Hi everyone,

San San and I are enjoying our OB Intensive class at Michael Ellis's school.

Wow, so many things to learn. So many little details I never paid attention to, now I know I need to be "purposeful" with my body movements when training a dog. Unnecessary movements and words make the dog lose focus, oops

Learning how to lure a dog is so much fun, I think I am going to re-teach San San how to sit, down, and stand properly (without scooting forward).

We are having a great time

--Melissa



Edited by Melissa Hau (04/25/2010 03:55 PM)
Edit reason: posted by accident, not finished yet

Hi Melissa, good for you. I hope to do that same thing one day. Where is Fairfield? Did you go there or the seminar is close to You? just trying to gauge how it is done at this high level. My trip will be from NC. Just don't know how taxing that would be. Thanks for any info you can provide. Dan

Dan, Fairfield is in Northern California, between SF and Sacramento.

I flew in from Dallas with my dog. I believe most of the students in the class are either from Southern California or other parts of the country. I know at least two of the students are from East Coast.

As you have time, please post about experiences about lodging with dog and any situation that might be an aye opener for an out of town traveler with a dog. Wish you well, and may your goals come thru. Dan

I am so envious, Melissa!

(And I could almost commute!)

I, too, would be very interested in what is involved in traveling to CA from Dallas with a dog. Health certificates, lodging, flights....?
Since I have never actually taken a vacation before, and I think it's high time I did, this would be my dream vacation. I just haven't a clue how to even go about doing it.
Any info would be very greatly appreciated.
Have a grand time and thanks!

Class started on April 19th, I took San San to her vet on the 13th to get a health certificate. No extra vaccination required, he just did a fecal on her, got her weight, checked the inside of her ears.

San San is 58 lbs, adding that to her crate, the total weight comes to about 85 lbs. She was able to travel as a "checked luggage," if she were more than 100 lbs, she would have to go through cargo (I would have to drop her off and pick her up from the cargo terminal, not in the baggage area).

I booked my flight in February via United Airline. I told them at the time she was going to travel with me, I wanted her on the same plane. When I got to the airport, I brought her (in crate) to the check-in counter, after they inspected the crate, someone came and took her to the plane.

I followed Cindy's recommendation on lodging. The Staybridge Suites I am staying at is less than 5 minutes away from Michael's school. San San has stayed at hotels with me in the past, so it is not a big deal for her. I try to stick to her daily potty/meal routine. She did have diarrhea because hubby wanted to try this new cooked pet food he found at the supermarket, not a good idea, stick with what she is familiar with

I bought a collapsible crate to use at Michael's school. He has a crate room next to the main area for the dogs to stay at

I hope this information helps

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

I am so envious, Melissa!

(And I could almost commute!)

I agree!

Connie & Scott, I still can't believe I am at Fairfield, attending Michael's class.

Got to thank my husband who is always so supportive of my crazy ideas

Thank you for the info!
What a nice hubby - Good Boy!