Karen Pryor.  http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Clicker-Training-Dogs/dp/1890948217/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277916312&sr=1-1 -- Karen Pryor is the "grand dame" of clicker training and gives a clear, easily understood explanation of the process.