The Fireplug NORTHWEST OBEDIENCE CLUB, INC. President s Message. Join the list! May June NOCI Officers

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1 NORTHWEST OBEDIENCE CLUB, INC. The Fireplug NOCI Officers President Tim Dyer (815) Vice President Gary Vierck (847) Secretary Amber Perri Treasurer Patti Burgess (847) Board of Directors Barb Novak (847) Jim Doescher (847) Ed Barys (815) May June 2012 President s Message June...almost halfway through the year. Amazing. I guess when you get older time really flies by. Before we know it, the snow will be flying again. The end of June will mark the end of my teaching agility. I just wanted to take this space and say "Thank You" to all those over the years who participated in my classes. Many are no longer members, sadly some have passed away and others are reading this message. There are over 300 people and dogs who over the last 12 years have sat/suffered through my classes. Each and every one of you have impacted me in such a way that I have become the better dog trainer. Through helping you learn, I have learned right along with you and collectively, I have learned more from you than you from me so when I say "Thank You", I mean it Tim Join the list! NOCI members, please send a message to: Member-list-noci-subscribe@ yahoogroups.com Leave the subject line blank. If there are problems, please contact Arlene King at mzking.tdx@sbcglobal.net Webmaster Candace McGill candymcgill@foxvalley.net Fireplug Editor Director of Training Training Hall Secretary/ Obedience Class Sign-up Director of Agility Lisa Strandberg (815) strandbergfamily@ comcast.net Joan Nebesky (815) joan7638@comcast.net Shari Hoffman (815) rottenmom2@yahoo.com Debbie Butt (847) dogloveril@aol.com

2 General Meeting Minutes The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM. Ellen moved to approve the February minutes; Pat seconded. All approved. One revision to Brags section per Tim, Chris got engaged not Travis. All approved correction. President: None. Vice President: None. Secretary: Ellen very suddenly lost her dog Wyatt. DOT: Sheets out. DOAT/Tim: Tim announced that our new official DOAT is Debbie Butt. Tim still plans to discontinue teaching at the end of June. Instructors still needed for Tim s Monday pm classes. Training Hall Secretary: absent-at work. Treasurer: Patti read the balances of all the accounts. See Patti for further details. New Members: Liz Florine Aus Shep Mix Linda Petrus Belgian Sheepdog Janette Wanner Boston Terrier Mix Janis Stephens GSD Nancy Morarity & Kris Sherred Mix Colette Ritter Mix Bob Heldmann - Lab Maureen Thompson Curly Coated Retreiver Ellen motioned to accept these new members; Cheryl Moore seconded. All approved. Welcome new members! Committee Reports: CGC: 9 am. Membership: See Barb. We have 196 members to date. 119 Individual, 29 Lifetime, 1 Honorary, 47 Family. AKC Rally Seminar 3/10/12: went well. $321 profit. Agility Seminar w/ Dave Munnings 3/2 3/4/12: very enjoyable. Everyone pitched in. Instructors supplied all food and beverages. Gary Vierck cooked for three days. J Dave stayed at Tim s house which saved hotel costs. While this was education focused rather than profit focused; we did make a $1425 profit. Plans in place for Dave to return in February Two 2-day seminars vs. one 3-day seminar. UKC Rally trials 3/24 & 3/25/12: did well considering we did not fill. $567 profit. UKC Rally & Obedience trials 7/28 & 7/29/12: Two Rally trials on Saturday; Two Obedience trials on Sunday. Additional 2012 UKC Rally trials: 10/6 & 10/7/12 and 12/30 & 12/31/12. Agility trials 5/4 5/6/12: loading truck on Thursday pm. No set up at site. Building open at 6:30 am Friday. TDX 9/1-9/2/12 4 X s and 2 T s. Unfinished Business: Increase of fees: Patti presented a profit/loss report outlining expenses and declining income from Discussion ensued. Proposed class fee increases: Non-member from $100 to $120. Member $10 across the board. Service Credits the same. $25 credit for members. Class fee increases to be effective with Session 4 in Proposed dues increases: Individual from $50 to $75. Family from $70 to $100. Dues increases to be effective in Discussion ensued. Doug McDonald moved to agree with all proposed increases; Cheryl Peterson seconded; all approved with one abstention. Proposed amendment to above: allow for inclusion of a potential second future increase after a committee review. Discussion ensued. Proposed amendment defeated. New Business: Barb would like to form a cleaning committee, like last year, for June. Looking for volunteers. Cary Park District Dog Park: will be having a Community Days event. Cheryl Moore will be representing at an NOCI booth. Contact her if you are interested in participating. Free Brags: {Please advise Secretary of any errors. Apologize for misspelled names! Thanks for understanding.] Kim B. & Dillon: APDT Rally Puppy & AOE Yvonne & Ken Smith: Riley: NADAC OJC, AKC NAP & RAE. Rusty: NADAC EJC, 9 QQ = 20 TH w/217 points. Toni R.: Lab pups due in June. Fen did dog walk. Adrienne O. & Rascal: UKC URO2 Maureen T. : advised achievement of 1 st Q and 1 st place toward AGI Jessica F. & Atlas: Three Trick Dog titles including intermediate and advanced levels. Elaine H.: advised achievement of UKC URO1, APDT L1, HIT Rescue Dog. Cathy O.: advised achievement of UKC URO1, APDT RLIX9, RL2X8, ARCHMX. Lefty: URO1, HIT, RL1X9, RL2X7, ARCHMX and High Mixed Breed. Pat B.: (Fritzi) Earned 100 and 98 scores in UKC and 1 st placement. (Britta) RAE. Both dogs earned Trick Dog titles including intermediate and advanced levels. Rosemary N. & Chase: AKC STAR Puppy. Larry S. & McDuff: 1 st placement, NAJ title, and made it across the full size dog walk. Doug M. & Maxwell: TDI. CGC. 12 years old. Shari & Maverick: AKC STAR Puppy. Debbie Butt: new agility DOAT Jan M. & Marley: XF title. Patti B. & Phil: earned APDT Rally title. Ed B. & Kodi: 5 first placements all with perfect scores. Joan N. & Bindi: UROC URX. Amber & Jet: 2 nd Q, XFP w/1 st placement. Katie motioned to adjourn the meeting, Pat seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 9:26 pm. Respectfully submitted, Amber Perri Secretary

3 2012 Training Sessions Session #3 April 30 through June 25 No classes the week of May 28, Memorial Day Session #4 July 9 through August 27 No classes the week of July 2, Independence Day Session #5 September 10 through October 29 No classes the week of September 3, Labor Day Session #6 November 6 through December 17 (6 weeks) No classes the week of November 19, Thanksgiving Day General Membership Meeting June 15th 7:30 p.m. No class the weeks of Christmas and New Years (weeks of 12/24 & 12/31) Obedience Class Schedule For the session of July 9 August 27, 2012 No classes the week of July 2 (Independence Day) Monday Beginner 9:00-10:00 a.m. Bev Mills Novice 10:00-11:00 a.m. Bev Mills/Jessica Frost Novice 11:00-12:00 noon Toni Reeves Beginner 7:00-8:00 p.m. Sandy Shivers Beginner 8:00-9:00 p.m. Karen Haberkorn/Elaine Horwitz Novice 9:00-10:00 p.m. Joan Nebesky/Karen Haberkorn Tuesday Beg. Rally 10:00-11:00 a.m. Ellen Lifson/Suzi Scholtz/Ken Orzolek Open 7:00-8:00 p.m. Jean Baumann/Sandy Lewandowski Nose Work 8:00-9:00 p.m. Jean Baumann/Sandy Lewandowski Wednesday Beg. Freestyle 10:00-11:00 Cheryle Homuth Inter. Freestyle 11:15-12:15 Cheryle Homuth Novice 7:00-8:00 p.m. Joan Nebesky/Arlene King Utility 8:00-9:00 p.m. Jim Nicholson/Toni Reeves Pre-Open 9:00-10:00 p.m. Jim Nicholson Thursday Novice 10:00-11:00 a.m. Rich Spetka Open 11:00-12:00 noon Rich Spetka/Joan Nebesky Puppy 7:00-8:00 p.m. Arlene King/Chris Wagner Rally 8:00-9:00 p.m. Patti Burgess/Karen Haberkorn Note: If classes DO NOT have at least 5 people signed up before the beginning of the session, it may be canceled. In the event that classes are canceled due to weather, power outages or any other reasons beyond control, no refunds or makeup classes will be offered. NOCI Awards Program At its annual awards banquet, NOCI recognizes titles and major awards won by its members by giving each handler/dog team a plaque listing its accomplishments. Each year the plaque is updated to reflect new accomplishments. As written in the club bylaws, this is what you must do to be eligible for a plaque: 1. Submit a written record of your accomplishment on an NOCI score report form. Score reports should be placed in the Woof Box in the club office, mailed to the awards chairperson (Judy Gemperline) or submitted online at tinyurl.com/nociscore. Score reports must be submitted by December 31 of the year in which the title was earned. If you do not meet the deadline, the club will not pay for the engraving/plaque. 2. Provide one service to the club during the calendar year. Fill out the service form so we have a record. 3. Attend at least one general membership meeting during the calendar year. Be sure to sign the attendance sheet whenever you attend a meeting. Due to the increasing number and expense of these awards, the club will be adhering to these guidelines very strictly.

4 Obedience Scores: Scores received as of 5/27/12: Pat Behles and Britta (German Shepherd Dog) 4/22 Car-Dun-Al AKC Graduate Novice Judge: K. Anderson rd place Pat Behles and Fritzi (German Shepherd Dog) 4/21 Car-Dun-Al AKC Beginner Novice B Judge: T.Masterson Nadine Greiner and Arran (Collie) 4/21 Car-Dun-Al AKC Beginner Novice B Judge: T.Masterson 194 4/22 Car-Dun-Al AKC Beginner Novice B Judge: S. Emerson 194 Karen Haberkorn and Bobby (Borzoi) 3/17 Rock Valley UKC Novice B Judge: J. Comunate st place 3/17 Rock Valley UKC Novice B Judge: V. Sheets st place 3/18 Rock Valley UKC Novice B Judge: V. Sheets nd place U-CD title Elaine Horwitz and Rumor (AMBOR) 5/5 Kickapoo Kreek UKC Open A Judge: K. Davidson st place 5/6 Kickapoo Kreek UKC Open A Judge: K. Davidson st place Bev Mills and Blade (German shepherd dog) 4/21 Car-Dun-Al AKC Open A Judge: S. Emerson 4/22 Car-Dun-Al AKC Open A Judge: E. Willems 3 rd place CDX title Richard Spetka and Grant (Rottweiler ) 4/22 Car-Dun-Al AKC Novice B Judge: S. Emerson 191 CD title Chris Wagner and Maverick (Sheltie) 4/21 Car-Dun-Al AKC Novice B 4/22 Car-Dun-Al AKC Novice B Other titles and awards: Kim Barker and Dillon (Vizsla) 4/28 NOCI AKC CGC 5/6 Blitzen APDT RLPX Kim Barker and Jane (Vizsla) 4/28 NOCI AKC CGC Susan Baumgartner and Saphira (All-American) 5/6 NOCI AKC NA Pat Behles and Bailey (German Shepherd Dog) 5/6 Trick Dog Test DMWYD! NTD Pat Behles and Britta (German Shepherd Dog) 3/31 Lakeland DTC AKC RAE 4/10 Trick Dog Test DMWYD! NTD 4/10 Trick Dog Test DMWYD! ITD 4/10 Trick Dog Test DMWYD! ATD Pat Behles and Fritzi (German Shepherd Dog) 4/10 Trick Dog Test DMWYD! NTD 4/10 Trick Dog Test DMWYD! ITD 4/10 Trick Dog Test DMWYD! ATD Patti Burgess and Phil (Rat Terrier) 4/15 Minnesota Mixed Breed Club APDT RLP Sandy Fuller and Brody (Shetland Sheepdog) 4/30 Wiggles-n-Wags DMWYD! ETD 5/4 DMWYD! DMWYD! TDCH Sandy Fuller and Misty (Shetland Sheepdog) 4/6 DMWYD DMWYD TDCH June Garand and Chance (Rhodesian Ridgeback) 4/15 Stone City KC AKC OA Karen Haberkorn and Bobby (Borzoi) 3/25 Flying Paws UKC UROC Karen Haberkorn and Smudge (Papillon) 3/17 Rock Valley UKC URO1 Gail Hundley and Charlie (Papillon) 4/22 Fundog CPE CL2-H 4/22 Fundog CPE CL3-F 4/30 Spot-On DMWYD! NTD Gail Hundley and Chloe (Papillon) 5/6 NOCI AKC OAP 5/6 NOCI AKC OAP Michael Hundley and Lily (shih tzu) 5/20 NOCI AKC CGC Eleanor Jackson and Jack (Rottweiler) 4/21 Central Ohio KC AKC RN Douglas McDonald and Maxwell (English Springer Spaniel) 4/14 The Grove on the Lake TDI TDI Amber Perri and Jet (GSD) 5/12 Lyon Township DTC AKC XFP Linda Schwartz and Izzy (Maltese) 2/19 Run N Fun CPE CL-1 4/6 Blitzen AKC NAJ 4/13 Siberian Husky Club of Detroit AKC NA

5 Silvia Simmons and Haley (Am staff) 4/22 Car-Dun-Al AKC RA Yvonne & Ken Smith and Riley (Cairn Terrier) 3/31 Lakeland DTC AKC RAE 4/15 Stone City C AKC NAP 4/21 Fundog CPE CL2-R 4/21 Fundog CPE CL2-H 4/21 Fundog CPE CL2-F 4/29 Agility Ability AKC OJP 5/6 NOCI AKC OAP Ken & Yvonne Smith and Rusty (Cairn Terrier) 4/21 Fundog CPE CL3-H 4/22 Fundog CPE CL3-R 4/22 Fundog CPE CL3-F Upcoming trials: July 28 UKC Rally July 29 UKC Obedience Sept 2 AKC Tracking Test October 6 UKC trials (2) October 7 UKC trials (2) Richard Spetka and Gable (Rottweiler) ARC Bronze Sire Production Award 2010 ARC Silver Sire Production Award 2011 Richard Spetka and Rebel (Rottweiler) 5/22 American Rottweiler National Specalty ARC CS 5/22 American Rottweiler National Specalty ARC CI Laurie & Jerry Stecker and Cassidy (Golden Retriever) 3/25 For Your K-9 CPE CTL2-F 4/21 Fundog CPE CTL2-S 4/21 Fundog CPE CTL2-H Jan Sund and Colby (Dachshund) 5/12 WAG CPE CTL4-S Nanci Taylor and Tachyon (Border Collie) 4/2 Blitzen DTC AKC NF Tim & Anne White and Gina (Labrador Retriever) 5/12 Lyons Township AKC MACH3 Other teams reporting qualifying scores: Doris Barys and Kacie (Shih tzu) Edward Barys and Kodi (Shih tzu) Judy Gemperline and Escher (Flat-coated retriever) Nadine Greiner & Larry Schuldt and McDuff (Collie) Kim Manassa & Joe W and Zayk (Alaskan Malamute) Cheryl Peterson and Styx (Vizsla) Jan Sund and Ripley (Dachshund) Chris and Andy (Sheltie) Tim & Anne White and Kate (Labrador Retriever) Submissions can be made at: tinyurl.com/nociscore New Class Fees Obedience: Non-member, $120 Member, $60 Member with 2 service credits, $35 Agility: Non-member, $120 Member, $85 Member with 2 service credits, $60 Online submissions may be viewed at: tinyurl.com/nocispreadsheet

6 Canine by Design, AKA Tales from the Southwest By Lora Seale I have always loved dogs. For as long as I can remember ~ and that s a really loooooong time ~ I have always loved dogs. Didn t and doesn t make much difference what breed, size or color. A dog is a dog is a dog. I love the way they re built and how they look when standing at attention. I love to watch them run and play and jump and leap and walk, sniffing the ground. I even love the way they smell most of the time. It s not that I have anything against cats. After all, our six allow us to share the household with them. I believe it s the fact that they do what they want, when they want and with whom they want that separates the feline from the canine personalities. And then, because my house is small and I am not a fan of dogs eating kitty crunchies straight from the box, my cats litter box is kept in the utility room which is also my grooming room. Our cats have a nasty way of knowing just when I m about to bathe or groom a dog and one of them usually has saved up a real breath-taker for me. As a general rule, dogs don t do that. At least not on purpose. I swear they save it up for the appropriate moment. And so because of my love for the canine, I decided many moons ago to show off my dog (German Shepherd at the time) and entered her in a conformation class I had found advertised in the local newspaper. I thought I had the most gorgeous animal to walk the earth. I knew nothing of bad hips, incorrect ear set, poor markings, etc. I just knew I loved my dog and wanted the world to know how wonderful and perfect she was. The gracious instructor never laughed at me but gently guided me to an obedience class underway on the other side of the building. Enter the beginning obedience class. It was back in the dark ages. Back when gas was at a premium but still under 40 cents per gallon. The lines at the pumps were long and the gas stations often ran out of gas. So a couple of us carpooled to obedience class; yes, we did. Even though we were just newbies (well, two of us were the third was already an obedience judge (( said with reverence)), we were dedicated enough to our canine companions that that s just what the three of us did. We became fast friends through carpooling to class and to obedience trials and have remained so for more than 30 years. [As of this updated writing, one of the three of us has passed away quickly and unfortunately. She is still missed terribly.] The companionship was great. The classes were fun and we persevered. We had a real judge for our graduation (same one as mentioned above) and we were envious of the first place dog and handler. We ALL vowed to continue into the next class, work harder, and our immediate goal(s) was to eventually enter a fun match. Yes, we had them back in those days. The stories from then to now will unfold before your very eyes over the next however many columns I can write for you. For a number of years I owned and operated a successful boarding kennel where I even learned how to groom. However, I am hanging up my commercial dog scoop and hope to only use one now for my own dogs. In the meantime, I would like to tell stories, give opinions and hopefully entertain and enlighten some of you along the way. Caution: stories of yore will be told. I have always had strong opinions about almost anything and I have been passionate about the performance sports with dogs in which I ve been involved. Many, many moons ago there was a monthly column called From The Other Side of The Jump. It was always the first article I read before continuing my reading back to page 1. Elaine Brown was an entertaining character who had many tales to tell. Some of the stories were truths and some of them were whoppers. In any case, they were always entertaining. And so that will be my goal for any future columns I should come up with. I m sure you ll be able to tell the difference between the truths and the whoppers. If you can t, then I would certainly hope you ll enjoy the reading no matter what. Always hating to leave a party, I will ride off singing as Roy and Dale did at the end of their show, Happy Tails to You, til We Meet Again.

7 The Contact Zone By Debbie Butt I d like to introduce myself. My name is Debbie Butt and I m the new Director of Agility. For those of you who don t know me, I ve been training at the club for 11 years, have been a member for 10 years and have been teaching classes with Tim for 2 years. I m currently training my third Lab in agility. As you all know, Tim will be stepping down as an instructor for the club after this session (his last class will be June 27 th). As a former student, co-instructor and friend, I d like to say thank you, Tim for all you ve done over the past 12 years! You ve trained a LOT of dogs and handlers during this time and I can always hear the pride in your voice at a trial when you say, there s one of my students. You ve left big shoes to fill and you will be missed (and we know you re going to miss all of us too)!!! I m still working to find instructors for some of the classes Tim teaches. Each student will be receiving an from me asking if they will be returning. Once I hear back, I ll have a better idea on class size and if students need to or should be moved around. Keep in mind that class fees will be changing at the start of Session #4 (the week of July 9 th ). They are posted at the club and on the NOCI website. MARK THESE DATES on your calendar: June 9 th and June 30 th at 3 pm. There will be an Agility Equipment Setup class held at the club on Saturday, June 9 th and Saturday, June 30 th to show ALL agility students how to set up and take down the equipment. Since Tim will no longer be around to take care of this, it s everyone s responsibility to learn how to do it safely and without damaging the equipment. There will be more information in the weeks to come. Feel free to contact me directly via (dogloveril@aol.com) or phone ( ) with any comments / feedback / suggestions for the agility program. Liz Florene Aussie Mix Bob Heldmann Labrador Nancy Moriarity & Kris Sherred Mix Linda Petrus Belgian Sheepdog Colette Ritter Mix Janis Stephens GSD Maureen Thompson Curly coated retriever Janette Wanner Boston Terrier mix

8 2012 Calendar December 2011 Friday 16th- AKC Rally Trial Saturday 17th- AKC Obedience Trial January 2012 Friday 6th- Holiday Party Friday 13th- Board Meeting February 2012 Friday 3rd- Obedience Fun Match Saturday 4th- APDT Rally Trial Sunday 5th- APDT Rally Trial Friday 10th- Board Meeting Friday 17th- General Membership Meeting March 2012 Friday 2nd- Agility Seminar (daytime) Friday 2nd- Obedience Fun Match (evening) Saturday 3rd- Agility Seminar Sunday 4th- Agility Seminar Friday 9th- Board Meeting Sunday 11th- Awards Banquet (Mill Rose) Saturday 24th- UKC Rally Trial Sunday 25th- UKC Rally Trial April 2012 Friday 6th- Obedience Fun Match Friday 13th- Board Meeting Friday 20th- General Membership Meeting May 2012 Friday 4th- AKC Agility Trial (Crystal Lake) Saturday 5th- AKC Agility Trail Sunday 6th- AKC Agility Trial Friday 11th- Board Meeting June 2012 Friday 1st- Obedience Fun Match Friday 8th- Board Meeting Friday 15th- General Membership Meeting July 2012 Friday 13th- Board Meeting Saturday 14th- 4-H Fun Match Saturday 21st- 4-H Show Saturday 28th- UKC Rally Sunday 29th UKC Obedience August 2012 Friday 3rd- Obedience Fun Match Friday 10th- Board Meeting Friday 17th- General Membership Meeting Nominations Due September 2012 Sunday 2nd- AKC Tracking Test Friday 7th- Obedience Fun Match Friday 14th- Board Meeting October 2012 Friday 5th- Obedience Fun Match Saturday 6th UKC trials Sunday 7th UKC trials Friday 12th- Board Meeting Friday 19th- General Membership Meeting The Rally Corner By Patti Burgess Hold the dates for the following UKC Obedience & Rally Trials: July 28 th July 29 th October 6 th & 7th Two Rally Trials Two Obedience Trials Two trials each day Celebrate our New Years Eve Rally December 30 th & 31 st For Information contact Patti Burgess or Joan Nebesky December Trial Karen Haberkorn Always looking for volunteers for these trials--get your Service Credits!

9 The First Nosework Trial in the Midwest by Jean Baumann May 26th and 27th was the first Nosework trial in the midwest even though this sport has been having competitions for almost two years, mainly in the West Coast areas. FourYourK9 put on this trial and boy, what two days of intense weather changes also. Cold, rainy, and then the heat with temps ranging in the high 90 s. 48 dog/handler teams per day participated. Four K9 police handlers were the judges also. The trial was held at the OLD Lake County fairgrounds in Grayslake, where NOCI used to hold its obedience trials and a VST tracking test. The place is mainly used now for police dog training. Many of the buildings were used for the test. This is a level 1 test with only one hide (birch) per element. The four elements were: Container search (20 white same-sized boxes were used) with Q-tips with birch scent in one of them. The dog must find this one box within 2 minutes and 30 seconds to qualify. Another element was vehicle search with three vehicles and only one hide among them (exterior only). The dog had 3 minutes to find and handler was asked exactly where it was when the dog alerted to it. The interior search is another element in which the dog had 3 minutes to find it. Somewhere in a building where you had many hiding places to put one birch scented hide and once again, the handler has to tell the judge where exactly the hide is. The last of the elements is exterior, meaning outside in a marked-off area, where one birch hide was placed. Again 3 minutes allowance and handlers had to point to the hide area. NO hides were visible to the eye. They were well hidden. All the hides were aged also. Before the first dog started, the birch scent was already over one hour old. If you were in the later groups and had one of the last searches of the day, your hide was almost 5 hours old. Folks!!! Dogs had NO trouble with the OLD scent. We have to trust our dog s scenting abilities and be able to read our dogs, when he is in odor, or just fooling around. On Saturday, I volunteered my time and watched a lot of dogs work. On Sunday I showed my dog Cody in the 95 degree hot weather. Unfortunately we only passed 3 of 4 elements. We failed on the interior search, in which the hide was in a crack on the cement floor, covered with a red and white piece of paper. I had alerted on the brick which was about 2 away instead. For being the first trial in the area, the percentage of dogs that passed on Saturday was 55% (25 dogs passed and titled with a NW1) which is fantastic. Weather was also better on Saturday. Sunday was a more difficult day for the dogs, mainly because of the heat. Only 6 dogs passed all the elements out of 48 dogs entered. Different dogs each day and the locations and hides were placed in different buildings and vehicles also. On a bright note, one of NOCI s non-active members did get her NW1 title on Saturday. She is Mary Syslo and her 10 year old Wirehaired Pointing Griffin, Ernie. I got to watch her work on Saturday in the Exterior and Interior searches. Ernie has been doing nosework for about 1 1/2 years and he truly loves it, which most of the dogs doing this sport do. Volunteering for this event was a high point for me. I got tomeet and talk to people who came from GA, MO, MN, CA, IN, and WI. All with one thing in common.nosework!!! Only one drawback to this kind of sport. The people entered in the trial cannot watch others work, because they would be privy to the hide areas and that is a big NO NO. So the best thing one can do is to volunteer for a day and watch what these amazing nosework dogs can do. Hi folks!!! I am Indy and my Dad (Jim) asked me to tell you about our Nosework class. As some of you may know, my allergies s**k! As a matter of fact, I used to run around fields and find birds. I guess Vizsla s are pretty good at that! If I do say so myself, I was pretty good at finding birds! First time in the field, I was pointing them out right away! Dad stopped doing that with me because I would be all itchy and stuff. Now I get to go to Nosework class! We are now finding birch. Not sure what that means, but when I find it, I get a bunch of treats! What could be better??? They try to trick me and hide it all over the place, like in boxes, shoes, on shelves, behind doors, on cars, inside or outside! I don t care where they put it! I think it is a great game! I always find it! Dad said something about me being his Urban Hunting Dog! Bye for now, Indy

10 Rally Changes Announced Reprinted with permission from Muncie Obedience Training Club Rally is the sport that is made up of a variety of different exercises (so there s always something new), where you can praise your dog throughout the competition, and you can start off all on-leash (super for first-timer s comfort level). While there are challenges to showing in rally, this sport isn t as physical as agility or as precise as obedience. All in all, a wonderful opportunity for you and your dog to have some fun together. Recently, the AKC announced some new signs and guidelines that came into effect on April 4, The following are highlights of the changes the complete discussion is on the AKC website. In the past, there wasn t a real guideline for handler/dog speed, as there is in obedience. So the new regulations do state that the team should move at A BRISK PACE. As in obedience, this does have some leeway for differently-abled handlers and differently-built dogs! A Clumber s brisk may not be the same as a Border Collie s although both should be moving purposefully with some speed. Actually, a brisk pace helps your slow be more noticeable, so it s something to work on. Another new guideline for the team is that the handler must MOVE IN A NATURAL MANNER. That seems to be somewhat subjective, but the goal is to make the course look like an interesting walk, not a frightening experience! One of the benefits of Rally, of course, is that the handler is allowed to encourage and praise the dog to keep a positive connection. The new guidelines add a further definition of what might be said, so that now the instructions in the Introduction read: Unless otherwise specified in these regulations, handlers are permitted to talk, praise, encourage, give additional commands and or signals using one or both arms, clap their hands, pat their legs or use any verbal means of encouragement. The underlined phrase is new and clarifies some confusion over how many times you can say Sit at one station. This seems to allow more than one. Remember, however, that Excellent classes don t allow the clapping or patting. Another general note on what the handler can do is that luring is not permitted. You may have seen a handler in the ring appearing to have a cookie in the hand and pretending to make it available to the dog. This is no longer allowed. I guess the appearance of bribery might be the basis of this guideline. Dogs should be having fun in Rally, not look like they need a treat to even take a step. Along this line, even though the new guidelines above allow more than one command, pleading is not allowed. That s defined as repeated urgent commands and/or signals to elicit the proper behavior from the dog while the dog remains unresponsive to handler s commands and/or signals. Silently praying that you qualify is still allowed! There are new guidelines for deductions in scoring as well. Substantial deductions are now identified (6-10 points) for luring/pleading and lack of natural manner as well as other infractions. But the most significant difference is that signs have been added to each of the classes. The Novice additions are actually quite reasonable. The more advanced signs add to the level of difficulty already experienced in moving from on-leash Novice to off-leash Advanced or Excellent. I ve always felt that there is a HUGE difference in the level of difficulty in signs from Novice to Advanced which, when added to the element of being off-leash, makes that transition much more difficult than the transition from Advanced to Excellent. But, the new guidelines didn t move any of the previous signs from Advanced to Excellent, they just added signs to each and removed the Honor exercise from Excellent. (This will likely speed up moving handlers through the Excellent class, which might be part of the rationale.) If you ve memorized the old sign numbers, you ll be in for a surprise there as well. The Novice signs stay the same, but the new Novice signs are continuing the numbering of Advanced signs start with 100 s now and Excellent signs with 200 s. If you re a member of the Rally yahoo list, you ve seen LOTS of discussion on the new signs, especially the Excellent ones. The first run at rule changes often lacks specific explanations and perhaps that s what happens when new rules are presented in dog sports. For example, there s a lot of confusion on if the dog can back jump for the new Send to Jump sign on its way back to the handler who is supposed to keep walking but not past the jump itself. Yes, there s room for explanation on this one. The best advice is to ask your judge on the day you compete what her/his idea of the performance should be. And keep in mind the old adage never make the judge think! Be sure you are confident in your performance and that you understand where and how to perform each exercise. Rally continues to be a great sport for dogs and their handlers. Because you can praise your dog in the ring and there s no judge calling commands (other than the initial Forward ) it s a pretty unintimidating sport for most dogs. Many folks sell Rally as a way to get ready for the real sport of obedience, but it s a great sport in its own right. The new signs in Excellent, however, are a clear link to some of the exercises in obedience s Utility ring. Rally is not without its challenges!

11 Following is the AKC s description of the new signs. NOVICE 32. Figure 8 No Distractions Two pylons or posts spaced approximately 6-8 feet apart. The team enters the sequence with the posts on either left or right and will perform a complete figure 8 around the posts or pylons, crossing the center point three times. 33. HALT Left Turn Forward Handler halts, dog sits. With the dog sitting the handler commands and/or signals the dog to heel, as the handler turns to the left and continues to move forward in the new direction without hesitation. The dog must turn with handler as the handler turns. (Stationary exercise) 34. HALT Right Turn Forward - Handler halts, dog sits. With the dog sitting the handler commands and/or signals the dog to heel, as the handler turns to the right and continues to move forward in the new direction without hesitation. The dog must turn with the handler as the handler turns. (Stationary exercise) 35. Call Front Return to Heel While heeling the handler stops forward motion and calls the dog to the front position. The handler may take several steps backward as the dog turns and moves to sit in the front position. Dog sits in front and faces the handler. The handler will then walk around behind the dog and return to the heel position and pause. Dog must remain sitting as handler walks around dog. (This is a 180 change of direction, about turn.) (Stationary exercise) 36. Halt Slow Forward From Sit The handler halts, and the dog sits in heel position. The handler then commands and/or signals the dog to heel and moves forward at a slow pace. The dog must maintain heel position as handler slowly moves forward. This must be followed by a normal pace, unless it is the last station on the course. (Stationary exercise) ADVANCED 115. HALT Stand Handler halts and dog sits. With the dog sitting in heel position, the handler will stand the dog. Handler may touch the dog, move forward to stand the dog and may pose the dog as in the show ring. Handler then resumes heel position while the dog stands in place. Handler pauses before moving forward. (Stationary exercise) 116. Halt Pivot Right Forward The handler halts and the dog sits in heel position. The handler commands and/or signals the dog to heel, then pivots to the right and dog and handler move forward. (Stationary exercise) 117. Halt Pivot Left Forward The handler halts and the dog sits in heel position. The handler commands and/or signals the dog to heel, then pivots to the left and dog and handler move forward. (Stationary exercise) 118. Halt Leave Dog 2 Steps Call to Heel Forward The handler halts, and the dog sits in heel position. While the dog remains sitting the handler takes two steps forward and pauses. The handler moves forward and commands the dog to resume heel position. The dog must move briskly. (Stationary exercise) EXCELLENT 206. Down While Heeling While moving forward, without pause or hesitation, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to down and stay as the handler continues forward about 6 feet to the Call to Heel marker. The handler will turn and face the dog, pause and then command and/or signal the dog to heel. This is a 180 change of direction, about turn. (This sign will be followed within 6 feet by the Call to Heel marker.) Dog must return to heel position and sit, the handler must pause before moving forward. (Stationary exercise) 207. Stand While Heeling While moving forward, without pause or hesitation, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to stand and stay as the handler continues forward about 6 feet to the Call to Heel marker. The handler will turn and face the dog, pause and then command and/or signal the dog to heel. This is a 180 change of direction, about turn. (This sign will be followed within 6 feet by the Call to Heel marker.) Dog must return to heel position and sit, the handler must pause before moving forward. (Stationary exercise) 208. Stand Leave Dog Sit Dog Call Front Finish While heeling, the handler will stop and command and/or signal the dog to stand. The dog must stand and stay without sitting first. Then the handler will walk forward approximately 6 feet to the Call to Heel marker. The handler will turn to face the dog and command and/or signal the dog to sit. When the dog sits, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to front. The dog sits in the front position facing the handler. On command and/or signal, the dog will move to heel position. Dog must sit in heel position before moving forward with the handler. (Stationary Exercise) (This exercise reverses the direction of the team.) 209. Stand Leave Dog Down Dog Call Front Finish While heeling, the handler will stop and stand the dog using a command and/or signal, then walk forward approximately 6 feet. The dog must stand and stay without sitting first. The handler will turn to face the dog and command and/or signal the dog to down. When the dog downs, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to front. The dog must sit in the front position facing the handler. On command and/or signal, the dog will move to heel position. The dog must sit in heel position before moving forward with the handler. (Stationary Exercise) (This exercise reverses the direction of the team.) 210. Send to Jump At the sign for this station, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to leave heel position to execute the jump. The dog must leave the handler immediately and execute the jump. The handler must maintain a straight path of at least a 3 foot distance away from the jump and may not pass the jump until the dog has returned to heel position. The dog must jump the jump in the proper direction and return to heel position without pause, hesitation, or stopping. The team then continues to the next station. (Further discussion in the Judges section follows: The sign for this station will be placed at least 10 feet before the jump. The sign for this station and the one after it will be set so that the handler maintains at least a 3 foot path away from the jump while the dog performs the jump and returns to the handler. The set up and performance of this sign should not be confused with sign #103 *Send Over Jump-Handler Passes By. Note: After sending the dog to the jump the handler may pause as needed, but must not pass the jump until the dog has returned to the heel position Double Left About Turn While moving with the dog in heel position, the handler makes an about turn to the left while at the same time, the dog must move around the handler to the right and into heel position. The handler must take one or two steps forward before performing the exercise a second time. The handler will end up turning 360 to the left as the dog turns 360 to the right around the handler. The dog does not sit at any time during this exercise Sit Stay This sign will be used as a marker for the sit stay exercise. The dog must remain in the sit position while the handler retrieves the leash and returns to heel position and the judge says exercise finished. Further explanation: The judge will designate the area or person in charge of the leash prior to the excellent walkthrough. All exhibitors must be informed of where they need to go to retrieve their leash or from whom during the walkthrough. Immediately following the Finish Sign the handler and dog will go to the Sit Stay sign. The handler will sit the dog, and command and/or signal the dog to sit stay. The handler will then walk forward at least fifteen (15) feet, retrieve the leash from any of the following; gate steward, judge or designated area next to the ring exit, and return to heel position by walking around and behind the dog. The judge will order Exercise Finished at which time the judging of the Sit Stay Exercise will be complete. The handler will then attach the leash and exit the ring. The Sit Stay Exercise is not considered to be one of the stationary exercises on the course *Call to Heel This sign will be used as a marker for associated exercises (signs 208 and 209).

12 NORTHWEST OBEDIENCE CLUB, INC. PRSRT STFD PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Crystal Lake, IL Kwik Kopy Printing Training Hall 735 Industrial Drive Cary, IL Phone: (847) We re on the web! northwestobedienceclub.org June 2012