We now offer a pet first aid course. This course is designed to give the pet lover or dog sport enthusiast the necessary information and skills to stabilize an injured animal until qualified veterinarian care is accessed. Emphasis is placed on the prevention of illness and injury, the importance of early veterinary care and the appropriate restraining of an injured animal. Course content includes vital signs, AR, CPR, Heimlich, bandaging, shock, poisons, medical conditions triage (what constitutes an emergency situation). Herbal remedies are covered as well as details on creating an effective first aid kit.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Dog and Puppy First Aid: Learn Emergency First Aid for Dogs
Friday, October 5, 2007
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Canine Massage Therapy Certification
Physical rehabilitation is a valuable and often underutilized part of the overall management of small animals with many diseases such as osteoarthritis and injuries such as cruciate tears. A team consisting of the veterinarian, physical therapist, veterinary technician, and owner is vital to determine and carry out an appropriate therapeutic regimen. Though there are several methods outside of surgery or medication to help canines achieve a better quality of life after diagnosis of a debilitating disease or injury, massage remains one of the historically least utilized, and currently fastest growing therapy employed by Veterinarians in the United States. Taken together, holistic medicine, including massage, is a very controversial subject. The opponents to the argument claim that if "alternative" treatments really worked, they would be more widely accepted and many illnesses and ailments would have been cured long ago. The proponents argue that holistic treatments provide a more "natural" way to heal the body. The best argument may be to take the middle ground and use the holistic treatments, such as massage to enhance the more traditional treatments and not be used as the only treatment.
An outstanding article on this discussion can be found at OldDogPaws.com. The article discusses the benefits of animal massage, the history and current status of the movement, the Veterinarian role and perspective in using the treatment and who is qualified to perform the massage. It stresses the importance of qualified massotherapists and documentation of results due to any use of massage as a treatment modality.
At e-Training for Dogs, we searched for months to find the best to teach our canine massage therapy courses. We know we found this person in Sigle Skeries of Treetops in Canada. Sigle is from Ireland, took her training and certification in the UK (where you must first be a human therapist) and now resides in North America (Canada). Since 1995 Treetops has focused solely on equine and canine rehabilitation while also providing exceptional educational programs in the field of complementary therapies. Treetops was the first facility in North America to provide a fully integrated rehabilitation facility providing the very best in complementary therapies and allopathic veterinary medicine in order to provide a holistic approach to animal health promotion and convalescent care. Treetops continues to be the standard by which all other animal rehabilitation facilities and educational programs aspire. In fact many of today’s animal rehabilitation specialists took their training and began their careers at Treetops. Treetops has been featured in Equus, Practical Horseman, Horse Sport, Horse Care, Horse Illustrated, Dogs Dogs Dogs, Dogs in Canada, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The New VR Television and City TV’s Breakfast Television.
Sigle (Sheila) Skeries has an Honours Bachelor of Arts in educational psychology with 20 years teaching experience and over 30 years experience in the animal industry. Her qualifications in therapeutic massage have been secured through training at The Complementary Therapies School in Gerrards Cross, England and successful completion of the ITEC licensing examinations. She is a member of the British Complementary Medicine Association, Independent Professional Therapists International and the Guild of Complementary Practitioners. Sigle has successfully completed her training in Herbal Medicine through the East West School of Herbal Medicine based in Ben Lamond, California.
Friday, June 1, 2007
.jpg)
Many dogs learn to become anxious and fearful when it comes to making a trip to the veterinarian. Anxiety and fear can result when repeated exposure to a particular environment results in repeated unpleasant or painful experiences. To address this issue, many Veterinarians are now offering classes providing socialization opportunities with other dogs, humans and the veterinary clinic for their new puppy owners by holding classes or puppy pre-school at the clinic itself.
Additionally, canine behaviorists and other experts commonly agree that puppies appear to have an optimal learning period that falls between 8 and 16 weeks. In these 7 or 8 weeks, experiences, good or bad, have a powerful and lasting impact on the puppy. This is not to say that all learning or the retention of experiences only occurs during this time period; it is simply this age offers a great window of opportunity for the new owner to positively impact their puppy’s learning and future attitude and behavior. It is also during this period of 8 -16 weeks that vets recommend keeping your puppy away from other dogs while he/she completes his/her vaccination course. Puppy socialization classes at the clinic provide for a safe and disease free environment as these classes will always insist that the puppies in the class are up to date with their vaccinations to be admitted to the class.
Veterinarian socialization classes offered at a clinic are a wonderful opportunity for the new puppy owner and the Veterinarian. The new puppy owner concerned about the next decade or so with their new companion can take advantage of these classes ensuring that future trips to the Veterinary clinic or hospital are paired with happy experiences, not fearful experiences. The Veterinarian can take this opportunity to provide a safe place for puppies to interact, teach the new owners about hygiene, nutrition, immunizations and general health resulting in a client that is educated and knowledgeable and a puppy that will grow to a dog that will not be fearful of the Veterinary office for the next 12 plus years.
Veterinarians today are mindful of the clear links between a total wellness program, preventive measures, and the subsequent health of their patients. According to an article in the Veterinarian Clinic North America Small Animal Practice, May, 1997, K. Seksel wrote that “setting up a puppy training program is one of the most important services veterinarians can offer. Puppy socialization classes aim not only to socialize the puppies so that they learn to interact well with children, adults, and other dogs, but also to teach basic obedience exercises. The classes build a strong bond between puppy, owner, and veterinary clinic.”
The content of puppy socialization classes provided in Veterinary clinics vary greatly. Most teach about immunization schedules, nutrition, hygiene and allow for socialization time with people, other dogs, and the clinic. Others delve into areas concerning housetraining, crate training, house proofing for a new puppy, understanding leadership roles, safety tips for the home and traveling with your dog. Some teach the new owner basic manners such as a basic understanding of early puppy behavior, the importance of consistency, why a puppy bites and how to stop it, why a puppy jumps and how to control it, and exposure to the pup of early manners. A very few are very comprehensive and get into some general obedience teaching the new owner how to get their pup to “watch me,” sit, come, down, walk with me, stand, and wait. The classes also often include some human-canine bonding exercises (activities to increase the time spent with your pup) such as shake, catch, roll over, over/under, crawl, and to go through an agility tunnel.
The format of how the classes are run, what ages the pup or adult dogs are to be in the class, inclusion/exclusion of aggressive dogs, who teaches them, their costs and length of the classes also varies widely. Some clinics hire a local canine behaviorist to come in and teach. Others have one of their Veterinary Assistants or Technician offer the classes. Some are even taught by the Veterinarian. Most clinics provide their new puppy clients with an informational flyer on their first visit advertising and encouraging them to attend the classes. Almost all Veterinarians charge a nominal amount of money for the classes. This money may go completely to the behaviorist/Vet Tech or it is sometimes split between the Clinic and the trainer. There are clinics that offer classes for little pups and adult dog clients. Usually these are not together. Overly aggressive dogs are typically not allowed in these classes until that behavior is brought under control. Depending on where you are in the country, the costs can range from $10 per class lasting 8 weeks ($80) to $25 per class or $250 for 8 weeks.
Regardless of the content or the format, puppy socialization or puppy pre-school held at veterinary clinics or hospitals results in better behaved dogs and more informed clients. Most people will bring a puppy to a Veterinarian when they first get the pup. Veterinarians have a wonderful opportunity to positively effect the future relationships of this new pup and client. Beyond the obvious result of a dog that will not be fearful or misbehave at future visits to the Veterinarian, the Veterinarian has probably gained a client for the life of that dog and beyond. In addition, perhaps, the more informed the client, and the early socialization to other dogs, people and the Clinic, may actually result in less unwanted pets at shelters. One can only hope.
For more information on how to hold a class and what to teach, go to: http://www.e-trainingfordogs.com/VetClinicTOT.html
E-Training for Dogs, Inc. has just released a “train the trainer” course designed to provide step by step instruction in creating, marketing and implementing puppy socialization classes within a veterinary clinic. It focuses on training Canine Behaviorists, Trainers, Veterinary Assistants, Technicians and Veterinarians interested in developing and assisting Veterinary clinic clients in early puppy education, dealing with safety, health and nutrition, puppy manner imprinting, socialization, and general puppy care. This is an intensive 8 week course requiring at least 75% attendance and a score of at least 75% on exams to become certified. Simply signing up will not earn you a Certificate. This is a robust course that assures clients and Veterinarians that graduates are highly skilled and knowledgeable. Learn to become a Certified Veterinary Clinic Puppy Socialization trainer!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Herding Dog Classes!

I love this new set of courses. I see so many people with the beautiful and intelligent herding dogs that really need something to do. To those herding dogs, that something is to herd. Every state has 4H and kids with sheep, goats, ducks, etc. Those kids are often willing to let you come and use their stock for a small fee. This helps the kids and helps your dog. Your dog and you will strengthen your bond even more and become a working team. If you have a herding dog...do it a big favor and let it do for you what it was bred to do. You will both have a blast! For more information, April Quist, in her "Border Collies" FAQ provides readers with some of the best and most thorough information on the web today."
New courses are now available. The whole press release can be found on PRWEB. Kathy Kawalec, of Dancing Hearts, Wholistic Training and Well-Being for Animals and People has developed Herding Dog Courses at E-Training for Dogs.
Who should take theses classes? Herding breed dogs with their handlers who are interested in a positive method for learning and teaching their dogs shepherding skills, for fun, for competition or for farm chores.
There are 12 courses available (The first two currently scheduled):
• Herding Dogs: Building the Foundation
• Herding Dogs: Basic Skill Building
• Herding Dogs: Practical Work and Expanding Skills
• Herding Dogs: Gathering and Driving, Level 1
• Herding Dogs: Pens, Gates, Ranch Chores
• Herding Dogs: Gathering and Driving, Level 2
• Herding Dogs: Herding Competition, Beginner
• Herding Dogs: Herding Competition, Novice
• Herding Dogs: Gathering and Driving, Level 3
• Herding Dogs: Advanced Penning and Shedding
• Herding Dogs: Herding Competition, Intermediate
• Herding Dogs: Herding Competition, Advanced
You will learn and practice skills designed to shape your dog’s natural herding abilities while you also learn how to read stock. Kathy’s methods focus on keeping the dog in a calm, focused, eager-to-learn state of mind – which helps the dog learn, and helps the handler to learn too!
Dogs will be started on a long line and reinforced for calm, quiet behavior in the presence of the stock. A clicker will be used to mark the “good moves” and the dog will be allowed to move towards the stock and make natural moves to control the sheep’s movement around the pen. The line is dropped incrementally, as the dog and handler learn the foundation skills of stock handling – that process is determined by the progress of each individual team.
Kathy’s methods, which are based upon clear communication, understanding and respect, are effective and positively reinforcing to dog and handler alike!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
This blog is dedicated to bringing quality education to anyone, anywhere on all areas of and philosophies of dog training. I started an online dog training and education website where people can go and take a course either live or recorded to learn to train their own dog. I call it E-Training for Dogs.
To do this, E-Training for Dogs, Inc. has harnessed the power of the internet, using online audio and video to bring the dog training seminar and professional dog trainer and training to people. No travel involved. No time off work. We are the only online access to quality dog trainers and dog training available both instructor-led (live) or self-paced (recorded). Access and timing is everything; and access to the unique and large variety of dog sports, working dogs, and working with dogs is now available to everyone, anywhere, anytime.
The model used with e-Training for Dogs, Inc. is identical to a University or College offering their courses online. Like a University that may contract with professors in various fields and offer a menu of courses such as Geography, Math or Accounting through online courses, e-Training for Dogs, Inc. will contract with professionals in various dog training fields and offer a menu of courses such as herding, mobility assistance, agility or hunting dog training. Like a University, e-Training for Dogs, Inc. provides easy access to timely and quality dog training instruction for the working or sporting dog enthusiast that wants to train her or his own dog with the ongoing guidance of an experienced dog trainer without leaving their home.
Currently, there are several ways to train one’s dog: (1) Send the dog to a professional trainer for several months for the professional to train. The dog is returned trained, but the owner was not part of the learning process with the dog. (2) Attend a clinic or weekend workshop presented by professional trainers where the various steps are demonstrated using dogs at various stages in learning, take notes, go home, and apply these methods yourself with your dog. (3) Purchase books or videos and attempt to use the methods in these to train your own dog. e-Training for Dogs, Inc. has definite benefits over these currently available methods of training a dog.
While the most obvious are the personalization, the flexibility and the cost savings from not having to travel or spend excess time away from work or home, there are also others that might not be so obvious. For example:- It is personalized – we will strive to offer most of the courses in a two-way interaction format, though some of the courses will be stored in the computer “library” and may be taken on demand. Each unique person and unique dog is taken through the training sequence one-on-one with the expert while they are learning the methods. Often, unexpected problems arise in training that are not covered in a book, video or at a workshop due to the individuality of both the dog and the owner.

- It is ongoing – People can bring their dog along step by step with the ongoing assistance of the expert. Most things learned in life must be built upon step by step and this business will allow the learner and their dog to have access to the expert as they build toward their training goals.
- It can be self-paced – Though we will offer courses in a two-way interaction, there will be stored courses that can be taken when needed or time allows. The courses can be set up using a module-based design that will allow the learner to go through smaller chunks of training that can be used and absorbed for a while before moving on.
- It moves faster - According to an article by Jennifer Salopek in "Training and Development Magazine," e-learning courses progress up to 50 percent faster than traditional courses. This is partly because the individualized approach allows learners to skip material they already know and understand and move onto the issues they need training on.
- It can work from any location and any time - E-learners can go through training sessions from anywhere, usually at anytime. This Just-In-Time (JIT) benefit can make learning possible for people who never would have been able to work it into their schedules prior to the development of e-learning.

- It can be updated easily and quickly - Online e-learning sessions are easy to keep up-to-date because the materials are uploaded to a server and stored.
- It can lead to increased retention and a stronger grasp on the subject - This is because of the many elements that are combined in e-learning to reinforce the message, such as video, audio, quizzes, interaction, etc. There is also the ability to revisit or replay sections of the training that might not have been clear the first time around. Try that in a weekend seminar!
- It can be easily managed for large groups of students – e-Training for Dogs, Inc .will allow instructors to keep track of the course offerings, schedule or assign training for participants and track their progress and results.
The benefits of e-learning to train dogs:
· Ability to take training modules from some of the nation’s best trainers without leaving home or sending dogs away to stay with the trainer.
· Allows a person to train their own dog with a professional’s assistance.
· Ongoing and individualized professional assistance in applying training techniques as their own dog progresses through a training sequence.
· A mechanism for an individual to present his or her particular training issues/goals/barriers as they come up in a training sequence. People often run into problems that the book/video just doesn’t address no matter how many times you read the book or watch the video.
· Freedom to choose courses needed at the particular time customers need them.
· Ability to watch videos made just for the particular course students are in around the issues they and their classmates present. Similar to a weekend semina,r only assistance from the professional spans several weeks as customers work their own dog through training sequences.
· Ability to send in personal videos or explain individual problems during a course to an instructor for timely and individualized feedback.
· Richness of listening to other classmates’ problems with particular dogs and how the professional advises that classmate.
· Saves money in travel costs to attend seminars.
· Saves professional training costs.
· Teaches the owner to train and handle their own dogs, therefore the dogs learns from the owner, not a stranger that will never work or own the dog.
e-Training for Dogs Inc. offers a menu of training modules taught by top notch instructors that will work with students and their dogs on an individual basis over the time involved in training the dog to perform certain tasks necessary for the working or sporting dog. Students will choose and sign up for a course, pay using credit card, join in the class at the scheduled time for live courses, and follow the online lessons over the scheduled time period of the course. Courses are presented by computer and teleconference with the instructor in small groups during a specific time period over the relevant time period in weeks or months. Courses are also available in a self-paced format where they are not live and students can view the presentations on their own time. Richness in experience for the student will come by listening to how the instructor helps them and others with specific problems as the class works together. Students will watch, on their own computers, the prepared courses presented live using power-point presentations with embedded video while simultaneously interacting with the instructor and the class by telephony.
