Starved Rock Kennel Club - Dog Training

11/11/2024

To all of those who have served,
THANK YOU!

Your selfless sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

11/09/2024

Be very mindful of “Christmas Treats” for your canine companion - some of them are very dangerous and even toxic

11/04/2024

Reminder there will be no classes this week.
Now, Get out there and Vote!

11/03/2024

Thanks to member Sandra W. for this very worthwhile article

FOCUS ON PUPPIES AND BONE GROWTH:
Today we bring you the explanation of why we shouldn’t engage in intense physical activity with puppies up to 18 months and even up to 24 months of age.
The growth rates of puppies vary significantly depending on size. It's important to adjust diet and exercise to your pup's specific needs to ensure optimal skeletal development. Endochondral ossification (the process during which cartilage turns into bone) varies depending on adult size of the puppy, with growth cartilages closed (full ossification occurring) at 3 months in toy breeds and 24 months in large breeds (see photo).
There are many factors that influence growth rate and maturity age. For example, men mature slower than women. There are variations in "rapid growth" periods ranging from birth to 11 weeks in small dogs and toys. Large breeds range from birth to 20 weeks (Hawthorne et 2004). Excessive exercise and inadequate diet during these periods can lead to bone deformation and deformation, which can lead to the development of osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease.
The recommended exercise levels for puppies are 1 minute for each week of their lives, twice a day. This should be LOW IMPACT and at a constant rate. Puppies should not be fetched at high speeds, jumping on/off furniture, or getting in/out of vehicles.
If your goal is to train to compete in flyball or agility (for example), it is advised to AVOID any vault training until complete ossification has occurred.
This is why breeders tell new owners not to rush certain physical activities with their puppies. Instead focus on other things with them. Work on mind, smell, desensitizing, socializing, etc.
After going through months of developing and developing the corresponding plates, consult with your vet to determine if your dog is 100% sport ready.

11/02/2024

What will you do with your extra hour?

11/02/2024

10/31/2024

Post your Pups costumes below!

10/30/2024

Check out SRKC_Training’s video.

10/28/2024

Our October Community Walk was accompanied by beautiful weather and handlers ready to work on distractions. The pups got to see some “scary” decorations as well that we worked through.
We stopped at the open field on Jordan and worked on recalls and stays while trainer Doug orbited.
All handlers and pups worked amazing!
Can’t wait to see yall at the next one!