Train-the-Trainer Seminars with Robert Milner
| September 26 & 27 October 3 & 4 November 7 & 8 December 12 & 13
Click HERE for seminar description and cost.To register for a seminar, email puppies@duckhillkennels or purchase through our online store.
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Duckhill Forum
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An interactive forum for news and training information.
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Health Tip
by Diana Bryan
"Free Feeding"
Many pet owners choose to use the practice of free feeding. It can be convenient for the family to just ensure that the bowl is full instead of utilizing a once or twice daily mealtime. Some dogs are great at regulating their own food intake and won't gain extra weight. Our Labradors, however, are notorious over-eaters! They can rarely be trusted to regulate their own meals and keep themselves at a healthy weight. Setting down a serving at each meal lets you regulate the amount the dog is eating, monitor the dog's appetite, and in multiple dog households, make sure that each dog is getting to eat their proper portion without bullying. One of the first signs of illness in a dog is lack of appetite. If you can catch this early, you can often catch illness and seek treatment early before the dog is very sick.
Feeding in meals also gives you the ideal time to implement a "No Free Lunch" policy at your house. This refers to the practice of having the dog earn every meal or treat. Even if the dog is asked for a simple sit, the dog learns that it must behave in an acceptable manner to get the reward. Start with something that the dog knows how to do and be patient! If the dog does not perform the desired behavior, set the food aside for 10 minutes, come back, and try again.
If you have been a free feeder and are starting a new meal routine the dog may be slow to adjust. They are used to wandering over and eating at their leisure and may not understand that the food is now a limited resource. If the dog is not finishing the meal in a timely manner you can try this technique. Place the bowl in front of the dog and set the timer for 5 min. If the dog has lost interest in the food when the timer goes off, pick up the bowl and don't offer it again until the next meal. It won't take long for the dog to figure out that the food won't be there all day and they should seize the opportunity to eat while it is available.
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How to teach a dog whistle stops
by Elizabeth McGlawn
Start with a short distance and time your whistle tweet right before your dog/pup looks at you then throw a tennis ball, or click and treat (whichever will be higher value). If you tweet and your dog does not look, wait a few seconds before tweeting again; continue until you "catch" a look when you tweet. To increase the time of stop (once the look has become solid), begin to hold the bumper or tennis ball where your dog can see it for up to 1-2 seconds before throwing. You can gradually increase the time for longer stops. Happy training!
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Duckhill Family Photo Album
 Photo provided by P. McNellage
Meet "May"! This little cutie is from our Duckhill Indiana of Ogilvie x Ffynogain Jo (Annie) litter. May's owner says, "It's been one week since I picked up May and she has been perfect (well the first night was tough haha!). She listens well and has crate trained so easily. Everyone that has met her has been amazed by her calm demeanor and willingness to learn! I will continue to provide pictures from time to time!"
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Duckhill Kennels' highly regarded Train-the-Trainer Seminar has a commercial! Click on the link below to watch and find out how quickly and easily you can turn your dog into an Excellent Gun Dog!
Our next Train-the-Trainer Seminar will be held on September 26 and 27. Call the office at 901-846-6119, email puppies@duckhillkennels.com, or visit our online store to register and reserve your spot today.
Click HERE to watch the full video.
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Retiree of the Month
~ Meet Rosie ~
Rosie is an 11 year old sweetie pie! She is a laid back Southern Belle; active enough to keep up with daily walks and happy to lay by your feet. Rosie is the perfect older British Lab and would make a great family companion. Rosie is up for adoption and would love an opportunity to retire in style with you! If you are interested in Rosie, please contact us at 901-846-6119 or email us at puppies@duckhillkennels.com.
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JP (John Paul) is our adoptable dog for the month of August. He is a 2 year old cute, playful guy with pituitary dwarfism. Due to his condition he will always be "fun size", but has been an otherwise healthy boy. JP loves hanging out with us, but would also love a great family and home to call his own. If you are interested in making JP's dreams come true, please contact us at 901-846-6119 or email us at puppies@duckhillkennels.com
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