Winohka K9 Training & Grooming, LLC

11/11/2024

On this Veterans Day, we honor the courage and commitment of our nation’s military service members and their steadfast canine companions. These devoted teams have stood together through the toughest challenges, with each dog’s loyalty and bravery matched by the strength of the handler by their side. Today, we extend our gratitude to all who serve and to the remarkable bond that makes them stronger together. 🇺🇸 🐾

01/12/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michelle and Kip Conclude "Walk Across America" Fundraiser for HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response in Jekyll Island, GA

[EUGENE,OR, January 18] — Michelle, accompanied by her devoted canine partner Kip, is set to complete their remarkable "Walk Across America" journey in Jekyll Island, GA, around January 18th. This incredible endeavor was undertaken to raise funds for HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (HOPE AACR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing crucial support through animal-assisted interventions during crises.

Despite facing challenges such as unpredictable weather and other factors, Michelle's determination and Kip's loyal companionship have propelled them through this epic journey. Kip has served in many roles during this journey, as copilot to Michelle’s husband who pilots the van, as support for Michelle as she rests after each day of walks, joining her for parts of her walks and meeting up with people along the way. The conclusion of their walk is anticipated to be a celebratory event, with several HOPE AACR members planning to be present to welcome Michelle and Kip upon their arrival.

This incredible 'Walk Across America' journey isn't just about showcasing the amazing bond between humans and canines—it's also about expanding the healing power of animal-assisted interventions. Throughout this adventure, generous donations have been flowing in, and now, as they approach the finish line, we're aiming for an epic finale! Public support helps HOPE AACR make a difference in bringing comfort and compassion to those who need it most. Join us for the final stretch and let's make it a heartwarming finish together!

While the exact arrival date may shift, the conclusion of this journey symbolizes a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to support HOPE AACR's mission.

For more information about HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response and to contribute to the cause, please visit https://www.hopeaacr.org/

About HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (HOPE AACR):
HOPE AACR’s mission is “To provide comfort and encouragement through animal-assisted support to individuals affected by crises and disasters.” In partnership with FEMA, Red Cross, community Office of Emergency Management teams and local schools and first responders across the US, HOPE’s close to 300 all-volunteer teams in the US and Canada regularly visit hospitals, schools, libraries and other local facilities to lift people’s spirits. With a focus on community healing, HOPE AACR has been serving people affected by disasters and traumatic events, free of charge, since 2001.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Tina Jones
Media Contact
[email protected]
HOPE AACR
https://www.hopeaacr.org/

12/27/2023

What a good idea. This will help with training but doesn’t take the place of it.

I see a lot of cases where dogs frequently dart out of the front door. Some of these dogs, encounter danger if they run loose. But many of the ones I see, are a danger to others when they run loose.

Teaching impulse control and boundaries at doorways is an absolute must. However, if you have a dog that is a danger to society AND has a history of bolting through the front door, I always recommend creating a double barrier at the front door. Training and behavior is never 100% fool proof. Dogs make mistakes. People make mistakes. And sometimes we cannot afford for any more mistakes to happen.

This recommendation is NOT a substitute for training. But, when added in as a compliment, if we make it a rule that the gate closes before you open the door and vice versa, we can get pretty close to a 100% fool proof guarantee that door dashing will never happen again. I always tell people that I’m a realist and that safety is top priority. So in these cases, the configurable gates are a crucial part of the plan.

06/16/2023

A reminder as the days heat up this summer. Enjoy the summer with your dogs safely.

08/20/2022

08/16/2022

Why is it so important to keep your pets nails short? This is why! Proper posture takes pressure of the skeleton and allows for proper muscle engagement. This protects joints because once we lose the integrity of a joint it can never be healed completely. Whether your pet can wear down their nails by themselves or they need help from you, please listen for the sound of nails clacking on hat dust faces when they walk by you. That is an indication that they need some nail care!

08/08/2022

Have you ever heard of a big dog suddenly chasing and killing a much smaller one? Perhaps they were playing even, just before the sudden switch. I have. It's unfortunately happened in the last few years in my own village. It's devastating, it's unpredictable, and it's real.

Importantly, IT IS NOT AGGRESSION. It's a phenomenon called predatory drift and it's why my own canine family are managed so closely and responsibly.

Pictured are two of our dogs. Little and large. Beast and button. Big sis and little sis. Call them what you like, but just because they know each other VERY well does not mean they will ever coexist together like similar sized dogs can. It would just not be safe. And it would be neither of their faults.

Just a run and squeal from the little'un could trigger off the big'un. Any "prey-like" behaviour and she could trigger off instincts in her that are akin to a wolf catching and ingesting prey. It's instincts, not aggression. It's not even a choice she would be making.

ALL DOGS CAN BE TRIGGERED INTO PREDATORY DRIFT if the environmental circumstances around them trigger it off e.g. if they're around a dog much smaller than themselves. Daycares for example and even dog walkers need to be aware of this when mixing breeds.

The risk of predatory drift is heightened as well if:

* There is more than one large dog to the small
* They are allowed to play (which has its risks just for sheer size differences as well!)
* The smaller dog is in any way fearful and likely to run, whine or squeal
* The dog is likely a "finisher" i.e. would normally not hesitate to catch a squirrel and eat it right then and there. Some parts of the predatory sequence have been enhanced and/or inhibited in some breeds, but some dogs would still exhibit the full sequence from eye to kill to digest.

How do we manage our family?

* The dogs are never walked together without the both of us humans present. EVER.
* We use long lines as a management tool
* We keep all walks calm and environment focused.
* Absolutely no direct interactions with each other is encouraged on walks. They are in fact called away from any direct interactions.
* They are kept in separate rooms in the house. ALWAYS.
* We do not slack on our management or supervision even for a second. Because that's all it could take. And again, it would be neither of their faults.

(It is our choice to implement this level of management from our own risk assessment of these particular dogs since our family joined together a year ago. Our dogs also have other difficulties beyond the risk of predatory drift so strict management is key for their safety).

As you can see the size difference is significant. They have a lovely relationship. Their tails will wag when they see each other coming into the house and they will touch noses either side of the baby gate. But being the "best of friends" wouldn't stop an accident happening. Predatory drift is not born out of anger, frustration, dislike of one another. It's completely separate. The only way of ensuring it doesn't happen is through awareness and management.

A quick google search will bring up lots of articles on predatory drift and the risks. It is important to be aware of this, whether you're the guardian of a giant breed, or guardian of a toy breed, or frankly, anything in between. Predatory drift between dogs is not too common, but it always has devastating consequences.

Knowledge and awareness is key 🐾💜

Please note: predatory drift is NOT dogs fighting as a result of over stimulated play. Predatory drift is NOT dogs arguing over a resource such as food. Predatory drift is NOT dog-dog reactivity. There are many reasons why one dog may show aggressive behaviour responses to another and the majority of them would not count as predatory drift.

07/25/2022

06/06/2022

04/04/2022

Dogs do not feel guilt and they don’t do things out of spite. But they do react with fear to displays of anger or frustration.

Dogs are blissfully innocent. They can’t tell the difference between an expensive shoe or a chew toy. And they don’t know that they should potty outdoors instead of on the carpet.

It’s up to us to teach them and to prevent mistakes until they learn the difference. To learn more visit iSpeakDog.org

03/13/2022

Happy K-9 Veterans Day 🐾 🇺🇸

01/30/2022

Yes remember there are no hacks or short cuts.