Official Newsletter of the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of Northern California October-November-December 2015 Volume 4- Issue 4 Newsletter Editor: Diane Marsh fdmarsh@comcast.net
2015 Club Officers President Francis Marsh Vice President Cindy Heiller, DVM Secretary Terri Simon Treasurer Diane Marsh 2015 Directors Silke Alberts Randy Berry Frank Ely Patti Ely Joan Payton Club Web Site: www.gwpcnc.com Web Master: Kathy Kimberlin user6021@aol.com Informational Web Sites AKC American Kennel Club www.akc.org GWPA German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America www.gwpca.com GWPCNC German Wirehaired Pointer Club of N. California www.gwpcnc.9f.com NAVHDA N. American Versatile Hunting Dog Association www.navhda.org OFA Orthopedic Foundation For Animals www.offa.org VHDF Versatile Hunting Dog Federation www.vhdf.org German Wirehair Alliance - www.wirehairalliance.com (promoting and safeguarding the breed) 1
January Tentative January 24, 2016 Sunday- General Meeting January 30-31, 2016 Saturday & Sunday- Golden Gate Shows Cow Palace benched show February March April April 2-3, 2016 Saturday/Sunday GWPCNC Annual Hunt Test Hastings Island May May21-22,2016 Saturday/Sunday GWPCNC Annual Walking Field Trial Hastings Island June June 12, 2016 Sunday GWPCNC Annual Show Specialty Vallejo Held in connection with Woofstock 4 day show (there will be a luncheon and club meeting on Sunday After judging is complete July Date to be determined Club Picnic & Fun Stuff August September October September 18, 2016 Sunday General Meeting GWPCA Nationals in Oregon November November 17-20, 2016 Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday GWPCNC Annual Riding Field Trial Kistler Ranch December December 18, 2016 Sunday General Meeting 2
Current Membership = 66 Reminder Membership Fees Are due on January 1, 2016 3
Christmas Day in Minden Nevada Rittenhouse homestead Fran Marsh with Onxy & Lola Chukar Hunting in Nevada in October Lola on point Spot and Junior Payton with Friends Halloween in Bakersfield 4
GWPCNC RESCUE They may not always need to be rescued from a burning building, but they do need to be rescued. These are not throwaway dogs. Most are turned into shelters because their humans love them but can no longer care for them. There are many remarkable, loving GWP's just waiting for someone like you to give them a chance. Please look into your heart and checkbook to help us give them that chance. Thank You Please check back frequently for GWP's in need of re-homing. You may also wish to check www.petfinder.com and the National site, www.gwpca.com for available (and appreciative) GWP's GWPCNC Rescue places Wirehairs who find themselves in need of a new forever home. Prior to being released for adoption, these GWP's will have been examined by a Veterinarian, had any necessary medical treatment, spayed or neutered, and, if over 6 months old, tested for Heartworm. All vaccinations will have been updated and all Rescues, puppies included, are micro-chipped prior to adoption. Each will be assessed to determine the best possible opportunities for a successful placement. Many of our dogs have had basic obedience training and have been family members. Their age ranges from puppy to senior. They come with all manner of life experiences and levels of training, from lonely isolated back yard dogs to finished show champions and personal hunting companions, and everything in between. Dr. Cindy Heiller, DVM, is the GWPCNC Rescue Chairman. She may be reached via email: gwpdoc@sbcglobal.net or by phone at The Haven Kennel: (707) 528-2627. 5
GWP's in need of re-homing may also be viewed at: www.gwpcnc.com (German Wirehaired Pointer Club of Northern CA Club) www.thehavenkennel.com (Dr. Heiller's Kennel in Santa Rosa, CA) www.gwpca.com (National GWP Organization; the GWP Parent Club) www.petfinder.com (A national animal rescue group) PILOTS and PAWS PILOTS and PAWS is an organization with a mission of mercy--to save animals in shelters from death row. Pilots donate their time, planes, and fuel to transport animals from overcrowded shelters to rescue g PILOTS and PAWS works entirely on volunteerism and donations via its website: http://pilotsnpaws.org/ More rescue tales, videos, maps, and news articles may be viewed on the site. 6
The Haven Kennel Premier Dog & Cat Boarding Facility 3953 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Phone: (707) 528-2627 Owner & Proprietor Dr. Cynthia Heiller, DVM The Haven provides quality care and comfortable living quarters for all residents. Please feel free to call and setup an appointment to inspect our facilities, before deciding to board with us. The Haven is also the headquarters for the Northern California German Wirehaired Pointer Rescue Program 7
All Star Invitational Judges and Assistants Sandy Williams & Greg Dixon, Leslie Puppo & Frank Ely, & Liz Dixon Frank & Patti Ely watching from afar 8
DC AFC Tumalo Teddy National Field Championship Winner GWP National Field Championship Winner DC/AFC Tumalo Teddy H- John Williams - O- John and Sandy Williams 2nd DC Dual Shots Flying High MH. H- Meg Eden - O- Carla Karla Hawkins 3rd Scotian Andromeda Galaxy H- Tom Lococo - O- Tom Lococo 4th Jay-Mars Walk the Line BN Rn OA OAJ H- Mike Braddock - O- Mike Braddock and Nicole Litwin 9
Nationals Amateur Field Trial Winners NFC NAFC FC AFC NGDC Tumalo Timberjack DC AFC Dual Shot's Flying High MH 2xNAFC FC AFC Big Oaks Sweet Thing DC AFC Tumalo Teddy NFC NAFC FC AFC NGDC Tumalo Timberjack DC AFC NFC Tumalo Teddy 10
CH. Weidenhugel Becca V Blitz MH led the way for daughter, Kate and grandson Tye and still runs with the big dogs. Becca, Kate s mom Kate Becca on point with grandson,tye, Kate s son, honoring 11
What is more fun to do at the Nationals: A. Stand around a be bored B. Being Silly and playing with Thorne. B of course -!!!! National Winners trying to stand still with heavy wind gusts 12
Nationals Winner s Bitch & Best of Winners Surefire Rhiannon s Secret (Rhi) owned by Joan and Andy Payton and expertly handled by Joan Payton Rally Rally Novice B Ring: 2 Judge: Karen Bedeau 1st GCH CH SUREFIRE'S THORNY LITTLE SECRET JH. SR56797902. 5/26/2009. Bitch. Breeder: Owners. By DC Nyramskov's H Hector - CH Surefire's Secret Moonshine RN JH. Owner(s): JOAN PAYTON AND ANDY PAYTON. Also in Brood Bitch 91 2nd SCOTIAN SPARKARROW TO MY HEART. SR80409604. 11/18/2013. Bitch. Breeder: Richard Brannan & Larua Reeves-Lococo. By CH Backwoods DK Fyrst - CH Scotian Where There's Smoke. Owner(s): KRISTIN SANDSTEDE. Also in Open, Special Sweeps C, Novice B 77 13
Surefire s Secret Rose Thorn -GCH CH.Surefire s Thorny Little Secret JH- Surefire s Rhiannon s Secret-Surefire s Secret Rose Briar, Rhi, & Thorn 14
Bred By Exhibitor Dogs Kathi Boyd with Weidenhugel Quinn V Teddy Kathi Boyd with Weidenhugel Teagan Kathi Boyd with WeidenhugelTye 15
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GCH CH. Weidenhugel Luca V Sep Laura Reeves with Luca at the Nationals Leslie Puppo with Luca at the Nationals Frank Ely, said, Luca loves the camera Luca, owned and loved by Frank and Patti Ely, will be going to New York for the Westminster Show. 17
Candy thought she needed an income so she started a new company. Richard has put her on the payroll. Becca helps with the bigger problems. Night security can be a dangerous occupation! Cindy Heiller 18
On September 5, 2015 Jetta, Sharon Jahn s bitch, gave birth to 9 beautiful puppies. On September 21, 2015, Treff, the puppies grandfather, paid them a visit. It was Treff s 13 th birthday. What a Sweet Grandpa. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just wanted to let you know, my pup, "Otto" is having the best life he can. Already being introduced to pheasants, geese, doves and fishing. He bounces to life in the field and has a ball. Dave got his wonderful puppy from Jim and Marge Yerkes. 19
On December 15, 2015, Terry and Ann Duffin s lovely bitch VonDuffin s Knock on Wood, Ebony, gave birth to 4 beautiful puppies. Three boys and one girl. All of the puppies will have black marking just like their beautiful mom. 20
This is my bulldog, Tank, giving Santa what fore!!! Art Work by Kathy Kimberlin Lola and Gracie 21
I have to brag on my wonderful, fun loving, once in a lifetime, fantastic bird dog, and my heart and soul, Gracie. As many of you might know, Gracie came down with an idiopathic liver ailment when she was three in 2009and we almost lost her. I am happy to report that she will be 10 years old on January 11, 2016 and doing great. She will be on medication for the rest of her life, but that does not slow her down. Two weeks before Christmas, Francis took her hunting and within 20 minutes, they had bagged four pheasants. She is and always be our meat dog. Picture courtesy of Bob Rittenhouse Weidenhugel Zenea Grace V O Hi JH RN CGC 22
GWPCNC Riding Field Trial November 12-15, 2015 Kistler Ranch Viper won the Grand Open Limited at the GWPCNC field trial at Kistler Ranch on November 13, 2015. Qualifying her for the National Gun Dog event. Viper is owned and loved by Gayle and John Moynier and expertly handled by Scott Azevedo 23
Air Line Changes for Shipping Pets Delta will no longer allow pets to travel with checked luggage By Kathleen Burke, Market Watch November 18 2015 Soon you won t be able to check your dog with your suitcase on Delta flights.delta Air Lines stated on its website that it will no longer allow customers to check their pets with their baggage after March 1, 2016, unless passengers are a member of the military with active transfer orders or require service animals. Certain pets can still travel in the cabin for a fee or be shipped on the ground via the Delta Cargo service. Prices for Delta Cargo shipping range from $193 to $1,481. The move may have been prompted by Delta s history of pet incidents. The airline has recorded the highest number of pet deaths between May 2005 and September 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. On Delta flights alone, 74 pets have died in the 10-year time period, accounting for about 25% of all recorded airline pet deaths in the U.S., and 14 pets have gone missing. However, these numbers are just a small percentage of the thousands of pets that travel on airlines each year. Delta imposed restrictions on pet travel in the cargo compartment in 2011, banning snub-nosed dogs and cats from being checked after a number of incidents with breeds with respiratory problems, according to The Atlanta Constitution-Journal. However, 24 pet deaths on Delta flights were recorded by the Department of Transportation after December 2011. Once the new policy goes into effect, American Airlines will be the only U.S.-based airline to allow pets to travel in the checked-baggage compartment of its airplanes, according to data from travel review website BringFido.com. Other airlines, like JetBlue, United Airlines and Southwest, don't allow animals to travel in the cargo compartment. The Humane Society of the United States doesn't support pets traveling in cargo: We strongly discourage having your pet travel by air in the cargo hold of a plane, its policy states. It can be dangerous and stressful. Delta didn't respond to a request for comment, but in 2013 it required travelers provide a health certificate for pets that are traveling on the same flight as the owner, which must be issued within 10 days of transport. The company advises on its website that customers take extra care when traveling with animals: Your pet is an important member of your family. Review the health, kennel and weather requirements listed below to help keep your pets safe and secure during travel. This article would affect people shipping/traveling to the NSS in 2016 or just taking dogs with them.it also states that after the date in the article, American Airlines will be the only air carrier left. I contacted Alaska Airlines, and they aren't sure of this statement that was made by this news agency," that American would be the only one left. Alaska also has another arm of the Airline called Pet express, and the individual, didn't think it would be effected. So a heads up. Forewarned is forearmed for this coming year. 24
The Differences Between Male and Female Dogs By: Dr. Becker Submitted by: Chuck and Becki Ramage Obviously, male and female dogs are different anatomically, but what are the behavioral differences between them? Is one gender more intelligent or compliant than the other? The question of which is "better," male or female dogs, is a subject that has yet to be studied scientifically. But most dog lovers have definite opinions based on their own experience. According to PetMD: "Some believe that the male dog is more affectionate and easier to train, while the female dog is more aggressive and protective of its owners and puppies. Well, the truth is that when it comes to dogs and puppies there is no superior sex. "[These] qualities are just the anecdotal observations of many dog owners. There is no study that has proved any general truism that a dog will behave a certain way because it is male or female." Most knowledgeable dog people agree that a canine's behavior depends on his upbringing and training. Affection, aggression, and other traits both positive and negative are fostered by a dog's environment and his human caretakers. Are Female Dogs Moodier Than Males? Over at YourPurebredPuppy.com they believe that as a general rule, male dogs are more emotionally secure than females: *"Male dogs tend to be more stable in mood than female dogs less prone to emotional swings. *"Male dogs are often bolder and more aggressive than females, although in some breeds it is the female who is 'sharper' and more aggressive while the males might be described as 'goofy,' 'klutzy,' or 'big softies.'"2 *They believe female dogs are a bit, shall we say, temperamental: *"Female dogs are more prone to mood swings. They can be sweet and loving when they're happy but a bit on the grumpy side if something isn't to their liking. *"Because they're opinionated, female dogs can be manipulative when they're trying to convince you that they really, really don't want to do something. Female dogs are experts at The Dirty Look and The Sulk. *"Female dogs are often less pushy and 'in your face' than male dogs are. Yes, females are affectionate, definitely, but often it's on their own terms. They may request lots of petting, then assert their independence by walking away when they've had enough."3 25
Gina Spadafori, author of Dogs for Dummies, 2nd Edition, agrees that female dogs are moodier than males, but she makes an important distinction between spayed vs. unspayed females: "Unspayed females are generally moodier than unneutered males. Although males tend to be more constant in temperament, they can be annoying in their constant pursuit of such male-dog activities as sex, leg-lifting, and territory protection. (Some would say constancy isn't a positive trait in these cases, and argue that some unneutered males aren't just constant, but constantly annoying.)"4 Spadafori also points out that while they may be more compliant than females most of the time, unneutered male dogs are often less attentive to their owners, even challenging their leadership, when there's an unspayed female in heat within sniffing distance. Breed Also Plays a Role in Male Vs. Female Behavior Breed characteristics can also account for certain behavioral tendencies and turn widely held beliefs about males vs. females upside down. Spadafori cites these examples:5 In dominant breeds like the Rottweiler, females are often sweeter and more biddable than males In breeds that tend to be a little skittish, such as the Shetland Sheepdog, males may tend to be more extroverted and approachable And in some breeds, such as the Golden Retriever, there can be almost no noticeable distinction between the sexes especially in Goldens that have been spayed or neutered"when deciding on a type of dog, concentrate on the breed or breed type rather than the gender, since the toughest male of an easy-going breed is probably a bigger cupcake than the mildest female of a breed with dominant tendencies. "Talking to reputable breeders gives you a clear picture how the sexes differ, not only in the breed as a whole, but also in particular breeding lines."6in 2011, researchers at the University of Vienna conducted an experiment to see if gender plays a role in canine cognitive abilities.7the study involved 50 dogs, including Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Australian Shepherds, and mixed breeds 25 male and 25 female. The researchers attached blue tennis balls to boards using string, and then presented four different scenarios to the dogs: The researchers wanted to find out if, like humans, dogs have the ability to understand the concept of object permanence, which is the physical law that says objects continue to exist in the same form even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched.8 Small Study Tests Cognitive Abilities of Male Vs. Female Dogs Spadafori offers this advice for prospective dog guardians: A small tennis ball disappeared behind the board and then reappeared A large tennis ball disappeared behind the board and then reappeared 26
A small tennis ball disappeared behind the board and a large ball reappeared A large tennis ball disappeared behind the board and a small ball reappeared. The results, according to Veterinary Pet Insurance, demonstrated a distinct difference between how the male and female dogs responded: "In scenarios 3 and 4, female dogs stared at the different sized balls that appeared for an average of 30 seconds - three times longer than they did when the same sized ball reappeared from behind the wooden board.the University of Vienna researchers think it's doubtful there is an evolutionary reason behind the difference in visual skills between female and male dogs. However, psychologist and canine expert Stanley Coren, professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia in Canada and author of The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions, and Inner Lives of Our Canine Companions, has a different opinion:he makes the point that female dogs might need to rely on sight over smell to keep track of a litter of puppies, who all tend to smell the same. Male dogs are more scent-oriented (which is why they are often preferred for trailing and tracking work), so they may be less impressed by nuances in their visual field.perhaps in the future we'll see more definitive research on the natural behavioral distinctions between male and female dogs. But in my opinion, nothing will ever be more important to a dog's overall success in life than the care, guidance, and nurturing that we, as their guardians, provide. Regardless of Your Dog's Nature, It's Your Nurturing That Counts "Whenever you find sex differences, you can usually find an evolutionary reason as to why these things occur," Coren told Science Magazine.10 "Researchers concluded that the female dogs noticed the change and therefore had superior cognitive abilities." 9 "While male dogs appeared oblivious to any change in the disappearing blue tennis balls, female dogs immediately noticed a difference. Female Dogs May Be More Visually-Oriented Than Males There is a study for everything. And does it change really help individual preferences, probably not. We all have our own. But its a question we always personally get asked. Interesting article for what its worth Dean Dean Goodding NWDirector@GSPCA.org 503.758.6058 27
By Dr. Becker Many experts and organizations in a position to know (for example, animal behaviorists, dog trainers, and rescue professionals), discourage dog guardians from acquiring puppy littermates. In fact, many shelters and breeders simply refuse to place siblings together. The reason, according to certified professional dog trainer Jeff Stallings, writing for The Bark: Anecdotal evidence suggests that behavioral issues may arise during key development periods because the two puppies deep bond impedes their individual ability to absorb and grasp the nuances of human and canine communication. 1 In other words, canine siblings can be so closely bonded on a primal level, that if they go on to share the same home and family, that deep connection can inhibit their ability to learn how to communicate with their humans and interact with other dogs. They wind up with a muddled understanding of the world around them, according to Stallings, which can create fearfulness and other undesirable coping behaviors. The phenomenon is known as littermate syndrome, and it doesn t occur in every single pair of littermates who are raised in the same home. However, it happens often enough that experts in canine behavior and the human-canine bond advise against bringing home siblings. Signs of Littermate Syndrome Some of the signs of littermate syndrome include: Fear of strangers (people and dogs) Fear of unfamiliar stimuli High level of anxiety when separated even for a short time Failure to learn basic obedience commands Training two littermates is not just a matter of twice the work, but also the level of difficulty resulting from the puppies constantly distracting each other. According to Patricia McConnell, applied animal behaviorist and author of several books on canine behavior: 28
It s just hard to get their attention. They are so busy playing with each other that you become the odd man out. I suspect this indeed does have to do with social bonding to some extent, but I have seen pups of a duo who clearly adored their humans. Adored them. They just didn t listen to them. It seems harder to get their attention, harder to teach them emotional control, and harder to teach them boundaries. I imagine that we humans become more like party poopers that interfere in their fun with their playmates, not to mention that we are more tiring, because they have to learn a foreign language in order to communicate with us. 2 Another Potential Problem Among Littermates: Fighting Sometimes littermate syndrome can take the form of non-stop fighting between the dogs. Bullying and aggression between siblings seems to happen more often than between unrelated dogs, and it can get nasty. Many well-intentioned dog guardians have terrible tales to tell about the harm caused to one sibling by the other. Shelters have stories as well of pairs (or one of a pair) being returned because the adoptive owner feared for the well-being of the sibling being bullied. Unhealthy Emotional Dependence Nicole Wilde, canine behavior expert and author of Don t Leave Me! believes the separation anxiety between littermates is the result of hyper-attachment, which is also what interferes with the puppies ability to be properly socialized. People assume that having two same-age pups who play together and interact constantly covers their dog-dog socialization needs, Wilde told Stallings, but they in fact don t learn how other [dogs] play and have no idea about social skills with other puppies, adolescents or adult dogs. Perhaps one puppy is a bit of a bully, which his littermate puts up with, Wilde continued, but his rude behavior might not be tolerated by a new dog in a new setting. 3 Many canine behavior experts feel it s best to rehome one of the siblings when a pair is showing early signs of littermate syndrome, so that both puppies have the opportunity to grow separately into stable, balanced adults. Since this can be a difficult time for the original owners, it s often easier to have prospective new owners meet both puppies and decide which one to take. Uh Oh I ve Already Adopted a Pair of Littermates. Help! It s important to keep in mind that it isn t a given that every pair of puppy siblings will develop littermate syndrome. In fact, I m sure there are many people reading here right now who are in complete disagreement with the advice of the experts I ve cited. With that said, according to Pat Miller writing for the Whole Dog Journal, there are things you can do to prevent or mitigate littermate syndrome if you ve already brought sibling pups home with you.4 The goal is to keep the puppies from developing a counterproductive degree of emotional dependence on one another. 29
Two dogs, two crates Miller recommends crating your puppies separately at night. The crates can be near each other initially, but one pup per crate helps each dog learn to adjust to being alone. The next step is to gradually increase the distance between the crates until the pups can no longer see each other. Make sure the crates are in bedrooms at night so the pups spend several hours in close contact with their human family members. Two dogs, two training sessions Train your puppies separately so that you can count on their undivided attention. Miller also suggests walking and socializing them separately to avoid ending up with a leader and a follower who looks to the leader not you for social cues, commands, and direction. This will help both pups develop into confident, independent adult dogs. Use training sessions to lavish attention and affection on one puppy, while the other works on a treat-release toy in his crate in another room. This will allow you to develop a bond with each puppy. Two dogs, two play sessions Miller suggests separating the pups for play sessions at least some of the time so that the less assertive of the two can come into her own. For example, if you always play fetch with the two together, says Miller, you re likely to see that one pup repeatedly gets the toy and brings it back, while the other runs happily along behind. If you watch closely, you may even see the more assertive one do a little body language warning if the other tries to get the toy a hard stare and stiffened body, perhaps. The less assertive one defers to her sibling by letting go of the toy and looking away. That s a fine and normal puppy interaction, but it can suppress the softer pup s retrieving behavior. Unless you make the effort to give her positive reinforcement for fetching toys when you play with her alone, you might find it difficult to get her to retrieve later on in her training. 5 A Good Rule of Thumb for Most Dog Guardians: One Pup at a Time As I mentioned earlier, littermate syndrome isn t a foregone conclusion for every pair of puppy siblings. Genetics play a role, and certainly the knowledge and commitment of the dogs owner to raise two wellsocialized, balanced individuals does as well. However, the general advice given by professionals is: don t do it. Instead, adopt a puppy who is most likely to fit into your lifestyle, and then focus on training and socializing your pup to insure she is comfortable in her environment and when she encounters other dogs and people. Only after your puppy has grown into a well-balanced adult is it smart to think about adding a second canine companion to the family. 30
Talking "Alpha Dogs" When You Should Be Talking "Dominant Dogs!" Dog Training Tips Newsletter Copyright 2015 by Browning Direct, Inc. I've been watching our dog training discussion board for the past few weeks and have recently noticed that several people have confused what is an Alpha dog with what is a Dominant dog.understanding the difference between an Alpha dog and a Dominant dog will help you to better understand how your dog relates to you, and how he relates to other dogs. And the best way to illustrate this difference is with an example: Mary called me on the telephone and told me she'd just read the "Monks of New Skete" Dog Training book. With her new-found knowledge, she was sure that her dog was an Alpha dog. But she was also sure that SHE was the dominant one in their relationship. Mary thought she knew. But Mary was actually still confused a bit. Many people don't realize that the concept of an Alpha dog can only exist as a relative term. Relative, that is, to the other dogs (or people) in the pack. So, Mary's dog could only be the Alpha dog if it was the most dominant dog in the pack. But if Mary's dog saw her as being the pack leader, then Mary's dog (by definition) could not be an Alpha dog."but maybe Mary meant that her dog was the Alpha dog, relative to the other puppies in its pack?" you ask. Wrong again, I say. When Mary's breeder announced that she had "puppies on the ground," there were eight pups in the litter. For argument's sake, we'll call them puppy #1, puppy #2, puppy #3, etc... with puppy #8 being the most dominant, and puppy #1 being the most submissive. At this point, we call puppy #8 the "Alpha dog. " During the first week that the puppies are for sale, Mary's breeder sells puppy #7 and puppy #8 to a nice couple from Rhode Island. Guess what? Now puppy #6 is the Alpha dog! See, the concept of an Alpha dog is only relevant to other dogs in the pack. And two weeks later, when Mary came to view the litter (which now only had four dogs)... guess what? When Mary asked, "Which one's the Alpha dog?"... her breeder correctly and honestly told her that puppy #4 is the Alpha dog. Just because you have adopted the Alpha dog, does not mean you have adopted a dominant dog!even if Mary had adopted puppy #8... the original Alpha dog from that litter... she doesn't necessarily have a dominant dog. Yes, it is true that puppy #8 is MORE dominant than the other puppies in the litter. But this in no way should imply that because puppy #8 is a dominant dog... in absolute terms. For example, if you throw me in a boxing ring with a half dozen 85 pound Catholic Nuns from Poland... it's likely that I will be the most dominant guy in the ring. Or in this pack, I'd be the "Alpha dog." But does that make me a dominant guy, by definition? No. It only makes me dominant RELEVANT to the other people standing in the ring. (In this case, the Nuns.) As soon as you substitute Mike Tyson and Hulk Hogan and Arnold Schwartzenegger with those Polish Nuns... all of the sudden you realize that I am: 1.) No longer the Alpha dog in this pack. 2.) Not, by any means, a dominant guy. So, in sum, the term "Alpha Dog" is only a term that can be used relevant to other dogs in a specific pack. It is a RELATIVE term. As soon as Mary brings her dog home and establishes herself as dominant, her puppy is no longer an Alpha dog in her household.now, the concept of a "Dominant" dog is more of an ABSOLUTE term, which can be applied regardless of where the dog ranks in the pack. For instance, if we took puppies that were bred from top Schutzhund competitor Gary Hanrahan's German Shepherd dog, Pirol... all of these puppies are going to be very dominant dogs. Even though only one will be the Alpha dog. Dean Goodding NWDirector@GSPCA.org 31
Product Alert! There are tennis balls made by Tretorn called "Tretorn X" that contain an inert substance which presumably helps with the bounce. However, when the dog pops open the tennis ball while chewing, the substance makes a terrible gooey mess in their mouth and presents an aspiration hazard. I was made aware of this by a client who's dog had a bad experience with just such a tennis ball. Here is a picture of one exposing the material inside.it seems that the material is non-toxic. However, it still presents a potential injury problem. Make your friends aware! 32
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