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June Newsletter!
Welcome to Quinte Canine's June 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 (Including a NEW Class), Teaching an Old Dog New....Anything, Canine Good Neighbour News, Tracking Workshop, Mr Spot Dog Camp, Student Brags & Upcoming Community Events
Letter from the Editor
Dear friends, As the temperatures rise outside I find myself getting less and less tolerant of the heat each year that passes. Thinking back to the original Belleville location (the old location on Elmwood Dr) where we had no air conditioning I did not mind too much the heat whether indoors or out. Thankfully both our Belleville and Trenton locations have air conditioning, keeping both dogs and their handlers happier in the summer months. Don't get me wrong, I love spring, summer and fall (well really anything that isn't winter and cold with snow and ice) and I am not complaining after the winter we just had but as each year goes by I find my tolerance for the heat lowers just a little more. Is this an age thing? I certainly hope not as I hope to have many more years of beautiful summer weather. Thinking about age, don't forget that your dogs heat tolerance also changes overtime and it is important to keep your dogs as cool as reasonably possible on those especially hot days. Thinking of older dogs, I decided to write this months feature article all about keep their minds sharp to help ward off the effects of aging as much as possible. Even if you have a young dog (who we want to watch grow old with you), it is worth a read to share the information with a friend or family member with an older dog.
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 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.
Puppy Class
Save 10% off class when you book a New Puppy Start Up Session. For puppies under 5 months of age who have received their first set of vaccinations. $100 +HST ($113 including HST)
Belleville - 5:45pm - Thursday June 28, 2018 (Jun 28, Jul 5, 12, 26, Aug 2 & 9 - no class July 19)
Trenton - 7:00pm - Tuesday July 24, 2018 (July 24, 31, Aug 7, 14, 21 & 28)
Basic Obedience
For dogs over 5 month of age who are up-to-date on vaccinations and are dog and people friendly. $100 +HST ($113 including HST).
Belleville - 4:30pm - Thursday June 28, 2018 (Jun 28, Jul 5, 12, 26, Aug 2 & 9 - no class July 19)
Trenton - 5:45pm - Tuesday July 24, 2018 (July 24, 31, Aug 7, 14, 21 & 28)
*New* Advanced and Expert Trick Dog
This class is designed for dogs who have completed our Intermediate Trick Dog class and/or those who have achieved the Intermediate Trick Dog Title. Dogs who complete this class are eligible to receive their Advanced and Expert Trick Dog Title (ATD & ETD).. $165+HST ($186.45 including HST) which includes the trick dog title fees.
Belleville - 8:15pm - Thursday June 28, 2018 (Jun 28, Jul 5, 12, 26, Aug 2 & 9 - no class July 19)
Intermediate Scent Detection
For dogs who have completed Basic Scent Detection Level 1 and 2. We will continue to build interior rooms while learning exterior and vehicle searches. $100+HST ($113 including HST).
Belleville - 7:00pm - Thursday June 28, 2018 (Jun 28, Jul 5, 12, 26, Aug 2 & 9 - no class July 19)
Basic Scent Detection - Level 1
For any dog with a nose! The dogs in this event 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 and personalities and helps to provide great mental stimulation! $100+HST ($113 including HST).
Belleville - Time TBD, possibly starting on Thursday June 28th if there is enough interest. Email today to let us know you would like this class!
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.
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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New Canine Good Neighbours!
A big congratulations to our communities newest Canine Good Neighbours (CGN)!
Bob & Ailaunie
Allie & Jennifer
Mabel & Peter
Rain & Lisa
The Canine Good Neighbour Program is a 12-step test, that when completed successfully, will ensure that one of our most favored companions, the dog, is accepted as a valued member of our communities right across the country. Canine Good Neighbours can be counted on to present good manners at home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs. To learn more click here: CKC CGN
It was an awesome day at Barks by the Bay Canine Festival and Trade Show May 26th! The organizers work tirelessly to prepare such a great event!! A special thanks to Erin, Tina, Adam, Jamie, Paige and Thunder (our passing dog) for your help with the CGN evaluation. Without volunteers, the Canine Good Neighbour test would not be possible!
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Tracking Workshop!
Audit spaces remaining
This workshop is designed for dogs new to the sport of tracking. We will be teaching you how to begin tracking with your dog so that you can practice almost anytime and anywhere.
Rain date: Sunday June 3rd, 2018
Location: Trenton ON
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Cost:
$40+HST for an Audit space (no dog) - unlimited
More information and sign up: CLICK HERE
Tracking is a sport where the dog is trained to locate a person and items of that persons using their extremely keen sense of smell. When watching a police canine team on television or a missing persons case, the dogs used are using their tracking training to find a person or important evidence in a case. Dogs have a highly sensitive olfactory system, far superior to humans, and are able to discriminate between different human’s scents.
Other information:
Working spaces are limited and will be filled in the order they are received. Working spaces are for dog and people friendly dogs only. All dogs present must be crated when not working and during theory information (vehicle crating is acceptable pending appropriate ventilation and temperature). Workshop fee refunds will be given for any dog withdrawing for medical reasons. A Veterinary Certificate must be submitted before the start of the workshop. All other refunds due to withdrawal will be subject to a 50% refund fee. A confirmation of entry email with further details will be sent as soon as possible once both entry form and payment are received.
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Teaching an Old Dog New.....ANYTHING!
Why age should not mean boredom
by Yvonne Ferguson, CPDT-KSA, CTDI
I dont think any handler has not thought about how much better our lives would be if our best friends just lived longer. But unfortunately they dont, and as the years go by, their muzzles grey a little, senses may lessen and we see them slow down due to decreased mobility. We like to think that they would enjoy a nice relaxing retirement from life. And although we can provide them with comfortable spaces and relaxing days enjoying the world, we dont deprive our human seniors of mental stimulation so the same should be for our dogs.
Many retired humans will admit that life really on begins after retirement and they are busier than they have even been in life. Time and time again, science has shown us that keeping physically and mentally active throughout life and into our older years is critical for benefits such as reduction in cognitive breakdown and physical wellness. So why are our dogs any different? To be honest they aren't.
Just like a human, when an older dog solves a mental challenge or learns something new, they get a positive mental feeling. One study done in facilities in Austria and Hungary (2010-2017) tested over 260 senior dogs to use touchscreen technology (Utilising dog-computer interactions to provide mental stimulation in dogs especially during ageing). This and many other studies are beginning to show that 'brain training' for older dogs may be a key to maintain and even improving canine cognitive skills as our dogs age.
Although we don’t recommend going out and buying the complex equipment to create touchscreen stimulation, we DO however recommend keeping your older dogs mind active. There’s nothing more heartwarming to watch than an older dog having fun and being successful with activities. Joining a trick or detection class not only help to keeps their minds sharp but also provide lifelong memories for the two of you. Our classes can accommodate any age or physical ability, just ask some of the 13, 14 and 15-year-old dogs we currently have in our classes like Roxy!
Roxy at 14 years old with failing vision, began her training in the sport of Scent Detection and often reminds us all that you are never too old to learn, have a good time with the youngsters and wiggle like a worm. Roxy is estimated to have around 80% vision loss but this really has not stood in the way of her nose.
Roxy's handler, Kelsi began to notice the difference that a new fun mental challenge provided Roxy, "It really has given her something to get excited for again. Roxy has lost some of her spunk and energy over the years, but scenting has given us glimpses of her younger, more excitable self." After 3 series of scent classes Roxy passed her Designed Odor Test for wintergreen in April and just one short week later at the age of 14, entered her first ever dog event. At Quinte Canine's April Scent Detection Trial Roxy received her Scent Detection Started Special Title (SD-S-SP), special for passing all three components in the same day. She was also crowned with a 1st Place in her level and stream!
Roxy is just one of many senior dogs who have benefited from increasing their mental stimulation through training. They have also increased their bond with their handlers by making each other smile. So as your best friend begins to gain the infamous 'milk mustache', remember that just because they are getting older does not mean the want to have less fun. They want to have tons of fun, challenge their brain and continue to make you smile as they have done all these years.
Pictured - Left: Kelsi & Roxy at Quinte Canine's first Designed Odor Test (DOT). Right: Yvonne, Roxy & Kelsi all smiling proudly as Roxy receives her SD-S-SP, and other awards
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Student Brags in May!
Novice Trick Dog - Harley, Abby, Poppy, Simba & Benelli
Puppy - Rogue, Macy, Twix, Ruby, Rosa, Ragner, Bailey, Luna, Bentley & Mia
Basic Obedience - Max, Tessa & Gracie
Basic Scent Detection Level 1 - Murphy, Trixie, Derby, Harlee & Reese
Way to be awesome teams!
Pictured: Puppy class grads
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Remember the good old days when you packed your bag and where so excited to set off for summer camp, see old friends, make new friends and just generally spend a week having the time of your life? Well you can have that feeling again, AND include your best friend!
Yvonne is proud to be teaching at this years Mr. Spot Dog Camp in Kingston Ontario. This all inclusive week long camp is filled with fun, learning and games for you and your dog!
The camp is designed for dog owners who love to have fun with their canine companion. With over 20 daily activities the schedule includes something for dogs of all ages, big and small, junior and senior, purebred and mixed breed.
Taking place from July 15-21 and located on the grounds of the St. Lawrence College Residence in Kingston, ON, the one-week camp includes:
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6 nights accommodation in the college
residence for you & your dog
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private bathroom, mini fridge & A/C
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three meals daily, Sunday evening
to Saturday check-out
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over 20 different dog-sports and fun activities to choose from, starting with beginner levels!
For more information and registration visit: http://www.mrspotdogcamp.com/
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Community Events
You won't want to miss the fun!
Strut For Strays
In support of Fixed Fur Life!
Saturday June 2nd, 2018 9:30am -4:30pm
West Zwicks Park Belleville
Strut for Strays is an annual Walkathon & Pet Festival. A day filled with Pet activities to raise money to help the homeless and abandoned animals in our community.
For more information please visit: https://www.fixedfurlife.com/strut-for-strays/
No Hot Pets
Join the Quinte Canine, Quinte Humane Society, Quinte West OPP, OSPCA and others at this community awareness event
Thursday June 21st from 11:30am - 2:00pm
Trenton Walmart Parking Lot (470 2nd Dug Hill Rd, Trenton, ON K8V 5P7)
There will be information, education and demonstrations. Please join us to learn about responsible pet transport!
4th Annual Wings & Wheels Car Show (Dogs welcome!)
In support of Quinte Humane Society & the National Air Force Museum of Canada Foundation
Sunday July 15th, 10:00am - 3:00pm (Cars to arrive at 8am)
National Air Force Museum at CFB Trenton (RCAF Rd Trenton)
This year we are once again welcoming Classic Cars and Motorcycles to come and display amongst the various vintage planes in the Air Park. With over 240 participants last year and over 2200 spectators we are looking forward to an even bigger showing in 2018.In addition to the many vehicles and planes on display, there will also be a variety of vendors, a delicious food court, and silent auction, . We will also have music throughout the day that will keep the crowds dancing and having fun. For more information please visit: https://quintehumanesociety.com/wings-wheels-car-show.php
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