Dogtrainer Shelley

30/08/2024

Registration is now open for fall classes . September is back to school for your kids , why not your dog ?

09/06/2024

June 20 is the start date for my Basic Obedience Level 1 class in Richmond . This is a 7 week long class , 1 hour each week with a 645 pm start time . Pls check out my website for more info or feel free to DM for more info .www.dogtrainershelley.ca

06/05/2024

May 14 is the start date of my next group dog training class. This is a Basic Obedience Level.1 class. Jumping up , leave it , stronger obedience despite distractions , recall work and a huge focus on loose leash walking. Check out my website for more info on this class or contact me directly.

26/03/2024

Just got the news !

07/03/2024

Thursday staff meeting .

28/11/2023

It’s inevitable. 😅

27/11/2023

I did not write this but it is on point. If you are considering getting a puppy PLEASE read this.If you are getting a cross breed that cannot be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club the BREEDER should still be showing you the health clearances on the parents . DO NOT TAKE THEIR WORD FOR IT. Also do not fall for the BS on their website that they are breeding therapy dogs. I have seen this on a number of cross breed breeders and it is BS.

The Importance of Titles, Health Screening, and Breed Surveys on Breeding Stock

Historically, dog shows and other related events were developed with a very specific purpose in mind – to select and recognize those dogs with the best breeding characteristics, in order to guarantee the future health, stability and vitality of individual breeds. The practice of dog breeding is dedicated to this purpose, and dog breeders have a responsibility to do what is best for the breeds with which they choose to work. Dog breeding may bring satisfactions and rewards to the human beings who are involved in this practice, but it must always be remembered first and foremost that this activity is being undertaken for the benefit of dogs, not human beings.

Titles

Titles are given to dogs that perform at shows and events in recognition of outstanding characteristics or achievements. The primary category that is generally associated with breeding is conformation. This measures how close an individual dog comes to certain predetermined standards that are used to define the ideal prototype for a breed. Basically, conformation deals with aspects of physical appearance – height, weight, shape, quality of fur and skin, structural integrity in the muscles, cartilages and skeletal frame, and so on. Temperament should also conform to accepted standards for the breed. This ideal is based on the long observations and experiences of those who have specialized in the study of a particular breed of dog.� �Titles are also given out to dogs that perform well at shows in other categories, such as agility, hunt tests, obedience, and tracking. Again, dogs are being tested for the possession of outstanding qualities that can help strengthen the breeding stock of that particular kind of dog. One caution about titles is that they should only be recognized as legitimate if they come from events sanctioned by the Canadian and/or American Kennel Club. These titles come with abbreviations, so it may be necessary to check with an AKC/CKC source to find out exactly what they mean when you see them connected with an individual dog.�

Health Screening

Before dogs are approved and used for breeding, they should undergo an extensive health screening process. This would of course allow any competent veterinarian to discover any kind of clearly apparent illness or deformity, but a health screening in this case needs to look well beyond the obvious. Different breeds of dog are vulnerable to different kinds of serious disorders and disease, and a thorough pre-breeding health screening should be performed to detect any genetic conditions or malformations that would disqualify a dog from being used for the purposes of breeding.� �Some of the tests that should be performed to detect hereditary disorders and abnormalities include:
* Hip Scoring – many breeds of dog can be vulnerable to a condition called hip dysplasia. This is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that is both physically debilitating and very painful. Before being allowed to breed, all dogs should go through the hip scoring procedure, which involves a physical examination of their hip sockets taken by radiograph. Each dog so tested is then given a score based on the formation of their hip sockets, with passing scores coming in excellent, good and fair. Only those dogs that score with passing ratings should be considered suitable for breeding.
* Cardiac testing – dogs can suffer from congenital heart disease, which can lead to illness and a slow, painful death. Each type of dog has a somewhat different testing protocol, which is determined by clubs devoted to that breed. But the basic procedure involves auscultation or more advanced monitoring examination of the heart by electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, in the search for irregularities that might demonstrate the presence of hereditary abnormalities.
* Eye testing – dogs can be subject to a number of genetic eye conditions, ranging from minor to capable of causing blindness. At least 11 different tests exist for different conditions, and puppies can usually be tested at a fairly young age with accurate results.
* Elbow scoring- to check for elbow dysplasia

The important thing to realize is that dogs that suffer from these disorders and abnormalities do, in fact, suffer greatly, and it is incumbent on breeders to try and eliminate these conditions from the breeding stock if it is at all possible.

It needs to be emphasized again – all of this procedure, testing and certification is not for the benefit of breeders, dog owners, show enthusiasts or dog fanciers of any type. These considerations are important because they help to guarantee the good health and continued genetic integrity of dog breeds as a whole, as well as individual dogs that are going to be brought into the world in the future as a part of the breeding process. Even if you are not a breeder but only someone who wants to find a nice dog as a pet, the work being done by breeders to preserve the strength and good health of specific breeds will increase your chances of finding a dog that is healthy and possesses good personality and temperament.

It’s important that the breeder you are purchasing a puppy from is titling their dogs. This helps ensure you are purchasing from a reputable, ethical breeder who is trying to improve the breed.

Ckc registered does not equate to reputable. The CKC/AKC are just registries. They do not ensure each breeder is doing all the required health clearances. They simply keep track of pedigrees of purebred dogs and track titles. When looking at a breeder ask about ckc/akc titles the dogs have obtained, OFA records and genetic testing.

If a breeder has many females or males that aren’t champions or have other titles. Ask them why? Could it be because their dogs don’t meet the breed standard, or are they more interested in producing puppies than proving their dogs worthy. Many breeders, registered and BYB, are great at marketing themselves. Sometimes uncomfortable but necessary questions need to be asked when purchasing a puppy. It is a big commitment and getting a dog that is true to the breed standard in body and mind is important for all involved.

I see many people that recommend breeders who are just having litters without putting a single title on their breeding stock. As the gate keepers of the breed We need to hold other breeders accountable and ask that they do better, for the beloved breed we so cherish.

28/10/2023

Am honored to have won top three dog trainers for the third time now. ThreeBestRated.ca

30/09/2023

He is in love !

20/09/2023

2 spots have opened up for my Advanced Beginners class that starts tomorrow Sept 20 at 745 pm if anyone is interested in enhancing theirs dogs leash skills or just wants to improve their dogs obedience . Class is being held at the Richmond Club and is 7 wks long 745 till 830pm . Class was sold out but 2 spots have opened up . If interested call me directly at 778 836 3647 . This is a fun class that really helps with leash skills and focus . 7 wks long ,1 hour each week $250 .

29/08/2023

Finally September classes of Level 1 and Level 2 are starting Sept 20 at the Richmond Curling Club. Both classes are 7 weeks long, 55 minutes per class .
Level 1 class starts at 645pm till 740pm. This is a Basic Obedience Level 1 class that focuses on teaching your young dog or older rescue to focus on you , despite distractions. Huge focus on loose leash walking.(minimum age 14 weeks , no maximum age).

Level 2 follows the curriculum of the Canine Good Neighbour Program where you dog is under control when out in public at all times. Huge focus on loose leash walking , despite distractions. Last class is a fun competition where 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded. Check out my website for more info. Dog training classes really do help your dog to focus on you , the owner when out and about. If you have been following me and my new puppy Barrett pls know I will be taking him to classes taught by another trainer and I am a Certified Master Dog Trainer! Group classes are really the only way you can teach your dog to always focus on you , despite other dogs or people. Check out my website for more info www.dogtrainershelley.com

27/08/2023

Happy International Dog Day from these two boys Magnum and Barrett .

19/08/2023

Honored to have received the news from Three Best that I have been listed one of the top 3 dog trainers in Richmond and surrounding areas. This is actually the 3rd time I have won this award. I was listed in the top 3 in 2018 , 2022 and now 2023, still feel very honored.

16/08/2023

Wednesday staff meeting .

06/08/2023

Barrett loves car rides!

03/08/2023

Gracie took a selfie today of her friends. Such a smart Doodle

22/07/2023

My puppy is pretty relaxed I am thinking , or he is broken , lol. We had a tiny outing today to Tysols to get a name tag for him and he was awesome following me with treats and encouragement. Leash skills start from the moment you get your pup. Day 2 no accidents in the house , tons of praise for going potty outside . We are on a good path for house training.

21/07/2023

He has arrived from Germany. Meet Barrett out of HAUS-BARRETT Long Haired German Shepherds. He had a long flight from Germany today and is surrounded by all of his toys sleeping on the couch. For a moment I did think about not allowing him on the couch but that moment passed when I looked into his little hazel eyes. I will now require another couch accepting donations. Follow him on my Instagram account as I will be posting his training journey

16/07/2023

7 month old Murphy here today for a swimming lesson. I call them swimming lessons but all dogs know how to swim instinctually . I just help them to know that they can swim and not be afraid of the water. Initially he was pretty scared but he did remarkably well and calmed down and even swam after a floating toy. He accidentally got my leg with his nails but all is ok. Better than being bitten lol. He was quite pleased with himself afterwards and while initially scared did seem to enjoy himself somewhat. $45 for 30 minutes in the pool with a 15 minute clean up afterwards either with towels or my dog blow dryer ( if the dog allows). I and your parents were quite proud of you Murphy on your first swimming lesson. The pool is 22 ft long , 12 feet wide with stairs leading in and out. I provide hands on help as you can see from these photos. Exercise for an older dog , Aqua Therapy to help with an injury ( NOT to replace a qualified Aqua dog therapist) or just to make your dog more comfortable in the water. Call for more details 778 836 3647

01/07/2023

well this is a timely post as I am trying to decide on a name for my new boy

German shepherds are amazing dogs with many great personality traits. They’re beautiful, athletic, smart, brave, and funny-just to name a few. They’re fun to name but choosing a name can be hard because there are so many great possibilities.When choosing a name, it helps to choose one that fits ...

01/07/2023

My new boy coming from Germany mid July. Looking for suggestions for his call name . His registered name is Yaro Vom Team Barrett as he is a Y litter but his "call" name or real name can be different . Any suggestions ?

20/06/2023

July 5 is the start date of my next 7 week Long , 1 hour each week Basic Obedience Level 1 class . I chuckle a bit when trainers offer only a recall class . If you have poor leash skills or poor obedience then of course your recall ( the come command) will be poor. This class is designed for the younger dog ( 14 weeks minimum) or even older dog that does not have the basic commands in place . Huge focus on loose leash walking. Outdoor classes in a fully fenced in area. Registration is mandatory , call 778 836 3647 for more info on this class.

14/06/2023

Weiner dog Wednesday!

07/06/2023

Weiner dog Wednesday! Such a tough day at the office today. Magnum was again the only boy amongst these lovely ladies. The term humpday kind of applied today for Magnum, lol.

25/05/2023

Thursday staff meeting . No pool time today for the pups as we are awaiting the arrival of a new and improved dog pool. The new pool is oblong and 18ft long , so the dogs will be able to actually swim a bit more. Thinking about offering dog swimming lessons this summer in a safe , controlled manner. Will post photos of new pool when it arrives and is set up. Super excited for this pool and I know Magnum is as well.

16/03/2023

Please consider voting for me in the Richmond News Best of 2023. For the first time in years they have a Best Dog Trainer category. See link below

There are 100 categories, but please REMEMBER: You must vote in at least 15 categories for your ballot to count. PLEASE CONTINUE TO THE NEXT PAGE TO VOTE IN MORE CATEGORIES.

01/03/2023

So important to read this if you have a puppy or know someone with a young puppy.

Important building blocks for a behaviourally-healthy cat or dog occur during the sensitive period for puppies and kittens. Here's what to do.