This article makes a great point that I don't see enough in the press — teaching your pet some tricks is a form of enrichment! It keeps their brains active, reduces behavior problems, and strengthens the relationships between pets and their owners. So play with your pet and teach them something, not just for your benefit, but for theirs.
Press
How a clicker training business gets in the news
By Bill Peña on 02/23/2006This is a great example of how to get your training business in the news and spread the word on clicker training. Pet Emporium in Arkansas has a writeup in their local paper which introduces their training business by giving an introduction to clicker training for dogs (and later in the article, T-Touch). This generates interest in the training methods and in the business, as well as setting up the trainers there as cutting-edge experts in their area. So go to your local paper, your newsweeklies, whatever small outlets are in your area and let them know what makes your training business unique!
Training fish to play soccer?
By Bill Peña on 02/14/2006Several discussion groups are buzzing about fish training. Here's an article that details some of the highlights from our friends at Fish School:
A Pine man and his son have trained a pet goldfish to "carry" a football, "shoot" a soccer ball into a net, even "dance" the limbo.
What Are the Rules for Naming a Prize Pooch?
By Bill Peña on 02/14/2006For all who are watching Westminster this week wondering the very same thing, Slate.com provided a nice explanation:
The coveted "Best in Show" title at this week's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was snagged by a Kerry blue terrier named Ch. Torums Scarf Michael. Other top entrants included Ch. Set'R Ridge Wyndswept In Gold; Ch. Yakee Leaving Me BreathlessAtFranshaw; and Ch. Luxor's Playmate Of The Year. What does the doggy set have against classic names like "Fido" and "Spike"?
Clicker a positive, effective training method
By Bill Peña on 02/10/2006Arizona's Payson Roundup newspaper has a great write-up by Christy Powers on ClickerExpo Tucson, with a picture of Karen Pryor and Higgins, a beautiful black dog who helped with some live demonstrations. From the article:
