The Newsletter of the Rand Park Dog Training Club, Inc. September, 2011

Transcription

1 Paw Prints The Newsletter of the Rand Park Dog Training Club, Inc. September, 2011 Dog thefts are on the rise! By Ursula Hoeft It seems there's been a sharp increase in dog thefts. The AKC reports that thefts so far this year are up 32% over the same seven-month period last year. Small purebred dogs are the number one target. They're easiest to steal, transport, and keep concealed. (Don't let those cute little Maltese out of your sight!) It's a sign of the tough economic times. Stealing dogs and selling them to unsuspecting buyers is a way to make money. According to the AKC's spokesperson Lisa Peterson, we are getting reports almost daily of pets stolen during home invasions, out of parked cars while people are running errands and even snatched from dog lovers out for a walk in the park. To keep your dog from becoming a victim, the AKC recommends the following: Don't leave your dog unattended in your yard. Never leave your dog in an unattended car, even if it's locked. Besides the obvious health risks this poses to the dog, it's also an invitation to thieves, even if you're gone for only a moment. And don't leave expensive items such as a GPS unit or laptop in sight inside your car They may encourage a break-in and your dog may end up being an addition to a thief's booty, or it might escape. Don't leave your dog tied up outside a store not outside Starbuck's either. This popular practice among city-dwellers can make a dog easy prey for a thief. When you go shopping, patronize only dog-friendly establishments or leave your dog at home. Don't let your dog run off leash. Keeping your dog close to you reduces the likelihood of it wandering off and catching the attention of thieves. Be careful with information. If strangers approach you to admire your dog, don't answer questions about how much the dog cost or give details about where you live. Don't give a stranger your dog's name. URGENT NOTICE Due to an asbestos problem at the training hall, orientation will be on Tuesday, September 20, at Arndt Park 1990 White Street, Des Plaines (This park is 5 minutes from the training hall.) The orientation session will begin at 6:30 an instructors' meeting will follow at 7:15. Classes will start on September 27 at the training hall. Trainees will be refunded for missed time on a prorated basis by check or by reduced payment for the Winter session. Paw Prints Editor: Ursula Hoeft 1814 Illinois Road Northbrook, IL Phone: randparkpawprints@live.com "Snail mail" distribution: Kathy & Joe Hahn Inside: Search And Rescue Dogs DOT's Column New Members - Brags Dog Days Of Summer Changes To AKC Regulations Minutes Of Membership Meeting Stewards Needed - Legislative Report - Training Calendar Correction Clinic Entry Form

2 Dogs! They're our loyal companions, our helpmates, our best friends, and for many purposes still our most effective tools. Technology has replaced many things in our lives - too many I often think. (How I'd love to hear a real live person answer when I call my insurance company, my bank, my village hall, my fire department, et cetera!) But technology hasn't replaced dogs when it comes to search and rescue work. As the world observes the ten-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedy, it seems appropriate to remember the role that search and rescue dogs played in the aftermath of the attack. Their unparalleled sense of smell, coupled with their keen hearing, made dogs the most effective tool in the search for survivors. In the days that followed the tragedy, search and rescue dogs dug tirelessly through the rubble that was Ground Zero; others worked at the Pentagon. No exact count seems to have been kept, but according to FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) "the US&R (Urban Search and Rescue) effort at the World Trade Center site was the largest deployment of search dogs in U.S. history. In addition to the 80 FEMA canines, New York City coordinated the efforts of the New York City Police Department K9 corps, as well as search dogs from around the country. Nearly 400 of these dogs were active in response efforts." According to FEMA's website "A variety of breeds compose FEMA's rescue dog cadre. Among those deployed in response to the 9/11 attacks were: German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds, Yellow/Black/Chocolate Labradors, Their "jobs" are secure! By Ursula Hoeft... search and rescue dogs dug tirelessly through the rubble that was Ground Zero Golden Retrievers, Portuguese Waterdogs, German Shorthair Pointers, Belgian Malinious, Border Collies, Belgian Tervurnes, Doberman Pincers, Giant Schnauzers, Rat Terriers, and several mixed breed dogs and "pound puppies." (Did they forget the Poodles?) Dogs are an important part of FEMA's operations. The agency's website describes the role canines play in their efforts as follows: "Canine searchers play a critical role during structural collapse incidents. The canines help search teams to locate victims, using their incredible sense of smell to detect live human scent, even from a victim buried deep in the rubble." Interesting facts about FEMA's dog program found on their website: FEMA US&R canine handlers are mostly civilians, as well as firefighters and police department members. Most of the certified canines are Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, Belgian Malinois, Border Collies and Golden Retrievers. Canines with high "toy drive" are used for urban search and rescue. It is a game of" hide and seek" for the dog. In training, people run from the dog and hide with the toy, playing with the dog when found. By the time the dog is on a real search, he is looking willingly for trapped people. Few search dogs wear "booties" when working on a rubble pile. Despite the hazards of sharp metal and broken glass, the dogs often need to perform what is called a "soft walk" where they splay their paws for maximum traction. Collars and booties can sometimes add to the risk of searching in tight or obstructed spaces. You'll find great pictures of search and rescue dogs at work after 9/11 on the Internet heartwarming stories and videos, too. Just google "dogs 9/11."

3 As always, a few reminders: Keep your dogs on leash at the park. Please be careful about keeping your dogs on a short leash in and out of class as our hallway is very narrow. Potty your dogs on the north end of the lot and be sure to pick up if the dog has an accident. We have new dogs and handlers coming in as well, please assist if you can. From the DOT Welcome back to a new school year! Welcome New Members: Karen Jamovich and Bruiser, Bernese Mountain Dog Jan Ramion and Jacob & Angel, Beagles Ann Mednick and Bailey, Golden Retriever (Congrats to Ann and Bailey on getting their CGC this summer) As stated on the front page, because of a problem at the training hall, orientation will be held on Tuesday, September 20, at Arndt Park, 1990 White Street, Des Plaines. (This park is 5 minutes from the training hall.) The orientation session will begin at 6:30 an instructors' meeting will follow at 7:15. Classes will begin on September 27. (See Training Calendar in this issue of Paw Prints.) The letters for class times and rings will be sent out on September 20 to those who do not pick them up at the training hall. Dee Morrison, Director of Training We hope that you and your dog(s) will benefit from your association with Rand Park Dog Training Club. Rand Park is a very active, busy organization. Participating in club events will make your membership more beneficial and, we believe, more enjoyable. Your participation will also help ensure that the Club's events are successful. Brags From Margo Milde My dog Fly completed his AKC AXJ (Agility Excellent Jumpers) title on July 30, with a perfect "100" score and a 1st place in Excellent A 16"! The next day he really surprised me, with perfect scores in Ex B Standard and Jumpers classes, for his first MX and MXJ legs and his first Double Q. All I can say is...will miracles ever cease? (The real miracle being that I managed to keep up with him on those courses!) From Ann Mednick On Aug 7th Bailey got her CGC for her first birthday. Dee Morrison said those are bragging letters, so I'm bragging. Bailey has been in the two classes before this one and has passed both of them. Have a happy, relaxing, and safe Labor Day!

4 Park Ridge "Dog Days of Summer" On August 5th, Rand Park members participated in Park Ridge's "Dog Days of Summer" night along with several rescue, adoption and other dog-associated groups. Gloria and Bill Urquhart want to thank those who took part in the event. They were: Dee Morrison and Paddy, Lois Leidahl-Marsh and Lena, Eleanor Goss and MacKenzie, Mary Ann and Dominick Gobbo and Baron, Ruth and Forrest Shields and Ceilidh, Clyde Werner and Rosie, Jackie Limosani and Oscar, Jeneane Hinrichsen and Ripley, Ursula Hoeft and Gus. Gloria and Bill Urquhart and Miss Daisy were there, too, of course. They deserve a big thank you for coordinating Rand Park's participation in this fun event. Most Rand Park members stayed to enjoy a big band concert after "Dog Days." Here are photos from that night

5 Changes to Tracking, Obedience and Rally Regulations The AKC Board of Directors has approved the following change to the Tracking Regulations effective as of August 9, Similar wording has been added to the Regulations for Obedience and Rally, also now in effect. TRACKING REGULATIONS GENERAL REGULATIONS Ch 1 - Section 10. Dogs That May Not Compete. No exhibitor may show a dog under a judge at a tracking test if he participated in a training session taught by that judge within thirty (30) days prior to the date of the event. TRACKING REGULATIONS TRACKING TEST AND JUDGES' GUIDELINES Tracking Test and Judges' Guidelines. These are only examples. The key is to avoid situations that might give the impression of impropriety. The AKC recognizes you cannot control who enters. This does not diminish the importance of appearances. Everything possible must be done to keep your reputation above reproach. Judges are required to make a notation in their judges' book when they encounter a situation where an exhibitor or dog is not eligible to show under them at an event. This report should give identifying information on the exhibitor and dog and a brief statement as to why, in the opinion of the judge, the handler or dog was ineligible. GLOSSARY OF TERMS TRACKING REGULATIONS Training - as related to where a student handler/ teacherjudge relationship is established, with or without compensation. OBEDIENCE REGULATIONS GENERAL REGULATIONS Chapter 1 Section 14. Dogs That May Not Compete. No dog may be entered or shown under a judge at an obedience trial if the dog has been owned, sold, held under lease, handled in the ring or has been regularly trained or instructed within six months prior to the date of the obedience trial by the judge or by any person residing in the same household as the judge. "Trained or instructed" applies equally to judges who train professionally or as amateurs and to judges who train individual dogs or train or instruct dogs in classes with or through their handlers (see "Glossary of Terms"). No exhibitor may show a dog under a judge at an obedience or rally trial if he has participated in a training session taught by that judge within thirty (30) days prior to the date of the event. OBEDIENCE REGULATIONS - OBEDIENCE JUDGES GUIDELINES CHAPTER 3 - PROCEDURES IN THE RING Eligibility. When the eligibility of a handler or a dog to compete is in question, the matter should be referred to the Event Committee. When the Event Committee determines, from the information available, that a dog or a handler is ineligible to compete in the class, the handler is to be informed of the requirements of the Obedience Regulations that make him or her ineligible to compete. It any alternative exists (such as substituting an eligible handler to replace the handler who is ineligible to take the dog into the ring), it should be suggested. If the handler insists on competing, regardless of their or the dog's eligibility, then it is the duty of the secretary or superintendent to point out to the handler that the judge will be requested to judge the dog "under protest," and the dog or handler's eligibility to compete will be reviewed by the AKC. The secretary or superintendent should inform the judge of the situation, requesting that the dog and handler be permitted to compete. The judge then permits the dog to compete. Judges are required to make a notation in their judges' book when they encounter a situation where an exhibitor or dog is not eligible to show under them at an event. This report should give identifying information on the exhibitor and dog and a brief statement as to why, in the opinion of the judge, the handler or dog was ineligible. It is the responsibility of the trial secretary or superintendent to provide a concise, factual statement of the problem in the official AKC show/trial report. The AKC will make a determination based on what has been reported. If it is determined that the dog is not eligible, the dog's score will be disallowed. GLOSSARY OF TERMS OBEDIENCE REGULATIONS Training - as related to where a student-handler/ teacherjudge relationship is established, with or without compensation. We have Terri Everwine to thank for this information.

6 Rand Park Dog Training Club Des Plaines Leisure Center Membership Meeting Minutes April 12, 2011 IN ATTENDANCE: See attendance list. The General Membership Meeting of the Rand Park Dog Training Club was called to order by Ruth Shields, President, at 9:03 PM. Corrections to the March 8, 2011 minutes: Rudy Kuper MOVED that we approve the minutes. The MOTION was seconded by Sonja Lund. MOTION carried. ADVISOR Marion Meseth: absent CHAIRMAN Rudy Kuper: no report PRESIDENT Ruth Shields: no report VICE PRESIDENT Terri Everwine: no report SECRETARY Lois Breslow: no report ASSISTANT SECRETARY Michelle Jaworski: no report TREASURER Forrest Shields: Forrest discussed the financial reports. ASSISTANT TREASURER Barb Pische: no report DIRECTOR Jean Eremo: no report DIRECTOR Kathy Hansen: no report DIRECTOR Bill Urquhart: Bill reported that the Park Ridge Memorial Day parade will take place at 10AM. Those who wished to walk in the parade will me near the Walgreens, at Talcott and Prospect. We re unit number 52. DIRECTOR Lois Leidahl-Marsh: no report DIRECTOR Dee Morrison: no report DIRECTOR Jo Ann Neville: no report DIRECTOR OF TRAINING Dee Morrison: Dee advised that we can use Prairie Lakes Park again this year for summer training. Committees Advertising & Publicity Mary Ann Gobbo/ Karen Korab: no report Agility Trial - Sally Bushwaller (2010)/Karen Schaubel (2011): Ruth advised that Karen reviewed the contract with For Your Canine. Audit & Fin. Bill Urquhart/Rudy Kuper/Jerry Wulff/Jeneane Hinrichsen: no report Banquet Lois Breslow: Lois requested that we pick up the registration forms for the banquet from her, to avoid having to mail them all out. She noted that those attending the banquet will receive a Rand Park polo shirt as a gift, and that they should wear it for the upcoming Memorial and Fourth of July parades. Lois added that we can use up our Rand Park bucks for the raffle. Raffle item donations may be give to Heanine or Sonja. We re in need of baskets as well Bylaws & Policies - Rudy Kuper: Rudy advised that he has extra copies of the policies and by-laws. Correction Clinics Jean Eremo: Jean said we had a marvelous time last month, 90 plus entries and we ll have approximately that many entries for the next one. We need to see some of our novice students at the clinic.

7 Demonstrations - Gloria Urquhart:/ Cheryl Pacyna/ Annie Pacyna: no report Equipment - Bill Urquhart: Help is needed the evening of Saturday April 30 to set up, and help breaking down Sunday after the trials. Historian - Ann Suwada: no report Improvement - Lois Breslow: no report Insurance - Barb Pische: no report Legislative Liaison Margo Milde/Lois Leidahl-Marsh : Margo advised that the really bad bills are not moving forward at this time. The PUPS bill, which now has a Senate version in addition to the House version, is picking up support and we need to oppose it. Please see the position statement on the IFDCO website. Liaison to the DesPlaines Park District-Marion Meseth/Bill Urquhart/Dee Morrison: Dee advised that summer training will take place at Prairie Lakes in DesPlaines. New Member Packets - Barb Pische: Barb reported that we had no new members since the last meeting Paw Prints - Ursula Hoeft: no report Obedience Trial (2011) Kathy Hanson: Kathy asked that we see Dee Morrison or Pat Beckstrom to offer help stewards are still needed. We ll be starting at 8AM. Refreshments - Gloria Urquhart/ Michelle Jaworski: Gloria thanked everyone for their contributions. Registration Gloria Urquhart/Jackie Limosani : Gloria received one inquiry and sent out one packet Tracking - Terri Everwine: Terri congratulated owners and their tracking dogs who ve achieved titles and honors! Training Hall Secretary - Rudy Kuper/Jerry Wulff: Rudy advised that we have various items of information available at the training hall table, as we a CD and Rand Park DTC patches as well. Trophies/Awards TRIAL AWARDS: Marion Meseth: absent SPECIAL AWARDS: Marion Meseth/Anita Wolney: absent ANNUAL AWARDS: Ruth Shields and Eleanor Goss: Ruth and Eleanor sent the information to the awards company today.. Website : Ursula Hoeft Ruth explained issues we were having regarding the website and domain names. The website URL is: Nominating Committee Bill Urquhart presented the uncontested slate of officers for 2011/2012: President: Ruth Shields Vice-President: Lois-Leidahl Marsh Secretary: Jackie Limosani Assistant Secretary: Michelle Jaworski Treasurer: Forrest Shields Asst. Treasurer: Eleanor Goss Chairman of the Board: Rudy Kuper Advisor to the Board: Marion Meseth Directors: Dee Morrison, Bill Urquhart, Kathy Hansen Terri Everwine MOVED that we accept the uncontested slate of officers. Mary Ann Gobbo seconded the MOTION. MOTION carried.

8 The members were asked to vote for 3 new Directors from the following names: Lois Breslow Diane Muzzey Karyn McCoy Terri Everwine. Ballots were distributed, and the following were elected to the position of Directors: Lois Breslow Diane Muzzey Karyn McCoy UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Health clinic Lois Breslow/Terri Everwine/Karen Korab: Karen advised that we have 100 dogs registered for the clinic. Eye drops require 30 minutes to work, so please be there an hour early NEW BUSINESS: Ruth advised that Terri set up a Facebook site for the Club. Sheryl Phelps announced that the Siberian Husky Club will match food pound for pound for PALS, and will be delivering 3200 pounds of dog food. Bill MOVED to adjourn the meeting. The MOTION was seconded by Gloria. The MOTION carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM. THE NEXT MEMBERSHIP MEETING WILL BE HELD TUESDAY OCTOBER 11, 2011 AT THE DES PLAINES LEISURE CENTER AT 9:00PM AFTER TRAINING. Respectfully Submitted, Michelle Jaworski Assistant Secretary Stewards Needed For Rand Park's Agility Trials on October 15 and 16 at For Your K Cornell Avenue Melrose Park Working at an Agility Trial is easy. Experience is not necessary! If you're new to the exciting world of dog sports, stewarding at the trials is a great way to see what Agility is all about. To volunteer, contact Karen Schaubel by to lunaria22@yahoo.com. You can also leave a message on her home phone, , or call her work number,

9 Legislative Liaison Committee Report August 20, 2011 Rand Park s Legislative Committee consists of Margo Milde, Chair mrm1206@yahoo.com and Lois Leidahl- Marsh bernersplus@comcast.net Please be sure to contact us with any pet legislation concerns or questions. "I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death." --Thomas Paine, The Crisis, no 1, 1776 Good news for Illinois dogs and their owners! Our Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners (IFDCO) Initiative bill, Illinois SB 1637 Animal Identification Scan was signed into law by Governor Quinn on August 3, 2011! You can read our IFDCO initiative bill, SB 1637, at this link: The Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners, who initiated SB 1637 bill, issued this press release upon its signing: For Immediate Release SB 1637 was signed into law on Wednesday, August 3, This bill was initiated by the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners [IFDCO]. The Federation is dedicated to protecting dog ownership rights in Illinois and worked very hard with legislators to get our first bill passed. We are thankful to Senator Pam Althoff for sponsoring the bill in the Illinois Senate and to Representative David Reis who sponsored it in the House. It passed both the Senate and the House unanimously on the first attempt. The law actually protects both cats and dogs and requires Animal Control facilities to scan for microchips and examine the pet for any other form of identification twice, once upon intake and again before transfer, adoption, or euthanasia if the pet is not claimed, to alert owners that their pet is in possession of an Animal Control facility. Also protected will be ownership interests, since the law will better ensure that a strayed pet who has any form of identification, including tags, tattoos, or microchips, is reunited with its real owner. The Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners [IFDCO] was established in December of 2009 to protect dog ownership rights in Illinois and to educate the Illinois legislature about all aspects of canine ownership. More than 40 all breed and breed specialty Illinois kennel clubs that actively participate in conformation, agility, obedience throughout the state are members of the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners. Check the IFDCO website (go to the Legislation page) for current information on all Illinois legislation: The Illinois House and Senate are currently on summer break except for possible special session called by the Governor, and we do not think anything of great importance pet-wise will happen in the Illinois legislature until the October November Fall veto session. A new study is out that shows that commonly banned breeds are no more aggressive than more acceptable breeds, and are not responsible for a greater share of bites either of people or of animals. This study was released in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, and focused on a number of pet dogs in Spain. Surprisingly (or not) the study did reveal that big dogs are less apt to exhibit aggressive behaviors, including barking, snarling, or biting, than are the smaller dogs. This was especially interesting to the researchers, since banned breeds typically tend toward larger breed dogs. So again, yet another published paper disputes the effectiveness, and even the need for, Breed Specific Legislation. Thanks to the National Canine Research Council who is spreading the word on this important study: Finally, your dog-related humor for the week! Are You Insulting Your Pet? Animal Rights folks tell us that we re insulting our pets by even calling them pets, since they believe that pets should not be considered and referred to as property. Dog-owning columnist Erik Deckers disagrees, tackling this subject with a very humorous writing style:

10 Rand Park Dog Training Club, Inc. Training Calendar for Year Fall Session September 20 Orientation September 27 Training Week 1 October 4 Training Week 2 October 11 Training Week 3 Membership Meeting October 18 Training Week 4 October 25 Training Week 5 November 1 Training Week 6 November 8 Training Week 7 November 15 Training Week 8 November 22 Training Week 9 November 29 Evaluation Winter Session December 6 Orientation December 13 Training Week 1 December 20 Training Week 2 December 27 Training Week 3 January 3 Training Week 4 January 10 Training Week 5 Membership Meeting January 17 Training Week 6 January 24 Training Week 7 January 31 Training Week 8 February 7 Training Week 9 February 14 Training Week 10 February 21 Evaluation February 28 Program Spring Session March 6 Orientation Membership Meeting March 13 Training Week 1 March 20 Training Week 2 March 27 Training Week 3 April 3 Training Week 4 April 10 Training Week 5 Membership Meeting April 17 Training Week 6 April 24 Training Week 7 May 1 Training Week 8 May 8 Training Week 9 May 15 Training Week 10 May 22 Evaluation Training Hours: 6:15 to 7:05; 7:05 to7:55; 7:55 to 8:45; 8:45 to 9:35 EXCEPT on October 11, January 10, March 6 and April 10. On those nights, classes will be shortened to allow time for the Membership Meetings. Training hours for those nights will be: 6:15 to 6:55; 6:55 to 7:35; 7:35 to 8:15; 8:15 to 8:55. Meetings will immediately follow the last classes. Please keep this Calendar for future reference

11 Rand Park Dog Training Club Correction Clinics Correction Clinic Dates: September 10, 2011, October 1, November 12, December 10, January 21, 2012, February 11, March 3, May 5, June 2, July 7 Correction Clinics are held at For Your Canine 1975 Cornell Ave. Melrose Park, Illinois (For Your Canine is air conditioned) Judging starts at 10:00 a.m. No entries will be accepted after 12:00 p.m. Fees: Pre-entry: $7 ($6 for second entry of same dog) Gate entry: $8 ($7 for second entry of same dog.) Classes Offered: Novice Open Utility All classes are limited to 30 entries Mail entries to: Jean Eremo, 2511 N. 79th Ave., Elmwood Park, IL Phone: JEANEREMO@AOL.COM Make checks payable to: Rand Park Dog Training Club, Inc. (RPDTC) Name: Phone: Address: City/State/Zip: Breed: Dog's Name: Class: Additional Class: Jump Heights: I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Rand Park Dog Training Club, Inc., its officers, directors and members against any and all claims or actions that may at any time be made or instituted against them or any of them by any person for the purpose of enforcing any cause or action growing out of or connected with my attendance or my dog's attendance at the correction clinics conducted by the Rand Park Dog Training Club, Inc. Signature Clinic Date: Date: Amount Paid: Rand Park Dog Training Club, Inc.