Policy on New Clients

We are currently only accepting reservations for existing clients at Valhalla Kennels. As much as we would like to welcome new customers and provide services and boarding for those looking for a quality facility that caters to sporting dogs we need to first serve our existing clientele.  We strive to provide quality care and customer services but we have experienced an influx of new inquiries that make it impossible to meet everyone’s expectations. 

Valhalla’s 30-90 day training program will still be operating as usual and accepting new training dogs that are committed to advanced training goals.  

For existing clients and new training clients please reach out to us and we will email you an invite for the Valhalla Kennels app.  Once your account is set up and you accept the invitation you’ll be able to schedule future boarding,  update payment information, and see the vaccine status of your dog(s).

 

Canine Contagious Respiratory Infection

As many of you are already aware, there is an unusual respiratory infection in dogs here in our area of Colorado and several other states as well. Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDCP) outbreaks are commonly called Kennel Cough and occur in dog populations regularly. These outbreaks are typically caused by known pathogens such as Bordetella, Influenza, Parainfluenza, Mycoplasma, Coronavirus, and others, as well as a combination of these pathogens.

The Infectious agent of this most recent outbreak has not been definitively identified. Veterinary labs are currently testing samples to identify the cause, but it is yet to be determined. It could be a new virus, bacteria, or a mix of more than one.

What we can tell you:
– It is likely contagious between dogs via airborne respiratory droplets.
-No link has been made between sick dogs and respiratory illness in humans.
-Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, low appetite, and lethargy. Seek veterinary care if your dog exhibits these symptoms.
-Cases tend to fall into three categories: 1.) Chronic to mild kennel cough for 6 to 8 weeks (most cases) 2.) Chronic pneumonia (occasional cases) 3.) Acute pneumonia that becomes severe and potentially life-threatening (rare).

We recommend caution, rather than being overly worried. As with all contagious illnesses, the risk is higher in boarding facilities, grooming facilities, training centers, dog shows, shelters, doggie daycare centers, dog parks, and high-traffic pet stores. Even well-vaccinated dogs can contract this infection.

At Valhalla Kennels we strive to limit exposure by:
-Not co-mingling dogs from different households in the exercise area.
-Not accepting sick dogs into the facility and immediately sending sick dogs home
-Daily disinfecting of all runs and communal spaces
-Sanitizing all drinking and food bowls daily.
– In addition to vaccinating for common respiratory infections that are included in the Bordetella & DHPP vaccine, we now recommend dogs receive the Canine Influenza vaccine before boarding.

**Realize that even vaccinated dogs can get CIRDC and strict cleaning and disinfecting protocols can not eliminate the risk of exposure**

Parker and Star

We were so very lucky and blessed to have met Jennifer and for her to start working with Parker. We have been coming for private lessons with her on Wednesdays ever since. We are hoping after the season is over that we can continue with her for other types of training beyond birds. 
 
We would like you to know and to express all that Jennifer has done for Parker and our six-year-old black lab, Star.  Since Parker and Star will be hunting together, Star needed to learn what Parker was learning, primarily “whoa” and for Parker and Star to learn to honor each other’s bird. May I just say, mission accomplished and then some!!

Scott King

Scott King - Dog Trainer Valhalla Kennels and Gun Dogs

Scott was born and raised in Texas, where his love of dogs began with his first puppy, Dixie. He served in the United States Coast Guard for over 11 years before pursuing his dream of living near the mountains. Scott and his family have two German Shorthaired Pointers, and he understands the balance between a hunting companion and a family pet. He is dedicated to producing the best hunting companion for you and your family.

“Great bird dogs are trained and developed with dedication to time in the field and precision handling. Natural instincts and a hard-working personality are also key to having what it takes. The same is true for great and talented dog trainers.” 

Email Scott at: Scottk3788@yahoo.com

Russell MacLennan

Russell MacLennan is a respected bird dog breeder, trainer and upland hunting guide. He began his amateur training career in 1989 with a black lab named Buddy. Since then he has trained all breeds of sporting dogs and their owners for performance in the field and basic obedience in the home.

Russell is no stranger to competition, at age 14 he competed in the Colorado Pheasant Hunting Championships, hosted by Pheasants Forever. Along with the help of Sir Hershey of Surrey and Delery Guillory they won top honors. Since, Russell has trained for, and competed in a variety of competitions including:

  • National Bird Dog Challenge Association
  • A.K.C. hunt tests and horseback trials
  • A.P.L.A. qualifiers and many local hunting trials
  • Russell and his dog “Boo” own the record for the fastest time set in the Colorado Open Pheasant Hunting Championships. In 1997, Russell and “Boo” completed a six pheasant run in less than 5 minutes, posting one of the highest scores ever.

Russell was born with a gift to understand dogs and the patience to teach their owners.

Contact Russell at: russ@valhallahuntclub.com

Available by appointment only

Russell MacLennan - Dog Trainer at Valhalla Kennels and Gun Dogs

“A dog is man’s best friend! So why can parrots talk?”