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June Newsletter!
Dear friends,
We have been working day and night to get our new training facility ready that we almost forgot to send the newsletter! I can only imagine the amount of emails we would get if we forgot so we made sure to set an alarm to send it!
Some exicting news about our new location. It is coming along but there is so very much to do that we can barely sleep. Although we are taking it one step at a time, important safety measure need to be in place for our reopening. The province has begun to lift some restrictions, dog training services being one of them. With that said our services must resume safely. We are able to, with strict measures for safety, complete some types of appointments for waiting clients as well as resume group classes at our new location. We are preparing the location to officially welcome the first group classes on Monday June 15th! Of course there will be some strict measures in place due to COVID 19 including sanitation, face masks required, social distancing rules and more. But the new space is over 3200sqft so there is 20-30 feet minimum between each participant in the main training hall. At this time we are strictly limiting all classes to 6 dogs, each with only one handler. Although we normally welcome other caregivers from the home to join, we need to keep everyone safe and restricting to one person is just an additional step we are taking at this time. To learn more about our re-opening guidelines please see the article below: Infection Disease Prevention and Protocols – Training Commencement Guidelines.
Another very fun adventure we are undertaking at this time is the Quinte Canine Birthday Challenge! As some may know, Yvonne is on the fundraising committee for Quinte Humane Society. They have been dramatically impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic, needing to cancel their 3 largest fundraisers of the year. June 23rd is Yvonne's birthday (she is still 29 and holding as they say) so she wanted to do something very special for the shelter to raise some money and provide a great amount of entertainment for our Facebook followers. Doing a fundraiser while maintaining social distancing is not easy but we think you will really enjoy this one. How about making Yvonne eat cake without her hands, get a pie in the face or running a dog agility course on all four? Keep reading and find out more including a link to the fundraiser below the new class schedule!
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.
Our new physical location is 987 Old Highway 2, Belleville, ON.
(Half way between Belleville and Trenton along Highway 2, directly across from Connon Nurseries)
If dropping into the location you may catch us, or the door may be locked when we are with a class or appointment, as well as when we are not present. Please note that we do not keep regular hours at our physical location outside of booked classes and scheduled appointments.
Puppy Class
For puppies under 5 months of age. $100+HST.
Our New Location - Monday June 15th at 1:00pm (June 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13 & 20)
Our New Location - Tuesday July 7th at 7:00pm (July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4 & 11)
Basic Obedience
For dogs over 5 month of age to learn and refresh skills. Great for dogs who have not attended a class before or puppy class graduates! $120+HST
Our New Location - Monday June 15th at 2:30pm (June 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13 & 20)
Our New Location - Monday June 15th at 7:00pm (June 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13 & 20)
Our New Location - Tuesday July 7th at 2:30pm (July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4 & 11)
Our New Location - Tuesday July 7th at 4:00pm (July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4 & 11)
Novice Trick Dog
Novice Trick Dog classes are designed for ANY 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.
Our New Location - Monday June 15th at 4:00pm (June 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13 & 20)
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 or Canadian Kennel Club 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
Our New Location - Tuesday July 7th at 8:30pm (July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4 & 11)
Basic Scent Detection - Level 2
For any dog who has completed Basic Scent Detection Level 1! $120+HST.
Our New Location - Tuesday July 7th at 5:30pm (July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4 & 11)
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. Please note that those who submit both payment and form (payment only needed for existing students) will receive first opportunity to register.
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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Yvonne's birthday is quickly approaching and since social distancing rules will likely be in place much longer we want to invite you to be a part of our virtual celebrations and fundraiser!
For Yvonne's birthday we are introducing the Quite Canine Birthday Challenge. This fun virtual fundraiser is a great way to help Quinte Humane Society while having a lot of laughs! You will see fun and silly 'challenges', which for a fee, Yvonne will preform. On her birthday (June 23rd) Yvonne will go live throughout the day to perform the challenges so you can share in a laugh! If you dont see a challenge you would like to sponsor, you can submit your own!
Some challenges are limited to once but others can be sponsored multiple times! With your sponsorship, you will be listed on our website as well as a big thank you shout out will be done on our live Facebook feed! Once sponsorships are completed and the schedule is finalized we will send you an email with the time your challenge will go live so you can tune in and interact with us, although we encourage you to tune in throughout the day! For some challenges, you can participate too (keeping social distancing guidelines and safety in the forefront). Want to throw a pie in Yvonne's face or watch her try to run an agility course like a dog? See all of the fun challenges below or come up with your own!
100% of the proceeds of this event will be going to support the Quinte Humane Society and the important work they do in our community.
To read about the Birthday Challenge, participate and learn how you can support us please visit: https://www.quintecanine.com/birthdaychallenge
We hope you can help us to help Quinte Humane Society and join our fun!
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Puppy Play Dates!
Over the past few months, many of the puppies in puppy class have been showing their handlers how amazing they are. But one small piece of the socialization pie was missing, dog socialization and play skills! All of the puppies who completed puppy class virtually (or who are currently enrolled in virtual puppy class) are welcome to join a play date. Groups are being limited to just 4 puppies to maximize fun and learning. The session are 30 minutes each and combine puppy play, breaks and learning. Teaching your puppy that other dogs are fun is good but teaching them that you are fun in the presence of dogs is even better!
All play dates are being held at at our brand-new location located at 987 Old Highway 2 Belleville (half way between Belleville and Trenton on Highway 2, right across from Connon Nurseries).
Please know that we will try to get you into at least one play date and hopefully 2 but want to ensure it is the right one for your puppy. Play mates are matched up based on a number of factors to help build your puppies confidence and skills.Play dates are just $15 taxes included, due at the play date. All puppies joining must be up to date on vaccinations in order to join the fun.
If you would like to join one (or more) of the play dates listed below, please email us at quintecanine@hotmail.com, the following information so we can best match you for play time.
- Which times/dates you can join
- Your puppies age in weeks and current weight
- Your puppies dog experience (has met a 1-2 other adult dogs, met 6-7 adult dogs, has played with 1 other puppy, none)
- What your puppy thought of play (really liked playing, was fearful, took a little while to start playing, etc.)
- What your puppy played like (was casual and started slow, constantly harassed the adult dog, played really physical and rough, bouncy and played chase, etc)
Tuesday June 17 - 2:30pm
Tuesday June 17 - 3:30pm
Tuesday June 17 - 6:00pm
Tuesday June 17 - 7:00pm
Tuesday June 17 - 8:00pm
Thursday June 18 - 12:30pm
Thursday June 18 - 2:30pm
Thursday June 18 - 3:30pm
Wednesday June 24 - 2:30pm
Wednesday June 24 - 3:30pm
Wednesday June 24 - 6:00pm
Wednesday June 24 - 7:00pm
Wednesday June 24 - 8:00pm
Tuesday June 30 - 2:30pm
Tuesday June 30 - 3:30pm
Tuesday June 30 - 6:00pm
Tuesday June 30 - 7:00pm
Tuesday June 30 - 8:00pm
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Myth Bust!
by Yvonne Ferguson, CPDT-KSA, CTDI
Dogs wag their tails when they are happy
Whether its a beautiful hair-filled appendage that flows majestically from your dogs rear or a tiny little nubbin that vigorously wiggles when you get home from a long day away; your dogs tail it trying to tell you something. "I am happy", "I am scared" or even "I am unsure of my feelings", are just some of the communication messages coming from your dog via his tail.
A dog’s tail is used in purposeful communication with others as well as is an appendage that is reflexive. In some cases, your dog may be controlling his tail to pass a message along, and in other times his tail my be flailing about without him consciously being aware of it.
The tail can be a good communicator of your dog’s emotional state. But just because the tail is wagging back and forth does not mean the dog is feeling happy, as many believe.
Tail position, wag speed and many other factors are important to observe in a dog to have an idea of the dog’s emotional state. If a dog holds its tail in a neutral position (for that breed) with full circular movements (like a helicopter) it can lead us to believe the dog is feeling very happy. But if that dog’s natural tail position is upon its back (like a Pug) one might confuse the happy wag with one that does not often indicate happiness. When a dog’s tail moves up over its back into a very high spot, with a fast-vertical wag, the dog may not be feeling so great and may even become aggressive.
So how can you know what tails to believe and which may be misread? Understanding dog body language as a whole is critical. When a dog is attempting to communicate its emotions or intentions many different body languages signals can be read, with or without a tail. Muscle tension, facial expression, eyes, ears, overall movement and much more can help you better understand your canine friends and avoid the mis-interpretation of those cute little fluff-flags that come out the rear of our dogs.
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Infection Disease Prevention and Protocols – Training Commencement Guidelines
All Quinte Canine clients and staff are to adhere to the following guidelines at all times and until further notice in order to maintain and maximize safety at all times.
Any person who is unable to adhere to the rules set out below will not be permitted to enter the facility or will be asked to leave without refund.
Individual Measures
Each person entering Quinte Canine will be asked to follow strict hygiene protocols at all times which will include but are not limited to:
Admission to Facility
- Admission to Quinte Canine physical facility will be limited only to those who do not pose a risk. Any person with the following will be asked not to attend our facility: persons who feel generally unwell or with a fever, cough or having difficulty breathing, any person who has travelled outside of Canada within the past 14 days and persons who do not adhere to physical distancing and respiratory etiquette
- Each person upon admission will be asked to confirm the above information
- At this time, we request that only one person per dog attend appointments and classes to help reduce risk. If a client requires a secondary person to provide assistance please contact us prior to class to discuss
- We ask that ONLY Quinte Canine staff open and close doors to minimize the transfer of pathogens.
- If you use the washroom, we ask that you please ensure that a Quinte Canine staff is made aware so proper sanitization can occur after use
Hand Washing & Sanitization
Physical Distancing
- A strict 2 metre physical distancing policy will be in place at all times on the Quinte Canine Property including the building and direct parking lot. All persons are to keep a minimum of 2 metres (6 feet) from other persons at all times when on the property.
Respiratory Etiquette
- Should a person cough or sneeze they are asked to do so into their elbow or a disposable tissue (which should be immediately placed in the trash, followed by hand hygiene practices).
Personal Protective Equipment – Face Masks required
- Wearing of non-medical face masks when working indoors will be mandatory that covers the nose, mouth and lower jaw (surgical face masks should be only used but healthcare professionals at this time due to limited supply). Clients are required to provide their own face mask the fully covers the mouth, nose and lower jaw.
- Wearing of gloves is not permitted as they cannot be sanitized like bare hands. If wearing gloves, you risk spreading pathogens between surfaces as you cannot sanitize gloves. If a person uses gloves, they must change them to new fresh ones with each and every item, surface or object they touch (the average 60-minute class would require approximately 5-10 glove changes).
- Additional information on the proper use and donning of Face Masks can be found at: https://ac90f26f-0907-4db1-af23-acd9c35f5eee.filesusr.com/ugd/735624_17550e04ed394750bb9d968400e0dea5.pdf
Additional Information
- Avoid touching your face at all times as recommended by Health Canada
- Additional signage and educational information will be available to staff and clients of Quinte Canine in the form of posters, signs, physical markers (‘stand here’ markers) and correspondence.
- Along with our regular disinfecting practices, such as needed to maintain human and canine health at all times, the following strict cleaning practices will also be taking place: Surface and Object Disinfecting – using such recommended products as disinfectants and disinfecting wipes. Surfaces and objects include, but are not limited to: desks, tables, dog tether carabiners, door handles, chairs, coat hooks, tapes, light switches, toilet handles, counters and dog training equipment used
- If a business closure is implemented before the completion of a program, that program will be automatically moved to an online platform until completion (with the exception of certain classes that require in person services such a Scent Detection).
Your cooperation is appreciated and your loyalty unmatched. Please be patient with us and each other as we adapt to help keep you and others safe. Your health is important to use so we ask that if you have any questions or concerns please contact us as soon as possible to discuss at quintecanine@hotmail.com or 613-242-5050
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Virtual Student Brags in May!
Puppy - Mako, Griffin, Aurora, Lilly, Bandit, Ruby & Diesel
Puppy - Piper, Sully, Waylon, Larry, Winter & Phoenix
Novice Trick - Mac, Atlas, Charlie & Kirby
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Community Events
You won't want to miss the fun!
None at this time
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