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Last updated Wed, Feb 25, 2026
Enhancements to our Awards and Schedule pages are done! Thanks for your patience...both are much easier to navigate now with the new links. I wish I would have added them years ago! My next project - a page with my pups including my Chelsea Golden Retrievers. Highlights of the wonderful seven generations of Goldens and their people I have known starting with my first "Chelsea" prefix litter in 1980!
Results - Pawformance!
Hello, thanks for taking a look here. Much ado in the Results-Pawformance dog house already this year! Many trainers have been keeping up with their pet's training in spite of life issues... it is nice to be able to come in and enjoy the paws and trainer chat and leave cares outside for later!
I have been trying to find a balance of keeping the program 'smaller' and more personal here vs. the larger numbers I had in each class when I was with Brighton Community Ed and had staff in the earlier years. However, as I haven't been running ads, in the past few months when in public and seeing people I know, some have been surprised to hear that I am still offering classes (what else would I be doing...ok, maybe Pickleball, lol)! Thus, an ad will be in The Marketeer, March issue. Puppy Class and Obedience & Manners Level One will begin April 11th.
Referrals! Trainers usually find me by 'word of mouth' and veterinarian & trainer referrals. If you are comfortable referring me, feel free to pass along my business card. There are some on the table at class, feel free to take and share at your veterinarian office if your vet appreciates your well trained pet. Thank you, it is much appreciated and will help ensure I will be offering classes the next time you get a new pet!
Many new titles fall 2025 through February 2026 to report! See below for the new achievements including AKC Rally-Obedience qualifying scores. My "Awards Page" will be going through a major re-do, for now, recent info is below.
Also, much appreciation for the alum that have been supporting me forever...and the new trainers, too! Several all looking forward to entering Canine Good Citizen Title later this spring. It is so nice to have the dynamics in motion back in my own 'dog house'.
Floor Time for practice is Saturdays at 12:30pm. For Results pets, come in when the yucky weather is upon us. Trainers from various training levels are welcome. The time will change to 1:00 beginning April 4th. See my Schedule Page for more info & updates.
Trainers have an opportunity to practice the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test a few times each year with guest helpers. As the pets in training get used to me and the regular class attendees, having someone unknown to them to put them through tests that require interaction with the evaluator was good prep for the real test. Following, when some trainer decide to do visits with their pets, the dogs are very comfortable doing same!
Much appreciation to those that like to help out! Thanks to Wendy W. who has not only owned many dogs, but has done much fostering and was a dog walker for many years in the Fenton area.
Brian and Penny A. have also done foster volunteering and have owned Labrador Retrievers for decades.
We all had much fun including trainers and their pets! New CGCs earned are listed below.
As mentioned previously here and in classes... I believe in the merit of a 'good CGC test' with unknown people acting as evaluators as well as pets being in a new environment. Especially for those pets that may be doing therapy visits! While it's nice that people do train for the test, even if at the pet's regular training facility, I simply believe it speaks volumes for a pet to qualify away from their 'training place' and not having their instructor or someone known to them as the evaluator give them 'a pass' at class. ; )
New - Silver Paws! Help keep your beloved, geriatric pet engaged! A re-do of my past 'Golden Oldies' class.
If it's been awhile, a 'Meet & Greet' may be suggested. Pets must be comfortable to attend.
Sorry - "Silver Sneakers" passes are not accepted - haha!
Thanks to Lisa & "Ginger" - Golden & Poodle mix - for the class rename!
Interested? Call to arrange a Meet & Greet to see if this may be a good fit. See the Schedule Page fmi.
Reminder, I am no longer with Brighton Community Education. The 2024 fall sessions were my last through All good! I will enjoy the memories! I appreciate the trainers that have trusted me with their pet's training September 2013 through October 2024.
AKC Rally-Obedience is offered for fun and/or show if desired and is a great pre class for Agility. These classes are much fun and offer special time with your pet while enhancing both physical and mental exercise for the team - both two and four footed! Curious? Results trainers are welcome to view a class!
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Pre Agility If you are curious if you and your pet may enjoy this, try a one time Pre Agility offering'. Pets in all stages of training are welcome to try it with their regular class trainer if they are not super reactive. Lunging and constant barking at others (people or pets) is not enjoyable. Be considerate, some pets may need more training before attending. Note, once trained, this is a great outlet for pets that need something to do!
Aspirin pain relief products and Xylitol. Meds should be cleared with your veterinarian before giving. Note that Xylitol sweetner is very harmful to dogs and it may now be found in aspirin! It may cause a sudden release of insulin which then leads to a sudden drop of blood sugar. Be aware it is found in many products, check labels before letting your pet share snacks that are labeled for people. Please check with your veterinarian for a safe pain management.
Traveling Tip!
When traveling with your pet, it's best if your pet is comfortable on leash and able to potty away from home. For that reason, acclimating your pet to being on leash when relieving itself is a terrific idea. Some people never do this and their pet may resist going if leashed - so sad for the pup! Remember the 'how to do' tips shared at the end of your first class with me (if you stayed for same).
Potty Training and Tips to Consider Doing When It's Cold Outside!
If weather warrants, put a coat or sweater on your pet! Most breeds will appreciate your thoughtfulness. I personally have trained all of my pups to go outdoors soon after getting them.
Outdoors... Pick up any sticks and items that your pet may find interesting in your designated area and keep your pet on leash so it is not able to entertain itself by meandering. Ask about training your pet to do it's 'biz'. This is discussed at your first 'training for people' group class.
If the weather is extremely harsh, use potty pads or newspaper in the first week or two for baby puppies. This early start on pads or newspaper will be handy in the 'golden years' if your older pet loses ability to hold for long periods of time... This time of year, it's tough to expect a young puppy to be comfortable in the very cold and harsh weather.
You may also consider training your pet to go indoors if you have several flights of stairs to reach an exit door. Better to have your pet go in an acceptable indoor area than to decide to relieve itself in random areas...
Training indoors? Be sure to put a cheap piece of vinyl flooring down and then use potty pads or newspaper on top of this flooring. Position it by the exit door you have chosen. When the weather subsides, then train your pet to go outdoors. Some trainers prefer to use litter systems and/or potty pads forever. You know your situation and living environment. Do consider if your pet may be traveling with you - and - cross training if possible so your pet is comfortable in a variety of environments.
If your pet is used to going indoors and you wish to transfer the potty area to the outdoors, plan ahead for a hopefully easy transistion. Be sure to shovel snow to the relief area and shovel down to grass. I do not recommend training to go on an adjoining deck as some pups may not leave this area and go in the designated potty area later if outdoors alone. OR get a cardboard box, cut it down to a size that your pet can stip into. Put a liner (a large garbage bag) under it to keep the bottom of the box intact. Line with potty pads, sand or cheap imitation grass. When the box becomes very soiled, simply fold the garbage bag over to enclose the box. Toss and replace until you can transfer your pet to going down steps onto grass when the weather is better. Then to start your pet to use this area...
Simply get a 'sample' of pee and poo to take outdoors if you do not have another pet using the designated area. Soak a paper towel with your pet's urine. Store in a ziploc bag by the exit door. When taking your pup out, pick up the soaked paper towel and put on the ground. Or place a soiled potty pad on the dirt or grass. With a little luck, your pet will make the connection and go. Remember not to praise until your pet is finished going (not when it begins) per discussion at class! Hurry back into the house and give a treat!
Winter walking... Remember to watch for slick spots when out walking with your pet. To help keep your walks as safe as possible, be proactive. Utilize your pet's training skills! Use circle lefts, as introduced at the first class with the paws in both Puppy and Obedience & Manners One. Also, use a "Wait" as necessary, and if training is done above Puppy class, the "Easy" when warranted. If needed, a "Sit" (with help if necessary) when extra control is needed. After your pet responds, resume walking to keep your walks as safe as possible.
Paw boots or socks can help keep 'snow balls' from forming in between pads. As winter moves in, keep sand or another safe material to put out on those areas ice is likely to form. When out walking keep aware for areas where product has been used. If purchasing products, be sure they are 'pet safe'. Some materials are not safe...
Use a pet-safe salt or a substitue for safer footing. My go to if I don't have a pet safe melting product is simply sand to spread. Away from the house if you have outdoor natural areas, straw may be helpful. If straw is spread on ice, you may slip, so apply to rough areas where the straw will collect or put out when there is a partial thaw. Do keep your products somewhere where it/they will not get wet and freeze solid. Some people use regular clay cat litter - I have had pups that wanted to eat it - thus, I don't use it!
If walking your pet in an area where regular salt may be applied such as sidewalks, roads and streets give your pet's pads protection. There are many types of boots and if using, keep your pet's nails trimmed. If you don't, the pet boots may hurt!
Or socks! My first Great Pyrenees, "Maggie" winter wardrobe consisted of argyle socks and a matching scarf after she went through heartworm treatment (before heartworm preventative was readily available). Due to same, her circulation was impaired and I believe she actually appreciated 'getting dressed' in cold weather. Maggie was very cooperative when I put her socks on. Such a sweetie, I still miss her after fifty plus years... I have a couple cute pics of her 'modeling in cognito', precious!
Products are also available for sled dogs that offer foot protection. I have used a dab of Vaseline on the bottom of feet which may keep the salt from burning.
Be sure to wipe off your pet's feet when you're back indoors. Even better, dip each paw in a small pail with warm water and towell dry. The "Steady" is helpful for doing this if you have taught it!
Pet edibles from China!!
This is not-so-new-news, but many well known stores have chosen to still sell treats on their shelves coming from China. There have been documented cases of thousands of pets that have died or became seriously ill from digesting food with toxins found in them in our country alone. Be sure to check labels and discard anything with "China" on it!! I find it sad what greed can do to people in the trade that we assume care about our pets... Too much info to share here on this subject - Google and learn.
Important Link Here:
FDA Pet Food Recalls & Withdrawals
DIY Long Line
If you are in need of a long line, looping two leashes together will work. Or, to save money - you may make one! Simply purchase parachute cord for smaller pets or clothesline or boat cord for larger ones and simply add a bolt snap. Adding another bolt snap at 20+ +/- intervals if longer lines are needed will save time if your pet may get tangled is a concern. Using a harness on your pet instead of a collar is recommended and be sure to supervise!
If you prefer to keep your pet in a limited area, consider an over head cable to provide for exercise. Consider ample 'head' room for people when setting this up! Again, a harness may provide a safer connection than a collar. Supervision is important, too. Pets can get tangled and visiting animals - including children - may come on to your property. : )
Donating? Consider keeping your money local and give to the agencies that actually use the vast majority of the funds for the animals. There are many individuals, 'businesses' and even some local non profits that are skilled at taking advantage of people that have a soft spot for animals. Heart-wrenching ads on television can attract you. There is one agency that receives much money which provides their admin staff annual salaries of not only six digit figures, but high multiple hundred thousand $ salaries. TAILS DOWN!
As dynamics in organizations can change, before donating to any agency or group, be sure to do your research! Whether it is time or money as both are valuable, know that where your gift it will be somewhere that reflects your beliefs before giving funds. There are people doing pop up rescues that may mean well, but lack knowledge to successfully be evaluatinig and placing pets. Loving dogs imo is simply not enough. Ask for references! Interview people that have experience with their own pets...
People with experience should have pets of their own that are well adjusted and comfortable. Are they well trained, groomed (clean, brushed and nails trimmed). Are they working with a veterinarian or self-diagnosing and treating without enough knowledge to be doing same? You Tube videos do not take the place of professional vet care. Are they insured? Yes - insured in case there are consequences that arise.
Rehomed and abused usually animals require more expertise than well mannered pets that are in need of a new home. So be diligent when evaluating individuals or organizations doing rehome services. People flip dogs or may place them without much knowledge just to be involved because it is cool and gets them attention. It is not fair to pets that are placed where they should not be or to the people that invest in them, either. Don't fall for the charm or succumb to pressure! Michigan is a 'one bite' state. The consequences for an animal placed in the wrong environment can having lasting damage - physically and mentally to the animal and people involved.
Furthermore if anyone uses my name or training program as a reference in any way...do contact me to validate same. Knowing someone as a casual acquaintance is not an endorsement that I approve of an individual's actions or recommendations. Thank you.
Congratulations - New Rally-Obedience Title!
Lisa C. with "Ginger" CGC - Golden Retriever & Poodle mix - Attaining 95 out of 100 poiints for #2 Place!
Thanks Fort Detroit Golden Retriever Club for offering at the Companion Dog Training Club of Flint building. 2/26
Congratulations again! In Lansing at the AKC Rally-Obedience Trials
Both Shelties qualified at the Novice #1 Trial finishing their titles. Following a move up to Intermediate trial #2!
Natalie B. with "Eljay" RN (new title), CGC - Shetland Sheepdog and Intermediate Level - First Leg
Natalie B. with "Tucker" RN (new title), CGC- Shetland Sheepdog and Intermediate Level - First Leg and #2 Place
Thank you to the Obedience Training Club of Greater Lansing for hosting 12/25
Congratulations! New Rally-Obedience Legs (Qualifying Scores)
Natalie B. with "Eljay" CGC - Shetland Sheepdog
Natalie B. with "Tucker" CGC- Shetland Sheepdog - Trial #2, Third Place
Lisa C. with "Ginger" CGC - Golden Retriever & Poodle mix - Trial #1, #4 Place; Trial #2 - #2 Place
Only one more leg/qualifying trial needed each to title.
Check back for Natalie updates in December and a Lisa update in early 2026.
Thanks to the Companion Dog Training Club of Flint for hosting! 10/'25
AKC Canine Good Citizen Advanced and Love On A Leash Therapy Test Pass!
Donna (Ken) Z. with "Tucker" - Golden Retriever
Advanced Training & Testing offered by/at the Obedience Training Club of Greater Lansing and
Therapy Test and Pass through Love On a Leash - Lansing Chapter 10-25
Congratulations! New AKC Canine Good Citizens (CGC)
Natalie B. with "Eljay" CGC and "Tucker" - both Shetland Sheepdogs
Lisa C. with "Ginger" CGC - Golden Retriever & Poodle mix
All three dogs above titled at the Obedience Training Club of Greater Lansing, thank you OTCGL! 10-25
Congratulations! New AKC Canine Good Citizens (CGC) and Novice Trick Dog (TKN) Titles!!
George (Marge) G. with "Sadie" and "Daisy" - both Standard Poodles
Donna (Ken) Z. with "Tucker" - Golden Retriever
All three dogs above titled at the Obedience Training Club of Greater Lansing, thank you OTCGL! 10-25
Congratulations! New AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Joe G. & "Bruce" Doberman Pinscher, much training here with George (and Marge) G.
Test pass with Joe at Sportsman's DTC in Warren 12/24 or 01/25
Such a gift it is to have experienced the love and bond with a dear pet.
When the tears start, turn them into happy ones and remember think about the wonderful
memories you have buried in your heart...
"Willow" - French Bulldog - Jen & Beth H.
"Zoey" - American Eskimo - Holly & Kip S.
"Callie" - French Bulldog - Jen & Beth H.
Time with our pets is so very short. Enjoy your training journey and daily life with your pet!
My best, Mary T.