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!!

Jennifer Goodwin

Jennifer has always had a passion for working with animals and dreamed of training dogs since she was a little girl. She started her journey in 2006 when she was hired to work at a kennel. In 2018 she left this job but found herself gravitating back to the world of bird dogs through volunteering in the training field in exchange for an opportunity to learn.

The first chukar she ever planted immediately flew away when she turned around. Since then, she has not only learned the art of planting birds but what it takes to be an effective handler. In August 2021, her childhood dream came true with a full-time training position. Since then, she has endeavored to grow her knowledge and skills as a trainer.

Jennifer recognizes the importance of partnership between humans and dogs and strives to give every owner the tools they need to confidently handle their pups. She appreciates that every dog is unique, and works to bring forth the best out of any pup, whether they come from championship lines or a rescue.

When she is not training, Jennifer enjoys being outside, writing, and flying planes.

 

“Dog training is not really about teaching a dog to do something but instead giving a dog something to do. And when you give a dog something to do, you give him a purpose.”

Tyler Bowman

Scott King

Scott King - Dog Trainer Valhalla Kennels and Gun Dogs

Scott was born and raised in Texas where his love of dogs devolved with his first Lab puppy Dixie. Scott served in the United States Coast Guard for over 11 years and then followed his dream of living near the mountains, being outdoors, and big game hunting in Colorado. Scott and his family have 2 GSPs and a Dachshund and he understands the balance of a hunting companion and family pet. Scott enjoys spending time in the field, working each dog individually, and 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.”