First Sensible STAR Puppy Awards!

Carmel, Indiana March 28, 2009 —Catherine Steinke, owner of Sensible K9, LLC, is proud to celebrate the graduation of three puppies and owners from the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training program. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program rewards responsible owners who take the time to train and socialize their new puppies. The program is a natural precursor to the AKC Canine Good Citizen® Test. “S.T.A.R.” stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner, all of the things a puppy needs to have a good life.

“The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program teaches dogs and their owners the first important steps to becoming responsible members of the community,” said Catherine Steinke. We are proud to see dog owners actively seeking ways to help their puppies start life on the right paw.”

Earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy award were Cecelia Geist with Lady Suzanne, a Brittany Spaniel from Indianapolis, West Clay Village resident Gina Prine, with Ava, a German Shepherd Dog and Jackie Randall, with Samantha, a mixed-breed, from Indianapolis

To earn their medals, the participants enrolled their puppies in the Sensible Puppy training class instructed by AKC Approved CGC Evaluator, Catherine Steinke. Weekly classes at Michigan Road Animal Hosptital on 96th Street included valuable training tips for puppy owners - such as how to housetrain and how to prevent behavior problems - and lessons on practical skills for puppies -such as coming when called, accepting veterinary examinations and bite inhibition. The program is open to all breeds of dogs. Puppies can begin training as soon as they have the necessary vaccines and they can test for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy award at any point up until their first birthday during one of Sensible Puppy’s unique field trips, offered once a month to class members.

Upon passing the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test, owners and their puppies are eligible to receive an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package which includes:

• A frameable certificate
• AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy medal
• AKC Puppy Handbook
• Discount enrollment in AKC Companion Animal Recovery
• Subscription to monthly e-mail newsletter that includes training tips

To sign up for classes visit www.SensiblePuppy.com
For more information on AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, see www.akc.org/starpuppy

Congratulations, Lady, Ava and Sammy!

Crazy Sheepherders with Too Much Time?

This is completely brilliant. Thanks to my brother Dan for passing it along! You can visit his (semi-retired) website for search and rescue dog information at

http://www.comdens.com/SAR/default.htm

Socialize Your Puppy!

http://www.akc.org/enewsletter/yourakc/2009/march/puppy.cfm

Here's a thorough article published by the AKC on the importance of early socialization. For my Sensible Puppy clients, get out those checklists and get busy!

Play With Me!!

This is delightful! Look at all the wonderful play gestures this puppy is offering! What a wonderfully confident, social puppy. Fun stuff! Thanks to Becky A. for sharing this video.

Techno-Savvy

I have never claimed to be "techno-savvy". In fact, those who know me are surprised that I carry a cell phone. (Okay, only sometimes - and I don't know how to text!) I am able to use the internet, though. And, I am happy to pass along this great website to you. It's a great source of FREE, GOOD information about everything canine. If you are currently training a dog, take a peek and spend some time surfing around. I can guarantee you will find things of interest.
www.dogstardaily.com