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 Meeting September 9th, 2024
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Puppy Kindergarten Class:
Wednesdays at 6:00pm & 7:00pm. 8 weekly sessions Current Class: July 10th, 2024 Upcoming Class: -- Beginner Obedience Class: Thursdays at 6:00pm & 7:00pm. 8 weekly sessions Current Class: May 16th, 2024 Upcoming Class: -- (KCFC will follow CDC guidelines in regard to Covid 19.) |
KCFC 2024 Dog Show!
Saturday, August 10th, 2024 & Sunday, August 11th, 2024 Show Premium is now available! (For direct information on the dog show click the button below) |
The Hunt Gallery
Doggy Tips of the Month
8 Puppy Tips for the First Week!
There is nothing more exciting than bringing home a wiggly, happy puppy. But the first week can bring a lot of surprises if you're not prepared. With these eight simple tips, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime.
1. Get Your Supplies Before You Bring Your Puppy Home.
Pick up all your supplies before your puppy comes home. This means you want all the basics like collar amd ID tags, food that's designed for puppies, food and water bowls, leash, poop bags, calming aids, and the like. A crate for crate training along with a comfy crate pad. You also want puppy chew toys and puppy bed.
Don't forget puppy pee pads and puppy odor and stain cleaner. Your puppy will likely have some accidents while he learns the ropes.
Don't forget puppy pee pads and puppy odor and stain cleaner. Your puppy will likely have some accidents while he learns the ropes.
2. Puppy Proof Your Home.
Make sure to make your home safe before your puppy arrives. This means you should cover or lock away anything dangerous your puppy might chew on, like electrical cords and cleaning supplies. Don't forget to put away items like shoes that won't necessarily hurt your puppy, but you don't want to be turned into chew toys either. Redirect your puppy to a chew toy alternative should they get into something she shouldn't.
Once your pup is home, supervise her closely. Only give her access to areas where you can watch her. Using baby gates or playpens are a good way to keep your puppy close. Try using a crate if you to have to leave the pup alone, so they don't get into anything while you're gone.
Once your pup is home, supervise her closely. Only give her access to areas where you can watch her. Using baby gates or playpens are a good way to keep your puppy close. Try using a crate if you to have to leave the pup alone, so they don't get into anything while you're gone.
3. Socialize Your Puppy Right Away.
Start socializing and playing with your puppy right away. But don't bring lots of guests into your home during the first week, as this may be overwhelming. Do spend lots of time helping him bond with your family. This is a good opportunity to start helping your puppy get used to human touch. Try holding their paws, holding him seems timid. Say "ow" sharply if he nips, as this communicates in "doggy language" that his actions weren't okay. You may even want to try desensitizing soundtrack of common noises like vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers to help him get used to interruptions.
After the first week, you may want to start attending puppy parties or puppy obedience classes to help with socialization. Be sure to check with your vet first before you set up puppy play dates, to be sure your pup's ready to go.
After the first week, you may want to start attending puppy parties or puppy obedience classes to help with socialization. Be sure to check with your vet first before you set up puppy play dates, to be sure your pup's ready to go.
4. Start House Training in the First Week.
Now is the time to start house training your pup. Bell training is an easy system that puppies can understand fairly quickly. Some puppies may need to be taken outside as frequently as every two or three hours. Others may need to go potty within 10 minutes of a meal or a big drink or naps. Routine helps, so keep feed times and sleep times as consistent as you can.
5. Visit the Veterinarian.
Be sure to visit your veterinarian within a few days of bringing your puppy home. Schedule the first vaccination, get a health checkup, and make sure you're feeding him the right kind of food and the correct frequency. It is important to make sure you've got the basics down as soon as you can.
6. Reward Good Behavior.
Focus on rewarding only good behavior. Pet your puppy when he's slepping. Give him a treat when he's resting quietly, so he knows that he gets attention when he's calm. Ignore him if he's barking (unless it's to go potty). Dogs will repeat the behavior that get them attention, so it's good to start training him early. If you ignore your puppy when he's quiet and only pay attention to him when he barks, then he may feel less obligated to act calmly in the future.
7. Start "Play Training"
Your puppy may not be ready to learn big commands, but you can start with simple commands and "play" training during the first week. Keeping the training intervals short, happening several times a day, and make them fun times for your puppy. This is better for for your pup's attention span. Start by training to recognize his name, then move on to simple commands like "come" and "stay." You also want to start crate training during this time to help your puppy when he needs to be home alone.
8. Stay Together at Bed Time.
It's okay for your puppy to sleep in your bedroom. Your puppy is timid, so it's perfectly fine to let them sleep in your room for comfort. However, sleeping in your bed may not be the right choice. Sleeping in a crate will help her feel safe and secure and establish the crate as her "go-to" place. Make sure to get a comfy create pad to make it nice and cozy.
Bringing your puppy home is a wonderful and exciting time. These tips will help make that first week more enjoyable and less stressful for both of you.
Bringing your puppy home is a wonderful and exciting time. These tips will help make that first week more enjoyable and less stressful for both of you.