Canine Connection

04/01/2025

In 2024 my classes began filling without any advertising but I’m still out there teaching and loving it! I ran over 400 nose work classes and over 200 basic obedience or introduction to sport type classes last year. Over 40 of those were 4H and free. Which means I saw around 70 dogs a week and over 50 of those were doing nose work! Lots more to come in 2025 and I certainly hope to introduce a lot more people to my favorite sport!

25/12/2024

22/12/2024

I’ve had a lot of requests for another working through reactivity class. If you’re interested please fill out this form and I will get one organized!

This registration is for people interested in working through reactivity and a lack of confidence in their dogs. We will focus on teaching pattern games and training management techniques that will make your lives better! You will pay once I determine if there is enough interest for a class.

29/11/2024

I am so thankful for…

05/11/2024

Trial Participants:
Both your photos and videos have been emailed. If you haven’t received them, check your spam folders then let myself (video) or Crystal Arnold (photos) know! Ps. Is Paxton not just huggable?

28/10/2024

Thank you to everyone who trialed in Columbus!

You make it worth the work 🥰

21/10/2024

Nose Work Peeps:
As I plan for next year I want to know what element specialty trials you and your dogs attend in Columbus, MT (or close by).
We will do a poll the only way facebook allows- by using emojis! Thanks Denise Fenzi for the idea. You can comment but

😂 ELT-S
🥰 Level 2 Interior
😮 Level 1 Vehicles
😢 Level 1 Containers
😡 Level 1 Exterior

If you want some not listed, put it in the comments. We’ve had 2 L1I in Montana already so I don’t have that as option.

01/10/2024

I have the cutest dog in one of my classes. He’s everything a pet owner could think they want when you look at his cute breed, coloring and bright eyes but he’s incredibly fearful. He lived nearly the entire first year of his life in a crate just big enough to turn around in; he clearly suffered from neglect and abuse. He was LOCAL. He was from an Amish puppy mill. He is afraid of humans, noises, boxes, toys, other dogs etc. We have finally found food bowls work the best for nose work as he gets more confident we can branch out!

You won’t see it advertised “Amish puppy mill” when you go to buy a puppy coming from these places. You won’t even see the Amish selling or advertising. In fact, they might be advertising online or be at a local store being sold by someone who isn’t Amish. Someone who says they just had a whoops litter at home or has an interesting story about their neighbor needing help selling their puppies. You won’t know you’re supporting a puppy mill!

PLEASE DO NOT SUPPORT PUPPY MILLS BY BUYING PUPPIES FROM THESE POP UP & ONLINE PUPPY SALES! Even a “pitty buy” keeps that mill going.

Find a reputable breeder who checks hips, elbows, eyes, genetics and can introduce you to the parents. Look for breeders whose dogs do something and that you can meet! Ask to see where the puppies were raised. Pick puppies up on sight, don’t meet in random locations. Be very cautious about so called breeders who don’t ask about your experience with dogs and really quiz you about your needs or just let you pick any puppy. Don’t buy a puppy the breeder won’t take back or help rehome if you fall on bad times. The only thing that will end this horrific abuse is ending the flow of money.

If cost is your worry- find a rescue! But please do not keep supporting these horrific places.

28/09/2024

Huge thank you to everyone who has signed up or encouraged people to sign up, up for the October trials! Whether you’re competing, running FEO, or volunteering you have really touched my heart!  we are going to have a blast! It’s not full but we have enough. i’m seriously considering starting a referral program or a trial punchcard! I just have to figure out how to track it….

18/09/2024

I can’t believe it! We still have room in the ELT-S/NW2/ELT trial in Columbus, MT on October 26/27. Following the trial, there’s an opportunity to do a video review and workshop with the amazing Terri Spaeth-Merrick!

The location is a beautiful newly renovated elementary school. it’s incredibly clean with lots of opportunities for fun searches. The parking area includes large, mature trees that will be a beautiful gold by the time you arrive.

I am passionate about creating an environment that lifts people up and supports both the human and the dog on this precious journey we’re taking together! Everyone needs to feel safe and free to be themselves- human and canine! I have a wonderful group of volunteers who get so excited just to meet and help everyone have fun with their dogs.

Montana weather can be unpredictable, but that’s half the fun! Shoot, we’ve gotten snow in July, LOL. Generally fall is mild and the storms that do come don’t last for very long. Columbus is right off of I 90 and an easy reach from Billings or Bozeman if you’d like to fly in with a little dog!

I hope you can join us! The volunteer link can also be found under quick links.

https://canineconnection23.godaddysites.com

16/09/2024

Confirmation Emails have been sent for the October 26/27 trial. If you don’t get yours, let me know!!
I still have room in everything- but not much! Don’t wait!

10/09/2024

And it’s open!
Get registered for the ELT-S/NW2/ELT trial in Columbus Montana on Oct 26th & 27th.

https://canineconnection23.godaddysites.com/october-nacsw-trial

08/09/2024

Following the October trial in Columbus, MT, Terri Spaeth-Merrick will be available for a K9 Nose Work Workshop (Monday 10/28) as well as video review (10/27). If you’re INTERESTED in more information please fill out this quick form! Terri has a wealth of knowledge to share. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from a very experienced coach, handler, judge and CO!

This is to get a list of people interested in a workshop with Terri on the Monday after the trial in October (10/28). We will work out topics once we know who wants to come!

07/09/2024

If you’re new to the ELT-S level in NACSW, check out the rules! The feedback I keep hearing from handlers is how much fun they are for humans and dogs.

29/08/2024

It’s almost time to register for the
October 26-27 ELT-S, NW2, & ELT Trial!
Opens September 10, 2024.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

28/08/2024

All of my September/October Classes have filled but this one! I’d love to have you join us.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-K72zEvkeMpN8EN1hyXoA1usQzcMAIyaKlBavToUve_KB5w/viewform?usp=sf_link

24/08/2024

Huge congratulations to everyone who stepped to line this morning. Whether you finish the title, started a title or even began the very first steps of a nose work journey- you and your dogs were brilliant. The atmosphere was supportive, excited and positive! Not even one team waited for a 30 second warning! It was so much fun to watch you trust your dogs and learn from them. While I did have to say a couple of No’s 😉 Everyone left joyfully with their dogs and were so loving. Vicky Lovejoy you’re an awesome CO, Kathy Siegrist again you kept me in line, Melanie you set everyone up for success at that door, Carol you’re always my gal Friday 😉😉 Michele kept me from having camera snafoos, Barb kept that stopwatch like a pro and last but not least Patricia made sure everyone found the exit during their revelry! Oh and most of them helped with boxes too. We can’t possibly play without volunteers.

Thanks to Every Dog Nose work for permission to reproduce this sign https://www.facebook.com/everydognosework?mibextid=LQQJ4d

21/08/2024

If you’re new to NACSW, our parking lots are a bit different from other dog sports. We expect the canines to be treated like the working dogs they are! It’s truly better for everyone involved, not just reactive dogs. If you haven’t read this in a while, it’s a great review.

NACSW Trials strive to be a safe, fun, and fair way to enjoy the competition experience for dogs and handlers. Building awareness of safe practices is directly related to the NACSW mission. An educated, proactive membership is one of the best ways to keep the trial environment safe, fun, and fair fo...