PAW Quarterly • FALL 2023 • Volume 1 Issue4

HOLIDAY

Five tips to help your pet look their best for the holidays.

Harnessing your dog’s instincts in a positive way.

The training and commitment involved in a Search and Rescue Team.

A technical look at reactivity from personal experience.

SWEATER WEATHER IS BETTER TOGETHER

– Unknown

Editor

Rob Caleval

Autumn, in all its glory: the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler, and the leaves have begun change from their lively shades of green to the beautiful golds and reds we've come to love, but also dread as a sign of approaching winter. In honour of the changing season, we proudly present to you the Fall edition of Paw Quarterly, a magazine dedicated entirely to our four legged best friends, dogs.

We have some amazing, fall-themed articles for you to enjoy. Check out the Tricks and Treats feature, geared towards getting your dog ready for all the fun and challenges Halloween brings. Or our article on holiday feasts and treats, designed to help you ensure your pet has a healthy, and tasty, fall snacking season. We also have great pieces on search and rescue dog training, grooming, canine reactivity, and impulse control.

All in all, we feel confident you'll find something interesting and educational within these pages. Just remember however, the snow is coming. So take some time to get out there with your furry best friend and enjoy being outside together while you still can.

PAWQuarterly

FALL 2023

Volume 1 | Issue 4

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Rob Caleval

Editorial Enquiries publish@pawquarterly.com

DESIGN & PUBLISHING

Tracy Hahn

CONTRIBUTORS

Emily Garland, Nicole Vaughn, Derrick Fox, Carly Patryluk, Louise Yates, and Lisa Brice.

ADVERTISING & SALES sales@pawquarterly.com

SOCIAL

PAWQuarterly is independently owned and published in Regina, Saskatchewan. Opinions and advice expressed in PAWQuarterly are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or advertisers. PAWQuarterly does not assume liability for content. Articles and information are published for information purposes only. For training, health, or nutritional advice specific to your pet, consult with a trained professional.

All rights reserved ©PAWQuarterly. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. For reproduction requests, please contact publish@pawquarterly.com.

8 365 Days of Training

10 The Technical Side of Reactivity

12 Grooming Tips for the Holidays

14 Impulse Control

19 Top 10 Pet Photography Tips

1.3 CONTRIBUTORS

ROB

CALEVAL

Rob’s poetry and short stories have been published in print and on line. He has a BA in English Literature, and has worked for 17+ years as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher. He spends a significant portion of his free time impersonating a dog bed.

EMILY

GARLAND

Emily is a Dog Trainer and Behaviour Specialist with over 10 years of experience in SK and BC. She enjoys hanging with her pack and participates in flyball, agility, rally-o, and stunt. Emily and her rescued Border Collie Jinks became the first titled Canadian Stunt Dog Team.

CARLY

PATRYLUK

Carly is the owner of House of Paws Pet Boutique and is certified in a variety of pet nutrition areas. Carly believes in continuous learning and when she’s not working with pet parents at her store, she spends her time developing new and engaging methods to empower pet parents to make the best choices for their pet’s nutrition.

LOUISE

YATES

Louise owned and operated K-Lane Kennels near Regina for over 20 years. Since retiring in 2022, she is loving spending time with and training her own dog Seamus, and volunteering with SAR Regina.

TRACY HAHN

Tracy is a multimedia designer and desktop publisher by day, and a dog sport and training enthusiast by night. Her Olde English Bulldogge and Jack Russell Sport Mix keep her busy and alert doing flyball, nosework, agility, and tricks.

NICOLE

VAUGHN

Nicole is a veteran dog groomer, trainer, and partner of the Good2Go Dog Sports Club. When she’s not busy making dogs beautiful, you can find her playing flyball, disc, tricks, and agility with one or more of her pack.

DERRICK FOX

Derrick is currently serving as a member of the Regina Police Service where he has served for almost two decades. Ten of those years were spent in the Canine Unit wherein he was a handler and provincial trainer. Derrick is a member of the CAPDT and IACP and focuses his canine training practice with both working and companion dogs.

LISA

BRICE

Lisa operates Brice Photography out of her home studio with her faithful sidekick Chloe. She knows how important pets are to a family and enjoys being a part of the process in creating something special to display in her clients' homes. Lisa says the best thing about being a photographer is the fun and laughter during a session.

DAYS OF TRAINING

TRICKS & TREATS:

Sharpen your trick training skills in time for Halloween

With Halloween just around the corner, how will your dog react with all the little ghosts and goblins coming to the door?

Some pets may need to be put away to ease their stress and excitement, but others may be able to join in on the fun, dress up in costumes and do their own version of “tricks for treats”.

If your pets tend to bolt for the door, it’s a good idea to keep them on a leash when opening it, and to keep in mind that some adults and children are scared of dogs. Always ask the guardian or read the situation appropriately before letting your pets interact with the children.

It is possible to have a positive experience with children enjoying a few tricks from our furry friends when they come to the door, but know when your pet needs a break, too. There is still time to have a trick sequence ready for a quick performance, and now is the time to start training for your routine. If you will be performing the tricks in costume, practice in costume too.

Start with tricks you know like sit, down, shake a paw, spin, play dead, or roll over. Start putting three or four of those trick behaviours together to perform a sequence.

Read your audience's body language as well as your pet's.

All the excitement and mental stimulation can tire your pet quickly. Take lots of breaks and know when to call it a night.

I like to use is a “sit” to “bang”, “play dead”, “you’re alive”, “roll over”, “jump for joy” or “jump into my arms.” Then a wave goodbye is always fun too. Treat your dog as you go to keep them motivated if you need to, but give them a jackpot of treats at the end.

SAVE YOUR PUMPKINS!

Pumpkin is great for digestion, has a long list of vitamins and nutrients, and most importantly is high in fibre. You can add cooked puréed pumpkin to your dog’s regular diet, or use it as an ingredient for homemade dog biscuits. Cats like them too! Check out the recipes in the treats section.

OCTOBER

Tricks for the Trick or Treaters

Sequencing Tricks for Performance

NOVEMBER

Impulse Control

Calmness & Relaxation

DECEMBER

Training for Travelling

Canine Good Neighbour

SKILL BUILDING PAW

A TECHNICAL LOOK AT REACTIVITY

Insights from Personal Experience

The world of canine reactivity isn't just a subject I study—it's a reality I've lived through. With a decade of experience as a canine trainer and handler, I've encountered the highs and lows of addressing canine reactivity head-on. Our endeavor isn't just about training dogs; it's about knitting together a network of communal support. In this article, I will delve into the knowledge and passion that lie at the core of understanding canine reactivity. My insights stem from both my personal experience and our unwavering training doctrine.

JACK'S STORY: The Catalyst for Transformation

Jacks's reactivity, deeply rooted in his unmet socialization needs during his tenure as a working dog, became the spark that ignited my exploration into canine reactivity and its underlying complexities. This voyage catalyzed a significant shift in my training methodology and spurred FoxK9 to disseminate knowledge for the betterment of other dogs and their devoted owners.

In recounting my saga alongside Jack, my aim is to imbue the work with the emotional weight it warrants—a tribute to the substantial dedication required to forge a path toward resolution. The process demands relentless dedication to unmask the intricate layers of reactivity, revealing how the past has indelibly shaped present responses. Acknowledging the role of history in reactivity fosters a profound empathy that transcends conventional training techniques.

My journey has been marked by extensive research, hands-on experimentation, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. This path illuminates the way toward forging a comprehensive training philosophy— one forged through experiences with a reactive dog. It's an expedition that crafts strategies to address not only surface-level reactivity but also the underlying emotional underpinnings driving such behavior.

A Personal Perspective for Holistic Management

Within this personal perspective lies an implicit emphasis on crafting tailored strategies, prioritizing positive reinforcement, and nurturing emotional connections. It’s this ethos that underscores the uniqueness of every dog and our approach as a whole.

THE THEORETICAL LANDSCAPE OF CANINE REACTIVITY

At the foundation of understanding canine reactivity lies the grasp of its origins. Genetics, triggers, and emotional states are the cornerstones of this complex puzzle:

Genetics and Early Experiences: A dog's behavior is inextricably linked to its breed predisposition and formative traumas. A decade in this realm has revealed how these factors can shape the canine psyche.

Thresholds and Triggers: Identifying individual triggers is indispensable. We, at our center, are unwaveringly committed to exhaustively recognizing these triggers, which serve as the bedrock of effective training.

Emotional States: Beneath every behavior lies an emotional drive. By addressing core emotions like fear and anxiety, we don’t merely train reactions; we forge a connection with their very essence.

A HOLISTIC BLUEPRINT FOR MANAGEMENT

Much like humans, each dog is a unique entity. My personal journey of healing from occupational stress injuries and the insights gleaned as a father shape our approach—an approach brimming with empathy and profound comprehension.

Environmental Management: In a fast-paced world, where environments constantly shift, our focus pivots toward designing controlled spaces that mitigate triggers. Be it altering walking routes or employing innovative desensitization techniques, we tread meticulously.

Positive Reinforcement: Each "good boy" or treat deepens the bond and reinforces positive conduct. Every moment, a canvas for instructive opportunities.

STRATEGIES TO TAME CANINE REACTIVITY

Desensitization and Counterconditioning:

Expertise is distilled into crafting plans, controlled exposure to triggers, and coupling these triggers with affirmative experiences. Classical and operant conditioning converge harmoniously in this regimen.

Focus and Engagement:

We cultivate focus within dogs, guiding them to seek solace in their owners when triggers loom. Trust is cultivated over time, a bond as unyielding as it is steadfast.

Threshold Training:

Respectful of a dog's comfort zone, we gently stretch these boundaries, ensuring training remains minimally stressful yet maximally effective. Resilience burgeons in the face of challenges—a principle as applicable to life as it is to overcoming stressors.

The journey through canine reactivity is a voyage embarked upon by both dogs and their human companions. Ours is a vision that transcends commerce—a mission to nurture the bond, fathom every dog's narrative, and collectively forge a brighter tomorrow. It's a journey that humbly began with a reactive dog named Jack and has now enriched the lives of many dogs and their devoted owners—a relationship of understanding, empathy, and relentless self-improvement.

Derrick Fox, IACP, CAPDT Owner / Operator

Fido and Fox K9 Training Services Professional Canine Trainer

GROOMING TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

It won’t be long before you and your loved ones are preparing for holiday festivities! Here are five tips to help your pet look their best during the hustle and bustle of the season:

1

Book your pet’s professional grooming appointments well in advance!

Groomers often run out of last minute appointments, especially around the holidays, so don’t hesitate to plan ahead. This is especially important if you need a certain time and/or day for your pet’s grooms.

2

PRO TIP:

Your groomer works extra hard around the holidays, so be sure to treat them well!

Step

up your at home brushing efforts as the weather turns.

4

Adding a splash of colour to your pet's coat this holiday season? Make sure the products are pet safe.

Colours made by companies such as Opawz can last anywhere from days to months, depending upon the product line, so be sure to spend some time researching your options.

DID YOU KNOW?

Most pets actually enjoy the pampering process of having dye added to their coats, as well as the extra attention they receive afterwards!

5

Accessorize with festive collars, bows, bandanas, jackets, costumes, or "ugly" sweaters!

3

Keep your pet's nails short with regular trimming.

You can have them filed or dremelled too for added comfort. Some pets may need their nails done weekly, but almost all pets can benefit from having their nails done at least once per month. Regular care will help prevent the quick (blood supply inside the nails) from growing out, and keep your pet’s nails at an appropriate length.

Remember that the holidays will be here in no time!

Good pet grooming habits will help get you through into the New Year, keeping your pet looking and feeling fabulous!

Nicole Vaughn

Grooming Manager at Pawsitively Perfect

With over twenty years of professional grooming experience, Nicole is always happy to help people keep their dogs clean and happy.

IMPULSE CONTROL

Harnessing your dog's instincts in a positive way.

Most of the things we teach our dogs to live peacefully in our homes go against their genetics. Although some breeds may do less of some behaviors and more of others, genetically all dogs bark, chew, jump, dig, chase, run and bite. They don’t naturally stay still, recall, ignore distractions, focus for long stretches, get along with everyone, stay by themselves for long hours or walk on leashes. Owning a dog requires a fair amount of training to help them live successful domestic lives. On one side of the coin, we need to teach them boundaries and skills to fit into our world. On the other, its important to give them safe outlets for those genetics too. Let’s take a look at both sides of that coin.

THE ROOT OF DOMESTIC SKILLS: Impulse Control

Most of that training involves Impulse Control, or simply put, training something that’s opposite to genetics. All of us move forward in action to reach the things we want. If we weren’t designed this way we wouldn’t eat, enter relationships or continue our species. The same goes for dogs.

Our behaviour is shaped by our history of learning as well as our environment. In humans, for example, when we’re at a restaurant, we understand the food comes to us, so there’s no need for us to go hunt it down in the kitchen -unless of course it’s taking a really long time to get to the table. At home, we go get food ourselves. Over many repetitions, we can distinguish context of similar events. We can use the same learning theories with our dogs.

When we specifically focus on impulse control, we can think of it like teaching our learner to:

a) resist temptation

b) to be patient in the face of a temptation

c) that the environmental context changes the usual rules

Let’s Train Some Impulse Control!

To start we focus on the behaviors we want our dogs to continue, while managing the behaviors we want to decrease. I like to train this as an alternate behavior to the more natural version. By focusing on the wanted behavior, we can create new pathways in the dog’s brain, while reducing the need for punishment. At its root, obedience is a set of impulse control skills that help dogs fit into our worlds, allowing more freedom within it!

Some examples:

1) Learning to sit before receiving treats. The alternate behavior of sitting is trained, while genetically the dog would typically be pushier in accessing the food.

2) Waiting to be released out the door, to not run into traffic. The alternate behavior of staying still is trained, while genetically the dog would typically move forward to access the freedom.

3) Learning to keep feet on the floor, to not jump on people. The alternate behavior of keeping feet on the floor is trained, while genetically a people-loving dog might typically move to a more animated greeting.

What’s Next? ENRICHMENT

Teaching our dog impulse control is only one piece of the dog training puzzle. While general manners and obedience will take us a long way, it also can make life relatively boring. Genetically we have an animal who likes to run, dig, chew, chase, search, and play. Basic impulse control makes them easier to live with, but it doesn’t provide much fun. All work and no play is not a great way to live -whether you’re a human or a dog. Alongside our training, our dogs need opportunities to be dogs!

This is broadly called Enrichment. We should be including several different types of enrichment throughout the week, to satisfy various instincts. While some dogs may be best with a routine walk through the same route most days, it’s a bit like eating the same meal every day. At some point it’s bound to be boring! Variety is the spice of life.

Enrichment ACTIVITIES

Walking: in different areas, around different distractions.

Sniffing Games: stopping to sniff, or toss a handful of cookies or kibble into an area to sniff out.

Play a Favorite Old Game: Hide and Seek? Fetch?

Learn Something New: Expand your skills. More difficult stay? Learn a new trick!

High Octane Game: Flirt pole, 2 toy games, or tugging.

Chewing: Give a variety of safe chew options and rotate them for novelty. New Environment: If you tend to do the same walk most days, try tossing in some extra pieces to spice it up!

Stop to Sniff: Find some green space as you go, allowing your dog a few minutes to check the pee-mail.

Playful Obedience: Layer in sits, downs, stays, recalls and other skills. Reward at least some!

Tug: Bring a favorite tug toy and play tug once or twice on your own.

Watch the World: Hang out on a bench and watch the world go by for a few minutes.

Environmental Playing: Use things in your environment to play on. Think of it like K9 Parkour!

Trick for Treat: Every block or two, do a trick! Mix them up.

Structured Enrichment: DOG SPORTS

If your schedule allows for more enrichment opportunities for your dog, you can look into local classes and dog sport groups. In Regina, we have the following canine activities available!

• Agility

• Carting

• Disc Dog

• Nosework

• Scent Hurdle

• Weight Pull

Outlets for Different INSTINCTS

Barking: Teach a quiet bark or have a time and place where barking is allowed and encouraged.

Jumping: Jump on different things when asked. Structured Dog Sports like Agility, Flyball or K9 Parkour.

Chewing: Rotate a box of 3-4 toys every day or two for novelty. Stuff and freeze food toys like Kongs or offer Gorilla Chews and scented toys.

Digging: Have a special digging spot. If you want to deter digging try long line exercise (more running should decrease digging).

Biting: *Please seek help from a personal trainer if you do not know why biting is occurring, to ensure any enrichment activity is a good idea for your individual situation.

Two-toy work, obedience with a toy reward, a flirt pole or a tethered tug tied to a tree or other stable structure.

• Barn Hunt

• Rally Obedience

• Flyball

• Retriever Training

• Trick Training

Running: Long line runs and running beside a bike. Structured dog sports like Agility, Lure Coursing, Draft Dog (Pulling Carts) or searching activities. Chasing: Herd a yoga ball or chase the hose (for brief periods only). Play with a Flirt Pole, multi-toy play or dog sports like Agility, Lure Coursing and Barn Hunt.

Remember, owning a dog is a big responsibility! We need to teach them to live in our world, while fulfilling their instincts as best as possible. Relationships are give and take and as we journey through our relationships with our four legged family members, we need to focus in on balancing our needs and theirs. Your team will only benefit if both sides of the leash are taken care of.

HappyTraining!

EMILY GARLAND, CPDT‑KA, MFA Trainer and Behavioural Specialist

Does your dog LOVE certain behaviors that may not always be appropriate?

Giving them a context where that behavior is allowable can be a great balance between your needs and theirs.

TREATS TO GIVE AND HAZARDS TO AVOID THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

With the holiday season upon us and as we get ready to gather around tables adorned with scrumptious feasts, our furry family is  often right by our side, hoping for a taste of the festivities. As pet health and nutrition advocates who champion the benefits of fresh feeding, we're here to guide you through the holiday season with a list of wholesome treats to share and a few holiday hazards to avoid for your beloved furry family members.

HEALTHY HOLIDAY TREATS FOR YOUR PUP

Lean Meat Delights: Roasted turkey or chicken without the skin and bones can be a delightful treat for your dog. Ensure it's free from any seasonings or sauces and never serve a cooked bone. These lean meats are packed with protein that fuels their energy and supports muscle health.

Veggies Galore: Steamed or boiled vegetables like sweet potatoes, green beans, Brussels Sprouts or carrots make excellent and nutritious additions to your pup's holiday meal. These veggies offer vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants that contribute to their overall well-being. Always be sure to offer small amounts if your furry guy isn't used to eating many veggies to avoid an upset tummy.

Fruit Frenzy: Moderate amounts of fruits, with the exception of grapes and raisins can provide a sweet and juicy snack for your furry friend. Our furry guys can get a lot of benefit from fruit, such as sliced apples, bananas or berries! Remember to remove any seeds or pits, only serve the same part of the fruit you would eat and offer these sweet holiday treats in moderation.

HOLIDAY HAZARDS FOR YOUR PUP

Say No to Cooked Bones: Say No to Cooked Bones: While the temptation to share your holiday turkey or ham bones with your dog is strong, it can be a dangerous mistake. Cooked bones can splinter and pose choking hazards or even cause internal injuries. If you want to share bones with the furry guys, be sure they are raw, meaty bones that are size appropriate for your floof. Never offer cooked or heat treated bones.

Steer Clear of Seasonings: Rich holiday dishes or gravy often contain spices and seasonings that can be harmful to our dogs. Ingredients like onions and excessive salt can lead to gastrointestinal upset or even toxic reactions.

Desserts Are a No-Go: Avoid sharing desserts like pies, cakes, or cookies with your pup. These sugary treats can lead to digestive issues, weight gain, and even more serious health problems like pancreatitis. If your furry guy wants dessert, be sure you are offering a pup-safe option versus the sweets made for people.

Chocolate Alert: Chocolate is a wellknown holiday treat for humans, but it's a definite no-no for dogs. Theobromine, a substance found in chocolate, can be toxic to dogs and lead to symptoms ranging from vomiting to seizures. We never want to leave chocolate where furry lips can get it either so be aware of where chocolate is put out.

Sharing the holiday spirit with our furry family is a heartwarming tradition, but ensuring their safety and well-being should always come first. Opt for simple, fresh, and dog-safe treats to add a dash of joy to their holiday celebrations. Remember, a small plate of pet-safe, wholesome delights is a thoughtful way to include your furry family members in the festivities.

This holiday season, let's celebrate with our floofs by our sides, savouring moments of togetherness and nourishing them with love and care. From our family to yours, we wish you a safe and joyful holiday season filled with tail wags, belly rubs, and treasured memories.

CARLY PATRYLUK House of Paws Pet Boutique

T P

10

Themed pet friendly costumes can be a fun and festive way to capture those special moments. Here are 10 helpful tips on how to photograph your pet this Fall.

Photograph near a window with your pet facing the light. This will ensure your pet is well lit and not in the shadows.

Get down to your pet's level, so they aren't looking up at you. Bring your iPhone to the floor or lay on your belly. For a different perspective you can place your dog on a chair or couch and photograph them upward.

Use a "trigger" word or phrase to get focus from your pet. “Do you want to go for a...” or “Do you want a...” don’t finish the sentence, they will look at you and possibly tilt their head waiting for the word walk, car ride, treat. Avoid using their name, they may want to come to you if they are called by name.

Include your pet with the family, dress up in matching P’J’s or matching Halloween outfits and enjoy having a treat together.

Turn your camera around and switch to 0.5 Ultra Wide lens to get a different look. We did this for some of our photos this past summer and they turned out great!

Print your favorite moments for Fall, Halloween or Christmas. Use an on-line

service to create a photo book or upload your photos to print them at your local photo processing shop.

Book a private photo session with a professional photographer for your Fall, Halloween, and Christmas photos. This way you can be more relaxed and you are less likely to have to worry about distractions for you and your pet.

Patience is key, it could take up to 20 minutes to get one good photograph of your pet.

Use treats to lure your pet's focus and as a re-enforcement. Hold the treat by your camera and move it to where you want your pet to look. Keep moving the treat around to get your pet to look where you want them to.

Make things fun and enjoyable. Always remember, you are creating memories to last a lifetime and beyond.

LISA BRICE Brice Photography

Things to keep in mind when photographing your pets over the holiday season.

By Louise Yates

SEARCH RESCUE AND

The training and commitment it takes to become a Search and Rescue Team.

If you love being with and working with your dog, being outside, and constantly looking for more ways to train your dog, you and your dog could become a Search and Rescue (SAR) Dog Team.

Becoming a SAR Dog Team is great for your dog because it's a physical and mental workout, and it channels their hunting drive. It's great for you because you will build a great relationship and become in tune with your dog's body language, natural instinct and movement.

Water SAR Dog Team in-training Solo and Erin, along with Amy and Chris, who is diving under water, are with the Lethbridge SAR Team.

WHAT ARE SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS?

SAR Dog Teams find people - alive or dead - using a dog's nose to track or air scent on land, in water or buried in snow (avalanche) either as a one-off incident, or during a disaster. You can teach your dog these behaviours as an enrichment activity or hobby, or even more importantly to help people in your community.

Tracking leverages a dog's hunting drive. Dogs use their noses to follow the scent of crushed vegetation made by footsteps, and human scent – bits of skin and bacteria and secretions that waft off our bodies as we go about our days. These human and ground scents interact with environmental conditions such as wind, sun, shade, rain and snow.

Air Scenting is a less precise behaviour than nose-down tracking, but it is quite effective in wilderness areas with heavy bush and grasses. Air scenting goes by many names, including wilderness searching and ground searching.

TRACKING EQUIPMENT

Tracking is one of the most affordable activities you can do with your dog. All you need is a harness, which doesn't restrict your dog's neck or leg movement, about a 25-foot non- tangling leash, and reinforcement items for your dog. For most dogs, reinforcement items are food or toys and playing with you. And, there is no expensive facility rental costs. You simply head outdoors to practice any time you want.

ARTICLES AND ALERTS

In both tracking and air scenting, SAR Dogs hunt for people and articles. For training purposes, typical articles are wool socks, leather gloves, pieces of wood or metal such as washers, keys, or cell phones.

To create a scent article, simply have someone hold the article, or place the article under your shirt for a short time, and just like that, the item becomes a human scented article.

In the same way that dogs are trained to alert on or tell you they have found essential oil odours in the dog sport Nosework, they can be trained to alert on scent articles. Show the dog the article. When the dog moves to it, instantaneously say “yes” or use your clicker, then give your dog a tasty treat. Repeat. Move the article around so your dog moves to it. Do it inside. Do it outside. Your dog will soon realize that articles are very important to you, and that it pays very well to find and alert on articles.

When a dog alerts – or tells you they have found the scent article – they tend to naturally move in a unique way; for example, a head snap, tail flick, a look back to you. You can also train a specific alert; for example, stare at the article, sit or lie down beside the article, or stand and bark at it. You can add a cue word such as “show me” to have them motion to the article, or “tell me” for the bark.

You can introduce articles to the track, often two to four in total depending on length of the track. SAR dogs must become addicted to the act of tracking, and not only be fixated on the article at the end of the track. Otherwise, the dog can run too fast, miss searching entire areas, and tire their handler out who may not be able to keep up with a running dog, especially on very long tracks.

WATER

Water training is very similar to ground SAR K9 Training, except the diver takes the dog's toy underwater and the dog learns to get their toy back by alerting on the diver's scent on the water. It can be done from shore or on a boat. Dogs can detect people - dead or alive - underwater by the bubbles and other human scent that come to the water's surface.

Local dog trainer Derrick of Fox K9 is an expert tracker, who trains alerts using metal washers as scent articles. His technique helped Seamus really focus on articles.

Solo, Amy, Erin and an underwater driver seen as a ripple in the water with the Lethbridge SAR Team.

Human remains or cadaver SAR training using human tissue, teeth or bones as scent articles require special handling because they are biohazards and to prevent crosscontamination.

Air scenting is done with a “run away” where someone runs away with the dog's favourite toy, and the dog, after being restrained, excitedly runs to find the person, and, of course, their toy.

TRAINING

VALIDATION

Tracking dogs are taught to be and think independent of their owners, it's important to not emotionally flatten a dog during training with an excessive use of compulsion.

A dog who is trained on the track using harsh corrections will look to their owner for guidance. However, humans don't have effective noses, and the dog needs to figure things out. It would be easy to shut down a dog by correcting them, while they are properly scenting. They would quickly learn to look like they are tracking, when in reality, they are not “in scent”. They are just behaving as they were told. It's also important to not nag and point. By carefully watching your dog's body language on tracks that you know, you will be better able to hear what your dog is telling you, and really know if your dog is on or off track.

SAR Dog Teams spend their own time and money to train, and therefore can train with whomever they prefer. Several private dog trainers offer group and private classes. Very relevant courses for SAR Dog Teams are play-based reinforcement, tracking, air scenting, obedience, and general socialization to be neutral and have impulse control around distractions, including other dogs. Learning how to send or cast your dog away from you to specific locations from herding or hunting dog handlers or trainers also comes in handy. In addition to checking out local trainers, there are plenty of quality online classes and podcasts at your disposal.

As with anything to do with dogs, different people use different training philosophies and methods. Find trainers who fit with your training methods and advocate for your dog. It's ok to say no to any trainer who wants to do, or wants you to do, something to your dog that you're not comfortable with.

Almost all training is good foundational training for SAR Dogs. There are fantastic synergies between dog sports training and the SAR world. Titling in Rally Obedience, Canine Good Neighbour, and Tracking are obvious choices.

If you're interested in tracking and air scenting as a hobby, research more about Mantrailing. It's a popular dog activity in other jurisdictions and is now catching on in Canada. If you want your SAR Dog Team to officially be deployed to find missing persons through Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers (SARSAV), you must become a SAR member and validate.

Validation ensures that those helping to find and bring home the missing have the capabilities to do the job, and will help rather than hinder during a real search. Only qualified SAR Teams are allowed to participate in missing person searches.

The Agency Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) – usually a police force – decides who is allowed on site, and what validation standards they accept when someone goes missing. Currently the RCMP and Saskatoon Police Service have authorized civilian SAR Dog Team standards. RCMP F division has agreements with SARSAV to provide validation to their RCMP Civilian Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) Dog Standards. Saskatoon Police Service accepts Search and Rescue Dog Association of Alberta (SARDAA) trained SAR Dog Teams validated by the Edmonton Police Services for members of Saskatoon SAR within the City of Saskatoon jurisdiction only.

In tracking and air scenting, let your dog lead the way!

Texas-based AKC Tracking Trainer and Judge Jeff Shaver with Kamloops-based SAR Dog Team Sandra and Tico in Red Deer, AB. Sandra and Tico of SAR Kamloops recently achieved their Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) Tracking Dog Excellence title (CKC TDX).

While other outside organizations offer validations, if you validate to a standard not approved by an AHJ you are working outside of the system, you may be considered as a liability to the search, and will not be deployed by SARSAV as a SAR Dog Team in Saskatchewan.

Most missing person activations in Saskatchewan are called by the RCMP, and they only deploy SAR Dog Teams who have validated against the national RCMP Civilian GSAR Dog Standards, which include tracking, searching, obedience, agility, and temperament. The RCMP definitions for obedience and agility are very different than CKC definitions. The dog must be able to heel, sit, down, heel at a jog and walk, down at heel, stay for five minutes with the handler in sight at least 15 metres away, and recall from 15 metres. Agility is not running through a dog sport agility course. It's more like parkour where your dog has to be fit and nimble to be able to move through bush and on open fields, jumping over and under things, and have stamina.

HUMAN REMAINS, WATER, AND DISASTER VALIDATION

Currently validation in these profiles is only used by Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) through Saskatoon SAR Dog Teams that have validated to standards approved by SPS.

The RCMP is currently developing cadaver/human remains and avalanche standards, and hopefully one day, there will be a way to validate to those profiles. Choosing to validate to a standard not approved by AHJs in Saskatchewan will mean you are not able to be activated for searches.

Work Dog Association (IPWDA). Ottawa validates under a combination of Ontario Provincial Police for live find and North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) for human remains. I have also attended a tracking course with an Alberta woman who is a National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) evaluator and deploys in Texas.

It's essential to want to find missing persons by being a SAR member regardless of if your dog ever validates and is eligible to activate.

To prepare your dog, you will have to devote several hours every week training your dog. Know that some dogs develop physically prohibitive medical problems, validations are stressful, and many dogs never pass. Under the current system, if you're training your dog in human remains, water or disaster work, your SAR Dog Team will not be validated or deployed in Saskatchewan. This may be available in the future.

If you decide to proceed through the RCMP validation process, you must be a member of a SAR chapter, which automatically makes you a member of SARSAV. SAR membership involves providing a criminal record check, taking standard first aid, certifying at the SARSAV Team Leader level, and learning about the command structure in search settings. SARSAV provides entry level to advanced ground search training, and chapter membership also gives you letters of reference from your chapter, and access to bear safety, STARS helicopter landing, navigation and Team Leader level training required by the RCMP.

ing cold and darkness. While training is scheduled in advance, missing person activations can happen at any time. Having an understanding family and workplace who enable you to drop everything at a moment's notice for SAR activations is important.

For more information on tracking and air scenting, or to become a member of Search and Rescue Regina visit searchandrescueregina.org.

To learn more about SARSAVK9 email info@sarsav.org.

Find additional SAR resources related to this article at pawquarterly.com.

Other jurisdictions use outside agencies for validation purposes. Lethbridge Police Service has used SAR dogs validated by International Police

SAR volunteers must be willing to work in the woods, and train during snow storms, rain storms, intense heat, freez-

LOUISE YATES

Retired owner K-Lane Kennels

SAR Regina Member and Director

SAR Regina works with STARS Air Ambulance to train members about helicopter landings. This is Louise!

Photo by Shelly Lambert

Human Remains dog Roo and SAR tracking dog Trakr were the late Pete Garvey's dogs. Pete was a RCMP Officer, Vice President of SARSAV, Chair of SARSAV K9, and professional SAR volunteer who was passionate about the value that SAR dogs could bring to help find the missing.

If you can imagine it... WE CAN PRINT IT.

PRINTERS

WORD SEARCH THEME: SCENT SPORTS

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Treatings

Oh Christmas Treats, Oh Christmas Treats, How YUMMY for my TUMMY! Did you save your pumpkins?

Not only is "Pumpkin" a term of endearment, but the wonderful autumn vegetable is high in fibre, and rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It offers many health benefits for our pet. If you are using fresh pumpkin be sure to cook and mash it first. Get your cookie cutters out and start baking!

Apple Pie Pumpkin Cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 2½ cups whole wheat flour

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup of apple sauce

• 2½ cups of puréed pumpkin (Cook and mash if using the fresh vegetable.)

• 1/8 tsp of cinnamon

METHOD

• Preheat the oven to 350° F.

• Mix ingredients, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick, and place the cut cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet.

• Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.

• Baking time can vary with the thickness of the dough.

Recipes are intended to be a treat. If your pet has any health issues, or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering this treat to your dog.

Creating memories of your furred, feathered and scaled friends that last a lifetime

Shooting on location all over Saskatchewan Pet Studio located in Saskatoon

Events calendar

OCTOBER

OCT 6, 2023 SK

AAC Agility Trial

Standsure Agility Club

3D Distributors (Indoor) 395 - 38 St E, Prince Albert, SK standsure@sasktel.net facebook.com/groups/www.bordercollie.ca

OCT 6 8, 2023 AB

All Breeds Obedience & Rally‑O Trials

Red Deer & District Kennel Club Westerner Park, 4847 19 Street, Red Deer, AB kat_mclaugh@yahoo.ca rddkc.com

OCT 7/8, 2023 AB

SDDA Nosework Trial Coyote Flats

104071 Hwy 843, Picture Butte, AB shaunaferby@hotmail.com sdda.ca

OCT 14/15, 2023 SK

SDDA Nosework Trial

Central Elementary School 327 Walsh Trail, Swift Current, SK pgemb@shaw.ca sdda.ca

OCT 13‑15, 2023 SK

Barn Hunt ‑ Westman Rat Wranglers

The Playground Dog Daycare & Kennels

4Limb Gym – Gym Rats Building Range road 2185, Regina, SK May Fischer: mayleefischer@hotmail.com Ramona Schreiber: ramonas@wcgwave.ca

OCT 13‑15, 2023 MB

Barn Hunt 4UFarms Barn Hunt

4U Farms

lot 833 PR247, Howden, MB

Faye Unrau: Faye@4ufarms.ca

Bev Hendrickson: mcmastersphoto@mymts.net

OCT 14/15, 2023 AB

AAC Agility Trial

Dynamo Dogsports

Dynamo Dogsports Training Hall 9519 49th ste, Edmonton, AB

dogsport.org@hotmail.com dogsport.org

OCT 14/15, 2023 AB

AAC ‑ Agility Trial

Kayenna Training Academy

Kestrel Ridge Farm

242002 Range Road 32, Calgary, AB trials@kayenna.ca kayenna.ca

OCT 15, 2023 SK

CKC Rally Obedience Matches

KAOS Dog Sports

Indoors at 1311 Ottawa St, Regina, SK obedience@kaosdogsports.ca kaosdogsports.ca

OCT 20‑22, 2023 SK

SDDA Nosework Trial

Archie Anderson Paviillion and Coronet Motor Hotel 100 Exhibition Dr., Prince Albert, SK info@sportingdetectiondogs.ca sdda.ca

OCT 21, 2023 AB

AAC Agility Trial

Flashing Canines Agility Club

Steiners Arena

17455 Hwy 875, Tilley, AB michellelarsonfk9@hotmail.com flashingcanines.ca

OCT 27 29, 2023 AB

Obedience,Rally O, & Scent Hurdling Trials

Battle River Canine Association

Camrose Regional Exhibition

4250 Exhibition Drive, Camrose, AB kat_mclaugh@yahoo.ca battlerivercanine.ca

OCT 27 29, 2023 MB

Barn Hunt Westman Rat Wranglers

Quarry K9 Day Camp & Resort Inc. NE corner of Hwy #7 & Hwy #67 77027 PTH 7, SW34-13-2E, Stonewall, MB

MJ Heaps: quarryk9@gmail.com

Ramona Schreiber: ramonas@wcgwave.ca

OCT 28/29, 2023 SK

AAC Agility Trial

Moose Jaw Dog Club

Golden Mile Arena (indoor) 250 Thatcher Drive, Moose Jaw, SK moosejawdogclub@gmail.com ww1.moosejawdogclub.com

OCT 28/29, 2023 AB

AAC Agility Trial

Free Spirit Dogs

#103 & 104 2321 - 9 St., Nisku, AB hanna@freespiritdogs.com freespiritdogs.com

OCT 28/29, 2023 AB

AAC Agility Trial

Sundog Agility

Vale Prairie Trails (Indoor) 81011 RR 205, Lethbridge, AB sundogagility@gmail.com sundogagility.com

NOVEMBER

NOV 4/5, 2023 SK

Flyball Tournament

KAOS Dog Sports

Indoors at 1311 Ottawa St, Regina, SK flyball@kaosdogsports.ca kaosdogsports.ca

NOV 4/5, 2023 AB

AAC ‑ Agility Trial

Dynamo Dogsports Training Hall 9519 49th ste, Edmonton, AB dogsport.org@hotmail.com dogsport.org

NOV 5, 2023 AB

AAC Agility Trial Kayenna Training Academy

Kestrel Ridge Farm 242002 Range Road 32, Calgary, AB trials@kayenna.ca kayenna.ca

NOV 5, 2023 AB

SDDA Nosework Trial

Canine Development and Testing

1267 Lake Sundance Cres., SE, Calgary, AB

Tamara Champagne: sportcanines@gmail.com

NOV 9, 2023 AB

AAC Agility Trial Free Spirit Dogs

#103 & 104 2321 - 9 St., Nisku, AB hanna@freespiritdogs.com freespiritdogs.com

NOV 9‑12, 2023 MB

Conformation/Obedience/Rally O

Wheat City Kennel Club

The Keystone Centre, 1175 18th St., Brandon, MB Corinne Walker: prairieskykennel@gmail.com

NOV 11/12, 2023 AB

AAC Agility Trial

Calgary Agility Association

Al Azhar Fezdome (indoor) 5225 101 Street NW, Calgary, AB caatrialsecretary@gmail.com calgaryagility.com

NOV 17 19, 2023 AB

Conformation/Obedience/Rally O Lethbridge & District Kennel Club Agri-Food and Trade Center 3401 Parkside Drive S, Lethbridge, AB Erin Verway: events@verwey.ca lethbridgekennelclub.com

NOV 18, 2023 SK

AAC Agility Trial Moose Jaw Dog Club

Golden Mile Arena (indoor) 250 Thatcher Drive, Moose Jaw, SK moosejawdogclub@gmail.com ww1.moosejawdogclub.com

NOV 18, 2023 AB

AAC ‑ Agility Trial

Rocky Mountain Agility Club Okotoks Agricultural Society Okotoks, AB carolle.sutter@gamil.com rockymountainagility.com

NOV 24‑26, 2023 AB

Conformation/Obedience/Rally‑O Evelyn Kenny Kennel & Obedience Club Agriculture Building, Stampede Park 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB Erin Verway: events@verwey.ca

NOV 25, 2023 AB

AAC ‑ Agility Trial

Flashing Canines Agility Club Steiners Arena

17455 Hwy 875, Tilley, AB michellelarsonfk9@hotmail.com flashingcanines.ca

NOV 25/26, 2023 AB

AAC Agility Trial

Dynamo Dogsports Training Hall 9519 49th ste, Edmonton, AB dogsport.org@hotmail.com dogsport.org

DECEMBER

DEC 2, 2023 AB

AAC Agility Trial

Dogs At Large

Neitak Equestrian Centre

50416 RGE RD 10, Stony Plain, AB zazulat@telusplanet.net dogsatlarge.ca

DEC 2/3, 2023 AB

AAC ‑ Agility Trial

Northside Agility Club

Wet Creek Stables (Indoor) Rocky View No 44, Balzac, AB jlfurseth@gmail.com northsideagility.com

DEC 8‑10, 2023 SK

AAC ‑ Agility Trial

Furever Fun Dog Training

Over The Top Riding Arena Moose Jaw, SK dsweekes@shaw.ca dsweekes.wixsite.com/furever-fun

DEC 9/10, 2023 AB

AAC Agility Trial

Dynamo Dogsports Training Hall 9519 49th ste, Edmonton, AB dogsport.org@hotmail.com dogsport.org

DEC 14, 2023 AB

AAC Agility Trial Free Spirit Dogs

#103 & 104 2321 - 9 St., Nisku, AB hanna@freespiritdogs.com freespiritdogs.com

DEC 14, 2023 AB

AAC Agility Trial Top Spot Agility

Okotoks Agricultural Society- Indoor facility Okotoks, AB topspotagility@gmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/302176573323264

To see the events calendar or to submit your own event visit pawquarterly.com /events.