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What Is a “Reputable Breeder”? A reputable breeder…
OBEDIENCE
• Does not breed for profit or “so our children can experience the miracle of birth.” People with
dogs often use this as an excuse to breed their dog to another. A reputable breeder is devoted
to breeding the best examples of the breed standard.
• Usually owns only one breed, two at most – a sure sign they are committed to the breed.
• Only breeds occasionally, with very careful consideration given to what dog to breed to which
bitch. In most instances, the breeder intends to keep one exceptional puppy from the litter for
future breeding.
• Will tell you both the good and the bad characteristics
of the breed as well as any health issues inherent in
the breed, and will provide proof that the parents of
the litter have been cleared of any breed-specific
genetic problems.
• Does not keep other dogs hidden when you come to
visit. A reputable breeder is proud to show off all their
dogs and wants you to meet them.
• Registers their dogs with the American Kennel
Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC). Any other
registry is merely a guise to make you believe the
dog is “registered.”
• Can show you a three-generation pedigree on the
puppies, not just the registration papers on the parents.
• Usually belongs to some sort of club – local kennel
club, national or regional breed club, obedience club, etc.
• Usually participates in some sort of dog-related
events such as dog shows, obedience, agility, herding,
field trials, lure coursing, earth dog trials, etc. In other
words, the breeder is actively engaged with the dogs.
breed rescue
Breed rescue is also a good
way to go. Nearly every breed
has a rescue organization
whose job it is to take in dogs
that, for whatever reason,
are no longer able to live in
their original home, and then
to find a new, suitable home
for the dog. They often do a
variety of temperament and
health tests and will even do
behavioral work and training
with troubled dogs to rehabilitate them and get them ready
for adoption. The best way
to find the rescue organization for a particular breed is
through akc.org.
• Is willing to give references from previous puppy
buyers. Talking to other owners will help you assess
the character of the breeder.
• May ask you for references and should ask you lots of questions. Expect to feel interrogated
before the breeder decides to sell you a puppy. The breeder has invested years of experience,
a great deal of money, and a tremendous amount of heart into breeding these puppies. He or
she wants to ensure that the puppies go to the very best homes.
• May ask you to sign a contract requiring that the puppy be spayed/neutered (also known as
“limited registration”) and that you return the puppy to the breeder in the event you are ever
unable to care for it.
• Believes in service after the sale. If you have questions regarding health, training, grooming,
or feeding, the breeder will make it clear that he or she will be there for you long after your
puppy is no longer a puppy.
• Will never sell puppies through a retail outlet or animal broker.
How Do You Find a Reputable Breeder?
• Visit the American Kennel Club website at www.akc.org.
Each breed has a breeder referral section.
• Visit the breeder referral section of Northwest Arkansas’
Kennel Club website at http://www.nwakennelclub.com/.
• Ask a veterinarian.
• Attend a dog show or other dog-related event.
• Ask anyone you know who may show dogs or work their dogs in obedience. Even if the
person doesn’t have the breed you’re interested in, he or she probably knows someone
who does.
Handler: Annette Robek
Dog: Radar
Breed: Keshond
Title: Rally Novice
Handler: Carol Rushing
Dog: Doris
Breed: English Springer Spaniel
Title: Beginner Novice
Handler: Mary Haney
Dog: Honey
Breed: All American Dog
Title: Rally Novice
Handler: Grace Clark
Dog: Scout
Breed: Smooth Collie
Title: Rally Novice
Handler: Ed Minar
Dog: Jack
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Title: Rally Advanced
Handler: Ed Minar
Dog: Jack
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Title: Rally Excellent
Handler: Valerie Murphy
Dog: Sashay
Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog
Title: Rally Excellent
AGILITY
Handler: Susan Pierce
Dog: Zoe
Breed: Pomeranian
Title: Novice Preferred
Jumpers with Weaves
Handler: Mary Haney
Dog: Carter
Breed: All American Dog
Title: Standard Agility
Novice Preferred
Handler: Alison Bradley
Dog: Brandy
Breed: All American Dog
Title: Novice Jumpers with Weaves
• Ask a dog groomer.
Voted “The Very Best!” in NWA
by Celebrate Magazine, 2011
Phone 479.444.0300
2893 N. College, Fayetteville, AR 72703
In this issue: Holiday Hazards | Clinic Profile | The Right Dog For You | Reputable Breeders | Client Profile
visit us today...
The Canine Connection
CanineConnectionFayetteville.com
Find us on Facebook!
479.444.0300
Monday–Friday
7am to 6pm
2893 N. College Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Visit www.CanineConnectionFayetteville.com
for detailed driving directions
the canine calendar
New Class Start Dates
Beginner Obedience:
Tuesday, January 24, 6:30 pm
Saturday, January 28, 11:00 am
Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 pm
Saturday, March 10, 11:00 am
Intermediate Obedience:
Tuesday, January 24, 7:45 pm
Tuesday, March 6, 7:45 pm
These classes are subject to postponement
due to inclement weather. Please check the
website for the most current information:
www.CanineConnectionFayettville.com.
Ongoing Classes
Monday, 6:30 pm, Advanced Obedience
Monday, 7:45 pm, Intermediate Agility
Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Beginner Obedience
Tuesday, 7:45 pm, Intermediate Obedience
Wednesday, 6:30 pm, Advanced Agility I
Wednesday, 7:45 pm, Advanced Agility II
Thursday, 6:30 pm, Puppy Preschool
Thursday, 7:45 pm, Conformation
(on hiatus until Spring)
Saturday, 11:00 am, Beginner Obedience
In case of inclement weather, please check
our Facebook page or website for notice
of cancellation. If class is cancelled, an
announcement will be posted at least
two hours before class starts.
holiday hazards and toxic temptations
Homes are decked out with sparkly lights and once-a-year décor. Family and friends gather to
celebrate the season. It’s a festive time, and folks come together to enjoy one another at meals
and parties. However, few of us stop to consider the potential problems – some of them quite
serious – that face dogs during the holidays. Here are some dangers to keep in mind:
Toxins
• Keep dogs away from raw rising bread dough. Ingestion can lead to potentially fatal
alcohol toxicity.
• Chocolates are a mainstay of the holidays, but they can lead to extreme and
even fatal reactions in dogs.
• Macadamia nuts, a less well-known toxin, can lead to temporary paralysis in dogs.
• Raisins (and grapes) are toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause irreversible
kidney damage. Be careful when baking.
• Onions can also cause kidney damage. Lots of holiday foods include onions. Keep a
close eye on the cutting board.
• Mixed drinks set on low tables can be appealing but quite dangerous to dogs. Be sure
to keep drinks out of reach.
• Poinsettias are toxic to dogs, as is mistletoe (just a couple of berries can be fatal). Keep
these seasonal plants away from dogs.
• Turkey, chicken, and pork bones are very dangerous for dogs. If you feed your dog
table scraps – and keep that to a minimum! – make sure they are bone-free.
• Finally, and this may be news to a lot of us, feeding a dog rich treats throughout the day
can lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous canine reaction. Lots of guests may think they’re the only
ones offering the dog a pinch of something fatty. Warn your visitors to avoid doling out treats.
Hazards
• Lights require lots of extra electrical cords during the holidays. Dogs can chew through these
cords and experience a change of pressure in their lungs or even be electrocuted.
• Sometimes, dogs are attracted to glass Christmas tree ornaments and actually eat them.
The glass itself as well as the metal hooks they hang on can, obviously, cause internal injury.
To avoid these problems, you can secure the tree to the ceiling with fishing line and hang glass
ornaments toward the top. Be sure to supervise your dog when you are home, and confine him
when you’re gone if he is likely to knock it down or go after cords or ornaments.
• Family visitors can bring dogs, automatically assuming that their pets will get along with the
household ones, but it doesn’t always turn out that way. Such encounters can lead to fights.
Introduce the dogs very cautiously under controlled circumstances, and have a backup
boarding plan in place in the event the dogs don’t play well together.
• The holidays tend to elicit candlelight. Keep flames out of reach of inquiring noses.
• Dogs boarded for the holidays can be susceptible to Bordetella (“kennel cough”). Be sure
they are properly vaccinated, and that all kennel-required vaccinations are completed
before you leave.
• If you take your dog on a holiday trip in an airplane, and the dog will travel in the cargo area,
be very careful to follow veterinarian directions regarding sedatives. High altitude can amplify
the effect of the drug and put the dog in real, even fatal, danger.
• Dogs can experience stress during the holidays if there is a lot of activity or many
unfamiliar people in the home. Make sure to spend a bit of time with your dog each day
to calm him and maintain a feeling of routine.
saving grace: the animal emergency clinic of northwest arkansas
Veterinary clinics abound in Northwest Arkansas. They generally offer a range of services
including acute care for injured or ill animals,
and are typically open during business hours
on weekdays. But what happens if, God forbid, your dog is hit by a car or eats something
poisonous after hours? In the event of a crisis, some vets are available on call, but they
don’t have the benefit of a full staff on duty
when they arrive at the clinic. Other clinics
don’t have an on-call service at all.
Enter the Animal Emergency Clinic of
Northwest Arkansas (AECNWA). Open
nights, weekends, and holidays, it is the
only exclusively emergency care veterinary
clinic in the region. The clinic is ready to act
immediately with full-time veterinarians and
support staff any time during its operating
hours a pet is brought in. Unlike day-service
clinics, the facility retains specialized equipment and is able to perform unique services
like drug and plasma transfusions.
The cost of service is higher than that of
daytime-operated veterinary clinics, and there
are several important reasons for that. Staffing, utility, repair, and training costs are much
higher because the emergency clinic is open
over 130 hours a week, and most pets that
arrive at AECNWA require more extensive
care than those that arrive at daytime clinics,
requiring highly trained staff.
The spirited Carol Rushing serves as the
clinic’s medical director. She was working as
a veterinarian in California in 2001 and came
ing and futons where people can have a quiet
connection with their pets. This component is
indicative of the understanding and concern
the clinic has for its animal patients as well
as the people who love them. In an environment where crisis is a constant, the expertise,
accessibility, and sensitivity offered by the
clinic provides Northwest Arkansas with an
unparalleled resource.
Dr. Chris Koester, Dr. Carol Rushing, and Dr. Kyle Shaw
to Northwest Arkansas to visit her sister.
“It was Cinco de Mayo,” she recalls. “Margaritas were involved. Suddenly it seemed like
a good idea to move to Arkansas.” She was
recruited specifically to serve as the medical
director of AECNWA and has headed
the clinic ever since.
“You can imagine we see a lot of sad things,
and sometimes it’s too late to save the animal
by the time it arrives at the clinic,” Rushing says. To keep their spirits up, the staff
engages in a lot of humor. They recently held
a pumpkin painting party. Once staff member
painted her pumpkin silver and turned the
stem into a trunk, pasting great big cardboard elephant ears on the sides. When an
intoxicated client learned his kitten couldn’t
be saved, he became belligerent and kicked
the elephant pumpkin twenty feet across the
lobby. The staffer who created the pumpkin
claimed, “I guess Dumbo really can fly!”
AECNWA has a “comfort room” with dim light-
A Canine Connection Connection
In her free time, Carol Rushing raises and
shows English Springer Spaniels. She has
had a longtime relationship with The Canine
Connection and has attended virtually every
class offered with various of her dogs.
Oversight
AECNWA opened in November 2001 and is
owned by thirty-three veterinarian-investors
from around Northwest Arkansas.
Veterinarians
Carol Rushing, D.V.M., Medical Director
Chris Koester, D.V.M.
Kyle Shaw, D.V.M.
Hours
6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday — Thursday
6 p.m. Friday — 7 a.m. Monday
Holidays: 6 p.m. the night before the holiday
to 7 a.m. the morning after the holiday ends
Website: www.aecnwa.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/
Animal-Emergency-Clinic-of-NorthwestArkansas/260993351547
you fell in love and then...
You always wanted a soft, fluffy Collie. You
were crazy about the sleek silver fur of a Weimaraner. Maybe you dreamed of resting your
head against the belly of a big Old English
Sheepdog. You thought about it and thought
about it and finally took the plunge: you
bought the dog from a breeder. You found an
inexpensive breeder, perhaps the lowest-cost
breeder around. You spent $300 instead of
$800, and you came home with a treasure.
Things were great at first. Your puppy played
with the kids, kept you company after a hard
day at work, romped in the yard. Then trouble
set in. The dog turned out to be too highenergy, or shed constantly, or it needed
much more space than you could give it.
Perhaps he became sick, expensively sick.
He nipped at the kids. He had unexpected
behavioral problems. Your breeder couldn’t
be reached or wouldn’t help. It becomes clear
that your dog may have come from a puppy
mill or was poorly bred or was sick in its
early months. The
$300 puppy becomes a $2,500
challenge.
Determining
the right breed
and finding a
reputable breeder
are crucial when
selecting a dog.
You’ll be spending a decade or more with this
companion. Make sure it’s the right one for you.
So You Want a Dog
buck and juli: a canine lovers’ love story
On a chilly winter afternoon, Buck Jackson
recalls, “I got an initial email about a blind date.
The person asked if I liked dogs. It wouldn’t have
worked if I hadn’t.” Thus began the courtship of
Buck, a senior IT specialist at IBM, and his blind
date Juli Dorrough, a VP at JB Hunt, two of The
Canine Connection’s longtime clients. The pair of
dog lovers clicked immediately and in just a year
Buck proposed. (Romance continues to abound
in their storybook
marriage: Buck
sends Juli flowers
every month!)
Doggie day care
has been a real
benefit to the
couple’s busy
lives. Juli’s Great
Dane Gracie was
the first dog Canine Connection
owner Valerie Murphy met in day care, at what
was then Canine College. “Gracie was so wound
up when I got home,” Juli says. “I heard about
day care, and it made all the difference.” Day care
allowed Gracie to expend her ample energy while
having fun with other dogs, and at the end of
the day she was happy and relaxed at home.
When Canine College closed and Val opened
The Canine Connection, Juli and Buck were
immediate clients and instant friends. The
pair added Great Dane Stella to their family
in 2005. When Gracie passed away in 2007,
Buck pushed for a new Dane, but Juli was
resistant. A Canine Connection client needed
to find a new home for an eight-month-old
Dane puppy named Mollie, and Buck “fell
in love with her.” Juli came around. While
Buck was at work, she took Mollie home. The
puppy greeted Buck at the door to a joyous
“What’s she doing here?!”
From that moment on, Mollie and Stella have
been inseparable. The very next day at The
Canine Connection, the dogs spontaneously
began their practice of what can only be
called “The Great Dane Ballet,” jumping
and dancing with legs in the air.
The couple has passed on their love for dogs
to their daughter, fifteen-month-old Zella
(named after Juli’s grandmother). The
toddler’s affection
extends to all kinds of
dogs, but she especially
cherishes her two
canine housemates.
All of the couple’s dogs
have been through The
Canine Connection’s
obedience classes, and
they go to day care every day. Stella, in fact, has
spent virtually every weekday of her life at day
care, expending energy and having fun. Buck and
Juli board the dogs at The Canine Connection
regularly when they travel.
Like all Canine Connection dogs, Mollie and
Stella are treasured. Each morning when, she is
dropped off, Stella walks around Val’s desk. The
two stare into each other’s eyes and have what
Val calls their “moment,” a quiet, intimate connection. Satisfied, Stella heads into the play area to
romp with Mollie and their friends until Mom or
Dad picks them up at the end of the day. Along
with Buck, Juli, and Zella, Stella and Mollie make
up a quite a full house, with the striking creatures
contributing an abundance of warmth and fun.
We’ve all grown up with fantasies about the
kinds of dogs that would suit us. But there
can be a vast difference between our preconceptions about a type of dog and the reality of
their challenges, needs, and rewards. Before
you go with impulses, gather information.
Research can save you years of frustration.
To Breed and Make Some Money? Odds
are you’ll spend more money raising, training,
feeding, caring for, grooming, vaccinating,
buying equipment, and dealing with unexpected problems with your dogs than you’d
ever hope to make from selling offspring.
To Have Something To Love You? Dogs
do deliver unconditional love, but remember
that they have their own wide and sometimes
“un-fun” variety of needs, too, and you’ll have
to attend to them.
don’t forget...
Local shelters as a source for pure breds
and wonderful mixed breeds. Staff can
enlighten you about particular dogs that
have characteristics to match your needs
and lifestyle, and you can come home
with a loving pet who truly needs a family.
To Share Your Life? Yes! As you provide for
the needs of another living creature, you and
your family will be unconditionally loved and
benefit from a feeling of safety, and your kids
will have the playmate of their dreams.
Just before a new baby comes is just
exactly the wrong time to get a dog! The
infant’s requirements for energy, attention,
and time are exhausting enough. Wait until
you’ve caught your breath.
What a Dog Will Demand
No, no, no to the holidays. This time of year
tends to be fun but highly chaotic, and a new
pet’s needs get lost in the shuffle. Remember
you should never give a dog as a surprise gift.
Exercise: a big, mellow pup may be fine
with a stroll around the park while a wiry
racer may help you lose your love handles!
Emotional connection, which can be the
best part of having a dog, as well as the
hardest when it’s time to say goodbye.
Education, whether it comes from obedience
courses or a one-on-one trainer (with books
as supplementary guides): it equals the
difference between a dog who drives everyone crazy and poses harm to himself and
others, and a pup who integrates beautifully
into your daily life.
A financial commitment that may far exceed what you imagine, covering everything
from vet bills to new fencing in your yard to
all-day air conditioning in the summer.
Time, and not only house-cleaning and
grooming but play and petting, since dogs
are social animals and need hands-on
engagement to feel secure.
Which is Right Dog for Me?
Male or female? Common wisdom argues
that males are more aggressive while
females are calmer and more affectionate,
but this isn’t always true. Consult your
veterinarian or trainer for advice; depending
on the breed, the opposite may be true.
Big or little? Teacup-size pups or a great
big canine companions each have their
delights, but tiny dogs can easily be subject
to hypoglycemia and dehydration, and huge
pooches tend not to have long life-spans.
A puppy or an older dog? Puppies are
unarguably adorable, but they demand a LOT
of work, while older dogs are often trained in
the basics of household living and can easily
become members of the family.
Space: some pups are fine curling up in a
tiny apartment; others require a house with
a big backyard for sniffing and sprawling
and roaming.
Beware of adopting pets who come from
puppy mills or who have been raised in kennel crates, as their lack of socialization can
cause problems with people and animals.
Be Sure You Know Why You Want a Dog
When Is the Best Time to Get a Dog?
For the Kids? A loving pup can make a great
playmate, but don’t expect children to follow
through on their “I really will take care of it all
by myself, Mom” promises!
The right season. Housebreaking a puppy
in winter requires repeated races to the frigid
outdoors, and trying to socialize a pup when
snow-covered dog parks are deserted can
be a big mistake.
Deciding on the right dog should take some
time. Despite the effort, you’ll be happy you
matched your newfound dog with the life you
lead. The end is definitely worth the means.
For Protection? A reliable watchdog is a
wonderful thing, but that dog will need ample
training to insure that he protects you from
threats and not from friends, and that he
doesn’t become a danger to strangers.
Vacation is a great time to introduce a new
dog into your home, but try to approximate a
schedule that’s similar to the one the dog can
expect once your ample free time is over.
Recommended Reading: For help on
making your choice; Paws to Consider,
Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
For a dog breed profile quiz: http://animal.
discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html
training tip
Communication with our dogs is everything. We are frustrated when they don’t do what we want them to do, but their actions are usually the result of
a lack of communication. In training, we teach dogs behaviors that we want them to do (sit, down, come, etc.) and we communicate by rewarding
appropriate behavior when it happens. But when we direct our dogs to stop an undesirable behavior, we are all too often guilty of failing to reward dogs
once they cease that behavior. For example, barking, begging, pulling on the leash, or jumping on you or guests can be met with a frustrated “No” or an
“Off,” but not followed with positive reinforcement. Always have treats in your pocket and be ready to reward your dog with ample praise for responding
appropriately to your commands, whether you’re teaching them what to do or what not to do.
saving grace: the animal emergency clinic of northwest arkansas
Veterinary clinics abound in Northwest Arkansas. They generally offer a range of services
including acute care for injured or ill animals,
and are typically open during business hours
on weekdays. But what happens if, God forbid, your dog is hit by a car or eats something
poisonous after hours? In the event of a crisis, some vets are available on call, but they
don’t have the benefit of a full staff on duty
when they arrive at the clinic. Other clinics
don’t have an on-call service at all.
Enter the Animal Emergency Clinic of
Northwest Arkansas (AECNWA). Open
nights, weekends, and holidays, it is the
only exclusively emergency care veterinary
clinic in the region. The clinic is ready to act
immediately with full-time veterinarians and
support staff any time during its operating
hours a pet is brought in. Unlike day-service
clinics, the facility retains specialized equipment and is able to perform unique services
like drug and plasma transfusions.
The cost of service is higher than that of
daytime-operated veterinary clinics, and there
are several important reasons for that. Staffing, utility, repair, and training costs are much
higher because the emergency clinic is open
over 130 hours a week, and most pets that
arrive at AECNWA require more extensive
care than those that arrive at daytime clinics,
requiring highly trained staff.
The spirited Carol Rushing serves as the
clinic’s medical director. She was working as
a veterinarian in California in 2001 and came
ing and futons where people can have a quiet
connection with their pets. This component is
indicative of the understanding and concern
the clinic has for its animal patients as well
as the people who love them. In an environment where crisis is a constant, the expertise,
accessibility, and sensitivity offered by the
clinic provides Northwest Arkansas with an
unparalleled resource.
Dr. Chris Koester, Dr. Carol Rushing, and Dr. Kyle Shaw
to Northwest Arkansas to visit her sister.
“It was Cinco de Mayo,” she recalls. “Margaritas were involved. Suddenly it seemed like
a good idea to move to Arkansas.” She was
recruited specifically to serve as the medical
director of AECNWA and has headed
the clinic ever since.
“You can imagine we see a lot of sad things,
and sometimes it’s too late to save the animal
by the time it arrives at the clinic,” Rushing says. To keep their spirits up, the staff
engages in a lot of humor. They recently held
a pumpkin painting party. Once staff member
painted her pumpkin silver and turned the
stem into a trunk, pasting great big cardboard elephant ears on the sides. When an
intoxicated client learned his kitten couldn’t
be saved, he became belligerent and kicked
the elephant pumpkin twenty feet across the
lobby. The staffer who created the pumpkin
claimed, “I guess Dumbo really can fly!”
AECNWA has a “comfort room” with dim light-
A Canine Connection Connection
In her free time, Carol Rushing raises and
shows English Springer Spaniels. She has
had a longtime relationship with The Canine
Connection and has attended virtually every
class offered with various of her dogs.
Oversight
AECNWA opened in November 2001 and is
owned by thirty-three veterinarian-investors
from around Northwest Arkansas.
Veterinarians
Carol Rushing, D.V.M., Medical Director
Chris Koester, D.V.M.
Kyle Shaw, D.V.M.
Hours
6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday — Thursday
6 p.m. Friday — 7 a.m. Monday
Holidays: 6 p.m. the night before the holiday
to 7 a.m. the morning after the holiday ends
Website: www.aecnwa.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/
Animal-Emergency-Clinic-of-NorthwestArkansas/260993351547
you fell in love and then...
You always wanted a soft, fluffy Collie. You
were crazy about the sleek silver fur of a Weimaraner. Maybe you dreamed of resting your
head against the belly of a big Old English
Sheepdog. You thought about it and thought
about it and finally took the plunge: you
bought the dog from a breeder. You found an
inexpensive breeder, perhaps the lowest-cost
breeder around. You spent $300 instead of
$800, and you came home with a treasure.
Things were great at first. Your puppy played
with the kids, kept you company after a hard
day at work, romped in the yard. Then trouble
set in. The dog turned out to be too highenergy, or shed constantly, or it needed
much more space than you could give it.
Perhaps he became sick, expensively sick.
He nipped at the kids. He had unexpected
behavioral problems. Your breeder couldn’t
be reached or wouldn’t help. It becomes clear
that your dog may have come from a puppy
mill or was poorly bred or was sick in its
early months. The
$300 puppy becomes a $2,500
challenge.
Determining
the right breed
and finding a
reputable breeder
are crucial when
selecting a dog.
You’ll be spending a decade or more with this
companion. Make sure it’s the right one for you.
So You Want a Dog
buck and juli: a canine lovers’ love story
On a chilly winter afternoon, Buck Jackson
recalls, “I got an initial email about a blind date.
The person asked if I liked dogs. It wouldn’t have
worked if I hadn’t.” Thus began the courtship of
Buck, a senior IT specialist at IBM, and his blind
date Juli Dorrough, a VP at JB Hunt, two of The
Canine Connection’s longtime clients. The pair of
dog lovers clicked immediately and in just a year
Buck proposed. (Romance continues to abound
in their storybook
marriage: Buck
sends Juli flowers
every month!)
Doggie day care
has been a real
benefit to the
couple’s busy
lives. Juli’s Great
Dane Gracie was
the first dog Canine Connection
owner Valerie Murphy met in day care, at what
was then Canine College. “Gracie was so wound
up when I got home,” Juli says. “I heard about
day care, and it made all the difference.” Day care
allowed Gracie to expend her ample energy while
having fun with other dogs, and at the end of
the day she was happy and relaxed at home.
When Canine College closed and Val opened
The Canine Connection, Juli and Buck were
immediate clients and instant friends. The
pair added Great Dane Stella to their family
in 2005. When Gracie passed away in 2007,
Buck pushed for a new Dane, but Juli was
resistant. A Canine Connection client needed
to find a new home for an eight-month-old
Dane puppy named Mollie, and Buck “fell
in love with her.” Juli came around. While
Buck was at work, she took Mollie home. The
puppy greeted Buck at the door to a joyous
“What’s she doing here?!”
From that moment on, Mollie and Stella have
been inseparable. The very next day at The
Canine Connection, the dogs spontaneously
began their practice of what can only be
called “The Great Dane Ballet,” jumping
and dancing with legs in the air.
The couple has passed on their love for dogs
to their daughter, fifteen-month-old Zella
(named after Juli’s grandmother). The
toddler’s affection
extends to all kinds of
dogs, but she especially
cherishes her two
canine housemates.
All of the couple’s dogs
have been through The
Canine Connection’s
obedience classes, and
they go to day care every day. Stella, in fact, has
spent virtually every weekday of her life at day
care, expending energy and having fun. Buck and
Juli board the dogs at The Canine Connection
regularly when they travel.
Like all Canine Connection dogs, Mollie and
Stella are treasured. Each morning when, she is
dropped off, Stella walks around Val’s desk. The
two stare into each other’s eyes and have what
Val calls their “moment,” a quiet, intimate connection. Satisfied, Stella heads into the play area to
romp with Mollie and their friends until Mom or
Dad picks them up at the end of the day. Along
with Buck, Juli, and Zella, Stella and Mollie make
up a quite a full house, with the striking creatures
contributing an abundance of warmth and fun.
We’ve all grown up with fantasies about the
kinds of dogs that would suit us. But there
can be a vast difference between our preconceptions about a type of dog and the reality of
their challenges, needs, and rewards. Before
you go with impulses, gather information.
Research can save you years of frustration.
To Breed and Make Some Money? Odds
are you’ll spend more money raising, training,
feeding, caring for, grooming, vaccinating,
buying equipment, and dealing with unexpected problems with your dogs than you’d
ever hope to make from selling offspring.
To Have Something To Love You? Dogs
do deliver unconditional love, but remember
that they have their own wide and sometimes
“un-fun” variety of needs, too, and you’ll have
to attend to them.
don’t forget...
Local shelters as a source for pure breds
and wonderful mixed breeds. Staff can
enlighten you about particular dogs that
have characteristics to match your needs
and lifestyle, and you can come home
with a loving pet who truly needs a family.
To Share Your Life? Yes! As you provide for
the needs of another living creature, you and
your family will be unconditionally loved and
benefit from a feeling of safety, and your kids
will have the playmate of their dreams.
Just before a new baby comes is just
exactly the wrong time to get a dog! The
infant’s requirements for energy, attention,
and time are exhausting enough. Wait until
you’ve caught your breath.
What a Dog Will Demand
No, no, no to the holidays. This time of year
tends to be fun but highly chaotic, and a new
pet’s needs get lost in the shuffle. Remember
you should never give a dog as a surprise gift.
Exercise: a big, mellow pup may be fine
with a stroll around the park while a wiry
racer may help you lose your love handles!
Emotional connection, which can be the
best part of having a dog, as well as the
hardest when it’s time to say goodbye.
Education, whether it comes from obedience
courses or a one-on-one trainer (with books
as supplementary guides): it equals the
difference between a dog who drives everyone crazy and poses harm to himself and
others, and a pup who integrates beautifully
into your daily life.
A financial commitment that may far exceed what you imagine, covering everything
from vet bills to new fencing in your yard to
all-day air conditioning in the summer.
Time, and not only house-cleaning and
grooming but play and petting, since dogs
are social animals and need hands-on
engagement to feel secure.
Which is Right Dog for Me?
Male or female? Common wisdom argues
that males are more aggressive while
females are calmer and more affectionate,
but this isn’t always true. Consult your
veterinarian or trainer for advice; depending
on the breed, the opposite may be true.
Big or little? Teacup-size pups or a great
big canine companions each have their
delights, but tiny dogs can easily be subject
to hypoglycemia and dehydration, and huge
pooches tend not to have long life-spans.
A puppy or an older dog? Puppies are
unarguably adorable, but they demand a LOT
of work, while older dogs are often trained in
the basics of household living and can easily
become members of the family.
Space: some pups are fine curling up in a
tiny apartment; others require a house with
a big backyard for sniffing and sprawling
and roaming.
Beware of adopting pets who come from
puppy mills or who have been raised in kennel crates, as their lack of socialization can
cause problems with people and animals.
Be Sure You Know Why You Want a Dog
When Is the Best Time to Get a Dog?
For the Kids? A loving pup can make a great
playmate, but don’t expect children to follow
through on their “I really will take care of it all
by myself, Mom” promises!
The right season. Housebreaking a puppy
in winter requires repeated races to the frigid
outdoors, and trying to socialize a pup when
snow-covered dog parks are deserted can
be a big mistake.
Deciding on the right dog should take some
time. Despite the effort, you’ll be happy you
matched your newfound dog with the life you
lead. The end is definitely worth the means.
For Protection? A reliable watchdog is a
wonderful thing, but that dog will need ample
training to insure that he protects you from
threats and not from friends, and that he
doesn’t become a danger to strangers.
Vacation is a great time to introduce a new
dog into your home, but try to approximate a
schedule that’s similar to the one the dog can
expect once your ample free time is over.
Recommended Reading: For help on
making your choice; Paws to Consider,
Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
For a dog breed profile quiz: http://animal.
discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html
training tip
Communication with our dogs is everything. We are frustrated when they don’t do what we want them to do, but their actions are usually the result of
a lack of communication. In training, we teach dogs behaviors that we want them to do (sit, down, come, etc.) and we communicate by rewarding
appropriate behavior when it happens. But when we direct our dogs to stop an undesirable behavior, we are all too often guilty of failing to reward dogs
once they cease that behavior. For example, barking, begging, pulling on the leash, or jumping on you or guests can be met with a frustrated “No” or an
“Off,” but not followed with positive reinforcement. Always have treats in your pocket and be ready to reward your dog with ample praise for responding
appropriately to your commands, whether you’re teaching them what to do or what not to do.
fiholiday
nding ahazards
reputableand
breeder
toxic temptations
recent titles
What Is a “Reputable Breeder”? A reputable breeder…
OBEDIENCE
• Does not breed for profit or “so our children can experience the miracle of birth.” People with
dogs often use this as an excuse to breed their dog to another. A reputable breeder is devoted
to breeding the best examples of the breed standard.
• Usually owns only one breed, two at most – a sure sign they are committed to the breed.
• Only breeds occasionally, with very careful consideration given to what dog to breed to which
bitch. In most instances, the breeder intends to keep one exceptional puppy from the litter for
future breeding.
• Will tell you both the good and the bad characteristics
of the breed as well as any health issues inherent in
the breed, and will provide proof that the parents of
the litter have been cleared of any breed-specific
genetic problems.
• Does not keep other dogs hidden when you come to
visit. A reputable breeder is proud to show off all their
dogs and wants you to meet them.
• Registers their dogs with the American Kennel
Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC). Any other
registry is merely a guise to make you believe the
dog is “registered.”
• Can show you a three-generation pedigree on the
puppies, not just the registration papers on the parents.
• Usually belongs to some sort of club – local kennel
club, national or regional breed club, obedience club, etc.
• Usually participates in some sort of dog-related
events such as dog shows, obedience, agility, herding,
field trials, lure coursing, earth dog trials, etc. In other
words, the breeder is actively engaged with the dogs.
breed rescue
Breed rescue is also a good
way to go. Nearly every breed
has a rescue organization
whose job it is to take in dogs
that, for whatever reason,
are no longer able to live in
their original home, and then
to find a new, suitable home
for the dog. They often do a
variety of temperament and
health tests and will even do
behavioral work and training
with troubled dogs to rehabilitate them and get them ready
for adoption. The best way
to find the rescue organization for a particular breed is
through akc.org.
• Is willing to give references from previous puppy
buyers. Talking to other owners will help you assess
the character of the breeder.
• May ask you for references and should ask you lots of questions. Expect to feel interrogated
before the breeder decides to sell you a puppy. The breeder has invested years of experience,
a great deal of money, and a tremendous amount of heart into breeding these puppies. He or
she wants to ensure that the puppies go to the very best homes.
• May ask you to sign a contract requiring that the puppy be spayed/neutered (also known as
“limited registration”) and that you return the puppy to the breeder in the event you are ever
unable to care for it.
• Believes in service after the sale. If you have questions regarding health, training, grooming,
or feeding, the breeder will make it clear that he or she will be there for you long after your
puppy is no longer a puppy.
• Will never sell puppies through a retail outlet or animal broker.
How Do You Find a Reputable Breeder?
• Visit the American Kennel Club website at www.akc.org.
Each breed has a breeder referral section.
• Visit the breeder referral section of Northwest Arkansas’
Kennel Club website at http://www.nwakennelclub.com/.
• Ask a veterinarian.
• Attend a dog show or other dog-related event.
• Ask anyone you know who may show dogs or work their dogs in obedience. Even if the
person doesn’t have the breed you’re interested in, he or she probably knows someone
who does.
Handler: Annette Robek
Dog: Radar
Breed: Keshond
Title: Rally Novice
Handler: Carol Rushing
Dog: Doris
Breed: English Springer Spaniel
Title: Beginner Novice
Handler: Mary Haney
Dog: Honey
Breed: All American Dog
Title: Rally Novice
Handler: Grace Clark
Dog: Scout
Breed: Smooth Collie
Title: Rally Novice
Handler: Ed Minar
Dog: Jack
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Title: Rally Advanced
Handler: Ed Minar
Dog: Jack
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Title: Rally Excellent
Handler: Valerie Murphy
Dog: Sashay
Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog
Title: Rally Excellent
AGILITY
Handler: Susan Pierce
Dog: Zoe
Breed: Pomeranian
Title: Novice Preferred
Jumpers with Weaves
Handler: Mary Haney
Dog: Carter
Breed: All American Dog
Title: Standard Agility
Novice Preferred
Handler: Alison Bradley
Dog: Brandy
Breed: All American Dog
Title: Novice Jumpers with Weaves
• Ask a dog groomer.
Voted “The Very Best!” in NWA
by Celebrate Magazine, 2011
Phone 479.444.0300
2893 N. College, Fayetteville, AR 72703
In this issue: Holiday Hazards | Clinic Profile | The Right Dog For You | Reputable Breeders | Client Profile
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CanineConnectionFayetteville.com
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479.444.0300
Monday–Friday
7am to 6pm
2893 N. College Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Visit www.CanineConnectionFayetteville.com
for detailed driving directions
the canine calendar
New Class Start Dates
Beginner Obedience:
Tuesday, January 24, 6:30 pm
Saturday, January 28, 11:00 am
Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 pm
Saturday, March 10, 11:00 am
Intermediate Obedience:
Tuesday, January 24, 7:45 pm
Tuesday, March 6, 7:45 pm
These classes are subject to postponement
due to inclement weather. Please check the
website for the most current information:
www.CanineConnectionFayettville.com.
Ongoing Classes
Monday, 6:30 pm, Advanced Obedience
Monday, 7:45 pm, Intermediate Agility
Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Beginner Obedience
Tuesday, 7:45 pm, Intermediate Obedience
Wednesday, 6:30 pm, Advanced Agility I
Wednesday, 7:45 pm, Advanced Agility II
Thursday, 6:30 pm, Puppy Preschool
Thursday, 7:45 pm, Conformation
(on hiatus until Spring)
Saturday, 11:00 am, Beginner Obedience
In case of inclement weather, please check
our Facebook page or website for notice
of cancellation. If class is cancelled, an
announcement will be posted at least
two hours before class starts.
holiday hazards and toxic temptations
Homes are decked out with sparkly lights and once-a-year décor. Family and friends gather to
celebrate the season. It’s a festive time, and folks come together to enjoy one another at meals
and parties. However, few of us stop to consider the potential problems – some of them quite
serious – that face dogs during the holidays. Here are some dangers to keep in mind:
Toxins
• Keep dogs away from raw rising bread dough. Ingestion can lead to potentially fatal
alcohol toxicity.
• Chocolates are a mainstay of the holidays, but they can lead to extreme and
even fatal reactions in dogs.
• Macadamia nuts, a less well-known toxin, can lead to temporary paralysis in dogs.
• Raisins (and grapes) are toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause irreversible
kidney damage. Be careful when baking.
• Onions can also cause kidney damage. Lots of holiday foods include onions. Keep a
close eye on the cutting board.
• Mixed drinks set on low tables can be appealing but quite dangerous to dogs. Be sure
to keep drinks out of reach.
• Poinsettias are toxic to dogs, as is mistletoe (just a couple of berries can be fatal). Keep
these seasonal plants away from dogs.
• Turkey, chicken, and pork bones are very dangerous for dogs. If you feed your dog
table scraps – and keep that to a minimum! – make sure they are bone-free.
• Finally, and this may be news to a lot of us, feeding a dog rich treats throughout the day
can lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous canine reaction. Lots of guests may think they’re the only
ones offering the dog a pinch of something fatty. Warn your visitors to avoid doling out treats.
Hazards
• Lights require lots of extra electrical cords during the holidays. Dogs can chew through these
cords and experience a change of pressure in their lungs or even be electrocuted.
• Sometimes, dogs are attracted to glass Christmas tree ornaments and actually eat them.
The glass itself as well as the metal hooks they hang on can, obviously, cause internal injury.
To avoid these problems, you can secure the tree to the ceiling with fishing line and hang glass
ornaments toward the top. Be sure to supervise your dog when you are home, and confine him
when you’re gone if he is likely to knock it down or go after cords or ornaments.
• Family visitors can bring dogs, automatically assuming that their pets will get along with the
household ones, but it doesn’t always turn out that way. Such encounters can lead to fights.
Introduce the dogs very cautiously under controlled circumstances, and have a backup
boarding plan in place in the event the dogs don’t play well together.
• The holidays tend to elicit candlelight. Keep flames out of reach of inquiring noses.
• Dogs boarded for the holidays can be susceptible to Bordetella (“kennel cough”). Be sure
they are properly vaccinated, and that all kennel-required vaccinations are completed
before you leave.
• If you take your dog on a holiday trip in an airplane, and the dog will travel in the cargo area,
be very careful to follow veterinarian directions regarding sedatives. High altitude can amplify
the effect of the drug and put the dog in real, even fatal, danger.
• Dogs can experience stress during the holidays if there is a lot of activity or many
unfamiliar people in the home. Make sure to spend a bit of time with your dog each day
to calm him and maintain a feeling of routine.