Tales of Lincolnwood. News from Lincolnwood Training Club, Inc. for German Shepherd Dogs. Inside:

Transcription

1 Tales of Lincolnwood News from Lincolnwood Training Club, Inc. for German Shepherd Dogs Cathy Stein's therapy dog, Danny Boy, comforts an ailing kitty called Alexa. See story, "Danny's Cat," on page 3. Inside: Danny Boy s Cat...page 3 Don t Eat the Elephant Ears...pages 8 Club News/Legs...pages 4, 5 Paw Power: 2017 Awards...page 9 Cassidy s Quest(s)...page 6 Tread On Me...page 10 New AKC Trial Rules......page 7 GSDCA Application...page 11 SPRING, 2017

2 tales of lincolnwood...is a quarterly newsletter published for members and friends of Lincolnwood Training Club, Inc. for German Shepherd Dogs, Glenview, IL (847) Tales is the official publication of Lincolnwood Training Club. It is sent to all Club members and on an exchange basis with regional German Shepherd clubs. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the writers and are not necessarily that of the Club s. PRESIDENT Bobby Stevens RECORDING SECRETARY Jane Eastman CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Kathy Pairitz TREASURER Sandy Tristano TRUSTEES: Richard Lane Patrice Barra Kathy Pairitz VICE PRESIDENT Karen Johnson HISTORIAN Wendy Israel Cathy Stein Wendy Israel Mary Hajduk-Whalen Editor: Judy Braginsky 5323 Davis St. Skokie, IL Amosmom07@yahoo.com Lincolnwood Training Club, Inc. for German Shepherd Dogs 2018 Outdoor Training Schedule -- Spring Session Time Class Place/Instructor Sunday Lincolnwood Training Club Central & Dearlove Rds. (Starts 4/15/18) Glenview, IL 9:00 a.m. Distractions Dave Perry 9:00 a.m. AKC Training for Open Competition Dick Lane 10:00 a.m. Rally -- All Levels Greg Hayward 10:00 a.m. Advanced Puppy Anne Feuerstein 10:00 a.m. AKC Obedience -- Novice Cathy Stein 11:00 a.m. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Anne Feuerstein (4/22/ /10/18) (8-week class, pre-enrollment required) Monday Lincolnwood Training Club Central & Dearlove Rds. (Starts 4/16/18) Glenview, IL 6:30 p.m. Beginner Nosework Lisa Wageman (6-week class, pre-enrollment required, limit 8 dogs) 7:30 p.m. Advanced Nosework Lisa Wageman (6-week class, pre-enrollment required, limit 8 dogs) Wednesday Lincolnwood Training Club Central & Dearlove Rds. (Starts 4/18/18) Glenview, IL 6:30 p.m. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Cathy Stein 6:30 p.m. Advanced Puppy Stu Unger 6:30 p.m. Beginner Adult Dogs Tim Schaefer 7:00 p.m. Beginning Obedience Nancy Lane 7:00 p.m. AKC Obedience -- Novice Dick Lane Registration is required for all classes. Classes are 8-week sessions unless otherwise noted. The fee and test is $125 for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, and $80 for CGC and CGCA. The fee is $165 for Nosework ($125 for Club members.) All breeds of dogs as well as mixed breeds are welcome to attend our classes. All handlers must bring a copy of a current vet record to the first class. If classes are cancelled, you will be contacted and there will be a message on the Club phone: Questions? Please call the Club s Director of Training Cathy Stein at

3 Danny Boy s Cat By Judy Braginsky Lincolnwood Training Club member Cathy Stein s therapy dog, Danny Boy, has logged his 300 th comforting visit not with the usual elderly patient in a nursing home but with a cat. Alexa,* an elderly kitty rescued years ago by Cathy, is near the end of her 9 lives. Cancer in Alexa s ear had spread to the kitty s face and jaw and has made her days numbered. In fact, it was Danny s sudden obsession with constantly licking Alexa s left ear that moved Cathy to take the kitty in to the vet to check out the situation. The diagnosis was cancer, in the exact spot where Danny was calling attention to in his prescient, German Shepherd way. The cure, however, would have been worse than the disease. The veterinary specialist said he could remove the growth but would also need to remove half of Alexa s face, and there probably would be a lot of nerve damage, Cathy says. I said I would just take her home to live out her life. Danny and I would make her comfortable. Since then, Danny determined that he would help the frail, scruffy-looking, blackand-white cat look her best to the end. Every morning now the long-haired German Shepherd seeks out Alexa for a good, head-to-tail licking. Danny s grooming is very thorough and it can go on for some time, Cathy says. Alexa doesn t seem to mind. I think she enjoys it. I feel that if a cat still wants to eat, and uses the litter box, she still wants to be with us. The trio sleep cuddled together at night. It s hard to say exactly why a dog would fixate on a cat like this. Some would think it s just a natural behavior between two pack members. Others might say the dog feels a need to mother a smaller animal, even one of another species. Then there are the dogs being trained at the University of Pennsylvania Working Dog Center to use their noses to detect and indicate diseases like ovarian cancer and diabetes in humans, with some success. After all, dogs see the world through their nose and, now, much more. And yet Danny -- who follows in the paw steps of a celebrated therapy dog of Cathy s, the late, great Zen -- might have the best handle on this language of licks and sniffs. It could be that Danny just figures it s the best way a dog can show he loves...a cat. (*Alexa passed away peacefully in early February, 2018, all silky and sort of shiny -- and groomed to the 9s.) Danny Boy is one of a number of working therapy dogs owned by Lincolnwood Training Club members. A couple of organizations, like Therapy Dog International and the American Kennel Club, award honorary titles to certified therapy dogs according to the number of documented visits the dog and handler have made to venues that include hospitals, rehab centers, and hospices. (Danny s actual 300th therapy dog visit, by grooming Alexa that one particular day, wouldn t technically count towards a title since a cat isn t human, though some would beg to differ.) A big salute, then, to these good souls who with their therapy dogs bring comfort and a sense of peace to the elderly and ailing all across Chicago s North Shore. Club members and their German Shepherd therapy dogs include: Cathy Stein and her other therapy dog, Morgen. Cathy is also a therapy dog evaluator and Lincolnwood s Director of Training. Rosemary Lacey and her Buddy and Ruby. Patty Barra and her Nohea and Kika. Linda Witt and her Zoe and Ace. Pat Speyer and her Fergie and Frankie. Wendy Israel and her Cassidy. Fr. John McNalis and his Major. Pat Behles and her Britta. Stu Unger and his Phin, Lou, and Roma. And Kathy Pairitz and her Angel. Danny Boy and Alexa (photos above) and the language of licks and sniffs; Alexa (photo below) Danny Boy (from left, photo at left), Morgen, and Alexa 3.

4 Club News... New Club Officers Elected Bobby Stevens was elected president of Lincolnwood Training Club during the annual election of officers held at the January business meeting at Little Villa Italian Restaurant in Des Plaines, IL. Other election results: Karen Johnson, vice president; Jane Eastman, recording secretary; Kathy Pairitz, corresponding secretary (appointed); Sandy Tristano, treasurer; and Wendy Israel, historian. Serving as incoming trustees are Patrice Barra, Dick Lane, and Kathy Pairitz. Awards Dinner Coming Up Lincolnwood Training Club will hold its 76th annual Awards Banquet on Sunday, April 15, at the Wildwood Tavern, 6480 W. Touhy Ave., Niles, IL. A cash bar/cocktails at 5:00 p.m. will be followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. Please RSVP by April 8 to Awards Banquet Chairman Kathy Pairitz. The event will include a raffle, with proceeds going to Vested Interest in K-9s. Welcome New Members, Dogs Lincolnwood Training Club welcomes its newest members recently voted into membership, including: Matt and Denise Dean Leonard 12/14/ /20/2018 Mirabelli of Inverness, IL and GSD, Chief Powhatan Von Rolfe (Chief), born March 21, 2017, sire: Shushawnee Von Bear King Cubra, dam: Pocahontas Thessalny Von Mercela, breeder: Linda King. Darek Czyzewski of Arlington Heights, IL and GSD, Janek, born February 22, George and Peggy Strapko of Northbrook, IL, and GSD, Ace, born May, Kathryn Grace of Lake Forest, IL, and bitch, O Friday Vom Mittelwest (Ada), born October 23, 2016, sire: Figo di Casa Caputi, dam: Ucchi Vom Mittelwest, breeders: Laura Sheppard and Michael Sheppard. Samantha Bukowski of Indian Creek, IL, and GSD, Mischief Managed (Mischief), born September 20, 2017, sire: Ember Phoenix Von Burg-Wachter, dam: Little Bit s Nemesis Vom Ggz, breeder: Mrs. Amanda Marie Knock. Greg Nejman of Morton Grove, IL, and bitch, Emma, born January 13, 2017, sire: Armani, dam: Summer, breeder: Gloria Trierweiler. Members recording new dogs included David Vassallo and bitch, Tesla Vom Mittelwest (Tessa), born July 6, 2017, sire: Rocco Vom Mittelwest, dam: Yolly Von Cohinor, breeder: Julie Martinez. And, Pedro Forte and GSD, Kester Von Melanchthon (Kygo), born April 3, 2017, sire: Ares dei Verdi Collie, dam: Tany Feetback, breeder: Harald Hohmann. Legs Up! Ramona and Guillermo Zamora and Hardy, AKC Novice Trick Dog, Passed, AKC Novice Trick Dog (TKN) Title, November 13, Ramona and Guillermo Zamora and Lexi, AKC Novice Trick Dog, Passed, AKC Novice Trick Dog (TKN) Title, November 13, Ramona and Guillermo Zamora and Jordan, AKC Novice Trick Dog, Passed, AKC Novice Trick Dog (TKN) Title, November 13, Nancy Lane and Sam, AKC Achiever Dog Certificate, December 7, Rosemary Lacey and Buddy, AKC Distinguished Therapy Dog (400 visits), AKC Distinguished Therapy Dog (THDD) Title, December 13, Rosemary Lacey and Buddy, AKC Achiever Dog Certificate, December 13, Patrice Barra and Nohea, AKC Achiever Dog Certificate, December 18, 2017, Barn Hunt Master, Leg #21, Passed, Flint Creek Dogs, December 30, 2017, Judge Patti Burgess., Barn Hunt Master, Leg #22, Passed, Flint Creek Dogs, December 31, 2017, Judge Patti Burgess. 4. If you knew Dean Leonard, it shouldn t surprise you that a picture of a wolf guarded the back of his prayer card, a spot usually reserved for inspirational drawings of angels, the Virgin Mary, or God Himself. Dean loved dogs, especially German Shepherds, and was an irreverent sort, to the delight of all his many friends. The six-time president of Lincolnwood Training Club passed away on February 20, At a memorial event held recently at the White Eagle Restaurant in Niles, IL, incoming LTC President Bobby Stevens shared the following remarks: Dean was a member of Lincolnwood Training Club for many, many years and most recently its president for the past four. "He had the Club in his blood. He was a character who was similar to McDonaldland s Hamburglar. We have what s called a temperament test for our dogs and Dean would always be the weird stranger dressed with a floppy hat, long coat, and a long stick. He would jump out from behind a tree as each dog and handler approached to see how the dog reacted. Some of the dogs would try to grab him and some would sit there and seem to say is that all you have? Dean cared much about the dogs and running the Club. He will be remembered for his contributions to its success and future. The Club was also represented at Dean s memorial by Karen Johnson, Cathy Pairitz, Greg Hayward, Pat Speyer, Leslie Manzara, Pat Behles, and Judy Braginsky. --- The Editor Dean Leonard Club News continued on page 5

5 Club News Continued..., Crazy 8 s Platinum,(2,000 points), Passed, Crazy 8 s Platinum (CZ8P) Title, Cudahy Kennel Club, January 6, 2018, Judge Debby McNamara., Barn Hunt Master, Leg #23, Passed, 4th Place, Cudahy Kennel Club, January 7, 2018, Judge Debby McNamara., Barn Hunt Master, Leg #24, Passed, 4th Place, Cudahy Kennel Club, January 7, 2018, Judge Debby McNamara., AKC Novice Trick Dog, Passed, AKC Novice Trick Dog (TKN) Title, January 7, 2018, AKC Evaluator Karin Magnuson., AKC Intermediate Trick Dog, Passed, AKC Intermediate Trick Dog (TKI) Title, January 7, 2018, AKC Evaluator Karin Magnuson., AKC Advanced Trick Dog, Passed, AKC Advanced Trick Dog (TKA) Title, January 7, 2018, AKC Evaluator Karin Magnuson. Stu Unger and Roma, AKC Therapy Dog Novice (10 Visits), AKC Therapy Dog Novice (THN) Title, January 9, Stu Unger and Roma, AKC Achiever Dog Certificate, January 9, 2018., National Association of Canine Scent Work Odor Recognition Test (ORT) for Birch and Anise, Passed, For Your K-9, December 16, 2017, Judge: Nancy Reyes., AKC Achiever Dog Certificate, January 29, 2018., Novice B, Leg #2, Passed, Car-Dun-Al Obedience DTC, February 4, 2018, Judge Lynn Tamms., Crazy 8 s Platinum Bronze, 2,500 Points, Crazy 8 s Platinum Bronze (CZ8PB) Title, Flint Creek Dogs, February 10, 2018, Judge: Sharon Keillor., Barn Hunt Master, Leg #25, Passed, Fling Creek Dogs, February 10, 2018, Judge Sharon Keillor., Barn Hunt Master, Leg #26, Passed, Flint Creek Dogs, February 10, 2018, Judge Sharon Keillor., Barn Hunt Master, Leg #27, Passed, Flint Creek Dogs, February 11, 2018, Judge Sharon Keillor. Donna Kircher and Mikey, Tracking Dog, Passed, Tracking Dog (TD) title, Pecatonica Tracking Club, September 3, 2017, Judges Walter O Brien and Carla Ogert. Karen Johnson and Charlie, National Association of Canine Scent Work Odor Recognition Test (ORT) for Birch and Clove, Passed, For Your K-9, December 16, 2017, Judge #090., AKC Achiever Dog Certificate, February 4, 2018., National Association of Canine Scent Work Odor Recognition Test (ORT) for Clove, Passed, Think Pawsitive Dog Training, February 16, 2018, Judge #225., Barn Hunt Master, Leg #28, Passed, Flint Creek Dogs, February 11, 2018, Judge Sharon Keillor., Barn Hunt Master, Leg #29, Passed, Cudahy Kennel Club, February 18, 2018, Judge Patti Burgess.. Barn Hunt Master, Leg #30, Passed, Barn Hunt Champion X3 (RATCHX3) Title, Cudahy Kennel Club, February 18, 2018, Judge Patti Burgess. Leah Swanquist and Lexi, Beginning Novice A, Leg #1, Passed, 2nd Place, German Shepherd Dog Training Club of Chicago, February 17, 2018, Judge Fred Buroff. Colleen Breslin and Heidi, Open A, Leg #3, Passed, 1st Place, Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) Title, German Shepherd Dog Training Club of Chicago, February 17, 2018, Judge Fred Buroff. Colleen Breslin and Heidi, Open A, Leg #4, Passed, 1st Place, Topline German Shepherd Dog Club of Illinois, February 17, 2018, Judge Michael Carlucci., AKC Scent Work Novice A Container, Leg #1, Passed, 1st Place, Cudahy Kennel Club, March 3, 2018, Judge Dave Conroy., AKC Scent Work Novice A Container, Leg #2, Passed, Cudahy Kennel Club, March 3, 2018, Judge Renea Dahms., AKC Scent Work Novice A Interior, Leg #1, Passed, Cudahy Kennel Club, March 4, 2018, Judge Dave Conroy. Judy Braginsky and Kona, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program, Passed, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Certificate, March 4, 2018, Lincolnwood Training Club, Evaluator Cathy Stein. Karen Johnson and Charlie, National Association of Canine Scent Work Odor Recognition Test (ORT) for Anise, Passed, Torbel s Canine Connection, March 11, 2018, Judge #187., Barn Hunt Master, Leg #31, Passed, 3rd Place, Yorkville Paws and Claws, March 17, 2018, Judge Liz Hawkins., Crazy 8's Platinum Silver (3,000 points), Passed, Crazy 8 s Platinum Silver (CZ8PS) Title, Yorkville Paws and Claws, March 18, 2018, Judge Liz Hawkins. Donna Kircher's Mikey (photo at left) doing his tracking thing while Donna (center in photo above) collects Mikey's Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) title award on October 22, 2017, with Judges Jeff Whitsett and Inge Suchanek. Mikey earned his Tracking Dog (TD) title award a month earlier on September 3,

6 Cassidy s Quest(s) By Judy Braginsky When Lincolnwood Training Club member Wendy Israel yells rat!, it s a good thing. And when her German Shepherd dog, Cassidy, has just sniffed out and indicated the big, beady-eyed rodent, lounging in its hidey hole even better. Cassidy s talented nose has sniffed out dozens, maybe hundreds, of rats in the last 3 years and, no, the two don t work for a pest control company. Though they probably could. We have written before about Wendy and Cassidy s odyssey into the upper heights of a new dog sport called Barn Hunt. The sport requires a canine entrant to sniff out/indicate X number of rats placed in comfy tubes that are then hidden among an array of straw bales. Each run is timed, per a specific class. The two have reached the pinnacle in the world of Barn Hunt, earning their Barn Hunt Champion Excellent title, or RATCHX, with Cassidy being the first GSD in Illinois to do so. And this after polishing off earlier titles of Barn Hunt Novice (RATN), Barn Hunt Open (RATO), Barn Hunt Senior (RATS), Barn Hunt Master (RATM), Barn Hunt Champion (RATCH), and on April 30, 2017, that first RATCHX. What s left unsaid is the effort required: 34 total qualifying runs to nail that RATCHX. It s hard to really know why such an entryintensive sport like Barn Hunt can grab ahold of you and fill your weekends (and empty your checkbook and gas tank), overnighting in hotels, chasing down the beasties in usually far-flung trial venues. Understandably, a quest is a quest. But there s more. Wendy and Cassidy aren t done. The dynamic duo have already qualified for their RATCHX3 title and plunged their feet and paws into a non-regular Barn Hunt class called Crazy 8 s. Read THESE entrant requirements and weep: There are eight rat tubes and four tubes filled with litter hidden on the field, Wendy says. The dogs have two minutes to find as many of the rats as possible. And two minutes is NOT a lot of time to find eight rats. The dogs must also execute a climb onto a hay bale and go through a hay bale tunnel. Each rat found equals 10 points. A climb and tunnel are also 10 points each. However, failures to climb and to tunnel are minus 20 points each. A first incorrect rat call is minus 20 points and a second incorrect rat call is a disqualification. A perfect score is 100 points. Crazy 8 Barn Hunt titles are also based on a total number of points, and, yes, Cassidy has already earned a Crazy 8 s Bronze/CZ8B title (500 points), a Crazy 8 s Silver/CZ8S title (1,000 points), a Crazy 8 s Gold/CZ8G title (1,500 points), a Crazy 8 s Platinum CZ8P title (2,000 points), a Crazy 8 s Platinum Bronze/CZ8PB title (2,500 points), and, most recently, a Crazy 8 s Platinum Silver/CZ8PS title (3,000 points). Regarding that Crazy 8 s Platinum Silver title, Cassidy is only the second GSD in the US., and the first GSD from Illinois, to to earn it. Further Crazy 8 titles are earned in 500-point increments. Rat on, you two. (Several other Lincolnwood Training Club members and their GSDs have also gone Barn Hunting, including Colleen Breslin and Heidi (It was Colleen who introduced Wendy and Cassidy to Barn Hunt.), Kathy Pairitz and Angel, Theresa Lim and NIkita, and Donna Kircher and Mikey.) Cassidy 6.

7 TRAINING CORNER... Are You Ready? By Pat Behles Wow, big changes are coming to the AKC obedience ring starting May 1 in the Novice and Open classes, and also in the optional and alternative classes. There are no new changes in the Utility. Here s just a quick overview of changes. Novice and Open have a new exercise that is kind of similar, the Novice Sit Stay Get Your Leash, and the Open Stay Get Your Leash. In Novice, with the dog sitting in heel position almost across from the ring entrance, the handler will leave the dog to walk across the ring to pick up their leash, turn, and face their dog. Then they will return to heel position. The difference in Open is the handler will leave their dog twice the first time will be similar to Novice, but without picking up the leash, and handler will wait 1 minute before returning to the dog. The second time will be to get the leash that will be in a spot outside of the ring. They will walk out to get it, step back into the ring, and wait to be told to return to their dog. The dog will be left in a sit for one part of the exercise, and a down for the other part. The Novice group sit/down exercise has also changed. The exercise will be done roughly in the middle of the ring. Birthday Barks The dogs must be on a 6-foot leash. The dogs will be 6 feet apart, and possibly 6 feet back to back if the class has more dogs than can be in one row. The handlers will leave their dogs, walk to the end of the leash and turn to face their dogs. Both the sits AND the downs will be timed for 1 minute. The group exercises are no longer part of the Open class. Instead, the Command Discrimination exercise has been added. In Open A, the handler will leave the dog in a stand, walk out 15 feet, turn to face the dog, and give a verbal and/or hand signal to put the dog in a down. Then handler will turn to walk another 15 feet, and repeat, putting the dog into a sit. Then the handler will return to heel position. Talking to and reading posts from seasoned competitors, it looks like there will be a lot of deductions, and possible NQ s made for dogs that move on stationary exercises. Personally, for me, the one thing I regretted as soon as I moved up to Utility with Britta was the way I taught her positioning (sits, stands, and downs) when she was young. So much of what we re taught encourages forward movement. If I can encourage you all as you prepare to enter the ring to learn and work for a tuck sit, kick-back stand, and a sphinx, fold back, or drop down. It will help keep the dog in heel position and help prevent forward movement. As you start to compete in the upper levels of obedience, I think you will be glad you did. Odin And in Novice, practice those sits/downs with other teams working behind your dog. Some dogs can get very concerned about what s going on behind them. Recently, AKC Judge Fred Buroff led a workshop at Lincolnwood to explain the changes. AKC Judge Fred Buroff (top photo) explains AKC obedience rules changes to the Club and to Stu Unger (left, bottom photo), joined by Dick Lane (right). Kira 1/01/2012 Marianne Zielinski Jager 1/10/2015 Kathy and Chris Kaporis Major 1/12/2010 John McNalis Emma 1/13/2017 Greg and Josie Nejman Hardy 1/14/2015 Guillermo and Ramona Zamora Abbey 1/14/2008 Peter Feraci Nellie 1/16/2011 Richard and Nancy Lane Josie 1/21/2004 Karen Johnson Wohlstand 2/05/2012 Camille Stauber Pip 2/05/2012 Adrienne Scheuneman Zari 2/13/2010 Karan Volltrauer Odin 2/21/2008 Ruth Black Janek 2/22/2017 Darek Czyzewski Sam 2/28/2013 Richard and Nancy Lane Rocko 3/01/2014 Edmond Bahi Apollo 3/10/2011 Jason Bell/Izabela Raczynski-Bell Chief 3/21/2017 Matt and Denise Mirabelli Nohea 3/26/2007 Patrice Barra Angel 3/27/2010 Kathy Pairitz Lexi 3/28/2014 Ramona Zamora Angel Josie 7.

8 HEALTH CORNER Please Don t Eat the...elephant Ears By Judy Braginsky It s been awhile since your Tales of Lincolnwood ran an article about plants that are poisonous to pets. But a visit to a friend s backyard in Skokie, IL showed that it s time for another warning. Lincolnwood Training Club member Diane Payton and I were sitting there a few weekends ago, watching a friend s young German Shepherd dogs run around, wrestle each other, pee, and chew twigs and greenery doing what dogs usually do in the back yard. It was Diane who spotted a very common poisonous plant called nightshade growing up against the fence before the dogs did. After our friend put the dogs away, we pulled up all the weed-like nightshade we could find, bagged it, and put it in the trash. Then we ran like hell to our home computers to check out plants that are toxic to pets and to check out our own backyards. According to Dr. William Buck, director of the ASPCA s Animal Poison Control Center, lots of weeds or ornamental plants are either poisonous or have irritating sap that will cause an animal to salivate or maybe vomit and have diarrhea. (The APCC is your best resource for animal-related emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA APCC s 24-hour hotline at ) He said that plants like the hibiscus and those in the Easter lily family, which are not toxic to people, may be very harmful to pets. After ingesting enough hibiscus, for example, an affected dog will vomit persistently and may vomit blood and have bloody diarrhea. The loss of body fluid may be severe enough to be lethal in some cases, Dr. Buck added. Two or three days after cats have eaten a few leaves of a tiger lily, or an Easter lily, they will go into renal failure, he said. When it comes to plants in the nightshade family, such as European bittersweet and black nightshade, these are more erratic in their toxicity, he said. In some individual animals, it may cause digestive problems, confusion, weakness, sleepiness, depression, and decreased heart rate; but plants of the nightshade family don t affect all animals alike, he said. The ASPCA reports that last year it received an incredible 180,639 cases of pet poisoning. The 10 toxins most commonly ingested by pets and reported to the APCC are: garden products; plants; rodenticides; insecticides; chocolate; household items like glue; (overeating) veterinary products; human foods like onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins; over-thecounter products like ibuprofen; and human prescription medications like heart medications and antidepressants. It might be a good idea to take the time to research various house and garden plants in your home and garden. Horticulture experts say it is not always necessary to completely remove the plant; rather, the plant may just need to be placed above the dog s reach. Here are the top 10 most common poisonous plants, according to the APCC (and don t even include other also-common poisonous plants like the perennial poppy, daffodil, morning glory, sweet pea, elephant ear, and tomato plants). For the APCC s more extensive toxic plant list, go to 1) Marijuana Eating it can result in a depressed central nervous system, increased heart rate, seizures, and coma. 2) Sago Palm It is often sold as a bonsai plant and is all poisonous, especially the seeds or nuts. 3) Lillies Members of Lilium sp are highly toxic to cats. 4) Tulip/Narcissus bulbs The bulb portions contain toxins that can cause cardiac abnormalities. 5) Azalea/Rhododendron Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma/death from heart collapse. 6) Oleander All parts are considered toxic and can cause abnormal heart function and death. 7) Castor Bean Severe cases can result in seizures, coma, and death. 8) Cyclamen The highest concentration of poison typically is located in the roots. 9) Kalanchoe Ingestion can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate. 10) Yew Ingestion can cause difficulty in breathing and cardiac failure. (Reprinted from Tales of Lincolnwood, August-September Sources: ASPCA website: U of I College of Veterinary Medicine websitse: edu) Nightshade 8.

9 Paw Power: 2017 CLUB Training Accomplishments AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB TITLES AKC Beginner Novice (BN) Karen Melbinger and Bruno Laura Gorby and X-O AKC Novice Companion Dog (CD) Kathy Pairitz and Angel Nancy Lane and Sam Izabela Raczynski-Bell and Argos Stu Unger and Roma AKC Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) Lana Berger and Harry AKC Utility Dog (UD) Pat Behles and Britta AKC Versatile Companion Dog (VCD1) Pat Behles and Britta AKC Tracking Dog (TD) Pat Behles and Britta Donna Kircher and Mikey AKC Tracking Dog Urban (TDU) AKC Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) Donna Kircher and Mikey AKC Utility Dog Tracking Dog (UDT) Pat Behles and Britta AKC Rally Novice (RN) Nancy Lane and Sam AKC Trick Dog Performer (TKP) Pat Behles and Britta Pat Behles and Fritzi AKC Therapy Dog Novice (THDN) Kathy Pairitz and Angel Patrice Barra and Kika Patrice Barra and Nohea AKC Distinguished Therapy Dog (THDD) Rosemary Lacey and Buddy AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Izabela Raczynski-Bell and Argos Stu Unger and Roma Leah Swanquist and Lexi Ken Porrello and Lazarus AKC Community Canine (CGCA) AKC Barn Hunt Novice (RATN) Colleen Breslin and Heidi AKC Barn Hunt Champion (RATCH) AKC Barn Hunt Champion Excellent (RATCHX) AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB CERTIFICATIONS AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Denise Mirabelli and Chief Jodi Ruemelin and Isabelle George Strapko and Ace Curt Trefelner and Blaze Pedro Forte and Kygo Debbie and Sam Montanez and Mocos Donna Kircher and Mikey Jane Eastman and Velcro AKC Achiever Dog Patrice Barra and Nohea Rosemary Lacey and Buddy Nancy Lane and Sam AKC Tracking Certification Donna Kircher and Mikey OTHER DOG ORGANIZATIONS CERTIFICATIONS/TITLES Therapy Dogs International TDI Active Outstanding Volunteer (TDIAOV) Herding Instinct Certified (HIC) Jane Eastman and Vader United Schutzhund Clubs of America Begleithunde (BH) Companion Dog Izabela Raczynski-Bell and Apollo Gail Krogstad and Zeus German Shepherd Dog Club of America Temperament Test Certified (TC) Greg Hayward and Uli Ken Porrello and Lazarus Izabela Raczynski-Bell and Argos Stu Unger and Roma Leah Swanquist and Lexi Jane Eastman and Bella Performance Award of Merit (PAM) Pat Behles and Britta National Association of Canine Scent Work Odor Recognition Test (ORT) Clove Karen Johnson and Jon Karen Johnson and Charlie Kathy Pairitz and Angel Odor Recognition Test (ORT) Birch Karen Johnson and Charlie Odor Recognition Test (ORT) Anise Kathy Pairitz and Angel Barn Hunt Association Barn Hunt Novice (RATN) Colleen Breslin and Heidi Barn Hunt Champion (RATCH) Barn Hunt Champion Excellent (RATCHX) Barn Hunt Champion Excellent 2 (RATCHX2) Barn Hunt Crazy 8 s Bronze (CZ8B) Barn Hunt Crazy 8 s Silver (CZ8S) Barn Hunt Crazy 8 s Gold (CZ8G) 9.

10 Tread on Me! By Dr. Karen Becker Want to walk your German shepherd but it s just too (cold, hot, rainy pick one) outside? Solution: Walk him inside. Where s the space for the dog to run around? There is a way. You can use a treadmill. Treadmill workouts can be a great alternative to outdoor walks. Your dog is designed by nature to be active. However, mature dogs and cats, like human adults, can lose touch with their instinctive drive to exercise. If your pet isn t provided opportunities to express its body s need for physical activity, its loss of muscle tone and body condition can set him up for soft tissue and joint injuries. Lack of sufficient aerobic exercise is also a major contributor to rising numbers of pet obesity and also sets the stage for behavioral problems brought on by physical boredom and lack of mental stimulation. This is especially true for working breeds like German Shepherds and other dogs with a very high need for activity. Since it s not always practical to exercise your dog outside due to weather or time constraints, a treadmill can be a great tool to get your pup active and maintain or improve his weight and physical condition. Discuss first with your veterinarian if your dog is old enough to use a treadmill, and at what intensity, to avoid harming joints that are still developing. If you have a small or medium-size dog and already own a treadmill designed for people, you can begin training your pup today to use the machine. It s dangerous, however, to put a large dog on a too-small treadmill; so if you re unsure whether your pup can use your machine, talk with your veterinarian or a knowledgeable trainer or pet physical therapist. If you have a large breed dog with a long stride, you may need to consider purchasing a treadmill designed specifically for canines. Dog-powered treadmills run in the $300 to $500 range. Motorized equipment is more costly, from about $500 all the way up to $3,000, depending on size, special features, brands, and manufacturers. Training your dog to use a motorized treadmill will require a bit of patience and persistence. Be very careful not to push the dog too hard initially. Most dogs can quickly develop permanent fear of machines that move and make noise. Here are some get-started tips: SITUATE THE TREADMILL so it isn t facing a wall, and neither is your dog. Your pup is too smart to walk into an immovable surface, and he ll assume he s about to if the equipment is facing a wall. GET YOUR DOG USED to standing on the treadmill while it s turned off. If you normally use training treats to teach your dog new behaviors or reward good performance, now is a good time to break those out. SOME DOGS WILL GET right up on the belt. Others will be more reluctant. If your dog seems nervous about climbing aboard, it might help to step on and off the machine with him at first, extending the time you spend on the belt with each practice. REPEAT THE ON-AND- OFF practice, giving treats and praise each time your dog gets on the belt. PUT YOUR DOG ON HIS LEASH. Set the treadmill at a very slow speed with no incline and either place him on the belt or coax him onto it, praising lavishly and giving treats. HOLDING YOUR DOG S LEASH upwards and taut, stand next to it on the machine as he takes steps on the belt. Continue praising and giving treats. Repeat this step as many times as it takes to get your dog comfortable walking on the treadmill. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR DOG leashed or harnessed while he s on the equipment to ensure he stays centered on the moving belt, and remain with him at all times. START OUT SLOWLY WITH 30-second to 1-minute sessions. Move up to five to 10- minute sessions and build from there to 20 or 30 minutes of walking and trotting. You can also experiment with gradually inclining the belt to give your dog a more challenging workout. (Source of article: Dr. Becker s website at MercolaHealthyPets.com.) 10.

11 Nose Work: The Best-Smelling Dog Sport Ever! Quite a few Lincolnwood Training Club members and their German Shepherds have jumped nose-deep into a relatively new dog sport called K9 Nose Work. The latest Club members titling their GSDs in trials sponsored by the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) are Karen Johnson and Jon and Alex Quezada and Klaus. Both earned their K9 Nose Work 1 titles on March 24 up in Salem, Wisconsin. It was both Jon and Klaus s first attempt; and Alex s and mine, too, Karen says. On top of it, it was a cold, very windy day (30 mph winds), so it was a well-deserved title. The boys were newbies and worked in these conditions for exterior and vehicle searches. The container search was done on carpeting to make it more challenging. K9 Nose Work trial entry requires that handler and dog teams first must have passed the appropriate Odor Recognition Test (ORT) in advance of the trial. Lincolnwood Training Club has been holding introductory ORT nose work classes for awhile now, with new classes scheduled in April. To compete in the sport, dogs need to transition from searching for food or toys to searching for a target odor that is introduced in training in the following order: birch, anise, and clove. Successful passage of an ORT requires a dog to identify the location of the target odor and the handler to correctly call an alert (or equivalent) within a 3-minute time frame. The NACSW currently offers three national title levels: Nose Work 1, 2, and 3, as well as Element titles at the NW3 level, and an NW3 Elite title. To earn their NW1 title, Karen s Jon and Alex s Klaus needed to show proficiency in one target odor at the trial. The concept of detection-style training and competition for pet dogs was activated with Alex Quezada and Klaus the first official NACSW trial held in 2009 in Southern California. The average time frame for training to trial readiness is about one year, according to the NACSW. Most handlers and dogs by that time have learned all of the elements of competition and have practiced those elements in many locations, under time pressure with the guidance of an instructor. --- The Editor Karen Johnson and Jon MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION German Shepherd Dog Club of America, Inc. Application for Membership Requirements: Minimum age of 18 years. Must be in good standing with AKC. Membership includes subscription to The German Shepherd Dog Review. Must be sponsored by two members in good standing of the GSDCA. Membership Type: (check one) Single $36.00 Family*$66.00 Outside the United States add $24. *Family is defined as same household or significant other. Dues are not tax deductible. Make checks payable to GSDCA. NAME(S) ADDRESS CITY PHONE(S) FAX I (We) hereby make application to the above Club and agree, if accepted for membership, to abide by all AKC and GSDCA rules and policies. Upon application I will be eligible for all privileges except the right to vote. Thirty days after my name has been published in the Review, provided no objections have been filed, I will be granted the right to vote. SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT PRINTED NAME & SIGNATURE OF SPONSOR* PRINTED NAME & SIGNATURE OF SPONSOR* Mail to: Dania Karloff 2136 Mt. Pleasant Road Chesapeake, VA GSDCAMembers@aol.com *Per GSDCA policy, if no sponsors are available, membership applications may be signed by the GSDCA President and the Membership Chair. 11.

12 All Dogs Go to Heaven Lincolnwood Training Club sends its condolences to the following members whose dogs have gone to the Rainbow Bridge: Michael and Laurie Kinney s Raintree s Kara Jane Von Bach Kara 5/19/ /2017 Shelly and Cathy Pantano s Jackpot 2/14/ /2017 Gail Krogstad s Zeus Vom Gildaf, BH Zeus 2/23/ /19/2017 Mary Even s Gracie CDX, RN, CGC, TDI, TC 8/12/ /26/2018 P.O. Box Niles, IL 60714