💥 Quinte Canine Newsletter

December Newsletter!

As we round the bend toward the end of 2021 we always get festive and happy as the Annual Holiday Celebration event is coming! Be sure to tune into Cool 100.1fm and 95.5fm and listen for our commercial to air starting after December 6th! As in all past years, this event is in support of the Humane Society HPE (formally Quinte Humane Society). Watch our Facebook page over the next few weeks to get a sneak peek at some of the amazing raffle baskets that we will have. Tickets can be purchased at the event and we cannot wait to see you!

Also this month we wanted to give everyone a heads up that effect January 1, 2022, some of our fees will be changing. The change will effect some private services as well as a few of our group classes. The Puppy and Teen Basics classes will increase just $10 to be in line with most group classes, but this is still under $22 per class! These two classes will also undergo some changes in terms of the age limits set (maximum age for Puppy class will be 16 weeks and Teen 6 months) so be sure to visit our website to learn more. Our Basic Obedience class, will be decreasing in size limit to ensure more individualized time per student, will increase to $165. Some of these changes will take effect on our website right away and some will take effect as of January 1st.

So no matter what you are celebrating this month, we wish you all the best for a safe and happy holiday season!

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

Upcoming Classes!

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. 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. You still receive all the class handouts and we are here to support you even outside of class! It is also important to understand that if vaccine passports are required by the government in the future for dog training classes, all students will need to show valid proof of vaccination. Those unable to provide proof of vaccination will need to be transferred to virtual classroom.

Thursday January 13 at 11:00am (Jan 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10 & 17) - just 1 space available in this class
Monday January 31 at 8:30pm (Jan 31, Feb 7, 14, 21, 28 & Mar 7)
Tuesday February 8 at 2:30pm (Feb 8, 15, 22, Mar 1, 8 & 15)

Scent Detection

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 ($146.90 including taxes).

Basic Scent Detection Level 1 - Monday January 31 at 1:00pm (Jan 31, Feb 7, 14, 21, 28 & Mar 7)
Basic Scent Detection Level 2 (prerequisite is level 1) -Friday January 7 at 12:00pm (Jan 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb 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). Class is $145+HST.

Monday January 31 at 5:30pm (Jan 31, Feb 7, 14, 21, 28 & Mar 7)

Rally-O

Quinte Canine's Rally classes are built for dogs aged 5 months and older who have previous intermediate level obedience experience (with Quinte Canine or elsewhere). Visit: https://www.quintecanine.com/rallyo for more information. $130+HST ($146.90 including taxes).

Contact us to find out more and be added to the notification list for beginners classes.
For students currently waiting for new classes, an email will be out within a week for January classes to start.

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.

New - Although the registration process above is always to fastest to secure a space in class, walk-in enrollments are accepted Mondays from 3-5, Wednesdays 4-5 and Fridays from 1-3pm (this will be updated on the Contact page of our website as it may change in future months). Please remember to bring your vaccinations.

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.

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. 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, 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. 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. In some cases, larger dogs may join small groups and adult dogs may join puppy/small groups - this is based on the temperament of the dog(s).

Play Dates

Friday December 3 - 1:30pm - Puppy & Small
Friday December 10 - 2:00pm - Puppy & Small
Friday December 10 - 2:45pm - Teen
Wednesday December 15 - 3:00pm - Puppy
Wednesday December 15 - 3:45pm - Small
Thursday December 30 - 4:30pm - Small
Thursday December 30 - Puppy
Thursday December 30 - Teen

Canine Cough
(Reprint from May 2021)

Canine cough is a highly contagious infectious disease that contributes to upper and potentially lower, respiratory tract infections. Frequently this cough is called “Kennel Cough”, which is a misnomer since many dogs who are infected with the cough have never been to a kennel. Dogs can become infected by just being in contact with an infected dog who coughs or sneezes in their proximity, but they can also pick up the infection from drinking out of shared water bowls that an infected dog drank from, or even from their owners touching an infected dog, then patting them, without washing their hands or changing their clothing. Dogs coming from rescue facilities, shelters and pet stores have increased risk of having been exposed to the infection, and dogs who come from outside Canada have greater risks of having been exposed to some organisms that are “foreign” to us.   The dogs who go to boarding kennels, groomers, dog parks, training facilities and veterinary hospitals are at increased risk of exposure.

The symptoms of canine cough are coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge. The cough is often a deep, hacking cough that can lead to retching. The owners often think though there is something caught in the dog's throat with this type of cough, and on occasion the dogs cough is forceful enough that they may actually vomit, or cough up phlegm. The majority of cases that we see in our geographical area are the coughs that involve the upper respiratory system, but occasionally there are cases that will affect the lower airways and contribute to pneumonia and these dogs are sicker. Young dogs, old dogs, and dogs who have compromised immune systems due to other health problems are often the dogs who will be most severely affected.

The Canine cough is caused by a variety of different infectious organisms and viruses. There are vaccines that protect against some, but not all of the potential agents that can contribute to the infection. Additionally, there is no vaccine that is 100% effective. There are different types of vaccines; some that are administered by dripping the vaccine in the nose, some that are administered orally, and some that are administered by injection. Some vaccines protect against some of the viruses and bacteria, but some just protect against the bacteria, but as mentioned earlier there are no vaccines that will protect against all potential agents. Many of the dogs who become infected with the cough have been vaccinated with one of the vaccines, but that is not surprising since we can't protect against all of the infectious organisms, and often the dogs who are getting the vaccine are those at higher risk of exposure due to their lifestyle. Dogs who are vaccinated prior to exposure generally do not get as sick from the infection as those dogs who are not vaccinated. If you are reading this, your dog is probably at increased risk of exposure and will likely benefit from vaccination, please speak with your veterinarian if your dog has not already been vaccinated for Canine cough.

If your dog has had contact with an infected dog keep them at home and away from other dogs to avoid exposing other dogs to the disease. The incubation period is 2-14 days, and the dogs are generally sick for 7-14 days, so they should remain in isolation for at least 14 days after the resolution of their symptoms. Dogs who have not been protected by vaccination, and who are infected with Bordetella (the bacteria) can shed that bacteria for 1-3 months and therefore should be isolated for longer. Contact your veterinarian if your dog does start coughing, there are a number of treatments, and luckily many dogs (and especially the dogs who were vaccinated prior to exposure) just need to be kept isolated, and be given lots of TLC.

   This article was written for Quinte Canine by Dr. Andrea Giffen who is a veterinarian in Stirling, and a frequent participant in Quinte Canine classes. She is not an infectious disease expert, but has been in general practice for over 30 years, and her dog Jimmy is kept up to date on his vaccinations, including the canine cough vaccine.

Charger Update

November brought yet another surgery for Charger. But it is nice to finally say that it was not an orthopedic surgery. This time he underwent a 4 hour marathon surgery with his friends at Hastings Veterinary Hospital. To help ensure Charger is not contributing to the pet overpopulation he was neutered this past Friday. At the same time he also had a hernia fixed, a canine tooth extracted (broken) and had 3 lumps removed from various spots on his body. But we are happy to say that 5 days into recover he is doing really well and feeling like his old self again. Although he is a little frustrated that he must wear the cone, some cute recovery pajamas and he is not allowed to play, romp or have toys for 2-3 weeks - he will get by with all the mental stimulation we will be providing during this time.

He continues to move forward with his overall training, manners and behaviour modification programs despite all of his surgical set backs. His true personality is beginning to show more and more with each passing day and we look forward to seeing what December will bring for him and his first official Christmas with a family. He hopes to see you all at the holiday drop in between naps and mental breaks!

Pictured below is Charger resting comfortably after his marathon surgery.

Harley & Kate - SD-E (Scent Detection Excellent Title - Excellent Container, Interior - Utopia Trial

Gunner & Jill - Advanced Interior & Exterior - Utopia Trial
Bailey & Guy - Advanced Container, Interior & Exterior - Utopia Trial
Bailey & Guy - Advanced Container, Interior & Exterior - Jordan Station Trial
Piper & Tina - Advanced Container, Interior & Exterior, Distance - Utopia Trial
Piper & Tina - Advanced Container & Exterior - Barrie Trial

Student Brags in November!

Puppy - Iggy, Lady, Bailey, Josie & Zoe

Puppy - Toad, Indy, Hewson, Sadie, Sam & Ruby
Basic Obedience- Sophie, Una, Wilson, Ebony & Lucy

Puppy - Teagan, Giorgio, Milo & Oliver

Puppy - Hugo, Rosie, Loki, Jax, Rocco & Tilley

Teen Basics - Dizzy, Roxie, Cosmo, Alfie, Milly & Ruby Tuesday

Basic Scent 1 - Ivan, Ellis, Bernadette, Roger & Duke
Basic - Amigo, Rosie, Stewie & Willow

Teen - Willow, Russ, Marley, Tiggy & Wrigley

Puppy - Rosie, Pepper, Roo, Teddy & Yuri

Puppy - Nova, Lucy, Clover, Remy & Teddy Rose
Basic Scent Detection Level 1 - George, Henry, Willow, Ember, Sadie & Milo

Intermediate Obedience - Keeley, Aria, Jazz, Marsea & Molly (virtual)

Puppy - Lexi, Abigail, Daenerys, Flint & Kygo

Teen Basics - Roxy, Jasper, Bella, Charlie & Sadie

Your dog is just so beautiful. She should be on the cover of Vanity Fur!