GM News - August 2019

Gentle Modern School of Dog Training (GMSDT) News - August 2019

Top Tip - Food Puzzle Toys

Food Puzzle Toys - interactive toys/dispensers that release food as a dog plays with them - can provide a meal-time amount of food or a snack. They require time and mental and physical energy to get to the food. Whilst they're occupied releasing the food your dog won't be barking or chewing something you don't want them to chew!
Mealtime Puzzle Toy examples: Buster Cube, Petsafe Busy Buddy Barnacle, Aussie Dog Tucker Ball, Kong Classic. Snack Puzzle Toy examples: Nina Ottosson range, Busy Buddy Waggle, Kong Wobbler

Considerations:

Suitable for the size of your dog's food?
Does the toy recommend supervision of their use?
How easy is it to clean the toy?
How easy is it to get the food in?
How are you going to motivate your dog to get the food out?
Durable? Safe materials?

Small Group Course
GMSDT Ideal Dogs of Australia (IDA) course
We all want an Ideal dog! :-)

In a small group work on
•   coming happily when called
•   walking on the lead in a controlled manner
•   sitting calmly when cyclists and joggers and people walking their dogs pass by
•   remaining calm when separated from you
•   staying when told to stay

Pre-IDA	Practical	Practical	Practical	Practical	Assessment
18 Aug	25 Aug	1 Sept	8 Sept	15 Sept	22 Sept

Enrolments are currently being taken. (Enrolments close 14 August)
Contact Amanda on 0418 371 060 or email amanda@jenkins.net

More details
IDA is an accredited course under Victorian Government legislation.

You're Invited . . .

As GMSDT instructors we are all members of the Gentle Dog Trainers Association (GDTA) and we are pleased to extend to you an invitation to attend the GDTA Open Lecture.

A presentation by Wild Things Veterinary Behaviour Services'
Dr Trepheena Hunter
Veterinarian and Behaviour Resident (American College of Veterinary Behaviorists)
BAgSc (hons), MAgSci, BVSc (hons), MANZCVS (behaviour); Fear Free Certified Professional

Topics:
Growing Pains - developmental stages and how that effects behaviour
What your dog is telling you - body language
Should we use medication to treat anxiety in dogs? - concerns and rationale for treatment

Thursday, 22 August, 7.30pm
Bellfield Community Centre, Cnr Oriel Road and Banksia Street, Bellfield
$5 entry fee (includes entry into door prize draw)

If you would like to partake in the light supper that will follow Dr Hunter's presentation, please let Amanda know by Monday, 19 August for catering purposes.