Cold Weather Care Tips
January Board Meeting Minutes
Member News
From the Desk of the President
Standards for Dog Show Judges
Did you Hear?
Upcoming Events
Termperament Test
Upcoming Seminars
Read This Book
About the PCOTC
Unseasonably cold weather is here, which means it's time to give special attention to your pets,
both inside and out. Cold weather creates its own set of stress for all animals, but your pet needs your
undivided attention now more than at almost any time of the year. Here are some winterizing tips for
optimizing your animal's comfort and well-being:
When the temperatures reach sub-zero, it's time to give the outdoor cat and dog a break and invite
them in, even if it's in the garage. This goes for Northern breeds like Siberian huskies or Malamutes as well
as medium-coated German shepherds, golden retrievers, and others in our region where they may not
be acclimated to such extremes.
By "inside," that doesn't mean letting dogs and cats in and out of a warm house from night to
day. Creating an abrupt temperature contrast can increase the risk of some infectious diseases.
Consider housing them in the shelter of a well-built doghouse or bringing them into a tool shed or garage.
When you take your inside pooch out for "bathroom break," stay out with them. If you're cold enough
to go inside, it probably is too cold for the pet to stay out much longer as well.
When you bring a pet in, wipe its paws and underside, making certain there are no ice balls
clinging between the toes or on the sole of the foot. They can cause frostbite to an animal that is left outside for
a significant time in sub-freezing temperatures.
If you opt not to bring the dog inside, make certain its shelter is clean, dry and well insulated with
straw, wood shavings or a blanket. Animals drag a lot of moisture onto their bedding from every trip outside
in snow. Plan on changing the bedding as frequently as necessary or simply placing it in the dryer for
a warm-up. Equally critical, position the opening, which should have a door flap, away from the
direction in which snow and wind usually comes.
Pets that move about on sidewalks, driveways or streets run the risk of picking up rock salt, ice and
other chemicals in their foot pads. Each time they are brought in, make certain to wipe all four feet
thoroughly. There is a tendency for them to lick the salt off their feet, which can cause an inflammation of
the digestive tract.
Keep an eye on your pet's outside water. If it is not heated, it will need to be changed several times
daily when temperatures dip far below freezing. Ice is not a substitute for clean water. Pet stores sell
heated bowls, which can prevent water freezing.
For short-coated breeds like greyhounds, Boston terriers, and Chihuahuas, you might want to put
them in a protective sweater before taking them outside. They will become chilled quickly after leaving a
72-degree house and walking onto single-digit-temperature turf. Also realize, sweaters are not a substitute
for shelter. They can get wet and actually remove more heat from an animal than they conserve.
Be particularly careful when escorting elderly, arthritic pets outside. They will become stiff and
tender quickly and may find it difficult to move about in the snow or ice. Keep them tethered tightly to
your side if the route to the yard is icy. A bad slip can cause a ruptured disc, broken leg or other major injury.
If you live near a pond or lake, don't allow your pets or livestock to run loose without some thought
on your part. They may head for thin ice and fall through if they are not familiar with icy ponds. It is
very difficult to escape these watery graves and equally challenging for you to reach the site safely.
Nutrition is a particularly important concern. Outdoor pets require more calories in the winter
to generate energy to ward off the cold. As a result, add 10 to 15 percent more to its daily diet to allow it
to meet those needs. Another way to meet cold weather calorie requirements is by adding some fats to
their regular ration. Be careful though, fats can lead to diarrhea and dehydration if too much is added.
Charlie Powell,
Washington State University News Bureau
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· The deadline for membership applications is January 31,2003. Please get your applications and
dues to Denise Call as soon as you can.
· The temperament test will be on March 1,2003 at Bennetts Creek Park. Janice Dezern and
Leslie Wemhoff are coordinating the event. Twelve volunteers are needed to help with the test. If you
can help or would like to have your dog tested contact them as soon as you can.
· The basic class started January 8, 2003. Basic class applications must be in one week prior to the
first class. This applies to all sessions. The advance class started January 22, 2003. Denise Call is
instructing the class which focuses on attention and heeling as an attention exercise.
· The web site is up and running. Events will be posted on the site so please visit often. If anyone
has suggestions of questions you can contact a board member by e-mail.
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It's with a heavy heart that I share with you the passing of my beloved Rottweiler, Dana. She so
valiantly fought kidney disease for nearly two years but ultimately lost that battle on January 3, 2003 at the
tender age of 5 years old. It has been many months since we attended any classes at PCTOC because
Dana's health started failing but during the time we were training we met and made many friends at
PCTOC, Dana loved to come to the classes and other gatherings. I miss Dana so very much, she was a very
special girl. She will be forever in my heart! Give your pups hugs tonight, cherish every day with them for
our time with them is far too short.
Lisa Hundley
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Well, the REALLY cold weather finally arrived with the beginning of the first training session of
the new year. Both the basic and advanced classes seem to be off to a great start. The advanced class
this session will include exercises in attention (stationary and moving) and motivational heeling. This is
a great time to work on consistency, attitude and teamwork with our companions.
The second session will commence on April 2nd (basic orientation and CGC Testing) with
the second session advanced class starting the following Wednesday. This advanced class will consist
of Novice preparation exercises. This training will take the students into the details of all the exercises they will experience in working
toward their AKC CD title. Additionally there will be introductions to other exercises from the Open and Utility arena such as jumping
and signals.
These first two sessions are very much geared to things that would be needed by those who want to move further in obedience with
their companion gaining a better working relationship and also for those who want to formally demonstrate skills through AKC or UKC trials.
At the board meeting earlier this month, the board discussed the possibility of having a show-n-go/video match sometime during April
on the armory grounds. We are currently checking on other scheduled dog fancy events in the area to pick an appropriate weekend
to maximize the ability of everyone to participate. Kendal Owens has volunteered to coordinate the event with Mary Ann assisting. We
will publicize a date as soon as possible so.
Our ATTS Testing is still on schedule for March 1st at Bennett's Creek Park. There are never enough helpers to keep these
events moving. If you have time, please consider contacting Leslie Wehmoff and volunteering to help. I'm sure she'll appreciate it. Even if
you just go out to watch, this will be a great opportunity to watch the test, observe different reactions in various dogs and to see and
understand what the differences mean to them and eventually to us.
Recently the club implemented two new mailing list servers for the dissemination of information and discussion on training,
happenings, and events. The initial startup caused a bit of confusion, which I think we have gotten through. Hopefully this will be an asset to all
of you. If you have any questions or comments, this is a ready source of information. If you need help using it or understanding how
to make changes to better use it or if you hav recommendations on ways to improve things, feel free to contact me.
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by David Hamel
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General Appearance:
The first impression of a good judge is that of a tough-minded, but fair, alert, but gentle, man or
woman. Muscular fitness and nimbleness are desirable, but not mandatory....soft living seems unavoidable.
The judge should neither be too tall nor too short. If as a rule of thumb, he must sink to his knees to
pet the dog, he is probably too tall. On the other hand, if he must jump into the air to check the testicles,
he is probably too short.
Measurements should be taken from the top of the head with the hair parted or so pushed down that
it will show the actual height of the frame or structure of the judge. A judge of desirable size and
proper flesh should average between 70 and 340 pounds, depending primarily upon sex and how fat he/she is.
The judge should be stamped with a look of nobility and justice difficult to define, but
unmistakable after the show. The good judge has a consistent personality marked by a direct and fearless, but
not hostile, expression of self-confidence and that certain aloofness which does not lend itself to
immediate and indiscriminate friendships...or at least does not belie such friendships until later back at the motel.
Coat:
In a cold climate, the judge should be equipped with a double coat the underwear may vary with
the season. At no time, however, should a judge shed in the ring.
Proportions:
The most desirable proportion for a judge is 38-23-36; however, you may settle for 23-23-23; or, as
I have seen at times, 22-35-48.
Pigment:
Let's not get into this again...All colors are permissible. I have not personally seen a blue judge, but
there's always a first time.
Gait:
Judges who tend to motivate on all fours should be avoided, as should those who stagger and fall down
a lot. Forward motion should be achieved by placing one foot in front of the other...hopping is
also permitted and, in fact, makes for a livelier show.
Stance:
While viewing the dogs, the judge should stand in the center of the ring, feet spread as at "parade
rest," the right hand should be held firmly in the left armpit with the left had crossing over and tucked into
the right armpit. The chin must be tucked solidly into the chest, eyes squinting. Once the judge has
assumed this position, the ring steward should count the number of times the class circles. If that count
should exceed twenty, he then might unobtrusively move out from his position to the judge's side and check
his condition.
Older, more experienced judges have been known to doze off in this position, while younger
specimens,
particularly the members of the party-going set, might still be so gassed from the pre-show festivities
that they have passed out.
Minor Faults:
Mute It is better if a judge can speak in audible tones. His vocabulary may be limited to phrases
like: "Loose lead," "Walk them," or "One more time," and the numbers one through four must be heard.
If this is impossible, a set of flash cards should be provided.
Total Blindness Using a totally blind judge is just a drag. The show must be held on concrete so
that he can hear the dogs gait. Besides, some wise guy will always show up with a Malamute and take
the points.
Disqualifying faults Judges who point, whoop and holler, or who laugh hysterically at the
exhibitor entering the ring with a particularly poor specimen, are to be disqualified. Likewise, judges who delay
the proceedings while the handlers make out checks payable to him, in the ring, are not permitted
to participate further. Any judge who attacks a handler in the ring (bite he/she, she/him, he/him,
or whatever) is to be warned three times in writing after which he must be dismissed.
As in the obedience competition, any judges relieving themselves in the ring are to be expelled therefrom.
by Dick Kurz
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to
go where they went. - Will Rogers
The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his
tail instead of his tongue. - Anonymous
Dogs need to sniff the ground; it's how they keep abreast of
current events. The ground is a giant dog newspaper, containing all kinds
of late-breaking dog news items, which, if they are
especially urgent, are often continued in the next yard. - Dave Barry
Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed
a dog. - Franklin P. Jones
A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn
around three times before lying down.
- Robert Benchley
No animal should ever jump up on the dining-room
furniture unless absolutely certain that he can hold his own in
the conversation. - Fran Lebowitz
My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up
to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money. - Joe Weinstein
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking
your face. - Ben Williams
The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.
- Andrew A. Rooney
If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain
dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons.
- James Thurber
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February
February 22nd & 23rd: Hampton, VA Tidewater Dog
Performance Club - 3 UKC Obedience trials Pre-entry closes February 7th.
Contact Patty Cooper at 757-631-8577
March
March 8th & 9th: Hampton, VA Belroi Agility Club - 3 UKC
Obedience trials - Pre-entry closes 2/28/03. Contact Fay Smith at
804-776-9289
March 20th, 22nd, & 23rd: Raleigh, NC Alamance, Durham,
Raliegh & Fayetteville Kennel Clubs - 4 AKC Obedience trials Pre-entry
closes March 5th. Contact Moss Bow at 336-379-9352
April
April 5th & 6th: Gloucester, VA Merrimac Dog Training Center - 2 AKC Agility trials - Opens February 19th & closes March
21st. Contact Aleta Channell at 757-488-1366
April 12th & 13th: Gloucester, VA Hampton Roads Obedience Training Club - 2 AKC agility trials Pre-entry opens February
24th and closes March 22nd. Contact Jean Watkins at 757-857-7419
April 14th & 15th: Fredericksburg, VA Greater Fredericksburg Kennel Club - AKC Obedience trials - Closes March 26th.
Contact Moss Bow at 336-379-9352
April 17th: Frederick, MD Catoctin Kennel Club of Northern Virginia - AKC Obedience trial - Closes April 2nd. Contact Jim
Rau Dog Shows at 610-376-1880
April 19th: Leesburg, VA Old Dominion Kennel Club of Northern Virginia - AKC Obedience trial - Closes April 2nd.
Contact Moss Bow at 336-379-9352
April 19th - 24th & 26/27th: Sanford,
NC NADAC Fundraiser/Judging Evaluation trial. Contact Sharon Nelson
at sharon@nadac.com
April 26th & 27th: Lynchburg, VA Dog Training Club of Lynchburg - 2 AKC agility trials Pre-entry opens February 26th
and closes April 7th. Contact Judy Smotrel at 434-384-3117
May
May 3rd & 4th: Gloucester, VA Belroi Agility Club & Tidewater Dog Performance Club - 4 UKC agility trials - Pre-entry
closes April 23rd. Contact Pam Wilson at agiledog@juno.com
May 17th &18th: Gloucester, VA Gloucester Kennel Club of Virginia - 2 AKC Agility trials - Opens February 19th & Closes
April 30th. Contact Nelson Fletcher at 804-693-2167
May 23rd - 26th : Williamsburg, VA Tidewater, Virginia Beach, Langley, & Gloucester Kennel Clubs - 4 AKC Obed trial -
Closes May 7th. Contact Moss Bow at 336-379-9352
"It's always 'Sit,' 'Stay,' 'Heel' never
'Think,' 'Innovate,' 'Be yourself.'"
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March 1st: Chesapeake, VA American Temperament Testing Society
Tests The Temperament Test focuses on and measures
different aspects of temperament such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog's instinct for protectiveness towards
its handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat. Individual reactions are compared to what the breed's expected reaction should
be by several evaluators and a chief evaluator. The dog's score is discussed with the handler at the end of each test. "Passing" dogs receive
their certificates later by mail.
The PCOTC will host a local test which will be conducted at Bennetts Creek Park. You must register in advance for this test.
Pre-entries will be limited to 35 dogs and will be accepted February 1-23, 2003. Entry forms may be found on the ATTS web site at
http://www.atts.org. Dogs must be at least 18 months old. The entry fee is $25.00 per dog, checks should be made out to PCOTC.
Directions to the site: From I-664: Take the Hwy17 - James River Bridge exit - off Hwy 17 take a left onto Shoulder Hill Road (at
light between the George and Steve's Steak House and the Shell Station), take a right onto Bennett's Creek Park Rd and follow to the end.
Entry forms should be sent to Leslie Wemhoff , PO Box 6810, Chesapeake, VA 23323. For more information, call Leslie at 757-465-0456.
Several helpers are needed and must be confirmed by January 31, 2003. No experience is needed. Please contact Leslie Wemhoff to volunteer.
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March 8th: Earlysville, VA "The Power of Positive Dog Training," a full-day seminar with Pat Miller. Includes clicker training,
tricks, and problem solving - participants questions requested. Sponsored by Canine Campus. For detailed info and to register online
see www.CanineCampus.com or call 434-973-1050.
March 8 & 9th: Chesapeake, VA Care and Conditioning of the Performance
Dog Topics include chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, nutrition, pain management, physical therapy, injury prevention. Presented by Dr. John Sherman DVM, Dr. Regina
Schwabe DVM and Fran D'Amico. Dogs welcome. For more information, contact Brenda Hux 252-465 4304 or cameo@surfnetnc.com.
March 10 & 11th: Salisbury, NC Steve Frick will be in Salisbury NC (45 minutes North of Charlotte, and 45 minutes South
of Winston-Salem) at TCB Farm for a day of private lessons and a one day seminar, March 10-11th, 2003 (this is the Monday and
Tuesday after the Charlotte DTC Trials). Please contact Meagan Skelton at 704-645-0404 or tcb_bc@bellsouth.net for more information. You
can get more information and Steve's Bio at his website, http://www.command-performances.com
May 10-13th: Roanoke, VA Saint Francis of Assisi Service Dog Foundation presents a four-day conference with Chris Bach and
The Third Way. Days one and two: Foundation games, theories and techniques. Days three and four: "Try Me" ideas and techniques
for service dog training. For information, please check The Third Way's website at: www.trainthethirdway.com or contact Karen Hough
at (540)342-3647 or SFOATD@msn.com.
Upcoming Fun Day
K-9 Karnvial May 9th: Virginia Beach, VA This event showcases the 2003 Skyhoundz Local Championships, canine disc contest,
and the 12th annual Dog-Gonest Dog Show. There will also be canine demonstrations, exhibits, and vendors selling doggie-related items.
Free admission and on-site parking. Call Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation at 471-5839 for more information.
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Bones Would Rain From Heaven by Suzanne Clothier
Words from the Publisher:
Akin to Monty Roberts's The Man Who Listens to
Horses and going light-years beyond The Hidden Life of
Dogs or any training manual, Suzanne Clothier takes a radical new direction
in understanding our life with dogs...and our mutual love.
Drawing on a lifetime of experience with dogs, this nationally
renowned dog trainer brings us astonishing new lessons about our animals
-- and ourselves.
Gently, with intelligence, humor, and unfailing patience,
Suzanne Clothier guides us to truly comprehend another creature's
mind and heart.
You will discover how our dogs see the world from their
uniquely canine perspective, how we can meet their deep need for
leadership without using force or coercion, and how the "laws" of canine
culture often put our dogs at odds with us and our very human
world. Clothier's unparalleled insights into aggression in dogs can
help prevent a tragedy, including the unnecessary destruction of a pet.
In these pages, you will meet unforgettable dogs who will
capture, and perhaps break, your heart. There is Badger --
handsome, curious, and perhaps dangerous. Can his threatening behavior
be changed? Though doomed by a congenital heart murmur,
the winsome pup McKinley offers an unforgettable lesson in
living. Then aging Vali brings us to the moment that all dog owners
must someday face: the loss of a devoted companion. But what this
old dog teaches us in her last days may change you forever.
As in no other "dog book" or training manual, in
Bones Would Rain From The Sky an extraordinary woman shows us how to
find a deep connection with another being and to receive an
incomparable gift: a profound, lifelong relationship with the dog you love.
From Publishers Weekly:
Clearly an animal lover, Clothier opens this training manual
by recalling her childhood, when she pretended she was a dog.
Rather than simply trying to "train" animals to behave in a certain
way, Clothier focuses on improving the existing relationship
between pet and owner. To help readers gain some insights into
more effective training, Clothier offers anecdotes about her
clients. Particularly important is the dog's connection to the owner
and the ability of the two to communicate effectively: "In
each moment that you are with the dog, you must be aware, gently
and persistently shifting the balance toward one of mutual
agreement and cooperation. This is not easy, and it requires some
thought. Most of all, it requires a desire to create-over and over
again-the event of quality, which in turn creates a heartfelt commitment
to truly being with the dog." Usually Clothier begins by
observing her clients interact with their pets: after one owner
complained about her dog being disruptive and overly playful,
Clothier concluded that the owner's way of physically stopping her dog
was in fact causing the dog to be more playful. Clothier is a
capable writer, and her descriptive style livens up the subject matter.
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About PCOTC
The Portsmouth Chesapeake Obedience Training Club, Inc is a nonprofit organization composed of people
who enjoy working and spending time with their dogs. We are interested in helping you train your dog to be a well
mannered family member and a source of pride.
President: DavidHamel 757-478-6913 president@pcotcdogs.org
Vice President: Marie Stuart 757-465-5099 vpresident@pcotcdogs.org
Treasurer: Cathy Broyles 757-488-8752 treasurer@pcotcdogs.org
Corresponding Secretary: Cristy Broyles
csecretary@pcotcdogs.org
Recording Secretary: Kendall Owens 252-771-3034 rsecretary@pcotcdogs.org
Board Members: Lovey Lyons 757-657-6564 board1@pcotcdogs.org
Denise Call 757-558-1120 board2@pcotcdogs.org
Mary Ann Maegher board3@pcotcdogs.org
Leslie Wemoff 757-465-0456 board4@pcotcdogs.org
The PUP deadlines:
We make every effort to distribute The PUP the first Wednesday of each month. In order to help us make
this deadline, please submit information by the 25th of the previous month.
Please send any submissions for The PUP to
Caryl Thompson 757-631-0712 pupeditor@pcotcdogs.org