Our Grooming Packages Make your Life Easier 

Obedience Training program will be conducted from throughout the Spring and is intended for any age dog. Components of obedience training are emphasized, as well as behavioral management issues. The program is tailored to meet the needs of each individual dog and owner. The session includes 2 full days of doggie day care each week, during which your pup will receive 3 training sessions per day. Additionally, you will attend two Sunday sessions with your dog. The cost is $395 and there is limited space. Sign up SOON to secure your spot.

Recall Training/Obedience Refresher is ideal for dogs and owners who need to further strengthen and master obedience skills through a variety of repetitive exercises. It is specifically designed for the dog who does not consistently follow your commands and is in need of a structured refresher program to get him/her on track. You may choose from the 6:30 p.m. Friday session or 11 a.m. Sunday session. Classes will be held for five weeks and will cost $125. 

”Basic Obedience and Beyond”is the title of our training classes that start the first of each month. These small classes are geared toward the specialized training of your individual dog.   Pauline and her staff of motivational instructors will make training fun for you and your dog. Puppies and dogs of any age are welcome to attend the sessions that are one-hour long and meet weekly.

Please sign up in the kennel, register with one of our attendants, or email or call!

Tick Season is Around the Corner

Most people associate tick season with the hot summer months.  Did you know that the season can occur as early as April?  As soon as the temperatures start to warm, ticks begin to appear. 

Dogs’ furry coats are natural magnets for these nasty pests!  Each year, thousands of dogs contract Lyme Disease, canine ehrlichiosis, canine anaplasmosis, and other potentially devastating diseases. Even if your dogs don’t frequent deep woods, ticks are present anywhere including city parks and your backyard.

There are many effective tick and flea products, including  Frontline (effective for killing fleas and ticks) and K9 Advantix (fleas, ticks and mosquitoes). Ask your vet about the best ways to prevent tick and flea infestation, before it becomes a problem.  And, always check your dogs and self for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Giardia, Coccidia and Worms - Oh My!!! 

At GRF we take prevention of infections seriously.  We disinfect daily with germicidal cleaners and remove waste from group play areas immediately.  All dogs in group environments (including day care) should receive regular dewormings.  Regular deworming is recommended by the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC).

"While intestinal parasites are usually less of a problem in young adult and adult animals, they too can develop patent infections and contaminate the environment. Therefore, they too should be regularly monitored or treated for intestinal parasite infections. While all adult animals are at risk, those that are allowed to roam or spend most of their time outside run a greater risk of becoming infected".  (Quoted from CDC).

At GRF we believe in a preventative approach to deworming.  All our animals here are dewormed biannually and at first signs of infection.  In order to encourage Doggie Day Care clients to adhere to stricter guidelines we will be selling Safe-Guard,  a common dewormer that has been proven safe, at cost to our clients.  

Spring Training Is For the Dogs!  

Two spring training programs have just been announced. 

Obedience Training program will be conducted from April 6 through May 1 and is intended for any age dog.  Components of obedience training are emphasized, as well as behavioral management issues.  The program is tailored to meet the needs of each individual dog and owner.  The session includes 2 full days of doggie day care each week, during which your pup will receive 3 training sessions per day.  Additionally, you will attend two Sunday sessions with your dog.  The cost is $395 and there is limited space.  Sign up SOON to secure your spot.

Recall Training/Obedience Refresher is ideal for dogs and owners who need to further strengthen and master obedience skills through a variety of repetitive exercises.  It is specifically designed for the dog who does not consistently follow your commands and is in need of a structured refresher program to get him/her on track.  You may choose from the 6:30 p.m. Friday session or 11 a.m. Sunday session.  Classes will be held for five weeks and will cost $125.  The dates are as follows:  Fridays, April 3, 10, 17, 24, and May 1; Sundays, March 29, April 5, 19, 26, and May 3.

Please sign up in the kennel, register with one of our attendants, or email us.

An Update on Canine Vaccines

Vaccines are now being divided into two classes. “Core” vaccines for dogs are those that should be given to every dog. “Noncore” vaccines are recommended only for certain dogs. Whether to vaccinate with noncore vaccines depends upon a number of factors including: the age, breed, and health status of the dog; the potential exposure of the dog to an animal that has the disease; the type of vaccine; whether the dog is used for breeding; and how common the disease is in the geographical area where the dog lives or may visit.

The AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents' Report on Cat and Dog Vaccines has recommended that the core vaccines for dogs include distemper, canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis and respiratory disease), canine parvovirus-2 and rabies.   Noncore vaccines include leptospirosis, coronavirus, canine parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica (both are causes of 'kennel cough'), and Borrelia burgdorferi (causes Lyme Disease). Consult with your vet to select the proper vaccines for your dog or puppy.

Researchers at the Veterinary Schools at the University of Minnesota, Colorado State University, and University of Wisconsin suggest alternating vaccinations in dogs from year to year. Instead of using multivalent vaccines (combination vaccines against more than one disease), they recommend using monovalent vaccines which only have one component, e.g., a vaccine that only contains parvovirus. So, one year your dog would be vaccinated against distemper, the next year against canine adenovirus-2, and the third year against parvovirus. Then the cycle would repeat itself. Other researchers believe we may not have enough information to recommend only vaccinating every 3 years. Manufacturers of dog vaccines have not changed their labeling which recommends annual vaccinations. Again, each dog owner must make an informed choice of when to vaccinate, and with what. Consult with your veterinarian to help you make the decision.

A vaccination schedule for the 'average' dog is shown below.

*A combination vaccine, often called a 5-way vaccine, usually includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Some combination vaccines may also include leptospirosis (7-way vaccines) and/or coronavirus. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred.

**Some puppies may need additional vaccinations against parvovirus after 15 weeks of age. Consult with your local veterinarian.  Lepto is a vaccine that has a high risk of side effects.  It is a disease that is not prevalent in this area and is highly discouraged.  Some say that Lyme Disease is becoming endemic.  It is only effective if the dog has not obtained the disease. 

^§ According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs at low risk of disease exposure may not need to be boostered yearly for most diseases. Consult with your local veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog.  

The Many Hazards of the Great Outdoors

Last issue we talked about foods that are dangerous to dogs if ingested.  This month, we’re including some common garden and outdoor plants that are poisonous and/or potentially lethal.   As your dogs spend more time outside in the coming months, be sure to notice any changes in behavior and health.  Contact your vet or emergency clinic right away if your pup is acting differently or you suspect he/she has come in contact with any of the following plants.

COMMON NAME                               SYMPTOMS                                                               

Acorns*                                               kidney failure

Apple seeds*                                      vomiting, breathing trouble, coma

Azalea bush                                       excess salivation and swallowing, vomiting

Daffodil flower bulb                             nausea, vomiting

English ivy berries*                             vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps

Oleander*                                           vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmia

Rhododendron shrub                         excess salivation and swallowing, vomiting

Rhubarb                                             vomiting, diarrhea, depression

Skunk cabbage                                  burning of mouth and tongue, excess salivation,                                                                                 swollen throat

Wild mushrooms*                               central nervous system disturbances, coma, death

Wisteria flower                                    nausea, vomiting

Yew shrub berries*                             vomiting, diarrhea, wide pupils, heart arrhythmia,                                                                               convulsions

* potentially lethal

GRF Merchandise

Have you seen the snazzy new black jackets our attendants are wearing?  You too could own  genuine, limited edition Golden Ridge Farm apparel!   Samples are on display in the Dog Barn.  Fleece and Micro jackets ($29.99) in size large are in stock, and we are taking orders for other sizes, as well as t-shirts that bear the GRF logo ($15.99).   Please email us NO LATER THAN APRIL 1 with your desired items and sizes.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009 Issue

Welcome to the New Golden Ridge Farm Newsletter.  It is designed to keep our customers up-to-date on happenings here at the farm.  In this newsletter, I hope to provide you with some education about your dogs, as well to keep it interesting.  There's always something to be learned, and there are always new developments and ideas on the horizon.    

Extended Schedule Offered

Effective immediately we will be offering Doggie Day Care on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday each week. This is in response to many clients’ requests for additional days to help exercise and socialize their pets. This is especially important during the cold, snowy months when your dog may have fewer opportunities for energy release! The cost is $25 per day. Those of you who have bought puppies from me, (Kathy) get a 10% discount. If you are interested in bringing your dog on additional days, please call or email Pauline in advance.

Don’t Forget … We Board Dogs

Whether you need one night care or plan a week away, we can board your dog here at GRF. Your pet will receive the same care and attention that he/she gets at Doggie Day Care and the continuity and ease of having familiar care-givers.  The cost is $30 per 24-hour period. Call or email Pauline if you need additional details or to reserve your space.

A Day in the Life of Your Dog

"So what does my dog do all day?" you might ask … Well you can be assured that your pup does a lot more than the average dog!  Run, play, and be happy pretty much sums it up.

Typically, you are met each morning by Carolyn, our morning "Play Facilitator".  She will take your pup from the car and introduce him/her to the others who are on the premises. From 7 – 9 am Carolyn oversees the dogs' activities, assuring that the energy levels and temperaments of the pups are matched. In the event that the dogs need to be separated into groups because of moods or numbers, she will assess the situation and take the steps necessary to ensure that all dogs are safe and able to enjoy this period of free play.

Starting at 8 am Kristy, our daytime Play Facilitator, starts off by taking small groups of dogs into the nearly 10 acres of private trails for short potty walks/runs. Between 9 and 10 am, Pauline will take the dogs on a more serious trek while on one of her many motorized vehicles. The dogs love this change of scenery and the chance to sniff and explore. After their walks, the dogs usually have playtime in one of the enclosed areas. Midday we take a break. The dogs and Pauline go in for a nap! Following naptime, we do it all again. We have found this routine works great for allowing the dogs to really get to know one another and work together as a pack.

After 3 pm you will usually find your dog in the kennel area with Hannah, our afternoon Play Facilitator, who will bring your tired and satisfied dog to your car upon arrival.

So that is a typical day … All dogs receive huge amounts of attention, love and positive reinforcement. If cold, icy, or rainy weather is an issue, the dogs may have shorter periods of outdoor play. During the summer months the dogs are able to loll in the small wading pools that we place outdoors to help them beat the heat. Clients who are enrolled in our Training Packages will also receive obedience training sessions throughout the day.

Hours of Operation ...

are from 7 am – 5:00 pm.  Please note that Doggie Day Care is staffed during these hours. If you need to drop off earlier than 7 am, please secure your dog in an available crate or kennel in the back room. Additionally, if you arrive after staffed hours, you will find your pet secured in the back room.

Pardon our Mess!

Golden Ridge Farm has been busy with renovation projects during the past few months. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete our improvements. We have installed two new windows and an exterior door in the front room. Within the next few weeks, we will finish painting the newly installed walls and trim, and add a new ceiling and flooring.

We would like to personalize one wall with painted paw prints from the dogs who come to GRF. We plan to brush water-based acrylic craft paint on one paw of each dog and gently press it onto the wall to leave an impression. We will immediately wash the paw. If you do not want your dog to participate, please email/call Pauline by February 15, 2009.

Xylitol Warning

Did you know that an ingredient found in sugar-free products is very toxic to dogs? Xylitol, a common ingredient in items such as sugarless candy and chewing gum, can cause a dangerous surge in your dog’s insulin level, and possible liver failure and death if ingested. One client whose pup loves to search backpacks and purses for off-limits treats recently discovered this firsthand. Thankfully the owners took notice and rushed him to the vet’s where he was kept overnight, and today is fine.

Here are some other foods that are dangerous and possibly deadly to canines:

~ chocolate

~ raisins

~ grapes

~ onions

~ garlic

~ mushrooms

~ macadamia nuts

Suggestion Box is Available

If you have a suggestion or comment, please feel free to drop a note in our payment box. Pauline is the only person who has access to this box and welcomes any ideas or feedback you may have.

Some Reminders ...

~ This is the time of year when many towns are requiring the re-licensing of dogs. Be sure to check to ensure you do not miss the deadline.

~ When your dog visits the vet for his/her yearly physical, please be sure to bring a copy of the updated record of vaccinations to GRF.

~ Please notify us of any changes in your contact information, including home, work and cell phone numbers and email addresses.

~ Microchipping is available to clients ... ask Pauline for more information

~ Grooming, including shampoos, trims, ear cleaning, and nail clipping, are available by appointment.

~ Regular Worming is recommended for dogs who are in group settings.

~ Please be sure your dog is leashed while outside designated play areas. Since cars and people are coming and going, this is for your pet’s safety.

Spring Training Package

We are now accepting registrations for our Spring Basic Obedience Training program. The comprehensive program includes Recall Training and Refreshing, basic obedience and off-leash work. The class will be offered weekly and costs $10 per week on a drop-in basis. Please contact Pauline for dates and times.

Spread the Word! GRF is now offering all GRF clients a free day of doggie day care for everyone you refer to us who joins the group.

Training Tip of the Month

With winter upon us, it is a great time to freshen up on your training. I know most of you have completed basic training and have obedient dogs, but we sometimes forget that training can be fun and offers another chance to play with our dogs. Simple commands done in the house and rewarded positively increase the chances of getting your dog to listen to you in emergency situations.

Some Suggestions

· Keep sessions short and fun.

· Play music while working with moving exercises like heeling.  Dogs really can dance and it is SOO fun to watch.  Titan, who is owned by Jen and Mark Foscaldo, can walk on his front 2 legs!

· Make games out of training. Hiding on your dog and calling him to you can be real exciting, especially when they start going faster and faster to find you.

· Working on the recall in a non-stressful environment is really important for the dogs who come to Doggie Day Care since off leash play is part of the routine.

REMEMBER.....HAVE FUN!!!!

Golden Ridge Farm • 323 High Street, Walpole, MA  02081

Pauline Hoegler, Owner/Operator ~ Registered Nurse and Certified Pet Dog Trainer

508-505-5282

Golden Ridge Farm • 323 High Street, Walpole, MA  02081

Pauline Hoegler, Owner/Operator ~ Registered Nurse and Certified Pet Dog Trainer

508-505-5282