Amber Cottle

Earth Rated Poop Bags

Amy Earle — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:54:53 +0000

We found this company through an article in the Financial Post and are pleased to be offering EarthRated Poop Bags at the Training Center. We will be using these bags in Daycare and will have them for sale for your own use.

Read about EarthRated Poop Bags.

New Classes for Spring just posted

Amy Earle — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:37:22 +0000

Head over to the Schedule page to sign up for new Recreational Agility or Intermediate obedience classes.

Little Friends Photography

Amy Earle — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:35:05 +0000

This weekend I discovered this Facebook page Little Friends Photography and was blown away by the quality and subject of the photos. Seth Casteel has an amazing ability to capture our doggie friends underwater, having a blast. His photos are exceptional.

I also found out Mr. Casteel does work for local shelters in Los Angeles and Chicago. Here is his blogpost address to follow what is happening. Or find him at his website…. Click on the Saving Pets menu to see what SecondChancePhotos is all about.

Amy Earle — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:31:12 +0000

New shelter a long time in coming

BY TED MURPHY, THE DELTA OPTIMIST JANUARY 20, 2012

It’s about time.

Civic politicians did as expected this week and signed off on a contract to build a new animal shelter to be located north of River Road in the Tilbury area. The $4 million price tag, which is for the entire project, including land acquisition, is steep enough to give most taxpayers, even animal-loving ones, reason to pause, but there’s no denying a new facility was long overdue.

The existing shelter is, in a word, outdated, having been built 40 years ago to house only dogs. Seven hundred animals – that’s almost two new ones each and every day – passed through its doors in 2011, taxing the ability of the cramped, little structure on 80th Street to deal with the volume.

Couple that with the fact it will soon be, thanks to South Fraser Perimeter Road construction, adjacent to a major highway and it’s no wonder a new home for the Delta Community Animal Shelter became a priority for municipal hall.

There have been rumblings in the community over the scope of the project, concerns that Delta is building a Rolls Royce shelter when a more practical Honda would suffice. There’s no doubt the municipality could have taken a more frugal approach, but constructing the same shelter, just in a different location, would have solved one problem, but not the other.

The new shelter should serve the needs of the animal control folks for years to come, meaning the issue won’t resurface on council’s radar a decade from now due to overcrowding or some other malady.

What’s more, we’re building it with found money. OK, so it’s cash from the Gateway Program as a result of the South Fraser Perimeter Road, but it’s important to remember that Delta taxpayers aren’t picking up the tab.

Yes, that SFPR compensation could have theoretically been diverted to lessen the blow of property taxes, but homeowners eventually get a rude awakening when one-time money is used to pay for ongoing expenses.

Delta has a history of using lump sums to finance capital projects, a policy that has resulted in the addition of many recent recreation and cultural amenities.

It’s also allowed for the purchase of property to act as a catalyst for waterfront redevelopment in Ladner.

The best use of the money, or at least a big chunk of it, this time around was deemed to be a new home for Delta’s otherwise homeless dogs, cats and various other animals. When you look at the existing shelter, it’s not difficult to see why.

Gift certificates are good for all occassions.

Amy Earle — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 02:08:43 +0000

This is the place to buy a gift certificate for one of Amber’s classes or a private session. Click the Paypal button to buy and Amber will send you the certificate via email.

Click here to purchase any of our classes or puppy training.

New Rally Obedience Class

Amy Earle — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:10:45 +0000

We are starting a new rally obedience class in January. Rally obedience is similar to agility because there is a course pattern set up in advance. The difference is the course consists of exercises instead of obstacles. Dog and handler move independently from station to stations completing each exercise. Praise, double commands and lots of encouragement make this class active and fun for everyone.

Click on this link to watch a clip of rally obedience.

Please go to my Schedule page to sign up.

Surf dogs– life’s a beach in SoCal

Amy Earle — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:17:49 +0000

Here are some great videos from this year’s Loews Dog Surfing competition. Surfing is close to Amber’s heart and seeing these “dog-surfers” will make you smile.

My dog pulls on the Leash- Help!

Amy Earle — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:37:20 +0000

Amber’s latest newsletter is about pulling on the leash. She gives some great tips about how to work with your dog to help them learn to walk quietly and calmly. It isn’t an overnight fix but with a little time and patience ( as with all doggie issues) you will have Rover walking like a pro beside you.

Here is an excerpt from the newsletter. For the whole article, check out Amber’s page on Facebook at Amber Cottle Canine Training or on Twitter @bcdogtraining.

Before expecting your dog to quietly walk beside you on leash, train her to be calm when you are putting her collar and leash on! Ask her to sit-stay while you are getting ready. If she does not stay, put the leash down and walk away. Try it again. The dog will eventually associate being calm with having the leash on and going for a walk. Don’t give in or she will learn that it’s OK to be out of control. If your dog doesn’t have a reliable sit-stay, then practice training her to sit-stay without the distraction of the prospect of a walk. If you do not know how to teach a reliable sit-stay, enroll in an obedience training class.

For more helpful articles and to stay up-to-date on Amber’s classes and workshops, sign up for our newsletter.

What’ going on at the Training Centre?

Amy Earle — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:00:24 +0000

Here are some updates with Amber and what is going on this summer at the Training Centre.

Amber is offering puppy socializing and obedience classes at Meow and Bark Avenue in Steveston. This is for Steveston residents. Click here for more info and to sign up.

Amber went to the Pet Expo in Ladner last weekend and gave a presentation in the morning. She spoke to many past clients and was happy to see friendly faces and paws. Check out this link to the Delta Community Animal Shelter Facebook page and the Pet Expo.

DCAS Facebook

Amber has also posted her new class dates and Come When Called Workshop dates online. Check out the Schedule to find the new dates and pay for classes.

Fido Freedom has a new van. Barb can now accommodate a few more dogs for the doggie adventures.

Amber’s International Academy of Canine Trainers is also busy training new dog trainers. Amber has developed Level Two teaching more in-depth about canine behaviour, intermediate and advanced obedience and hands-on experience with handling. Call Amber if you want to know more about her courses.

We hope everyone has a great summer– and enjoy the weather with your four-legged friends.

May 2011 Newsletter

Amy Earle — Tue, 03 May 2011 22:59:15 +0000

Does your dog need more exercise?

If your dog is driving you crazy, he may need more exercise. Excessive energy can contribute to behavior problems such as attention seeking, destructiveness, and pushiness.

Dr. Nicholas Dodman from Tufts University says:

“During exercise a brain chemical called Serotonin is released which is a “feel good” chemical that has a mood elevating and mood stabilizing effect. 20-30 minutes of cardiovascular-type exercise (running) is the bare minimum every day.

Twice a day is better!”

This means your dog needs exercise everyday either at the dog park, long walks with time for safe off leash running, dog daycare or group outings and adventures.

I offer a service called Fido Freedom Mobile Dog Adventures.

Fido Freedom FAQ’s

1. What is Fido Freedom?

Fido Freedom is a mobile dog daycare service. Barb Johnson, the Fido Freedom organizer, comes to your home, picks up your dog along with a group of other dogs, and takes them all back to our indoor/outdoor “dog park” at the training center. The dogs will have a chance to run and play and socialize with their canine friends in the safety of our facility. They will then be brought back home clean and tired.

2. How long is the outing and what days do they operate?

The outings take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We run two groups from 9:30-12:30 and 12:30-3:30. The outings will are 2-3 hours depending on where you live. The dogs have at least an hour to run and play at the dog daycare center plus the car ride to and from the facility.

3. What are the requirements for our dog to participate in the adventure outings?

Each dog must be at least six months old, licensed, fully vaccinated (rabies, bordatella, corona, DHPP), neutered or spayed.
Dogs must not be aggressive towards dogs or people. I require a courtesy consultation to assess your dog and determine whether he or she will be suitable for the group outings.

4. How do we sign up our dog for your service?

Call or send us an e-mail and we will arrange a convenient time to visit and get to know each other. We can also e-mail you several information forms for you to fill out ahead, so that we can spend more time getting to know you and your dog.

5. What are the benefits of Fido Freedom?

Fido Freedom is a convenient service for owners who cannot get their dogs to daycare when needed. It is also great for dogs who need socializing and playtime but with a smaller group of dogs. It is a great service when the weather is rainy because the dogs are indoor during the wet season and outdoor when it is dry so they always come home clean!

6. How do you determine if a dog is suitable for group outings?

I will come to your home, meet your dog and ask questions about your dog’s behavior and history. I will observe your dog’s behavior and introduce your dog to my dog if necessary. No dog is perfect; and most dogs will benefit immensely from our socializing and outings.

7.What are the pick up and return arrangements?

In the initial visit I will get instructions from you about how to gain access to your dog. Pick ups and returns happen depending on the group outings scheduled for that day and depending on the client’s needs. At the end of each outing, your dog is returned home safe and sound and clean. Each dog is left secureand with adequate water supply. We also include a daily activity note so you know what happened at Fido Freedom.

8.Is there a minimum number of outings we need to enroll our dog in?

No, but we recommend participation at least once a week. This does not need to be the same day or the same time, however,the more consistent the schedule is, the better it is for the dog. This promotes familiarity and stability in the dog groups. Ideally, a dog that participates once week should also be enjoying several extended walks each week with its owner. Daily adventure outings for a dog are great when combined with fun weekend activities.

Give us a call to enroll your dog in one of our outings. Your dog will love you for it! Space is limited.

Fido Freedom or Ambercottle.com

604-868-6840

Click here to see videos of dogs at Fido Freedom

and puppies playing too