CLASSES, CLINICS AND OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION AND ARTICLES

CLINICS

PULL CLINIC Saturday, June 30, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

WHERE: Sunnydell Shooting Grounds 292 Dryke Rd., Sequim, WA 98382

COST: $90 (1 person plus one dog) includes sack lunch for both you and your dog. Maximum class size is 20 dog/person teams. If there is an overflow, we will schedule a second workshop.

Much of the time will be spent working with the dogs outside. Dress for the weather - rain and sun.

INSTRUCTORS :

EQUIPMENT:

We will supply equipment. However, if you have your own harness and tugline, please bring them. You also can bring scooters and rigs to show to classmates.

DESCRIPTION: Class begins with harness fitting and displays of scooters, rigs, sulkies, etc. There will be handouts.

There will be a brief discussion of the various dog pulling sports.

We will be near the tennis courts for the class exercises in teaching your dog to pull on command, line out, on by and other commands (Gee, Haw, Easy, Whoa, etc) and conditioning and training using drags.

Lunch will be on the grounds, bring a folding chair. During lunch there will be several lectures on foot care, conditioning for dogs, care and feeding your dog, and time for Q&A.

After lunch, class will go back outside for more hands-on training. We will do more exercises and other useful conditioning and training exercises. The last activity will be pulling the scooters/sulkies.

Click here to see the AGENDA.

REGISTRATION:

Register and pay ONLINE, or DOWNLOAD and print an application. If you wish to buy "Dog Scooter - the Sport for Dogs who Love to Run" by Daphne Lewis, add $17 or "Travel at the Speed of Dog - A Guide to Dog Driving" by Darlette Ratschen, add $15.00. (You can also buy the books at the clinic.) Please include your name(s), phone number, cell number, email, address, name of dog, preference for lunch (meat, veggie or none), and any comments, suggestions or questions.

If you do not own your own harness, please arrive early to give us time to fit your dog.

DIRECTIONS:

Here's a Google Map.

HOTEL INFO:
Dog-friendly hotel: Econolodge, 801 E. Washington St., Sequim, WA 98382 (360) 683-7113 GOOGLE MAP

CAMPING:
Sequim Bay State Park
Dungeness Rec Area

ARTICLES

Foot Care by Becky Loveless

Your dog’s feet are like the tires on your vehicle. if they are not cared for you will not get far. Get your dog used to having their feet handled. Picking up the feet, spreading the toes and looking in between. Check toenail length, keeping them clipped back is essential. If your dog has dew claws keep them short as well. It does not matter if the dog is standing or lying down. I find it easier for the first time after a run they are tired and easier to handle.

Create a habit of checking each foot after each run. Looking for pad wear, tears on the pad. Look inside the underside of the foot for splits. Practice putting on booties BEFORE you need them.

Familiarize yourself with the anatomy of the your dogs feet. This will help you understand why these things occur and how to heal injuries and perhaps prevent them.

Keep it fun; you and your dog will be pros in no time.

Travelling with your Dog by Becky Loveless

First of all, you don't have to have a fancy setup to travel with your dogs. Ventilation is the most important thing in this region. Packing gear around crates can block air flow and easy access to the dogs. Be sure to consider how idling in traffic and exhaust from your vehicle or others can affect the dogs, as can direct sun or rain showers.

No dogs hanging out open windows, or loose in the back of open pickup trucks! This is dangerous and illegal! A canopy cover can be a great way to take dogs and gear. A few modifications and good air flow make for a nice ride.

If carrying dogs inside the vehicle, make sure there is adequate ventilation. Air conditioning is wonderful, but consider what you will do if it quits working. I do not like loose dogs inside, but if it works for you, great. Sudden stops can create a problem for you and the dogs. I have been using portable soft-sided crates that allow me to put 2 big dogs in the back seat of my truck. When I leave the dogs for ANY reason in the car, I have windows open and try to park out of the sun. Temps can rise to dangerous levels quickly even with no sunshine.

If you are travelling for more than a few hours, remember that dogs need a potty and stretch break too. We stop approximately every 4 hours to stretch and pee, we offer the dogs water as well...No food however,since we have a few dogs that get a bit car sick. These are just a few essentials! Make your own list and keep it handy to check off BEFORE you leave. I just hate driving around looking to buy stuff I forgot.

List of stuff to pack:

Shot record. Carry shot records with you any time you leave your property with your dogs.

Poop scoop & baggies. This is my personal pet peeve. Pick up after your dogs when they are out in public.

Water & bowls

Dog treats & Dog food

Leash, harnesses & lines

Dog booties

Heat Stroke

Heatstroke occurs when normal body mechanisms cannot keep the body’s temperature in a safe range. Animals don’t have the efficient cooling system (like humans who sweat) and are overheated easily. A dog with moderate
heatstroke (body temperature 104-106 F) can recover within an hour if given prompt first aid. Allow the dog to drink ample cool water and walk around. Severe heat stroke (106 F) can be deadly and immediate veterinary assistance is needed. Signs of heatstroke include; a bright red tongue, red or pale gums, thick sticky saliva, rapid panting, weakness, imbalance, vomiting, diarrhea and shock. In case of severe heatstroke, transport your dog to the veterinarian immediately. If you are not close to the veterinarian hospital and your dog is conscious, lower the temperature to at least 106 F before going to the vet. Submerging in water is recommended. If limited water is available, apply water to the belly area, groin, behind the ears, the neck and feet. Check the temperature every 5-10 minutes. Stop the cooling process once the temperature reaches 103 F. Do not allow the temperature to drop further. Keep the dog comfortable. You may need to put a blanket or towel over the dog.

Dogs with moderate heatstroke often recover without complicating health problems. Severe heatstroke
can cause organ damage that might need ongoing care, such as a special diet prescribed by your veterinarian.
Dogs who suffer from heatstroke once, increase their risk for getting it again and steps must be taken to
prevent heatstroke on humid days. Keep a rectal thermometer (digital or glass) in your first aid kit and use
it when is doubt.

Reprinted from PetEducation.com/ by Tiffany Cain, veterinary services department, Drs Foster & Smith, Inc.

Here's a GREAT ARTICLE about Heat Stress in Dogs, by Robert L. Downey.