22 Thomas Street • Kingston, NY 12401 • Phone: 845-853-7101 • Dr. Karen R. Garelick

Questions? E-Mail us at docspugsey@yahoo.com

UPCOMING EVENTS!

August 19th-24th, 2008  Come join us at The Dutchess County Fair, Doc's K9 Center will be located in the K9 Tent. The K9 Tent is open from 11:00am - 7:00pm. No pets are allowed at the fair. Every hour there is a demonstration of dog activities that you can do with your dog at home. Doc's K9 Center has been asked this year to do the Agility Demonstrations in the tent.  The show-times will be 11:00am and 6:00pm(tentatively). K9 agility is a great sport that you and your dog can do, whether it is for fun or competition, you will see all ages having a great time with their dogs. Need directions to the Dutchess County Fair, go to www.dutchessfair.com . See you there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

October 11, 2008, Saturday "Special Photo Shoot" with Famous Agility photographer Barry Rosen. Time: 9:00am, Location: Outside Facility in Red Hook This photo shoot is open to all whether you compete or not in agility events, and you would like some photos of your dog doing agility, if you need special portraits, group photos, Barry is available for all. Visit www.barryrosen.com to view his work.  This event was a huge success last year. Please preregister.

October 25, 2008, Saturday; "Doc's K9 Center Anniversary Party" and "Annual Doggie Costume Contest" Time: 12:00-4:00pm Location: Outside Facility in Red Hook This year we are having a Barbecue, refreshments also provided Contest: Best Female Costume, Best Male Costume, Best Group Costume, Best Overall Costume, trophies, prizes and ribbons awarded. Games, prizes and agility run thrus for the dogs.  Come join us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have always been blessed with the most incredible relationships with the animals in my life. As a group, they taught me myriad truths. Individually, each showed me something special about the traits I possessed, but could not bring to the surface without their help. This is true of all of the wonderful animals I've had the privilege of working with - but particularly true of those with whom I shared my life and my home.

In honor of that special relationship shared by a human and companion animal, in this section I will introduce you to some remarkable people with whom I had the pleasure of working, as they sought to improve and enhance their relationships with their own dog partners...

Last year, I received a phone call from an older woman, named Trish, living in the Catskill Mountains. Trish was 78 years young, unable to drive, and had limitations with walking and using her hands. Her American Eskimo, Snowy, had been by her side since three months of age; and was having problems with submissive peeing and fearfulness. We spoke on the telephone and scheduled an appointment; and that's when our journey began.

Once I was introduced to Snowy and Trish in person, and saw their home-bound world, I made my assessment: Snowy suffers from fear
aggression; Trish has physical and mobility restrictions, uses a walker-chair, has braces on her legs, and terribly arthritic hands. From that first meeting, the goal was to develop behavioral modification for Snowy's entire way of life, while incorporating familiarity with all of Trish's medical equipment and limitations. As we progressed, we began to reintroduce Snowy back into a world that was safe, and to increase and build Snowy's confidence in herself.

Confidence is very hard to build in dogs who suffer from fear, so we wanted to find something that Snowy naturally does on her own, and then build on that talent. While talking with Trish at her table one day, we noticed Snowy was spinning on her hind legs in the air. I realized that this was it! Freestyle Dancing...

We knew that we had a tough road ahead of us. It would involve Snowy's ability to overcome all her fears of change, noise, new equipment; but from the very beginning, I could tell that Trish and Snowy were determined to become partners; in life and in dance.

That was a year ago. We are still working with Snowy; but many things have already changed for her. The submissive peeing has stopped; Snowy is allowing others into her world and surroundings at home; and she has made new friends among humans, and other dogs. We have
steadily been bringing both Trish and Snowy out and about, away from their house. And while we still have a long way to go, I firmly believe that the power of the Human-Animal Bond will heal all in time.

Meet Trish and Snowy... A remarkable pair!

View the K9 Freestyle Dancing of Trish & Snowy here!

On May 16, 2008, I was invited to do a Talk Show on the Radio called "Dog Ears".  The program "Dog Ears", was broadcasted on three local AM stations of the Hudson Valley; WLNA 1420 , WBNR 1260, and WGHQ 920, all stations owned by Pamal Broadcasting. "Dog Ears"  hosted by Richard Tirendi who is a dog groomer in veterinarian hospitals in the Hudson Valley. Our topic for the show, was early "Puppy Socialization", which is important in a pups well being and behavioral health throughout the rest of its life. 

An average dog owner should be aware that it is crucial in the pups early development to be socialized at an early age in a controlled environment, such as Puppy Kindergarten.  The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has issued their statement about early socialization outweighing not having all the vaccines into a pup before going into controlled classes. Your bond with your pet begins as soon as he or she arrives home, we are responsible for the health, well being and behavior of our pets.  Please review the following statement: 

AVSAB Position Paper on Puppy Socialization

The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life.1, 2 During this time puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without overstimulation. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated.

Because the first three months are the period when sociability outweighs fear, this is the primary window of opportunity for puppies to adapt to new people, animals, and experiences. Incomplete or improper socialization during this important time can increase the risk of behavioral problems later in life including fear, avoidance, and/or aggression. Behavioral problems are the greatest threat to the owner-dog bond. In fact, behavioral problems are the number one cause of relinquishment to shelters.3 Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under

While puppies' immune systems are still developing during these early months, the combination of maternal immunity, primary vaccination, and appropriate care makes the risk of infection relatively small compared to the chance of death from a behavior problem.

Veterinarians specializing in behavior recommend that owners take advantage of every safe opportunity to expose young puppies to the great variety of stimuli that they will experience in their lives. Enrolling in puppy classes prior to three months of age can be an excellent means of improving training, strengthening the human-animal bond, and socializing puppies in an environment where risk of illness can be minimized.

The Process of Socialization:
Puppies should be handled from birth, learning to accept manipulation of all body parts. Every effort should be made to expose them to as many different people, well-socialized animals, situations, places, etc. as possible. Puppies should be encouraged to explore, investigate, and manipulate their environments. Interactive toys and games, a variety of surfaces, tunnels, steps, chutes, and other stimuli can enrich the puppy's environment. Puppies should accompany
their breeders/owners on as many car trips as possible. These exposures should continue into adulthood to maintain an outgoing and
sociable dog.

Puppy socialization classes can offer a safe and organized means of socializing puppies and more quickly improve their responsiveness to commands.4 Each puppy should have up-to-date vaccinations and be disease and parasite free before entering the class. Where possible, classes should be held on surfaces that are easily cleaned and disinfected (e.g. indoor environments) . Visits to dog parks or other areas that are not sanitized and/or are highly trafficked by dogs of
unknown vaccination or disease status should be avoided.

Classes and at-home training should be based on positive reinforcement with frequent rewards – praise, petting, play and/or treats. Positive and consistent training is associated with fewer behavioral problems and greater obedience than methods that involve punishment and/or encourage human dominance.4, 5,6

Time must be scheduled for puppies to play alone with their favorite toys (such as stuffed food toys) or take naps in safe places such as crates or puppy pens. This teaches puppies to amuse themselves, and may help to prevent problems of over attachment to the owners. Continuing to offer dogs a wide variety of experiences during their first year of life is also helpful in preventing separation-related behavior.

Proper confinement training using pens or crates helps to ensure that puppies have safe and secure places for rest and confinement. Puppies that are used to being crated will be less stressed if they must be hospitalized or be confined for travel by plane or car. Crates should serve as comfort or play areas.

Early and adequate socialization and programs of positive training can go a long way to preventing behavior problems and improving bonding between humans and dogs. While the first three months is the most important socialization period in a puppy's life, owners of puppies that have passed this milestone are strongly encouraged to continue to socialize their puppies to as many people, pets, and locations as is practical

For your audio pleasure here is the program:

 

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From the Daily Freeman
April 3, 2005
by Jonathan Ment

Doc's K-9 Obedience, Behavior, Agility and Training:

Run by Karen Garelick, a retired veterinarian, the business opened at 22 Thomas St. in Kingston in October 2004.

Garelick said she grew weary of the 24-hour, seven-days-a-week nature of her practice and took a year off before opening Doc's in Kingston.

"I opened because my clients demanded it," she said. "They wanted an indoor arena for winter."

Garelick continues to conduct private sessions for behavioral consultations and covers a lot of ground between New York City and Albany. She works with everyone from with younger children to older adults, but in the agility and obedience arena, a lot of 40-somethings bring dogs in for training, she said.

"We have brought animals into our home. They're family members. (But) people have to remember that they still, number one, are animals," Garelick said. "People have to remember that they live in a pack mentality. They're incorporated into our daily lives. We have to adapt to their ways so they can live naturally in our lives and homes.

"I think it's more of getting back into the family unit situation," she said. "It's becoming a basic part of our animals to incorporate animals. They teach us compassion, responsibility and develop relationships later in our lives. You become a caretaker for an animal. You're responsible for an animal's life. ... I love to see a progression of obedience and bond that gets stronger and stronger."

KINGSTON was an easy choice for Garelick. She said she has many friends in the city and has been training privately in the area, and there really was no place in Red Hook, her area of Dutchess, where she could house the facility.

The 3,000-square-foot, fully matted center in Kingston is used for animal training and agility, obedience and freestyle work - what Garelick describes as "basically having fun with your dog all the way around."

"What we do with obedience is add structure to their lives," she said. "Animals, especially dogs, require structure. If they don't have structure, they start to do bad things and look for attention."

Garelick works with more than 100 dogs per week. She also works the owners of other animal-oriented businesses, such as Canine Country Club's Sarah Muir, who is teaching some of her dogs to "dance."

Photos provided by the Daily Freeman

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My goal with this school is to make everyone aware of how important it is to build a strong bond with your pet, and to educate all about the interactions of pets, family members, strangers, and other animals. Our pets are our family members, but we must remember that they are animals that we have domesticated, and need to be understood on both levels of existence in our lives. Harmony begins with understanding, not expecting!

Group or Private Lessons in:

OBEDIENCE

Puppy Obedience and Socialization
Basic Obedience
Advanced Obedience
Competition Obedience

Canine Good Citizens - Our Obedience classes prepare you for the Canine Good Citizen's Test,  We offer a review a week before the test, Canine Good Citizen's Test is done on premise at the Center, and DR. Karen Garelick is a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.

Group or Private Lessons in:

AGILITY

Beginners
Intermediate
Excellent
Competition agility all levels

Private sessions, done in your home or the center, according to the situation.

GROUP OR PRIVATE K9 FREESTYLE DANCING:

A fun an interactive way to build a stronger bond with your dog.  This is a form of obedience with style, music, and enjoyment for you and your dog.

DOGGIE BIRTHDAY PARTIES:

K-9 friends join together for doggie birthday cake, agility, fun, and games.

The Fab Five!!!

Ellis: The Survivor 9 Year Old Golden Retriever Ellis came to me at the age of 2 weeks old.  He was the tiniest out of the litter, refused to suckle, and only weighed 1.3lbs. Diagnosed with SubAortic Stenosis, was suppose to die around the age of 2 years.  Miracles do happen!   This dog is human! Ellis has taught me to be nonjudgmental, keep an open mind, and a open heart. This is the true art of survival!

Lauralie: The Diva 9 Year Old Golden Retriever Spent her first 5 years in a breeders kennel.  Socialized with only one other dog.  She had a hard time at first meeting new dogs, but she has no issues now at all, in fact she raised and mentored Jack! Diva has taught me to love freely, even if love is not returned, do not miss the chance to express it.

Butchie: The Carpet 11 Year Old Chow-Chow Spent his first 6 months as a boarder in our clinic, socialized everyday with clients, other dogs, and cats.  The owner finally let me take him home for good!  Best therapy chow around! Butchie has taught me to be silent, observe, and listen, the true  essence of leadership. In Loving Memory May 22, 1996-August 24, 2007 Before , I went to bed last night, I knew in my heart it would be the last time that Butchie would watch over me. His honor and love for me was incredible, a deep emotional silent bond.  He came into the bedroom and positioned himself by the door for the last time. He died in my arms on the grass, as the sun rose,  a last gift of love he has given me.  He is now at peace with all his friends, and will wait for me to join him again.  He will forever walk at my side, even though his physical presence is gone. He is running free now, with all my love with him.

Jack: The Labrasaurus 4 Year Old Yellow Lab Came to me as the last hope of saving him, at 3 1/2 months he was a fear aggressive bitter, destined to be euthanized.  At 1 year of age this dog is a "Star"!  He has no more aggression problems, he excels in obedience, agility, and freestyle dancing. He has a tremendous zest for life and people! Jack has taught me to conquer my fears, get over it, and the world is yours!

Orso: The Whimsical Companion 1 year old WOW! Meet Orso,  Born December 16, 2006, saved from a kill shelter in Georgia, he is a Teddy Bear with attitude, smart, quick to learn, with a big appetite for love, and learning! Orso is beginning to teach me to enjoy life, slow down, increase my social outings, cherish friends, have fun, and cuddle more.

Cha Cha: The Luminous Spirit 6 months old Whoodle Meet Cha Cha Catori (Spirit), Born September 7, 2007, saved from a Puppy Mill in Kansas.  She just joined our family on Feb. 28, 2008. Cha Cha is beginning to teach me to be adaptable, learn from others,capture the moment, and there is truly wonder and excitement in everyday.

These are all rescues.

Ellis the Survivor 2006

Jack the Labrasaurus - 2006

RC-MACH

I am , a life-long resident of the Hudson Valley area, after retiring from veterinarian medicine, I opened my own canine training facility near to my home in Dutchess County: Doc's K9 Obedience, Behavior and Agility Training Center, with locations in Kingston and Red Hook, New York.

In addition to teaching over twenty structured behavior, obedience, and agility classes per week, I also work intensively with the Canine Good Citizens Program and hold numerous private lessons throughout the Hudson Valley and surrounding area in canine behavior modification, interactive free-style dance, canine therapy, and the rehabilitation of rescue animals. In addition to my diverse class and appointment schedule, I am also on staff at Ulster Community College, teaching courses in Animal Behavior.

“My pets were always a key part of my life. At the age of 12, when I was severely injured after being hit by a drunk driver, the study of Animal Behavior became an important aspect of my life and my education. Despite my difficult injuries, I was immediately aware of the fact that my pets were nonjudgmental, and actually changed all their behaviors intuitively, to compensate for the effects of my personal tragedy. At this young age, I realized that when I simply silenced myself, and listened quietly, I could whisper to my animals, and they would whisper too.

Because I benefited from my pets and their ability to aid me back to good health and well being, I realized that I had to give something back to them, and chose the path to become a Veterinarian. Veterinary Medicine was a very rewarding career; however, following the passing of very significant people in my life, and in my medical practice, I made the decision to retire from Veterinary care, and open Doc's K9 Center.

As an Animal Behavior Specialist, I am affiliated with many areas of professional study: animal behavior, obedience, agility, safety, private consultations, therapy, and rescue rehabilitation. I am also very personally committed to rescue work. All of my own dogs are rescues, and all of them work with me on a daily basis in classes and consultations.

My biggest goal is to educate the public that dogs are social creatures that we have domesticated into our homes, lives, and family; however,
we must remember that they are 4-legged and not 2-legged, and their social structure differs from that of human social structure. I firmly
believe that animals give us so much – and are so often taken for granted. We have an obligation to learn from their love, and flourish
from their devotion. People who have no place for an animal in their heart have not found truly unconditional love.”

 My training classes provide you with a sense of dog savvy and the knowledge to build a strong everlasting bond between you and your pet.

My staff consists of all of rescue dogs who have become an important part in the development of socialization skills amongst dogs.

My human staff are multiple trainers of all agility levels, from basic fun agility with you, and your dog, to competition level. Once we have decided to get a puppy or an older dog it is our responsibility as pet owners to provide them with a strong background of obedience, proper behavior, and socialization.

We must remember that an obedient dog who is well socialized is accepted and loved by all. 

Dr. Karen

The Center is located on 22 Thomas Street, off of Broadway in Kingston, N.Y. A 3,000 square foot facility, fully matted for the comfort of both you the handler, and your K-9 companion. Easy access, plenty of parking!

The Outside Center, located in Red Hook, NY, totally groomed acres, a 100' x 200' fully fenced in ring,

The total training facility for your dog's behavior, inside and outside the house!

~ Introducing K-9 Freestyle ~

K-9 Freestyle is agility for you and your dog without the equipment. Building a bond with you and your dog is a ever lasting love.  Some build a bond through obedience, some agility, and some just having fun, so when we bring all three together, add alittle music, we have K-9 Freestyle.  What better way to have fun with your dog.  It combines basic obedience training, music, routine development, showmanship, and the increased awareness of the ever so important element of attention.  This is a true sport of fun and frolic.  Developed in the late 80's in Canada and the early 90's in Europe and the US.  It started with heel work to music and now has become a choreographed costume dance team of dog and handler.  You can compete in Freestyle or just have fun!  My goal with K-9 Freestyle is for you to have fun with your dog.  Classes have all ready proven to be a great success.  This is a great way to bring a smile to many faces, my goal is to be able to perform exhibitions with my students for; nursing homes, hospitals, and schools.

Not convinced yet, some K-9 Freestyle sites to visit, with video clips available:  www.worldcaninefreestyle.org,
www.canine-freestyle.org, www.musicaldogsport.org

New 6 week courses beginning for July 2008 at the OUTDOOR FACILITY:
REGISTER EARLY! Courses fill very quickly!

If you are considering getting a dog, always consider a Rescue! My Staff if you noticed are all Rescue Animals.  Each of them possess hidden talents of love and devotion to me, and all they meet.  The power of bonding with a rescue dog is remarkable. All my dogs work with me in classes, and in private consultations. Their  devotion, trust, and understanding, allows me to help other dogs.  All dogs deserve a chance for a good home, consider adopting one today!

Rescue Links:  www.caninecountryclubny.com | www.russellrefuge.org | Enchanted Terrier

Click on a thumbnail to view the full-sized photo.

This is a letter that all Puppy Kindergarten Graduates receive on Graduation Day, I wanted to share it with you. Through your love and understanding you will walk by each other's side!

You now have a solid foundation for the success of building a strong ever lasting bond between you and your puppy. Continuation of learning and practicing on a daily basis will achieve a wonderful well mannered pet.

Remember what we think we are doing right at times, may influence the negative behaviors in our dogs. People say we are nothing without a good dog by our side, I have a tendency to agree. Animals bring a wealth of love, understanding, and compassion to our daily lives. The little solidarity'of expression, and acts brings us hours of joy, and soothes us with a calmness. Am I a little eccentric, I dare say so, but I am well aware of the offerings that our pets can bring to us. They are significant in our health, lowering blood pressure, they are used in physical therapy, used in communicating with those that have decided to close themselves off from society. Dogs have become a very important part of our family lives, and we must remember that we have to understand their instinctive nature and learn to incorporate into our family lives. We domesticated them, but we need to understand them.

Obedience of your puppy goes way beyond the simple commands that we have them follow. A structural hierarchy and a knowledge of pack mentality and the instinctive skills that your particular breed of dog has ,is well worth its weight in gold.

It is important to follow through with your obedience learning, and practicing. Do not loose faith that it is a slow process. This is a learning experience for both of you. An animals means of learning is through you, the more time you put into it, the more each of you will learn. We are all a product of outcome, be responsible for your outcome of your pup.

Remember Train Them, Don’t Blame Them.

Homemade or store bought these are the treats I recommend;

All natural homemade dog treats, visit www.sweeterbark.com, Treats for 4-legged and 2-legged friends. Fantastic Doggie Birthday Cakes!!!!!

Photography what a better way to capture your dog's true essence!
Still or action shots, I recommend Barry Rosen, visit his photo galleries at barryrosen.com

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the
distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day. If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise.""Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past,
and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of
the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a person." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand."                                                         

-- Author Unknown

Seminars:  Dogs, Kids, & Safety: A Safety Program brought into the Elementary Schools, daycares, etc....   Live demonstrations with the dogs, teaching children proper etique  and safety around dogs.

Agility Demos:  Having a Special Event, need a crowd pleaser,  available for your special day.

       

Visit the Beautiful town of Corolla ,North Carolina  "The Outer Banks", this house is pet friendly, and 50 yards away from the ocean, the Outerbanks is known to be one of the best Pet Friendly Beaches.  I frequently go down with the dogs. Remember to be responsible Pet Owners, this is a real treat for you and your dogs.  Pics and availability, just click on the link. http://www.outerbanksblue.com/rental/house.html?ID=205

Please E-Mail Us With Any Questions You May Have!

Remember... train them, don't blame them!

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