Month of January/February 2012
A New Year and New Beginnings
Happy 2012! It’s the start of a brand new year and if you’re like me, resolutions are made, some are kept, and yes, some are broken. I’ve told myself this year to try and stay positive, continue practicing patience, and to become more motivated to work with my dogs. I’ve become slack, and it is beginning to show. I need to stay inspired and one of the ways I do this is by taking classes at Bella’s K9 Academy. I feel more energized, I enjoy meeting new people, and I benefit from sharing experiences with the other students.
Bella offers various classes; Obedience Level One and Two, Rally, Agility and Bella has just added a new (3 week) class called “Clicker Tricks.” Clicker Tricks was met with great enthusiasm and is a fun way to spend time with your pet! No prerequisites, just treats and a positive attitude!
The cold weather is starting to set in and if you feel like you need to get out, and would like to find an enjoyable activity you and your pet can participate in, I highly recommend Bella’s classes. Did you get a new furry companion over the holidays and have you thought about taking classes once your new puppy is a little older? Bella would love to have you stop by and observe any one of the various classes being offered. You’ll be able to view Bella’s training methods, watch new students work with their pets and be inspired as you see those smiles come over their faces as they realize “we’ve done it.” Or, if you happen to observe a more advanced class, you may think to yourself, “ I want to be able to do that with my dog.”
There are also Rally and Agility classes that are a little more physical, but still a tremendous amount of fun. For more information on upcoming classes, please see the schedule for times and dates and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call. I hope your plans for the New Year will include setting a little time aside to join one of Bella’s classes. I know without a doubt, you won’t regret it!
Submitted by: Debbie Smith
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Bella's puppy Scotty is growing up!
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Scotty is such a good boy!
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What a handsome boy! |
Winter Safety
We’ve been pretty fortunate so far, but the cold weather is slowly approaching and it’s important that special care be provide to assure that your pet is safe and warm. Here are a few steps that will help with your pet’s safety during the cold winter months.
1. Don’t leave your dog outside for extended periods of time when it is below freezing. Allow your dog to come in from time to time and provide your pet with a safe shelter. If your dog is an outside dog, a dog house should be provided with enough room for your dog to lie in. The floor should be covered with blankets, straw or cedar shavings. The door should face away from the wind and have a heavy flap to keep the cold air out.
2. Pets that spend the majority of their time inside need time to adapt to the colder weather. If left outside for too long, dogs that get chilled may develop hypothermia or frostbite. Ear tips are especially susceptible to frostbite. You may also want to trim the hair around your dog’s feet to prevent ice balls from forming or purchase dog boots. You can also try a little Vaseline or Pam spray to keep the snow off of your dog’s feet.
3. Outdoor dogs need more food in the cold weather to keep warm. It takes more energy in the cold to keep body temperatures regulated. They also need fresh water that doesn’t freeze. Check the water dish regularly to make sure drinking water is available and isn’t frozen.
4. Check your car for anti-freeze leaks from your radiator and don’t leave radiator fluid around the garage. Anti-freeze has a sweet taste which is attractive to dogs, and a very small amount ingested can be extremely dangerous.
5. We all know keeping your pet on a leash is important so they don’t get lost (especially when away from home). In the snow it is harder for your dog to track scents and they can become lost very easily and may not be able to find their way home. Be cautious as well when walking or playing with your dog near frozen ponds or lakes. Your dog could slip or jump in and get injured.
6. When entering your home from a nice brisk walk, make sure to wipe/wash your pet’s paws. Rock salt and snow melting products can be dangerous or even poisonous if your pets should lick its paws. Salt products may also burn the pads of your dog’s paws.
Let’s make sure we start 2012 right and do our very best to give our pets a happy, healthy winter!
Submitted by: Debbie Smith
Bella's K9 has a new Facebook Page!
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Schedule of Events
January 28, 2012
9:00 a.m. (Sat)
*Level 1 Obedience*
8 week class
February 16, 2012
6:30 p.m. (Thurs)
*Level 1 Obedience*
8 week class
March 24, 2012
12:30 p.m. (Sat)
*Level 1 Obedience*
8 week class
March 29, 2012
7:45 p.m. (Thurs)
*Level 2 Obedience*
Must have completed Level 1 Obedience
8 week class
Follow the link for class
description to help select
the class best suited for you:
Please take a few minutes to enjoy our
New Agility Video (created using Smilebox)
featuring Bella's students
http://smilebox.com/playBlog/4d6a51304d6a4d334f44593d0d0a&blogview=true
and also enjoy our Rally Video
http://smilebox.com/playBlog/4d6a4d794e5463304e7a6b3d0d0a&blogview=true
**if the video doesn't appear, please arrow back and try again**
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