Torbel's Canine Connection Dog Training

02/10/2025

If your pet is registered with SaveThisPet, seek an alternative registration source. If the pet is lost the provider having info is necessary

02/06/2025

Finn made a lot of progress in our Basic Manners Class❣️

01/14/2025

Hank❣️ Puppy Class graduate❣️

01/02/2025

🎉We started the year on a high note!

⭐️Wishing everyone a happy & healthy 2025⭐️

12/25/2024

11/28/2024

🦃 Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

11/13/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/jjMAk4f9TRFcwRKF/

⚠️PARVO Virus is on the rise in OUR Community!!
⚠️Please make sure your dogs are current on their Distemper/Parvo Vaccines or have a Positive Vaccine titer

Canine parvovirus infection is a highly contagious disease caused by canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). There are several strains of CPV-2, and all produce similar signs. The disease they cause is commonly called “parvo.”

The virus attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and other canids like coyotes, wolves, and foxes. In puppies, the virus also can damage the heart muscle.

All dogs are susceptible to canine parvovirus, although some dogs are at greater risk than others. These include puppies between 6 and 20 weeks of age, unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs, and certain breeds, such as the following:

Rottweilers
Doberman pinschers
Bull terrier breeds
German shepherds
English springer spaniels
What are the signs of canine parvovirus?

The signs of parvovirus infection vary from dog to dog, depending on the severity of the infection. These are some important signs to watch out for:

Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Severe, often bloody, diarrhea
Abdominal pain and bloating
Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)

If your dog shows any of these signs, immediately contact us⚠️

10/21/2024

We are now accepting entries for the December 1st National Association of Canine Scent Work Odor Recognition Test at our training facility in Bourbonnais.
https://torbelsk9.com/trials%2Fevents

10/11/2024

AKC Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine practice. 🐾🐾

10/11/2024

Torbels Canine has been approved to host a National Association of Canine Scent Work Odor Recognition Test on December 1, 2024 at our training facility in Bourbonnais. www.torbelsk9.com

09/06/2024

⭐️Great information!⭐️
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/zYNmzwZj7wY3uGu9/?mibextid=qi2Omg

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

09/06/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/5tTBwKKZamy4w7j7/?mibextid=qi2Omg

08/26/2024

Happy National Dog Day

07/07/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/6YJtDLGJLFvPhkwa/?mibextid=qi2Omg

Why use a muzzle? I think the bigger question is why not? Every dog doesn’t have to wear a muzzle BUT every dog should be trained to wear a muzzle happily. There are so many reasons dogs wear muzzles, you might be surprised to learn many of them aren’t because the dog bites.

There are 2 big reasons I muzzle trained all of my own dogs. The first is because if there is ever an emergency and they are panicked at the vet and we choose to muzzle them, I don’t want them to consider the muzzle as one more trigger. The muzzle should bring only good associations to them. The second is because I own power breeds and I always want the people who come in contact with them to feel comfortable. If for some reason they feel more comfortable interacting with my dog if they are wearing a muzzle, I’m totally fine with that and so are my dogs.

Muzzled dogs aren’t bad dogs, they’re just dogs who have acquired one more skill along the way. Wearing a muzzle is just that, a skill.