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Last updated Fri, May 17, 2019
Results - Pawformance Sports!Enhancements to our Awards and Schedule pages are done! Thanks for your patience...both are much easier to navigate now with the new links. I wish I would have added them years ago! My next project - a page with my pups including my Chelsea Golden Retriever. Highlights of the wonderful seven generations of Goldens and their people I have known starting with my first "Chelsea" litter in 1980!
A Message from Mary T.
2019 - Wow! This year marks 38 years of Results classes in Livingston County! I remember when I first assisted training classes in the 70's and was told that there is a five year burn out of instructing classes. Lol, I was also told that people - not the dogs - were the most work. At the time, I was humored! I've since learned this can be true... When I was 15 I knew that I wanted to seriously train dogs. At the time, this was not considered 'cool'! My family and boy friend at the time thought I was odd...
The law enforcement field called me, but I never forgot wanting to work with pups. My dream was not holding a piece of food in front of a pup and I am so glad I followed a different path. Appreciation to the paws and people over the years that inspired me. "Results" was founded in 1981. As it was then and still today, instructing classes a dream come true - when people connect!
Summer weather will be here soon! Keep your pet(s) comfortable. Heavy exercise shuold be done when it is cooler, set the alarm for an earlier time and again later in the evening as needed. So sad to see pets outdoors with sign of too much heat - walking your pup outdoors midday with high temps is just not healthy for pups.
Wading pools are a delight for most pets. Past personal experience, buy early as there are usually hard to find once the hot temps are regular. If your pup is unsure of what to do, get in with him or her and a few toys... fun for both! Be sure to drain the pool after use each day. Do not let water sit stagnant. Beside 'growing' germs, sitting water will attract 'skeeters'! Outdoor ponds can provide entertainment - but - also may be a hazard. Puddles may attract vermin and critters.
After allowing a wade or swim, wash your pup off. Typcially, mid to late summer bacteria and other hazards may 'grow'. I suggest using a mild dog shampoo (oatmeal based) diluted 50/50 with water to wash your pup after it has had some fun in a pond or lake. Be sure to rinse well - twice!! Do rinse under the feet, too! A pup standing in soapy water and allowed out of the tub w/o rinsing the feet with clean water may develop issues later.
Inclement Weather Tips!
With hot weather comes tornado and storm season. If your pet gets anxious when the weather is inclement, do not coddle. Many people make the mistake of over comforting and telling their pup that "It's OK" which may increase the pet's concern. With enough 'practice', it may lead to storm anxiety. Instead, let your pet be with you, be more matter of fact and reassure your pet that everything is fine w/o too much gush (even if your heart is breaking a little). If it has to be alone, perhaps give it the 'special' large knotted, white rawhide bone when it needs to be crated. Also, keep lights and the radio or TV on a little louder than usual.
Go outdoors with your leashed pet at potty time if there is a chance it may run off or climb a fence if startled. Many pets are surprised with sudden thunder claps and lightening, and may go into severe flight drive during during same. High winds and unexpected gusts may also spook pets! Remember to stay grounded so you do not increase anxiety issues your pet may have.
Some pets may be comforted wearing a baby or child size T-shirt. Since recommending same decases ago, 'thunder shirts' for pets are now on the market for the same and are pricey! Using a tight fitting T is the same and save some $$s.
As the snow has melted, it's time to walk your property and pick up sticks, scat and other items that may be tempting to your pet. Remember with the warmer weather, odors may entice your pet to leave the property. Melting lake ice may also be a hazard! Be sure to monitor and use a long or drag line if needed to keep your pet safe.
Please help to spread the word! Your referrals are most appreciated. Business cards are available for drop off at pet related businesses and veterinary hospitals. I do run into people almost every week that are not aware that I am running classes again. Please share when you can! Much of my business is word of mouth and spreading the word will help ensure I'm still running when you get a future pup, thank you!
Fowlerville News & Views will be featuring ads prior to start sessions quarterly. Look for Results - Pawformance Sports! in the Business Classifieds!
An occasional ad in both The Marketeer and Hartland Community Life will run several times a year, too. Prime time is when BCE and HAPRA do not have a recent brochure mailing.
Pet edibles from China!! This is very old news, but many well known stores have chosen to still sell treats on their shelves coming from China. There have been documented cases of thousands of pets that have died or became seriously ill from digesting food with toxins found in them in our country alone. Be sure to check labels and discard anything with "China" on it!! I find it sad what greed can do to people in the trade that we assume care about our pets... Too much info to share here on this subject - Google and learn.
Important Links Here:
FDA Pet Food Recalls & Withdrawals
DIY Long Line
If you are in need of a long line, looping two leashes together will work. Or, to save money - you may make one! Simply purchase parachute cord for smaller pets or clothesline or boat cord for larger ones and simply add a bolt snap. Adding another bolt snap at 20+ +/- intervals if longer lines are needed will save time if your pet may get tangled is a concern. Using a harness on your pet instead of a collar is recommended and be sure to supervise!
If you prefer to keep your pet in a limited area, consider an over head cable to provide for exercise. Consider ample 'head' room for people when setting this up! Again, a harness may provide a safer connection than a collar. Supervision is important, too. Pets can get tangled and visiting animals - including children - may come on to your property. : )
Much Appreciation for Recent Demonstrations!
Natalie and "Boomer" (Boomer Brat RN), Shetland Sheepdog, have demonstrated for many of the Brighton and Howell Puppy and O&M One starts. For many years, she & her boyZ have been a gift to me. In the earlier years, Natalie with Sheltie siblings "Thunder" and "Lightning" (both now at the 'bridge') were always eager to participate. Both boys were sweet and had numerous first places in Rally-O Novice, Advanced and Excellent as well as in Agility Standard and JWW. Nat has volunteered for years doing therapy visits at local nursing homes with her Sheltie bros as well.
Her current Sheltie is "Boomer". After finding himself the sole pup since Thunder's passing, he went through an adjustment... understandably so! He has learned to enjoy being a solo pet! A lot of drive in this guy, he would be ideal on a working farm - a true working Sheltie at heart.
Tips given to get training off to a great start: "Take notes, practice and have fun!"
Business cards are available! If you are able to put some on display at your pet's vet office, groomer or where you shop, please take some and help spread the word. The cards are on the trainers table at class. Being largely a referral business, a sincere thank you to those that help to spread the word. Doing so helps to ensure I will be teaching when you start your next future pet, thank you!
Household members observing at class - please bring household members that can sit and stay throughout class to observe. Handling consistency is so important for the pets and training progress is so much easier when the household is on the same page.
Happy training! Mary T.
2018 Results & Pawformance Rendevous Titles & Honorifics!
Natalie B. - Boomer - Boomer Brat - RN Shetland Sheepdog
Rally-Novice (RN) #1 leg - 01-20-18 - Livonia KC - Qualified - First trial - With Call Ducks doing herding nearby!
RN #2 leg - 01-21-18 - Oakland County KC - Trial #1 - Much better score in spite of the Call Ducks...
RN #3 leg - 01-21-18 - Oakland County KC - Trial #2 Entry of 8 New title - Second place!
*Rally Novice Title from Novice B Class in three consecutive trials and second place with Call Duck herding demos across the aisle!
Nancy A. - Sadie - Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Poodle Mix
Canine Good Citizen and Love On a Leash Therapy Test - OTC of Greater Lansing - 4-05-18
With active obedience training classes in the next ring!
Carrie S. - Mason - Canine Good Citizen - Cocker Spaniel
Canine Good Citizen Test - Saginaw Valley KC (Birch Run) - 4-07-18
Mason's first time testing and at an all breed busy dog show!
Several trainers are training towards AKC Rally-O titles and are planning on being in the show rings in 2019.