Picking the Perfect Class and Choosing the Perfect Rescue...For You
Training Center
news & updates
November, 2021 | Issue 5
What Class Should We Take?
That depends, though in general, you'll have the greatest success if you start at the beginning. Even if your dog has trained elsewhere, starting at the top will give your pup the opportunity to perfect their skills in a distracting environment, and you'll both have the chance to learn the Redfern way.
After our Beginners' Class, look at your dog's personality and skills to choose your second course. If your dog is a worrier, try Nose Work. If your dog needs better manners, try our Advanced Manners course.
There are many options to consider as a third course.
--If your dog is easily bored, consider the Sampler, which gives Fido a chance to try pretty much everything.
--If your dog loves people and is relatively calm, think about Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Therapy Dog training.
--If your dog needs more work on self-confidence or more exercise, think about Agility.
--If your dog needs more training to master skills, good choices include Rally, Come & Go, and Out & About.
Interested? Check out the class descriptions here for more information.
You Are Simply the Best: Student Awards
Here at Redfern, we're all about teamwork. Handler and canine. A winning combination, and proof that all your hard work pays off. Come celebrate with us. Visit our website here, and see what you and your fellow students have accomplished. This new feature on our website will highlight awards and training goals met. Great job, everyone!
Portia's Piece:
Scent Work and Training and Ribbons, Oh My!
It's been a busy year, but I am not complaining - though I am glad to be back home and ruling the roost. As you may know, I adore scent work, and who doesn't like a little competition against the clock?
I attended three shows to compete in Scent Work Novice Classes. In addition to placing 2nd once, 3rd twice, and 4th twice (based on time), I also finished my Scent Work Novice Exteriors and Containers titles.
I'm still working on a few other areas. The AKC requires that I qualify three times in Scent Work Novice Buried, and Scent Work Novice Exteriors. I've got two in each, just one left to go.
Whew! And one final bit of news. There are puppies on the way--due right after Thanksgiving! Paws crossed for an easy time!
Portia
COVID Update
If you are fully vaccinated, masks are no longer required to attend class at Redfern. If you are not fully vaccinated, or are still in the vaccination process, we ask that you continue masking up for the greater good.
Please note that all of our staff members and volunteers have been vaccinated.
Hand sanitizer will still be available, as will soap and water, and we encourage everyone to continue to practice common sense.
Six foot rule for people still applies. Our standing rule has always been to keep dogs 2 feet apart for safety's sake. That also remains in effect.
Add This Number to Your Phone:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435 (You will need to have a credit card available.)
WAIT!
What You Need to Know BEFORE You Rescue
You all know I'm a breeder. I've bred Labrador Retrievers for years, and many of my pups have trained and worked as both service dogs and therapy dogs. They also make amazing companion animals. Same with my Cavaliers. I talk with folks who are interested in my dogs to make sure we have a good fit BEFORE the pup heads off to a new home.
When you decide to adopt a rescue, it's up to you to determine if a particular breed is going to be a good match. And after that, you need to evaluate the specific dog to see if she/he will be a good member of your family. A little research and legwork ahead of time will save heartache for both you and the dog. Essentially, you need to do what I do when I play matchmaker. I promise, you'll be so glad you did.
Where to start:
research the breed, or combination of breeds if the dog is a mix. If you love to trail run in the heat and humidity of summer, and you want to take your dog along, an English Bulldog may not be the best choice. And if you're a couch potato, then the Border Collie is definitely not a good match. Remember, don't choose a dog based on their physical appearance alone.
Once you have a specific breed that seems like a match, try and learn as much as you can about a specific dog's life experiences. Even the most ideal dog in the breed book can come with a background that influences its behavior. And those can be good or bad.
When you decide on a particular dog, try to find out as much as you can about that dog's history.
When you meet the rescue, watch to see if the dog approaches you, see if it wants to be friendly.
If everything seems to indicate this is a good match, hang on. You'll want to introduce the dog to family members before you adopt. Consider your home and community. Are there many dogs? Children? What is your neighborhood like? It's far better to look before you leap.
There are thousands of happy endings where good folks have successful rescues, and I want yours to be one of them, if you choose the rescue route. But do yourself a favor, and follow these suggestions before you fall in love.
Betsy
Redfern Responds to Unprecedented Demand for Training Classes
Thanks to all our pandemic pups, our puppy and manners classes are filling faster than ever. We have added more classes to try and meet the demand. If a class you want to take is full, you may ask to be put on a wait list.
In the meantime, head over to the Redfern Canines website for up-to-date scheduling, descriptions and registrations.
Go Outside & Play!
The days are crisp and cool and perfect for dog (and people) walking. Here's hoping you head out and enjoy all the season has to offer. Happy Fall!
