For the third year in a row, Frontier K9 is proud to host “Presents of Puppies” a supply drive for the Humane Society of Clinton County in Frankfort, Indiana. In past years, our clients and friends helped the puppies of two mommas thrive at the humane society. This year, we want to make sure all the pets looking for homes are cared for not only during the holiday season, but all year round!
The most important things that are needed, every year, is the proper nutrition for both cats and dogs (as well as puppies and kittens). Outside-of-the-box thinking can also include gas cards for volunteers, pet store gift cards or any type of fundraising.
So, once again, we are accepting donations at Frontier K9, as well as at the humane society in Frankfort. I can pick up any donations from my students when we meet for lessons, or any time that’s right.
Below is the list of items specifically requested from the humane society:
Please feel free to share this list of much-needed items! Donations will be accepted until January 31, 2023, and will be delivered soon after. (Though, we’ll never turn down donations.)
**Please note that the brand of food is important: Rescues and humane societies try to keep their animals’ diets consistent to avoid making them sick. When donating food, please check with the group (if not through us) as to what type they prefer to feed.
It’s hard to believe that it’s already almost summertime. The mercury is rising, thus making the time we spend outside short to avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion. So, how are you supposed to accomplish walking your dog or doing training outside during the summer?
Here are some quick tips for summer walks and training:
Keep a towel that’s been soaked in water and then frozen in a cooler to take with you. You can use this to lay down to allow your dog to lay on top or stand on with his paws to cool off throughout the walk/training session.
Carry a water bottle specifically for your dog and a collapsible water bowl and stop for frequent water breaks.
Speaking of frequent breaks, if there is shade available, utilize that as a place to stop to rest and to do your training.
Avoid walking on pavement or concrete starting midday until the sun starts to set. You can tell how the pavement is by placing your hand (palm down) onto the pavement–that’s how it feels to your dog’s paw pads.
Make your training sessions short–10-15 minutes maximum. You can do multiple sessions throughout the day if you need to work on more.
When going for walks, try to find a local area that offers plenty of shade like a local park. Your best bet is to find a park with trails and creeks to allow your dog to take breaks in the water (but still bring his own water and water bowl). Plus, doing this will allow for a fresh scene and fresh scents, which can be fun!
During summer playtime and training, it’s important to know the signs for heat stroke in your dog and what to do:
Raised temperature (101.5° is normal)
Rapid breathing and panting
Excess salivation and thickened saliva
Fatigue or depression
Muscle tremors
Staggering
If you spot these signs, get your dog inside your home or car with the air conditioning and contact your vet immediately.
Wrap your dog in cold wet towels (not frozen), especially the underarm/belly/groin area. A fan may be used on the dog during the cooling process.
Check your dog’s temperature every five minutes and end the cooling treatment when the temperature is down to 103°. Avoid cooling too rapidly to avoid shock. Allow access to cool water, but don’t force your dog to drink. Your vet may push IV fluids if dehydration is a concern.
Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the outdoors with your dog! Take many breaks, drink plenty of water and keep an eye on conditions for a safe and fun summer break!
The sport of Schutzhund in America found its roots starting in 1957, in California. The first German Shepherd (GSD) fanciers began to train together under the tutelage of Czechoslovakian immigrant, Gernot Riedel. This group later became the first U.S. Schutzhund Club in 1958. The first Schutzhund trial held in America was in 1963. However, the first official SV (the sanctioning club in Germany), sanctioned trial was in 1969.
In 1972, the parent GSD breed club in Germany required trials to be held under the GSDCA, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. However, this was short lived and in 1975, the GSDCA declared a moratorium on all trials because the AKC (American Kennel Club), did not want to be involved with the sport. This continues on today.
Due to this, on November 21, 1975, the United Schutzhund Clubs of America was formed. In 1975 there was only six full member clubs registered with the USCA. In 2013 the number had increased to 200 full member clubs.
In March of 2000 the first all GSD National IPO3 Championship was held. This is the world qualifier championship that determines what team will represent the USA at the World Championship. Today the World Qualifier is known as the USCA GSD IPO3 National Championship. Also lovingly called, “The Nationals.” Both nationals and worlds are held by different clubs that are full clubs recognized by the USCA.
I have been taking lessons with O.G. Indianapolis Schutzhund und Polizei, which is a working dog organization and a longstanding member of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America, Mid Eastern Region. I am so grateful for all the assistance the members have given me and Creed. I have found a group that is like a family, and I always hope my clients can feel that way when they work with me.
If you are interested in Schutzhund and would like to find a club or trial near you, checkout the USCA website at www.germanshepherdog.com.
So you got a new puppy… Congratulations!! Or, maybe you’re planning on bringing home a puppy, or adopting a foster dog. However you’re welcoming your new canine best friend, congratulations! It’s so exciting to be bringing home a new companion. That’s why we’ve compiled 15 items for your New Dog Shopping List:
Dog Crate We crate train all of our puppies, if you’re bringing home a puppy by yourself (without anyone to hold on while driving home), you’ll want to have some place safe for the puppy to stay in the vehicle. I love the Midwest Life Stages Crates because they allow for the crate to grow with the puppy (in most of the larger sizes), thanks to the moveable divider. To save money, purchase a crate the size that your puppy will be full grown, just make sure there is a divider to help shrink the crate down as he grows.
Dog Toys Puppies love to play, and they love to CHEW. Fill up your dog toy box with lots of different textured toys, from soft to nubby, strong fabric to rubber. The Kong Puppy toys allow for chewing that’s soft enough, but strong enough that the puppy teeth can’t tear it apart. Have a larger plush toy that can be rubbed on momma and littermates to bring the scene of the puppy’s family home with you to alleviate some separation stress.
Chewies Heads up: Puppies like to chew. And, when they’re looking to chew, they don’t discriminate. It’s a common complain of new puppy owners. But, it’s important to realize that chewing is healthy for the puppy—he’s maturing and trying to shed his puppy teeth. Avoid rawhide chewies and start with natural chews like bully sticks, antlers, Himalayan chews, etc.
Collar & Leash This should probably be at the top of the list, because hopefully you have something to bring your puppy home with. However, a nice flat collar that has lots of room for adjustment is a nice place to start. Then, I recommend a leash that is called a “drag line” that you don’t mind if the puppy drags it through dirt outside—it’s used to help you catch the puppy when outside and working on recalls. Then, a leather leash can be used for walks and training classes. Collars don’t need to be fancy—after all, he’s going to grow out of it quickly.
Nametag/Microchip Purchase a nametag to include on your collar to help identify your puppy until you can get him microchipped at your vet clinic. Talk with your veterinarian about a suitable time for microchipping (some prefer to do the microchip while the puppy is under for spay/neuter procedures for ease).
Bed/Blanket When you go to pick up your puppy, most breeders might send you home with a “puppy blanket” which has been rubbed on the litter and mother and has that familiar scent to allow for comfort. However, I recommend taking one with you do to so, just in case. Then, have a soft, but not too big or overwhelming bed for the puppy to learn that’s his spot in the living room or in his crate. Place the puppy blanket on the bed for comfort.
Puppy Food Your breeder will most likely recommend a food to start feeding your puppy right away. Follow the breeder’s instructions until speaking with your veterinarian. We feed Purina ProPlan and know what works for our dogs and what doesn’t. Do not switch food cold turkey. Again, this is an important question to ask your breeder and your vet within the first day.
Food and Water Bowls We use stainless steel food and water bowls, and those are generally your best, and easiest, bet for your puppy. I like the ones with the rubber padding on the bottom for the younger dogs, to help mute the noise a stainless steel bowl can make on hard flooring. These are easy to clean and disinfect.
Training Treats Puppy training starts from the moment he comes home. So, have some simple, small treats to start training your pup simple things like responding to his name, coming when called, potty training and obedience learning.
Dog Brush/Comb The type of grooming gear you need depends on the breed of puppy you have. Again, speak with your breeder as to the best tools to combat tangles, dry skin and toenail trims.
Lots of “Dog Towels” We have a cabinet full of old towels that are now “dog towels” ready for whatever we might need them for—drying a dog after a bath or aftercoming in from the rain, cleaning up slobber or cleaning up urine accidents. Don’t be afraid to hit Goodwill to pick up some extras, or make this a good reason to update your bathroom towel sets!
Paper Towels and Cleaning Supplies Puppies will be puppies, and they will make a mess. Having lots of paper towels on hand and cleaning supplies like bleach will help keep things cleaner.
Gates If you have stairs, or you want to restrict access to rooms, invest in some gates to block doorways or a playpen to allow for more controlled free time.
First Aid Kit and Medications Talk with your veterinarian about what flea, tick and worm preventatives will be best for your puppy, and when you should start those protocols. You’ll also want to create a Puppy First Aid Kit to have on hand for accidents and illnesses. (Post to come to outline what we have in ours later.)
Professional Training Once you bring you new fluffy bundle of joy home, contact Erin at Frontier K9 to set up a Puppy Evaluation. We’ll help you get started as a new pair on the right paw…err, foot as we help set you up for success. We’ll work on basic obedience commands and how to have a puppy that’s a good citizen. Start training your puppy early—young minds soak up information so much faster!
For the second year in a row, Frontier K9 is proud to host “Presents of Puppies” as a toy and supply drive for the Humane Society of Clinton County in Frankfort, Indiana. Last year, our clients and friends helped the puppies of two mommas thrive at the humane society. This year, we want to make sure all the pets looking for homes are cared for not only during the holiday season, but all year round!
So, once again, we are accepting donations at Frontier K9, as well as at the humane society in Frankfort. I can pick up any donations from my students when we meet for lessons, or any time that’s right.
Below is the list of items specifically requested from the humane society:
Please feel free to share this list of much-needed items! Donations will be accepted until Dec. 18, and will be delivered soon after. (Though, we’ll never turn down donations.)
**Please note that the brand of food is important: Rescues and humane societies try to keep their animals’ diets consistent to avoid making them sick. When donating food, please check with the group (if not through us) as to what type they prefer to feed.
Hello, FK9 Family! We have an announcement regarding a new class policy that will be enacted starting October 1, 2021:
Due to the growth of Frontier K9 and the inability to add more hours to the day, if you are unable to attend a class or make a training session, you MUST GIVE AT LEAST 24 HOURS NOTICE of your absence.
𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙣𝙤-𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙥 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧 (𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡) 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙙 $25. (Special circumstances will be considered within the 24 hour mark, but you MUST still contact us as soon as possible.)
We appreciate each and every one of our clients in the support you’ve given Frontier K9! Thank you for understanding.
When Frontier K9 first started, I wanted to create a bond that was one-on-one and have a lesson plan specifically tailored to your needs and your dog’s needs. With that model, Frontier K9 has become very successful and has grown in a positive reputation all over Central Indiana.
However, I’ve had some clients express to me the need to try a group setting.
Why would you consider a group obedience training class?
You don’t get out around other dogs much with your dog
Your dog needs socialization
You feel the need for an extra challenge of the distractions
You like to learn from others
Over the past weekend, I gathered some of my clients that I knew were close to or on the same level with their training. Some were younger dogs, some were a little older. Some had never been around other dogs besides walking down the street, and some might not like a specific type of dog. The weather was beautiful and every met at the farm at Frontier K9 for a whole new experience.
And it was a success!
With the weather cooling off, I love taking advantage of being outside (also makes social distancing with the pandemic easier), and I love the extra challenge that being on the farm can bring to dogs that need more experience. There are all kinds of different smells, sounds and sights.
We will be embarking on a limited group class schedule, meeting every other Saturday. Our groups will be limited, so I can be sure that everyone gets the attention from me that they need. We’ll have drop-in observers with experience that can help as well (my mother, a lifelong dog breeder and trainer, observed our first class).
A beautiful day brought together dog lovers and their dogs for an afternoon of learning!
If you have been looking for a hybrid training schedule of a group environment, but also some private lessons, feel free to reach out to Frontier K9!
This is the story of a rescue puppy that made his way to Frontier K9 and into the hearts of owner, Erin and her husband, Jerry. As well as the rest of the family and everyone he meets. Imagine being a small puppy, somewhere between maybe 2-2 1/2 months old (vet took a guess and put his birthday at 2/24/21). Your short life has probably been one of confusion, heartache and pain with possibly no real home. This is how we guess Goose’s young life started out, until an angel helped him find his forever home and family.
It all started with a text. Erin was working one evening at the hospital when a text chimed from Jackie Becker, she’s the head of T.B. Rescue & Transport. Jackie sent 2 pics of what she was told was an Australian Cattle Dog (or Heeler), and a message saying, “You’re the only one I know with experience with this breed.” Erin asked what was going on and also informed Jackie that that was not a Cattle Dog. Jackie explained that she had gotten a call from a lady that said her puppy needed a new home. The lady went on to say she had gotten this puppy from a breeder and that she went to take him out to potty and forgot her grass had just been treated, resulting in the puppy having burns. (Side note: They have not used chemicals in lawn treatments that can burn animals or people in many years. It’s against the law.) The lady then said two words that immediately made Jackie and subsequently Erin madder than ever…..”He’s damaged.” She didn’t want him anymore because he was damaged! How can anyone say that about any animal but especially a puppy?
Agility tunnels? Goose approves!
The lady was told to go to Purdue Animal Hospital immediately and have him checked out by the veterinarian on duty to see what was wrong. We won’t go into the detail how this lady got Goose, she named him at least, because her story changed 3 different times and that’s in the past. A phone call to Erin later in the evening from Jackie shared that Goose had burns all over his abdomen, all 4 paws -each pad was burnt as well as in between his toes with some bleeding, and the back of his back legs. What kind of burns they weren’t 100% sure of. Jackie told Erin that the rescue didn’t have any open fosters and her house was full. Erin had already sent the text message and pictures to Jerry while she was at work and asked what he thought and said we could help her out. So while on the phone that evening arrangements were made to have Goose brought to Frontier K9 the next afternoon for fostering, rehab and puppy obedience.
Goose arrived the next afternoon. Erin was shocked at how little he was and appalled at looking at his burns. For a puppy that had been through who knows what, he followed Erin all around, slept at her feet and loved being lavished with love. Purdue had sent him with instructions for triple antibiotic 3 times a day and a half of a Benadryl twice day to make him comfortable. When Jerry came home that afternoon the other dogs were introduced and family was also. Goose quickly settled in and a routine to start potting training started as well. Jerry immediately started researching what breed he could be or mix of. After much research, he is believed to be a Red Tick Coonhound. Erin noticed something wrong with Goose’s front legs and it got noticeably worse as the weekend went on. After consulting with her friend, Dr. Caitlin Ashlock D.V.M. of Tri-County Animal Clinic, it was decided to bring Goose along to a meeting Erin had scheduled at the clinic on Monday. The problem was that the longer Goose was up being active, his front legs would buckle so he essentially knuckled over onto his ankles. Jerry immediately started gently massaging Goose’s legs and doing light stretching to see if that would start helping.
After consulting on Monday with Dr. Ashlock, it was determined that Goose was suffering from Carpal Laxity Syndrome. This is where a puppy is doing either hyperextension or hyperflexion in the front legs. There is no real cause known for it, but in a rescue puppy especially, it can from malnutrition. Dr. Ashlock was certain that with good and proper nutrition, daily exercise and stretching Goose’s legs would be normal in no time. We are happy to report that has been the case and Goose is perfectly normal.
Dress as a velociraptor for your favorite kid’s Pet Parade? No problem for Goose!
So what about the burns? While there has been no definitive answer on how he got the burns, Jerry, Erin and her mom believe they know how he got them and another reason why his front legs knuckled over besides malnutrition. Urine scalding. Just like humans, if an animal sits in it’s own urine and feces long enough they will get burns. Jerry has a theory that Goose was kept in a small cage, one that he could not stand all the way up in and that he was also kept in a dirty cage. So as you can see, this puppy had a rough start to his life. But that didn’t keep him from loving life and loving people.
Once Erin got the ok from the vet that he was healthy and would heal and outgrow his issues, she asked Jerry if he thought she should tell Jackie to go ahead and post him for adoption on the rescue’s page. Jerry looked at her and said, ” Well, I mean I don’t have a problem if he stayed. But it’s up to you. ” Umm really? In the words of Erin’s sister, Megan, “I knew you were going to keep him.” The first time Jerry and Erin foster, they are foster failures in let’s be honest 24 hours. Goose officially became a Dean and a member of Frontier K9 Training May 10, 2021.
Goose has been excelling in his tracking training.
So what has Goose been up to in the last couple months? He healed completely in about a week to a week and a half from his burns, he started gaining weight and his legs are straight and strong as can be! Goose has really became Jerry’s puppy. He seems to help fill the emptiness in Jerry’s heart that has been there since last September when we lost his baby girl, Magnum. Goose has not only started on his obedience training but he started his trailing training a couple weeks ago! Jerry is learning from Erin how to trail and to teach Goose and their bloodhound, Irish to trail fallen deer for hunters. When a hunter shoots a deer and they can’t find it, they can call Jerry to have the dogs help track it down. They are also being trained to find lost or missing people as well. Jerry takes Goose to the horse barn with him every night and he’s liking being a farm dog. Goose has stolen the hearts of not only his family, but everyone that meets him and people from around the country through social media. His Coonhound smile and his sweet temperament make him the most loveable boy you’ll meet.
This has been the story of Goose. The rescue puppy nobody wanted but who has become a very big part of his new family’s lives and hearts.
We’ve heard from our clients and we know you’re looking for more ways to enjoy your time with your pup. The possibilities are endless with what you can do to teach yourself and your dog, and we hope that Frontier K9 can be part of that journey.
Starting Summer 2021, we are finally offering our first set of agility classes!
Intro to Agility will be a four week course, hosted at Frontier K9’s home base. Classes will be limited to four dog/handler combinations to allow for a more focused lesson plan.
Prerequisites: + Dog must be up-to-date on vaccinations + Dog and handler must have previously completed a set of obedience lessons with Frontier K9, or have special permission from the instructor. + Handlers must bring their own water bowl, treats, toys and possibly a cage. + Absolutely NO reactive/aggressive dogs will be allowed. We will possibly have multiple dogs working off leash.
Class Details: – We will work on beginner handling skills – Introduce jumps, tunnels and the start of contact equipment – Learn basic terminology
About the Instructor: Agility at Frontier K9 will be led by Erin’s sister, Megan. Megan has been active with agility since 2007, when she moved to Lexington, Ky. She started learning and competing in agility with her Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Dallas Mae (Call name: “Dally”, registered name: PACH2 Frontier’s HonkyTonkBaDonkADonk RN, NF, PAX). With Dally, Megan qualified and competed in the American Kennel Club’s National Agility Championships three years in a row: Reno in 2012, Tulsa in 2013 and Harrisburg in 2014. Dally earned two Preferred Agility Championships (PACH) prior to her semi-retirement in late 2014 due to Megan’s pregnancy. Dally and Megan also competed at Canine Performance Events (CPE) and AKC Rally (earning her Rally Novice title).
Megan’s second agility partner is LaMesa (Mill Creek’s Chyna Rust, RN, NF, MXS, MXJS, CAA), an 11 year old Swedish Vallhund. LaMesa has, so far, been Megan’s biggest challenge, overcoming training and physical issues. The pair have been in the top 10 for agility Swedish Vallhunds, qualifying for the American Kennel Club Agility Invitational, a special invite sent only to the Top Five agility dogs of each breed, in 2018. Unfortunately, the pair could not travel to Orlando due to LaMesa’s battle with Lyme Disease. Megan is currently working on LaMesa’s conditioning in hopes of launching another comeback to the agility ring in hopes of finishing their Master Agility Championship.
CH Hightower Frontier’s SmoothAsBourbon (“Rhys”)
Finally, Megan’s possible third partner is Rhys (CH Hightower Frontier’s SmoothAsBourbon), her 3 year old Swedish Vallhund male. Rhys recently finished his conformation championship and is currently (casually) working towards his Grand Championship with both Megan and his professional handler at the end of the leash. In May, Rhys took a Group Third in the Herding at the Kokomo Kennel Club with Megan, giving her a huge thrill. Megan has waited for Rhys to mature mentally, and physically, prior to starting his agility training, and is slowly teaching him skills in hopes of adding a new title to his name in the near future.
Agility classes will start Tuesday, June 29.
Tuesdays, 6:30 pm EDT June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20 $60 per 4-week session
For all of us at Frontier K9, every day is a celebration of the dog. However, thanks to Lisa Wiehebrink of Tails that Teach, every May 20 is National Rescue Dog Day, and it’s a day where I love to celebrate my clients and their loveable pups.
You know that saying of, “Who rescued whom?” There’s a reason why pup-parents of rescue dogs like to say that. There’s something special about the bond between a rescued dog and their new owner/parent. I wish I could explain it, but it’s like there’s mutual appreciation for giving a new leash on life.
Rescue dogs each have a unique story: their previous owner passed away, their previous family moved away, allergies prevented a relationship from growing, finances meant difficulty to provide… Whatever the reason, rescue dogs only know their worlds have been turned upside down. Some may have behavior issues. Others may have physical health issues. It’s important that we, as their humans, take the time to discover those issues and the why.
I take in rescues for retraining and rehab, in hopes of providing them a better route to their new lives.
And, then sometimes I have foster failures. Meet Goose, a Coonhound-mix puppy that I took in after he was relinquished by his previous owner due to some sort of chemical burns on his belly and paws. Her story was that he was “damaged.” Was he injured? Yes. Damaged? No. His spirit is every bit alive. After just one week of rehab with me, including veterinary trips and salves, he has completely healed. And, he has found a new home…ours. That’s right, my husband has a soft spot for a hound dog, and is already planning to train Goose to track deer and use his scent skills, along with our Bloodhound Irish.
That’s Goose’s story, and his new leash on life…the newest member of Frontier K9. I can’t wait to share his story with you as he continues to discover his path with his family.
So, how can you help rescue dogs? You don’t have to necessarily give them a home every time, I understand there are limitations. But, here are a few things you can do to help celebrate National Rescue Dog Day everyday, thanks to NationalRescueDogDay.com:
ADOPT: If there is room in your life for a dog, consider adopting and giving one a forever home.
FOSTER: Many dogs abandoned to shelters benefit from socialization, or would just thrive better away from the shelter environment. Others may be in need of some medical care or rehabilitation in a home setting before an adoption can take place.
HELP A SHELTER: Shelters always need support. In addition to financial donations, shelters have a list of much needed items such as blankets, toys, treats, and leashes. You can also host a bake sale, car wash, or other event to raise funds for the shelter.
VOLUNTEER: Help out at your local shelter. Taking dogs for walks, grooming, and giving them plenty of affection improves their socialization.
SPAY/NEUTER: Be responsible for your pets. Overpopulation is the number one reason shelters exist.
EDUCATE: Teach young children the importance of kindness, unconditional love, and responsible care of all animals.
Frontier K9 Training 