Golden Views Official Newsletter of the Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club April, 2009 30 th 1979-2009 We re Baaack. OVGRC Board of Directors: Officers: Darwin Boles, President air.bus@sympatico.ca 613-274-3562 Deb Brunner-Walker, Past President deb@trigold.ca 613-832-4193 Frances Holmes, Vice President frances.holmes@sympatico.ca 613-795-4839 Ginny Chafe, Secretary ginnychafe@rogers.com 613-737-6967 Donna Lahaise, Treasurer aj340@ncf.ca 613-838-5540 Directors: Darwin Boles, Obedience Pat Enright, Conformation manistee@sympatico.ca 613-256-2905 Ann Lambert, Agility brackenridge@sympatico.ca 613-832-3042 Frances Holmes, Membership Deb Brunner-Walker, Field Susan Roberts, Director at Large lynwoodgoldens@storm.ca Kate McDermott, Director at Large kmcdermott@xplornet.com 613-253-5328 David Skinner, Webmaster djskin@rogers.com 613-727-8329 Welcome to the newest installment of Golden Views! Spring is a time of change and renewal and with that in mind, the OVGRC has decided to change things up a bit in regards to the newsletter. We ll still keep you up to date on all the Club happenings as always but thought it might be fun to focus the newsletter content a little differently. If you ve had a chance to read the article Activities to Try With Your Golden on page 12, you ll know what a versatile breed our best friends belong to. With that in mind, we re going to dedicate each issue to exploring a different activity area, starting with the agility issue which will debut in June. Other theme issues will be the field issue, the obedience issue, and a special living with your golden issue. Don t worry, we ll still bring you informative articles on health, grooming, and training. We d also like to try and put some faces to our members - or at least to their dogs. So, tell us a bit about yourself, your dogs and what got you involved with the breed in the first place. We ll publish it in the newsletter and start to get to know each other a bit better. Think of it as the low-tech version of Facebook for the golden world! Don t forget to send in pictures. You ll see some really great pics of members dogs in this issue. Let s keep them coming! And finally - this is YOUR newsletter. We welcome submissions for inclusion. Don t be shy about your brags - big or small - you ve earned the right to let everyone know about your accomplishments! I hope you enjoy the new format. We welcome your feedback. Inside this issue: Brags 2 AGM 4 2008 Plaques and Bars 8 Kid s Corner 9 Golden Profile: Maggie 10 Update on Retired Competitor 11 Golden Activities 12 More Activities 15 Bloat-Concerns and Solutions 16 Emergency Cards 19 Early Neurological Stimulation 20 1
Club News President s Message Darwin Boles On behalf of the OVGRC Board of Directors, I welcome you to the spring edition of our Club s Newsletter. 2009 is a special year a OVGRC is celebrating its 30 th anniversary as a club. We will be recognizing this milestone by issuing special qualifying pins at our performance events throughout the year. My heartfelt thanks go out to all the volunteers who, over the past year, have contributed greatly to the success of all our activities. As you will read in the body of the Newsletter, our club has been very active during the past year. Those events could not have been possible without the time and energy donated by our volunteers. Special mention has to be made to our club members who served on the Board of Directors for the fiscal year ending March 31 st, 2009. I also welcome the new Board, elected at the AGM, who is listed both inside the extensive AGM coverage and on the front page of this newsletter. As your Board, our first priority for this fiscal year is to ensure that the Club is on a firm financial footing. Enjoy reading your Club s Newsletter, which is a great example of volunteers working together to produce an excellent snapshot of the many activities in which our club is involved. Brags!! Ellie Beals and David Skinner are delighted to report that their boy Fracas, (pictured at right) earned his CDX at the February OVGRC trials, just a few days before his second birthday, with some very nice qualifying scores. The lad thus acquired six titles (Canadian and American obedience and rally) in his first year of competition. He is now happily working towards his Utility title. Bruce Gibbons reports that at the recent Lakeshore Dog Training Association (LDTA) obedience trials, Bright (aka Rideauview s Bright Horizons CDX) got a 200 (a perfect score!) in Open: his first and Bruce s 20th! Lakeshore is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year and Bruce and Bright got the 200 under former LDTA member Roland Belanger. Deb Brunner-Walker is pleased to announce that Goldencol s Come Fly With Me, Flyer, has had a good start to the year, earning his Canadian OTCh, American UD and American Open Fast titles in February and March. Got a brag? Let us know! 2
Just For Fun LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE Whoever said LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE" didn't sleep with dogs. The first thing you discover when you bring a dog onto your bed is the striking difference in weight between an alert, awake dog and a dog at rest. Rule #1: The deeper the sleep, the heavier the dog. Most people who sleep with dogs develop spinal deformities rather than rent the heavy equipment necessary to move their snoring canines to a more appropriate part of the bed. Cunning canines steal precious space in tiny increments until they have achieved the center position on the bed, with all covers carefully tucked under them for safekeeping. The stretch and roll method is very effective in gaining territory. Less subtle tactics are sometimes preferred. A jealous dog can worm his way between a sleeping couple and, with the proper spring action from all four legs, shove a sleeping human to the floor. Rule #2: The deeper the sleep, the louder the dog. As you cling to the edge of the bed, wishing you had covers, your sweet pup begins to snore at a volume you would not have thought possible. Once that quiets down, the dog dreams begin. Yipping, growling, running, kicking. Your bed becomes a battlefield and playground of canine fantasy. It starts out with a bit of "sleep running", lots of eye movement and then, suddenly, a shrieking howl blasted through the night like a banshee wail. The horror of this wake-up call haunts you for years. It's particularly devastating when your pup insists on sleeping curled around your head like a demented Daniel Boone cap. Rule #3: When the dog wakes, you wake. The night creeps on and you fall asleep in the 3 inches of bed not claimed by a dog. The dog dreams quiet slightly and the heap of dog flesh sleeps breathing heavily and passing wind. Then, too soon, its dawn and the heap stirs. Each dog has a distinctive and unpleasant method of waking the pack. One may position itself centimeters from a face and stare until you wake. The clever dog obtains excellent results by simply sneezing on your face, or they could romp all over your sleeping bodies, or the ever-loving insertion of a tongue in an unsuspecting ear. 3
AGM 2009 Overview of the 2009 OVGRC AGM Ginny Chafe, Secretary The 2009 OVGRC AGM was held at The Cheshire Cat in Carp on April 1 st. There were 17 members present, down from the 20 members at the 2008 AGM. Last year s minutes were read and approved, followed by the Director s reports which appear in this newsletter. A short break was taken while platters of chicken wings, chicken tenders, vegetables and dip, breaded zucchini, pickles, cheese, sweet potato and potato fries were served and beverages were replenished. Then back to business. Following the Treasurer s report a lively and lengthy discussion was held on how to remedy last year s financial outcome. Reasons for losing money on all events except Field, which had a profit, ranged from the increase in the cost of gas to the fall of the Canadian dollar after American judges were given contracts. In the case of the Agility trials, there was a trial in Quebec on the same weekend and the Quebec Regionals had been held the weekend before. Some felt the Club should do more planning for aggressive marketing to other Golden owners even if those owners are not interested in competition. But what product we would be marketing? Ideas included seminars by knowledgeable members of the Club, group occasional or regular walks in the park. It was pointed out that this has been tried in the past by holding events for people such as the Xmas party, Halloween party and a summer picnic. However, few people attended and in the end only core Club members organized the parties and took part in them. As a result, the Board decided three years ago to accept the Club for what it is a performance oriented club. The members also discussed how costs could be cut. Ideas included hiring only local or Canadian judges. However some judges from southern Ontario may cost more than American judges once travel costs are taken into account. Food and lodging are also big expenses. The question of canceling an event if it became apparent that the event would lose money was also raised. The result of this discussion was the following: A motion by Bruce Hiscoke, and seconded by Dave Skinner, that Event Directors need prior Board approval. In order to get that approval, the Directors need to present a balanced budget to the Board and that budget can include fundraising. This motion was passed. There was also a discussion on the position of Newsletter Editor as Judy Questel resigned last year. The decision was that each Event Director would be responsible for one issue It was suggested that an extra issue be planned containing general information such as grooming, nutrition, and health. Pam Martin volunteered to format every issue and write the field issue. The Board of Directors for 2009 2010 was elected and is as follows: President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Director of Obedience Director of Agility Director of Conformation Director of Field Directors at Large Darwin Boles Frances Holmes Ginny Chafe Donna LaHaise Darwin Boles Ann Lambert Pat Enright Deb Brunner-Walker Sue Roberts and Kate McDermott It was an interesting and productive meeting. We often only meet in small numbers at events during the year. So it is fun to see members in a different setting, without our dogs, where we can relax without the pressure of entering the ring, exchange ideas, catch up on news of each other, our dogs and of course attend to the business of running the OVGRC. If you didn t attend on April 1 st, please join us next year for the 2010 AGM! 4
AGM 2009 Reports From the 2009 Annual General Meeting President s Message Darwin Boles Welcome to our Annual General Meeting! Once again, this year our members have supported our club in so many of its functions and activities. In fact, it says a lot for the credibility of our club that at least half of the volunteers over the year are non-members who offer to support our events and services. Without that spirit of volunteerism, we would not have been able to reach out and offer the wide range of activities for which our club is known. Specifically our club hosts Agility trials, Obedience trials, Working Certificate Tests, Hunt Tests, Conformation activities and we are entering into new ventures such as Hunt Tests and Rally Obedience. Our Club is celebrating 30 years as an organization this year. I find it to be a real sign of the dedication that our members provide to this club to point out that two of the founding members of OVGRC still sit on the Board of Directors. I would like to make special mention to the Board of Directors who volunteer so much of their time and energy to the administration of the Club. In spite of our great success in hosting activities and events, this year has not been without its challenges. Entries have been down considerably in some of our events and $US exchange rates have created some unexpected expenses that were not considered in event planning. As a result, the Club will need to ensure that financial management is a first priority for the upcoming fiscal year. If you check your agenda, you will see that this topic is on the new business section of the meeting this evening. So once again, welcome to the AGM, enjoy the discussion and the food and let s celebrate our Club s 30 th anniversary. Annual Membership Report Frances Holmes As of this date, we have 24 family memberships, 28 single memberships and 7 lifetime members for a total of 59. It is difficult to be accurate with this information but it appears that we had 7 new members in 2008 and had 6 members who did not renew by April 1 st, 2009. Our membership base remains about the same year over year. 5
AGM 2009 Field Director s Report Deb Brunner-Walker Once again the club held 2 successful days of WC tests out at Maxville in September. With the help of numerous club members, the tests ran smoothly. Special thanks go again to Pam Martin, Bruce Hiscoke, for all their efforts getting the event organized, Mike Ducross for his wonderful property and to Donna Lahaise for running the show on-site while Pam & Bruce enjoyed their holiday in Europe and all the other members who gunned, marshalled or just pitched in to help on those beautiful fall days. The first day, Donna Houlton and Ross McLaughlin were our judges with 22 dogs entered. The largest entry was the WC stake with 12 entries. Of those, 7 dog and handler teams came away with ribbons. The WCI stake saw 9 entries with 7 qualifiers. Finally, 1 dog ran and passed the WCX test. Day two saw Donna Houlton and Ross McLaughlin as WCI/X judges and for the first time, Frances Holmes as junior judge with Donna Houlton. The total number of entries was 22 again with 6 qualifiers in the WC, 4 qualifiers in the WCI and 2 qualifiers in the WCX. Congratulations to Ann Lambert and Jaz and Pat Enright and Bo on their WCI passes. When all was said and done, the WC tests this year showed a profit of about $300.00 Late last year, the club was approached by new member Ross McLaughlin to expand our field activities and host a Hunt Test in 2009. Ross wealth of experience and detailed information he provided on past hunt tests he has run for other clubs gave us the confidence that this was something that we would be willing to take on. The club will be hosting 2 Hunt Tests on July 4 th and 5 th. Plans are also underway for this year s WC tests and for the first time, we will be running a Friday evening WC stake on July 31 st in addition to our annual WC stake run on September 26-27 th. Club Appreciation Night Ginny Chafe The annual dinner for volunteers at Club events in 2008 was held March 16, 2009 at the Rideau Carleton Raceway. There were 31 people in attendance of which 15 were non-members of OVGRC. We were seated on the upper level at 4 tables and there was plenty of space to get up and visit among the four tables. Volunteer names were submitted to me by the coordinators of each event. A total of 66 people were invited and of this number 24 were members and 42 were non-members. It is obvious that the Club would not be able to successfully run events without very strong support from non-members. The buffet dinner cost $9.99 per person plus tax. Some volunteers brought a guest and paid for their guest s meal and beverages as well as their own beverages. Everyone enjoyed the evening and several people told me that they would be sure to volunteer in future in order to be invited to the annual dinner. 6
AGM 2009 Treasurer s Report Donna Lahaise The year 2007-2008 according to the bank statements, ended with a balance of $4839.06. The year 2008-2009 ended with a balance of approximately $1940. Since the AGM is happening the day after the year end the exact number is not yet known. Other than field, our events struggled this year where as in the last fiscal year they all combined to make a profit of over $3300. This year all combined they lost $45. The 2009-2010 fiscal year brings a new event, a CKC Hunt Test. The club incurred a $400 expense in 08/09 for this event we were required to put a deposit on the birds that we ordered. Past Hunt Tests organized by Ross McLaughlin (our Hunt Test Chairperson) on behalf of other clubs, have earned a significant profit and it is anticipated that this year will be no different. Another major expense in 08/09 was the purchase of qualifying pins. These pins will last the Club for at least two years and were very popular with our February obedience trial competitors. Set club expenses come to $1000 plus. I consider the set expenses to be bank charges, club affiliations, mail box, web site and insurance. Additional Club expenses come to $800 plus. These include donations, member plaques, AGM and Volunteer dinner. Our membership fees bring in between $600 and $700 in any given year. This means that our events need to make and/or we need to fundraise, for approximately $1200 each year to maintain the club the way we have come to expect it. Conformation Report Pat Enright There was no activity in conformation events this year. With the entries still down all over Ontario, we cannot justify spending money on prizes for boosters or specialties that do not generate income. We have already informed the GRCC that we could not support a National Specialty for 2009 or 2010. However, I will ask the board to formulate a plan for fundraising that might see us in a better financial position to support one in the future. Our first National Specialty was in 1999, and we are WAY past our turn! I have been making inquiries to conformation show people and professional handlers in particular, about having a Group One specialty at the Long Sault shows in August of next year. This way we could share judge expenses with other breed clubs. If it was well advertised, we might generate a lot of interest, especially with close proximity to the States. I will continue working to that end. 7
AGM 2009 2008 Plaques Every year at the AGM, the OVGRC has made a point of recognizing it s members accomplishments throughout the preceeding calendar year. For dogs receiving their first titles, a plaque is awarded, and for all subsequent titles brass plates for that plaque are awarded. In order to add your dog s accomplishments to this list in the future, contact Frances Holmes. Frances also generally sends out a reminder closer to the time of the AGM. Plaques Goldencol's Cruise On By Brackenridge Gr8 Expectations Brackenridge's I'm Casey Blueheron Spring's Finnigan Blueheron's Best of Phrenz Blueheron's Marshland Brodie Taygold's Brawlroom Dancer Louise Casselman Kathryn Kaiser Liz Doran Judy Stewart Judy Stewart Judy Stewart Ellie Beals Brass Plates CDX, Am.CDX, RE, Am. RE 2008 RN, RA, CDI, CDX 2008 RN 2008 RN 2008 MH 2008 CDX,OTCH,MH,VCI,VCX,OHOF 2008 RN,RA,RE 2008 AGNJS,AGIJS,RNMCL 2008 CD, CDX 2008 CDX, AG.MXJ,RN, RA, VCI 2008 AGDC, MADC, MTRDC, MJDC 2008 MGDC, MSCDC 2008 Am. AXJ, Am. CDX, Am. NF 2008 AG.N, AG.NJ, AG.IJ, AGI, MJDC 2008 MTRDC, ATCHC 2008 CD 2008 CGN 2008 CH 2008 CH 2008 CH 2008 CD, RN, RA, RE, Am. CD, Am. RN 2008 Quiz (Darwin Boles) Bentley (Sharlene Manderson Charlie (Sharlene Manderson) Spenser (Pam Martin) Dice (Pam Martin) Cajun (Pam Martin) Rosco (Marie Nadeau) Kira (Marie Nadeau) Push (Mike Ducross) Flyer (Deb Brunner-Walker) Flyer (Deb Brunner-Walker) Flyer (Deb Brunner-Walker) Flyer (Deb Brunner-Walker) Lexus (Louise Casselman) Lexus (Louise Casselman) Pip (Kathryn Kaiser) Casey (Liz Doran) Judy Stewart Judy Stewart Judy Stewart Fracas (Ellie Beals) 8
Kid s Corner Print out this page and let the human kids have some fun too! (Excerpted from the AKC Purebred Dogs Coloring Book ) 9
Member Section Golden Profile In this edition of the newsletter, we d like to introduce you to OVGRC member Lorelei Shwaylyk s golden girl - Maggie. The picture of Maggie printed here is one of Lore s favourites as it emulates Maggie s nature - mild tempered and gentle Lorelei writes: Maggie is a purebred (I have the breeders papers, and have even taken her back to "home" to meet her mother and a half-sister), but also a rescue. The family that purchased her, had two young children and had her for three years, at which point they let co-workers know that she was "up for grabs - free" to anyone that wanted her, or they were sending her to the Golden Girl Maggie on her dog bed with a well-deserved Nylabone OHS. Bottom line, they didn't want her anymore. When I first went to the house, she was very timid. It became obvious within minutes, it was due to a tyrant of a father. He ordered her to her "carpet"/bed/life in the corner of the kitchen. She was never allowed upstairs, nor downstairs, and once she came home with me, I realized, she had no doubt never known, what a leash was for. I requested on numerous occasions to have her vet documentation, and in the end, was finally told, they had never taken her - in 3 years! They also lied about her age, telling me she was 2. The day I went to see her, Maggie was in heat and the mother was having to follow her around with a rag to wipe up everywhere she happen to sit down. On my first visit to the vets with her, I was told she had a terrible ear infection in both ears, that had been untreated for some time. To sum it up, she had a very lonely, neglected life before. She was originally named Angel (which in fact she is!) but I decided with a new life she deserved a new name. She picked up on Maggie within days. When she came into the house I already had two male cats (11 and 5) and she immediately went into a false pregnancy. She had thought she had pups. She began producing milk - would lie down and wait for them to nurse. As much as cats like milk, they weren't obliging her!! The vet confirmed she was indeed not pregnant and I had her spayed within the first few months. In every way Maggie exemplifies the true nature of a Golden. Maggie is now six years old (actually on the 24th of April) and is a fully active girl. Last year we signed up for agility classes. Pure natural!!! We are beginning, again, in two weeks. I have even picked up a complete kit, for practise at home. I would love to compete with her some day. She is always eager to learn new things. Practically each week I try and add to her repertoire of commands. We have started non-verbal commands as well. Like all Goldens she is incredibly smart and wants to be challenged. 10
Member Section Maggie is also a water dog, to just about the extreme. If we are around any water, she has to be in it. Once she jumped into an inground pool in March!! I have friends with a cottage on a lake, and the second she is allowed, she is down, just flying off the dock!! I have also considered applying her for Dockdogs. I don't think there are many Golden's, but I know she would give it a real "run for it"!!! I have fostered for two rescues - BIN, a beautiful shepherd mix, and Golden Rescue - a handful of a boy, named Mike. Maggie takes on the "big sister" role and is a solid, gentle, calming influence on any dog around her. She even protects the cats, if she thinks things are getting a little out of hand. However, she is the most submissive of dogs I have met. The first shepherd mix was also submissive and it was funny to see them roughhouse. They would both end up on their backs on the floor, mouthing each other. Neither one, wanted to be on top. I think they realized the older cat is really the pack leader of the four-legged ones in the house!! I am so very thankful, every day, that Maggie has become a part of my life. She has been my grounding through good times and bad. Her gentle look and constant nudge under my hand, tells me, "I'm here, by your side, no matter what!". That kind of loyalty and affection are the most endearing quality of Golden's. Want to see your golden featured in an upcoming edition? Drop us a line and tell us all about him/her/ them! Update on a Retired Competitor Ellie Beals Bonnie (MOTCh Windrows Bonnie B Good), who retired from obedience competition when she was eleven, is now fourteen and a half. Though she is completely deaf and not very mobile, she appears to accept her limitations gracefully, and to revel in the things she can still enjoy. She is much more assertive than when she was younger - barking messages which combine with her body language to clearly convey what she's after: Help me up the stairs! Open the door for me! Lift me on to the sofa! She has also become a tad licentious. Having always been the alpha in our household, she never allowed or invited the other dogs (all female) to cuddle with her. The arrival of young Fracas changed all that. Every night, the old girl cuddles up to sleep intertwined with the lad. Smart girl - she's made an exception for Fracas. Bon has always been more interested in humans than in other dogs, and that persists. Her favourite activity is her weekly trip to the Perley Rideau Veterans Hospital, where she visits not only with David's dad, but with every other gentlemen on Bonnie at the Perley-Rideau his ward. Despite her age and arthritis, she is so excited at these visits that she actually musters a little scuttling run, gaily pulling on the leash and blowing off ten years of heeling. The privileges of age! 11
Training Looking for Activities to Try With Your Golden?? Pamela Martin As a multi-purpose breed, goldens really can do it all. We ll be exploring some of these activities in more detail in coming issues of the newsletter, but here s a small taste of some of the many activities you can try and a few suggestions for places you can go to watch the events or to find more information. Obedience Obedience training is necessary for all dogs and is beneficial to your entire family. Many golden owners choose to take obedience training with their dog to a whole new level by competing in obedience trials and earning obedience competition titles. The Canadian Kennel Club offers obedience trials and awards titles at several levels. The majority of the titles are awarded by gaining three qualifying scores at each level before progressing to the next. At the Master and Grand Master Obedience Trial Champion levels, points must be accumulated in both the Open and Utility rings. While some people choose to start their dogs at the Pre-Novice level, all teams must begin at Novice (Companion Dog - CD). Dog and handler work both on-leash and off-leash for heeling, do a figure 8 around two people, allow the judge to examine the dog while the dog remains standing still, do a recall across the ring and finally demonstrate they can stay in a sit and a down across the ring from their owners. The next level is Open (Companion Dog Excellent - CDX) where all exercises are performed with the dog off -leash. In addition to heeling, dogs retrieve a dumbbell once on the flat and once over a jump, drop on command on the recall, and perform the sit and down while the owner is out of the room or out of sight. The last level is Utility (Utility Dog - UD). Again, all exercises are performed with the dog off-leash. At this level, the dog performs more complex tasks such as retrieving a dropped glove, selecting scented articles, crossing the ring to sit and face the handler to take jumps as directed and performing a signal exercise where everything is performed on signal only with no verbal commands allowed. Following completion of the UD (Obedience Trial Champion) teams can go on to pursue the titles of Obedience Trial Champion Excellent, Master Obedience Trial Champion, and Grand Master Obedience Trial Champion. Other, non-required, transitional levels are also available. They are Pre-Novice mentioned earlier and Novice Intermediate, which is a step between Novice and Open. A new type of obedience, Rally, is now official and is tons of fun for both handlers and dogs. Rally is quite a bit more informal than regular obedience and handlers can talk to their dogs throughout the routine. It s a wonderful venue for both new dogs and new their trainers. To see an example of obedience, there will be local trials held by the Bytown Dog Obedience Club in Ottawa on May 9-10 and by the Ottawa Kennel Club from May 22-23 in Richmond. Don t forget to watch for the December edition of the newsletter when we present our obedience issue! Agility Agility is a dog sport in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. There are many organizations that offer agility titles for dogs. Even so, many people train their dogs in agility just for the enjoyment of developing teamwork with their dogs and the sheer fun of agility. Dog agility is a fun and exciting sport for both dogs and people. It emphasizes teamwork where the handler directs the dog through tasks of climbing, jumping, and going over, under, around, and through various obstacles. In addition to giving the dog a better sense of 12
Training balance, teaching him to be aware of where his body is and building confidence, agility keeps the dog physically fit. Dog agility can be done for several reasons, including: fun, fitness, recreation, exhibition, or competition. In addition, it has also been used as a behaviour modification tool for a shy or timid dog in that it builds confidence and can eliminate shyness or fear of the unknown. Agility is enjoyed by people of all ages and all kinds of dogs. Many clubs and organizations allow mixed-breed as well as pure-bred dogs, many also have junior handler programs as well as programs for senior handlers and veteran dogs. In Canada, agility is one of the fastest growing dog sports in the country. At an agility trial, the courses are designed by the judges and the competitors only see the course on the day of the event. They are given a "walk-through" period before the event to learn the course and plan their strategy. Faults may be incurred for incorrect performance or taking obstacles out of order as well as for taking longer than the allowed time. Some obstacles your dog learns to navigate include the A-Frame, Teeter-totter, Open Tunnel, Collapsed Tunnel, Tire, Weave Poles, Pause Table, Dog Walk and various types of Jumps. Obstacles like the A- Frame and Teeter-totter have "contact zones" at the beginning and the end where the dog is required to touch at least one paw (on the up, down or both depending on the organization) while on that obstacle. In competition the dog does not usually wear a collar and the owner is not allowed to touch the dog or use food or toys as motivators, but the handler can talk or coax the dog through the course. The dog is not allowed to pass an obstacle he is supposed to go on and he is not allowed to go on any obstacle out of sequence, or he will loose points or be given a non-disqualifying score. If you are interested in agility, check out the OVGRC Agility Trials. These Trials, in conjunction with the Ottawa Valley Poodle Club, will be held June 27-28 in Ashton Ontario. Watch for the next issue of the newsletter for a more indepth-look at agility. Field Competitions Goldens can compete with other retriever breeds in all three areas of the Canadian Kennel Club field competitions: Working Certificates, Hunt Tests and Field Trials. In the Working Certificate and Hunt Test programs the dogs are competing against standard requirements, and providing that the dog completes the test successfully, the dog can pass the test. However, Field Trials are different. They are true competitions in the sense that dogs are scored according to their performance on each of the elements of the trial and the highest scoring, or "best dogs of the day," are placed in a first, second and third placement. Working Certificate Program The CKC Working Certificate Program is divided into three levels. Only one pass at each level is necessary to achieve the title. To pass the first level, Working Certificate (WC), a dog must retrieve two birds on land and two birds on the water. These are singles - only one bird is thrown at a time before the dog is sent to retrieve it. The marks are short, less than 75 yards on land in light cover and 25 to 40 yards on the water. Dogs can be restrained at the line. The WC is an instinct test and is well within the capabilities of most Goldens. Delivery to hand is not required at this level but the birds must be brought back close to the handler. 13
Training The Working Certificate Intermediate (WCI) is comprised of a land double (two birds are thrown before the dog is sent, the dog must remember where both birds land and deliver the first one back to the handler before retrieving the second) in cover of about 75 yards in length. The dogs are off leash at all times and may not be physically restrained by the handler. The dog must also complete an honour on land, which means that the dog must sit quietly and watch another dog retrieve. This is the downfall of many Goldens who feel that all retrieves should be theirs. Dogs who complete the land part successfully then do a double water retrieve of 40 to 50 yards in length. The Working Certificate Excellent (WCX) is the highest title in this program. It is comprised of a land double, 50 to 100 yards in length, and a walk-up honour where the honouring dog accompanies the working dog on a short off-leash walk to a pre-determined spot before the first bird is thrown. In addition to the first two birds thrown, there are two blinds - one on land and one in the water of 50 yards in length. A blind is to simulate a hunting situation where a bird comes down that the dog did not see. The dog must go in the direction the handler sends him, stop on a whistle and change direction at the handlers command. The dog is not to just run out and hunt all over the field but must show control and obedience to the handler's instructions. There is also a water double of similar length to the WCI. Hunt Test Program The CKC Hunt Test program has three levels, Junior Hunter (JH) which requires three passes, Senior Hunter (SH) which requires four or five passes and Master Hunter (MH) which requires five or six passes. The lower number of passes is sufficient if the dog has the previous title (i.e., a JH would count as an SH leg and require only four passes at the SH level to title). The hunt tests are much more challenging than the Working Certificate program. In Junior Hunter the dog must retrieve four single marks, two on land and two on the water. The dogs may be gently restrained and all birds must be delivered to hand. Marks are approximately 75 yards in length. The Senior Hunter test is comprised of a land double, a water double, two blinds, one on land and one in the water, and a quartering test to find birds down in the field. Distances are usually in the 100 to 125 yard length. Dogs must be steady at all times. Finally, the Master Hunter is comprised of a land and water triple, a land blind a water blind and a quarter to flush test. Distances are again 100 to 125 yards in length. Hunt tests are much more complicated than the Working Certificate program. Cover is usually higher, the gunners are hidden and changes in terrain are used frequently. Tests are set up to more accurately simulate actual hunting conditions and shots are often fired from the line, not from the bird thrower in the field. Dogs are often run from a boat, duck calls are used and handlers must be in camouflage or dark clothing. These tests are a lot of fun. Handlers may be asked to sneak up hills or through cover carrying a gun with the dog crawling beside them (or in some cases, if they are out of control, running ahead of them). Decoys are used extensively and the tests are limited only by the judges' imagination. There will be local hunt tests on July 4-5 in Clayton, just west of Ottawa, WC tests are being held on the evening of July 31 in Maxville and again on September 26-27. Watch for the August edition of the newsletter for a special field issue!! Tracking Tracking is a sport that any dog can do, but goldens, and indeed most Sporting breeds, excel at this sport due to their ability to find downed birds in all kinds of cover, usually by using their noses. Tracking is a great sport for young pup- 14
Training pies who aren't ready for the rigours of competition but still need an outlet for their great intelligence. Puppies as young as four months easily catch on to "find it" and it's a great confidence builder for both dog and handler as the dog learns to do something on its own and the handler truly learns the meaning of the words "trust your dog." There is no one-on-one competition involved, only a pass or fail, so there is little to no pressure during a tracking test (other than the pressure you put on yourself). The tracking fraternity is a small one, and all the other competitors are out there rooting for you and your dog. A CKC Tracking Dog Test (TD) tests dog and handler over a 400-500 metre track which has been laid by a stranger to the dog. This track has a minimum of two turns and one glove laid at the end of the track. The track is no less than one half hour old and no older than two hours. The TDX test is over a 900-1000 metre track which is at least three hours old, has a minimum of five turns and three articles. To make things even more difficult the track is crossed in two places by a second person. The dog is not to take these "cross-tracks." In case you were wondering, neither dog or handler is allowed to watch the track being laid...talk about "flying blind!" Urban Tracking Tests, where the dog must follow a track in an urban environment, are also offered by the CKC. A local trial hosted by Bytown Dog Obedience Club will take place on September 20. As you can see, there are tons of activities that you can play in with your golden. Why not check a few of them out? And If THAT Weren t Enough! These fantastic photos were submitted by OVGRC member Kate McDermott, of her golden Paris lure coursing. Kate writes, When Paris, (Hollymere's Had To Be You) was one year old, we went for a week's vacation at Camp Gone to the Dogs in Stowe, Vermont.. Camp is set up to let your dog have a try at many dog sports and activities. They have expert instructors whose main aim is to encourage and ensure you and your dog have fun doing whatever you try. Paris and I tried flyball and agility, but she had the most fun and instant gratification, as can be seen in the photos, when she tried lure coursing. She was one of the fastest in camp! Paris is proof that Goldens really CAN do it all! 15
Health Bloat - Concerns and Solutions Recent studies are shedding more light on gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), otherwise known as bloat. In GDV there is a rapid accumulation of air in the stomach, causing distention and often rotation of the stomach, cutting off blood supply at both ends and causing the dog to go into shock. There are two forms of bloat: gastric dilatation (swelling of the stomach from gas); or, gastric dilatation with volvulus, i.e., torsion, which occurs when the stomach twists on its axis. Often, both forms of bloat occur in a single episode with the second form quickly following the first. It is this second form that is commonly called bloat or GDV and it can be fatal in minutes. Bloat is a huge threat to our dogs and, behind cancer, is the second leading cause of death in large-breed (50 99 pounds) and giant-breed (100 pounds and over) dogs. Approximately one in four large-breed dogs and one in five giant-breed dogs may develop GDV during their lifetime, with some breeds at even higher lifetime risk. It is a canine medical emergency, requiring immediate medical attention. Even with prompt attention, 30% of dogs with bloat die. All dog owners should be very aware of bloat, it's symptoms and the recent research regarding this problem. Symptoms: The symptoms of bloat can be very subtle or very obvious. They include: extreme restlessness/pacing, often described as "the dog just couldn't get comfortable" unproductive attempts to vomit/defecate evidence of abdominal pain (whining and tenderness in the stomach area) abdominal distension excessive salivation/drooling rapid breathing/panting cold/pale mouth membranes collapse Research, primarily at Purdue University by Dr. Larry Glickman, VMD, Ph.D, and Dr. Malathi Raghavan, DVM, Ph.D., has identified a number of feeding management and dietary factors that increase the risk of GDV. The top 5 factors that increase the risk of bloat are: 1. Using a raised food bowl - 110% risk increase associated with using a raised food bowl. 2. Speed of eating (1-10 scale) 15% risk increase for each unit increase in speed of eating (for dogs weighing from 49 to 100 pounds). 3. Age in years 20% risk increase for each year increase in age. 4. Chest depth/width ratio (1.0 to 2.4) 170% risk increase for each unit increase in chest depth/width ratio. 5. First degree relative with bloat 63% risk increase associated with having a first degree relative with Bloat (First degree relative is defined as a sire, dam, litter mate or offspring). The Purdue bloat study also found the following to be correlated with bloat. That doesn't necessarily mean these things cause bloat, but they may: Stress--Dog shows, mating, whelping, boarding, change in routine, new dog in household, etc. Although purely anecdotal, we've heard of many cases where a dog bloated after a 3rd dog was brought into the household (perhaps due to stress regarding pack order). Activities that result in gulping air Eating habits, especially: elevated food bowls rapid eating eating dry foods that contain citric acid as a preservative (the risk is even worse if the owner moistens the food) eating dry foods that contain fat among the first four ingredients eating gas-producing foods (especially soybean products, brewer's yeast, and alfalfa) 16
Health Bloat, continued... insufficient Trypsin (a pancreatic enzyme present in meat) dilution of gastric juices necessary for complete digestion by drinking too much water before or after eating exercise before and especially after eating heredity (especially having a first-degree relative who has bloated) build & physical characteristics (Having a deep and narrow chest compared to other dogs of the same breed) older dogs males being underweight disposition (fearful or anxious temperament, prone to stress, history of aggression toward other dogs or people) Recommended ways to reduce the risk of bloat. Do not use an elevated food bowl. Restrict vigorous exercise for several hours (e.g., 1-2) before and especially after eating. Particularly don't permit your dog to roll over, which could cause the stomach to twist. Feed two or more meals a day, instead of just one. Do not permit rapid eating. Use a muffin tin, ice cube tray or Kongs to feed meals. Put rocks or balls in your dog's bowl to slow them down. Allow access to fresh water at all times, except before and after meals. Do not give water one hour before or after a kibble meal. If you add water to the kibble, just moisten it. It dilutes the gastric juices necessary for proper digestion, which leads to gas production. Do not feed dry food exclusively. Feed a variety of different food types regularly. The inclusion of human foods in a primarily dry dog food diet was associated with a 59 percent decreased risk of GDV while inclusion of canned pet foods was associated with a 28 percent decreased risk. Feed a high-protein (>30%) diet, particularly of raw meat. Feed a high-quality diet; whole, unprocessed foods are especially beneficial. If feeding dry food, avoid foods that contain fat as one of the first four ingredients and avoid foods that contain citric acid. If you must use a dry food containing citric acid, do not pre- moisten the food. If feeding dry food, select one that includes rendered meat meal with bone product among the first four ingredients. Reduce carbohydrates as much as possible (e.g., typical in many commercial dog biscuits and kibble). Avoid brewer's yeast, alfalfa, and soybean products. Feed adequate amount of fiber (for commercial dog food, at least 3.00% crude fiber). Add an enzyme product to food (e.g., Animal Essentials Enzymes, Prozyme, Dogzyme) and promote "friendly" bacteria in the intestine, e.g. from supplemental probiotics to reduce fermentation of carbohydrates, which can cause gas quickly. This is especially a concern when antibiotics are given since they tend to reduce levels of "friendly" bacteria. When switching dog food, do so gradually (allow several weeks). Always keep a product with simethicone (e.g., Mylanta Gas (not regular Mylanta), Phazyme, Gas-X, etc.) on hand to treat gas symptoms. Some recommend giving your dog simethicone immediately if your dog burps more than once or shows other signs of gas. Some report relief of gas symptoms with ½ tsp of nutmeg or the homeopathic remedy Nux moschata 30. If you live far from veterinary care, have your veterinarian instruct you in first aid measures to help your distressed dog while en route to the veterinary hospital. Try to minimize stress for your dog. Stressful events have been reported to be precipitating factors in GDV occurrence. Be extra watchful during periods of stress. Bloat can be brought on by dog shows, mating, whelping, boarding, new dog in household, change in routine, surgery, etc. 17
18 Health
Safety In Case of an Emergency The document below is an example of the type of information sheet you should create for each dog travelling with you. Once completed, the sheet can be laminated and zip-tied to your crates. That way, you can ensure that vital information regarding your dog is easily accessible to others. Don t forget to also attach a recent photo of your dog to the information sheet. EMERGENCY INFORMATION SHEET FOR ANIMALS TRAVELLING WITH ME Owner s Name: Address: Phone: Pet's Name: Breed: Golden Retriever Sex: Date of Birth: This pet has the following medical conditions that must be treated: This pet's regular veterinarian is: Name: Address: Phone: This animal is current on all shots - it is of no threat to anyone he/she might come into contact with. (If dog is not wearing a collar when in her crate, this animal's leash is located beneath or attached to the crate and you will be in no danger should you open the crate and attach the lead.) What you should know about this individual animal: SHOULD I BE UNABLE TO ATTEND TO MY ANIMAL DUE TO INJURY OR DEATH: Contact: Name: Address: Phone (home): Phone (work): Animal should be boarded in the nearest animal boarding facility or veterinarian. PLEASE do not take my pet to an Animal Shelter or Humane Society. The above persons have agreed to pay all fees to retrieve said animal and they have my permission to remove said animal from the boarding facility. Said persons also agree to pay any medical bills for said animal. Should one of my animals be on the loose following a car/van accident - please contact the above individual who will assist in the search should I be unable to participate. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. This animal is a member of my family and it is my wish that it receive the best care possible. Signature: 19
Puppies Early Neurological Stimulation Recently, I took a trip back to my breeder to see her newest litter of puppies. While there, we talked a great deal about different ways to raise newborn puppies. Increasingly, many breeders are using Biosensor exercises as key to mental development and stimulation of newborn pups. I thought you might enjoy reading an article by Dr. Carmen Battaglia, the man who introduced Biosensor exercises to the greater dog world. Early Neurological Stimulation By Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia Surprising as it may seem, it isn't capacity that explains the differences that exist between individuals because most seem to have far more capacity than they will ever use. The differences that exist between individuals seem to be related to something else. The ones who achieve and outperform others seem to have within themselves the ability to use hidden resources. In other words, it's what they are able to do with what they have that makes the difference. In many animal breeding programs, the entire process of selection and management is founded on the belief that performance is inherited. Attempts to analyse the genetics of performance in a systematic way have involved some distinguished names such as Charles Darwin and Francis Galton. But it has only been in recent decades that good estimates of heritability of performance have been based on adequate data. Cunningham, (1991) in his study of horses, found that only by using Timeform data, and measuring groups of half brothers and half sisters could good estimates of performance be determined. His data shows that performance for speed is about 35% heritable. In other words, only about 35% of all the variation that is observed in track performance is controlled by heritable factors, the remaining 65% is attributable to other influences, such as training, management and nutrition. Cunningham's work while limited to horses, provides a good basis for understanding how much breeders can attribute to the genetics and the pedigrees. Researchers have studied these phenomena and have looked for new ways to stimulate individuals in order to improve their natural abilities. Some of the methods discovered have produced life long lasting effects. Today many of the differences between individuals can now be explained by the use of early stimulation methods. Man for centuries has tried various methods to improve performance. Some of the methods have stood the test of time, others have not. Those who first conducted research on this topic believed that the period of early age was a most important time for stimulation because of its rapid growth and development. Today, we know that early life is a time when the physical immaturity of an organism is susceptible and responsive to a restricted but important class of stimuli. Because of its importance many studies have focused their efforts on the first few months of life. Newborn pups are uniquely different from adults in several respects. When born, their eyes are closed and their digestive system has a limited capacity requiring periodic stimulation by their dam who routinely licks them in order to promote digestion. At this age they are only able to smell, suck, and crawl. Body temperature is maintained by snuggling close to their mother or by crawling into piles with other littermates. During these first few weeks of immobility, researchers noted that these immature and under-developed canines are sensitive to a restricted class of stimuli which includes thermal and tactile stimulation, motion and locomotion. Other mammals such as mice and rats are also born with limitations, and they also have been found to demonstrate a similar sensitivity to the effects of early stimulation. Studies show that removing them from their nest 20
Puppies for three minutes each day during the first five to ten days of life causes body temperatures to fall below normal. This mild form of stress is sufficient to stimulate hormonal, adrenal and pituitary systems. When tested later as adults, these same animals were better able to withstand stress than littermates who were not exposed to the same early stress exercises. As adults, they responded to stress in "a graded" fashion, while their nonstressed littermates responded in an "all or nothing way." Data involving laboratory mice and rats also shows that stress in small amounts can produce adults who respond maximally. On the other hand, the results gathered from non-stressed littermate show that they become easily exhausted and are near death if exposed to intense prolonged stress. When tied down so they were unable to move for twenty-four hours, rats developed severe stomach ulcers, but litter mates exposed to early stress handling were found to be more resistant to stress tests and did not show evidence of ulcers. A secondary affect was also noticed. Sexual maturity was attained sooner in the littermates given early stress exercises. When tested for differences in health and disease, the stressed animals were found to be more resistant to certain forms of cancer and infectious diseases and could withstand terminal starvation and exposure to cold for longer periods than their nonstressed littermates. Other studies involving early stimulation exercises have been successfully performed on both cats and dogs. In these studies, the Electrical Encephalogram (EEG) was found to be ideal for measuring the electrical activity in the brain because of its extreme sensitivity to changes in excitement, emotional stress, muscle tension, changes in oxygen and breathing. EEG measures show that pups and kittens when given early stimulation exercises mature at faster rates and perform better in certain problem solving tests than non-stimulated mates. In the higher level animals the effect of early stimulation exercises have also been studied. The use of surrogate mothers and familiar objects were tested by both of the Kelloggs and Dr. Yearkes using young chimpanzees. Their pioneer research shows that the more primates were deprived of stimulation and interaction during early development, the less able they were to cope, adjust and later adapt to situations as adults. While experiments have not yet produced specific information about the optimal amounts of stress needed to make young animals psychologically or physiologically superior, researchers agree that stress has value. What also is known is that a certain amount of stress for one may be too intense for another, and that too much stress can retard development. The results show that early stimulation exercises can have positive results but must be used with caution. In other words, too much stress can cause pathological adversities rather than physical or psychological superiority. The U.S. Military in their canine program developed a method that still serves as a guide to what works. In an effort to improve the performance of dogs used for military purposes, a program called "Bio Sensor" was developed. Later, it became known to the public as the "Super Dog" Program. Based on years of research, the military learned that early neurological stimulation exercises could have important and lasting effects. Their studies confirmed that there are specific time periods early in life when neurological stimulation has optimum results. The first period involves a window of time that begins at the third day of life and lasts until the sixteenth day. It is believed that because this interval of time is a period of rapid neurological growth and development, and therefore is of great importance to the individual. The "Bio Sensor" program was also concerned with early neurological stimulation in order to give the dog a superior advantage. Its development utilized six exercises which were designed to stimulate the neurological system. Each workout involved handling puppies once each day. The workouts required handling them one at 21
a time while performing a series of five exercises. Listed in order of preference, the handler starts with one pup and stimulates it using each of the five exercises. The handler completes the series from beginning to end before starting with the next pup. The handling of each pup once per day involves the following exercises: Puppies 1.Tactical stimulation (between toes): Holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the pup is feeling the tickle. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds. (Figure 1) 2. Head held erect: Using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds (Figure 2) 3. Head pointed down: Holding the pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds (Figure 3) 4. Supine position: Hold the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The pup while on its back is allowed to sleep. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds. (Figure 4) 5. Thermal stimulation: Use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds. (Figure 5) These five exercises will produce neurological stimulations, none of which naturally occur during this early period of life. Experience shows that sometimes pups will resist these exercises, others will appear unconcerned. In either case a caution is offered to those who plan to use them. Fig 1: Q-tip stimulation Do not repeat them more than once per day and do not extend the time beyond that recommended for each exercise. Over stimulation of the neurological system can have adverse and detrimental results. These exercises impact the neurological system by kicking it into action earlier than would be normally expected, the result being an increased capacity that later will help to make the difference in its performance. Those who play with their pups and routinely handle them should continue to do so because the neurological exercises are not substitutions for routine handling, play socialization or bonding. Benefits of Stimulation Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises. The benefits noted were: Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate) Stronger heart beats Stronger adrenal glands More tolerance to stress Greater resistance to disease. Fig 2: Head Erect 22
In tests of learning, stimulated pups were found to be more active and were more exploratory than their non- stimulated littermates over which they were dominant in competitive situations. Secondary effects were also noted regarding test performance. In simple problem solving tests using detours in a maze, the non-stimulated pups became extremely aroused, whined a great deal, and made many errors. Their stimulated littermates were less disturbed or upset by test conditions and when comparisons were made, the stimulated littermates were more calm in the test environment, made fewer errors and gave only an occasional distress sound when stressed. As each animal grows and develops, three kinds of stimulation have been identified that impact and influence how it will develop and be shaped as an individual. The first stage is called early neurological stimulation and the second stage is called socialization. The first two (early neurological stimulation and socialization) have in common a window of limited time. When Lorenz, (1935) first wrote about the importance of the stimulation process, he wrote about imprinting during early life and its influence on the later development of the individual. He states that it was dif- Fig 3: Head Down ferent from conditioning in that it occurred early in life and took place very rapidly producing results which seemed to be permanent. One of the first and perhaps the most noted research effort involving the larger animals was achieved by Kellogg & Kellogg (1933). As a student of Dr. Kellogg's, I found him and his wife to have an uncanny interest in children and young animals and the changes and the differences that occurred during early development. Their history-making study involved raising their own newborn child with a newborn primate. Both infants were raised together as if they were twins. This study, like others that followed attempted to demonstrate that among the mammals, there are great differences in their speed of physical and mental development. Some are born relatively mature and quickly capable of motion and locomotion, while others are very immature, immobile and slow to develop. For example, the Rhesus monkey shows rapid and precocious development at birth, while Fig 4: Pup Supine the chimpanzee and the other "great apes" take much longer. Last and slowest is the human infant. Fig 5: Thermal Stimulation One of the earliest efforts to investigate and look for the existence of socialization in canines was undertaken by Scott-Fuller (1965). In their early studies, they were able to demonstrate that the basic technique for testing the existence of socialization was to show how readily adult animals would foster young animals, or accept one from another species. They observed 23 Puppies
that, with the higher level animals, it is easiest done by hand rearing. When the foster animal transfers its social relationships to the new species, researchers conclude that socialization has taken place. Most researchers agree that among all species, a lack of adequate socialization generally results in unacceptable behavior and often times produces undesirable aggression, excessiveness, fearfulness, sexual inadequacy and indifference toward partners. Socialization studies confirm that one of the critical periods for humans (infant) to be stimulated are generally between three weeks and twelve months of age. For canines the period is shorter, between the fourth and sixteenth weeks of age. The lack of adequate social stimulation, such as handling, mothering and contact with others, adversely affects social and psychological development in both humans and animals. In humans, the absence of love and cuddling increases the risk of an aloof, distant, asocial or sociopathic individual. Overmothering also has its detrimental effects by preventing sufficient exposure to other individuals and situations that have an important influence on growth and development. It occurs when a parent insulates the child from outside contacts or keeps the apron strings tight, thus limiting opportunities to explore and interact with the outside world. In the end, over-mothering generally produces a dependent, socially maladjusted and sometimes emotionally disturbed individual. Protected youngsters who grow up in an insulated environment often become sickly, despondent,lacking in flexibility and unable to make simple social adjustments. Generally, they are unable to function productively or to interact successfully when they become adults. Owners who have busy life styles with long and tiring work and social schedules often cause pets to be neglected. Left to themselves with only an occasional trip out of the house or off of the property they seldom see other canines or strangers and generally suffer from poor stimulation and socialization. For many, the side effects of loneliness and boredom set-in. The resulting behavior manifests itself in the form of chewing, digging, and hard- to-control behavior (Battaglia). It seems clear that small amounts of stress followed by early socialization can produce beneficial results. The danger seems to be in not knowing where the thresholds are for over and under stimulation. Many improperly socialized youngsters develop into older individuals unprepared for adult life, unable to cope with its challenges, and interactions. Attempts to re-socialize them as adults have only produced small gains. These failures confirm the notion that the window of time open for early neurological and social stimulation only comes once. After it passes, little or nothing can be done to overcome the negative effects of too much or too little stimulation. The third and final stage in the process of growth and development is called enrichment. Unlike the first two stages it has no time limit, and by comparison, covers a very long period of time. Enrichment is a term which has come to mean the positive sum of experiences which have a cumulative effect upon the individual. Enrichment experiences typically involve exposure to a wide variety of interesting, novel, and exciting experiences with regular opportunities to freely investigate, manipulate, and interact with them. When measured in later life, the results show that those reared in an enriched environment tend to be more inquisitive and are more able to perform difficult tasks. The educational TV program called Sesame Street is perhaps the best known example of a children's enrichment program. The results show that when tested, children who regularly watched this program performed better than playmates who did not. Follow-up studies show that those who regularly watch Sesame Street tend to seek a college education and when enrolled, performed better than playmates who were not regular watchers of the Sesame Street program. There are numerous children s studies that show the benefits of enrichment techniques and programs. Most 24 Puppies
focus on improving self-esteem and self-talk. Follow-up studies show that the enriched Sesame Street students, when later tested were brighter and scored above average, and most often were found to be the products of environments that contributed to their superior test scores. On the other hand, those whose test scores were generally below average, (labeled as dull) and the products of underprivileged or non- enriched environments, often had little or only small amounts of stimulation during early childhood and only minimal amounts of enrichment during their developmental and formative years. Many were characterized as children who grew up with little interaction with others, poor parenting, few toys, no books and a steady diet of TV soap operas. A similar analogy can be found among canines. All the time they are growing they are learning because their nervous systems are developing and storing information that may be of inestimable use at a later date. Studies by Scott and Fuller confirm that non-enriched pups, when given free choice, preferred to stay in their kennels. Other litter mates who were given only small amounts of outside stimulation between five and eight weeks of age were found to be very inquisitive and very active. When kennel doors were left open, the enriched pups would come bounding out while littermates who were not exposed to enrichment would remain behind. The non-stimulated pups would typically be fearful of unfamiliar objects and generally preferred to withdraw rather than investigate. Even well-bred pups of superior pedigrees would not explore or leave their kennels, and many were found difficult to train as adults. These pups, in many respects, were similar to the deprived children. They acted as if they had become institutionalized, preferring the routine and safe environment of their kennel to the stimulating world outside their immediate place of residence. Regular trips to the park, shopping centers and obedience and agility classes serve as good examples of enrichment activities. Chasing and retrieving a ball on the surface seems to be enriching because it provides exercise and includes rewards. While repeated attempts to retrieve a ball provide much physical activity, it should not be confused with enrichment exercises. Such playful activities should be used for exercise and play or as a reward after returning from a trip or training session. Road work and chasing balls are not substitutes for trips to the shopping mall, outings or obedience classes most of which provide many opportunities for interaction and investigation. Finally, it seems clear that stress early in life can produce beneficial results. The danger seems to be in not knowing where the thresholds are for over and under stimulation. The absence or the lack of adequate amounts of stimulation generally will produce negative and undesirable results. Based on the above, it is fair to say that the performance of most individuals can be improved, including the techniques described above. Each contributes in a cumulative way and supports the next stage of development. Conclusion Puppies Breeders can now take advantage of the information available to improve and enhance performance. Generally, genetics account for about 35% of the performance, but the remaining 65 (management, training, nutrition) can make the difference. In the management category, it has been shown that breeders should be guided by the rule that it is generally considered prudent to guard against under and over stimulation. Short of ignoring pups during their first two months of life, a conservative approach would be to expose them to children, people, toys and other animals on a regular basis. Handling and touching all parts of their anatomy is also a necessary part of their learning which can be started as early as the third day of life. Pups that are handled early and on a regular basis generally do not become hand-shy as adults. Because of the risks involved in under-stimulation, a conservative approach to using the benefits of the three stages has been suggested based primarily on the works of Arskeusky, Kellogg, Yearkes and the "Bio Sensor" 25
Puppies Both experience and research have dominated the beneficial effects that can be achieved via early neurological stimulation, socialization and enrichment experiences. Each has been used to improve performance and to explain the differences that occur between individuals, their trainability, health and potential. The cumulative effects of the three stages have been well documented. They best serve the interests of owners who seek high levels of performance when properly used. Each has a cumulative effect and contributes to the development and the potential for individual performance. References: Battaglia, C.L., "Loneliness and Boredom" Doberman Quarterly, 1982 Kellogg, W.N. & Kellogg The Ape and the Child, New York: McGraw Hill Scott & Fuller, (1965) Dog Behavior -The Genetic Basics, University Chicago Press Scott, J.P., Ross, S., A.E. and King D.K. (1959) The Effects of Early Enforced Weaning Behavior of Puppies, J. Genetics Psychologist, p 5: 261-81. About The Author Carmen L Battaglia holds a Ph.D. and Masters Degree from Florida State University. As an AKC judge, researcher and writer, he has been a leader in promotion of breeding better dogs and has written many articles and several books. Dr. Battaglia is also a popular TV and radio talk show speaker. His seminars on breeding dogs, selecting sires and choosing puppies have been well received by the breed clubs all over the country. Those interested in learning more about his seminars should contact him directly. Permission to reprint has been granted by the author and by the Canine Chronicle. http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/articles/early_neurological_stimulation_en.html 26