Outer Bounds K9

12/06/2025

Did you know dogs often drink 20 to 30% less in winter? Cold weather can mask dehydration, especially in active dogs.

Try this if you think your dog is dehydrated:
- fresh warm water
- broth ice cubes
- wet food or added moisture
- extra long breaks on walks

Small tweaks keep them hydrated and healthy all season long.

12/05/2025

Every dog is unique. It’s up to the handler to adapt and support the dog in front of them.

Balancing Independence and Cooperation in Nosework Dogs

In the sport of nosework, we ask our dogs to accomplish something beautifully paradoxical: work independently while staying connected to us. A skilled detection dog must be confident enough to take initiative, yet cooperative enough to remain in a shared dialogue with the handler. Striking this balance is essential for building an effective, reliable, and joyful search team.

Let’s break down how independence and cooperation function together—and why both are necessary for success.

Read entire blog at... https://scentsabilitiesnw.com/blog/balancing-independence-and-cooperation-in-nosework-dogs/

12/05/2025

It’s the time of year when dropping temperatures can make it challenging to get outside with your dog safely even for a short potty break.

Taking into consideration your dog’s age, health, fitness and breeding as well as the outside temperature, wind chill, length of time you plan to be outside, terrain and weather forcast (do you know if the snow will begin before you’re back to the car for example?) will help you decide whether or not to pull out that dog coat and maybe even some booties!

Rae - a 6 year old husky mix born during a cold, snowy prairie winter - has genetics on her side and requires very little help to keep warm on daily walks. However, with double TPLO surgery in her past, her needs are constantly being monitored. If she becomes stiff or is suddenly less willing to go outside (right now snow is her absolute favorite thing and convincing her to come inside is like negotiating candy away from a toddler 🤣) then we will reassess and make the necessary changes to her routine to keep her happy and healthy.

Phoebe on the other hand - an 8 year old pitty mix with a very short coat, naked belly and sensitive skin - needs all the help she can get to be comfortable and safe outside during the winter including booties when the temperature dips past -10 and we want to walk for more than a few minutes.

Knowing your dog, their behaviours, preferences and health needs will help keep them safe and warm while you enjoy the winter months with them!

12/02/2025

Winter’s cold, dry air can quickly dry out your dog’s nose. A dry, cracked nose can be uncomfortable and even lead to irritation.

Keep your dog’s nose soft and healthy by:
• Applying a vet-approved nose balm
• Ensuring plenty of fresh water
• Avoiding harsh surfaces or chemicals

If dryness persists, check with your veterinarian.

11/26/2025

For the first time ever, we’ve combined our core dog and cat curriculum into one streamlined, powerful one-day program:

🐶 Dog CPR (RECOVER METHOD)

🐱 Cat CPR (RECOVER METHOD)

💨 Choking (species-specific)

🩸 Bleeding & trauma care

🔥 Heatstroke & hypothermia

🧪 Poisoning & toxins

⚡ Seizures & medical emergencies

🐾 Handling & behaviour

🚑 Transport & scenario practice

And for Black Friday…

✨ Enroll in ANY of our First Aid class and receive a second registration at 50% off - This is the BEST deal we offer all year.

📘 The manual is gorgeous. Hands-on. Student-loved.

📦 Pre-registrations taken now - first course in January 2026.

🎁 Limited space for the course launch Jan 24th in the Winnipeg area — secure your spot today!

Times and specific location TBA

11/25/2025

Hide and seek! Looking for something fun to do with your dog? Reach out!

11/24/2025

11/24/2025

Had an absolute blast setting up an extra-hard trailing/tracking challenge for Murphy today! (Ps. Please ignore my use of a flat collar. This was a spur of the moment adventure and our halter was at home…not that it had any impact on Murphy’s drive 🤪).

Ken and I met at the Fort Garry Heritage Site, a brand-new location for all of us — no predictables, just pure adventure.

Ken laid the track, and while I knew the starting point, his final hiding spot was a mystery.

Watching Murphy switch into work mode was seriously impressive. He locked in fast, problem-solved like a pro, and had so much fun doing it that I could barely keep up. I was giggling the whole time because his enthusiasm was just contagious!

And to think barely a year ago this beautiful boy was on the euthanasia list in a kill shelter! Now look at him - dogs, people, cars, new scents and major distractions (the multiple cobra chickens in the park were no match for my game 😏) and he was totally on point!

If you’re looking to deepen your bond, boost your dog’s confidence, get moving, and have an absolute blast together, you have to give scent work a try. Your dog will love it — and honestly, so will you! Reach out and we’ll have some fun together! 🐶💨✨

11/22/2025

Outer Bounds K9 is expanding to offer a full range of scent-based and safety training opportunities designed for sport competitors, outdoor enthusiasts, trainers and everyday dog owners who want to do something meaningful and enjoyable with their dogs:

• Scent Detection – build focus, drive, and teamwork through odor recognition and search skills
• Trailing – discover the excitement of following scent trails
• Canine First Aid Certification – gain the skills and confidence to respond to emergencies calmly and effectively

Every program emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and canine wellbeing. Whether your goal is to compete or simply have fun while strengthening your relationship with your dog, we’ll help you and your canine partner train with purpose, confidence, and enthusiasm.

11/22/2025

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Outer Bounds K9 is expanding to offer scent-work programs designed to support both sport competitors and recreational handlers including:
• Scent Detection for sport
• Trailing for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts

Whether you’re preparing for competition, building confidence in a reactive dog, or simply looking for a new way to connect with your canine partner, our programs help teams work together with clarity, confidence, and enjoyment.

Stay tuned for upcoming class dates and locations!

11/10/2025

Lest we forget