MOJO Canine Coach, LLC

08/12/2024

Fall Classes start next week! We have traditional & play-based foundational classes and specialty courses available! Register now!

www.canineinitiative.com/classes

08/07/2024

Congratulations to this group of Canine Good Citizen teams who passed their Community Canine and urban Canine tonight. Evaluations took place at OSF St Francis where there are loud noises, squealing car tires, and people walking by from every direction! Yay Team Hartley, Team Frost, Team Summit, and Team Charlie

08/07/2024

JUST ANOTHER REMINDER TO EVERYONE ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DOGS OVERHEATING IN WARMER WEATHER:

TOO HOT TO FUNCTION: Today our breed expert Carol Price looks at the dangers dogs face from overheating – and how to prevent heatstroke in your own dog this summer.

When summer arrives and the weather warms up, it is natural for us to want to spend more time out with our dogs, while not always realising the risks higher temperatures can pose for them. Dogs, in general, manage heat less well than us because they have fewer sweat glands and mostly lose heat from their mouths through panting. Plus their inner body temperatures are already slightly higher than ours. (A normal human body temperature is between 97.6 - 99.6 Fahrenheit when a dog's is between 101-102.5 F).

Moreover once a dog's temperature rises to 104 F or more it begins to be in serious trouble of heatstroke, collapse and even organ failure and possible death. And this can all happen frighteningly fast. Humidity as well as heat can also be particularly dangerous to dogs.

Despite this reality, however, the number of people I still see out in hot weather making their dogs chase after balls or - my own personal horror – forcing them to run after them on hot tarmac while they themselves are running, or on bikes – is still too depressingly high. As well as being unbelievably thoughtless and inconsiderate. Ignorance is possibly mostly at the heart of this, as well as a dangerous human misconception that a dog is experiencing, or coping with, heat in much the same way that they are. So we really need to realise that they are not.

PREVENTION
Key things to do when the weather hots up is to always walk your dog at cooler times such as very early in the morning or later in the evening. And cut out all the more active stuff like ball chasing. With elderly dogs, and those with heart or breathing issues it may be best not to exercise them at all in higher temperatures.

Black coated dogs, like Border collies, naturally absorb more heat and thus may find hotter weather more uncomfortable, especially if they are not more acclimatised to it. During the hotter parts of the day your dog also needs to rest in the shade, or a cooler room (with a fan or air con), to lessen as much strain as possible on their heart rate and metabolism.

Plenty of cool fresh drinking water should also always be available to them. There are also special cooling mats or jackets you can now buy for dogs.

Under NO circumstances leave dogs in a car or other vehicle in hotter or even just warmer weather - which can so often prove to be a deathtrap for them. Even in overcast weather, or with the windows open, cars can still heat up frighteningly fast inside. Also never leave any dog anywhere outside where they do not have ready access to shade and cool water.

HEATSTROKE – THE EARLIEST SIGNS
Heatstroke is one of those conditions in dogs that begins with milder symptoms – i.e. excess panting, greater difficulty breathing, lethargy. Then moves on to more serious ones – like drooling, foaming at the mouth, shaking, vomiting/diarrhoea, pale or bright red gums – before finally escalating into seizures or collapse and loss of consciousness. And you must be mindful of how rapidly one set of symptoms can progress to another without more urgent and immediate intervention to cool your dog down again. (More on how to do this a bit later).

Every day in warmer weather, keep remembering how utterly fragile a dog's heat regulation mechanisms can be, and it may not take much in the way of excess exertion during the heat to trigger a crisis whereby they are no longer able to sufficiently cool down again. Be aware too that even if dogs are playing or swimming in rivers, paddling pools or the sea in warmer weather, the excess internal heat they are generating from such exertion may still raise their overall temperature too high for the cooler temperature of the water to compensate for.

Ultimately it does neither humans nor dogs any harm to lower their normal activity levels in response to more extreme temperatures. It really is the safest thing to do. Meanwhile the link below is really helpful in outlining more about over-heating in dogs, what to do if it happens in your own dog, and also more tips on keeping dogs cooler:
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/heatstroke-in-dogs?fbclid=IwY2xjawEZm_5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeT-7xktMR9B5tpIGUvLkDzSpjYpU_dRj86n5msj8zXuEs2Z9Kh0MzjwZg_aem_Q_37nSB27__terGX6NQI_g
All text © Carol Price/Collieology 2024

07/12/2024

Rodeo Dog Workshops are now open for registration!

• Saturday, July 20th, 1:00-3:00pm
• Wednesday, July 31st, 6:30-8:30pm

The workshops are free to audit, but spots are limited so registration is required! We also have a limited number of Fun Runs (following the informational portion of the workshop) available for owners who would like to bring their dog along to the workshop to give it a try. Each dog signed up for the Fun Runs will have a chance to try 2 beginner level runs.

Fun runs are open to dogs and owners of any skill age, skill level, and ability! (However, dogs must be able to wait politely with their owner or in a crate during the informational portion of the workshop.)

To register to Audit Only, go to: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18763175&appointmentType=65500557

To register for the Workshop AND the Fun Runs, go to: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18763175&appointmentType=65590245

We look forward to sharing this fun new sport with you! Yee haw!

07/09/2024

Coming to Central Illinois! RODEO DOG!
We are pleased to announce the newest dog sport to our area -- RODEO DOG, which originated in Pennsylvania and has hit the East Coast is now making its way to the Midwest!

This fun and all-inclusive sport is for beginners to retired handlers and dogs. You will want to hear all about it at our upcoming workshop! Classes at Canine Initiative Training will follow in the next session. More information coming VERY soon!

07/02/2024

07/02/2024

It’s firework season! More dogs will go missing this week than at any other time of the year. And tragically, some of them will never make it back home.

Be aware and be prepared! Here’s a checklist to make sure your pup stays safe this week:

🎇 During popular firework times, make sure you have at least TWO mechanisms for safety and control in place at all times - a primary method of control/containment, plus a backup.
🎆 Ensure your fenced yard is secure. Check for gaps, holes, weak boards, unsecured latches, etc. Add locks to gates if needed. If your fence has weaknesses or is short enough for your dog to jump - even if they’ve never jumped it before - act as if you don’t have a fence at all, and use a secure leash, even while in the yard.
🎇 Use ID! Have ID tags on your dog’s collar. Even adding a makeshift tag with your number is better than nothing if you don’t already have ID tags. And then, make sure the collar is on the dog and properly fitted and secured.
🎆 Use a second collar or harness to attach the leash to. Make sure the collar/harness is properly fitted so it can’t slip off. A properly fitted slip or martingale collar that will tighten if the dog tries to pull away is a more secure option than a regular collar. Use quality equipment that isn’t prone to breaking. Metal buckles are more secure than plastic buckles.
🎇 Attach your ID tag collar to your primary collar or harness with a carabiner, so if one breaks or slips off, you’re still attached to the other.
🎆 Check your leash or signs of wear and tear or weakness. Use a leash that is strong while also being easy to grip. If you know your dog is prone to chewing the leash, consider using a chew-proof leash or using 2 leashes.
🎇 Leave your dog at home. Even if he doesn’t seem bothered by fireworks, don’t take him along for festivities. It’s just not worth it.
🎆 Keep your dog away from exterior doors even when inside your home! Use a leash while in the house, or contain your dog in a crate or another room so they can’t slip out when people enter or exit the house.

Remember, scared dogs will not behave rationally if they panic and enter flight mode. Don’t assume that just because your dog has never done something before means that they won’t try it this week.

Dogs’ preferences and tolerances may also change as the dog ages. Don’t assume that a dog who was fine with fireworks last year will be fine with them again. Use precautions, just in case.

There are a number of strategies you can use to help get your pet through the holiday, including:
🎆 Try to plan potty breaks around the worst of the fireworks, when possible.
🎇 Most dogs feel most secure in smaller spaces. Use a crate or smaller room/space to give your dog a place that feels safe and secure.
🎆 Block the visual of the flashes of light. Cover the crate, or block windows.
🎇 Deaden the sound as much as possible by securing your pet in a basement, bathroom, or interior room of the house. Drown our the sound by leaving on a radio or TV near your dog.
🎆 If you are gone, try use food or play to create positive associations with the sounds.
🎇 If your dog is anxious, offer CALM reassurance - but do not coddle him or get anxious yourself! He won’t understand that you’re worried about him, and will think you’re anxious about the fireworks, too!
🎆 Use medication if necessary and if recommended by the vet to get through the worst of the fireworks.

And finally, remember that after the 4th, you’ll have 180 days until New Years, and 364 days until the 4th of July next year, to help prepare your dog! If you have a firework phobic dog, reach out to a trainer for help. Some dogs are predisposed towards phobias because of their genetics, early socialization experiences, or traumatic experiences. But we owe it to our dogs to help them become the bravest and most resilient version of themselves that they can be!

06/13/2024

Another set of storms predicted for our area - with winds up to 75+mph. Check your fences & gates before you let the pets out. Put a sticky-note on the door to remind yourself..... 😉

06/12/2024

Vivid the Demo Dog cordially invites you and your dog to the first step towards a better relationship!

Whether you’ve recently welcomed a brand new puppy into your home, or are ready to disprove the myth that old dogs can’t learn new tricks, or anywhere in between - we’ve got a place for you!

Classes start the week of June 20-25. You can find class information and schedules, and sign up now at https://canineinitiative.com/classes

05/26/2024

05/25/2024

Our Intro to Disc Seminar is finalized and open for registration. Working spots are limited, auditing is unlimited.

Check out our event page here: https://facebook.com/events/s/intro-to-disc-seminar-with-hop/394630440224969/

Registration is available at the event page.

Dogs do not have to have any prior experience with frisbees to attend, but it’s best if they have enthusiasm for chasing toys and/or for food.

05/25/2024

04/18/2024

Where to Start? Group Classes Private Lessons Board and Train Day Training Daycare Boarding Online Learning Training ClubGroup Classes Group instruction with a personalized feel   Our small group classes are available for a variety of different training goals, including puppy training, basic obedie...

04/01/2024

Available for adoption! The best way to describe Scout is a Labrador retriever in a German Shepherd costume. Likes all people - all shapes and ages, dogs, cats. No reactivity. Loves food. House and crate trained. Loves to go on adventures, rides well in the crate in the car. Around 3 years old - past the puppy stage! Contact Foster Pet Outreach for an application!

Send a message to learn more

03/06/2024

03/01/2024

Currently 3 spots available
CGC Classes start Thursday 3/7.
What does the evaluation look like?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msCT5vDYYHQ&t=10s

02/27/2024

Most of our March classes are full or filling up fast, so don't miss your opportunity to sign up! Classes start this week!
Register now at canineinitiative.com/classes

Our current openings are as follows:
S.T.A.R. Puppy Class, Thursdays at 4:30pm - 2 spots left

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