REACH K9

14/08/2025

Next Contestant...Come on down!

Have you gotten your entries in for our GAME SHOW themed WCRL Trial in Richmond at the end of the month? Entries close in just 10 days, and we will NOT be offering day of show entries at this trial!

Location: Richmond SPCA
Date: Aug 30, 31
Levels & Flash
Judges: Danielle Angel & Bridgette Ashmore
Photographers: Tyler Hart & Kevin Corbitt
BIG Ribbons, competitor goodie bags, 210 prizes, and more
Premium is available on rallydogs.com

We know some of the greatest achievements aren't reflected on the scorecard. If you've been to our trials before, you know we ask competitors to set their own goal; something personal that they hope to accomplish. For this trial - the award for your personal goal is the Jackpot Ribbon (a custom creation by Danielle @ the Salty Bulldog). In training, when our dog makes a good effort, or does something great - we jackpot the reward, so this is our Jackpot to you for doing something special!

08/08/2025

Puppy temperament testing a lovely litter from Epic Quest Standard Poodles. Testing doesn't guarantee outcomes; but its a great tool to help breeders match puppies to the best homes!

05/08/2025

I don't often use my business page for personal news, but this is too exciting not to share! My new book is finally out. It's a departure from my usual canine narrators—a historical fantasy—and I can't wait for y'all to check it out!
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[the original post - in case it doesnt copy over]

Almost two decades ago, I sat on the iconic steps of the New York Public Library, watching the city rush by under the stoic gaze of its famous stone lions, Patience and Fortitude. I was full of dreams, jotting down notes and ideas for what I hoped would one day become my first novel.

Life—as it so often does—had other plans and changed my course many times over the years. But a story, once planted, has a way of waiting patiently. Over the past several months, I’ve finally been letting the creative corners of my mind have free reign again, and I am absolutely thrilled (and a little terrified!) to announce that my first novel is finally here!

For those of you who know my other work, this one is a little (a lot!) different! It's not a dog-centric book or a re-telling of another classic story. This is my first, truly original piece of mystery, history, and adventure, and it’s called The Lion’s Key. 🦁🗝

They say the Knights Templar vanished in 1307, their legendary treasure lost to history.

They were wrong.

For centuries, a secret brotherhood has guarded a world-altering artifact on American soil. Now, quiet librarian Auria Thorne has accidentally stumbled upon their secret. It wasn't on a dusty shelf, but a mysterious, centuries-old diary left in the overnight drop box—a book that awakens a terrifying psychic ability she never knew she possessed.

Plagued by visions she can't control and hunted by a shadowy faction that wants the artifact's power for themselves, Auria must team up with a brilliant historian to solve a mystery 700 years in the making. The path to the truth is protected by ancient trials, modern-day threats, and a secret worth killing for.

Available through Amazon in hardcover, paperback and kindle.
i will be getting a few copies in the store too.

https://a.co/d/2SXR6VD

Please share and let your friends know their next great read is just a click away! 🙂

life finds its meaning in the quiet sanctuary of routine and the silent, steadfast company of books. Her predictable world is governed by the logic of the Dewey Decimal system, a reality she cherishes. But when a mysterious, uncatalogued diary appears in the library's overnight drop box, it trig...

19/07/2025

...and even more pictures!!

19/07/2025

More pictures....

19/07/2025

NASDA Workshop with the wonderful Aleta Channell and Danielle Angel !

14/07/2025

Last call for the NASDA workshop this weekend! If you were procrastinating; you're out of time! There are just a couple of spots left. If you see the green 'register' button, there is space available. Come play with rats, look for sheds, and find lost items! Hope to see you there!

Join us for a variety of classes designed to further the bond between you and your pup. Contact Us with any questions or to register for an event. Please remember – you must register for a class at least 24 hours before it starts! Last minute registrations must contact the instructor directly.

10/07/2025

Just a reminder - NASDA workshop coming up next weekend! If the "register" button in there, there are spots available!

Saturday has 1 working spot left
Sunday has 2 working spots left
Both days still have audit spots available

🐾🐾

The Intro to NASDA workshop is now on the calendar! Please note; there are two entries - one for working spots, one for audit spots. Make sure you click on the one you need! Space is limited, and all my awesome students are getting first crack at the spots. Get your registrations in now - the event opens up to the general public in 48 hours! ⏱

https://reachk9.com/events/month/2025-07/

🌟Discover the Exciting World of NASDA!🌟

Are you ready to unlock your dog's incredible natural abilities and build an even stronger bond with your canine companion? Get ready to dive into the exciting sport of the North American Sport Dog Association (NASDA)! Established in 2016, NASDA celebrates the amazing versatility of dogs, focusing on their unparalleled sense of smell. These working dog trials are designed to mimic real-world hunt and search scenarios, allowing dogs of all breeds and backgrounds to shine in scent-based games. From Shed and Lost Item to Urban and Trailing, NASDA offers a unique and engaging way for you and your dog to earn titles and championships while fostering good sportsmanship and consistent standards for working dog events.

👉Meet Your Expert Instructor: Aleta Channell👈

Guiding you through this exciting journey will be Aleta Channell, the accomplished owner and Barn Hunt and NASDA instructor at Bear Creek K9 Sports. With an incredible 29 years of experience, Aleta has trained and titled her own diverse pack—Rottweilers, Labs, Border Collies, and Papillons—in a wide array of disciplines including Obedience, Flyball, Dock Diving, Agility, Herding, Duck Hunting, Barn Hunt, and, of course, NASDA. Her extensive background also includes Search & Rescue and eight years of in-home dog behavior consultations. As a certified Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator, Aleta brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for canine partnership to every class.

📑Workshop Details & Registration📑

This three-hour workshop is designed to introduce your team to the basic elements of NASDA. Dogs will have the chance to meet the rats, check out some sheds, and explore their interest in scent work! Snacks will be provided to keep everyone energized.

Working spots are limited and cost $125, which includes one handler and one dog. Please note: the registration button will only appear when spots are available. If it says 'registration is closed', the workshop is full. If you'd like to observe and learn without a dog, Audit Spots are available for $55 (for humans only – no dogs).

We are offering two rounds of this workshop, but you do NOT need to attend both days as Sunday is a repeat of Saturday.

Join us and discover the thrill of NASDA with Aleta! For more information, you can visit the official NASDA website: NASDA.dog

02/07/2025

Saturday has 1 working spot left
Sunday has 2 working spots left
Both days still have audit spots available

🐾🐾

The Intro to NASDA workshop is now on the calendar! Please note; there are two entries - one for working spots, one for audit spots. Make sure you click on the one you need! Space is limited, and all my awesome students are getting first crack at the spots. Get your registrations in now - the event opens up to the general public in 48 hours! ⏱

https://reachk9.com/events/month/2025-07/

🌟Discover the Exciting World of NASDA!🌟

Are you ready to unlock your dog's incredible natural abilities and build an even stronger bond with your canine companion? Get ready to dive into the exciting sport of the North American Sport Dog Association (NASDA)! Established in 2016, NASDA celebrates the amazing versatility of dogs, focusing on their unparalleled sense of smell. These working dog trials are designed to mimic real-world hunt and search scenarios, allowing dogs of all breeds and backgrounds to shine in scent-based games. From Shed and Lost Item to Urban and Trailing, NASDA offers a unique and engaging way for you and your dog to earn titles and championships while fostering good sportsmanship and consistent standards for working dog events.

👉Meet Your Expert Instructor: Aleta Channell👈

Guiding you through this exciting journey will be Aleta Channell, the accomplished owner and Barn Hunt and NASDA instructor at Bear Creek K9 Sports. With an incredible 29 years of experience, Aleta has trained and titled her own diverse pack—Rottweilers, Labs, Border Collies, and Papillons—in a wide array of disciplines including Obedience, Flyball, Dock Diving, Agility, Herding, Duck Hunting, Barn Hunt, and, of course, NASDA. Her extensive background also includes Search & Rescue and eight years of in-home dog behavior consultations. As a certified Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator, Aleta brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for canine partnership to every class.

📑Workshop Details & Registration📑

This three-hour workshop is designed to introduce your team to the basic elements of NASDA. Dogs will have the chance to meet the rats, check out some sheds, and explore their interest in scent work! Snacks will be provided to keep everyone energized.

Working spots are limited and cost $125, which includes one handler and one dog. Please note: the registration button will only appear when spots are available. If it says 'registration is closed', the workshop is full. If you'd like to observe and learn without a dog, Audit Spots are available for $55 (for humans only – no dogs).

We are offering two rounds of this workshop, but you do NOT need to attend both days as Sunday is a repeat of Saturday.

Join us and discover the thrill of NASDA with Aleta! For more information, you can visit the official NASDA website: NASDA.dog

29/06/2025

Who would be interested in an "Intro to NASDA" workshop on Sat July 19? It would be a few hours, predominantly inside, in air conditioning! Learn about the different games (Lost Item, Shed Dog, and the rat games; Urban Locating & Trailing & Locating.) Meet the rats, see how your dog feels about the various elements, ask questions and get a general idea of how everything works!

I'm just posting to see if there's interest. If there is - details will follow!

Every dog owner knows that dogs are able to pick up scents that don’t catch the attention of their handlers. One study estimated that dogs can pick up odours up to 100 000 times better than humans can. Historically these abilities were embraced and many breeds of dogs were developed to assist peop...

18/06/2025

When is the last time you looked at your dog's feet? If you're nervous about nails, or need some guidance- reach out! We'd be happy to help you learn. :)

“Oh rubbish....our nails don’t hurt when they grow.”
I hear you, but let’s look at why trainers, groomers, vets (really anyone who works closely with dogs) will urge you to please trim your dog’s nails or “claws”.

It isn’t always nice to hear but it is an important message.

What happens when your dogs nails are too long?
The toes can start to splay, they can spread our unnaturally.
This affects how the foot can move and place itself.

Did your dog’s toes once sit neatly and tightly together?
Have you noticed they now sit wider apart?
Notice those bigger gaps?
The foot isn't as compact as it one was.

Over time.... the toes can twist and they may have a new way of moving or walking, one their body isn’t built for and it can be very subtle and tricky to spot.

That new movement affects joints and muscles all the way up the leg.
Eventually.... it can impact the hips.
The gait can be affected as well as their whole walking style.

Why does this happen?
Dog nails don’t retract.
They stay long (and for long nails concrete walking may not help at all...it just means more pain).
Long nails can’t sink into hard surfaces.
The toes bend... the joints strain and the foot compensates in unnatural ways.

Will they show pain?
Some dogs will..... many don’t or can’t.
That doesn't mean they’re not in a lot of discomfort.

Pain often shows in unexpected ways...unwanted behaviour, movement and posture.
Pain that is preventable becomes a welfare issue.

We owe it to our dogs to help them live (as much as possible) a pain free life.

Yes...nail care can be hard.
Yes, some dogs hate it and progress can be snail pace slow.

However....we owe it to our dogs to not give up on them or their nails.

13/06/2025

The sun is out, the sweaters are packed away, and your dog is giving you that look. The one that says, "The adventure is out there, and I need to p*e on it." 😉

Summer is the best, and we love seeing you and your pups out enjoying it! As you head out for those much-deserved walks and explorations, let's make sure they stay fun and safe for everyone.

☀️Know the Invisible Threat: Heatstroke 💥
Your dog would follow you anywhere, but they can't always tell you when they're hitting their limit. It's up to us to protect them.

- Be their advocate: Just because *you* can go "one more mile" doesn't mean your dog can. When it's hot, shorter, slower adventures are better.
- Pay attention! Know the signs of heatstroke (like frantic panting, thick drool, glassy eyes, spoon shaped tongue and stumbling). Watch your dog's body language, not your fitness tracker. If they seem tired, they are.
- High-Risk Pups: Puppies, seniors, overweight dogs, and flat-faced breeds (like Frenchies, Pugs, Bulldogs) are extra sensitive to heat. Take extreme care!
-Those super drivey, competition dogs also don't know when to take a break. Schedule your trials thoughtfully!
-Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Always carry water. Don't wait for your dog to seem desperate. Offer it frequently and take lots of breaks in the shade.

🐾Watch Out for Hot Pavement 🔥
This one is simple: if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws. Pavement, asphalt, and even some deck materials can get dangerously hot. See a dog doing a "hot potato" dance on the sidewalk? Their pads are burning.

⏱The 5-Second Rule: Press the back of your hand firmly on the pavement for 5 seconds. If it's uncomfortable for you, your dog is literally dancing on hot coals. Stick to grass or dirt paths, or invest in some quality booties.

🛑A Note on Errands 🚙
Walks are great, but errands are a good time to leave your dog at home. We know you love their company, but a car turns into an oven very fast on a hot day, reaching dangerous temperatures in minutes. Cracking a window isn't enough. The safest place for your pup while you run to the store is in your cool house.

Let's make this a summer of happy trails, not preventable emergencies. Be safe, have fun, and give your pups a pat from me!