When the 2009 Canis Film Festival winners were announced at ClickerExpo in Rhode Island just over a week ago, there was lots of excitement. The online version of The Bark magazine blogged about the contest, the awards, and the winners. JoAnna Lou talks about the "just-plain-fun" the animals and trainers have together in her blog. Thanks for the nod, JoAnna!
Press
Herding Dogs Create Amazing Sheep Art
By Aidan Bindoff on 03/29/2009So what did these clever Welsh gents do when they got bored one weekend? They whistled for their dogs, grabbed a few hundred thousand LED lights and a large flock of sheep, and headed for the hills to create some amazing art for a television advertisement.
This will knock your woolen socks off!
Chicago Tribune pays tribute to cat trainer
By Miranda Hersey Helin on 03/19/2009
When you're in the zone, you're in the zone! Clicker trainer Samantha Martin strikes again with a major coup: this terrific profile in the Chicago Tribune. Congratulations, Samantha!
In case you missed it, we blogged about Samantha's other recent press coverage earlier this month.
Samantha Martin: This Cat Can't Be Stopped
By Miranda Hersey Helin on 03/10/2009Don't miss this terrific interview with clicker trainer Samantha Martin in the Chicagoist. Samantha works with cats and small mammals, using all-positive training with amazing results. (And if you can't get enough of Samantha, check out our own profile of this dynamic trainer: Herding Cats in Hollywood.) An excerpt from the new interview:

C: What is the most fascinating/surprising thing you have learned in your studies, and have you found anything in your studies that substantially contradicts what you've learned from your own experience observing animal behavior?
SM: It's fascinating how much the animals crave training time. My cats are constantly watching me and waiting for a chance to learn something new. Tuna actually gets crabby if I don't spend time training her. I also love watching the animals try to figure out something new, and when they finally get it, you can see it in their eyes (lightbulb moment). It's one of the most rewarding moments.
There is controversy about whether an animal can learn from watching another animal. I think they do watch and learn. I recently found Pinky (my guitar player) sitting on the main training set in expectation. She has never been worked there -- her only job has been to play the guitar. Obviously she wants to learn more.
You can read the whole article here.
Cuddle up with your dog—but wash your hands, too!
By Marie Clougher on 02/24/2009These days, if it's not worry about the economy, it's worry about our health. The news is full of stories about superbugs and new illnesses—never mind the flu and other common viruses. One piece of positive news stands out—our pets can continue to offer comfort against these worries.





