Four Paws Guidance Dog Training LLC

07/01/2024

If you want to learn a great way to communicate with and train your dog, check out my new book!

AHA! Now I Get It! A Basic Guide to Faster, Easier Dog Training Using Markers: Color Edition

10/02/2023

Today we officially completed our Rally Master title. Rumor and I had so much fun navigating our way through Judge Mrs. Joyce Rienzo's Master course. It was very challenging but fair. We scored a 98 out of 100 which earned us a 3rd place. These trials are very competitive but Rumor and I were up for it. Thank you judge Rienzo and Nassau Dog Training Club, for a very memorable trial. "Rumor" AKC GCH CH/CKCSC CH Sunjays Rumor Has It AKC-RM, AKC-TKI, CGCA, C-Versatility Achiever Excellent, C-RE, C-TKA, AKC Achiever Dog. Proudly bred and owned by me. 😃🐾

09/29/2023

This past weekend I chaired a Breed Handling seminar at the Port Chester Obedience Training Club, in White Plains, NY. Our presenter was professional handler Norma Smith. Norma was amazing!! She had all of us, both beginners and advanced, handling our dogs like pros. Here is my write up for the Sit N Stay Newsletter:
On September 23rd & 24th PCOTC held a Breed Handling Seminar presented by Professional Handler Norma Smith. This well-attended seminar included handlers of all levels of experience, but mostly beginners to the sport. I was amazed at how beginners went from hardly any knowledge of showing a dog to showing as though they had shown for a long time. I was shocked to learn that the owner who won the Best in Beginner Class had only just started to show her dog! It was impressive to see how Norma was able to help owners of unruly dogs. By the end of the weekend there was a vast improvement. It was great to see these dogs move around the ring so well behaved, and their owners look of delight. Norma’s seminar was very helpful to experienced handlers as well. These handlers learned how to improve their performance by learning correct ways to show and to be aware of old incorrect habits.

I want to thank the Port Chester Obedience Training Club for giving me the opportunity to hold this successful seminar. Many have benefitted because of this wonderful club!

Group photo
Left to right: Norma Smith, Fran Helman, and participants.

Best in Seminar and First Place Advanced – Laura Glynn and Chase

First Place Beginner –Eileen D’Ercole and Gordi

Most improved - Lyn Bianchi and Smudge

Best Dressed – Kathie Jochen with Bandit

Congratulations to the winners of the seminar! In my opinion, all participants were winners!

Thank you again Norma!!!!!!

08/29/2023

The most important tips I can give to anyone who wants to have a well trained dog are:

Teach them how to communicate with you by using a Reward Marker.
Teach them how to learn. By teaching them how to learn you are setting them up to figure things out on their own.
It's OK if they make mistakes. Give them more chances to figure it out. When they do, use your Reward Marker to let them know they have gotten it right. Then have a party!
Keep it fun! 😀🐾🐾

08/29/2023

Book #3. 😀🐾🐾

08/29/2023

Early this morning I was out in the yard with the dogs when Starburst started to bark at something. So I said to her, "oh little dog what do you hear?" Then I continued on, which led me to write this poem. Starburst always seems to inspire me. First, to write three children books about her, and now this poem.
Ode to a Little Barking Dog
Oh little dog, what do you hear?
Oh little dog, what do you smell?
Oh little dog, what do you see?
Could there be bears in the brush?
Groundhogs in their borrows?
Or, squirrels in the trees?
What can I do?
Cry out "Hush!"
Cry out "No!"
Or, just let it go!
Oh little dog, whatever it is, I'll just let you be!

02/03/2023

We are so excited to announce that Starbursts' second book is live on amazon.com! "Starburst Meets A New Friend," is an adorable story about two animals who become good friends. Her first book, "Read With Starburst," tells how Starburst visits young children at schools and libraries to encourage them to read. Starburst is a registered Therapy Dog and Reading Education Assistance Dog.(R) Both books come with a bookmark page. We hope you enjoy the books! Starburst has a page: Starburst The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 😀🐾

01/15/2023

So proud of my Breezy. She passed her Therapy Dog evaluation today, given by Bright & Beautiful. She was born to be a therapy dog. I know she will enrich many peoples lives with her sweet and gently ways. Good girl Breezy! ❤️

01/11/2023

Training tip for the day: Patience is a virtue. Allow your dog to have some time to figure things out. If he's showing frustration, back up to an easier step where he was successful at, then build from there. Happy training! 🙂🐾

06/15/2022

Attention Rally Enthusiasts!

The Port Chester Obedience Training Club is holding a Rally Match Show on Saturday July 9, 2022. The match will run from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the lower level of the club. Pre-registration is required. Closing date is June 30th. Cost is $10.00 per run, with a limit of 2 runs per dog, and 4 runs per person. Additional runs will be allowed if there is availability.
The nested courses will run from Masters through Novice. Once the schedule is complete it will be emailed to you for confirmation of your time of run.

Send your entry and registration fee to:
Rick Pisani
874 Broadway
Brentwood, NY 11717

Entry info:

Handlers Name
Email
Cell phone number
Breed/Mixed
Class level ( Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Excellent, Masters)
Jump height if applicable (Advanced to Masters)

Make check payable to PCOTC.
FMI: Contact Rick at [email protected]

11/06/2021

News hot off the press. Rumor wins her first leg(out of three) with a 2nd place in Rally Advanced A, with a score of 96 out of 100. This was our first performance trial since 2019. Thank you to our judge Lynda Moore for a great course and for judging us. And thank you to the volunteers from the Port Chester Obedience Training Club for putting on a great trial! 😀🐾

08/25/2021

03/26/2021

Spring has sprung! It's time to prepare for outdoor dog shows. Join us at our outdoor Drop-in Breed Handling classes starting on April 7th. Register on the Port Chester Obedience Training Club website: www.pcotc.org You can register for 1 class or for as many classes as you'd like. Pre-registration is required.

02/01/2021

Food puzzles are always fun to play but especially on snowy days like today. The onlookers are patiently awaiting their turn. 😊🐾

These Nina Ottosson puzzles can be found on amazon.com.

01/18/2021

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY JAN. 24TH AT 11:00 AM FOR A BREED HANDLING WORKSHOP

"How to teach puppies to move properly on a show lead."

January 24th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Remotely Via Zoom

Presenter: Fran Hellman

Join Fran for this Breed Handling Virtual Workshop!

Puppies aren't born loving to have a show lead around their necks or with the ability to walk in a straight line. In fact, most puppies will resist moving with a lead on. You pull and they resist. In this Workshop you will learn the “Go-Get-It” technique for a successful performance with a puppy that enjoys showing.

This Workshop will cover:
• How to create a positive association to the show lead
• How to train your pup to move out in a proper and showy gait
• How to train your pup to make smooth turns for gait patterns
• How to train your pup to control his/her forward movement
• How to move your pup around in a circle left

About the Instructor:
Fran Hellman, CPDT-KA, has been an owner-handler for over 30 years. She has enjoyed numerous wins with both her homebred and acquired dogs, some of which include: Specialty Best In Show, Best of Breeds, Group placements, Best of Winners, Best Veteran, Best Puppy in Show, and Best Owner/Handler. She has on occasion handled dogs for other owners. Fran has also trained several dogs to various AKC performance titles and has certified several therapy dogs.

Cost: $25 per Registration
Register here by January 22, 2021
Any questions, contact Fran Hellman at [email protected] or [email protected]

01/08/2021

"How to teach puppies to move properly on a show lead."

January 24th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Via Zoom

Presenter: Fran Hellman

Join Fran for this Breed Handling Virtual Workshop

Puppies aren't born loving to have a show lead around their necks or with the ability to walk in a straight line. In fact, most puppies will resist moving with a lead on. You pull and they resist.

This Workshop will cover:

How to create a positive association to the show lead
How to train your pup to move out in a proper and showy gait
How to train your pup to make smooth turns for gait patterns
How to train your pup to control his/her forward movement
How to move your pup around in a circle left

Cost: $25 per Registration
Register by January 22, 2021 www.pcotc.org

Any questions, contact Fran Hellman at [email protected]
or [email protected]

Port Chester Obedience Training Club offers group dog training classes in White Plains, NY. We are conveniently located for dog training in Westchester County, Fairfield County, Putnam County, and NYC. Group dog training classes in agility, obedience, nosework, scentwork, breed handling. Classes for

01/01/2021

𝒜𝒯𝒯𝐸𝒩𝒯𝐼𝒪𝒩 𝒞𝒪𝒩𝐹𝒪𝑅𝑀𝒜𝒯𝐼𝒪𝒩 𝐻𝒜𝒩𝒟𝐿𝐸𝑅𝒮!
PCOTC Online Zoom Drop-In Breed Handling Classes with Fran Hellman❢
Saturday’s from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Fee: $10.00
Classes start January 2, 2021
Sign up on the website: www.pcotc.org

INSTRUCTOR: Fran Hellman CPDT-KA; [email protected]
Our Breed Handling classes have gone virtual!
Beat the winter doldrums by training your show dog from the comfort and safety of your own home. Let’s get together and enjoy the camaraderie of the sport that we love! Whether you are just starting out with showing or have lots of experience these classes have a lot to offer. Classes will run like an in-person class.
●Classes will cover:
•Dog’s focus on handler
•Stand and stay
•Hand and Free Stacks
•Gaiting patterns
•Examinations – by handler and/or house member
•Showing your dogs teeth
•Ring etiquette
•Presentation
•Addressing any questions regarding handling and dog shows
Sign up on the PCOTC website at least 24 hours in advance so that you can be added to the Zoom invitation.
(In-person classes will resume in April.)

Port Chester Obedience Training Club offers group dog training classes in White Plains, NY. We are conveniently located for dog training in Westchester County, Fairfield County, Putnam County, and NYC. Group dog training classes in agility, obedience, nosework, scentwork, breed handling. Classes for

12/22/2020

Wishing you and yours a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season!! From Fran and company. 🙂🌲🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾