An Article by Emily Leman in the Washingtonian magazine.  She does a nice job summarizing what to do if you loose your pet. 

http://www.washingtonian.com/print/articles/3/177/6724.html 

A very detailed article by Ron Cassie of The Frederic Post. 

Mr Cassie wrote a very useful article about recovering lost pets.  He included some good pointers for people to help them.  One thing his article illustrated  the value of a good start article. We need something that smells like your missing pet but not other animals or people that may have been walking through the area recently.  We have been in the position of not able to assist when a veterinarian lost a rescue dog they called us a week later everything had been washed and reused the transport crate was long gone.  and it was an urban environment without a start article we can not tell the trailing dog what they are looking for.  If you are doing transport for a rescue it may be prudent to wipe a cotton swab on the animal and put it in a zip lock baggie.  The cost is pennies the time needed is seconds, with luck you will never need any of them. 

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/archives/fnp_display.htm?StoryID=75023¤t=true 

A nice article by Kathy Ansell of The News Journal about recovering your lost pet.  she has some good pointers in the article for recovery and especially the value of a quick response to a missing pet. 

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070202/ENG17/302020012/-1/NEWS01

We test drove a new board an train program early spring of 08 with some good success.  For years I was relcutant to start a board and train program because many of my clients had tried them without much success. 

• They are expensive - they have to be by the time you add the boarding and care cost, for twentyfour hours a day for weeks or months, the price is high even before you add training time costs. 
• The trainer is under pressure to present results so may push dogs harder than they normally would.  For long term results you need a strong foundation.  (I always tell my clients you determine the training goal but your dog determines the speed you progress towards it.)
• The clients I had often had dogs that performed well for the trainer but the results extinguished pretty quick once the pup is back into the household environment. 

Our goal was to develop a program that was affordable (Of course I look at the price of gas these days and realize that nothing is affordable anymore!)  Our approach was to make it a modular system the owner can break the training program into the pieces you need.  Each module consists of

1. Individual discussion and foundation training with the trainer prior to entering the program.
2. Drop your pup of Tuesday morning at the kennel Pick him up Thursday evening from the kennel for two consecutive weeks.
3. Attend two small group training sessions with your dog to practice the exercises in different environments and with distractions.  (Optional for an additional travel & time fee you can have the trainer come to your house for two private transistioanl lessons instead.)

The cost of each program is $339.00.  The board & train program is not designed for dogs needing serious behavioral modification programs, or bitches in heat.  If your dog is being treated for a medical condition you should get that under control before starting any training program.   As with any animal training program the amount of progress can vary greatly depending on the individual animals, the humans in the household and the environment your pup will live in.  All animals participating in the program must have proof of vaccination for rabies, distemper, and bordetella.  This program is done at Lucky Stars Country Kennel in Hampstead, MD  All animals participating are contingent on availability of room in the kennel.  For more information on Lucky Stars Country Kennel visit www.luckystarskennel.com

The good manners program introduces the pups to

• Sit for greeting - no more bouncing on the company!
• Walk on a loose leash - No more dragging your owner behind on walks!
• Wait - No more blasting out the front door or pushing you up and down the steps.

The basic obedience package introduces dogs to: 

• Sit on cue
• Down on cue
• Come when called
• Stay
• Walk on a loose leash

For more information or to tailor a program to meet your special needs please feel free to call. (410) 236-2788

Announcing the snifferdog starter packet. Get snifferdog started in your area.

Kit includes:

4- snifferdog posters

1. Handbook for setting up a snifferdog instinct test
2. 10 snifferdog instinct test forms
3. 10 snifferdog instinct test certificates
4. Guidelines for teaching snifferdog classes

The cost of the kit is $25.00.

 DATE: Sunday March 9TIME: 10:00 am until 2:00 pm

Sammy at the rubble pile

Originally uploaded by Laura & the pack.

Introducing the puppy to rubble, Ok in all honesty not much was done in the way of introduction, we brought the pup out and let him plan and explore the environment. Sammy has been through several foster homes because his temperament is really not pet quality. On the other hand that same fearless attitude seems to be serving him well in a working environment. He loves food and play and interaction with people, all good foundation for a working prospect pup.

Bluestone runs a track.

Originally uploaded by Laura & the pack.

Our newest addition Bluestone is running a track. Bluestone (also affectionately known as “shut up!” Has some pretty big shoes to fill if he is going to help Chewy and step into Xena’s place on the detection team. But he is on the right track (pun intended.) He seems to understand the start concept all ready, like Chewy he is more interested in tracking than crittering. Now we just need to work on the indication concept of sitting or down instead of dancing all over the subject when he finds him or her.