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January Newsletter!
Welcome to Quinte Canine's newsletter. This a great place to be the first to know about upcoming classes, dog events, student brags and get fun and informative training information.
In this issue: Upcoming Classes, Weather Policy, Upcoming Workshops, Holiday Party Recap, Class Grads, Upcoming Community Events & More!
Letter from the Editor
Dear friends,
Happy New Year to you all! With 2018 coming to and end and the start of 2019 already here, we are going to not only look back at how wonderful of a year it has been but also really look forward to what lies ahead in 2019! Be sure to check out the feature this month on some amazing 2018 Fun Facts! We hope to help you build on your skills in 2019 so the amazing dog who lays by your side throughout the year can show you how great you are!
The expression 'new year, new you' keeps coming up in popular media and it is one that I have never been a fan of. Although constant self improvement, education, learning and striving to be the best you can be is always important; changing who you are as an individual and at the core itself is flawed. Set some goals, take some risks, strive for self improvement, but certainly dont change you, because deep down at the core, you are nothing less than great and the greatness just needs to come out!
Every person involved in Quinte Canine (from volunteers, to students, Facebook followers, Newsletter subscribers, friends who make referrals and of course the fur-balls that make us smile) I just want to send my heartfelt thanks to you for being a part of our community, you are the backbone of this company and for that I am eternally grateful. Thank you so much for being a part of our 2018 journey and I look forward to serving you in 2019!
Your friend,
Yvonne Ferguson, CPDT-KSA, CTDI
Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge & Skills Assessed, Certified Trick Dog Instructor,
Behaviour Consultant - Quinte Canine
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Upcoming Classes!
Since you are one of our lucky newsletter subscribers I am offering you the first opportunity to register for upcoming classes with us! Because classes are limited they can and do fill very quickly. To be fair to all, we cannot hold spaces without completing the registration process. All classes are designed for dog and people friendly dogs who are up-to-date on core and rabies vaccinations.
If you have a dog with special needs please contact us to discuss how we can work with you.
Puppy Class
For puppies under 5 months of age who have received at least their first set of vaccinations. $100+HST
Belleville - 7:00pm - Monday February 11, 2019 (Feb 11, 18, 25, Mar 11, 18 & 25 - no class Mar 4 2019)
Basic Obedience
For dogs over 5 month of age who are up-to-date on vaccinations and are dog and people friendly. $120+HST.
Belleville - 4:30pm - Thursday February 28, 2019 (Feb 28, Mar 7, 14, 28, Apr 4 & 11 - no class Mar 21)
Belleville - 8:15pm - Thursday February 28, 2019 (Feb 28, Mar 7, 14, 28, Apr 4 & 11 - no class Mar 21)
Basic Scent Detection - Level 1
For any dog with a nose! The dogs in this class learn to search and find target scents in hidden locations. Students build confidence to work up to competing with their dog in the Sport Detection Dogs Association trials. This is a great class for dogs of all ages, breeds, special needs and personalities and helps to provide great mental stimulation! $120+HST
Belleville - 4:30pm - Monday February 11, 2019 (Feb 11, 18, 25, Mar 11, 18 & 25 - no class Mar 4 2019)
Basic Scent Detection - Level 2
For any dog who has completed Basic Scent Detection Level 1! $120+HST.
Belleville - 7:00pm - Thursday February 28, 2019 (Feb 28, Mar 7, 14, 28, Apr 4 & 11 - no class Mar 21)
Intermediate Scent Detection
For dogs who have completed Basic Scent Detection Level 1 and 2. $120+HST.
Belleville - 5:45pm - Thursday February 28, 2019 (Feb 28, Mar 7, 14, 28, Apr 4 & 11 - no class Mar 21)
Novice Trick Dog
Novice Trick Dog classes are designed for any dog and people friendly dog! Absolutely any age, breed(s) and abilities can learn some fun new tricks! Learn over 25 tricks in this class. All dogs that complete the Novice Trick Dog Class are eligible to receive their Novice Trick Dog Title (NTD). $145+HST which includes the trick dog title fee.
Belleville - 8:15pm - Monday February 11, 2019 (Feb 11, 18, 25, Mar 11, 18 & 25 - no class Mar 4)
Registration
To register for any of the above classes visit: https://www.quintecanine.com/registration
Once payment is made and the registration form has been received, we will process your class enrollment and send you an email with all of the details and class handouts.
Previous students: if you have completed a registration form in the past you do not need to complete one again unless your information has changed or this is a new dog. Please just email us to register.
Classes are limited in size to provide dogs and handlers with maximum learning opportunities. Because they are limited they often fill quickly. In the very rare case a class does not fill with the minimum number of participants (50%) we may choose to postpone, reschedule or cancel classes. Should this occur, we will provide the option to participants to apply their class registration fee toward the postponed or rescheduled class, an alternative class or provide a full refund.
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FYI: Weather Policy
In the event of severe weather, where holding class would place you at risk due to driving conditions, we may cancel classes and extend the end date to ensure you receive your full sessions. We will contact you, at the telephone number(s) you have provided on your registration form, at minimum 1 hour prior to class beginning to inform you of a cancellation.
We understand that some students come from far out of town including 60+ minutes driving. All weather related cancellations will be determined by the weather in the area of classes. It is important to note that the weather in your location maybe very different from the weather in the class location. It is up to you to make the ultimate decision to attend class if they are running.
It is a good idea to pencil in an extra week of class for your sessions, just in case we do have to extend the end date due to weather. This will prevent you from possibly making alternative plans on your graduation night.
Please be cautious on the roads this year, give yourself plenty of extra time and be safe!
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FYI: Holiday Closure
CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS! Quinte Canine will be closed for our annual holidays with very limited access to email, telephones and Facebook messages from Monday January 28th to Tuesday February 5th 2018. We will resume regular service on Saturday February 17th.
We will respond to emails and messages once we return. For class registration please send an email to quintecanine@hotmail.com and registration instructions will be forwarded to you.
Thank you very much for your understanding, have a great week.
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Upcoming Workshops!!!
Tug Power
&
Quinte Osteopathy for Health & Wellness (FREE)
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Calling all Mighty Micro Dogs!
Did you know we have a small but growing micro dog community? The Quinte Canine Micro Dogs is designed students with dogs under 12lbs.
Micro dogs certainly see the world from a different place so this is a group designed to offer play dates in a safe and fun environment with other trusted dogs who are the same size. Along with Yvonne being present and helping to understand communication, handlers are expected to be diligent in observation of dog communication during sessions.
Come and play, ask doggie questions and learn more about dog to dog body language! Located at the Belleville hall. Dog must have current vaccinations on record with us (if you are not sure please ask and I will check). Sessions are designed for dog and people friendly dogs.
Thursday February 7th 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Play classes are $10 (including tax) and this is due at the time of the session but RSVP is required. Mark your calendars and make sure to let us know you are coming by emailing quintecanine@hotmail.com! We also have a Quinte Canine Micro Dogs Facebook group you can join by clicking here.
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Finding a Breeder - Part 3
Alphabet Soup
by Yvonne Ferguson, CPDT-KSA, CTDI
The world of dog titles can be extremely confusing for the average person, and in some cases even for the more experienced homes and even breeders. With so many letters and numbers going before and after a dogs 'official' name the possibilities are endless and there are no official rules on how a name could be displayed when a breeder is advertising. In this article I hope to shed just a tiny glimmer of light into a very deep rabbit hole that few bother to look down.
BPIS UKC GCh, CKC Ch, You Gotta Be Here To Believe It, RN, CGN
Looking at the letters above you might think it is some sort of password for nuclear launch codes but it is a realistic name that a dog may have listed on a breeder’s website. So, does this above dog have a PhD or is it all just fluff to make the dog stand out to the average person?
Well, you can begin to by looking at the parts of the dog’s name and breaking it down. Below I have broken down the dog’s name, as well as a couple more, into three separate parts and will explain them:
BPIS UKC GCh, CKC Ch, You Gotta Be Here To Believe It, RN, CGN
1. BPIS UKC GCh, CKC Ch - the letters that go before a dog’s name usually indicate conformation titles (Conformation describes the structure and physical traits of a dog and how well they conform to the breed standard - these are earned at 'dog shows'). In some cases, as this one has, the different titles may be listed with their respective organization such as above the dog has earned a UKC (United Kennel Club) GCh (Grand Champion) and a Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) Ch (Championship). Championships and Grand-championships are earned by dogs that have earned a certain number of points competing in conformation (and winning). The BPIS listed at the beginning of the whole thing is added by the owner to show that the dog has earned a Best Puppy in Show (BPIS) at some point. Although this is a nice thing for the respective dog to have earned, a puppy at each show ever held will have also won this title technically. It is important to note that many conformation titles only speak to the physical traits and structure of the dog and do not measure temperament or ability to work within their natural breed job. It is also very important to note that no official health testing is required of conformation. Additional health testing to look beyond the outside is critical when selecting breeding dogs because most genetic defects cannot be detected visually (see our October Newsletter for Finding a Breeder Part 1 - Health Testing)
2. You Gotta Be Here To Believe It - this is the dogs 'official' name with the organizations he/she is registered such as the CKC. This dog may have a call name such as Believe or could lovingly be called Fred on a day to day basis.
3. RN, CGN - the letters that go after a dog’s name usually indicate performance or sport titles of a dog. Just as confusing as the first set of letters there seems to be more and more of these abbreviations added to the world of dogs each year with new sports developing and additional organizations adding their own version of the sport and title. This dog has earned a Rally Novice (RN) title with the CKC which is an entry level title in the sport of rally obedience. As well on the end of the name you see the Canine Good Neighbour (CGN) listing. Although the CGN is not an officially recognized 'title' by the CKC it is often listed for dogs who have passed the companion test.
When looking at the above dog you can tell that the dog has spend time in conformation shows, demonstrating that he/she conforms to the breed standard physically. With the entry titles on the end of the dog’s name you can see he/she is or has competed in the very basic level of other dog performance/sports (or may just be starting out in those areas and is working to achieve higher levels).
Look Who's Talkin Now, SD-GMCH, CT, TCh, MADC, FDGCh
2. Look Who's Talkin Now - Look Who's Talkin Now is the dogs listed or registered name but may be called Tango in everyday life.
3. SD-GMCH, CT, TCh, MADC, FDGCh - this dogs performance titles are both varied and at high levels. SD-GMCH indicates the dog has achieved a Sporting Detection Grand Master Champion title with the Sporting Detection Dogs Association (SDDA) which is the highest level of detection title currently offered. The dog has also earned a Champion Tracking (CT) titles through the American Kennel Club (AKC) and a Tracking Champion (TCh) title with the CKC. Moving from the nose the dog has earned a Master Agility Dog of Canada (MADC) with Agility Association of Canada (AAC) and a Flyball Grand Champion title (FdGCh) with 30,000 points.
This dog has spent a great amount of time not only working his/her brain but also his/her nose and body; mastering self control and finding fun along the way. Although there are no listed conformation titles before this dog’s name, this dog may be a perfect demonstration of the breeds physical traits, he/she has just not earned titles to show this. This dog may also not show in conformation for a number of other various reasons such as lack of interest from the owner or a disqualifying trait physically. If appropriate health testing is completed with no major disqualifying faults this dog may be a great breeding dog for future sport dogs’ enthusiasts.
VA1, Way To Win It, IPO3, AD
Without knowing this dog, you can likely conclude that it is a German Shepherd dog based on the breed specific titles.
1. VA1 - VA1 indicates the dog is a Champion Select which is awarded to the top few champions at a Sieger show each year (a German Shepherd specific conformation show, Sieger meaning Champion in German) and was awarded first place (VA1, VA2, VA3, etc).
2. Way To Win It - Way To Win It is this dogs registered name and he/she may be called anything else as a regular call name in daily life.
3. IPO3, AD - IPO3 is the one of the highest testing levels in the sport of IPO (also known formally as Schutzhund). IPO tests obedience, tracking and protection work and dogs work their way through the levels of increasingly higher difficulty. The purpose of these tests is to identify dogs that do and do not have the traits necessary for specialized work (such as for police working, military, search and rescue, etc.). Although IPO was designed for the German Shepherd Dog, other breeds can and do participate. AD in this dog likely indicates that the dog has passed (the test is pass/fail only) the Ausaduerprufung which is a 12.5-mile jog used to test the dog’s endurance & physical condition.
This above dog has not only demonstrated a high level of working titles but also shows in conformation at a very high level for the breed. But as you can see the titles may be written a little differently depending on the author, just to make all this a little bit more confusing, this dog may also be listed as: VA1 Way To Win It, IPO3, AD. So, as you can see the prefix and suffix titles can, and do get moved around in some cases. Some believe that only conformation titles go at the prefix where others will list conformation titles as well as championships and higher in performance/sport titles in the prefix as well.
So why so much alphabet soup? As you can see the rabbit hole is a very deep one. With organizations such as CKC, AKC, UKC (all being organizations that recognize multiple breeds), breed specific titling organizations as well as performance/sport specific title organizations all over the world you can imagine the thousands of titles and other abbreviations that can go both before a dogs registered name and after. This does not even include lesser known ones and 'fun fact' type abbreviations you may see in a name. Some breeders proudly display their dogs’ achievements in both physical traits and in their ability to work in performance/sport, where others may only look to physical traits as a measurement of their dogs.
So, what should you look for? This might be one of the most open-ended questions possible when selecting a dog. If you are looking for a laid-back friend who is passive, medium energy but that you can take on a nice hunting trip with you to retrieve birds, but not compete in the sport of hunt; selecting a dog bred from high level breeding agility dogs may not be your best choice or a German Shepherd with good proven bite strength through IPOD titles may not be a good choice either. Understanding the different members of the hunting group, then moving on the types of retrievers, will be important an allow you to narrow your focus for starters. If you have no specific purpose for a dog but want a good healthy friend to spend time with then conformation titles may be enough (provided the breeder is also doing their health testing appropriately) but if you are looking for a specific performance or 'job' for your dog you would certainly want linage of the dog to show proven results in this aspect and not just take a breeders word for it because they have 'seen their dogs do xyz'. For purpose dogs, look for titles in the sport that you are interestedin entering with your dog. Some companion titles that are worth looking at may be things like the Canine Good Neighbour (CGN), Companion Dog (CD - a starting level in competitive obedience), Rally Novice (RN - a started level in rally obedience) or even a Temperament Test (TT). These titles show the dog has the trainability and the temperament needed to be a good, stable, safe companion.
It is important to understand the dog’s titles and if you are not sure exactly what they are, ASK! A breeder should never take offense to you asking appropriate questions about the dogs they are breeding and should be not only supportive and informative in their answers but should also want to educate the general public about what their dogs do. In the end isn’t about holding the highest standard in a breeding program? If not, it may be time to move onto another breeder.
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2018 Fun Facts
With a new year, comes many new fun and exciting opportunities! But as we all look forward to a great year, lets take a look back at 2018 and how great it was.
- Most popular dog names of new of new clients in 2018? Bella
- Most popular dog breed of new clients in 2018 (excluding mixed breeds)? Labrador Retriever
- Quinte Canine students achieved 59 dog sport titles with us in 2018 including 4 Canine Good Neighbours (CGN), 21 Scent Detection Titles, 26 Novice Trick Dog (NTD) and 8 Intermediate Trick Dog (ITD)!!
- Quinte Canine students achieved 40 Designed Odor Tests (DOT) with the Sporting Detection Dogs Association (SDDA)
- Quinte Canine students achieved 66 individual placements at scent detection trials throughout Ontario (1st, 2nd, 3rd place, overall high placements, Judge's Choice Awards and High in Trial)
- Quinte Canine's Super Sniffers achieve a total of 141 qualifying scores in 2018 (many as placements, title scores or adding up to higher titles)
- 2 very successful and fun Scent Detection Trials, 2 Designed Odor Tests (DOT) and 1 Canine Good Neighbour Evaluation (CGN) where held in 2018
- 62 group classes were held (Belleville and Trenton locations combined) and 4 individual workshops where held in 2018
- Yvonne attended over 70 hours of Professional Develop and Continuing Education Training including the 2018 Association of Professional Dog Trainers Conference in Memphis Tennessee.
- Yvonne was the 2018 OSPCA Chair's Award Honorable Mention Winner - Presented to an individual who goes above and beyond to make an outstanding contribution to animal welfare in the community.
Cheers to even more fun in 2019!
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2018 Quinte Canine Holiday Party
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This years annual potluck and holiday party took place on Thursday December 13th at our Belleville location.
Fun, laughs and food were the highlight of the evening with about 60 friends in attendance. This annual celebration has been a tradition for 3 years and we look forward to it every year! Some fun and silly games where added again this year to test each persons holiday fun-o-meter and participants such did not disappoint!
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The biggest celebration again this year was The Quinte Humane Society! The event raised $600 for the shelter plus a load of gifts from their 'wish list'. Our 50/50 draw and raffle raised $500 and an additional $100 was raised in Pawlicious Chocolate Bar sales!
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A very special thank you to our friends who contributed to the raffle: Michelle & Rob or Rosemary and Thyme, Kelly Snyder, Adam & Andrea of Breakout Belleville Escape Room and Axe Throwing, Nanni Gschwender of Quinte Osteopathy for Health & Wellness, Kelsi & Catherine O'Rourke of My Essential Beads, Katherine MacKillican, Al & Barb Lees, Christine Bennett & James Heap and Michael & Beth Ramsay. Our raffle is such a true success because of your generosity!
To all of our Quinte Canine friends who attended, thank you so much for coming. We are so glad you could come and help brighten the holiday season for us!
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December Super Sniffer Success!
 Quinte Canine Student Titles, Extra Q's and Special Awards
Abby & Katherine - Excellent Containers - North Gower Trial
Arko & Ulla - Excellent Containers - North Gower Trial
Matilda & Rose - Excellent Exterior - North Gower Trial
Kenzie & Laurie - Advanced Exterior - Jordan Station Trial
Ben & Laurie - Advanced Interior & Judge's Choice Award - Jordan Station Trial
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SEEKING: New detection practice locations!
Quinte Canine Scent Detection Students (aka the Super Sniffers) are looking for new and different locations to practice the amazing sport of scent detection! Once students complete classes they are able to join the Super Sniffers (which is a practicing club) and we schedule 3-4 practices per month.
If you have a location (this could be a business, building, home, cottage, etc.) that you would allow our amazing dogs to practice in please let us know by email quintecanine@hotmail.com. It is important for the dogs to get into new locations as often as possible to keep their skills sharp, learn new skills and build confidence.
Practices are normally held on Wednesday (daytime) and Sunday (daytime) but other days can be worked out. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the sport and get a firsthand look at how it all works!
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What does a dog and an iphone have in common?
They both have collar ID!
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Student Brags in December!
Basic Obedience - Astro, Lucy Loo, Winnie, Kiara & Kissell
Intermediate Scent Detection - Samwise & Jazzamataz
Puppy - Mazzi, Grace, Rupert, Maddie, Cosmo, Morgan & Oscar
Basic Obedience - Logan, Doc, Chester, Shug, Kit & Marlie
Basic Obedience - Ragnar, Simba, Tigger, Leo, Tribble & Buddy
Puppy Class - Trilly, Red, Murphy, Fleury, Rosie, Max, Lucy & Jex
Puppy Class - Jack, Shelby, Rosie, Takoda, Bean, Charlie, Archie, Bella & Ainsley
Novice Trick Dog - Drake, Norman, Meeka, Maggie & Jasper
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Community Events
You won't want to miss the fun!
Treats & Trivia
In support of the Quinte Humane Society!
Join us for a fun filled evening of Trivia & Treats at the Royal Canadian Legion Trenton on Friday February 22nd 2019. It will be a fun filled night of trivia where teams of 6 compete for bragging rights and a sweet Trivia Champs Trophy. Teams can also bid on some amazing sweets in the live Cake Auction. Only pre-registered teams of 6 will be accepted with a registration deadline of February 17th. The cost is $150.00 per team of 6 (that's only $25 per person). If you would like to be a part of the Quinte Canine team please email us as soon as possible as spaces will fill quickly!
For more information visit: https://www.quintehumanesociety.com/trivia-treats.php
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