McKay9 Dog Training LLC

06/20/2025

McKay9 Dog Training’s annual Independence Day reminder for pet owners. Permission to share granted.
Plan ahead of time to ensure your pets remain safe throughout fireworks season.
Many shelters become busy during the Independence Day season with recovered dogs that have fled their homes in panic. The time to develop a plan is before pets experience fireworks-related stress and potentially engage in blind flight attempts to escape the noise and percussion.
A multi-pronged approach starting with management is recommended. Some tips that may help:
* If you live in an area where fireworks are likely to be experienced by your dog (s) or cat(s), you should identify an area of the house where the noise level can be maintained at a minimum.
* Use of background noise such as radios or televisions can be utilized. It is a good idea to acclimate your pet to this area prior to Independence Day so that it is not so foreign to them. Be sure to implement appropriate measures to prevent your pet from fleeing in a panic as fear can result in very determined escape attempts.
* Be sure your dog is microchipped and that the microchip company's database has your accurate contact information. Also be sure your dog has appropriate identification tags. If travelling, utilize temporary tags that provide your immediate contact information.
* GPS collars are now available. These allow you see in real time where a lost dog is and aid in immediate retrieval.
* Use of air conditioning not only provides climate control but can also help drown out some of the fireworks.
* As fireworks usually peak after dark, it's a good idea to get your dog fully pottied prior to getting them secured for the duration of the celebration.
* If possible and safe to do so prior to the evening hours, engage in exercise in an attempt to fatigue your dog.
* If you have to take your dog out while fireworks are active, use a leash and a properly fitted martingale collar that helps prevent the dog from slipping out of it.
* Ensure everyone who visits your home is made aware of your plans to keep your pets safe. Place reminders such as taped up signs on doors and remember that alcohol can impair the better judgement of your guests.
* Your pet may require medicinal help to get through the season. Consult your veterinarian early to inquire how specific medications work (medications that paralyze the body while keeping the animal fully aware are not advisable in our opinion). Also inquire whether a trial run(s) may be advised.
Preplan now so your pet(s) can have a pleasant Independence Day.

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02/08/2025

01/05/2025

We are deeply saddened to learn of Karen Pryor's passing. She was a pioneer in animal training and behaviour whose contributions have shaped modern dog training as we know it. Her innovative approach and entrepreneurial spirit transformed the industry, paving the way for countless trainers and animals to benefit from science-based, positive reinforcement methods.

Karen’s work extended far beyond the Karen Pryor Academy, which has educated and inspired trainers worldwide. Her book, Don’t Shoot the Dog, introduced an entire generation of trainers to the principles of clicker training and remains a cornerstone of dog training literature. The annual Clicker Expos she founded became vital opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and community-building within the field. Her legacy also includes Reaching the Animal Mind, a profound exploration of the science and art of animal training.

Karen’s vision, intelligence, and compassion revolutionised how we communicate with and understand our canine companions. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on the lives of trainers and the dogs they work and live with. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide the animal training community for generations to come.

Our thoughts are with Karen’s family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

https://karenwpryor.com/

07/04/2024

McKay9' Dog Training 3rd annual hot dog eating contest. The winner is.........

06/16/2024

McKay9 Dog Training’s annual Independence Day reminder for pet owners. Permission to share granted.
Plan ahead of time to ensure your pets remain safe throughout fireworks season.
Many shelters become busy during the Independence Day season with recovered dogs that have fled their homes in panic. The time to develop a plan is before pets experience fireworks-related stress and potentially engage in blind flight attempts to escape the noise and percussion.
A multi-pronged approach starting with management is recommended. Some tips that may help:
* If you live in an area where fireworks are likely to be experienced by your dog (s) or cat(s), you should identify an area of the house where the noise level can be maintained at a minimum.
* Use of background noise such as radios or televisions can be utilized. It is a good idea to acclimate your pet to this area prior to Independence Day so that it is not so foreign to them. Be sure to implement appropriate measures to prevent your pet from fleeing in a panic as fear can result in very determined escape attempts.
* Be sure your dog is microchipped and that the microchip company's database has your accurate contact information. Also be sure your dog has appropriate identification tags. If travelling, utilize temporary tags that provide your immediate contact information.
* GPS collars are now available. These allow you see in real time where a lost dog is and aid in immediate retrieval.
* Use of air conditioning not only provides climate control but can also help drown out some of the fireworks.
* As fireworks usually peak after dark, it's a good idea to get your dog fully pottied prior to getting them secured for the duration of the celebration.
* If possible and safe to do so prior to the evening hours, engage in exercise in an attempt to fatigue your dog.
* If you have to take your dog out while fireworks are active, use a leash and a properly fitted martingale collar that helps prevent the dog from slipping out of it.
* Ensure everyone who visits your home is made aware of your plans to keep your pets safe. Place reminders such as taped up signs on doors and remember that alcohol can impair the better judgement of your guests.
* Your pet may require medicinal help to get through the season. Consult your veterinarian early to inquire how specific medications work (medications that paralyze the body while keeping the animal fully aware are not advisable in my opinion). Also inquire whether a trial run(s) may be advised.
Preplan now so your pet(s) can have a pleasant 4th of July.

04/21/2024

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http://akcagilityjudges.wordpress.com

AKC Agility Regulations updates

Below is information about the upcoming changes (full regulation changes are being prepared and will be posted when ready) that will affect your upcoming course design submissions for all courses to be run on July 1, 2024 and after:
• The tire may only be used one time on a course.
• The wall jump may be used in place of the panel or spread jump at the Ex/M or Premier levels.
• The table is no longer allowed in the Ex/M level courses. It remains required for Novice and Open Standard. Course times (on the worksheet) will NOT include 5 seconds that was added for the table for the Ex/M level. The 5 second addition to time will be calculated for the Novice and Open Standard (as per current practice). A new worksheet will be posted to blog as soon as it is ready.
• A two “bar” jump is no longer required in any class – it is allowed, not required.
Notes regarding other changes that will be reflected on the course design worksheet, course time worksheets (max. yardage) and in your judging responsibilities:
Maximum course yardage is increased for the 8” and 12” dogs (thus also affecting the 4” and 16” heights). This increase will address that with the increased distances between obstacles and options, many of your designs exceeded the maximum overall course yardage for the small dogs. Reminder – if your design exceeds the maximum yardage you must pull in your course – not simply run the course at max yds/times. This actually penalizes the dogs, and requires them to run faster than the prescribed YPS.
There will be only one 20” path wheeled for the Open level (as per Novice), and that number will be calculated for each height as per the course time worksheets.
FEO available for all classes – at the club’s option (they must offer for all classes or none). FEO is 45 seconds for all classes (including T2B), except FAST - where the times will remain the same. It is imperative that the timer be instructed to hit the horn at “time” and the judge blow their whistle to conclude their time in the ring.

Questions on any posted material should be directed to your reviewing Field Rep, or to [email protected]