Camp Gone to the Dogs is an agility dog training camp in Stowe, VT where you can spend a week with your dog weaving, jumping and learning. NECN (New England Cable News) just did a story on them, and you can watch it here.
Dogs
Training a puppy ... on a Nintendo!
By Bill Peña on 09/14/2005Nintendo has released an incredibly cute game named Nintendogs for their touch-screen enabled portable, Nintendo DS. In this game, you can train your dog or dogs to do everything from learn their name to compete in agility! And though I haven't played the game (yet!), from a newly-released video it looks like all the training is done through operant conditioning; dogs are given cues and reinforced with praise, petting and treats when they get the behavior right, and when they have learned the behavior, a light bulb goes off over their heads.
Boston Globe praises clicker training
By Karen Pryor on 09/09/2005Gina Spadafori, writing in the Boston Globe (9/1/05) describes the 'boot-camp mentality' of many pet owners, who view training and training classes as "a way to break the dog of annoying behaviors, bark commands at him, and correct him for being 'bad.' "
Mass. area residents can support Katrina relief fundraiser
By Miranda Hersey Helin on 09/09/2005MasterPeace Dog Training, located in Franklin, Mass., is holding a Doggie Yard Sale on October 1 at 9:00 a.m. to benefit dogs impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
MasterPeace is seeking the following: Donations of new or gently used (but clean) dog items, such as beds, toys, equipment (sealed food OK, but no medication). Please drop donations off to MasterPeace by September 26. Volunteers and monetary donations are needed too. You can also support this effort by shopping at the yard sale. Funds raised (and leftover goods) will aid in fostering dogs rescued from the devastated area, or will be donated to a responding animal relief organization.
Lisa Clifton-Bumpass, APDT Outstanding Trainer of the Year Award Winner!
By Miranda Hersey Helin on 09/09/2005APDT press release: It is APDT's pleasure to announce Lisa Clifton-Bumpass has won the 2005 APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) Outstanding Trainer of the Year Award. The APDT offers yearly award contests because the organization feels very strongly about awarding and encouraging trainers and the animal community to the offer the very best to the animals and pets they love and respect. Lisa receives an all expense paid trip to the APDT 12th Educational Conference and Trade Show on September 14-18. She will benefit from the education and experience of world class trainers, ethologists, veterinarians, and scientists.
