Canine Team Training Instructor- Carol Ely

08/26/2025

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08/21/2025

Master Class Schedule Fall 2025 Updated 08/20/2025
Canine Team Training - Web site: www.canineteamtraining.com

Email: [email protected]

New Group Classes start in January, March, June & September of every year.
Note: Scent Work and Obedience classes, register through JALC (college).
More information below
Home Obedience (PS-400) Fee: $95.00 (check with college to verify fee) 6 weeks
Dog minimum 4 months old. We will cover basic commands, and Home Obedience, handouts and demos. Positive training methods used. Continuous barking or aggressive dogs will not be allowed to stay in class. Handler may continue to attend classes without dog. Family member handling dog must be registered. Shot records due first night of class. Behavioral paperwork to be filled out in class. No Dogs first night.
New Location: John A. Logan College, Historical Village Mees Building. See map on my website for directions.
PS 400-01 Tuesdays, Beginning 09-16-25 4:30 – 5:30 pm
PS-400-02 Tuesdays, Beginning 09-16-25 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Note: No class on 09-30-25 or 10-14-25

Beginner Scent Work Training (PS 893) Note: class is only 30 minutes. Most training is done at home.
This is a fun new activity/sport that your dog can enjoy and help build confidence. Your dog will be taught to find the odor of Birch and be rewarded for using their nose! How great is that! Every dog would love to have a game where they are rewarded for sniffing! This is not tracking or detection dog training. This is a new activity, that you can compete in, and your dog can earn titles and ribbons. No Obedience training required.
This course will help teach the skills towards the ORT (Odor Recognition Test and Certification NACSW) and prepare your team for an AKC SW trial (American Kennel Club Scent Work Trial).
Any dog over 4 mo. old can participate. Age requirements are so most vaccinations are done and current for class and exposure to other dogs. Continuously barking dogs will not be allowed to continue in class, as some lecture and demos are required each week. If the dog cannot attend for any reason, the handler can still learn and apply methods of training at home. Vaccination or titer proof and COM fee required 1st class. Kit for COM Fee - tin & straw with Birch Essential oil, oil in dropper and extra empty tin for training. Dogs do come to the 1st class. Lecture, demo, equipment use, Waiver and Registration will be done in first class.
Location: Marion Training Center, 2 11 East Boulevard, Marion, IL.
PS893-01 Wednesdays, Beginning 9-3-25 1:00- 1:30pm
PS893-01 Wednesdays, Beginning 9-3-25 –7:00- 7:30pm
Note: No class on 10-1-25 or 10-15-25
Sessions: 6, Fee: $60.00 (check with college) COM: $10.00 pay Instructor: Carol Ely

Novice to Master Scent Work Training (PS 920) 6 weeks
Training will be at an individual level. Note: This is not a Beginners class. Dog must be trained to odor, before this class. This class will help prepare you for a real scent work trial. We search areas with challenges, sometimes unknown number of hides and harder distractions. This class will prepare you for a real Scent Work Trial.
In this class you will need to have your own Birch, Anise and Clove Flower Essence odor and practice tins/straws or similar items to use for your home practice. If you need help in purchasing it email me and I will send you some links.
Minimum Req: Dog trained to alert on odor. Each class is individual training time. Student can leave when done.
New Location: Marion Training Center, 2 11 East Boulevard, Marion, IL.
Sessions: 6, Fee: $85.00 Instructor: Carol Ely
PS 920-01 Wednesdays, 9-3-25 – 10-22-25
Note: No class on 10-1-25 or 10-15-25
Important: Once you are registered with the college you will need to email me for a training slot.

Agility Classes
Location: 204 Candlewood Dr., De Soto, IL- travel on private gravel road, 2nd house on left.
Agility class time- 45 Minutes. 3 students (Minimum), 1 hour 4-5 Students, 6 or more 1 1/2 hrs. each week
Beginner Agility (PS 690) (6 weeks) $85, Check college web site for fee amount and to sign up.
COM fee $20 paid to instructor Carol Ely Weather Permitting. Schedule given out at first class.
All Dogs must be under handler control. 10 months or older (note: small dogs under 1 yr. and Lg dogs under 14 mo. cannot be jumped a lot, as their bones are not finished developing). Dogs and Handlers will be introduced to the basics of agility handling and AKC (American Kennel Club) equipment. Many handlers find that their dogs build confidence, pay more attention to the handler and have lots of fun. Liability release req. to be signed. First class bring shot records, dog, toys, lots of treats, water & bowl. All classes are held outside on grass, so dress appropriately.
See web site for more required info – www.canineteamtraining.com See map on web site under "Student Info".
Signup through the college for this class. Link on Web site.
Meets Sundays. beginning September 7th 3:00 pm Note: Evening Class
Meets Tuesdays beginning September 2nd 11:00 am Note: Daytime Class
No Classes: Sept 28th, 30th Oct 12th or Oct 14th
Reserve a space by emailing Instructor: Carol Ely [email protected]

Level 2/3 Agility $85.00 class is 6 weeks Req. Level 1 or equivalent experience & instructor approval. Level 2 & 3 will continue to work towards proper management of agility equipment for both the handler and dog with the goal to achieve accuracy with speed. Introduction to handling methods.
Sundays- beginning September 7th 4:30pm
Mondays. beginning March 14th 6:00 pm
No Classes: Sept 28th, 30th Oct 12th
Reserve a space by emailing Instructor: Carol Ely [email protected]
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Advanced Agility $85.00 (2nd dog same class $85), class is 6 weeks
More advanced handling methods will be introduced with lots of practice sequences on recreated show trial courses.
Agility class time- 45 Minutes. 3 students (Minimum for a group class), 1 hour 4-5 Students, 6 or more 1 1/2 hrs. per week
Drop ins allowed for $15. Must be approved by instructor.

Evening Class Schedule: starts Monday Sept. 15th 5:30pm, Every Monday except Dog Club meeting nights.
No Class: Sept 29th, Oct 13th
Reserve a space by emailing Instructor: Carol Ely [email protected]

All Agility classes will be given a projected schedule on the first or 2nd day of class. Schedule may change and depends on weather conditions. Everyone must check emails before class to be sure the weather is good and class is not cancelled.
Private training available upon request. Email [email protected]
Web site: www.canineteamtraining.com

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08/07/2025

The website has been updated with the Fall Class information.
The college does not have registration available yet, but should in a few weeks.
I have added some daytime classes for both Agility and Scent work.
www.canineteamtraining.com

07/29/2025

⏳🧬 Why Timing Matters: What the Research Really Says About Early Spay & Neuter✂️

As loving pet parents, we all want to do what’s best for our dogs — and that includes making the right decision around spay and neuter.

For years, early des*xing (before dogs reach s*xual maturity) has been widely promoted as standard practice — often as early as 8–16 weeks in rescues or before a first season in females. But emerging research over the past decade is prompting a much-needed rethink.

Here’s what the science is showing us.

⏱️ What Does “Early” Really Mean?

“Early spay/neuter” typically refers to des*xing before the dog is hormonally or skeletally mature. That means:

🔹 Females: Spayed before their first season — often under 12 months
🔹 Males: Neutered before 12–18 months, depending on breed size

But these are the very life stages when s*x hormones like oestrogen and testosterone are doing critical work — not just for reproduction, but for bone growth, immune development, mental resilience, and long-term disease prevention.

🔍 So, What Did the Research Actually Find?

Several large-scale, peer-reviewed studies have shown links between early des*xing and increased risk of:

🦴 Joint disease and poor skeletal development
• Early des*xing delays growth plate closure, increasing the risk of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cruciate ligament tears — especially in medium to large breeds.
• One UC Davis study (Hart et al., 2020) found that neutering male Golden Retrievers before 6 months tripled their risk of joint disorders.

🧬 Increased cancer risk
• Early neutering has been associated with a higher incidence of certain cancers, including hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma.
• Vizsla-specific research (Zink et al., 2014) showed that spayed females were 9x more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma than intact females.

🧠 Behavioural and cognitive changes
• Early spay/neuter has been linked to increased risks of fear, reactivity, and noise sensitivity, especially in females spayed before maturity.
• This may be due to the loss of s*x hormones that influence brain development and emotional resilience.

🦠 Immune dysregulation and chronic disease
• Early removal of s*x hormones affects the endocrine system and may play a role in autoimmune disease risk, urinary incontinence (especially in females), and even cognitive decline in older dogs.

📚 Just a Handful of the Studies Behind These Findings:
• Hart, B.L. et al. (2020) – UC Davis 35 breed study
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00388
• Torres de la Riva et al. (2013) – Golden Retrievers
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055937
• Zink et al. (2014) – Vizsla Health Study
• Root Kustritz (2007) – Review of gonadectomy timing
DOI: 10.2460/javma.231.11.1665
• O’Neill et al. (2021) – UK VetCompass longevity data
DOI: 10.1136/vr.105828

And many more studies continue to support a breed-specific, age-appropriate approach to des*xing.

💡 So What Are the Options?

We understand there are situations where spay/neuter is necessary — for example, in rescue dogs or to prevent accidental litters. But there are options that preserve your dog’s hormones longer while still preventing pregnancy:

✅ Chemical castration (Suprelorin) – a reversible implant that allows males to mature before permanent castration
✅ Ovary-sparing spay (OSS) – removes the uterus but preserves the ovaries and natural hormones
✅ Vasectomy – blocks s***m without removing testosterone-producing te**es

These approaches can allow dogs to develop normally before decisions that affect their lifetime health are made.

💊 What If My Dog Was Already Des*xed Young?

If your dog was spayed or neutered early — don’t panic. You didn’t do anything wrong. You made the best decision you could with the information you had.

But there are things we can do now to support their health:

🌿 Consider discussing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with a reproductive or integrative vet

🐕 Support their joints, hormones and immunity with:
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Bone broth & collagen
• Antioxidant-rich foods
• Endocrine support supplements

We’re happy to recommend brands we trust.

🐾 Final Thoughts

This isn’t about creating fear or guilt — it’s about equipping you with science-led knowledge so you can make informed choices for your dog.

As we learn more about how vital natural hormones are to your dog’s long-term health, it’s clear that when we spay or neuter matters just as much as whether we do.

❤️ At Poochie Park & Pantry, we’re here to support you with holistic, evidence-led information — no judgment, just help.

Have questions or want to explore safer options for your pup? Just reach out — we’re happy to chat.

05/01/2025

2025 Summer Session
- 2 sessions to pick from -
Beginner Classes
Starts Sunday - Weekend Evening Class
June 8th (6 sessions) 5:00 pm
Weather permitting last class on July 27th
No classes – June 22nd



Starts Tuesday - Weekday/Daytime Class
May 6th (6 sessions) 11:00 am
Weather permitting last class on July 10th
6 sessions



Level 2/3 -
Starts Sunday - Weekend Evening Class
June 8th (6 sessions) 6:30 pm
Weather permitting last class on July 27th
No classes – June 22nd



Starts Tuesday - Weekday/Daytime Class
May 6th (6 sessions) 9:30 am
Weather permitting last class on July 10th
Advanced Agility-
Starts Monday May 19th, 6:00 pm
No class – 5/26, 6/9, 6/16, 7/14
Weather permitting last class 7/21
No class on the 2nd Monday of the month,
due to Crab Orchard Kennel Club Meeting night.
Fee $100, 6 sessions
All Schedules are Weather Permitting

Classes will be filled by first received email request.

Send a message to learn more

05/01/2025

2025 Summer Session Scent Work Classes
Beginner PS 893
Section No. 01: Start: Wednesday June 4th, 7:00 - 7:30 pm
6 sessions, for 30 min. most training done at home.
Sessions: 6, Fee: $ 65
COM: $10.00 (supplies cost, if odor kit needed)
Instructor: Carol Ely
2025 Summer Session
Section No. 01: Start: Wednesday June 4, 2:00 pm-6:30 pm
Sessions: 6, Fee: $ 85 for one dog
Note: Enroll in 2nd dog class, if you have more than one dog
[email protected] .For more details email instructor
Instructor: Carol Ely
Important: Everyone must email instructor to reserve a training slot. You will not need to attend the class the full 3 hrs. You will have approx. 15 minutes of private training per week. Once you are done, you can leave or stay and visit or watch others.

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04/28/2025

This is real good. All should read it and try answering the questions.

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04/08/2025

Scent Work Class 02 for spring, starts a week from this Wednesday April 16th 2025.
This is the last full session before our trial in June (Jun 20-22, 2025)
Remember everyone must sign up by Sunday of this week. The college cuts off the enrollment 2-3 days before class starts.

The next session 02 was delayed, due to the bad weather the prior session had and needs one more week to finish. So, the new start date on the college site might be wrong.
Session 2 will start 4/16. Remember as soon as you register, you need to contact me to reserve a training slot.

For new people - training slots are 15 minutes of private training where we do searches in different rooms, outside or containers. You can stay after your slot and visit or watch others, as long as your dog does not disturb other dogs searching.

Time slots this session are from 2pm to 6pm and first come basis to reserve. If I have students that cannot make the earlier times and need training time after 7:15pm (Beginners are from 6:30-7) Contact me and if enough students, I may be able to Add a class and work it out with the college for the evening. Note: outside searches will not be available for evening slots in Spring classes.
More info www.canineteamtraining.com

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