Queanbeyan and District Dog Training Club Inc THE NEWSHOUND. February Members dogs at the December 2013 Assessment day

Transcription

1 Queanbeyan and District Dog Training Club Inc THE NEWSHOUND February 2014 Members dogs at the December 2013 Assessment day

2 YOUR CLUB COMMITTEE General Club contact information is also on the webpage at: Club address: Club Phone: MARIANNE WYATT President MICHAEL ZIEBELL Vice President / Assessment Day Manager (Home) mziebell@acsmail.net.au KATHY GRIFFITHS Secretary secretary@queanbeyandogs.org.au ANITA FRASER Treasurer treasurer@queanbeyandogs.org.au COMMITTEE JULIE REBBECK Fund Raising & Shop Manager julie@redshiftdobes.com GROUNDS MANAGER grounds@queanbeyandogs.org.au KAREN ROBERTS Enrolments & Publicity Officer karenmr@tpg.com.au PETER NEWMAN peterjohnnewman@hotmail.com FAY GRUNSELL Assistant Secretary fay.grunsell3@bigpond.com KAREN ROBERTS Enrolments Registrar enrolments@queanbeyandogs.org.au MARA HERBA Newshound Editor (Leave message) siberians@oz .com.au JANELLE NAUGHTON Fund Raising naufam1@bigpond.com KAREN JENKINS Assistant Grounds Manager committee2@queanbeyandogs.org.au RACHEL HARRISON-WYATT harrisonwyatt07@hotmail.com RICHARD HERBA ANN TYLLYER Web Administrator webadmin@queanbeyandogs.org.au TRAINING TIMES SUNDAY MORNING Puppy Socialisation 9.30 to am Beginners / Puppies 9.00 to am Intermediate to am Advanced to am Community Companion Dog to am Recreation 9.00 to am Novice to am Open 9.00 to am Bitches in season are not permitted at training classes. All dogs are to remain on leash whilst at training classes unless they are doing an exercise controlled by an Instructor.

3 President s Report Welcome back to a new year at Queanbeyan and District Dog Training Club. I trust you have enjoyed your break and managed to get some relaxation time. I would like to thank you all for the amazing array of donated items for last year s Christmas raffle. The support that members of this Club offer always inspires me and I know you all care deeply for the ongoing role our Club provides for the community. From my heart THANK YOU. We managed to raise $370 for the club helping to provide updated equipment, grounds maintenance, and instructor training. As most of you already know the Club is run solely by volunteers who have donated their time, experience and knowledge for many years - just for the satisfaction to see you grow and improve skills in training your dogs. If you have a spare minute on a Sunday PLEASE say a quick thank you to your instructor. I think they deserve it don t you? This term we are looking to have lots of action with the ongoing Recreation class. This class is for members dogs who have passed Advanced level and wish to continue their involvement with the Club. However focus is on a more social aspect rather than formal obedience. People who join this Class maintain the training they have done with their dog but have a relaxed class structure and explore new obstacles like tunnels, jumps and tricks. Does this sound like fun? We also have Rally O classes on Tuesday nights during daylight savings. Rally O is a great new dog sport that has enthralled dog owners around Australia. Not as formal as regular obedience trials and not as in-depth and complicated as Agility it marks a great entry point to competitive dog sports in Australia. This course is open to anyone who has passed Beginners level. There is a small $20 fee which covers the full duration - so why not come and check it out? Have a chat with other dog enthusiasts and have a fun evening. Please be aware of the summer threats to your dog s safety and to your own safety. Over the Christmas break it was reported that snakes were seen on Club grounds. Please keep your eyes open for these slithery creatures and check areas around the raised tree beds carefully before allowing your dog near them. Likewise, please attend class wearing enclosed shoes and long pants for added protection. Remember to take breaks in hot weather and have a cold drink with you. Take regular drink stops for your dog. There will be wading pools for the dogs to cool down in. If you notice excessive panting and your dog is hot to touch please inform your instructor and take a break under a tree and if needed wet your dog down. Breeds with pushed in faces should be monitored closely as they are extremely susceptible to heat stroke. Finally, I hope you enjoy this term and have a chance to unwind from the hectic buzz of everyday life and spend some quality time with your canine friend, teaching new tricks, and most of all having fun. Marianne Wyatt Download issues of The Newshound - our Club magazine - in full colour Changes to class times due to inclement weather? - check the Web Site before you leave home

4 2013 Club Perpetual trophy winners Our Club has a number of perpetual trophies which are awarded at the Christmas Break Up day each December. These recognise outstanding achievement in several fields and the winners' names are added to the growing list engraved on each trophy Best Assessment Day Scores Fay Grunsell with Dusty Best Junior Handler Kamija Black-Smith and Daisy

5 Best Lady Handler Rachel Harison-Wyatt and Tilly Best Gentleman Handler John Roberts and Hudson The game is up Shakespeare Cymbeline Act III Scene III Thank You to our instructors and volunteers - we could not hold classes without you A huge Thank You to all of you who volunteered to take classes this term and to help out on Assessment Day

6 Special Achievements Some of our members are taking their dogs to official ANKC Obedience Trials. Here are recent results - these members train most Sundays! Ask them any questions about trialling - and other competitive sports Fay Grunsell and her Australian Cattle Dog Dusty Eltrym Sunset Gold Community Companion Dog (CCD) 16 November ACT Companion Dog Club Inc Judge: Mr R Butler 95 / nd Place Mara Herba and Supreme Champion Mikulov Full Metal Jacket ET DWDF.S Stanley her Siberian Husky 9 November 2013 Dogs NSW Dances With Dogs competition Dances With Dogs Freestyle - Starters - worked to the song Walking In A Winter Wonderland AM Trial - 2 nd Place 141 / 180 PM Trial - 1 st Place 139 / 180 for his Dances With Dogs Freestyle Starters (DWDF.S) title Mara Herba and Cybord Shadow ET RN RA RE HTM.N CCD her Siberian Husky x Border Collie Shadow Rally O Excellent 19 October 2013 Southern Highlands K&O C 77 / 100 PASS 26 October 2013 Tuggeranong DTC 83 / 100 PASS 16 November 2013 ACT CDC 88 / st Place for his Rally O Excellent (RE) title Training Tip One of the most important things you can teach your dog is to recognise its name. Many dogs think their name is No simply because they hear this word so often. Repeat your dog s name as often as possible and when the dog turns to make eye contact with you, reward with praise and treats so that it will continue to respond to its name. When practising the obedience exercises, do not continuously use the name instead of a command. Doing this will desensitise the Name and the dog may ignore it at a crucial and life threatening time. Another tip - choose a name which does not sound similar to training words so don t have names like Steel (similar to Heel) or Stanley (begins like Stand)

7 Notice board Check the Club Website for your Class syllabus Be prepared for next Sunday s class by reading the lesson See your dog s photo taken on Assessment Day These items (and more) are on sale each Sunday Morning a range of equipment for your dog dog treats for training rewards treat bags - plastic lined and with velcro tabs poo bag holders - fasten on to your dog s leash ANKC Obedience Trial Rules pocket sized books DIARY DATES - February May 2014 FEBRUARY 2 Sunday Q&DDTC: 2014 First Term starts 27 Thursday Q&DDTC Committee Meeting 6.30 pm MARCH 27 Thursday Q&DDTC Committee Meeting 6.30 pm 28 Friday ACT CDC evening Obedience Trial 29 Sat ACT CDC double Rally O Trial APRIL 6 Sunday Q&DDTC Assessment Day 12 Sat Tuggeranong DTC: Obedience & Rally O Trial 24 Thursday Q&DDTC Committee Meeting 6.30 pm MAY 3 Sat Canberra Royal Show obedience trial at EPIC 4 Sunday Q&DDTC: Second Term starts 4 Sunday Dogs ACT State Obedience Trial at EPIC 29 Thursday Q&DDTC Committee Meeting 6.30 pm

8 BEWARE of SNAKES Always have your dog on leash and look where you step SCOOP THE POOP You are required to clean up after your dog if it defecates on Club grounds You can be prepared, wherever you go, by arming yourself with a small plastic bag or two. Simply put your hand inside the bag, scoop up the offending pile, reverse your hand out of the bag and tie the neck of the bag. Then dispose of thoughtfully.

9 Planning for daily training between Sunday classes Schedule Training Sessions Making training sessions a part of your daily life helps your dog know what to expect. The dog will actually anticipate this time spent working with you. If you schedule training sessions before meal time or first thing in the morning (when both of you are fresh and eager) the dog will be extra motivated to learn the obedience behaviour you re trying to train. Keep Obedience Training Sessions Short Dogs only have unlimited attention spans when it involves a ball or chasing a cat. Actually, they lose focus for those fun activities too. Keep training sessions at around five minutes and your dog will be attentive and engaged. Drag the session on too long and your dog may lose interest in training all together. Even during Sunday morning classes of 1 hour, take breaks and let your dog have a drink or sniff along the fence. Remain in earshot of your Instructor so that you don t miss anything important which is being discussed. Don t Punish Your Dog for Bad Behaviour This may seem contrary to how training should be handled however punishment like yelling, hitting or time out in a yard or crate actually can cause more harm than good. It can cause a dog to become fearful, stressed, and destructive. Instead, fix bad behaviours by rewarding good behaviour. It may take them a little longer to catch on but the rewards are worth it and the training will last. You won t have to retrain and retrain and retrain. Plan Your Obedience Training Before you begin to train a behaviour consider exactly what you want your dog to do. For example if you are training your dog to Sit, consider the following questions: What will you do to cue the command? Will you give your dog a verbal cue, a physical cue or both? How long should the dog remain sitting? Do you want the dog to sit in front of you or just to sit where he stands no matter where you are? This is important because you will praise and reward for progress toward the ultimate behaviour. For example, if you want your dog to sit on command until you release him there are two commands you will teach (Sit & Stay). However your first step is to simply get the dog to understand the concept of sitting. Every time the dog sits you will click and reward. Eventually, through progression, you will add a cue, a release command and so on until you have achieved the desired result. Dog obedience training is important for many reasons. It keeps your dog safe. It ensures your dog will not adopt unwanted behaviours like pulling on the leash, jumping on people and begging during your meal times, not to mention destructive tendencies. It gives your dog structure and expectations which make them feel secure. It also provides you and your dog quality time and a positive owner and dog relationship. Whether your dog is young or old, large or small, calm or hyperactive, obedience training is a positive step toward forging a lifelong dog and owner happy bond. ************************************* LOST & FOUND If you have lost jackets, caps, leashes, toys, glasses or whatever ASK to look through the box at the Club container It might have been handed in and be there for you!

10 Assessment Day 8 December 2013 Thanks go to those wonderful members and friends who helped out on the day and particularly those who volunteered to Judge, set up rings and sit at the check in table as well as deal with various other responsibilities that needed to be done. Beginners Ring 1 Judge Anita Fraser 1 st Larry King with Hobson 2 nd Morgan Hubbard with Rocky 3 rd Stewart Waters with Woof Beginners Ring 2 Judge John Bernardi 1 st Kamijah Black-Smith with Daisy 2 nd Aimee Barry with Humphrey 3 rd Michael Merange with Roy

11 Beginners Ring 3 Judge Alec Hempstead 1 st Emily Wright with Dexter 2 nd Neil Paterson with Liliana 3 rd Annette Outtrim with Pyke Also passed: Christine Weissbach and Leia; Stephen Battison and Kaiser; Natalie Clement and Flame; Kirsten Graham and Lucy; Kylie Otero and Meeko; Brian McLeay and Penny; Kayla Thompson and Alyssa; Trish Rankin and Jug; Jason Alferink and Bella; Libby King and Nina; Lucy Jagodzki and Billy; Rachel King and Rocky; Iain Chisholm and Shadow Intermediate Judge: Jacqui Griffin 1 st Janet Curran with Erin 2 nd Kylie Reynolds with Jasper 3 rd Elle McKay with Rose Also passed: Fran Kelleher with Baile

12 Advanced Judge: Toni Maggi 1 st Kathy Griffiths with Bobby 2 nd Jenneffa Bell with Bentley 3 rd Karen Roberts with Belle Also passed: Sam Cooper with Bear Rosemary Costico with Camilo CCD Judge: Richie Butler 1 st Fay Frunsell with Dusty 95 / nd Elle McKay with Kissi 83 / rd Tamara Robinson with Pippa 81 / 100

13 EASTER RAFFLE LOOKING FOR DONATED ITEMS This is a major fund raiser for the Club Please pop an extra Easter-related goodie in your trolley when you are shopping and give to any Committee member on Sunday mornings TICKETS FOR SALE: $ 1 each OR 3 for $ 2 PLEASE - take some books and sell to friends and family Tickets will be on sale later in this term. Hampers will be drawn in time for Easter on 6 April 2014 Want more information? Vale Crystal Stoneyblu Snowgum 24 June December 2013 From the day that you were born I knew that you were very special just like your Mum, Opal. When you started your show career you loved it. We had so much fun, you loved the attention and I was so proud of you. People would stop me at the shows and say how beautiful you were. You were awarded 2 x Best of Breeds and 5 Challenge Certificate, plus, heaps of 1 st and 2 nd places. When we started doing obedience you gave it everything you had. Even though you loved showing you still tried your best. You also helped me when I was teaching a beginners class. Even going to the Vets was a good time - you loved to see them and were so good when you had to have treatment. Everyone who met you fell in love with you. Crystal, you are a very, very special girl, you will still be with me every day.

14 Ouch! If you find that your dog is going for the food reward with such enthusiasm that you re losing skin, first look at the way you present the food. If even then you are losing skin, consider a pair of training gloves, these are excellent and can save skin damage. Don t discourage or require your dog to take the food slowly, gently or with manners. That is a separate exercise. When rewarding for a successfully performed action, we look for drive (to return to you at speed and claim the treat) not gentleness. See how the food is held, hand is shaped like a catcher s mitt and food wedged between fingers. This saves a lot of skin. The below picture is how many people hold food, it gets skin torn off your thumb and finger and is not the best way at all. If you aren t having success with the above methods you can look at buying heavy duty gardening or skiing gloves, these are great for dogs that go hard for the food. These protect your hands and make training flow a bit more smoothly (and less painfully).

15 FLYBALL Are you interested in Fly Ball or just having some fun with your dog? Why not come along to the grounds on Saturday morning at 9 am and see what it is all about and have a go. As well as Fly Ball we do basic obedience, socialisation and occasionally a bit of Agility with tunnels and jumps. Club Instructors are on hand to assist and instruct. Contact: Kathy or Anita MEMBERS ARE REMINDED No dogs are permitted to be off leash in the main training grounds, or in the small fenced off training area before or after classes on Sunday mornings WITHOUT the express permission and supervision of one of the Club instructors Members doing specific exercises during classes are exempt PLEASE drive with care on the dirt entrance road to the grounds Children and dogs are often present 10 km Speed Limit suggested

16 Keeping Cool! Looking for ideas to help keep your dogs cool during the hot summer days while you are away from the house? Try some of these! Soak the ground under some large shady trees overnight with a sprinkler or soaker hose. If you can keep the soil cool the dogs can have somewhere cool to lie down and dig themselves a hollow if they want. Get the children s pools or clam shells, fill to the brim with water, and put in different areas of the yard so there is always plenty of water and also always one in the shade. Fill and freeze 2 litre bottles overnight and put these on their beds. Fill and freeze empty margarine or ice cream containers and turn out the ice for them to lick/chew/play with. Before going to work spend about a half an hour outside wetting down an entire pergola / paved area. While it won't stay wet for a long time this does cool the pavers for quite a while. Have a timer on the patio watering system and on extremely hot days set it to turn on for five minutes every hour or so. It wets down the patio/pavers and cools the air. Buy some cheap irrigation hose and mister fittings from Bunnings and put them up in a loop around the patio with wire. Run this via a tap timer which goes for five minutes at a time. On hot days set it to every hour and hang white cotton sheets around the patio so that they get wet when the mister goes and keep the area even cooler for the next hour via evaporative cooling. If the dogs are left inside the house, leave the bathroom open and shower door open after running the shower to wet down the floor which will stay damp and cool for a few hours and give them a cool place to lay. Use a stable box fan plugged in with timers set for intervals through the day as can sit safely on a table or bench top where dogs can t reach it. Feed your dogs their food frozen - diced meats, chicken mince etc. Either buy it in 1 kg already frozen blocks or buy fresh and package into smaller pieces - depending on the size of the dog. Dogs spend a long time gnawing through the frozen pieces and it cools them down. Make them some stock and water blocks with treats inside and freeze overnight. Ideas for the treats would be: duck jerky, fish treats, liver, meat roll, kangaroo jerky and larger hard dog biscuits.