C & P Swissy Licks Providing fun activities, information, and support to Swissy enthusiasts

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1 C & P Swissy Licks Providing fun activities, information, and support to Swissy enthusiasts What s Inside 2011 Calendars 1 GSMDCA Swissy Book 2 Fall Working Play Day 3 Greensboro Show Results 4 Greensboro Wrap Up 5 Greensboro Photos 6 Weight Pull 8 Running with the Big Dogs 11 Carting with your Swissy 16 Brags & The Mailbarks 18 Kids Baroo! 19 Herding Flyer and Entry Form 20 Ways and Means Form 22 Membership Renewal 23 Membership Form 24 Addendum to Best Kennel list in last month s Swissy Licks Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel 6628 Runkles Road Mount Airy, MD mariahbellemanor.com This is one of 5 green certified kennels in the US. My dogs go there and love it. Rachann Mayer has a dog that is sensitive to chemicals, and therefore her kennel is completely green. I have also never been in a kennel that is quite as clean as theirs. They are also doing grooming now I think and will be affiliated with a vet soon. Mercedes Meyer September 2010 Volume 3 Issue 8 C & P Swissy 2011 Calendar! Tracy Brainard is taking pre-orders for the first-ever C & P Swissy 2011 Calendar. To make sure your favorite Swissy is included in the publication, see details below. How? Send pre-orders to Tracy Brainard by September 15th How much? $25 each with proceeds going to the club Where? Photos? Pick up your calendar at the club picnic October 2nd or we will snail mail Send photos to Tracy by September 1st prioritize which one you like best. Theme photos are welcome for each month No people in the pics...just Swissy's or Swissy's doing something Include the call name and last name of each dog Fall Working Fun Day!! Please don t miss our very first Fun Day. All of the details are on page 3. Nancy Kechner has organized everything, including a cook out. You can try your dog s skills at weight pulling, drafting and agility. And if you don t want to do any of those, please come and have fun. We start at 10:00 AM but come whenever you like and we ll quit whenever we get tired! Everything is free of charge unless you decide you want to put a weight pull leg on your dog and we ll have to charge a nominal fee Huck is bringing the necessary paperwork. If you want to earn a weight pull leg, obtain an official weight from your veterinarian. Otherwise, he ll be up, up, up in the air getting weighed! Ed. Note: This month s issue features a series of three articles that relate to the activities taking place during Fun Day, Sept. 18. Rumor has it that Animal Planet wants footage of our activities and the local news media will be present, too! Chesapeake and Potomac Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club

2 GSMDCA Swissy Publication The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America wrote and published a book about our breed. The last Swissy book was published many years ago look for new content, with fresh and numerous photos. Price: $20 Purchase: click Shop Chapters include: Origin and History Understand Your Swissy How to Find a Swissy New Swissy Comes Home Feed Your Swissy Activities for You and Your Swissy Health of Your Swissy Should You Breed Your Swissy Train Your Swissy Travel with Your Swissy Breed Standard Test Your Knowledge 2

3 Upcoming Events September 1st 2011 Calendar photos due to Tracy September 15 Calendar preorders due to Tracy September 18 Fall Working Play Day, Waynesboro, VA October 1 Herding Instinct Test, Berryville, VA October 1-3, 2010 Specialty & Supported Entries, Picnic, Educational Seminar, Millwood, VA October 16-21, 2011 National Specialty, Clemmons, NC Working Play Day Sept 18 10:00 AM 3988 Stuarts Draft Highway, Waynsboro, VA By Nancy Kechner The C & P Swissy Club will be holding its 1st Annual "Fall Working Play Day" in Stuart's Draft, VA on September 18th. Everyone is invited for handson clinics featuring: Weight Pull training and tips at the Power Mountain Weight Pull Club with very experienced weight pull veterans Rob Via and Kathy Houchens, IWPA judges. Harnesses available for use, indoor carpeted track, small truck (75#) and large truck (300#) for beginners and experienced pullers. Legs can be earned so you may want to bring your dog s official weight. Otherwise, the Pullers Club has a weight sling that lifts the dog off the ground. Drafting with Mary Jo and Jim Rasmussen. Carts, beginner carts, harnesses and acres of trails available. Learn tips and tricks from two experienced drafters. Intro to Agility with Jan Collins and Megan Fletcher. Equipment and safety and training tips available. Tunnels, low dog walk, tire, table, channel weaves, jumps, practice boards and a ladder will be set up for you to introduce your dog to some basic, safe obstacles. So... if you want to practice, get additional pointers, see if your dog will actually do the activity, or want to spend a day playing with your Swissies with other Swissy folks in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley-- this may be right for you. Afterwards we'll have a cookout at the site where food will be available for nominal fee too cover expenses. Please contact Nancy Kechner for more info! Stuart's Draft is 25 miles West of Charlottesville, 2 miles south of I-64, 6 miles east of I-81. Do you know??? Membership renewal time again! See page 23 3

4 Greensboro Show Results Carolina Cluster August 18 Best of Breed GCH Painted Mtn Oliver Twist of Fate, Katie Markley Best Opposite GCH CH Sudnly Mundy MNR Bless Her Heart, Barbara Warner & Dan Campeau Winners Dog/ Best of Winners Quiet Valley SD Napoleon, Patricia A Cole & Dan Campeau Winners Bitch Double Q s Paradise Afire!, Jim & Mary Jo Rasmussen August 19 Best of Breed GCH Painted Mtn Oliver Twist of Fate, Katie Markley Best Opposite GCH CH Sudnly Mundy MNR Bless Her Heart, Barbara Warner & Dan Campeau Select CH Carlson s Magnificent Role, Robert Carlson & Kathleen Carlson Winners Dog/ Best of Winners Quiet Valley SD Napoleon, Patricia A Cole & Dan Campeau Winners Bitch Double Q s Paradise Afire!, Jim & Mary Jo Rasmussen August 20 Best of Breed GCH Painted Mtn Oliver Twist of Fate, Katie Markley Best Opposite GCH CH Sudnly Mundy MNR Bless Her Heart, Barbara Warner & Dan Campeau Select CH Shadetree s Xango, Catherine Cooper Winners Dog/ Best of Winners Suddanly Guitar Man, Frank Poovey & Dan Campeau Winners Bitch Double Q s Paradise Afire!, Jim & Mary Jo Rasmussen August 21 Best of Breed CH Shadetree s Xango, Catherine Cooper Best Opposite GCH CH Sudnly Mundy MNR Bless Her Heart, Barbara Warner & Dan Campeau Select GCH Painted Mtn Oliver Twist of Fate, Katie Markley Select CH Sawmill s Nymph of Riverwalk, Denise Glass Winners Dog Suddanly Guitar Man, Frank Poovey & Dan Campeau Winners Bitch/ Best of Winners Brendamine s Rendezvous, Catherine Cooper Best Puppy/ Group 4 Shadetree s Quench My Soul, Tracy Brainard & Darlene Ward August 22 Best of Breed GCH Painted Mtn Oliver Twist of Fate, Katie Markley Best Opposite GCH CH Sudnly Mundy MNR Bless Her Heart, Barbara Warner & Dan Campeau Select CH Shadetree s Xango, Catherine Cooper Select CH Sawmill s Nymph of Riverwalk, Denise Glass Winners Dog/ Best of Winners Suddanly Guitar Man, Frank Poovey & Dan Campeau Winners Bitch Suddanly Irish Draught NJP, Megan Fletcher & Dustin Westenmeyer Agility Results Imara earns Excellent B Jumpers leg, Lesley Fisher Burley earns Excellent B Jumpers leg, Jim & Mary Jo Rasmussen Maggie earned her way into our hearts, at her very first AKC agility trial, with her speed and energy, Barbara Warner & Dan Campeau Kenzie earns our respect for accuracy on course now we need to light a fire in her belly!, Megan Fletcher & Dustin Westenmeyer Trophy Sponsors Tracy Brainard Jessica Fournell-Ferrall Nancy Kechner Leigh Poole Hanna Fournell-Ferrall Jim & Mary Jo Rasmussen Cathy Cooper Kris Featheringham Darlene Ward Laura Bullock Michelle Charters Colleen Robson 4

5 Carolina Cluster Supported Entry Wrap-Up By Tracy Brainard To all the agility dogs (Maggie, Kenzie, Imara and Burley) it was so great to see Swissy's run. Congrats to Imara and Lesley for qualifying Saturday and HUGE congrats to almost 9 year-old Burley...getting a qualifying run and placing 3rd Sunday. Very Exciting. I am very grateful that I was able to see each dog in the ring during the weekend. I would definitely say that this has been one of the busiest dog shows I have ever been to, with all the events going on each day. I was exhausted at the end of each day. To those in the ring...seems the C & P Club is taking out judges lately...they might start getting scared to judge our breed. Just kidding...i do hope the judge who fell trying to avoid Stevie's feet is OK. Huge Congrats to Megan and Kenzie for finishing their Championship...I know that you are sooooo thrilled and I'm glad I could be there in the ring with you. Congrats to Dan for cleaning up Winners Dog the last 3 days and for the awards of your other dogs. I know you are a proud Daddy/Grandpa!!! Dicey...almost there, only 1 more point. There were so many nice dogs in the ring this weekend...i just can't say enough how well everyone did. Congrats to Cathy for getting BOB one day, for Brenda getting a major, and for the best puppy for 3 days. I know you are proud, too. Congrats to ChOliver for getting BOB 4 days and Maggie for getting BOS 5 days. Way to go! For those who brought your dogs out for the first time or hadn't had them out in awhile...they did great!!! The turn-out for the supported entries Saturday and Sunday was great. It was great for Tracy Malinois to invite us (Swissy peeps) and the Malinois folks to a pot luck lunch of sandwiches, desserts, and fruit. I hadn't eaten the previous 2 days till late at night, so it was greatly appreciated, especially since we were all there on Saturday really late. I think I would have passed out on Saturday if it weren't for those yummy sandwiches. The atmosphere and camaraderie of the club is so enjoyable, I really do look forward to seeing everyone each time we travel to a show. Thank you Ann and John for making the drive to support your fellow club members...it was so very nice to see you both. For the sad parts of the weekend...traci Routh, I do hope your husband is OK.. We were all thinking of you and your family during the weekend. To the Malinois folks, who lost a dog tragically, our hearts definitely are with you. Until I get to see you all again, remain safe and give a huge hug to all your Swissys!!!! 5

6 Greensboro Festivities Photos by Jim Rasmussen 6

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8 Are you Interested in Weight Pull? If you are interested in Weight Pull, Jason Crociani, weight pull trainer and judge, recommends that you come out to a training session. Talk to experience trainers to get a feel for the sport. It s best if you hook up with a Weight Pull club for advice and training. If you try and train on your own you increase the risk of physical injury or even breaking your dog s spirit. If your dog feels they have failed, it can destroy their mental welfare, drive and desire to please For the above reasons, it is highly recommended that you train your dog to pull weight with an experienced trainer. The United Kennel Club (UKC) and the International Weight Pull Association (IWPA) are excellent sources that can provide you with training contacts in your area. You can also search the yellow pages, search online or ask your veterinarian if s/he knows of a weight pull club in your area. Article appeared in DogSport, May/ June 2010, Volume 9, Number 3, pg. 10 Weight Pull By Donna Wade Dogs love to pull; they love to pull hard and can pull a lot of weight. Anyone who has walked an untrained dog will agree. Most competition weight pull dogs can t wait to be hooked up to a wheeled rig and released from the start line. His eyes focused on his handler who is verbally encouraging him at the finish line. He pulls with all his might, straining against his freight harness, head down, arched back, inching the rig down a 16 foot track within 60 seconds. The crowd erupts in cheers. Occasionally, people who do not understand weight pull believe this sport is cruel and harmful. Be assured strict rules are enforced to ensure the well being of all participating dogs; no abuse is tolerated at any time. You cannot make a dog pull a weighted cart. They do it because they want to. Dogs that compete are in good health, cleared by a veterinarian, well nourished, and generally receive better care than most pets. All a person needs to do is look at the dog before and after the pull. They will observe a happy dog enjoying every minute of the pull and having a ball. This sport was originally designed to keep sled dogs in shape during their off season. Now, it is open to all dogs. Weight Pull allows a dog to demonstrate his strength, endurance, obedience, competitive drive, confidence, coordination and desire to please. The United Kennel Club (UKC) and the International Weight Pull Association (IWPA) have been sanctioning weight pull events since Emphasis is always on safety first, followed by good sportsmanship, and fairness. The IWPA and UKC 8

9 welcome all breeds of dogs including mixed breeds. UKC events require your dog to be registered with the UKC. Draft dogs and powerful breeds, such as Pit Bulls, seem to excel at this sport. But, small dogs also do well. Prominent breeds are Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Presa Canarios, Hungarian Greyhounds, Patterdale Terriers, and Boston Terriers. Dogs must be a minimum of one year to compete and the maximum age is twelve. At a weight pull event, a dog pulls a weighted sled, or wheeled cart or rail system cart over ground, carpet or snow. Each of these elements provides different pull resistance and weight tolerances. Dogs are required to pull the load 16 feet within 60 seconds. The dog is positioned at the start line while the handler waits at the finish line. During the heat, the handler is not allowed to touch his dog, the harness or any pull equipment. No food or toys can be used to lure a dog. The handler can only call his dog and encourage him to pull. It is entirely up to the dog whether he wants to pull. He will either want to pull or he won t. On the day of the event, dogs are weighed to determine the maximum class starting weights. UKC weight classes start at 20 pounds; there is no minimum weight. Lighter dogs have an advantage because it is the percentage of the dog s weight to the weight pulled that determines who wins. This means a well trained weight puller can overcome a dog twice his size. All dogs start with the same maximum starting weight for their weight class. With each heat, weight is added. Dogs that win in their weight class go on to compete at a higher weight class. A qualifying pull requires the dog to complete the 16 foot pull, uninterrupted, within 60 seconds without a foul. Only two fouls are allowed. After that, the team can no longer compete. Still, dogs are encouraged to complete the pull. No credit is given, but this allows the dog to complete the pull with dignity and a feeling of accomplishment. This is essential to the psyche of the dog. Equipment for this sport includes a freight harness with a spreader bar, a flat buckle collar and a leash for control of your dog. Freight harnesses can be purchased on-line or at dog shows. The cart or sled and weights are supplied by the hosting club. Your dog needs to understand the basic obedience commands plus have good socialization skills. During a pull, he will be exposed to a lot of noise and movement. He must be able to maintain focus and work well with distractions to have a competitive advantage. 9

10 Jason Crociani is a Weight Pull trainer for the Nor Cal APBT Club and a UKC Weight Pull Judge. Traits Jason looks for in dogs include confidence, high energy, an exclusive bond with his handler and a strong desire to please. Dogs with those characteristics will literally pull a ton for you. Nutrition, repetition and rest are the three most important elements for a dog prior to a competition. On average, Jason has seen dogs ready to compete after six months to a year of training. The best handlers train with attitude and heart. They know a well conditioned dog given praise and affection, will outperform a dog with greater strength and lower self esteem. Jason got involved in Weight Pull after attending his first event in He watched a Patterdale Terrier pull over ten time his own weight. Jason was hooked and began training. In 2004, Jason brought home a Patterdale Terrier puppy he named High Voltage Vinny. He was a natural puller earning his UWP title at age one. With enthusiasm, Vinny rapidly advanced and earned his UWPCHX and UWPO titles. August 2008, High Bolt Vinny pulled 2000 pounds on raisl, over 100 times his body weight, taking first prize for the most weight pulled per pound. That s amazing! Jason said, I simply told my dog to work and to come to me. Jason and Vinny didn t do as well at the Roseville, CA Weight Pull event, November An eight pound Rat Terrier, named Opal, pulled 105 pounds, winning first place for most percentage of weight pulled and a Pit Bull Terrier mix, named Saxon, took first place for most weight pulled, pulling 2105 pounds. Jason and Vinny are currently training for their UGWPCI title. If you have a dog that likes to pull, take him to a weight pull class and see how he does, this might be the sport for him! Maximum Starting Weights (in pounds) Weight Class Unlimited 900 Donna J. Wade is a published author and mother of two terrier-mix rescue dogs. She is actively involved in agility, disc dog, obedience and dock jumping and is currently working on a book on dog sports. Donna lives in Northern California with her husband and two spoiled dogs. Visit her website at 10

11 Running with the Big Dogs By September Morn First published: Clean Run, September 2006 Everyone realizes toy breeds have certain size- and weight- related issues in agility, and these are taken into account by the competition venues. The American Kennel Club (AKC), for example, requires teeters to be balanced so that a 3 lb. weight will tip the plank to the ground within 3 seconds, allowing even tiny dogs to operate teeters. Dogs under 17" even have their own Teacup Dog Agility Association (TDAA), with sized-down obstacles and shorter courses. So far, however, no such size-related competitions or equipment standards exist for big and tall dogs. No complaints, it's great little dogs are receiving their just due. But people, especially training instructors and big-dog owners, need to realize that tall, heavy dogs also have height- and weightrelated issues in agility. Equipment Safety Whether it's your own equipment, your club's, or the walk-through at a trial, check obstacles to be sure they're safe and sturdy before running with your big dog. Make sure the table is supported at all four corners, so it doesn't tip or flip when your big dog hits it at full speed. Check that the A-frame, teeter, and dogwalk won't rock if your big dog's approach isn't perfectly straight. If, during a trial walk-through, you notice an obstacle seems wobbly or unsafe, immediately report it to the chief course-builder. A good way to solve the problem of shaky or under-supported obstacles at trials is to volunteer as a course-builder. You'll be able to check all the obstacles and fix any that aren't solid enough. Many dogwalks, especially older ones and homebuilt models, weren't engineered with big dogs in mind. If the horizontal plank isn't strongly supported, it may flex dangerously under a heavy dog's weight. If a dog walk is too bouncy, wedging an adjustable steel cargo bar under the horizontal plank for support can be a temporary fix. Cargo bars, designed to span the bed of pickup trucks to brace partial loads, are sold at auto supply outlets, usually for under $20. If you have a heavy dog, pack a cargo bar with your other trial-going equipment in case it's needed. Tunnels also should be checked. Make sure the straps used to stake the tunnel down are placed over a rib, not between ribs, so they won't decrease the tunnel opening to less than regulation size. It's challenging enough for tall dogs to duck through tunnels without making it even more difficult by constricting the tunnel's diameter. 11

12 Training Tips for Big Dogs Tunnels Hunching down to fit through tunnels slows tall dogs on the course and creates extra muscle stress. A medium-sized dog can run through a tunnel in under 2 seconds, but a tall dog may need twice that time. If there are several tunnels on a course, some tall dogs can't make course time. If your tall dog is slow on tunnels, keep the reward level high when practicing to keep him motivated, and don't ask for too many repetitions. Alternate tunnel work with opportunities to perform obstacles the dog prefers. Collars on tall dogs can be a problem in tunnels. Liz Ulen, an instructor at Pawsitive Partners Dog Training Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, suggests all dogs run without collars when tunnels are on course: "In a tunnel, their withers and neck are their highest point. Even if they're ducking through, the collar can rub annoyingly or catch on the tunnel ribs." Some handlers use practice tunnels that aren't regulation size and may be a problem for your big dog. Polly Odom, Agility Training Director for Louisiana Capital City Obedience Club, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, had a play tunnel set up one day for a Papillon she was training, when suddenly her 28" Standard Poodle, Tibeau, decided it was his turn: "I suddenly had a tunnel scooting across the yard powered by a now-headless Poodle. I thought it was caught on his collar, but it turned out it was his bony shoulders." This might have frightened some dogs, but didn't faze Tibeau. Odom says, "Fortunately, Poodles are known for their sense of humor. Too bad I didn't have a camera handy, I could have sent it in to America's Funniest Home Videos." Weaves Big and tall dogs have extra body length, which presents challenges with weave poles. A large dog's body may be engaged with four poles at a time, which requires a lot of spinal flexibility and some extra tolerance for pressure from the poles against shoulders, sides and hips. Odom says, "Getting those long bodies and legs around three or four poles at once makes top speed difficult. Tibeau would sometimes get tangled trying to get through the weaves at speed. You could see his frustration; he'd be actually fighting and clawing his way through." Luring him through at first can help a big dog learn the weaving motion. Hold the lure low enough to keep his head below the top of the poles, this way the dog can learn how the weaves should feel and get accustomed to the motion and rhythm. Luring can also help a dog avoid overly wide "macaroni" turns that make it hard for big dogs to avoid skipping poles. 12

13 Jumps If your tall dog naturally jumps with a flat arc, work on teaching him how to also jump with a more rounded style, so he'll be able to take multiple jumps spaced minimum distance apart on a course. Odom suggests also teaching tall, long-striding dogs to wrap around jumps, so they learn to turn more tightly after landing. Contact Performance Two-on/two-off may be the hardest position for big dogs, due to the sudden stop at the bottom and the concave curve the position puts in the dog's spine. With small-to-medium dogs, the rear feet are fairly close to the bottom of the obstacle, so the reverse curve may not be a problem. But the longer body of the large dog places rear feet higher, exaggerating the angle and increasing the reverse spinal curve. If you choose two-on/two-off for your big dog, teach a lowered head position to reduce the angle and put less strain on the dog's back and neck. One-rear-toe-on allows a more horizontal position for the dog's spine, as three paws are on flat ground while one rear paw remains touching the contact. This position may be less stressful on a large dog's spine than two-on/two-off, but depending on how the dog performs it, there may be a forceful jolt to the shoulders when the dog stops in this position. Running or moving contact performance eliminates the jolting stop at the bottom and allows the dog's spine to remain in natural alignment. Many handlers are now teaching this contact method for those reasons, especially on the steep A-frame. The main drawback of running or moving contact performance with big dogs is the possibility the dog's stride may carry him over the contact zone without touching it. If you choose a moving contact, teach a lowered head position as the dog descends the obstacle. This decreases the possibility of leaping the contact. Various types of stride-regulators can be useful for teaching big dogs to adjust their stride length to hit the contact zones. Some trainers place tunnels or hoops close to both ends of contact obstacles to keep the dog's head lower and prevent leaping over contact zones. Low jumps before and after contact obstacles also help dogs learn to regulate stride length. Some handlers teach a verbal cue, such as Easy or Touch, to remind the dog to hit the contacts, and some handlers cue using body English, leaning back slightly as the dog approaches down contacts. Many people train using targets on contact zones to teach a paw or nose touch. Dogwalk Big dogs need good balance and hind-end awareness to safely negotiate dogwalks and teeters. To encourage care- 13

14 ful placement of rear feet, try first walking, then trotting, your dog over ladders or hoops on the ground. Pivots and lateral side passes improve rear-end awareness, too. Perch work, where the dog keeps front paws on a sturdy raised surface and circles it with rear paws on the ground, is also useful. Big dogs need to be lined up straight with the dogwalk before running onto it. Ulen notes, "When you think of the mass a heavy, tall dog has to manage on the dogwalk, it's more like a high-wire act. Their high center of gravity, coupled with speed, makes for an easy fall if they come on at much of an angle." My 25" 105-pound Rottweiler, Blue, has been bucked off a couple of bouncy dogwalks, from a combination of weight and speed. Teaching him to slow down has helped, because the horizontal plank flexes less under his weight at a walk or slow trot. Reserving his most favorite rewards for dogwalk training has increased his motivation, but he still doesn't trust unfamiliar dogwalks. Brenna Fender, of Tampa, Florida, has a 30" 80-plus-pound Doberman, Hogan. At Hogan's first trial, the dogwalk happened to be unsteady. He spent so much time frozen on it that he went well over course time. After more work, Fender entered him in another trial: "This time he was so frightened that another exhibitor had to help me lift him off the dogwalk." Following that, Fender trained some more, sometimes helping Hogan when he'd freeze by moving each of his feet in turn. He gained confidence and they started practicing on dogwalks other than Fender's own. In time, Hogan could do the one at home and two at different training sites. A-Frame When Ulen started doing agility, contacts were taught at full height from the beginning: "Thank goodness we now start low and build up." Starting low lets the dog learn the obstacle and practice hitting the contact zone without bail-offs or injuries. Ulen suggests that if you prefer a stationary contact performance on the A-frame, teach one-rear-toe-on or four-on-thefloor for less stress on joints than the two-on/two-off position. Judith Lascola of South Carolina, runs a 32" great Dane, Greta. Lascola notes that dogs the size of Danes can't really do two-on/two-off at speed on the A-frame: "The dogs don't like to slam their shoulders and will very quickly learn to bail right above the contact zone." She initially taught Greta two-on/two-off contacts, but has since retrained her to do moving contacts. Table A table that is 3' on each side has a corner-to-corner diagonal of about 4'. If the course calls for a sit on the table, most any dog can fit, but for a down, big dogs need room. Lack of space on the table can cause big dogs to lie down slowly, wasting precious seconds, or to shift around, sometimes breaking position, and stopping the count. Lascola recommends teaching the dog to find the diagonal before lying down: "I retaught the table 14

15 after Greta fell backward off it a few times. Even on the diagonal she's sometimes hanging onto the edge with her toenails. Her down on the table is still pretty slow, but if she rushes she could slip off. If I'd taught her to find the diagonal to start with, she'd probably be a whole lot faster." Handling Tips Turns and Timing Big dogs have a longer stride than smaller dogs and need more space to turn. Learn to choose a path that's easier on your big dog's body instead of always going for the fastest, shortest path that might suit a smaller dog. Odom notes, "These aren't Border Collies--they can't stop or turn on a dime. Be prepared to train for battleship turns." A big dog needs to know a turn is coming as early as possible, especially if he'll need to change direction immediately after a jump or obstacle. Even a slightly late cue can cause a big dog to wrench his body too hard, trying to respond in time. Lascola notes that she makes a point of letting Greta know where she'll need to go three to four obstacles ahead, so the dog can collect herself and change leads if necessary. She says that if Greta doesn't feel she's getting the information she needs, she'll slow way down rather than risk crashing a jump from being on the wrong lead. Crosses Front crosses can be tricky with heavy, long-striding dogs. Lascola learned through experience to avoid front crosses at the down side of the A-frame: "A 100-plus pound dog has a lot of momentum. If you're late or the dog isn't expecting a front cross, not only are you going to NQ, [but] you're [also] going to get squished." In one run Lascola cut across the course to the A-frame, positioning herself to remind Greta to hit the down contact. She came over the A-frame at full-speed, and Lascola says, "I could tell by the look on her face that, not only was she going to miss the contact, but I was [also] going to get plowed. I ducked as she flew over my head." It's hard to get ahead of a fast-moving big dog, so learn to direct from behind and from the side. Instead of relying on front crosses, try layering and use rear crosses when possible. Also work on reliable independent contact performance. With these skills, you and your big dog can substantially reduce your course times and increase your Qs and placements. Agility is a challenging sport, and includes special challenges for big and tall dogs. Realize your big dog isn't going to perform the same way a small- or medium-sized dog would, and allow for that. As long as your dog works happily and has been given a foundation that takes advantage of this strengths and teaches safe obstacle performance, size won't prevent him from succeeding in competition. Running with the big dogs can be fun! 15

16 How can we use dogs to work in the modern world? Your Swiss dog can carry a small pack of his own food, and maybe some of your own personal items, while accompanying you in the backcountry. If you are allowed to bring dogs to your college classes, you can have the dog carry a small backpack with a couple of books in it. This can be a great asset if you have disabilities or maybe an accident has temporarily hampered your activities. A dog can pull a tarp attached to his pulling harness to transport yard clipping to the curb to be recycled. Collect firewood in rural areas. Dogs can be used at the holidays or birthday parties to give small children rides in their cart. Participate in holiday parades. Participate in club-sponsored food drives, by going door-todoor with the dog and cart, to collect food for community outreach programs. Use the dog and cart in pet therapy programs. This is just the start of what kind of teamwork you and your dogs can participate in. If you are looking for a more structured format in which your performance can be judged, try competing in one of the many formal sponsored draft tests that are held around the U.S. Carting with your Swiss Mountain Dog By Jim LaFrom Sierra West Bernese Mountain Dog Club For as long as domestic dogs have been associated with humans, they have worked in a partnership that has lasted through the ages. Within most breeding programs, breeders try to produce litters that are healthy and conform to the AKC standard. Beyond those basic requirements, we also look to produce dogs that can actually do the work they were originally intended to perform. In the olden days of Switzerland, these dogs were used to pull butchers carts, haul milk down from the hillsides to the dairy and then wheels of cheese and milk to market. There is even anecdotal evidence of these beautiful dogs hitched to carts, delivering mail through the small towns without benefit of human company. By doing draft work with our dogs we continue to preserve the working abilities of our dogs and prove to ourselves that our breeding programs are indeed producing working dogs. These dogs LOVE to work and they will look forward to having a job to do. How do we get started? Let s acknowledge the huge amount of experience that the Newfoundland community has contributed to the establishment and refinement of much of the equipment as well as many of the techniques that all dog owners use today in draft work. Their generosity in sharing their experiences allows us all to enjoy working safely and efficiently with our dogs. Probably the easiest way to do this is to join a regional club near you and participate in upcoming clinics, or search out mentors in other breeds in 16

17 your area that also participate in draft work. These breeds include Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd Dogs, Rottweillers and some Australian Shepherd clubs. Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute clubs are involved with sledding over snow but do train during the summer months on wheeled carts. Second, the "bible" of draft work is a book called "Newfoundland Draft Work, A Guide For Training," second edition by Consie Powell (1987). This is available through Third, a video also available through Dog Works Inc. (a catalog of drafting and sledding equipment) has a step-by-step introduction to draft work. Fourth, join the list serve called "Carting-L" for ongoing discussions of draft work and training. You can get your questions answered by some of the country's most experienced carting people. To subscribe, send an e- mail to Carting-L-subscribe@yahoogroups.com The Message and Subject can be left blank. Several equipment suppliers may be found at the following websites: Nordkyn Outfitters Harnesses, sled dog equipment, skijoring, books Dog Works, Inc. Complete source for carting equipment Wilczek Woodworks Carts and Wagons and all the related accessories Ikon Outfitters Harnesses, sled dog equipment Recreational Equipment Coop Dog packs, nylon webbing, accessories for custom harnesses All Things Bright & Biothane Chest and siwash harnesses, carts, tracking gear 17

18 Guinness Fearer Bailey Fearer C & P GSMDC Board Members Mike Starn - President Huck Bothner - Vice President Jim Rasmussen - Treasurer Mary Jo Rasmussen - Secretary Jean Measell - Director Cathy Cooper - Director Kris Featheringham - Director Phyllis Walker Director Additional Positions Jan Collins Photographer Kris Featheringham Webmaster Mary Jo Rasmussen Newsletter Editor Jenna Starr Ways and Means Phyllis Walker Membership Darlene Ward Photographer Brags Cheryl and Warren Fearer are very proud that Guinness started showing March 20, 2010 and finished his championship July 9, 2010 in 15 times in the ring. Guinness started at 11 months and finished at 14 months. The Fearer s Bailey started showing May 22, 2010 and finished on August 14, 2010 with 15 times in the ring. Bailey started at 6 months and finished at 9 months old. Megan Fletcher s Kenzie finished her championship in Greensboro let s see, can we all her Chenzie?? Maggie goes Best of Opposite three days in a row at the Atlanta show!! Congratulations Barbara, Milo and Dan!! Laura s awesome Grainger earned the final two legs of his CD (Companion Dog) in Atlanta!! Woo-hoo!! And if that isn t enough, Grainger also earned his RE (Rally Excellent) title in Atlanta, too!! Incredible! The Mailbarks Rally Boot Camp!! Our first two Rally Boot Camps were such a success, we plan to offer another on October 10th!! Rally is a fun sport in which a dog and handler team can be ready for competition in a relatively short time! Not only that- IT'S FUN...even for those who are not interested in competing. The skills learned in Rally class can help build a stronger bond with your dog and can teach basic focus and "good dog" skills. It's a fun day where you'll learn lots of good stuff, and who knows, you might be our next blue ribbon Rally team!! If you know someone who may be interested in getting started in Rally, please forward this along! RIGHT RALLY BOOT CAMP for BEGINNERS When: Sunday, October 10th 1 0 A M - 3 P M Where: Cost: FMI: Town and Country Canine Learning Center 2010 N Salem Street - Apex, NC Working Team (with ONE dog) $70, cost includes lunch Auditor (NO dog) $25, cost includes lunch Laura Bullock lauracbullock@earthlink.net or START FINISH 18

19 Kids BAROO! Lots More Dog Fun! sm 2010 AKC Kids Corner Art Contest! AKC Canine Partners sm joins the fun here at the American Kennel Club by welcoming mixed-breed dogs to participate in the exciting world of AKC companion events! Now there s Lots More Dog Fun sm for you and your dog to participate in, such as Agility, Obedience and AKC Rally. In honor of this occasion, the 2010 Kids Corner Art Contest asks you to draw a picture of yourself doing something fun with your favorite dog whether he s one of the 164 recognized AKC registerable breeds or a candidate for the AKC Canine Partners sm program. You can find out more information about AKC, AKC Canine Partners sm and the fun events you and your dog can participate in at Winners will receive: First place The Complete Dog Book for Kids Bailey s Purebred Dog Coloring Book The AKC s Guide To Purebred Dogs poster A Responsible Dog Ownership bookmark Purebred dogs puzzle AKC Canine Partners sm bandana Second and third places Bailey s Purebred Dog Coloring Book The AKC s Guide to Purebred Dogs poster A Responsible Dog Ownership bookmark Purebred dogs puzzle AKC Canine Partners sm bandana Deadlines: First, second, and third place winners will be chosen from each US grade group K-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th -8th in May and November. Entries postmarked after Oct. 31, 2010 are not eligible for entry. First place entries will be posted on the AKC website. Send entries to: The American Kennel Club Attn: Public Education Dept Arco Corporate Drive Raleigh NC For complete contest rules and entry form, click below: 19

20 Chesapeake and Potomac GSMD Club presents American Herding Breed Association Herding Capability Test (HCT) To be held Friday October 1 st at 1:00 pm Keepstone Farm 412 Russell Rd., Berryville, VA Test open to all Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs over 6 months of age (For complete rules, please visit AHBA tester and judge Susan Rhoades shall be conducting one test (one leg) per dog, maximum of 25 dogs. You may pre-register or sign up on-site. The stock will be sheep. The cost shall be $45.00 per test, payable to C&P GSMDC All qualifying tests shall be awarded a ribbon All participants will receive a ring prize Mail entries with fees to event secretary: Megan Fletcher 756 New Hope Road Cross Junction, VA Questions? Contact Megan at mfletchrides@hotmail.com 20

21 Chesapeake & Potomac GSMDC AHBA Herding Capability Test (HCT) Entry Form October 1, :00 pm Keepstone Farm 412 Russell Rd., Berryville, VA Use one entry form per dog--$45 per dog Ring prize for every participant and ribbon for qualifying leg Breed: Greater Swiss Mtn. Dog AKC Registered name: Call name: Registration number: Registration club (i.e., AKC): Sex: D.O.B.: Sire: Dam: Breeder: Owner(s): Owner s address: Phone #: Handler (if other than owner): Amount enclosed: or Jim Rasmussen for PayPal invoice rasmussen.jr@gmail.com Please read and sign the release. No entries shall be accepted without this! IMPORTANT READ THIS FIRST: Release: In consideration for participation in an event sanctioned by the American Herding Breed Association (AHBA), I agree to assume all responsibility for any claim, loss, or damage, or whatever kind or nature, whether to person or property, which may be caused at or near this event, either directly or indirectly, by me or the dog or dogs I have entered in or brought to this event. I further agree that I will hold the AHBA, its officers, directors, agents and members; the Chesapeake & Potomac GSMD Club and its officers, directors, agents and members; and the property and stock owners and their agents, harmless and defend them from any and all liability for any injury, claim, damage or loss, of whatever kind or nature, whether to person property, caused at or near this event, whether directly or indirectly, by me or any dog I have entered in or brought to this event. I agree to indemnify the AHBA, its officers, directors, agents and members; the Chesapeake & Potomac GSMD Club and the property and stock owners, for any loss, cost or expense including attorneys fees and costs, to which the AHBA, its officers, directors, agents or members, or the property and stock owners, might be subject as a result of any claim, suit, loss or damage caused in any way by any act or negligence on my part or on the part of any dog or dogs I have entered in or brought to this event. I acknowledge that while the AHBA may provide sanctioning for this event with regard to the issuing of titles, it does not have and does not exercise control over the conduct of the event or those present. I certify and represent that the dog or dogs I have entered in or brought to this event is/are not a hazard to other dogs, other animals, or to people. Signature of entrant Date Send form and check to Megan Fletcher at 756 New Hope Rd., Cross Junction, VA

22 Order Form Please print and mail this form, along with a check, made payable to C & P GSMDC to: Jenna Starr-Farling 9207 Oak Tree Circle Frederick, MD jennasstarr@hotmail.com 443/ Name Address Phone Item Price Size/Color Quantity Total **Short sleeve tee-shirt **Long sleeve Tee-shirt $15.00 $20.00 *Patch $5.00 NA Nylon Collar $15.00 NA Blue Food Bag $ H x 13.5 D More items available at the annual club picnic October 2nd!! Subtotal *Shipping & Handling Shipping/Handling = $5 orders under $100; $10 orders over $100 *No shipping charge on patch only order TOTAL Short Sleeve shirts are available in S, M, L, XL, and 2XL in tan, green, yellow, and blue Long Sleeve Shirts are available in L and XL in blue, maroon, and military green (there are limited quantities of this NEW color) **Please me at jennasstarr@hotmail.com for availability of size and color of shirts or provide a 1 st choice and 2 nd choice 22

23 Chesapeake & Potomac (C & P GSMDC) GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB Application for Renewal Membership July 1, 2010 June 30, 2011 NAME(S) ADRESS TELEPHONE ADRESS Allow contact information to be posted in club directory? Yes No Is this a new address? Yes No Please list any Swissies that have joined your family in the past year: I (We) agree to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of this Club and the rules of the American Kennel Club. Signature and Date Signature and Date Yearly Membership Fees are $35 for Family Membership, $25 per Individual Member. While membership is unrestricted as to residence, the C & P GSMDC strongly encourages members outside of the Club s geographical area (DC, DE, MD, Eastern PA, VA) to apply for Associate Membership. Those who wish to learn more about the GSMD but do not own a GSMD may join as an Associate Member. Associate Membership Fees are $35 for Family Membership, $25 per Individual Member. Associate members are not able to vote or hold office in the C & P GSMD Club. New memberships paid after March 1, 2010 will be carried over through June, Contact Phyllis Walker if you are uncertain. Please send a check payable to the C & P GSMD Club along with this application to the Membership Chairperson: Phyllis Walker, 5933 Sixth Street, Falls Church, VA or contact Jim Rasmussen for a PayPal invoice. This is YOUR club--let us know what you d like to do! Please let us know what events you would like C & P to provide and how you would like to support the club. Also, let us know what do you want the club to continuing doing or stop doing: Thank you for your continued support! 23

24 Chesapeake & Potomac (C & P GSMDC) GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB Application for Membership NAME(S) ADDRESS TELEPHONE CELL PHONE Allow contact information to be posted in club directory? Yes No Registered Name of GSMD Call Name Registration# Breeder Name Date of Birth Please check all that apply: Breeder (registered a litter within past 3 years) Exhibitor (handled dog at AKC event within past 2 years) Dog Owner (of AKC registered dog) Judge (AKClicensed judge) I (We) agree to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of this Club and the rules of the American Kennel Club. Signature and Date Signature and Date Yearly Membership Fees are $35 for Family Membership, $25 per Individual Member. While membership is unrestricted as to residence, the C & P GSMDC strongly encourages members outside of the Club s geographical area (DC, DE, MD, Eastern PA, VA) to apply for Associate Membership. Those who wish to learn more about the GSMD but do not own a GSMD may join as an Associate Member. Associate Membership Fees are $35 for Family Membership, $25 per Individual Member. Associate members are not able to vote or hold office in the C & P GSMD Club. Please let us know what events you would like C & P to provide and how you would like to support the club. Also, add any additional information you d like to share about yourself and/or your dogs. This is YOUR club--let us know what you d like to do! BBQ s, parties, etc. Conformation Agility Obedience/Rally Dog show help Weight pull Breed information Health issues Packing Write Newsletter articles Drafting Rescue Serve on board Herding Therapy In what ways would you like to volunteer for the club: Please send a check payable to the C & P GSMD Club along with this application to the Membership Chairperson, Phyllis Walker, 5933 Sixth Street, Falls Church, VA