Woman’s Club Welcomes Dog Trainer from Circle of Change

By Marianne Mueller, REPORTER

MARIANNE MUELLER, PHOTO – The Herald.
Max listens to Ms. Christy as she gives him a command.

Christy Aldridge of Ms. Christy’s Canine Academy was accompanied by her dog Max at Talcott Library. Both were welcomed guests at the Hononegah Woman’s Club final meeting of the year. “I have been a trainer for Circle of Change,” said Aldridge. “Some of the Veterans have PTSD. Some service dogs also came out of Circle of Change. Max came from a hoarder that handled Golden Doodles. He had no hair on his body, was never touched and never had any human contact.” Aldridge compared some similar traits of Veteran’s that have PTSD.

People foster dogs who give back to the Veteran’s. This builds up a Veteran’s confidence. The dogs become friends with the Veterans as they win over the Veterans through training. “We have heard stories of Veterans who have PSTD that don’t go driving, do not talk to people, or go shopping. After connecting with these service dogs you can see the difference in personalities,” said Aldridge.

“I am currently training 14 dogs on a 13-week rotation at the VFW. Before the dogs were peeing all over, and were fearful of hands and some of men. They would show fear. They are molding a dog that would have otherwise been euthanized.” “As a dog trainer, I use blanket stationery into a post command. It has been very successful and the dogs are learning those foundations,” added Aldridge. After a dog has been completely trained they get adopted. Those people come for a refresher course which is a free service. Veterans do adopt dogs. Aldridge spoke of Loren and Brindell the Pit Bull Boxer mix that became the best of friends. Steve and Husky Taylor are a pairing of the same nature. If a Veteran has his own dog he can bring it to be trained. Since we do not want them to become too possessive, the dogs are moved around.

“Service dogs are taught to pick up keys and how to read.” Aldridge gave an example of a dog that learned to read up and down arrow buttons and how to push them. A Pilate’s ball was used to achieve this. “I became a dog trainer after volunteering at Noah’s Ark where I worked with dogs. It was there that my passion began to grow,” said Aldridge. “I worked, got married, had children and went to Veterinarian School. I also studied Husbandry. I went in and saw a dog trainer training a puppy class. It is just amazing to see what the puppies do in there.” “When I expressed my interest, the trainer advised that I go to the ABC Behavioral College. In college if we failed to listen they would put a collar on us. We also had to wear a shock collar with a water bottle attached at the front,” said Aldridge. “After being shocked, you could not drink the water. I do not believe in shocking a dog. Trainers all train differently.”

“We were also shown what it is like to be in a doghouse. The class had to get down, drink water and eat Cheerios. We found out how hard it is to get food down eating like that. I advise that you get an elevated feeding system made out of stainless steel. Plastic can cause bacteria. I teach clients that I don’t believe in leaving food down all day; buffet feeding is unnecessary. It is important to teach the pup to sit down to wait to eat the food. If “no cue” they do not earn any food. I have been putting my hands in the Kibble to release my scent. Kids in the household become a puppy to a puppy. You have to bring a puppy in right away to get acquainted with the kids.”

“I have been a dog trainer since 2006. I went to school for four years and in that time you see things change. People used to use a shoe in the face if a dog had an accident to show them that is wrong.” Aldridge spoke of different conditioning methods. “When you are on the phone and a dog wants your attention you may want to get wooden puzzles for your dog, something on the lines of a Rubik’s Cube. This gives them something to do so they are not bothering you. Get a Kong, fill it with stuff and freeze it. This will help them become reconditioned.”

“You can use doggie diapers to show and command the need to go outside. I am a believer in teaching dogs skills. Dogs were working dogs. They pulled carts. Pit Bulls are supposed to be baby protectors. They don’t need a trainer who is a fear trainer. Two Judges in Winnebago County allow service dogs to be in court when children testify. They had Bella and Couper sit next to the kids.”

There are currently 40 dogs in Ms. Christy’s Canine Therapy program. Ms. Christy’s Angel program places dogs at facilities such as Maple Crest, Core Maria, Peterson Meadows, Grand Victoria, Northwood’s Care Center, Forest City Rehab, and at the Juvenile Detention Center. Two dentist offices have service dogs for children with Autism. I would like to start a program called, ‘Paws for Reading.’” Aldridge referred to a book that local writer Melissa Westphal is writing.

“I have started Good Shepherd Animal Incorporated and I serve as President of the Board,” said Aldridge.

“Romanian Shepherds have dew claws that can take bones across the floor and crush them. They are very loyal and can be a good therapy dog. I go to specific sites with dogs to see who would be a good service dog,” said Aldridge. Aldridge’s final piece of advice was, “Do not put a pinch collar on your dog. Use an easy walk harness which is a replacement for a pinch. ”