Welcome to the Kennel Club of Freeborn County!
KCFC Objectives:
“The objectives of the dog club shall be to promote the training and breeding of pure-bred dogs; dissemination of knowledge regarding obedience training; to conduct classes of the training of dogs and their handlers; to encourage the training of judges; to encourage and co-operate with individuals and other groups with similar purposes; to hold and support obedience and agility trials, tracking tests, exhibitions and matches under the rules and regulations of the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB; and to promote cooperation and good sportsmanship among its members in training and exhibition of dogs.”
“The objectives of the dog club shall be to promote the training and breeding of pure-bred dogs; dissemination of knowledge regarding obedience training; to conduct classes of the training of dogs and their handlers; to encourage the training of judges; to encourage and co-operate with individuals and other groups with similar purposes; to hold and support obedience and agility trials, tracking tests, exhibitions and matches under the rules and regulations of the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB; and to promote cooperation and good sportsmanship among its members in training and exhibition of dogs.”
To learn more about our club and how to become a member, click the "About Us" button above.
Upcoming Club MeetingApril 8th, 2024 - 7:00pm
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Puppy Kindergarten Class:
Wednesdays at 6:00pm & 7:00pm. 8 weekly sessions Current Class: -- Upcoming Class: March 20, 2024 Beginner Obedience Class: Thursdays at 6:00pm & 7:00pm. 8 weekly sessions Current Class: -- Upcoming Class: May - immediately following the puppy class. (KCFC will follow CDC guidelines in regard to Covid 19.) |
KCFC Annual Dog Show!
2024 Show Info Coming Soon... (For direct information on the dog show click the button below) |
The Hunt Gallery
Doggy Tips of the Month
5 New Years Resolutions for Your Dog!
It's a New Year, and chances are you rang it in with a personal resolution you're determined to keep--meal prep on Sundays, start going to yoga (again). And if you are a pet parent, you want to ensure your best friend kicks off the new year right, too.
Here are five resolutions you and your dog can work on together.
Here are five resolutions you and your dog can work on together.
#1: Shed the Extra Pounds
Maintaining a healthy weight plays a major role in a dogs' overall well-being. However, it's a common struggle among pet parents-- 56% of dogs in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
We all want our pets to live long and happy lives. And although watching your dog munch on some table food may bring you joy, it's not always the best choice for their bodies. Always stay mindful of the food your pup consumes--both as meals and treats. Choose treats that are made with natural ingredients and don't contain preservatives, added sugars, or salt. Once you find a healthy treat your dog enjoys, remember to practice moderation; many treats at time throughout the day can add up quite quickly!
When determining a sensible weight-loss plan for your pet, it's always a good idea to consult your vet for guidelines on dog food, portion sizes, and exercise routines that work with your dog's breed, age, and health.
Maintaining a healthy weight plays a major role in a dogs' overall well-being. However, it's a common struggle among pet parents-- 56% of dogs in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
We all want our pets to live long and happy lives. And although watching your dog munch on some table food may bring you joy, it's not always the best choice for their bodies. Always stay mindful of the food your pup consumes--both as meals and treats. Choose treats that are made with natural ingredients and don't contain preservatives, added sugars, or salt. Once you find a healthy treat your dog enjoys, remember to practice moderation; many treats at time throughout the day can add up quite quickly!
When determining a sensible weight-loss plan for your pet, it's always a good idea to consult your vet for guidelines on dog food, portion sizes, and exercise routines that work with your dog's breed, age, and health.
#2: Exercise At Least Five Times Per Week
If your dogs' New Year's resolutions is to lose a few of those pounds, then exercise is a key component in a weight-loss plan. You don't have to hike for miles or walk for hours to gain benefits; even short bursts of activity can help burn off some extra energy and those excessive calories. It can be as simple as playing a couple rounds of fetch in the yard or walking around the block. For those cold winter or rainy days, you can play a game of hide and seek inside or walk up and down the stairs for a nice little cardio session.
Resolutions are notorious for starting out strong, but fading fast, so try to remind yourself of the many benefits exercising offers for your dog: like mental stimulation, obedience training, healthy joints, increased metabolism, a perfect time to bond, and much more. After a while, both of you will crave exercise.
If your dogs' New Year's resolutions is to lose a few of those pounds, then exercise is a key component in a weight-loss plan. You don't have to hike for miles or walk for hours to gain benefits; even short bursts of activity can help burn off some extra energy and those excessive calories. It can be as simple as playing a couple rounds of fetch in the yard or walking around the block. For those cold winter or rainy days, you can play a game of hide and seek inside or walk up and down the stairs for a nice little cardio session.
Resolutions are notorious for starting out strong, but fading fast, so try to remind yourself of the many benefits exercising offers for your dog: like mental stimulation, obedience training, healthy joints, increased metabolism, a perfect time to bond, and much more. After a while, both of you will crave exercise.
#3: Schedule Your Annual Physical
We understand that getting ourselves to the doctor every year can be a chore, but paying an annual visit to the veterinarian is one trip you do not want to skip. Aside from ensuring your dog's overall health is in check, consistent visits to the vet are important to spout out-of-the-ordinary conditions early, plus give you the opportunity to ask any pet-parenting questions.
For new pet parents, vet visits typically consist of physical exam to check your dog's skin, eyes, ears, teeth, and more. Be prepared to answer basic questions about your pup's diet, sleeping and potty schedule, too.
There are also multiple vaccinations your dog needs, so depending on his age and medical history, he may be due for a new one.
We understand that getting ourselves to the doctor every year can be a chore, but paying an annual visit to the veterinarian is one trip you do not want to skip. Aside from ensuring your dog's overall health is in check, consistent visits to the vet are important to spout out-of-the-ordinary conditions early, plus give you the opportunity to ask any pet-parenting questions.
For new pet parents, vet visits typically consist of physical exam to check your dog's skin, eyes, ears, teeth, and more. Be prepared to answer basic questions about your pup's diet, sleeping and potty schedule, too.
There are also multiple vaccinations your dog needs, so depending on his age and medical history, he may be due for a new one.
#4: Make Time for Play Dates
Just like we like to set goals to make new friends or socialize more often, dogs also need their own circle of buddies, too! Although some breeds don't enjoy the company of other dogs, most love to play and hang out with other dogs.
One first step is to find a local dog park. Aside from allowing your dog to mingle with others, dog parks are also great for owners to get some exercise, socialize with other dog lovers, and maybe even discover a new part of the neighborhood. Always be mindful of the posted rules and be cautious when introducing your dog to others.
For new puppies, it will be beneficial to work on socializing your puppy before introducing them to strangers. Instead of the dog park, opt to hang with friends or family members' dogs. Knowing the temperament of other pets in your life can be a comforting advantage when finding playmates for your fur-friend.
Just like we like to set goals to make new friends or socialize more often, dogs also need their own circle of buddies, too! Although some breeds don't enjoy the company of other dogs, most love to play and hang out with other dogs.
One first step is to find a local dog park. Aside from allowing your dog to mingle with others, dog parks are also great for owners to get some exercise, socialize with other dog lovers, and maybe even discover a new part of the neighborhood. Always be mindful of the posted rules and be cautious when introducing your dog to others.
For new puppies, it will be beneficial to work on socializing your puppy before introducing them to strangers. Instead of the dog park, opt to hang with friends or family members' dogs. Knowing the temperament of other pets in your life can be a comforting advantage when finding playmates for your fur-friend.
#5: Learn Something New
We all want to grow as individuals, whether it's learning how to play guitar or lifting heavier weights at the gym. So, why should dogs be any different? Teaching your sidekick a new skill take a good dose of patience and persistence, but the payoff of seeing them learn and grow is always worth it.
If you're starting with the basics of sit, stay, and come, or exploring some more advanced dog-training drills like standing on command, try keep your sessions short but frequent.
Think of training in three steps:
1) Incentivize -- Show your dog a treat or toy to get his attention.
2) Command -- Clearly state what you want him to do, stay consistent with the word you use every time.
3) Reward -- dogs respond to positive reinforcement, so rewarding him with a treat for a job well done will encourage more good behavior in the future.
We all want to grow as individuals, whether it's learning how to play guitar or lifting heavier weights at the gym. So, why should dogs be any different? Teaching your sidekick a new skill take a good dose of patience and persistence, but the payoff of seeing them learn and grow is always worth it.
If you're starting with the basics of sit, stay, and come, or exploring some more advanced dog-training drills like standing on command, try keep your sessions short but frequent.
Think of training in three steps:
1) Incentivize -- Show your dog a treat or toy to get his attention.
2) Command -- Clearly state what you want him to do, stay consistent with the word you use every time.
3) Reward -- dogs respond to positive reinforcement, so rewarding him with a treat for a job well done will encourage more good behavior in the future.
Whether you're focused on a New Year's resolution for your dog, yourself, or both, you don't have to wait for that ball to drop to begin. Alway work towards these goals at any time of the year for healthier and more fulfilling life with your dog.
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