Without proper socialization, your dog runs the risk of becoming a Scaredy-Dog, an aggressive dog, a fear biter, territorial, possessive, and/or reactive. Once this point is reached, all the basic obedience commands in the world won’t take care of the problem. You’ll find yourself dealing with a dog who requires the help of a professional to overcome the barking, biting, growling, etc.

The good news is that – whether you’ve just added a brand new, wet under the ears puppy, or an adult dog who was desperately in need of a good home – there are many steps you can take to ensure that proper socialization happens!

During socialization, the goal is to introduce your dog/puppy to every single sight, sound, smell, object, dog, cat, and person that will be a regular part of your day-to-day life, in a positive manner.  And I mean, everything!

People

Create a positive experience by always having quality treats on hand (the softer and smellier, the better!). As soon as the new person enters the picture, start talking excitedly to your dog. “Look! It is Jimmy! He’s here to play with us,” and give your dog a few treats. Next, lead your dog over to “Jimmy” and be sure to show your dog just how welcome “Jimmy” is – shake hands, hug, smile, and have Jimmy give some of the treats to your dog.

Objects

Be sure to include objects in this training as well. My adopted dog, Karma, acted as though she had never before seen a parked, turned off, motorcycle during one of the first walks we took together. She became afraid, tail between her legs, barking, just at the sight of it. You never know what it will be that your dog thinks doesn’t belong in her world! In this instance, if your dog has already decided the motorcycle (object) is scary and doesn’t belong, the routine would be a little different. Without speaking, redirect your dog’s attention to the treats at a distance she can be calm. Gradually lure her with the promise of more treats, towards the object. If she becomes afraid, back up a few steps and try again. Do not force her to go closer than she is comfortable with! It may take a few days, but soon enough, she’ll find herself close to the object and, surprise, nothing bad happens to her! In fact, she gets treats!

Sounds

Sounds are important. A dog’s hearing is far superior to ours and they lack the cognitive ability to say “Oh, the squeaking sound I hear that seems to be coming from above me is just Sally walking on the floorboards.” All they know is that there is a strange sound occurring inside their home, seeming to come from above them, with no reason that they can see. A knock on the door doesn’t mean, “Jimmy is here to play with me!” It does, however, mean, “A loud sound just happened from outside – someone is trying to get into my house – sound the alarms!”

Stage any sound that your dog seems to be unsure about. For instance, if a knock on the door sends your dog into a territorial fit, a tail-between-the-legs fear, or anywhere in between, have someone knock on your door (and do not answer!) for training purposes, or knock on the door yourself from inside. Teach your dog that knocking isn’t scary, or cause for alarm. Knocking means that she should lay down on a mat, far enough away from the door that she isn’t in harms way, but close enough that she can see. Every time a knocking sound occurs, lure her over to her mat and have her lay down. Give her a yummy treat and make your way to the door. If she gets up, return to her and have her go back to a Down. Eventually she will see that being on her mat gets the door open. The sooner she goes there, the sooner she can see what the noise was all about!

Keep in mind that there are a lot of things to get your puppy or dog used to. Fly swatters, fireplaces, dropping books, seeing people out the window, the mailman, the neighbor’s dog, children playing outside, the hairdryer, television… Truly, the list is endless. Turn it into a game to enjoy! Coming up with new things for your dog to experience can be a lot of fun for everyone. This is a great job for children, also, as they are often incredibly creative and thrilled to be helping!

If you have any questions you would like to ask a Certified Dog Trainer, you can submit them right here at Naptown Buzz. Elizabeth Wilhelm, Certified Dog Trainer, will tackle the submitted questions, and give practical advice to solve common dog behavior issues. For more information about Elizabeth, you may visit her website at www.TrainingKarma.com.

New York, NY – The jazz community is buzzing with excitement over the news of a special live engagement at the famed Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis by the Wolff & Clark Expedition on Saturday February 25, 2012. Featuring jazz legends Michael Wolff and Mike Clark, the concert is sure to be an unforgettable evening of hot jazz and funk. The group also features local Indianapolis musicians Rob Dixon on tenor sax and and popular jazz bassist Frank Smith. Hot off the heels of a very successful engagement at the Jazz Standard in New York, which featured James Genus on bass, Lenny Pickett from Tower of Power and now leader of the SNL band, and jazz virtuoso Steve Wilson on alto sax, the Wolff & Clark Expedition are preparing to tear it up in Indianapolis!

Performing together since the 1970s both Wolff and Clark individually have had stellar music careers. Michael Wolff is an internationally acclaimed pianist, composer and bandleader, and is best known for his melodically, fresh,and rhythmically compelling piano style. Wolff made his recording debut in 1972 with Cal Tjader, and went on to record with Cannonball Adderley, the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, Sonny Rollins, Tony Williams, Christian McBride and many others. As pianist and music director for jazz singer Nancy Wilson, Michael wrote orchestral arrangements and conducted more than 25 major symphony orchestras worldwide. From 1989 to 1994, Michael served as the band leader for the Aresenio Hall Show, which heightened his visibility and gave him the opportunity to perform with many established artists such as Ray Charles, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and saxophonist/president Bill Clinton. Michael Wolff has released 12 critically acclaimed solo albums to date as a leader, ‘Joe’s Strut’ being the most recent. He was a winner of the BMI Music Award for television composition and was also the winner of the Gold Gift Award in Japan for piano. Michael will be playing a solo piano concert on Thursday Feb 23, 2012 at University of Toledo, in Toledo, Ohio, as part of their Art Tatum solo piano concert.

What can be said about Mike Clark except that he is a true drum legend! Mike Clark gained worldwide recognition as one of America’s foremost jazz and funk drummers while playing with Herbie Hancock’s group in the early 1970’s. Mike became known as a major innovator through his incisive playing on Hancock’s ‘Thrust’ album, which garnered him an international cult following. While often referred to as the “Tony Williams of funk”, Mike considers himself a jazz drummer, and in fact has become one of the most vital to sit behind a set. He’s performed with jazz greats such as Herbie Hancock, Chet Baker, Vince Guaraldi, Tony Bennett, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Eddie Henderson, Rob Dixon, Bobby Hutcherson, Woody Shaw, Donald Harrison, Larry Coryell, Jack Wilkins, Mike Wolff, Wallace Roney, Geri Allen, Billy Childs, James Genus, Bob Hurst, Chris Potter, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, Dave Liebman, Nat Adderly, Oscar Brown Jr., Bill Doggett, Nicholas Payton, Christian McBride, Mose Allison, Maxine Brown, Gil Evans and his orchestra and many illuminating artists too numerous to list. Mike is currently putting the finishing touches to his forthcoming solo CD ‘Indigo Blue’, which features Randy Brecker, Christian McBride, Ron Dixon and Antonio Farao.

Where: The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46220 – Phone: 317-253-4900
http://thejazzkitchen.com/
When: Saturday, February 22, 2012 – 8 and 10 PM
Price: $15

Michael Wolff: www.michaelwolff.com
Mike Clark: www.mikeclarkmusic.com
Wolff & Clark Expedition Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Wolff-Clark-Expedition/256266051109019

This post was submitted by William James.

For more information, call (317) 776-6006 or visit www.connerprairie.org.

This post was submitted by Sarah Frey.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is tickled pink to present its premiere production of “Legally Blonde, The Musical” opening Feb. 17 and on stage through April 6. Based on the hit MGM movie, “Legally Blonde” was nominated for seven Tony Awards and 10 Drama Desk awards, and has all the fun of the famous film.

Sorority president Elle Woods doesn’t take “no” for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu sorority sister has gone before: Harvard Law. Elle has a rocky start as a new legal student, but this determined blonde makes some friends, finds she has more legal savvy than she realized and proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Maggie Taylor stars as Elle Woods, a blonde on a mission to get the man she wants. Chad Brosky stars as that man, Warner Huntington III. Performing as the friends she makes along the way are Dominic Sheahan-Stahl as Emmett Forrest, Annie Edgerton as Paulette Bonafonté, and Erin Wegner Brooks as Vivienne Kensington. Mark Goetzinger is the manipulative Professor Callahan, and Deb Wims stars as the famous fitness guru on trial for murder, Brooke Wyndam.

“Legally Blonde, The Musical” has 57 performances scheduled in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $37 to $60 and include Chef Odell Ward’s dinner buffet, coffee and tea. Parking is free.

For reservations, call the Beef & Boards Box Office at 317.872.9664. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays.

For more information, including show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.

This post was submitted by Patricia Rettig.

Security screening at Lucas Oil Stadium will be significantly heightened for the Super Bowl. The National Football League strongly recommends that spectators minimize the number and size of all items carried into the stadium.

Items carried by spectators will be carefully inspected. Everyone entering the stadium on Super Bowl Sunday will be subject to security screenings, including metal detectors, pat-downs, and other special security checks. Spectators choosing not to consent to the NFL’s security requirements will be refused admission.

Certain items may not be brought into the stadium.  Small bags, subject to check, will be permitted but binocular and camera cases, among other items, will not be allowed.  Spectators are urged to carry nothing larger than a small purse or bag.  The NFL and Lucas Oil Stadium will not hold prohibited or excluded items for spectators.

Federal and state law enforcement resources and the U.S. military support area law enforcement, fire, emergency management and public health entities.  In addition, private security companies hired by the NFL also contribute to the high level of security applied to the Super Bowl.

Temporary flight restrictions will be in place on Super Bowl Sunday that will prohibit private aircraft from operating in a large radius around the sports complex.  No blimps or other aircraft will be allowed to circle the premises.

SUPER BOWL GAMEDAY FAN INFORMATION

Traffic flow, parking and stadium entry will be much different for the Super Bowl than during the regular season at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Stadium gates open at 2 p.m. (ET).  Fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid delays and expedite entrance for everyone. In-stadium festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. (ET) with kickoff at approximately 6:30 p.m. (ET).

Only people with tickets or credentials will be allowed within the security perimeter around Lucas Oil Stadium. Everyone entering the stadium, including children, must have a ticket for the game. The largest and most convenient checkpoint for entering the stadium is to the north inside the Indiana Convention Center with entry to the ICC near the intersection of Maryland and Capitol Street or Georgia and Capitol Street. Additional spectator checkpoints are located to the east and south.

Fans can go through any of the screening points on the security perimeter and then proceed to the gate marked on their tickets.  Fans will not be able to re-enter the secured perimeter once they leave.

Wheelchair attendees and their companions must have tickets designated “wheelchair.”

NFL FAN CODE OF CONDUCT PROGRAM

NFL teams implemented a fan code of conduct policy in 2008. The code of conduct will be enforced during the Super Bowl. The NFL is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all fans. As such, guests are required to refrain from the following:

• Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal in nature
• Intoxication or other signs of alcohol impairment that results in irresponsible behavior
• Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures
• Interference with the progress of the game (including throwing objects on the field)
• Failing to follow instruction of stadium personnel
• Verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans

Guests who are subjected to unruly fans, or witness violations of the Fan Code of Conduct, can quickly receive assistance by calling a special telephone number or sending a text to anonymously report fan conduct violations. These phone and text lines will be visibly posted in the stadium during the game. Fans also may visit one of the Guest Services/Information Booths at any point during the Super Bowl. NFL guest services staff will be on standby ready to assist.

PROHIBITED ITEMS IN LUCAS OIL STADIUM FOR SUPER BOWL XLVI

The following list is a guide only.  It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

• Weapons of any kind
• Fireworks
• Camcorders
• Umbrellas
• Strollers
• Beach balls
• Frisbees
• Poles, Sticks
• Laser lights and pointers
• Containers of any type
• Coolers of any size
• Backpacks
• Bottles
• Cans, hairspray
• Camera cases and binocular cases/tripods
• Mace/pepper spray
• Banners
• Noisemakers, Horns

Cameras and Binoculars – Small cameras and binoculars will be allowed.  Camera cases and binocular cases are prohibited.  No spectator cameras with lenses longer than six inches will be permitted.  Camcorders are prohibited.

Electronic Devices – Spectators are strongly urged not to bring electronic devices into the stadium.  Any electronic device will be thoroughly inspected, causing delays for the spectator with the device.  Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, camcorders, televisions, radios, and computer tablets.

Prohibited items and items determined inappropriate for entry into the stadium will be the responsibility of the ticket holder and cannot be accepted or checked by the NFL or Lucas Oil Stadium.  All spectators are urged to secure these items in vehicles or hotel rooms.

• Noon - Indiana Reggae Band on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street
• 1:30 PM - Whitney Coleman on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street
• 3:00 PM – Holistic on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street
• 3:30 PM – DJ Rusty on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street

Be Part of The Buzz!

For the ninth day of Super Bowl Village festivities we have the following concerts:

• 11:30 AM – DJ Kyle Long on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street
• 12:45 PM - Carson Diersing on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street
• 2:00 PM - The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band on the Verizon Stage, Pennsylvania Street
• 3:15 PM – Twin Cats on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street
• 4:30 PM – Here Come the Mummies on the Verizon Stage, Pennsylvania Street
• 5:45 PM – Born Again Floozies on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street
• 7:00 PM - Umphrey’s McGee on the Verizon Stage, Pennsylvania Street
• 8:15 PM – North Mississippi Allstars on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street
• 9:30 PM – O.A.R. on the Verizon Stage, Pennsylvania Street

Be Part of The Buzz!

10:00 a.m. – Centerfield Gates Open
General Admission fans will be admitted through the centerfield gates only for this event.

11:15 a.m. – Tent Opens to Fans
A limited number of fans will be admitted inside the tented structure. Activities at Victory Field will be available for fans who do not receive access.

1:00 p.m. – Pre-game Show Begins
The pre-game show, hosted by Dan Patrick and Kevin Frazier, presented by SHOWTIME begins at 1 p.m., inside the tent.

2:00 p.m. – DIRECTV Celebrity Beach Bowl
Celebrities and athletes take the field for the DIRECTV Celebrity Beach Bowl. Game will be played over two, 20-minute halves and the action will be called by Dan Patrick and sideline reporter Tony Siragusa.

Post-Game – The Fray Performs
Immediately following the game and trophy presentation, the crowd will fill the beach for a concert presented by Palladia HD featuring GRAMMY Award-nominated band, The Fray, performing songs from their upcoming album Scars and Stories.

Come to Teddy’s Burger Joint tonight, Friday, February 3rd, from 6-9 pm for the Super Celebration event PLAY OF THE DAY.  There will be live music and $1.00 raffle tickets will be available, giving everyone that enters a chance to win a 42″ HD LCD TV, a signed football from Pierre Garcon, or an amazing gift card basket with tons of gift cards from restaurants all over the city!

Teams will compete against each other in the Barlo’s vs Teddy’s Challenge.  The Barlo’s 29″ Pizzas will be showcased in a race with the 8lb Maverick Burgers.  Teams include Indy Car Drivers, Social Media Team, Team Teddy’s/Barlo’s, and a Teddy’s Customer Team.  Volunteers are welcome to represent the customer team.  Spaces are limited so act fast!

Come in tonight and enjoy a great event all geared to give proceeds back winning team’s charity of choice.  Have fun and give back at Teddy’s Burger Joint tonight from 6-9 pm!

For the eighth day of Super Bowl Village festivities we have the following concerts:

• 11:30 AM - DJ Limelight on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street
• 12:45 PM - Blackberry Jam on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street
• 1:45 PM - Mike Epps on the Verizon Stage, Pennsylvania Street
• 2:00 PM - Morris Day and the Time on the Verizon Stage, Pennsylvania Street
• 3:15 PM – Bashiri Asad on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street
• 4:30 PM - En Vogue on the Verizon Stage, Pennsylvania Street
• 5:45 PM – Gentleman Alphonse on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street
• 7:00 PM - Fitz & the Tantrums on the Verizon Stage, Pennsylvania Street
• 8:15 PM - Holistic on the Pepsi Stage, Meridian Street
• 9:30 PM – LMFAO on the Verizon Stage, Pennsylvania Street

Be Part of The Buzz!