Polite Paws Dog Training

My whole life I have had an affinity for animals of all shapes, sizes and temperaments. I had lots of pets and usually all at once - our house was nicknamed the zoo! I was allowed almost any pet I could think of, except a dog or a cat. While I was growing up I always said I would be a vet, as my love of animals and science would suit that. When I was younger, I started helping people by walking and washing their dogs for them if they couldn’t. I became close friends with one lady whose two dogs I had walked, washed and minded for over 10 years. In April 2007 she passed away leaving the dogs in my care. By mid 2007 I decided to buy my first dog and in early 2008 my second (both long hair Chihuahua). Shortly after moving out of home into my own apartment and buying my first dog Monty, I was a passenger in a serious car accident that forced me to stop the theatre work I had been doing, along with dancing and most of my other passions. Due to the time I spent at home with my injury, I had plenty of time to spend training my dogs. I think my dogs actually taught me how to train them. With a bit of common sense and some general ideas about dog training, I successfully trained the dogs in general obedience and tricks. Our 2 Chihuahua’s at that time were spotted at a dog fair in Mid 2008 while participating in a fashion show. Subsequently, they were used in a photo shoot for Frontline due to their good nature and training. Late 2009 it was confirmed I would not fully recover from my injury. I decided that dog training and behaviour modification was the road I’d like to take, so I started hunting around for courses and any books I could find to hone my skills. I attend as many seminars and lectures as I can each year to broaden my knowledge and skills within the field. And I have acquired many books, watched many DVD’s and attended numerous Webinars. I do a lot of driving now running 2 locations, so I use that time to listen to many wonderful behaviour podcasts. I live with 3 Chihuahuas, sibling duo Sally and Sam who are Shepherd/Malamute X Labrador/Golden Retriever who were reunited after Sam showed up at a shelter two years after I foster failed with Sally and Jake my big boofy German Shepherd. Yes I have 6 dogs... and a Quaker bird called Lola. Who talks. A lot.