Our Clients Help "Taming the Wild Side" Give Back!

Thanks to our clients, we were able to give back to our community by providing pet oxygen masks for the Aledo Fire Department. All proceeds from our hikes made this gift possible. Please check out the following article from the Aledo Community News:

 

It's Official!

Terri Elkins is now a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy For Animal Training and Behavior! 

According to the Karen Pryor website:

The Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Program takes an innovative approach to developing and supporting outstanding dog trainers who teach the general public. Our students learn from some of the most experienced teachers in the field, using a curriculum designed exclusively for Karen Pryor Academy. Our goal is far greater than having trainers add a new title to their name. Graduates of Karen Pryor Academy become part of a community of trainers who have achieved and demonstrated a consistent level of excellence and can represent themselves and the Karen Pryor Academy name proudly.

Check out Terri and Glacier's final training assessment showing the "Ten Behavior Chain Exercise":

Dogs that are trained using a clicker are confident dogs that are not afraid to offer behavior and love to participate in training.  Watch Glacier's happy tail and his focus on Terri!

Scent-sational Sniffers!

Interested in the Scent-sational Sniffers Scent class but you aren't sure what it's all about?  Check out our video!

FW Nature Center Hike

Another great day at the Fort Worth Nature Center.  Nothing better than a day spent in the company of dogs ... and their owners too of course!  :D  If you haven't been on a hike with us yet, you're really missing something special!

Our Halloween Costume Contest Winners and Their LOOT!

Kayla got her package!  When the package arrived both of the girls could not wait until I opened it.  I didn't realize there were treats in there!  Kayla and Sadie love them and they smell great too!  I was very excited to see she placed 1st in the contest!!!  It is more than that though, Kayla is a puppy mill survivor.  I adopted her on January 16, 2009 from Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network. This was the first time that she actually trusted me enough to put a piece of fabric on her to measure for the mouth, eyes and ear openings!  She even held her ears up and sat so good for the picture. I love her sooo much.

Princess, our Diva dog, received her prize from the Halloween Costume Contest!  She was WILD about her new stuffed toy!  She shared her doggie treats with Patch, not willingly, but she did share!  A treat bag stuffed with treats, a clicker with a wristband, and a stuffed toy.  What a great prize!  There was great rejoicing in this house!!  WOOF!

Annie loved her bear!  It is one of her favorite toys and the cookies were a big hit too!  As you know, when we first started working together Annie didn't have much self confidence.  Her allowing me to wrap her up like a mummy was a big step!!!

MacKenzie got her package!  Boy those treats were yummy!  MacKenzie has shared her toy with Bree.  Thank you for the great prize!

If you are interested in adopting a Cairn Terrier, check out Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network.  Where saving just one dog won't save the world, but it surely will change the world for that one dog!

Sign Up For The Hike Before It's Too Late!

Don't forget to sign up for the hike on Saturday.  There are only four slots left!  For more info and to sign up click the link below:

Fort Worth Nature Center Hike, Saturday, December 4th

It's ALL about the DOG!

 After working at a client’s house for 3 hours then driving home 40 miles, I began thinking over my whole afternoon and what lead to taking on this challenge. I received a phone call last week from a woman that was distraught over the aggressive behavior of her dog. The longer I talked with her I knew that this was not a quick fix and would be very time consuming. However, as she began to sob and explain that she did not know what else to do, my heart began to ache for her. She had hit her wall and had decided maybe she should give up on her dog, maybe she should give her up. Then she sobbed even more for she had lived with her companion for five years now and giving her up would be more than difficult. In addition to the problem with her dog, her financial resources were low and she knew I was at least 40 miles away. Would all this be enough to make me turn her away? How many trainers have been in this scenario?

I decided to accept the offer, reduce the fee to cover my gas, set up the appointment and I was on my way. When I got to her house, she met me outside and was very excited to see me. It was lunch time and she had grilled me a hamburger, offered me some chips and a nice piece of pie! I was very humbled. I then went to work with her dog. One hour for the dog to approach me, the 2nd hour for me to comfortably handle the dog and start teaching the exercises I wanted them to practice with her. The third hour I wrote out the plan and practiced the clicker with the owner until she was comfortable. Then the session was over and a new one was set up. She and I walked to my car, suddenly she stopped and sobbed. She said I just want you to know, my daughter moved away and I was very sad so I turned my attention to my dog. Then my father, who adored my dog, passed away and once again I turned my attention to my dog. She has helped me through a lot and I have spoiled her. If you can help her you will have no idea what you have done for me.

Why have I shared this experience with you? It is support for my fellow trainers, rescue groups and anyone else involved with dogs that make the extra effort to help. You see we all have to make a living and I know that is very difficult sometimes in our business. However, there comes a point when the dollar and time just doesn’t matter. We have no idea what a pet means to someone or how it has impacted their life. Many of us work endless hours to rescue and bring families together that are split over their family dog. However I tire over cookie cutter training; bring people in, put their dog in the training mold, take their money and send them home. What I hear is, it doesn’t matter if the dog is getting it, it is a business! There are numerous training business out there where this is the goal but there are many more compassionate, positive trainers who spend hours studying, researching and learning about new training techniques. I applaud you! I challenge myself and you to keep stretching ourselves, reach out to those who need you, even when it doesn’t make sense and you will be amazed at what you will receive in the end.

We will be able to help this dog, you see the problem was not near as big as the owner thought, it will take several sessions but now we have a plan. She said she would sleep much better tonight and I drove home on a high that money could never buy.

NEW CLASS: Scent-sational Sniffers

This a fun class that will teach your dog to use his/her nose! Scent work can build confidence in even the most timid dog, while helping reactive dogs learn focus and control. This is a new sport for family dogs that builds teamwork and a partnership between you and your companion.



Date: Friday, January 14, 2011 - February 18, 2011

Time: 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Location:
Taming the Wild Side Training Center
9940 Calf Meadows Lane
Fort Worth, TX

Cost: $125 for a six week course. (Oil will be available to purchase at the first class.)

Equipment: Easy to eat treats for your dog, water, water bowl, 6 ft. leash, flat collar

NOTE: This class will be limited to 6 dogs.

To sign up for this class, please click the following link:

Sign up for Scent-sational Sniffers

NEW CLASS: Advanced Family Dog (Flex Class)

Proofing your dogs basic obedience (sit, down, stay, come, leave it, etc) using real world distractions. Learn new games to play with your dog while moving from low level distractions to high level distractions.





Date:  Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - Ongoing

Time:  12:00 - 1:00 pm

Location:
Taming the Wild Side Training Facility

9940 Calf Meadows Lane

Fort Worth, TX

Cost: $100 for 6 sessions. You will receive a punch card to track your sessions. This class will allow you to work around your schedule - come when it is convenient for you! (Cards expire 3 months after date of purchase.) Cash or checks only please.

Equipment: Easy to eat treats for your dog, water, water bowl, 6 ft. leash, flat collar

NOTE: This class is limited to 8 dogs.

To sign up for this class, please click the following link:

 

Sign Up for Advanced Family Dog (Flex Class)

NEW CLASS: Reality Recall II

Six week course teaching your dog to come back to you using games and whistles with real life, high level distractions.

Date: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - February 15, 2011

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm


Location:
Taming the Wild Side Training Facility
9940 Calf Meadows Lane
Fort Worth, TX

Cost: $100 for a 6 week class. Cash or checks only please.

Equipment: Easy to eat treats for your dog, water, water bowl, long leash (no flex leashes please), whistle (whistles can be purchased at the time of class)

Prerequisite: Reality Recall I

NOTE: This class will be limited to 6 dogs.

To sign up for this class, please click the following link:
Sign up for Reality Recall II

NEW CLASS: Beginner Family Dog (Flex Class)

A course designed for the family companion. Family dogs will learn basic cues (sit, down, stay, leave it, come, and mat training) through targetting, shaping and fun and games!






Date: Friday, January 7, 2011 - Ongoing

Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm

Location:
Taming the Wild Side Training Facility
9940 Calf Meadows Lane
Fort Worth, TX

Cost: $100 for 6 sessions. You will receive a punch card to track your sessions. This class will allow you to work around your schedule - come when it is convenient for you! (Cards expire 3 months after date of purchase.) Cash or checks only please.

Equipment: Easy to eat treats for your dog, water, water bowl, 6 ft. leash, flat collar

NOTE: This class will be limited to 8 dogs.

To sign up for this class, please click the following link:
Sign up for Beginner Family Dog (Flex Class)

NEW CLASS! Beginner Family Dog

A six-week course designed for the family companion. Family dogs will learn basic cues (sit, down, stay, leave it, come, and mat training) through targetting, shaping and fun & games!






Date:  Sunday, January 9, 2011 - February 20, 2011

Time:  4:00 -5:00 pm

Location:
Taming the Wild Side Training Facility

9940 Calf Meadows Lane
Fort Worth, TX

Cost: $100 for 6 weeks

Equipment: Easy to eat treats for your dog, water, water bowl, 6 ft. leash, flat collar

NOTE: This class will be limited to 6 dogs.

To sign up for this class, please click the following link:
Sign up for Beginner Family Dog

Hike - Fort Worth Nature Center, Dec. 4, 2010

Join us for another hike at the Fort Worth Nature Center! After the hike we'll take a break and have drinks and snacks.

When: December 4, 2010 at 10:00 am
Where: Fort Worth Nature Center
Length: Approximately 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Cost: $10 per person. This covers the park entry fee, drinks and snacks. All other proceeds will be used toward purchasing pet oxygen masks for the Aledo Fire Department.

This hike will be limited to 10 dogs/clients that are currently enrolled with Taming the Wild Side. Remember to bring water for you and your dog.

To register for the hike please click the following link:

Sign me up for the hike!

Save the Date!

Saturday, December the 18th will be our Open House!  Come by and check out the new building and catch up with all your Wild Side friends. More details to follow!

Fort Worth Nature Center Hike

What a great day we had at the Fort Worth Nature Center. The weather was great, the people were great and the dogs were REALLY GREAT! Thanks for going with us, we enjoyed your company and we look forward to our next hike together!



Remember, you can always check our calendar for upcoming events by clicking on the following link:

Taming the Wild Side Classes and Events

Please Take Our Survey!

Now that the training facility is up (YEA!) and we are in the process of talking to an electrician and plumber, we would like to get your input as we roll out our new schedule of classes. What classes are you interested in, and what times work best for you? Please take the survey by clicking the following link and let us know what you think!

Taming the Wild Side Class Survey

(Isn't this exciting?!?)

THE Inaugural Class!

No phone, no lights, no motor car. Not a single luxury. Like Robinson Crusoe, as primitive as can be!!! Gilligan would love it!!

Check out the photos from our Inaugural Class at Taming the Wild Side!

Looking good Keegan, Glacier and Madison!!

Clicker Training for Dinosaurs?!?

SURE!  Why not?  Well ... besides the fact that clickers weren't invented then! 

Terri gets a bit ambitious with the clicker training!

The Building is UP!

The building is almost complete!  We are waiting on the big doors for the side entrance and for the plumber and electrician to come out to do their part.  We'll plan an Open House ... umm ... Open Building soon, so everyone can come out and see YOUR new training facility!  Thanks for sticking with us during this transition period.

Front of the building

Left side of the building

Inside of the building, the front door is in the far corner

First training session!  :D

Building's Porch

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Be in the know!  Sign up for the Taming the Wild Side newsletter and get all the info on upcoming classes and events delivered right to your email address!  What could be easier than that?

 

 

 

 

Sign up by clicking the following link:

 

Send me the newsletter!

 

We promise to guard your email address like the dogs guard their cheek rolls!  :)

Hike - Fort Worth Nature Center

Join us for a hike at the Fort Worth Nature Center! We'll hike a portion of the Prairie Trail that leads to Prairie Dog Town and then finish by hiking the Oak Motte. After the hike we'll take a break and have drinks and snacks.

When: November 13, 2010 at 10:00 am

Where: Fort Worth Nature Center

Length: Approximately 3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Cost: $10 per person. This covers the park entry fee, drinks and snacks. All other proceeds will be used toward purchasing pet oxygen masks for the Aledo Fire Department.

This hike will be limited to 10 dogs. Remember to bring water for you and your dog, a large portion of this hike will be in the sun. Please call 817-333-4579 to register or for more information.

Here Come the Beams! Here Come the Beams!

The rain has halted progress, but much has been done!  The beams are on their way up ... way, way, WAY UP!

THANK YOU Connie and Russ!

A Wild Side shout out to Connie and Russ S. and their dogs Sunshine and Venus for representing Taming the Wild Side at the Golden Retriever Rescue Picnic!

We Have Your Winners!

The votes have been tabulated by the independent accounting firm of K&K Inc. and we have your Halloween Costume Contest winners!

• First Place:  Kayla the Friendly Ghost
• Second Place:  Princess of the Caribbean
• Third Place:  Tie between Annie the Mummy and MacKenzie the Little Devil

CONGRATS to all our winners and a big THANK YOU to all our contestants and to everyone that voted!

If you would like to check out the costumes please click the following link:

Halloween Costume Contest 2010

Benbrook Spillway Hike

We had a great day on our inaugural hike on the crest of the Benbrook Spillway! Beautiful scenery, bobbing for hotdogs, prizes, and enjoying the day with our dogs. Thanks for coming out and we are looking forward to our next hike which is scheduled for November 13th! Details to follow.

Remember, you can always check our calendar for upcoming events by clicking on the following link:

Taming the Wild Side Classes and Events

The Slab is Finished!

The concrete trucks were in and out on Friday.  They were amazingly fast!  Next week the building should start taking shape!

It's TIME!

It's time to vote for your favorite costume in the first annual Taming the Wild Side Halloween Costume Contest!  The poll will be open until midnight Sunday night.  Get out the vote and help your favorite WIN! 




Check out all the costumes and place your vote by clicking the following link:

Halloween Costume Contest

A big thanks to everyone that sent in pictures, they look GREAT!

The Cement is Coming! The Cement is Coming!

Today the contractors finished up with the forms and put in the plumbing.  The cement should be poured on Friday and then on to the next phase!