Friday, October 26, 2012

Doga (Yoga class for Humans and Dogs)

Looking for a rewarding new activity for both you and your dog? Morris K9 Campus is pleased to introduce Doga (Yoga class for human and dog). This specialized class is aimed to incorporate your dog into Beginners Yoga, which will include gentle stretching, basic Yoga Poses (Asanas), breathing exercises/techniques (Pranayama’s) and relaxation. The class will be taught by a certified Yoga instructor Karin Kolsky, in conjunction with the assistance of our certified pet trainer Robin Lash, CPDT-KA.


Who should attend Doga?

People who:

• want to have fun with their dog

• want to get into shape

• would like to decrease their stress

• love yoga and would like to incorporate their dog


Dogs who:

• need stimulation

• are out of shape

• have a hard time settling down

• are anxious and fearful dogs

The goal of Yoga is to balance the Mind, Body, and Heart. The added benefits are improved health, emotional well-being, mental clarity, joy in living, and a stronger and more flexible body. Plus having your canine friend next to you will help to achieve relaxation faster and create a stronger bond for both of you.

Doga is a four week session and runs Wednesday nights at 8:30pm, starting November 14.



Because a calm environment is necessary for the success of this class, we must ask that dogs with a strong tendency to bark or that are aggressive towards people or other dogs do not attend. Please contact our staff for a recommendation for other programs Morris K9 Campus offers.

Register online at MorrisK9Campus.com.

Friday, October 19, 2012

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOLIDAY CARDS EARLY!


Looking for a unique idea for this year’s holiday card? Your lovable pooch just might hold the answer. With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time for the Morris K9 Campus Annual Holiday Photo Shoot. Take care of your holiday cards early this year by bringing your furry family member to the shoot which is scheduled for Sunday, November 18th. The photo shoot is conveniently held before Thanksgiving so there will be plenty of time to get your prints before the holidays.



Photographer Hugo Juarez will be back for the third consecutive year. He is an extremely talented photographer whose patience allows him to capture the best in any animal. Whether you’re in a winter spirit or in the holiday spirit, Hugo has a background scene for you! This year’s shoot will feature two scenes again, a nondenominational winter scene and a holiday scene as well. There are two sitting times available, 10AM-12PM and 12PM-2PM. Call to reserve your time soon, as spaces are limited. Each sitting will be $15 a scene and will include a 5x7 photo. Additional photos will be available for purchase online. There are a variety of items to choose from including, ornaments, mugs, greeting cards, key chains and much more! A portion of the proceeds will benefit Creature Comfort Pet Therapy.

Warm up with cider and refreshments! Call 973-252-5100 today to schedule a sitting for your pooch!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

A Small Dog with a Big Personality

Someone's trash became my treasure! That is what I say to myself every October when I celebrate bringing Sammy, my Dachshund, into my life.

Having worked with the Morris Family for 12 years I have met and cared for dogs of every shape and size, personality and color. In 2007 I already had 2 rescues, our German Shepherd Andrew and Shepherd-Mix Livvy when I decided I wanted to add a third rescue dog to the family. I wanted it to be small dog with a big personality, enter the Dachshund! I combed petfinder for months until one Friday, Samson appeared on my screen at the Staten Island Animal Care and Control Center. I called the number provided and asked how old and if he had been temperament tested. The woman on the phone said he was 1.5 to 2 years old and was listed as "No concern". I immediately called my husband and told him, "I think we found our dog."
After my work shift ended at the Morris Animal Inn at 4:00pm, I hopped in my car, and drove to see if he still was there. I walked into the small office area surrounded by cages of kittens (I had to say hi to them all) and asked if I could see Samson. I immediately took him outside of his cage and went for a walk. I sat on the ground and without hesitation he jumped in my lap curled up in ball and stayed there while I made the call to my husband to bring our 2 other dogs down to meet, the re-named Sammy, and next addition to the family.

Over the course of the next few weeks we got to know him better. We discovered that he is not house trained, doesn't love strangers, can be quite loud, and LOVES food! Needless to say I was a little shocked at how much work I had ahead of me. Sammy wasn't going anywhere so we better have a plan. We prioritized what was most important (housetraining first) and devised a routine based on work schedules and budget.

Moving forward 5 years later I joined the staff at Morris K9 Campus and Sammy went through all the levels of pet training and currently does agility, which we both love, all driven by getting his favorite reward, TREATS!! I have accepted the fact that while he would never harm someone, he would rather not have attention from strangers and doesn't love every dog he meets, I work on this everyday with patience, love, and training. I feel like he knew when he met me, my husband and his canine brother Andrew and sister Livvy that this was his chance (or he just really wanted out of the shelter because he behaved like a saint during introductions!!) He is a product of not enough nurture, not nature. While I don't know what happened in his past, like where he came from, it is pretty obvious that he was not socialized with people or housetrained. I do know he lived with another dog so he at least has skills when it comes to communicating with his canines. He is one of the many reasons I come to work every day with the same passion I had 12 years ago when I decided I wanted a career with animals.
(left to right: Livvy, Sammy and Andrew relaxing on the couch.)

October is Adopt-A-Dog Month- whether you are looking for a puppy, purebred, or adult it may be just the best decision you could ever make! Please stop by our Fall Festival October 28th at Morris K9 Campus and visit with Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, Randolph Pound, Noah's Ark, and 11th Hour Rescue to see if your fur-ever friend is there waiting for you!

We are pleased to have Abbie, as a contributing writer for A Dog's Life. Abbie is the Dog Daycare Manager at Morris K9 Campus and is a passionate dog owner.

Friday, October 5, 2012

A Unique Approach to Pet Training

Whether it is a good recall (come) or the ability for your dog to walk loosely on a leash, basic obedience training can be helpful for both you and your pooch. The unique approach to training at Morris K9 Campus provides you with the tools you need to excel in everyday life. In addition to the levels pet training program, Morris K9 Campus also offers a variety of different workshops aimed to focus on specific real life situations.

Recall can be one of the most beneficial tools for any dog owner. Morris K9 Campus trainer Robin Lash says that a good recall is the dog owner’s number one responsibility. Not only is it useful, it is a life saving skill if your dog was to ever get away from you.

If your dog has a pulling issue, Robin recommends a one day, one topic seminar, called “Powerful Pullers.” The class will give you the skills and the equipment that is needed in order to have a well trained dog on a leash. A one topic seminar is beneficial to a dog with a specific issue, and with practice and patience, can resolve the problem.

The more training the dog goes through, the skills he or she will develop. Training will only improve the quality of your dog’s life. Having a well trained dog can also make everyday tasks easier on you.

Come to the Morris K9 Campus “Fall Festival” on October 28, where our pet trainers will be on hand for a question and answer session.

Stayed tuned to the Morris K9 Campus website for a list of our workshop offerings this fall and winter.