Ever thought your dog would make a great therapy dog? You may be right! You can find out for sure through our Canine Good Citizen class which provides all the training you'll need before applying and testing for your Therapy Dog designation.
Not sure if having a certified therapy dog is in your game plan? The AKC Canine Good Citizen program is a well-rounded program designed to make your dog a good family member, and an even better community citizen.
Interested? Check out the class description here for more information. Want more proof this is an excellent idea? Read this.
Testing 1, 2, 3
Mark the date! Redfern Canines will be offering testing on Saturday, August 14th. For more information, or to sign up, email Betsy Howell here.
You Are Simply the Best: Student Awards
Here at Redfern, we're all about teamwork. Handler and canine. A winning combination, and proof that all your hard work pays off. Come celebrate with us. Visit our website here, and see what you and your fellow students have accomplished. This new feature on our website will highlight awards and training goals met. Great job, everyone!
Portia's Piece:
Am I Old Enough
to be
A Grandma?!
Turns out age is just a number and I most certainly am! Just add "Grandma" to my list of proud accomplishments. Paws crossed that my girl, Blanche, will deliver her very first litter by the end of September.
Keep your eyes open for pictures to come. Can you imagine anything more adorable? Me either.
Does Redfern Still Require Masks?
If you are fully vaccinated, masks are no longer required to attend class at Redfern. If you are not vaccinated, or are still in the vaccination process, we ask that you continue masking up for the greater good.
Hand sanitizer will still be available, as will soap and water, and we encourage everyone to continue to practice common sense.
Six foot rule for people still applies. Our standing rule has always been to keep dogs 2 feet apart for safety's sake. That also remains in effect.
Save the Date! 10/2/21
Pennsylvania State Working
Animal Foundation (PSWAF)
Open House
We're so proud to be teaming up with the Pennsylvania State Working Animal Foundation to celebrate at their Open House, October 2nd in Mechanicsburg, PA.
Redfern owner Betsy Howell will be on hand with her therapy dogs, joining a host of local organizations to celebrate the working animal.
Set at the foundation's headquarters on 20+ acres of rolling countryside, the non-profit organization will serve as a hub to honor, celebrate and remember the working animals of Pennsylvania.
Plan to join us for a full day of activities, and meet some incredible working animals. For more information on the foundation, visit their website at PSWAF.org.
Add This Number to Your Phone:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435
Congratulations, You got a Pandemic Pup! Now What?
It's no surprise that so many pups and older dogs were adopted during the pandemic. We were all craving comfort, and in my mind, nothing says home and refuge and security like a dog. As the saying goes, there is no substitute.
But as life opens back up again, the hard reality for all of us is navigating our place in a changed world, and dogs are no different. After a year of interacting with family, seeing strangers from at least six-feet away, and often masked to boot, our sweet pups are looking to us for guidance. And part of their security is knowing their place in the world. What is expected and what is not acceptable. It isn't enough to tell your dog what not to do, we have to show them what they are supposed to do, how they are supposed to behave. That, my dear readers, is where training comes in. Along with this important bit of wisdom: it's never to early, or too late.
Take a deep breath, and realize that adolescence is a growth stage for dogs, just as it is for children. While some course correction may be needed, what's needed most are rules of the road. Training will guide your pup to the next step, and you'll all be happier for it. Don't give up on your active adolescent. Your dog brought you much needed comfort during this past year. It's time to return the favor.
Redfern Classes Are Filling Fast!
Thanks to all our pandemic pups, our puppy and manners classes are filling faster than ever. Good news for everyone as a well-trained pup is a happy member of the family. Want to get in on the fun?
Hurry to the Redfern Canines website for up-to-date scheduling, descriptions and registrations. All in one place. Yup, there's an easy-button.
Summer First Aid For Your Dog
Everyone's anxious to go. Go on vacation. Go to the park. Go on a hike. The snacks are packed. There's plenty of water, and you have a first aid kit in the car for cuts and scratches.
Do you have a first aid kit for your dog? You should. Just like kids, dogs can stick their noses and paws in holes they shouldn't. They can step on sharp objects. They can lose their footing and fall. Like any good parent, you want to be prepared. Here's how:
Have all your vet's contact info on hand, including your pet's current vaccination records. On your phone is fine, but a printed copy in the first aid kit is better.
Soft muzzle. Even the friendliest dogs can lash out when they're in pain. Protect yourself and your dog.
Towel or blanket. You want to be able to wrap the dog. For transport. For warmth. In case of shock.
Gloves. Don gloves to keep yourself and your dog as clean as possible. You don't want to introduce contaminants to an open wound, or to yourself.
Contact lens saline solution or hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds.
Scissors and tweezers to cut back fur and remove foreign objects.
Alcohol prep pads to sterilize scissors and tweezers before use.
Gauze roll and gauze pads to clean and/or wrap wound.
Cold pack to reduce swelling.
Rags or rubber tubing to fashion a tourniquet if needed.
Mild dish soap to wash out open wound.
Clean diaper or feminine hygiene pad to cover bleeding wound.
Folding, or inflatable E-collar to keep the dog from causing further damage to the wound.
Digital thermometer to check for fever.
Eyedropper to dispense medicine and/or flush wound.
