Freelife Canine

08/22/2024

"Kids and Dogs" class is canceled tonight due to the weather - participants please check your emails!

08/19/2024

This week and next!!!!

The summers last Drop in Agility class will be tomorrow evening at 7pm! Click the link below to reserve your spot

08/13/2024

This week's happenings:

Tonight! Drop in Agility at 7pm (please do let me know that you are coming)

And ongoing Life Skills and Manners class at 6pm. There is still room to get started this summer with teaching your dog good manners!

Wednesday: NASDA trials (September 14-15) entries open at 8pm on Dogshow.ca - don't forget to set your alarm!

Thursdays: Puppy Start Right class - this is for puppies under the age of 5 months old. We work on handling (getting them comfortable with feet being touched, ears checked, grooming etc) confidence on different surfaces and different sounds as well as foundation obedience skills for walking on a leash, distractions, come when called etc. This is one of the most important classes you can take with your puppy!

This is an open enrollment class meaning so long as there is space in the class (because the class enrollment is limited to make sure everyone gets lots 1:1 time) you can start anytime!

08/12/2024

I will do a brief ZOOM meeting tonight at 7pm to screen share how to enter an event on dogshow.ca so everyone is ready to go when entries open on Wednesday.

Invitation is in a comment below!

Send a message to learn more

08/11/2024

NASDA trials!

Hey everyone! I want to do a ZOOM meeting with everyone that is potentially interested in entering the September 14-15 NASDA trials and they have questions about the process or entering (or even if they aren't sure their dog will be ready).

Entries will open at 8pm PST on Dogshow.ca

I know many of you looking forward to this trial are new to dog sports or new to entering online and I have no way to know how fast it will fill. For perspective, when I enter scent detection events down in the lower mainland they fill in 1-2 minutes. I really hope that is not the case with my event - I really want everyone who wants to play to be able to enter and come play!

I want to do a ZOOM so I can share my screen and show you how the process works on Dogshow.ca so on Wednesday you will be ready :)

Please comment below which is better for you (since I can't figure out how to do polls anymore on Facebook posts)

Sunday August 11th early evening
Monday August 12 late afternoon
Monday August 12 early evening

Send a message to learn more

08/08/2024

I have a couple of appointment slots available for this evening THURSDAY AUGUST 8th
at 5, 6, or 7pm for private training as well as next Monday evening August 12th! Usually my weekday evenings are booked with group classes so if you've been waiting for an evening this is your shot :)

We can work on manners, agility, scent work, intro to rats, tricks and evaluations!

I'm on and off my phone today with other clients but send me a message or text 778-267-2592 if you'd like to snag a spot

08/06/2024

Upcoming classes this week!

Drop in Agility- Kids and Dogs!

I hope everyone had a great long weekend! I was fortunate to spend some time in Prince George and Quesnel introducing some great dog and handler teams to NASDA scent sports

A 4-week summer class geared towards kids learning with their dogs. We'll cover an introduction to agility, tricks, learning dog body language and safety around dogs, fun sniffing games and more! Dogs MUST be human and dog friendly/neutral - no aggression or fear concerns and ideally have a bit of b...

08/01/2024

NASDA trial!

Less than 2 weeks before the September 14-15 NASDA trial in Williams Lake is open for entries. I am getting quite a bit of interest in this event and think it might fill quickly so I would encourage you to set an alarm/write on your calendar for when it opens. Linked below is the dogshow.ca listing with a premium for the event.

You must make an account with dogshow.ca before you're able to enter an event so I encourage you to do that and add a profile for your dog ahead of time. Also please note that there will be a 10% service fee by dogshow.ca for entries.

I know some people are brand new to entering dog sports at all, especially online so I'm going to do a brief ZOOM webinar next week so I can walk you through the process ahead of time. When I have the date and time I will post on here :)

https://www.dogshow.ca/en/Events/4998/Freelife-Canine-NASDA

DogShow.ca - The Best Way To Enter Dog Events In Canada!

07/30/2024

How is it already the end of July?!

Happenings this week:

Tonight! Drop in Agility $35/dog ! You're welcome to join even if you've only played on the equipment a little bit. Must have at least attended a manners class or private lesson (ex. if you've not worked with me yet - this isn't the class for you at this time)

Wednesday - a rare opening in my evening schedule so if you were looking to brush up on some skills, do some trouble shooting, or work on sports (agility, scent, tricks, disc etc) I have 6pm and 7pm lesson slots available for privates or semi-privates if you wanted to bring a friend :)

Thursday -
6pm Puppy Start Right class - an open enrollment class for puppies under 5 months of age. I know lots of people have gotten puppies this summer and I'd love to help you start off on the right foot

07/30/2024

Dog brag post!

As many of you know, a long time hobby of mine is competing in dog sports. Some of these sports, my dogs truly love, such a gun dog tests, dock diving and shed hunting. Others are more for me and situations that my dogs may find stressful. Such as a busy dog show with several hundred other dogs in close proximity and they're asked to demonstrate obedience skills all without rewards nearby! Now I am a competitive person but I recognize that this is a huge ask of my dogs (they didn't choose to enter a trial) and I need to train them to cope and even enjoy being in such environments and also support them if needed.

Coulee and I travelled to PG for their shows and trials on the weekend and he earned 2 qualifying scores towards his rally Novice title! I was so pleased with him as it was a very busy indoor venue with conformation going on and it was his first time in the CKC ring! He snoozed and was relaxed in his crate but definitely found the environment distracting when he was out. If it hadn't been for me messing up one of the stations, he would have had a 99/100 in the afternoon! After all, it is very hard to mimic this situation in training. As my obedience mentor days "it's all just tricks" and I will continue to train and play with him so we can keep moving up to higher levels after we're out of novice

07/28/2024

Franklin and Aurora have the BEST time playing and learning in Puppy Start Right classes (Thursdays @ 6pm) super smart pups who are well matched for play sessions too

07/23/2024

Happy Tuesday everyone!

So thankful that this week we have cooler temperatures!

There are a couple of drop in/one time offerings this week to remind you about :)

TONIGHT @ 7pm Drop in Agility - $35 drop in fee and a max of 4 dogs means you'll get lots of time to play on the equipment (or instruction if that's what you're after)

Thursday July 25th @ 7-830 Get Ready to Rally: Learn about rally obedience! $40/dog This fun activity where you and your dog follow a numbered "course" that has stations. The stations give you instructions on what exercise to perform, such as a turn, or 360, or weaving around cones. Great to practice your loose leash walking with a fun twist! I have linked a video here of Coulee performing a novice run and he got a perfect 200 out of 200 for a score in a virtual trial

07/18/2024

It's nice to have a bit of a reprieve from the high heat! Perfect timing as my summer workshop: Canine Scent Games is tonight at 7pm! This 90 minute workshop will give you and your dog an introduction to harnesses that super power that is their nose and learn some fun mentally enriching games which are also great to play in the house when we return to high temperatures.

I have one spot left in this workshop! My portal won't let you self book since it's less than 24 hours to the event but if you'd like to snag this spot, let me know ASAP!

07/16/2024

Class offerings for the week!

Wow, I hope everyone is enjoying the summer weather! My dogs are sleeping during the day but trying to get some exercise and training in during the cooler periods in the mornings and evenings.

On the agenda for this week!

Tuesday: 6 pm Life Skills and Manners class (this is an open enrollment class so there are often spaces to start any week!)
7 pm Drop in agility (please let me know if you're planning to come out so I can make up my lesson plan accordingly)

Thursday: 6pm Puppy Start Right Preschool (for puppies under the age of 5 months that have had 2 sets of vaccinations)

Thursday this week @ 7pm - intro to scent sports! Put your dogs nose to work in this fun workshop style 90 minute class that will teach some hunting games and an intro to scent training. This will only run if I have a minimum of 2 dogs enrolled.

I have scheduled another set of Kids and Dogs classes for August so if you're interested, please let me know so I can get your child registered and I'm considering adding daytime classes for August (Manners and Kids & Dogs) if there is interest.

Next week the Thursday workshop is Rally Obedience!

Have some fun with your dog this summer and learn something new!

07/12/2024

07/10/2024

A live Q&A about keeping your dog cool, answering questions about training, and information about upcoming events

07/10/2024

Hey everyone! Hope you're all keeping cool enough. I canceled my evening group classes due to the heat and decided I still wanted to "talk dogs" so I have scheduled a spontaneous Q&A Facebook live. Grab a cool beverage and join me at 8pm :)

07/09/2024

I recognize how difficult it is to commit to a set of classes in the summer....and you want to have fun with your dog and take advantage of our great weather....therefore, I have turned the Tuesday evening set of agility classes for July into drop in classes! You can sign up for one or two, whatever suits your availability! I do ask that you let me know you're coming though so we don't have too many and I can prepare lesson plans.

I know it's crazy hot at the moment but I'm not postponing this week's classes. By 7pm a good chunk of the agility field is in the shade and there is a hose and kiddie pool for the dogs to cool off in.

Tuesdays at 7pm - July 9, 16, 23, and 30th $35.00/class

07/05/2024

There is still room in July's upcoming agility class (Tuesday evenings) as well as Kids & Dog's and my Summer workshop series!

Don't miss out on these fun classes - your dog will thank you for it!

07/03/2024

Whew, after a busy week at the end of June and a big family party over the long weekend, my July schedule is ready to be posted!

Tuesdays: 6pm Life Skills and Manners (obedience skills for dogs over 5 months of age)
7pm Intro to Agility/Beginners Agility

Wednesdays: 6pm Kids and Dogs classes for 8-12 year olds
7pm Kids and Dogs classes for 13+


Thursdays: 6pm Puppy Start Right Preschool (for puppies under 5 months that have had 2 sets of vaccinations)
7pm Summer workshop series - July 11 "Come when called" July 18th "Scent Sports" July 25 "Rally on! Rally Obedience intro" More will be added for August.

If you have a group of 2 or more people and their dogs that are looking for classes during the day (weekdays) that focus on obedience, agility, tricks, sports etc. Contact me and we may be able to arrange a "private group class" just for you and your family/friends!

Here are the registration links with additional info :)

Take your skills on the road! This 3-week class involves meeting at a new location in the Williams Lake area for 3/4 weeks so you can apply class learning to problem solve positive approaches to real-life situations (the first class will be held at my location in Borland Valley).

07/02/2024

SAVE THE DATE!

I'm so excited that our September 14 & 15 NASDA trial dates have been approved. The trial will be held at the Williams Lake Fast Pitch fields and dry camping will also be available!

4 trials of shed antler, lost item, urban locate, and trail & locate (2 each day).

Here is the premium and entries for trial will open on August 14th and runs will be limited.

September 14-15 2024 NASDA Working Dog Trials Hosted by: Freelife Canine Open to All Breeds and Mixed Breeds 4 Trials, 2 Days Williams Lake Fast-Pitch Association Ball Diamonds 1484 Wilkie Road, Williams Lake BC Judge: Sarah-J...

07/01/2024

Happy Canada Day!!!! I hope you were able to spend some time outdoors in this magnificent place we all share and call home ❤

06/30/2024

Happy long weekend everyone!

For all of you that played NASDA last Sunday, your results are posted on the NASDA website. Log in, click on "my dogs" and when their profile comes up then "event results". If you have any troubles let me know.

Huge congratulations to all of you! Should we plan some leagues for the summer (evenings possibly as opposed to weekends when I know many of us are busy).

Here is Coulee rocking a level II shed search!

06/25/2024

Hard at work on my summer schedule today - so excited for what is coming up with some new classes starting the second week of July (to give people a chance to recover from the long weekend and conclusion of school etc). I'll have Agility class, kids & dog classes, and of course the Manners and Puppy Start Right Classes. I have a slot of Thursday evenings at 7pm I'm trying to decide on but Facebook won't let me do a poll on here!

Would there be interest in a set of:

Scent classes?
Summer Fun Sports Sampler? (disc, agility, rally obedience, scent, tricks etc)
Outdoor Ed? (all about preparing your puppy or dog for outdoor adventures such as wearing proper gear like life jackets or backpacks, getting comfortable on unstable surfaces like boats or paddleboards, trail etiquette and skills for hiking.

If I can't decide on a "set" of classes, I may choose to offer 1.5 hour mini-workshops with a different theme each week for this time slot such as:

crate training, tricks, grooming/handling, loose leash walking, and of course sports.

I'd love to know your thoughts! I want to fill this summer with lots of fun this year :D

06/24/2024

Whew! Still tuckered out a bit!

What a day yesterday holding the FIRST NASDA trial in BC! We lucked out with the weather for the most part and had a great time. I'm busy editing/uploading videos today (and triple checking things before I delete to free up space on my phone lol) and the extra bonus to that is that I get to watch your dogs a second time!

Thanks for coming out to play and for all stepping up to help when needed and a big thanks for Barb King for judging my own dogs so I could play too! Can't wait to do more of this :D

06/23/2024

On the eve of our very first NASDA trial, I wish you all safe travels and I can't wait to see you tomorrow!

I just checked the trial venue this afternoon and the grass is a bit high in some spots but the mosquitos weren't too bad. Regardless, pack bug spray and rain gear as it's looking like we might be in for some thunderstorms in the afternoon but we're going to power through and hopefully be done before they start.

If you are running late or have trouble finding us please call or text 778-267-2592!

CAN'T WAIT!!! This has been several years in the works and I can't tell you how excited I am :D

06/20/2024

In other exciting news, I'm looking for a few case study prospects for another stream of professional services I may soon offer.

I used the winter and my surgery recovery time studying and I've now been cleared by my surgeon to "return to all activities" so I'm looking for 3-4 dogs to volunteer as case study subjects for canine massage therapy. I am hoping to start as soon as possible, at the latest the first week of July and the commitment is 6 weeks, one massage per week. I would prefer dogs located near me (since dogs are most relaxed in their home environment) with a flexible schedule (daytime preferred) so that I can meet the tight deadlines I have with this program. There are no fees associated as I am learning (through an accredited institute).

If you think your dog would benefit from a series of massage appointments this summer, please message me to see if they would be an appropriate fit :)

06/20/2024

Happy Summer Solstice!!!

I hope you enjoy this glorious long day that actually feels like summer!

06/19/2024

Do your dogs play with their food?!

Late June is such a crazy busy time of year, yard work is in full swing, kids are busy with sports and end of school activities and weekends full of BBQ's and other gatherings.

This afternoon is one of those days for me, I spent part of the morning helping with a breakfast at my daughters school and then Wednesday evenings are softball but today we have to go into town early for haircuts...
Sooo, dogs are definitely not getting as much exercise and interaction so I whipped up some food puzzles to put in the freezer for later.

You've probably seen me post previously about how much I love my Toppls! They are super tough, versatile things I can stuff a variety of food into, you can put smaller ones together with larger ones to create a puzzle that they can roll around with dry food and they wash up in the dishwasher like a dream.

Enrichment with licking and chewing is very important for dogs! It helps with mental stimulation and curbing boredom, extends their feeding time (one of these lasts Coulee almost 40 minutes!) and has a calming effect as well.

There are all sorts of fancy recipes on social or you can keep it simple. In this picture, the red and green are for Rill and are part of her diet of raw chicken thigh, baked sweet potato and broccoli, and the orange one is a portion of Coulee's kibble with some freeze dried treats. The plug is needed because I put the dry food in then pour hot water overtop and let it soak for 10 minutes before put it in the freezer. If you don't have fancy plugs for your Toppls, a wine cork will work as well!

Do you stuff food toys for your dog? Let's see in the comments!

06/14/2024

Hi everyone 🙂

I'm super excited to offer Kids and Dog Group Training Classes over the summer!

4-week class (one 50-minute class per week): $150 plus GST per student

Wednesday, July 3, 10, 17, 24 and Wednesday, August 7, 14, 21, 28
Ages 8-11: 6pm
Ages 12+ 7pm

I'm also going to offer daytime classes and would love to hear from moms that are interested in this option what days of the week work best for them!

Curriculum will include dog body language, safety, how dogs learn, tricks, agility, scent training and more! Handouts will be included as well as a certificate.

Please message me to sign up and I'll send you the link for the registration form and waiver. Spaces are very limited for these classes because I want the kids to have a great personalized experience.

***Please note, dogs must be human and dog friendly and up to date on all veterinary recommended vaccinations. Ideally, dogs already have some obedience skills on board. Please ask if you're unsure if your dog is appropriate for this class setting***

Photo of my then 9 year old daughter with one of our dogs and their trophy after winning an international trick dog competition for their age group.