Christmas 4 Dogs...

What is Christmas 4 dogs? It is an event put on by me and the volunteers that help me. This event is a give back to the dog fancier for the years of support. You do not have to be a student of mine in order to have a free run for your dog nor will you be recruited to be one.

 If you're another trainer's student it does not matter.

 You are limited to 1 free dog  per family. If you have a dog that you like to work or a retired dog that would like a turn on sheep then bring it out.

 It does not need to be a trained dog but should be socialized. 

Multiple dogs per owner/family have a greatly reduced rate of  $15, after the first dog which is free.

Offer limited to available stock and day light hours.

Christmas for dogs happens no matter the weather, sure the turn out is not as good on a rainy day but the closeness offered by the season is still there.  



 

Yesterday, California's anti-pet legislation AB 241, AB 243 and AB 1122 were vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger thanks to the combined efforts of PetPAC, California Federation of Dog Clubs and We the People Pets.

The Weather...

 The weathermen do their best, it is just not good enough.

Keep foul weather gear available to you at all times. Training and trialing go on no matter the weather. The exception is if the facility is rendered unusable.

Another thing to remember is that we do not put up the lights at class on rainy days so if you can not make it out before dark you probably will not get training that day.  


      The Sheep...(lambs coming)

Many of the ewes are close to giving birth to their lambs. It is more important than ever to treat them kindly while you're working with them.

This means that dogs chasing them has to be brought to a minimum. A gentle nudge into their side to get them into the chute, dragging them with the crook by the neck all have different consequences during this time of year and is never a good idea anytime
Their udders have dropped and become a target to some dogs. Vulvas are swollen and prominent and become a target now. "My dog has never done that before" is now not an excuse because I am warning you ahead of time to be more careful than you are normally.

On the bright side for the beginners, the ewes are not going to be moving so fast and will be more accepting of your help to keep the dog off them. If you do not, they will be more likely to defend themselves.

Lambs have been born at class so some delays in the running of the class will happen. Do not worry: ewes that close to lambing are not used for lessons!
 

November, 2005