Fireworks can bring OOOO’s and AAAHHH’s from us… but bring terror to our pets.

Photo by Lum3n.com on Pexels.com

Photo by john paul tyrone fernandez on Pexels.com

The ASCPA states that one in five pets are scared of loud noises.  The 4^thof July, in fact, is the most active holidays for shelter workers because of the number of dogs lost.  More dogs are lost this weekend than any other during the year. Here are a few tips to keep your pet safe:

• Make sure your pet has a collar properly fitted with current contact information. (Cliffty Animal Supply in Madison, Indiana, can make ID for their collars while you wait)
• Microchips can provide an extra layer of protection as well. Make sure your pets microchip is working by asking your vet to scan the chip.  The contact information listed with the microchip company needs to kept current also.
• Have current photo of your pet just in case.
• Feed pets earlier in the day and walk them on a leash before dark.
• Do not leave your dog unattended outside.
• Place pets in crates if they are crate trained and/or an interior room of the house.
• White noise can help – a tv or radio turned on.
• Lights on will decease the burst of light that frighten some pets.
• Leave pets at home during celebrations.
• Antianxiety vests help some pets, ie Thundershirt.
• Antianxiety medications are also an option for pets that are extremely sensitive to noise. Seek veterinary recommendations.

Cats and livestock can be affected by fireworks as well. Make sure livestock fencing is secure and cats have a safe place to hide.  Cats may benefit from some of the same safety precautions as dogs.

Taking precautions with your pets will help ensure their safety allowing you to enjoy the celebrations of July 4^th.

Denice Rackley is a freelance writer who is also a RVT, working Border Collie breeder and trainer and livestock producer.

Hey!  You don’t want your dog to be bored during the longer days of summer, do you?

It’s time to sign up for the next session of Flying Paws Agility Club classes! Whether you are just starting out or working on improving your skills, this is a great time to work with us!

Check out the Classes page now to find a class that works for you!

To help teams prepare for June Nationals, Flying Paws Agility Club is hosting two “Nationals Inspired” Run Thru events. Each event will have two 80’ x 75’ dirt rings running simultaneously.

Entries are limited, so sign up before the spots are gone.

Join us one, or both days for some great runs, and some great fun!

To preregister and pay via our Facebook “Shop” use one of the links below.

April 22nd Session

May 26th Session

Or preregister via email at FPACEvents@gmail.com and provide the following:

 Session date.
 Your name.
 Your dog’s name.
 Dog’s jump height.

No food or beverages available at the event.

Flying Paws Agility Club

Is Heading For Cover

LET’S PAW-TY

COME * SIT * STAY * PLAY *

DEMOS * REFRESHMENTS *

PRIZES * TRY-IT * RAFFLE

Bring your dog and help us celebrate our move,

check out our new facility, and give agility a try.

Sunday, March 25th from 2pm to 5pm

Address: 6695 N Bottom Rd Bloomington 47404

General directions:

A look at the very first Try It Day of 2017.  We had a great time!  Thanks to videographer Lucas Coniaris of Bloomington for creating this!

And thanks to all who came to to have fun on a lovely Sunday afternoon!

Clear + Consistent = Confidence:

Helping your team perform with speed and accuracy

Saturday, July, 29th and Sunday, July, 30th, 9 am to 5 pm

Agility veteran Karen Lechner loves teaching her students to be fair, clear, and consistent in training.  The result is her students’ create confident dogs and handler teams that love the sport, performing with speed and accuracy!  With Karen’s instruction you will learn the techniques needed to be a successful handler.

Working spots limited to 10; Auditing spots unlimited

Day One:  Novice/Open/Level 1-3
Day Two:  Masters/Excellent/Level 4-5C
Cost:  $150 Per day working spot, Limit 10 – Auditing spot $50 Per Day
To Register, Email:  FPACEvents@yahoo.com
Location: Pawsitive Energy Dog Training and Agility, 6115 W. Lowell Rd.  Columbus, Indiana

DAY ONE:  Morning session will be devoted to jumps and tunnels in short sequences; focusing on handling techniques such as when, where and how to cue your dog while drawing the dog’s path.  The seminar will cover body language, verbal cues and motion as well as learning and refining agility foundation skills.  The afternoon will consist of some short sequences which will incorporate contacts on the A-frame, dogwalk and the seesaw.  Karen’s expertise will help teach and clarify the importance of consistent 2o2o contact behavior.  Prerequisites:  Dog must be at least one year old, competent on all obstacles (excluding weaves) with sequencing experience.

DAY TWO:  Geared for more complex sequences that require choices in handling that will suit you and your dog.  Whether to choose a front cross or another handling choice, proper timing and execution will be addressed.  Emphasis will be placed on understanding the importance of drawing the dog’s path using body language, verbal cues and motion.  Each team will learn what works best for them through a variety of handling sequences and analysis.  Prerequisites:  Dog must be at least one year old, proficient on all obstacles with full sequencing experience.

About Karen
It all began for Karen in 1996.  It was at that time that she purchased her first Labrador retriever, Cody.  She had started agility “just for fun”. After a few years she proudly became the sixth person in the country to earn a Master Agility Championship (MACH).

Since then, Karen has earned many placements and titles in both agility and obedience with several of her dogs; earning both obedience championships (OTCH) as well as agility championships (MACH).  Karen currently competes in both obedience and agility with her two labs Pepsi and her newest addition Tag, who is truly giving Karen a run for her money!

 MACH SHR Rhumbline’s High Grade MXG MJS JH “Grady”
In 2011 Karen and Grady qualified to try out for and attended the AKC World Team tryouts in Minnesota, where they had some beautiful runs!  In an arena full of border collies, Grady stood out, being the only Labrador to try out in the large dog division.

OTCH MACH2 Rhumbline’s Pepsi With A Twist UDX10 OGM MXG MJG JH “Pepsi”
In 2012 Karen’s other Labrador, Pepsi, became the first female black lab in the United States to earn both her Obedience Trial Championship (OTCH) and Master Agility Championship (MACH).  Karen and Pepsi have had the honor of being invited and attended three National Obedience Championship (NOC) events around the country.

Event Hosted by:
Flying Paws Agility Club
1491 E Sample Rd Bloomington, IN 47408
Website:  flyingpawsagility.com
To Register, Email:  FPACEvents@yahoo.com