May Newsletter!
Welcome to Quinte Canine's May 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), Puppy Socialization - when is it safe?, DOT Fun, Tracking Workshop, Call for Volunteers, Student Brags & Upcoming Community Events
Letter from the Editor
Dear friends, Now that we are truly into spring with no more snow and mud season is officially underway, its time to get those noses to the ground and have some fun! Why not try tracking with your dog in our upcoming Beginners Tracking Workshop (see below) as no prior experience or training is needed and any dog can enjoy this leisurely sport! We also have some new upcoming classes including our new Technical Skills class and Advanced/Expert Trick class! Keep reading to not only learn some fun new ways to keep your dog brain busy but also learn why Puppy class is the single most important class there is for all puppies. Don't have a puppy? Keep reading anyways to gain knowledge and spread the word to help others with new puppies!
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)
Trenton - 5:45pm - Tuesday May 22, 2018 (May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19 & 26)
Belleville - 5:45pm - Thursday June 28, 2018 (Jun 28, Jul 5, 12, 26, Aug 2 & 9 - no class July 19)
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).
Trenton - 4:30pm - Tuesday May 22, 2018 (May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19 & 26) - just 1 space left
Belleville - 8:15pm - Monday May 28, 2018 (May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25 & July 9 - no class July 2)
Belleville - 4:30pm - Thursday June 28, 2018 (Jun 28, Jul 5, 12, 26, Aug 2 & 9 - no class July 19)
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).. $135 +HST ($152.55 including HST) which includes the trick dog title fee.
Trenton - 7:00pm - Tuesday May 22, 2018 (May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19 & 26)
Intermediate Trick Dog
This class is designed for dogs who have completed our Novice Trick Dog class and/or those who have achieved the Novice Trick Dog Title. Dogs who complete this class are eligible to receive their Intermediate Trick Dog Title (ITD).. $135 +HST ($152.55 including HST) which includes the trick dog title fee.
Belleville - 5:45pm - Monday May 28, 2018 (May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25 & July 9 - no class July 2)
*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)
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 - 4:30pm - Monday May 28, 2018 (May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25 & July 9 - no class July 2)
Basic Scent Detection - Level 2
For any dog who has completed Basic Scent Detection Level 1! $100+HST ($113 including HST).
Belleville - 7:00pm - Monday May 28, 2018 (May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25 & July 9 - no class July 2)
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)
*New* Technical Skills
This new class is designed for dog and people friendly dogs with handlers who really want to take their training to the next level of fun! Want to tire your dogs brain? Want to learn fun training methods such as Shaping, Clicker Training and Mimicry? Then this is certainly the class for you! Your dog is just waiting for you to up your training game! Don't you think its time? Class is $125+HST ($141.25 including HST). (Please note that supplies will be provided such as clickers. Week 1 of this 6 week program is for the handlers only)
Trenton - 8:15pm - Tuesday May 22, 2018 (May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19 & 26)
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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Tracking Workshop!
Only 2 working 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.
Date: Saturday May 12th, 2018
Rain date: Sunday June 3rd, 2018
Location: Trenton ON
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Cost:
$75+HST for a Working space (with a dog) - limited.
$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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Puppy Socialization - when is it safe?
And the Most Important of the Classes!
You may hear it time and time again, puppies need socialization. But what exactly does that mean and how is the best way to socialized a young puppy while keeping them safe?
Before looking at puppy socialization, it is important to understand what socialization actually is. Socialization has many different meanings depending on who you are talking to and their background. Most dog owners think of socialization in term of meeting other dogs and puppies. Although this is a part of socialization, it is only one branch on the tree which needs to grow.
At Quinte Canine, we look at socialization as learning to be a part of a human society while having a 'been there done that attitude' to the world around them. With puppies we help them to learn to be comfortable within various environments and with various stimulus. Learning to not only tolerate but enjoy the presence of all people is the first priority, followed by new sights, sounds, places, animals, etc.
The first step in socialization of your puppy actually starts before he/she even comes home. Puppy socialization should start early, ideally before 5 weeks of age while still within the breeder/foster home. Being handled in a safe, sanitary and positive way by people is one of the greatest things puppy-raisers can do for the lifetime of their puppies. This is one very important reason to complete research on your breeder/foster home to ensure they are providing your puppy the best opportunities to grow into happy, confident, well adjusted dog who is not fearful of people, sights, sounds and other stimulus.
Once your puppy is home, socialization cannot wait. Each new day is a new opportunity, but those days quickly pass by and before you know it, your opportunities are gone. Older methods and thoughts where that a puppy should complete vaccinations before socializing to the world. We now know how very incorrect this is. The primary window of opportunity closes between 12-16 weeks, barely old enough to have had their final vaccination. If waiting until vaccinations are complete, a puppy may have missed their opportunity to learn that the world, and things within it, are safe and positive. Instead they may develop fear based behaviours.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) provides a guideline on puppy socialization that is current with not only the most up to date scientific information but also weighs risk to your puppies overall health and well-being. You can read the statement here: AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization. The guidelines state puppies can start socialization classes as early as 7 to 8 weeks of age. In general, they should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least seven days prior to the first class as well as a first deworming. The statement goes on to add that "While puppies’ immune systems are still developing during these early months, the combination of maternal immunity, primary vaccination, and appropriate care makes the risk of infection relatively small compared to the chance of death from a behavior problem."
Some veterinarians may be concerned about disease in young puppies. Behaviour issues, not disease, is the number one cause of death for dogs under the age of 3 (due to behavioural euthanasia). Allowing your puppy to join a sanitary puppy socialization class, where all puppies have provided proof of vaccinations improves their chances of learning to cope with new situations and stimulus presented to them.
Understanding socialization is a key first step in setting your puppy up for success. But, with so much information about socialization out there, one might forget that there are many different ways to do things and improper socialization can actually lead to issues as well, causing the exact opposite effect on the puppy than was intended. In our Puppy classes we help handlers learn to socialize their puppies in a safe way that does not elicit fear and creates a strong positive response from the puppy. Of course this is why we recommend a puppy class to everyone. We feel puppy classes are the single most important class one can ever attend and should be priority for all new puppies...of course doing other fun classes is always recommended to build a stronger bond with your dog but setting them up and in the right direction first is needed.
Feel free to share this article with a friend who has a new puppy or is considering a new puppy in their future. Trust us, they will thank you down the road. Stay tuned for next months newsletter when we talk about when socialization should end....a hint: never!
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Student Brags in April!
Puppy - Rudi, Vader, Auston, Romeo, Leo, Lola, Jack, Sage & Winston
Puppy - Penny, Cricket, Oakley, Nugget, Foster, Jack, Storm & Dex
Basic Obedience - Georgie, Drake, Archer & Cherish
Intermediate Scent Detection - Willow, Roxy, Kaylee, Dyna & Allie
Basic Scent Detection Level 1 - Princess, Axel & Skye
Intermediate Obedience - Kaia, Cooper, Freya, Beau & Mabel
Way to be awesome teams!
Pictured: Puppy class grads
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Quinte Canine's First Designed Odor Test (DOT) a HUGH success!

After many years hold two Sporting Detection Dogs Association (SDDA) Scent Detection Trials per year, we have finally held our first ever Designed Odor Test (DOT). The purpose of the DOT is to test if the dog is able to determine the location of the target scents used in competition with its location unknown to the handler and the ability of the handler to correctly call an alert. The DOT may be taken at any time and is not mandatory yet encouraged as a pre-test to trial as well as the fun involved.
Of 3 of the SDDA odor where tested(Wintergreen - Gaultheria procumbens, Pine - Pinus sylvestris and Red./White Thyme - Thymus vulgaris).
Quinte Canine Student Brags (students passed every single run entered today, way to go teams):
Bonnie & Oliver - DOT Wintergreen, Pine & Thyme
Marylyn & Jessie - DOT Wintergreen, Pine & Thyme
Colleen & Rhody - DOT Wintergreen, Pine & Thyme
Katherine & Abby - DOT Wintergreen & Pine
Rose & Matilda - DOT Wintergreen & Pine
Nancy & Victor - DOT Wintergreen & Pine
Halie & Princess - DOT Wintergreen
Beth & Willow - DOT Wintergreen
Kelsi & Roxy - DOT Wintergreen
Diane & Skye - DOT Wintergreen
Guests & New Friends from out of town:
Jennifer & Chazz - DOT Wintergreen, Pine & Thyme
Kim & Penny - DOT Wintergreen & Thyme
Tammy & Roque - DOT Wintergreen, Pine & Thyme
Many hands make for light work and it was a fantastic day thanks to everyone involved!!!!!
Pictures from the event available by clicking: HERE
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Canine Good Neighbour Evaluation (CGN)
Quinte Canine will be hosting a Canine Good Neighbour Evaluation (CGN) again this year at Barks by the Bay Canine Festival!!!
Open to ALL Dogs and their people too! All dog/handler teams that pass the evaluation will receive a certificate from the Canadian Kennel Club. Pre-registration is requested as spots can fill quickly. ALL dogs are welcome, regardless of breed or parentage. Puppies must be 6 months old. Pre-Registration Cost: $30 per dog ($35 day of registrations pending space available)
The test is non-competitive and allows dog and handler to demonstrate confidence and control in 12 steps. It assesses the handler and dog's relationship, together with the handler's ability to control the dog. Dogs are evaluated on their ability to perform basic exercises as well as their ability to demonstrate good manners in everyday situations.
To learn more about the CGN or register a space visit: https://www.quintecanine.com/cgn
VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED
If you are able to help with any of the following events please email quintecanine@hotmail.com
Canine Good Neighbour (CGN) Volunteers Needed - May 26 2018!
Quinte Canine will once again be hosting a Canine Good Neighbour (CGN) evaluation at this years Barks By The Bay Canine Festival in Trenton on Saturday May 26th!
Volunteers will be needed for a variety of positions such as test assistants and registration helpers. Help will be needed from 8:00am to approximately 4:00pm. Come be a part of welcoming well mannered canine neighbours to our community. To find out more about the Canine Good Neighbour Evaluation please visit: https://www.ckc.ca/en/Raising-My-Dog/Responsible-Ownership/Canine-Good-Neighbour-Program
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Quinte Canine Scent Detection Student Brags
  The Super Sniffers!   
Along with a fun and exciting weekend welcoming out of town new and old friends, Quinte Canine students did a wonderful job! They not only helped welcome new student to their first trial but also really made their dogs proud! You all should be very proud as you worked hard and most importantly, had fun!
The grand total from our Scent Detection Trial raffles and donations was $650 to the Quinte Humane Society!!!!!! This is the largest amount raised at a trial to date! We cannot thank our amazing donors enough who helped make it very desirable: Marylyn & Paul, Katherine, Colleen, Bonnie & Connie. Of course without our volunteers there is no trial so for everyone who pitched in when able, THANK YOU, especially (in so particular order): Bonnie & Connie, Paul & Marylyn, Kelsi, Katherine B, Katherine M, Jessica & Emma, Toni, Michael, Erin, Christine, Meredith, Sue, Ulla and Adam (so sorry if i missed anyone). I would also really like to thank the crew at -R&E Tire- for helping get the location ready and hosting us for the weekend! Don't forget to call them if you are in need of new or used tires! Last thank you to all of the participants, you really help the weekend move along well and are so much fun to be around and share good times with. Just a few major moments to share from the weekend: High in Trial - Saturday April 21 2018 - Rhody and Colleen, High in Trial - Sunday April 22 2018 - Irina and Chris, Scent Detection Master Champion (SD-MACH) title for Kim and Diesel, SD-MACH for Val and Dare and SD-MACH for Debbie and Ike. Well done everyone and we look forward to seeing everyone in the fall!
Quinte Canine Student Titles :
Kaylee & Tina - SD-S-SP (Scent Detection Started Special Designation title)
Roxy & Kelsi - SD-S-SP
Shug & Janet - SD-S-SP
Willow & Beth - SD-S-SP
Allie & Jennifer - SD-S-SP
Matilda & Rose - SD-A-SP (Scent Detection Advanced Special Designation)
Victor & Nancy - SD-A-SP
Thunder & Tina - SD-A
Jessie & Marylyn - SD-E (Scent Detection Excellent title)
Quinte Canine Student Extra Q's to add and Special Awards:
- Abby & Katherine - Started Container and Interior, Advanced Container & Interior, 1st Place Advanced Amateur Interior (Sun)
- Arko & Ulla - Advanced Container & Exterior, Excellent Container toward their CH, 1st Place Excellent Amateur Container
- Oliver & Bonnie - Another Advanced Container x2, Interior & Exterior x2 toward their CH, 1st Place Advanced Working Exterior
- Jessie & Marylyn - Another Advanced Container, Interior & Exterior toward their CH, 1st Place Excellent Amateur Exterior
- Rhody & Colleen Another Advanced Container, Interior & Exterior, Excellent Container & Exterior toward their CH, 1st Place Overall Working Advanced Team - HIGH IN TRIAL - Saturday, 1st Place Advanced Working Container, Sunday Excellent Judge's Choice, 1st Place Excellent Working Exterior
- Thunder & Tina - Advanced Interior & Exterior toward their CH, 1st Place Advanced Amateur Exterior
- Matilda & Rose - Advanced Container & Exterior toward their CH, 2nd Place Overall Advanced Amateur (Sunday), 1st Place Advanced Amateur Container
- Victor & Nancy - Advanced Interior toward their CH, 1st Place Advanced Amateur Interior (Saturday), 1st Place Overall Advanced Amateur (Sunday)
- Roxy & Kelsi - 1st Place Overall Amateur team Started, 1st Place Started Amateur Interior
- Kaylee & Tina - 2nd Place Overall Amateur team Started
- Willow & Beth - 1st Place Started Amateur Container
- Allie & Jennifer - 1st Place Started Amateur Exterior
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Community Events
You won't want to miss the fun!
Raise the Woof Stand Up Comedy Show
In support of the Quinte Humane Society!
Saturday May 5th, 2018. The cost is $30.00 per person. There will also be an amazing variety of Silent Auction items up for grabs, a special appearance by Belleville's own radio show host and comedian, Orlena Cain as well as other fun surprises! Get your tickets today as seating is limited! Ask Yvonne in class or through email for tickets to get reserved Quinte Canine seating!
For more information visit: https://www.quintehumanesociety.com/raise-the-woof.php
Swamp Dawgy Dawg Day Fundraiser
In support of Three Oaks Foundation!
Sunday May 6th, 2018
Obstacle runs that you can participate in with your dog or just run alongside as your dog enjoys the mud. Prizes will be awarded for first place, last place, dirtiest dog and best costume! Collect sponsors and win grand prizes! Various vendors for your pet needs. Sign up to be a foster parent for a pet needing temporary shelter due to domestic violence. Cost:$25 per team (1 human and 1 dog) - Vendor fee: Minimum $25 donation to Three Oaks. To register contact: Leah Morgan at 613-962-1234 ext. 307 or leahm@threeoaks.ca. Prepare yourself for a day of mud, sweat and cheers!
For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/162696111056326/
Barks by the Bay - Canine Festival and Trade Show
Saturday May 26th, 2018 9:00am-4:00pm
Centennial Park Trenton
This annual canine festival showcases many unique vendors, breeds & breeders, canine accessories, training aids & techniques, pet hospitals, pet food stores and groomers. Bring the whole pack.Every dog has its day at Barks by the Bay!
For more information please visit: http://barksbythebay.ca/
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 and Pet Festival. It is a day filled with Pet activities to raise money to help the homeless and abandoned animals in our community. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we need your support! Saving lives is just a Walk in the Park! This is your chance to DIRECTLY affect the animals in your community.
For more information please visit: https://www.fixedfurlife.com/strut-for-strays/
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