Diana L. Guerrero’s Ark Animal Tracks: March 2008

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Volume 6, Number 3
Publisher: Guerrero Ink
Online: http://www.guerreroink.com
Copyright © 2008 Diana L. Guerrero. All rights reserved.
Content may not be reproduced without permission.
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March News & Tips
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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
2. Discussion for the Month
3. Critter Chronicles
4. Schedule of Upcoming Events & Appearances
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1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
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Spring has sprung but here in the mountains we never believe it. March generally brings us the heaviest snow fall but it has been unseasonably warm—my heater is off at night already–which is unheard of.

Yesterday, I glimpsed a pair of Bald Eagles swooping down upon the assortment of waterfowl and other birds out on the lake. Their heads and tails flash brightly as the sunlight reflects upon them making them hard to miss.

These giant birds grace us with their presence from late October to about April. It is my belief, that due to development, the numbers are down mountain wide.

The lake ice is gone and with it the risk to those dogs. The local firefighters rescued one dog that ran out on the ice and Buck has become their local mascot for messages about staying off the ice. The dog survived and doesn’t seem too worse for wear.

Although I had planned on traveling to Spain the trip never materialized. I hate when that happens but I have been diligently working on arkanimals.com and see the completion of the project within reach! With any luck the new look will be available to you before the end of March.

There are a few new surprises for you this year…more later.
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2. Discussion for the Month
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Last month I mentioned that I would be asking you to participate in a survey. Why? To help me target how to best help you and your friends.

One of the newest projects that should materialize this year is my http://www.petparentingschool.com

We are currently working on just what to include in the curriculum and your responses to the survey will help us with the direction of the program. I currently have several phases planned and the content is currently targeted to include not only pet parenting guidance but also animal training secrets (from the real pros), evaluations of behavior and training products, and more.

I can’t let the cat out of the bag just yet (sorry, had to say it) but I hope you will take a moment to give me your opinion and tell me what you biggest challenges and frustrations have been in relation to your pets, their care, and training.

The survey is now live so please take a moment and fill it out. The person who leaves the best feedback will receive a prize that includes:
-Bone frame (ready for decoration)
-Doggie Java vitamin bag with drink mix and bonescotti
-Planet Cat refrigerator magnet poetry set

Just a note, you can’t purchase these items…they are priceless—so drop by the survey now. Check as many as apply and leave any comments you feel are relevant:

Online survey http://tinyurl.com/226r3f

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3. Critter Chronicles
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Speaking of pet parenting and animal training secrets…the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has released a position statement on behavior and training.

Popular in society, but frowned upon by most professionals, dominance based shows such as “The Dog Whisperer” and a resurgence of punishment based dog training techniques prompted the move.

You can read them by clicking into the “Position Statements” link here: http://www.avsabonline.org

The problem with some of the press info I’ve read in response to this move is that most people don’t really understand what positive reinforcement techniques involve. There is negative involved—but not the way most think.

Training and behavior jargon is complicated and confuses most people…my ABCs series actually gets into the nuances of it. (If you want to read the series many of the columns that appeared in the Journal of the American Society of Zoo Keepers are online.)

Now usually the only thing that two trainers agree on what the third is doing wrong has always been my position—and Nat Geo seems to have quoted my words when Milan came under the gun by some of the biggest, most respected behaviorists in the field.

I know, I know—you probably love the show. However, would you want to use the best techniques for your pet or archaic ones?

So, here are a few answers to the questions I get asked:

Do I watch the dog whisperer?
No, it makes me cringe but I have checked out the show and am familiar with it.

Do I agree with his techniques?
No. He is charismatic but there are better ways to change behavior. Also, people mistakenly think he accomplishes miracles in fifteen minutes—when it is actually editing of processes that take much longer to implement and redirect behavior for permanent change.

Is the dog whisperer useful?
I have to say yes because his show has become insanely popular and thus has motivated people to actually seek dog training help. Milan appears to be good at what he does but that does not mean it is the best approach—which is why, incidentally, you now see disclaimers displayed while the show is televised.

Okay! Enough about that!
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4. Schedule of Upcoming Events & Appearances
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Last month we started the teleseminar Tuesdays. These classes are recorded and soon you will be able to purchase the audio book or ebooks on the topics:

March 18, 2008 Noon (Pacific Time)
How to solve barking problems

March 25, 2008 6:00PM (Pacific Time)
How to solve door dashing, gate crashing (escape) problems

Sign up now or share this link: http://tinyurl.com/yukf8d

You confirmation and call or link details will be sent in response to payment notification.

Please check my calendar directly to make sure you don’t miss anything in the future: http://dianalguerrero.com/events_book_tour.htm

If you would like an animal behavior or training appointment just call (800) 818-7387 or you can book an appointment online. Don’t forget that I also do phone consultations.

Thanks for your continued support and suggestions
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Have a great month and stay tuned!
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ARK ANIMAL TRACKS
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Copyright © 2008 by Diana L. Guerrero
PO Box 1989 PMB 215
40729 Village Drive Suite 8
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
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