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March Newsletter!
February has been filled with some ups and some downs. The good news is that we have now reopened to in person services but the need is great. We are currently wait-listing all new clients who are in need of private one to one services. Also during February we lost our beloved Wrangler. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who reached out during this time to offer their condolences and fond memories. It is because of those memories he will live on forever. Please see below for more information on Wrangler and his legacy trust fund.
It is difficult to pre-plan classes, play dates and workshops at this time due to the extremely high demand for service as well as the uncertainty of future lock downs. But we are happy to report we will be starting a new Show Handling class! We would like to remind everyone this month that at anytime the Government of Ontario has the authority to restrict businesses once again and return us to lock down. If this is to happen, classes that are currently in session and booked will switch to virtual classrooms where-ever possible (some exceptions apply such as Show Handling or Rally O). We hope you will continue to keep yourself and each other save in our community so we can continue to enjoy this current level of service.
As always, stay safe and keep those tails wagging!
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 physical location is 987 Old Highway 2, Belleville, ON.
(Half way between Belleville and Trenton along Highway 2, directly across from Connon Nurseries)
We want to do everything possible to ensure that we keep our community safe. Therefore, we have created and implemented strict health and safety protocols for classes including social distancing guidelines, regular disinfection, mandatory masks and more. With uncertainty in the future we want to keep you and your family healthy. Should the government of Ontario increase restrictions once again and force us to close, our in person group classes switching to a virtual classroom. We use a virtual classroom to 'meet' in a safe way. The class is run live and you are able to see, communicate and see demonstrations in real time. Yvonne is able to watch you and your dog working together to assist, provide feedback and help you learn! You still receive all the class handouts and we are here to support you even outside of class! Classes are fun, interactive and enjoyable; and the best part, your dog can be highly successful with dedicated attention on you. This has been a great alternative during past shut downs and we have received many communications from students saying how they enjoyed the class so much.
Puppy Class
For puppies under 18 weeks of age. $120+HST.
Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 at 5:30pm (Mar 23, 30, Apr 6, 13, 20 & 27)
Thursday March 25th, 2021 at 2:30pm (Mar 25, Apr 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29)
Teen Basics
This class is for Puppy class graduates who are between 4 months and 7 months of age and have graduated from Quinte Canine Puppy class. Class is $120+HST.
Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 at 7:00pm (Mar 23, 30, Apr 6, 13, 20 & 27)
Thursday March 25th, 2021 at 1:00pm (Mar 25, Apr 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29)
Basic Obedience
For dogs over 5 month of age to learn and refresh skills. This class is designed for dog and people friendly dogs only. Dogs who bark, lunge, growl, etc are not appropriate for this class. Great for dogs who have not attended a class before or puppy class graduates! $130+HST.
Thursday March 25th, 2021 at 11:30pm (Mar 25, Apr 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29)
Intermediate Obedience
For dogs over 6 months who have attended wither our Basic Obedience Class or Teen Basics class. This is a great preparation class if you are interested in completing the Canine Good Neighbour Test. If you have mastered the basics in distracted environments its time to bring the skills to the next level. $130+HST.
Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 at 2:30pm (Mar 23, 30, Apr 6, 13, 20 & 27)
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.
Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 at 8:30pm (Mar 23, 30, Apr 6, 13, 20 & 27)
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! $130+HST.
Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 at 4:00pm (Mar 23, 30, Apr 6, 13, 20 & 27)
Show Handling
Our show handling classes are great for the experienced or new conformation handler! Classes are currently limited to 6 dog/handlers at this time and run for 4 week sessions. Class is 45 minutes. $100+HST. To learn more please visit: www.quintecanine.com/showhandling
Wednesday April 7th, 2021 (Apr 7, 14, 21 & 28).
Experienced Handlers - 4:15pm (additional class times may be added if needed)
Beginners (little to no conformation handling experience) - 5:30pm
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 enrolment 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.
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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CALLING ALL TRICK DOGS!
We are excited to announce that we have opened a new Facebook group for all past and current trick dog class participants (group or private one to one students can join)! Learn more about trick criteria and some exciting new titles in the trick world that you can earn!
To join the fun, all you have to do is follow the link below, submit a request to join, answer a few simple questions (so we know its you) and that's it!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1093132621111090/about
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Play Dates!
We have play dates available for young puppies up to adult dogs who are very well socialized and enjoy the company and play of other dogs. All play dates are being held at at our location located at 987 Old Highway 2 Belleville (half way between Belleville and Trenton on Highway 2, right across from Connon Nurseries).
Play mates are matched up based on a number of factors to help build your dog/puppies confidence and skills. Play dates are 30 minutes each and are just $15 taxes included, due at the play date. All dogs and puppies joining must be up to date on vaccinations in order to join the fun.
If you are new to play dates (have not yet attended one) and would like to join one (or more) of the play dates listed below, please email us at quintecanine@hotmail.com, so we can match your dog accordingly.
Please note that if you sign up for a play date and are not able to attend you must provide at least 48 hours notice so we can fill your space, otherwise our standard play date fee still applies. Please be sure to mark your calendar as no reminder emails are sent.
Masks are required at this time and we request that a maximum of 1 person per dog attend. Handlers remain with their dog/puppy throughout the play session to learn more about dog communication.
Please email us all of the dates/times that you are interested in and available for and we will be sure to match you up as best possible with other dogs/puppies that suit your dogs temperament.
Play Dates
Friday March 5 - 11:00am - Dog
Monday March 8 - 3:45pm - Puppy
Monday March 8 - 4:30pm - Dog
Thursday March 11 - 1:00pm - Puppy
Thursday March 11 - 1:45pm - Tiny Dogs/Puppies
Thursday March 11 - 2:30pm - Teens
Monday March 15 - 4:30pm - Dog
Tuesday March 16 - 3:45pm - Tiny Dogs/Puppies
Tuesday March 16 - 4:30pm - Teens
Tuesday March 16 - 5:15pm - Puppy
Tuesday March 16 - 6:00pm - Dogs
Thursday March 18 - 1:00pm - Dog
Thursday March 18 - 1:45pm - Puppy
Friday March 26 - 1:00pm - Tiny Dogs/Puppies
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Long-term Social Skills?
Many handlers will work very hard in the first few months a puppy comes home to ensure their young dog has appropriate social skills and enjoys the company of other dogs. Matching them up with dog-friendly dogs who will play fair and not overwhelm their puppy, helping their puppy to appreciate others and the fun they can have.
It is usually between 1-2 years of age where many handlers notice their once 'loves every other dog puppy' is now not so appreciative of other new friends. Looking more carefully it can seen that the dog stopped appropriate socialization after a few months home, was oversocialized, innaprpriately socialized or never really appreciated other dogs in the first place.
Like human mammals, each dog is different in its appreciation of others and how social they might be. When a young dog begins the transition from an adolescent to an adult, often their social circle will begin to transition as well. And just like with human mammals, this might mean they make this circle a little smaller, or they might make it very tiny.
But you need your dog to be highly dog friendly? Why? Is their social time with other dogs the main enrichment you them? Then this might have more to do with you and less to do with your dog, and this needs examination.
Some dogs will begin to move toward a dog-tolerant way of life, becoming fast friends with certain breeds, personalities, ages, or play styles; while some other dogs may have little to no use for interaction with strange dogs. Some (much fewer) dogs will continue to appreciate the company of most other dogs they meet as long as that other dog is not a threat to them. Guess what? All of THAT IS OKAY!!!!
We have to take into consideration a big number of factors in how social our dogs will be long term. Genetic, breed, experiences and age all play a part. But the main focus here is not to ensure your dog can necessarily play with each and every dog they meet but instead tolerate their existence and appreciate their presence, instead of fearing or being aggressive toward them.
So how can you set your young puppy or dog up for success? There are a number of different things that you can do to help them remain dog social long term, if of course that is what the dog wants. Ensuring that you carefully select your dogs play dates instead of just willy-nilly letting them play with anyone. Matching your dog with dogs who you know have good social skills and are vaccinated and healthy is a first step. So what if you dont know many people with bomb-proof dogs? This is where some professional help can come in.
Occasional play dates here at Quinte Canine are a great start, along with more regular solutions like a well-run daycare that you can trust. Once or twice per week in the first few years of your dogs life can have a great impact on the dogs outlook on other dogs. But a cautious word, like the dog in the example above, stopping this routine during important transitional periods of a young dogs life can start decreasing their appreciation for other dogs. Taking a month or two off from socialization can have an impact on some dogs, others just a few weeks can make a difference; while other dogs jump right back into the fun without issue.
A lost art with our dogs in the ability to not play with other dogs. If your dog cannot see another dog without completely ignoring you and jumping around to try to get to that dog, there is also a problem to look at. Yes dogs who are friendly get excited to see another dog, but this should not overwhelm their brain so much that they cannot think straight. You, the handler should be the most fun thing in your dogs environment and focusing on you should have value. Yes, sometimes they will get to play with the other dog (this should be used as a reward for ignoring the other dog and focusing on you), but more often they are just a neighbour passing by or a a strange dog who does not want to meet your dog. So be sure they practice not meeting other dogs too!
At the end of the day you can still ensure your dog has very positive social experiences and a wonderful social upbringing, and yet still they may turn less dog tolerant later in life. As said above THAT'S OKAY! We just dont want to see them fearful of other dogs or reactive. Sometimes your dog is just more appreciative of regular friends and family, there is nothing wrong with this. What is wrong is this dire urge for handlers to ensure their dog must remain highly dog-social, when it simply isn't realistic for most dogs.
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We had the pleasure of joining the amazing team at Yourtv Quinte last week on Quinte Connect to talk about training through the pandemic and who we can help our dogs and puppies! It will be airing on Friday the 19th at 11:30am, Saturday the 20th at 9:00am & 8:30pm and the final airing is on Monday the 22nd at 11:30am.
There is even a guest appearance by our friends Piper and Monica! If you do not have Cogeco Belleville or are outside of our area you can watch it here:
https://yourtv.tv/node/298841
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Wrangler
May 26, 2011 - February 9, 2021
SD-MACH, TD-CH Carissima's U Wrangler, SD-GA, SD-GD, SDN, RE, CRN MCL, CGN, HIC
It is with heaviest of hearts, we share that our beloved Quinte Canine's Wrangler passed to the rainbow bridge in February. He was the inspiration and mascot of Quinte Canine and was loved by so many. This loss will be felt by so many for a very long time.
They say that once in a lifetime a dog comes along who takes a very big piece of your heart when they leave, they call this a Heart Dog. As Yvonne’s heart dog, Wrangler was so much more. He was her daily laugh, her confidant, her motivation and her best friend. He will be very missed and well remembered. He had an incredible life filled with wonderful things. From his lifelong volunteer work for animal charities and stellar working career to his goofy antics everyday, his memory will live on forever. Go play now sweet boy.
To learn more about Wrangler's legacy please visit: https://www.quintecanine.com/wrangler---quinte-canines-canine
Through the love of this amazing dog, some of our students and friends have created a beautiful legacy to him:
By Tina Sawicki: As a part of what I call the the Quinte Canine family, a few of us have come together to organize a memorial in Wrangler’s name. We feel the perfect place to do this would be the new location for The Quinte Humane Society. The money will be kept in "trust " and applied to a plaque, brick stepping stone or whatever the donation platform is when established toward the new facility.
The donation form is on their web site and at the bottom of the page is the donation in honor of a loved one where you would enter Wrangler’s name (or 'Wrangler trust fund'). They are aware of these donations coming in.
Thanks everyone. He was a special boy and a big part of the Quinte Canine and Super Sniffer family. He will be missed.
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Student Brags in February!
Puppy - Nova, Elton, Otis & Cody
Basic Obedience - Whiskey, Dempsey, Saxon, P!nkie & Bonnie
Basic Obedience - Stella, Ovie, Churchill & Piper
Puppy - Charlie, Bernadette, Rex, Banks, Storm & Chester
Basic Scent Detection Level 1 - Hersey, Jimmy, Oslo, Kali & Ruby
Intermediate Obedience - Theo, Monty, Penny, Fawkes & Trigger
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Where do dogs go when their tail falls off?
The re-tail store.
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