Dogwood Hill Training Kennels

12/22/2024

I love this!!!!

10/15/2024

We are actively looking for the best home for one of our clients. Mopsy is a 12yo FS Lakeland Terrier. Her dedicated and loving mom suffered a stroke and will need high level care in an assisted living facility. She is unable to care for herself and therefore, is no longer able to care for Mopsy. Her brother has been tasked with finding care for them both. He is unable to take Mopsy into his home. Mopsy is healthy and quite sprightly for her age. She does have some incontinence issues that seem to be controlled with an oral medication called Proin. While she does get excited and run around the yard, her favorite activity is napping on something soft and cushy. Mopsy seems to have significant hearing loss but her vision is great. She is all terrier and does not necessarily play well with others. She can be bossy and grumpy with other dogs in her space, 2 characteristics that she personally values! She does well with nail trims but can get offended while grooming so a muzzle is recommended. She is extremely food motivated. Treats and naps are her best friends!

06/10/2024

This is a great idea for those of us that sometimes pick up dogs off the road!!

If you have a dog that bolts, a scared dog or a dog you don’t know that you are transporting, this tip is super helpful. Close the handle of the leash in your door. That way you can grab it before ever opening the door. (It also helps keep the dog from moving around a bunch in the car.)

A couple points to clarify:

-ideally an impact resistant crate would be used for transport
-seat belts and tethers are also good when used with harnesses

Unfortunately there are lots of instances where people can’t afford or don’t have these items so a leash on the door is better than nothing.

Clarifying point 2:

This post isn’t necessarily for owners. If you own dogs, yes you should have proper safety equipment. But a lot of people transport dogs for various reasons and cannot always have dog safety equipment on board. People find loose dogs.

People transport for rescues and don’t control what the animal comes with. People foster and are given “supplies” which rarely include seatbelts/tethers and harnesses. And sometimes people have too many dogs to have space for enough crates.

This is just a quick tip for people who don’t have other safety measures. If you have those, great. If this post can save one dog from getting hit by a car then I’m ok with it.

05/30/2024

We all need a little sunshine!

12/18/2023

12/13/2023

Thanks to the ASPCA Poison Control Center for putting together this visual. I would also add this is prime time season for dog fights with family members bringing their furry companions into your home. Keep animals unfamiliar with each other separated and put away dog food, snacks and toys to prevent resource guarding.

12/12/2023

🎄🤣🤣🤣🎄

12/12/2023

New training goals!

12/07/2023

Happy Holidays from Dogwood Hill!

Deck the halls … and doors.

09/10/2023

Ha!

Great to do list 😂

09/04/2023

This is why we now require the Canine Influenza vaccine.

Hey friends, this is just a note about Canine Influenza that was posted to the VFHS page. I’ve copied the text here (since it can’t be shared). Please be on the lookout for these symptoms in dogs:
- cough
- runny nose
- fever
- lethargy
- eye discharge
- reduced appetite
The incubation period is about 2-4 days, and it can spread by direct contact with an infected dog, contaminated objects, and by people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. This is spreading rapidly around Virginia and it’s best to be aware, especially as we deal with stressed dogs in shelters.
Canine Influenza and Canine Infectious Disease Complex
Impacting Virginia’s Animals
Edinburg, VA - August 30, 2023
Animal shelters across the Commonwealth are experiencing an overwhelming number of dogs contracting the canine influenza virus, straining resources and space at shelters and putting lives at risk.
Canine influenza (CIV) and canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) are highly contagious respiratory diseases of concern to shelters, rescue groups, and anywhere dogs gather or are co-housed. These diseases are highly contagious and can range from no signs to severe illness resulting in pneumonia and sometimes death.
"Canine influenza has been a growing threat over the past year. Shelters and boarding facilities are more susceptible to outbreaks due to having multiple dogs and limited space. Shelters, boarding facilities and pet owners should look for clinical signs such as fever, lethargy, coughing, inappetence and nasal discharge. The Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) highly recommends dogs be vaccinated against the virus to help protect them from developing severe clinical signs. Shelters and boarding facilities should have action plans outlining guidance for isolation, quarantine, and disinfection. Prevention is our best defense against this virus to protect our furry friends," explains Lauren Maxey, DVM, President, VVMA.