Repeal of Ontario's Breed Ban Tabled after first reading - KC DOG BLOG

Repeal of Ontario's Breed Ban Tabled after first reading - KC DOG BLOG

Taking Your Dog to Non-Dog Events

Dear Readers; perhaps the following question dwells on your mind too;

Jen (that's me, the First Dog), __________ (insert child's name here) is going to _____________(insert event here), can I bring our dog?

Interesting question and apparently one that is on a few minds; since I see plenty of dogs at events where their attendance is inappropriate; and just the past weekend, I brought my two dogs to provincial horse-show, a non-dog event (completely acceptable).

What makes some events inappropriate, and others suitable for your canine companion? Let's discover!

First; my friends; please be aware; that not all people love dogs. I know that's hard to fathom; but it is true; there are cat people, horse people and some people who don't even like animals. In fairness to those that don't like dogs; it is in your best interests to choose your events wisely, keeping in mind the feelings of those who might prefer a dog-free event.

Now you may ask, why can't my dog come to an event? What would be the criteria for dog vs. non-dog. Please check the following list and file away for future dog excursions.

1. Insurance reasons -- for an event to go forward, insurance is generally required; mention the word dog; insurance goes up (due to the potential of lawsuits from dog bites, scratches and being bumped, jumped on, etc.)
2. Hygiene reasons -- if food is the main focus of the event; if food is being served; you can probably bet your dog is not welcome -- rightly or wrongly
3. Livestock or other animal shows -- depends on the livestock, depends on the property (cat and bunny shows are probably not good choices)
4. Safety reasons -- if your dog is going to have to remain in the vehicle and it is 90' in the shade; not a good idea; if there are small children in crowds; not a good idea; fireworks; not a good idea

I want to bring my dog . . . how do I know if its permitted or not?

1. Check the website. Most savvy fairs, festivals and events have websites and those that do not allow dogs; will prominently mention the permissions or not.  For an example; Ball's Falls; check their Thanksgiving Festival link; read the text; easy to spot pets or not!
2. Ask around. You may have friends (real ones or Facebook ones) that have attended; they will probably have noticed dogs or no-dogs.
3. Phone or email the co-ordinator, most events will have contact information at the very least; you can check for sure.
4. Go to the event; with the VERY REAL POSSIBILITY THAT YOU WILL BE TURNING AROUND AND GOING HOME WITH YOUR DOG. DO NOT LEAVE THE DOG IN THE CAR!!!!! Not recommended for events that are 1+ hours away; unless you like random drives.

So, the event allows dogs and I like my dog = I'm bringing my dog to the event. Whoa, whoa, whoa; back up the bus. Some things you want to make sure of; before you set off on your dog adventure.

1. Your dog is O-BED-IENT. Seriously! People and other animals attending the event aren't going to want to be whined at, sniffed at, barked at, growled at, drooled on, lunged towards or have to move out of your dog's way; because it can't sit up straight and stop lying in the aisles.
2. Your dog actually enjoys the event you are attending. Some dogs are homebodies; they don't really want to be in a crowd of people, or around large animals that might bite them, kick them; or what have you, or they can't handle other dogs outside their own pack.
3. You are prepared to leave whenever the dog feels like it's had enough, no matter how much whining the humans do about staying "just a little bit longer". This is especially important for puppies, immature dogs and those that are being trained to accept certain situations. One of the reasons I prefer to take either children or dogs; very rarely both.
4. Feed the dog; nothing like being at an event where people are eating; and someone didn't feed you breakfast; even if your dog doesn't eat breakfast, give them something before you go.
5. Potty the dog; lots. Make sure they are empty before they arrive at the event; there may not be many suitable places to go when you get there. Even if you THINK there will be potty areas; since you have been to the property before; they may now be covered by tents and vendors.
6. Secure collar and leash; absolute must!
7. Stay away from other animals. That 4-H cow handler doesn't care that your dog "just wants to lick the cow's nose", their cow doesn't want to have a relationship with your dog.
8. Stay away from children. Even if your dog has children of its own; there is a distinct difference between their child and roving packs of children that step on toes, pull ears and try to "kiss the doggy's nose". Want a lawsuit; just let your dog scratch, nip or bite a child at an event.  If you reside in Ontario; you might want to take a gander at this; Whitby Woman spends $15000 fighting dog's death penalty 

ALL OF THE ABOVE APPLIES WHETHER YOUR DOG IS A PUPPY OR A SENIOR!

What does your dog do all day?

Well; we are nearly done September.

The kids are back to school, begrudgingly, but they have established their routine. You are back at work, most of your vacation days used up.

So -- what's the dog doing? While you guys are gone for approximately 8 hours. You remember, that puppy you got in May, the pup that is now about 6 mos. old; has developed a beautiful summer routine, where someone was home to play with him all day, let him in and out as he needed to potty, played chase games and had long walks during those beautiful summer days; those long summer days; where the sun didn't set until 9:00-ish.

What's he doing now?

Ideally he's crated during the hours you are not home, with someone coming in to let him out for a 1/2 hour to hour-long walk at lunch time; to break up his day.

What's that you say? Can't. Can't what -- crate him?
I would; way less stress if you come home to a house that isn't riddled with urine, feces, chewed doors, destroyed gadgets and garbage strewn about. Can't -- give him a walk during the day? Eeeeks; perhaps it's time to contact the professionals.

It has been well established by many experts in the dog training and behaviour management field; that daily exercise is necessary to keep your canine companion happy.
It only makes sense; if you consider that cave dogs (whence your lovely puppy came) would have spent the entire day wandering around with their humans; playing with the kids; and simply flopping down to sleep when tired.

To keep your puppy happy, your older dog from being bored, and your family sane; if you don't have the time available to satisfy these exercise requirements; there are a number of different businesses available that can help you out.

Your options include

•  doggy daycare
•  dog/pet sitting
• dog walking services

Doggy daycare; can either be full service day/night boarding kennel who offers drop-off privileges for daily care; or can be simply a daycare area; where dogs are dropped off before you work and picked up on your way home, they will often serve food if your dog requires a midday meal, administer medications if your dog requires a specific time interval for a product, has quiet zones for dogs that just want to chill, lots of toys, and other doggy companions.
Best suited for: dogs that like other dogs, dogs that are up-to-date on their vaccinations, spayed/neutered dogs, dogs that are go-go-go and want constant amusement, owners that want to check up on their pets (there are often webcams available for log-in viewing)

For the Niagara Region; find these businesses here  Dog Daycare

Dog/Pet Sitting; these companies (preferably bonded/insured) will come to your house in your absence and take your pet out for a walk; or in the backyard to play; or just spend some time (usually in 1/2 hour increments) hanging out with them, so Fluffy doesn't feel all alone for 8 hours; they also will feed/water as requested and many will administer medications if requested
Best suited for: dogs that can't attend daycare (are not up-to-date on medications, not spayed/neutered, not dog friendly), dogs that will let the sitter in; dogs that don't want a whole day of stimulation; but would like something to do during your absence. Note: these companies are also useful if you ever have an extended absence from the house (vacation/business trip) and Grandma will take the kids; but not the dog, the sitter (who is used to your dog) will come, bring your mail/newspapers in, water plants, turn lights on/off, care for and hang with the dog; etc.

For the Niagara Region; find these businesses here Dog/Pet Sitting

Dog Walkers; these companies will come by the house, grab dog/collar/leash and away they go; usually walks in 1/2 hour increments. You can generally request single dog walks/or walks with a dog pack. They may check your dog's water and give him a treat as well when they come back.
Best suited for: dogs that can't attend daycare (are not up-to-date on medications, not spayed/neutered, not dog friendly), dogs that will let the dog-walker in; dogs that don't want a whole day of stimulation; but would like something to do during your absence. Note: these companies are also useful if you need someone to fill in on walkie-duties during other times, or if you lack the physical ability to walk your dog longer distances; but can care for him otherwise

For the Niagara Region; find these businesses here Dog Walkers

Many thanks to Christine Smatana of K9 Friends Dog Walking Service for providing the information for this blog post. She was very passionate about her love for dogs and the job she does as a dog-walker/pet sitter. If you have further questions; do not hesitate to contact her at Tel: 905.353.8149 or Email: info@k9friendsdogwalkingservice.ca

HEAT WAVE!!!!

Well for all of us who were complaining about the rain; nanner, nanner!

IT IS HOT!

Here is a link to the Weather Network; please check the weather and plan appropriately!

HOT DAYS + DOGS IN CARS = DEAD DOGS

Please, please, check out our links to Dog Boarding and Doggy Daycare Facilities; and if you are visiting the Niagara Region and day-tripping -- put your pet somewhere safe.
Everyone thinks; I'll only be in for a minute, Fluffy will be fine for a minute. What happens if;

• one of the kids has to go to the bathroom . . . really bad; and it took you 5 minutes to actually get to the facilities; never mind how long they are on the pot.
• you end up in a horrendous line and 3 out of 7 people need PRICE CHECKS!
• the product you really, really need is in the back; and you have to hunt down a stock clerk and they have to hunt down the product
• your best friend that moved away spots you in the store and just has to have a 10-15-20 minute chat with you

So many things come up to eat up our time; we need to keep in mind that a dog in a hot car; simply doesn't have time.

Please, please be careful out there; there are always options to taking your pet with you. If you are travelling with your pets and you must stop somewhere to use the facilities; alternate; have one person stay with the vehicle (either a/c running or window/doors open) or wait for a facility that allows pets, or for eating; use the drive-through. 

Do you know the quality of the water your dog is swimming in? Here is a link to the beaches that are closed/not safe for swimming in the Niagara Region; mainly due to e coli.; you may want to restrict your pet's drinking of the water.

http://www.niagararegion.ca/living/water/beaches/default.aspx

Would you walk here or not?

Was in Wainfleet the other day; enjoying the beautiful weather (in between storms) and happened upon the Landfill Naturalization site that Wainfleet has begun. Very pretty, very pleasant; bird calls, frogs, etc.

However it is an old landfill site (not so old -- closed 2 years ago?) So would you walk your dogs here or not?

That my friends, is the question.

Attached are photos of the site; very pretty as I said; but is it worth it to walk our canine companions; who could potentially absorb so much run-off through their feet/skin, etc.

At the side please find a poll; please vote; I am curious!



So what say you; fellow dog walkers, nay or yeah.

Where to Walk Your Dog in Niagara

I'm hoping our loyal readers can elaborate; I'm most familiar with these areas; since I live in Port Colborne and these are the places where many pleasurable walks have occurred!

If you know of an address where you can take your dog and he can have a bit of a run (within reason) shoot me the approximate address and I'll see if I can post it up.

REMEMBER -- all cities in the region have leash laws; and the First Dog would never suggest you disobey the leash laws; in fact linked along the sides are the Off-Leash Park areas that are available; however we all know of dogs that would prefer to have long walks, off-lead and in many cases; you won't cause yourself or anyone else any harm.

Please keep in mind; the following suggestions;

1. Garbage in, garbage out -- we all love our Timmie's; however Mother Nature has no interest in rolling the rim; so if you bring it in; bring it out. Same goes for cigarettes, food wrappers, glass bottles, etc.
2. It is VERY against the law for your dog to harass wild life; but the wild life has no such restrictions -- if your dog doesn't know the life or death recall; please keep them long-lined. There is a plethora of coyote in the Niagara Region + raccoons, skunks, mink, muskrat and other fauna; that might object to your dog harassing them. A single coyote will lead a dog to the coyote pack; a scenario that few dogs are going to make it out of alive or in one piece. Coyote have also become very bold; and will take a smaller unleashed dog unawares; often the owner too. Dusk and dawn are typical times for coyote to be out; but it is not unheard of for them to be roaming around at other times. Be alert, be aware; again; keep your dog under control.
3. If you like to walk your dog and not deal with other people; choose areas that few people frequent; or choose times that few people are out. Bright sunny Saturday and Sunday afternoons; will find even the quietest spots; rife with nature "lovers". My dogs don't mind a run in the rain; and we are guaranteed to encounter few; if any other people and dogs.
4. If your dog doesn't like other dogs; be alert and be prepared to leash up; to get past another dog and its owner.

Here are some Port Colborne/Wainfleet options; and of course; feel free to pass on any information on other areas to walk your dog.

Barrick Road -- if you head East on Barrick Road; to where it ends at Robin Hood Quarry; you will find plenty of areas to walk your dog. You can hook up with the Welland Canals bike and recreational trail that takes you to Dain City; and then on to Welland; but there are plenty of walking/running/sniffing opportunities throughout the Quarry. You will recognize the recreational trail; it is paved. Please leash your dog while on the trail; you will find many bicyclists using the route. There is an in-use railway line owned by Trillium Railway Co., so if you are letting your dog exit the vehicle; keep them away from the rail-line. I have not been able to discover who owns Robin Hood Quarry lands; perhaps it's the City of Port Colborne; perhaps a private company. I haven't been kicked off yet and I've been going there for about 20 years. Please; keep it clean.


View Larger Map

Just down the road from Barrick Road is Mud Lake. Mud Lake; located just north of the Off-Leash Dog Park, in Port Colborne.
Mud Lake is a Niagara Peninsula Conservation area; dedicated to the preservation of vegetation and wildlife. Encompassing over 60 hectares of wetland and 54 hectare of field and woodland, Mud Lake offers nature trails, limited hunting, superb bird watching and fishing. Noted as an important resting and feeding stop for migratory birds, Mud Lake claims numerous rare bird sightings and provides a unique setting for both novice and expert bird watchers. The conservation land is on-leash only. Try to stay to the established paths; they are graded to prevent deep erosion. There is a plethora of wildlife on the conservation property. Check your dog carefully after your walk, ticks are in abundance.

Heading out to Wainfleet, another popular conservation area is the Quarry Road conservation area. The Wainfleet Wetlands is located off of Quarry Rd. in the community of Wainfleet, Ontario. The 450 acre site was purchased by the Niagara Conservation Area Authority in 1976 to preserve the unique rock formations and coral fossils found here. The area was quarried for aggregate in the early part of the twentieth century creating the two lakes we see today. These lakes have actually enriched the area, providing a habitat for over 50 varieties of birds, and an oasis for hikers and birdwatchers. A path leads around the western lake allowing visitors a chance to view and touch hundreds of fossils in a natural environment.

Admission and parking are free. Watch for signs off Quarry Road.

View Larger Map

As I find other areas for dog walking; I'll post them here; if you have any areas; please send me a message and I'll look them up. Photographs of your pets on their walk; are always welcome.

More Niagara Dog News

WELLAND HUMANE SOCIETY NEWS

Special From March 17 onwards, dog adoptions $170, includes spay/neuter, micro chip, booster shots, rabies shot, a 2 week trial period & 6 weeks of pet insurance!!!
For more information click here ***

NIAGARA FALLS HUMANE SOCIETY NEWS

Puppy Update
As seen on CHCH TV and in the Niagara Falls Review

As you may have seen on CHCH News March 7, and subsequently in the Niagara Falls Review, NFHS has some puppies available for adoption. There are 18 puppies available including puggles and beagle/shepherds.

The puppies are now available.

Applications are being taken on the puppies. Special applications are available now, ONLY at the shelter. No faxes or email applications will be accepted. Appointments for viewing the puppies can be made by calling the shelter. You must have an appointment to be able to view the puppies out of the kennel.

The adoption fee for the puppies is $400.


Please remember that there are several older dogs, including the moms of the pups, desperately needing homes too.

SECOND ANNUAL TRIVIA NIGHT APRIL 15
Evening of fun to help the animals

Friday, April 15, 2011

Location: Delphi Banquet Hall (next to Chatters restaurant)

Doors open at 6:00 pm for Silent Auction
Trivia starts at 7:00 pm

$ 20.00 per person includes Trivia, snacks, pizza & door prizes
There will also be a cash bar, 50/50 draw & a silent auction.

Tickets available at The Niagara Falls Humane Society and Niagara Square Adoption Center

For more information please contact Kathleen at 905-328-4407
or the Humane Society at 905-356-4404

For more information click here ***

Niagara Dog News

PURINA WALK FOR GUIDE DOGS

PORT COLBORNE

Organization Name:	Port Colborne Lions Club
City:	Port Colborne
Province:	Ontario
Contact Name:	Jerry Ursacki
Phone (incl. Area Code):	905-835-2083
E-mail:	gursacki@sympatico.ca
Date of Walk:	May 29, 2011
Time:	11:00 AM
Walk Location:	Port Colborne Lions Community Centre - 49 Chippawa Rd.

ST. CATHARINES

Organization Name:	Merritton Lions Club
City:	St. Catharines
Province:	Ontario
Contact Name:	Kevin Brown
Phone (incl. Area Code):	905-641-4940
E-mail:	kevin.brownie@gmail.com
Date of Walk:	May 29, 2011
Time:	11:00 AM
Walk Location:	Welland Canal Parkway Lock 3 Museum

RIDGEWAY/FORT ERIE

Organization Name:	Ridgeway, Fort Erie & Black Creek Stevensville Lions Clubs
City:	Ridgeway/Fort Erie
Province:	Ontario
Contact Name:	Ed Feiertag
Phone (incl. Area Code):	905-894-1113
E-mail:	edwardfeiertag@yahoo.ca
Date of Walk:	May 29, 2011
Time:	1:00 PM
Walk Location:	Crystal Ridge Community Centre

GRIMSBY

Organization Name:	Friends of LFC in Grimsby
City:	Grimsby
Province:	Ontario
Contact Name:	David Nash
Phone (incl. Area Code):	800-768-3030
E-mail:	dnash@dogguides.com
Date of Walk:	May 29, 2011
Time:	10:00 AM
Walk Location:	Lions Pool-Coronation Park

NIAGARA FALLS

Organization Name:	Niagara Falls, Chippawa and St. Davids Lions Clubs
City:	Niagara Falls
Province:	Ontario
Contact Name:	Pamela Ballah
Phone (incl. Area Code):	905-687-2500
E-mail:	pamelab25@gmail.com
Date of Walk:	May 29, 2011
Time:	9:00 AM
Walk Location:	Kingsbridge Park - Niagara Parkway

NIAGARA ON THE LAKE

Organization Name:	Stamford Lion & Lioness Clubs
City:	Niagara-on-the-Lake
Province:	Ontario
Contact Name:	Vikki Beswick
Phone (incl. Area Code):	289-241-4217
E-mail:	vbeswick@sympatico.ca
Date of Walk:	May 29, 2011
Time:	10:30 AM
Walk Location:	McFarland House

Click on heading for link to Purina Guide Dogs Site

!!!TIME FOR DOG LICENSES!!!

It's that time of year again . . . pull out the cheque book and get your dog license;

Port Colborne; 

(a)  No person or persons occupying premises within the City of Port Colborne shall own or possess or house more than three (3) dogs, excluding unweaned puppies, at such premises within the City of Port Colborne unless a kennel license is obtained.

(b)  A temporary exemption to own or possess or house more than three (3) dogs may be provided, upon Council approval, for compassionate reasons, working dogs or farming/herding dogs and must be applied for in writing to the Clerk.

All dog licenses purchased prior to March 15th, 2010:

Neutered/Spayed Dogs (must show proof)-$15.00
Un-Neutered/Un-Spayed Dogs-$25.00

All dog licenses purchased after March 15th, 2010:

Neutered/Spayed Dog (must show proof)-$25.00
Un-Neutered/Un-spayed Dog-$35.00

For your convenience, licenses may be purchased at any of the following:

City Hall, 66 Charlotte Street

Pet Valu, 45 Westside Road, Westside Plaza

Independent Discount Pet Supply, 730 Main Street West

The Port Colborne Animal Shelter, 1080 Elm Street

Fines will be issued for failure to produce a dog tag for the current year. By-Law 4930/155/06 of the City of Port Colborne provides that no person shall keep a dog which is 12 weeks or more in age in the City of Port Colborne without registering and obtaining a license from the City for every such dog.

Welland and District SPCA: < click the link to pay by PayPal and have tags mailed to you

under the auspices of Welland and District are the following;

Haldimand Dog Licence
Pelham Dog Licence
Wainfleet Dog Licence
Welland Dog Licence

West Lincoln Dog Licence

TAG OUTLETS

Welland:

• City Hall - East Main St
• Pet Valu - Fitch St
• Pet Food Outlet - Ontario Rd
• Seaway Mall - Niagara St

Pelham:

• Town Hall - Pelham Town Sq
• Pet Valu - Canboro Rd
• Minor Bros - Melter Rd

Wainfleet:

• Town Hall - Hwy 3
• Independent Disc. Pet Supply - Main St, Port Colborne

West Lincoln:

• Town Hall - Canborough Rd, Smithville
• Furs N' Fins - St Catharine St, Smithville

Haldimand:

• Satellite Offices - Haldimand County
• Caledonia Office - Argyle St S
• Cayuga Office - 45 Munsee St N
• Dunnville Office - 111 Broad St E
• Hagarsville Office - 1 Main St S
• Ruffins Caledonia - Argyle St
• Grand River Vet Clinic - Argyle St N, Caledonia
• Caledonia Vet Clinic - Argyle St S, Caledonia
• Ruffins Dunnville - Queen St
• Luke's - Main St W, Fisherville
• Paul's Sporting Goods - King St W, Hagarsville
• Cayuga Pets N' More - Ouse St N, Cayuga
• Dunnville Vet Clinic - Ramsey Dr, Dunnville
• York General Store - Hwy 54, York
• Jarvis Public Library - Monson St, Jarvis
• Selkirk Public Library - Main St, Selkirk

Fort Erie --

DOG LICENCES
The dog licences for 2011 are now available at The Fort Erie SPCA. Your 2010 licence expired December 31, 2010. Annual Licence fee is $35.00 for a dog not altered, and $25.00 if it is spayed or neutered. Licences expire on December 31 each year, a grace period of 3 months is allowed and after March 31, a late fee of $10 is attached to the price of the licence.

Niagara -On-the-Lake

Description	Fee	Requirements
Kennel License	$61.80	- 10 acres of property- Proof of registration with Canadian Kennel Club
License Fee – Altered Dog	$20.00	- Certificate of Spay / Neuter- Proof of Rabies Vaccination
License Fee – Intact Dog	$30.00	- Proof of Rabies Vaccination
License Fee – Guide Dog	No charge	- Certificate
Purebred License (3 dogs)	$61.80	- Purebred Certificates
Replacement / Transfer of Tag	$1.50	- Proof of payment- Tag if transferring from another municipality

Niagara Falls Humane Society
$20.00 - spayed or neutered dog
$40.00 - unaltered dog

OUTLETS

City Hall – 4310 Queen St. Adoption Centre, Pet Valu – 3714 Portage Rd.

Niagara Square

Woof ‘n’ Mew – 6182 Dixon St. Paulmac’s – 6777 Morrison St

Global Pet Foods – 3643 Portage Rd. Pet Valu – 6474 Lundy’s Lane

Lincoln County Humane Society -- you'd think would be where you go to get your St. Catharines tags; however the process appears to be;

All licences, regardless of their date of purchase, expire on December 31 each year. Citizens must purchase dog licences by January 31 of each year. Those purchased after January 31 will be charged a late fee. A dog licence can be purchased in person or by mail.

Click here to download a Dog Licence Application

Completed forms can be forwarded to:

Financial Management Services Department,
City Hall
P.O. Box 3012,
50 Church St.,
St. Catharines, ON L2R 7C2.

The City Clerk´s Office maintains a registry of all licensed dogs within the City of St. Catharines. Call 905-688-5601, ext. 1513, if you have moved or you no longer have your dog.

Local Happenings for Niagara Dogs and their Owners

FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING DATES AND TIMES; PLEASE CONTACT THE REPRESENTATIVES AT THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION;

DUNNVILLE VETERINARIAN CLINIC
EYE CLINIC -- APRIL 7, 2011

The St. Catharines District Kennel and Obedience Club has these under their calendar postings;

• CALENDAR OF EVENTS January 30,2011 - Seaway Challenge Match
  Contact:  CAW Hall, Bunting Rd.  St CatharinesFebruary 1, 2011 - General Membership Meeting - 7:30 p.m.
  Place: Port Weller Community Centre
               1 Bogart St., St CatharinesFebruary 8, 15, 22, 2011 -  Drop in Handling Classes
  Contact: Marion Hasselbroek -  905-685-5273
       Email: moonshine@talkwireless.caApril 22, 2011 - Fun Match
  Contact:  Debbie Adkinson - 905-563-0539
       Email:  StCathObTrial@sympatico.ca April 22, 23, 24, 2011 - SCDKOC Obedience & Rally Trials
  Contact:     Susan Lucas - 905-682-2002
       Email:     dylan@iaw.on.caApril 23, 2011 - The Viviane Champagne Veterans' Celebration
  Contact: Debbie Adkinson - 905-563-0539
       Email:  StCathObTrial@sympatico.ca August 19, 20, 21, 2011 - SCDKOC Conformation Shows
  Contact:  Marg Brown - 905-786-9573
       Email:   shente@cogeco.ca

All Breed International Dog Shows, Inc.

(while not in the Niagara Region proper; the showgrounds are 1.5 hours away via the QEW from the most eastern point of Niagara and are a quality venue for Rare Breed owners)

April 2011

• Flamboro Valley April Classic - April 30 & May 1
  Flamboro Valley Camping Resort, Flamboro, ON

May 2011

• Flamboro Valley May Classic - May 28 & 29
  Flamboro Valley Camping Resort, Flamboro, ON
  ISSDC Shiloh Shepherd Specialty

June 2011

• Flamboro Valley June Classic - June 11 & 12
  Flamboro Valley Camping Resort, Flamboro, ON

July 2011

• Flamboro Valley July Classic - July 16 & 17
  Flamboro Valley Camping Resort, Flamboro, ON

August 2011

• Flamboro Valley August Classic - August 27 & 28
  Flamboro Valley Camping Resort, Flamboro, ON

September 2011

• Flamboro Valley September Classic - September 24 & 25
  Flamboro Valley Camping Resort, Flamboro, ON

October 2011

• Flamboro Valley October Classic - October 15 & 16

Flamboro Valley Camping Resort, Flamboro, ON

April 22, 2011 - April 22, 2011 - Grimsby, Ontario (Indoor)
St Catharines & District Kennel & Obedience Club

April 22, 2011 - April 24, 2011 - Grimsby, Ontario (Indoor)
St. Catharines & District Kennel & Obedience Club

May 06, 2011 - May 08, 2011 - Thorold, Ontario (Indoor)
Seaway Kennel Club

May 23, 2011 - May 23, 2011 - Niagara Falls, Ontario (Outdoors)Niagara Regional Herding Club

June 26, 2011 - June 26, 2011 - Niagara Falls, Ontario (Outdoors)
All-Breed Canine Sports Day

August 19, 2011 - August 21, 2011 - Beamsville, Ontario (Indoor)
St. Catharines & District Kennel & Obedience Club

Too cold for your doggers? Too deep the snow? If you and your canine are going crazy . . . keep reading; maybe we can help!

Too cold to do more than shiver, while your loyal canine does their duty?

Are you and the dog wearing all your clothes and then some; just to get your daily constitutional accomplished?

Mental exercise for dogs has been shown to reduce those unwanted behaviours of whining, pawing, household destruction and other problems.



Dora and Jiggs come up with their own idea of indoor fun!



Physical exercise is obviously a must; for a truly well-balanced pet -- but when it's 24'F (feeling like 12'F), the more you can do to entertain your dog indoors; the better off you will both be.

Lets go through some ideas -- for some of the suggestions; you will need to acknowledge your dog's physical health (e.g. no jumping for bad hips), but do what you can; we hopefully have provided enough variety that everyone can play along!

Make sure everyone has pottied, comfortable and away we go!

• take an obedience class -- yup, seriously -- someone else's property, usually designed for dogs (so no coffee tables in the way, or winter boots piled up to trip on), other dogs to either interact with (friendly dogs only please) or ignore (the rest of us) + you and your dog learn new tricks (no, you are not too old, neither is your hound!)
• catch up on your grooming -- Bath needed? Do you have a long haired dog that takes forever to dry ~ teach them to accept the hair dryer -- cold setting please; or keep your hand between the hair dryer and their fur. Younger dog that is a fool in the bathtub? Set aside some time, get those treats and help them learn to stand quietly, under the shower, while the tub fills with water, while having their face washed, etc. Toenails a bit long? Find your clippers (btw if they seem really rusted and dull; go out and buy a new set -- don't traumatize the dog by mangling their toenails), or get out your Dremel. Teach your dog to accept toenails being clipped or dremelled. Lots of good, stinky, high value treats and if it takes 3 packages of hot dogs to desensitize and trim one foot; que sera sera. Do it again tomorrow; with 3 more packages and 1 more foot.   Excellent Dremel link here; Dober Dawn Dremelling Dog Toe Nails.
• play Hotter/Colder, Find It or Hide and Seek -- high drive dogs love this, low drive dogs will generally play Hide and Seek (Hide and Seek is good for children too). Hotter/colder is played just as it is for humans; with a little twist -- I use it for my Rat Terrier when he comes up and smashes his toy against my leg. First I wrestle the toy from his yap (use whatever method works best for you and your dog -- we think tug games are kinda fun), then I flip a blanket over his head (your low drive/slower dog will be baffled -- just let them see you throw/hide the toy), then I chuck his stinky torn-up stuffie into a corner or some other hidey-hole. Then I let him loose and ask him (use your chirpy-high-pitched happy voice) Where is it? Where's your toy? Off he leaps to find his toy. If he's close to the hiding spot (should be a fairly obvious spot for those lower drive dogs) then I say Warm - good dog - warm (depending on proximity) in my sweetest, butter couldn't melt in my mouth; he's the best dog in the world voice, if he's completely away from the toy, a little lower pitched, not so happy (but not a correcting voice) Cold, No, No Colder. If they are on top of the toy and you get very excited and good dog/hotter/hotter them too much; they sometimes come back to you, just move yourself towards the toy and start voice rewarding again when they are searching the right area -- clicker trainers just click for hot (but associate the word; 'cause it's kind of a neat trick to show off), use whatever negative for cold. Most dogs get the idea of Hotter/Colder pretty quick. Find It is pretty easy too. Grab either a favourite stinky (they will eventually use their nose) possession or a few pieces of food (works really well for lower drive dogs). For the first few times, have them sit at the end of the room (you can work on some sit stays) while you obviously and in their view -- go to the end of the room and place the toy/food on top of a flat surface. Go back to them and tell them Find It (be careful of your command depending on what you will show/train in the future -- can be a bugger to untrain). Your dog will run to the toy/food and either return with it to play some more (cause that was pretty boring) or eat the food and come back for more treats. Yay them; lots of pets and good dogs. Sit them again/ or down them; whatever is easiest for them to wait (games are no fun if Mom is always nagging about down/down/sit/sit); take the toy/food and again make it an obvious "hide". Do that a couple times until you figure your doggers gets it (don't worry too much about how many times; you can always go backwards with this game and make it easier if they stop being able to find the toy/food. Start to make it more difficult -- put it slightly out of their sight (behind the edge of a chair/sofa), put it up a little higher, or between some books or behind a box, you should be able to move into hiding it obviously in another room, then hidden in another room, nice easy game to play. Hide and Seek is fun; fun for dogs, fun for kids. If you think your dog needs the extra incentive, have the kids hide with a cookie; otherwise the rewards is in finding their kids (you can hide too; just have the kids hold the dog; or keep them behind a bedroom door until you yell Ready) First few hides, make it easy for the dog, you hold the dog in one room, and tell the kids to go hide behind a piece of furniture; just sit/stand there. While waiting with the dog; have them sit/stand/down -- whatever is a good command for them; and count out loud for the dog's sake. (tell the kids they get 10 seconds) Position the dog beside you; yell READY OR NOT HERE WE COME and in as excited a voice as you can possibly muster -- get your dog going "Where's the kids, where are they? Where's Billy, where's Susie? (I suggest using your kid's names; could be very confusing for all players) Most dogs are cognizant of family names; this is a good association. Start walking through the house, peering into possible hidey-holes; most dogs think this is the best game and will avidly search (for what they don't know -- but they will peer with you into the hiding spots), if you don't find the kids; say NOT HERE; and keep going. Have a good ole time when you do find the kids and make it just the gosh-darndest happiest occasion ever! Once everyone has settled down; do it over again. Once your dog starts leaving you behind to go seek his kids; then we up the ante. Now the kids can hide a bit better; maybe in the bathtub, behind a curtain; in the closet; somewhere not so obvious (not in areas where the dog isn't supposed to be (cat room) or where they aren't so happy~bathtub). Now if your dog is searching and having a hard time; the kids help -- you are the spotter for the dog; if she is searching and just not hitting on the hidey holes -- yell out for the kids to call the dog's name, give the dog a chance to puzzle it out; still not in the right area; have the kids call again and so on. Neat game and most family dogs love it.
• Quiet games for quiet dogs (or just to settle down). You can play the Cup/Bowl game -- have the dog pick the bowl the cookie is under (use bowls that you don't mind being drooled all over or pawed and set the game up far enough apart that the dog doesn't knock all of them over. Play Which Hand is it In? Same idea; have the dog indicate which hand holds the cookie. Teach "Shake a Paw -- easiest thing in the world to teach btw). Teach "Over", a jump. Teach "Through/tunnel/ring" -- if you have a hula hoop, awesome.

Be creative, have fun, be positive -- this is not the time to correct your dog (unless he's having a melt-down -- then I'd suggest a time out (room/crate/outside) and try again in a few minutes. After playing a few games; most dogs will settle down and quietly nap; -- you have your solitaire or Bejeweled; they want something fun too.

Your Dog and Cold Weather

As the Niagara Region remains under a Winter Storm Warning for the next 2 days, until Thursday February 3, 2011; it seemed appropriate to provide the following information. 

Current Weather Conditions

February 1, 2011 - 11:00 a.m.

Current conditions - St. Catharines; -6'C or 20'F -- feels like -14'C or 7'F  

Current conditions - Port Colborne; -7'C or 18'F -- feels like -16'C or 3'F

Temperatures are expected to get to 18'F (-7'C) and feel like 1'F (-17'C) during the storm

For your outside dog;

• Raised insulated shelter, with door facing away from prevailing winds (typically in west/southwest to east/northeast fashion) with bedding that is neither damp or padded down. So, check bedding tonight -- replace with dry, fluffed bedding if necessary.
• Water - not snow, not icicles, actual fresh/clean water. Dogs need fresh water available to them all day especially in winter when their bodies are vulnerable to dehydration. Choose your water dish wisely,  metal dishes lose heat quickly so switch to a heavy plastic dish will help. So will your choice of color, container size and location – dark colors absorb heat from the sun and a deeper dish will freeze less quickly than a wide, shallow one. In areas where sub-freezing temperatures are common, a more efficient solution is an electric bucket heater or birdbath de-icer.  So, check water levels, make sure water is not so cold dog won't drink; refill with room temperature water if necessary; or buy the bucket heater.
• Frostbite -- dogs are susceptible to it; same as humans. If your outside dog insists on sleeping in a snow bank (Siberian/Malamute/heavy-furred dog owners), check them daily to be sure they aren't suffering from frost-bite - ears are a big one; unfurred paws are another, genitalia and tails as well.  Signs include;
  • The frozen areas appear pale white, gray or blue
  • Dead tissue will turn black (amputation may be required)
  • The skin will be cold and hard
  • If frostbite affects the ears, the tips will droop
  • The dog will limp (if frostbite is on the feet/toes)
  • Once the area warms up, the skin can become red and swollen and the dog will experience pain (it can also peel, blister and possibly become infected)
  When weather is expected to be very cold + wind + wet; find a way to restrict your dog to staying inside their shelter; either a door or moving them into the mudroom of your house.

Wind Chill Chart - Frostbite Time Frame (Canadian Values)

• Food - high calorie, lots of it. Up the fat content, up the volume; divide it up during the day so the dog has more opportunity to use his calories for warmth. For your shaggy coated dogs that live outside; run a hand over ribs; make sure there is a layer over them for the winter months (ideally you've been putting some weight on your dog before the cold months.) If you feed raw; consider warming (only with lukewarm/warm) water before feeding so the dog isn't ingesting cold/semi-frozen foods.

Inside dogs - especially those thin-furred breeds --

• Coats -- many makers/brands/types are available -- yes dogs run at a higher temperature than humans; but that doesn't mean they can't become chilled -- if your dog is shivering; he/she is cold; either bring them back inside; or put a coat on them. See Windchill Charts above for recommended outdoor duration.

• Boots -- or at the very least clean your dogs feet -- some breeds are susceptible to cracking/bleeding due to thin skin on the foot pad/paw skin. Salt/calcium chloride can aggravate the skin irritation and make your dog sick if he/she licks it off. Trim furry feet so they don't pick up excess snow and create balls between the pads.

• Extra food -- usually not necessary for the indoor dog; in fact during the winter months if you are unable to spend as much time outdoors as normal; the indoor dog can often put on too much weight. Again; for raw feeders, completely dethaw your pet's dinner if walking outside in the cold afterwards.
• Water -- indoor dogs can become dehydrated too; artificial heat from furnaces/heaters can dry the air and create dehydration.
• Be cautious of leaving pets in cars during cold weather months. When the car is off it doesn't take very long for the temperature to drop inside, leaving it nearly as cold as outside the vehicle.

Common sense, a little extra precautions and keeping an eye on the weather goes a long way to securing the health and well-being of your pet.

Keep warm out there!