Lakshmi Kennel

07/07/2026

Every detail matters when you’re raising a show dog; from how they walk to how they shine. Grooming isn’t just about looks; it’s about health, structure, and confidence. If your dog doesn’t feel good, they won’t move or perform well. And if you want to stand out in the ring, presentation is everything.

Let’s talk about one of the most overlooked areas: 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.

Nail Maintenance: Keep Them Short, Keep Them Sound

This can’t be stressed enough: a dog with long nails is a dog at risk.
Not only do long nails ruin the look of your dog’s stance, they also affect movement, posture, and joint health.

Why short nails matter:
• Improves balance and posture
• Prevents splaying of the feet
• Reduces risk of injury
• Allows the dog to move properly, without discomfort

You should trim nails every 2 to 3 days. 𝘠𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯.(at least once a week) The more consistently you trim, the more the quick recedes, and the shorter you can keep the nails over time.

If you hear your dog’s nails tapping on the floor—it’s already too long.🫣

Tools to Use:
• High-quality nail clippers or a Dremel tool
• Styptic powder (just in case)
• Good lighting and a calm space

Make nail trimming a routine, positive experience. Start young (we start at two weeks) and be consistent. Praise your pup, take your time, and don’t rush. If your pup resists, gentle handling goes a long way.

23/06/2022

What a line up and what a win. Congratulations Heather and team Trumpet

Westminster Kennel Club – Best in Show Judging
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Tarrytown, New York
Best In Show Judge's Name: Dr. Donald Sturz, Jr.

Best In Show:
Dog Reg: GCHB Flessner's Toot My Own Horn
Breed: Bloodhound
Owner: Chris & Bryan Flessner & Heather Helmer & Tina Kocar
Breeder: Bryan & Chris Flessner & Heather Helmer & Tina Kocar

30/04/2022

This movement is caused by an unbalanced dog, i.e more rear angulation than front angles, and therefore unbalances the normal sequence of steps. It means that when dog was learning to walk right from first getting up and moving around in the whelping box as it started to increase the speed of moving, the rear feet would brush or hit the front foot, because the rear angle had more reach and the front foot was out of sequence because of the lack of angle, or short upper arm. So to stop tripping themselves up, they adapt a gait the twists the spine slightly off centre, to allow the rear foot to strike the ground on the inside of the front foot, and other side rear foot to strike on the outside of the other front foot. I have a slow motion video of a 12 week old puppy displaying this very thing. at a slower pace, it tracks true, as the handler increases the speed, and the puppy lengthens it stride, back foot hits the front foot because the sequence of steps is out of sync, and the the puppy immediately adapts a side winding gait to avoid the striking. It is not my picture , it is one I have 'lifted from FB so cannot publish, but can share privately if anyone is interested. for people who have a horse background will understand that this also happens in horses, and it is called 'Brushing" and is usually fixed by corrective shoeing, to make the rear hoof strike the ground sooner, thus putting the steps back into sync.

04/03/2022

Why everyone needs to be shopping on Amazon... 🤦‍♂️😂

03/03/2022

Another good chart to help new folks in our sport

22/02/2022

19/02/2022

WANT TO HELP YOUR DOG LIVE LONGER? TRY THIS!🍵🐶

Adding warm tea to your dog’s dry (or fresh) food is one simple and powerful way to add longevity benefits to your dog’s bowl! In addition, a recent study now suggests green tea may play a role in alleviating pain in dogs with osteoarthritis!

Allow the therapeutic brew to marinate with the kibble prior to feeding, creating a super-saucy gravy and adding hydration (dogs aren’t designed to eat low-moisture, dried food their whole lives; teas help!). If you feed dehydrated or freeze-dried dog food, reconstitute them prior to feeding with tea!

Recipe for Organic Decaf Green Tea🍵 for Pets🐾:
1.Combine 3 cups of purified water and 1 tea bag or 1 tablespoon of loose tea leaves🫖
2.Steep for 15 minutes
3.Remove the tea bag or use a strainer to remove the tea leaves🍃
4.Store the tea in a covered, preferably glass pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days

Add the following amounts of decaf green tea to your pet’s morning and evening meal:
• Cats — 1 tablespoon
• Small dogs — 1/8th cup
• Medium dogs — ¼ to ½ cup
• Large dogs — ½ to 1 cup

02/02/2022

24/01/2022

Details matter and in Beagle heads it applies double!