NEW In This Issue!

	Support Your Local Shelter
	KKI & 2010
	Approaching Dogs
	Native Wisdom

Issue #0019 - Published by L. Neilson

KKI is absolutely committed to teaching what is believed to be the “Truth” about canines and their behavior. KKI will always put the well being of the dog first and foremost, even in the face of adversity.

As 2009 fades into history and the doors to 2010 swing slowly open to reveal a host of opportunities, KKI would like to briefly reflect on 2009 and look forward into 2010.

For KKI, 2009, the last year of the first decade of the new millennium was a thrilling year. It was the year that brought to an end my many years of working in the corporate world and created the opportunity for me to work full time in the world of dogs or more specifically the subspecies of "Canis lupus". It was also the year that saw KKI explore group obedience classes for the first time. After 30 years or more of offering private training lessons and behavioral consulting, KKI began teaching group classes in May of 2009.

Most importantly though, KKI would like to thank all those who made 2009 a resounding success. To all my wonderful customers, friends, and volunteers, who without them, there would be no KKI.

2010 got off to a running start with two group classes starting during the first week of January.

In May, once the weather warms up, KKI has plans to offer an outdoor group obedience class. As the time draws closer watch for details of this class to be posted on my website and on Facebook.

KKI plans to shoot a dog related DVD sometime before the end of the first half of this New Year. This will be filmed outdoors and indoors. I will be recruiting volunteers to participate in this DVD once a filming date has been set.

If all goes well, watch for Konfident Kanines and Nancy Johansen of "Mind Your Manners" dog training to team up sometime in 2010 and offer dog related "work shops". These workshops will be designed for the serious dog person who wants to gain more in-depth and hands-on experience in dealing with a multitude of common dog related, (mostly human caused) behavioral issues.

KKI is also working real hard towards being positioned to offer "trainer courses" sometime in the first half of 2010. As you can see, Konfident Kanines is staying very busy planning and preparing for a very exciting 2010.

Far too often I witness people setting themselves up to be bitten by a dog. We must always remember that "Dogs are Not People". It can be said that if we get bit, we probably made a mistake around the dog. It would not be accurate to say this is the case in every dog bite, but it certainly is true in the majority of bites. Sometimes the only mistake we have made is that we have been treating the dog like a person for far too long.

Just the other day I was working with a client who has a beautiful little rescue dog from Heaven Can Wait. Now this is a particularly wonderful dog, although she happens to have a bit of shyness around strangers and takes a bit to warm up to strangers.

Uninvited, a total stranger came striding up to the owner and her dog, a direct frontal approach and then leaned down, thrust out his hand and stared directly into this little dogs eyes. I was a short distance away and could see the dog trying to shrink away from this person but he (the guy) missed or ignored all the signs. I also noticed that the dog eyes were changing and could clearly see if this intruder continued to press the issue she was about to give a warning growl or perhaps even a warning bite. At this point I intervened and said to the stranger that his approach was hostile in the eyes of the dog, then demonstrated a better way to meet this little dog or any dog. The intruder, being a male and a self proclaimed expert on dogs, said he knew about dogs because didn't I know he used to have two Akitas' that he could take to the vet for a rectal temperature test and they wouldn't bite. He would like to see me do that! I suggested to this "closed minded foolish man" that the last time I checked dogs' eyes were not at the same end of the dog as the rectum.

Let's look at this persons approach from the dogs' point of view.

First, he was a total stranger. Secondly he invaded the dogs space AND the owners space. To top it all off he thrust out his arm in what would appear to be a threatening gesture, and then supported all this by staring directly into the dogs eyes, which in her language was a direct confrontation. This person, in the space of only a few seconds, broke just about every rule in the dogs' book of "meeting etiquette". Luckily for him this dog had enough sense and self control not to teach him proper protocol.

Please try to keep in mind the following points when approaching a dog you don't know;

1. Ask the owner if the dog is friendly
2. Avoid eye contact with the dog
3. Turn your body at an angle to the dog
4. Allow the dog to come to you (in the dog world leaders do not go to follower's, followers go to leaders)
5. Let the dog sniff you until he/she is satisfied you are okay
6. Then and only then should you attempt to touch the dog and only if the dogs body language indicates it is okay to do so

It is behavior such as what the person I described above exhibited towards this dog that far too often results in a dog biting. Ever wonder why the statistics relating to dogs being destroyed each year due to biting are out of control? Human behavior such as I just described is far too often the root cause of dog bites. To make it even worse, this person isn't likely to change his behavior, remember at one time he had two Akitas, therefore he must be an expert... albeit an expert with a mind clamped closed like a steel trap!

I know those of you who read these newsletters are open minded and intelligent people. These are just a few things we can do to minimize the chances of a dog biting us, and then being destroyed because of our inability to communicate with the dog in a language that is comprehendible and non-threatening.

Please help me educate people every opportunity you get. The dogs' life you save may be your own.

L. Neilson
Konfident Kanines Inc
www.konfidentkanines.com

Larry of KKI at outdoor Seminar
Seminar Host

Native Wisdom

Humankind has not woven the web of life.
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect.

Chief Seattle, 1854


Hold On

Hold on to what is good,
Even if it's a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe,
Even if it's a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do,
Even if it's a long way from here.
Hold on to your life,
Even if it's easier to let go.
Hold on to my hand,
Even if someday I'll be gone away from you.

A Pueblo Indian Prayer

Going away and need your dog cared for while you are gone? I can help!

Call Tiffany for information. I have several years dog training experience and will look after your dog in my home while you are gone. Call 403-252-0061