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Diana Guerrero’s Ark Animal Tracks September 2010
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Volume 8, Number 9
Publisher: Guerrero Ink
Online: http://www.guerreroink.com
Copyright © 2010 Diana L. Guerrero. All rights reserved.
Content may not be reproduced without permission.
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September News & Tips
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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
2. Discussion for the Month
3. Monthly Roundup
4. Schedule of Upcoming Events & Appearances
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1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
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Wow, this year is almost over but exciting things are brewing and
happening.

First, we got Judah adopted. (He was the German shepherd that I
worked with in order to help facilitate placement.)

We shot some footage which I hope might be usable for the Pet
Parenting School.

Speaking of which, my grant proposal is being consider for the
Pepsi Refresh Everything grant process.

If approved, I will know October 1st and will need some help with
voting.

I’ve known two groups whose vital works did not make it because
they were not able to get votes from their supporters on a daily
basis.

So count on me bugging you for the votes.

If funded I’ll be able to make it available in Beta for a low cost
or no cost to work out the glitches and fine-tune the content.

Which brings me to the animal career coaching news.

I’ve decided to again take a limited amount of students for animal
career coaching.

In the past, I ran seminars and weekend trips for students.

Also, those who qualified got my personal introduction for
internships and other animal oriented opportunities.

I want to take a small number of students for a new online coaching
series that will include conference call access and other
activities.

If you are interested, see the discussion for the month below for
details.

BTW, The contract was signed with the online publishing group and I
should have some more news on it for you within the next month or
so.

If you have a favorite vet or pet store I’d love to know about it
because they will have an opportunity to partner with me on some
new pet education opportunities and share them with their customers
and clients.

I am also happy to report that I am continuing to improve and
looking forward to some increased activities and to getting back
out in public.

Also, if you submitted a question I am still tackling them on the
blogs. So don’t fret, they are being answered in the order that
they were received.

Okay, that is it for now.

Have you joined me on Facebook yet? I post lots of things at least
once a week there and you can comment or post your photos. Just click
“like” to join:

==>>http://facebook.com/AnimalExpert

Happy Tails to You & Yours,
Diana L Guerrero
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2. Discussion for the Month
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Back in the late 1990s I moved from writing about animal careers
into doing seminars and weekend trips.

When I returned to the mountains of southern California I went back
to writing and stopped pursuing the other tasks but now am ready to
introduce a new version of the series.

What this means to those who are dreaming about a career working
with animals is that there is an opportunity to take part in a new
online experience that involves animal career coaching and direct
advice and help from me.

As an industry veteran in both the wild and domestic animal fields,
I offer unparalleled expertise and insight into a variety of
different opportunities and the new career trends—that mean more
opportunities for people.

In addition, I don’t pussy foot around or pull any punches as to
what it takes and what is needed to get there.

So, this month I am seeking a select number of people to enter into
a Beta program for animal careers.

It will help me finalize a more in-depth program that I will be
releasing online in the future.

The first step is for people to apply to participate. At the moment
I am not sure how many people I’ll be accepting.

The cost will be (only divulged to subscribers) per month for a
maximum of six months. Thosewho prefer to pay the entire fee up
front will be able to enroll for (only divulged to subscribers).

If you (or a friend) are seriously interested, here is how to apply
for consideration:

1. Email support with a letter of application describing why you
want an animal career and your ultimate goal and why you should be
selected.
2. Attach a current resume with both work and education.
3. Attach three references and any letters of recommendation.
4. List all hands-on animal experience.

You may include other information you feel might be valuable.

Deadline for submissions is September 15, 2010.

Simply hit reply to participate, this opportunity is ONLY available
to subscribers.

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3. Article Round Up
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Below are the articles I have written since the last newsletter.

Just click in to visit the articles of your choice and feel free to
use the “tell a friend” link at the end of each post to email your
friend the article link or to bookmark your favorite posts.

Most of you have said you don’t want daily notifications about the
new content on the web which is why I include the list here.

If you want immediate notification, I’d suggest visiting
you sign up for the RSS feed.

Directions are on the website and you won’t miss a thing!

August 2010 Ark Animals

Ark Animal Tracks August

BLM Wild Horse Management Controversy

Bubbles the Whale

Social Sites for Animals Lovers

Moonridge Animal Park (Big Bear Zoo)

Best Dog Breed for a Child

Animals Using Trampoline (Videos)

Back to School for Pets

Calamine Lotion Pets

Pet Fashion Week Dignified or Disgusting

Declawing Cats What Do You Think

What to Do When Your Pet is Afraid of the Clicker

10 Pet Websites You Might Have Missed

Animal Careers: Need an Animal Career Coach?

Careers with Passion: Animal Careers (Blog Talk Radio)

Animal Careers: Animal Forensics

Animal Career Interviews (Video)

Pet Parenting for All Generations

Pet Parents Teach What They Want

Pet Parents Do the Work Before Adding a Pet

Pet Parenting: Pets & Kids

Pet Treats & Pet Parenting

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Have a great month and stay tuned!
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Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone
who is on the lookout for new books, speakers, and
information related to animals or writing.

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to see covered in this newsletter, please visit our online
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ARK ANIMAL TRACKS
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Copyright © 2010 by Diana L. Guerrero
PO Box 1989 PMB 215
40729 Village Drive Suite 8
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
http://www.arkanimals.com
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Photo of Expresso courtesy of  Stephen Mech

This is a guest post from Margo Smith

Healthy Pet
Get the information you truly require to keep your pets healthy and happy at this site awarded for its excellence by the Veterinarian’s Association. Incorporated into this site’s contributions are sections discussing issues like traveling with your pet, selecting a pet for you and your family and so much more. Become a part of the society of pet enthusiasts at this superlative website.

Care for Pets (AVMA)
Let the vets teach you how to best care for your pet. Be part of the dialogue by frequenting this site. Find journal articles on the most pressing and current and issues for pet owners today. Learn the appropriate do’s and don’ts for your animals from the care for animals page. Be well informed and become a more conscientious pet owner with the helpful topics covered both for you and your pet.

Pet Welcome
If you will soon be taking a vacation don’t forget to go to this site for useful suggestions. They feature places where your pet will be allowed to accompany you on your journey. If it is not practical to take along your beloved pet, this site will point you to various people and places where your dear animal will be given the kind of tender care you are seeking. Check in to see if your concern is treated by the bulletin board they offer their readers.

Pet Forums 2000
If you want to be able to discuss your questions about your pet, or tell about the latest antics performed by your pets, stop by and become part of the various forums here. You’ll be sure to have lots to say if you own a bird, rabbit, cat, hamster or dog at these pet-centered round-table discussions. Maybe you’ll wish to start a new conversation and begin your own group via this website.

Petland
Providing you with stores internationally, and ranked among the top 500 U.S. businesses, you are sure to find an animal to love by visiting their site or their stores. Find links to their community service projects, enjoy their kids corner and learn about your own franchise if you’d like to open your very own pet store.

Second Chance Pet Adoption
When you or someone you know is interested in becoming a pet owner, or you want to give a good home to a homeless creature, be sure you don’t miss this site. See their calendar of events and browse the cute animals. They specialize in kittens and their home base is in Illinois.

Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP)
This website for CAP (Citizens for Animal Protection) founded in 1972, is geared to help animals in a multitude of ways. Become acquainted with their shelter, adoption, foster care, rescue and other invaluable services to animals in need. CAP also gives you a pertinent community outreach program and humane education for proper care of animals.

Petboro
This service and website has been available since 2004, giving you a place to find all kinds of animals to bring into your home to love. Read their newly launched blog, scan their free pet resources section for items that interest you. They also feature an entire directory of pets – find just the right one.

Homeward Pet
Located in Washington, Homeward Pet Adoption Center is a no-kill, not for profit animal shelter serving the entire Seattle area. They aim to give homeless animals a second chance through their rescue, shelter, and adoption programs.

Simple Pet Care
Stumble on an assorted range of facts for passionate pet fans here. Topics vary from suggestions for careers for animal lovers to an overview of breeds of dogs that make great pets. Find out about which puppy food is best or the preferred method for choosing the best bird cage for your feathered friend with the information contained here.

About the Author: Margo Smith graduated with a B.S. degree from BYU. Working through college and being in the corporate world give her a great deal to say about subjects as diverse as employee motivation to online schooling to kite making.

Above: Marker brand known as the i-clicker

Clicker fear? Is your pet afraid of the sound of a clicker? Believe it or not, it isn’t that uncommon.

When I first began using secondary reinforcers (or a tool more commonly referred to as a “marker”) there were not any clickers specifically on the market for trainers.

So, we coveted those brass ones from Asia and those little alligator party toys plus any little party toy that we came across.

I still have my brass frog and one of my alligators from the 1970s but my original training bag went missing with my buzzers, large cat chains (leashes for tigers and lions) and sea lion training bucket. *sigh*

Today there are a lot of choices when it comes to clickers but some animals exhibit fear when they first are introduced to the click.

There are a few different solutions but the first thing I want to point out that a marker does not have to be a clicker.

Normally I have people use a particular word to mark the behavior but you can use a tongue click, a click-able pen, or you can get a bit innovative.

Sometimes people mistakenly use the clicker as they would a remote control.

This does not control the behavior of the pet! LOL

But it can scare an animal.

So, the first thing to do is to train the pet to the sound using established associations.

For instance, when you are getting ready to put down the food bowl during feeding time, use a clicker once or twice while you prepare the food if the animal is present, or just prior to putting the food bowl down.

Over time, the click becomes a positive association and you can begin to use it before giving treats and then transition to “charging the marker” (another post for the future).

Also, consider muffling the sound by placing it in your pocket or by muffling it with a wash cloth.

Some trainers have used layers of tape and gradually remove them, which slowly increases the volume of the click.

Today people tend to be a bit polarized and want to label themselves…clicker trainer is one such moniker.

But I want to point out that you can just as easily train an animal using a training whistle, training light, just as easily as you could do something else.

If you want, you can now pick from an assortment of clickers or use the versatile i-clicker. (The Clicker+ is currently off the market but offered a variety of tones to select from.)

I often use a voice marker but my adapted training whistle (on a chain around my neck with a bit of aquarium tubing that allows me to hold it in my mouth and still talk) or the clicker attached on my training bag all can be used easily and effectively.

The key to successful animal training is to be sure that your training subject develops trust and is comfortable so he or she can learn.

Take time to take the steps to develop that trust and be flexible enough to try something else if your pet (or other animal student) is not receptive to the use of a clicker.

Let me know about your successes or challenges in training an animal to accept a clicker in the comments below.