Just a reminder to everyone: I know of not one county where the health department allows pet dogs
(including Therapy Dogs) into establishments where food is served. If your local health department allows Therapy Dogs
into establishments that serve food (other than hospitals <smile>), please get me a copy of the health code or the
phone number of the person who can fax me a copy as I like to keep current on these things. Some people who work at
these stores get confused about the difference between Therapy and Service Dogs, and because the repercussions for
not allowing a Service Dog are large, they allow Therapy Dogs. Unfortunately, if the health department finds out
that they've knowingly let a pet in, the Health Department may do anything from fine them to pulling their permit to
simply warning them. This in turn generally means that these folks become more skeptical of Service Dogs, and
generally speaking increase the amount which they hassle Service Dog partners. Hassling can be anything from questioning,
to following, to not allowing you to enter, to physically pushing you out of the store, to calling the police, to
following you, to yelling at you, to, well, you name it.
I strongly encourage everyone to take their pets as many places as they legally can. Know your health codes.
Also, know your neighborhoods. In my neighborhood, despite the fact that they know they are risking their license
every single time they let a pet dog in, the local coffee shop encourages people to bring their pets into the store. This is
a choice that they've made, and who am I to argue with that? <smile>
In general, establishments that do not serve or sell food have the option of deciding whether or not they will allow dogs on the premises. Some places opt to allow only those dogs who are Therapy Dogs or have their CGC. If you do bring your pet with you, its generally a good idea to buy something and to mention that the reason you shop their is because they let you shop with your pet. This will encourage them to a) note that people with pets spend money and b) note that you've got a well behaved pet and the more they see your well behaved pet, the better a chance you've got that one bad dog won't ruin it for all. The following is a list of places and types of places that frequently allow dogs (this list is meant as a starting point to thinking about where you may take your dog and I'm not making any promises about what may happen in your area. Use at your own discretion, etc.)
JCrew stores that are *not* in a mall and are in buildings where their lease does not forbid pets, allow dogs.
At one point, and I haven't checked with them in years, JCrew corporate's belief was that shoppers with dogs
tended to buy more stuff, and therefore they encourage people to bring their pets.
Hardware stores. I know that some Home Depots, due to poorly behaved pets, have shifted to a no pets policy,
but many are still pet friendly. Small local hardware stores tend to allow pets.
Small bookstores that do not have a cafe or serve coffee frequently allow pets. (Be sure your dog is rock
solid around kids before approaching the children's section of any bookstore.)
Mail Boxes Etc. and other mailing stores.
Many film developing places and camera shops.
Pet Supply stores, of course.
Some outdoor cafes, patios and restaurants. (Check your local health codes. In Atlanta, health codes forbid these places to allow pets if there is a fence or similar separation between the patio and the surrounding area. i.e.
if there are a couple tables on the sidewalk, you can have you dog, but otherwise, no pets.)
Some clothing stores (generally the expensive ones and the dirt cheap ones) allow pets.
Some office supply stores allow pets (again, if they are selling food the health department or the
agriculture department may have something to say about pets).
Many garden centers allow pets (though they generally frown upon your pets peeing on their plants, so
empty your dog before going in.)
Some sporting goods stores allow pets.
Some shoe stores allow pets.
Some jewelry stores allow pets.
Some gift shops allow pets.
Some offices allow pets.
In some parts of the country, hair salons are very dog friendly. In Atlanta, the health code forbids pets from
being in hair salons, beauty parlors, and spa type places, as well as any places that sell cosmetics.
Final note: if you're in a store with your pet and you see a person working a Service Dog PLEASE do not allow your pet to interfere with the working dog (by interfere I mean both friendly and unfriendly greetings). If the person is blind, please be sure to tell them that you are there with a dog, where you are going, and please do tell them when you are leaving. If your dog reacts in a way that isn't appropriate, please simply get your dog out of the situation. Apologize as you leave, but the important thing is to leave. If your dog is reacting inappropriately to a dog guide for the blind, please do tell the person what is happening and where you are going ("I am sorry. My pet dog is on a 6 foot leash. I have him under control. We are going to the exit now. I am very sorry.") Remember, the important thing is to leave immediately, not after you're done waiting in line, not in a moment, leave right at that instant.
This may seem obvious to the folks who read this, but the reason I am stressing this so much is that apparently the general public is unaware of the importance of not letting their dog interfere with a Service Dog.
by Samantha, Fergus SD, and Milo SDit
© 2003 by Samantha Burton Fogg; Reprinted with permission
Samantha owns the Operant Conditioning for Service Dogs e-mail list (OC-Assist-Dogs@yahoogroups.com ) and the Leonberger Service Dog e-mail list. Her specialty as a trainer is Service Dogs, and, along with Morgan Spector, Debi Davis, and Robin Pool, she will be one of the featured speakers at the February Service Dog Seminar in Newark, Delaware. In addition, Samantha will occassionally take on a special project. Currently she is training Riva, a Saint Bernard puppy, for a small role in the upcoming Tim Burton movie, Big Fish.
Samantha is partnered with Fergus, her Service Dog. They have been together since 1997 when Fergus was 9 weeks old, and they have been a working Service Dog team since 1999. Samantha is currently training her next Service Dog prospect, Milo. For more information about Service Dogs, and about Samantha's dogs, visit her website at http://fergus.fogg.net
As we start a new year I'd like to welcome the new board members that have accepted positions and thank them for volunteering their time to help guide the club through the upcoming year. For those members that have agreed to continue with board positions for another year, rest assured your continued efforts don't go unnoticed. For those of you who are not aware, Caryl Thompson has agreed to assume the duties as our PUP Editor. This is a lot of work and we appreciate her stepping forward for this task. The position of Training Director is still vacant and we will do our best to fill this position until a suitable volunteer is found.
Please remember that this is a volunteer organization. As a member consider the time you have available in your schedule and if there is some way you can help out. There are a number of events and happenings that need everyone's participation to get accomplished correctly. Whether it is for our fall obedience trial, assisting with training, or other events, if you have time please consider assisting in some way. If you are interested or would like more information, don't hesitate to contact myself or someone on the board.
As we start the new year, there comes that age old task of setting your goals and resolutions. This is where we all sit and ponder where we are and where we want to be by years end. We tend to reflect on what we set our sights on last year and whether we were able to achieve those goals. Regardless of whether you excelled or faltered during the past year, use the dawn of the new year to lift your excitement and motivation to attempt and strive for new things. Challenge yourself and your companion. Remember the most important part is not the conclusion or ending, but the journey and all the things that happen along the way.
Our club is already busy with its first event of the new year. We will be hosting an American Temperament Test at the beginning of March. Leslie Wehmoff and Janice Dezern are heading up coordinating this event. There are lots of things to do so we can insure a safe and accurate test for all of the participants. The test itself will be held out at Bennetts Creek Park. If you are interested in participating or helping, more information can be found on the club website or by contacting Leslie.
Near the end of the Annual Meeting and Christmas Party, there was some very interesting discussion between a number of members about a "workshop" form of training. This format would be instruction and evaluation on how to train specific exercises or areas to help members improve those areas whether in preparation for competition or just personal improvement. This seems like a very interesting format for members to gain additional training help without coordinating a full class. Look for more information on this shortly. If anyone has any suggestions on this or any other topic, please communicate them to me or other members of the board. Remember this is your club, the more we hear from the membership, the more we can do to make it enjoyable for all.
by David Hamel
Time flies when you are having fun. I can't believe I have been president for three years. I want to thank everyone who has sat on the board over those years. Whether we agreed or not on the direction the Club should take your input was important to me. We accomplished a lot in a short period of time. Money was put into the bank, the basic class curriculum was updated and we experimented with moving the obedience trial indoors to name a few things. Also I want to thank those who were responsible for the presidential gavel which was presented to me at the Christmas party.
The position of president takes up more of ones time than the two hours the Club meets on Wednesday night, it is a full time job with no pay and sometimes plenty of challenges. The days were few and far between over the three years I didn't deal with some club issue. Take a minute when you see our new president, David Hamel, running around on Wednesday night and ask him if there is anything you can do to help out. Many times he will probably say not right now, but the fact you took the minute to offer will make all the difference to him.
To help with a seamless change I accepted the VP position for the New Year. I am also teaching the first basic class for 2003. So, I'll be out training and fulfilling my obligations; please don't hesitate to approach me if there is anything I can do for you.
by Marie Stuart
November 11, 2002 Board Meeting:
· Orientation for the next basic class is set for January 8,2003. Marie Stuart will be the instructor. We need an instructor for the advanced class. If any one is interested please see Marie or David.
· The temperament test is set for March 2003. Janice Dezern is the secretary for the event.
· The new slate of board members for 2003:
| President: | David Hamel |
| Vice President: | Marie Stuart |
| Treasurer: | Cathy Broyles |
| Recording Secretary: | Kendall Owens |
| Corresponding Secretary: | Cathy Broyles |
| Board Member: | Denise Call |
| Board Member: | Lovey Lyons |
| Board Member: | Mary Ann Maher |
| Board Member: | Leslie Wehmoff |
· Several people attended the annual holiday party and board meeting. We had a lot of fun, ate plenty of good food, and ruthlessly enjoyed a game of Cut Throat for doggie related gifts.
· These new officers and board members were voted on and accepted at the December annual meeting.
· Keep your membership current! The deadline for dues is January 31, 2003.
· The next board meetings are scheduled for January 20, 2003 and March 17, 2003. Please remember that all members are welcome to attend! For the specific time and location, contact David Hamel.
February 8th & 9th: Gates, NC IWPA Weight Pulls at Lane Farm Supply. Spectators welcome. For more information visit www.iwpa.net or contact Leslie Wemhoff at 757-465-0456
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 22nd & 23rd: Roanoke, VA Star City Canine Club - NADAC trials. Contact Patti Campbell at shenvalva@earthlink.net
April
April 5 & 6th: Gloucester, VA Merrimac Dog Training Center - 2 AKC Agility trials - Opens 2/19/03 & Closes 3/21/03. Contact Aleta Channell at 757-488-1366
April 5 & 6th: Gamber, MD Mid-Atlantic MADness - USDAA Agility trials. Contact Barb Atkinson - 410-552-3804
April 14th & 15th: Fredericksburg, VA Greater Fredericksburg Kennel Club - AKC Obedience trials - Closes 3/26/03. Contact Moss Bow at 336-379-9352
April 19th: Leesburg, VA Old Dominion Kennel Club of Northern Virginia - AKC Obedience trial - Closes 4/2/03. 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
May
May 10th &11th: Richmond, VA RDOC - 2 AKC Obed trials - Closes 4/23/03. Contact Pamela Hill at 804-231-7650
May 17th &18th: Gloucester, VA Gloucester Kennel Club of Virginia - 2 AKC Agility trials - Opens 2/19/03 & Closes 4/30/03. Contact Nelson Fletcher at 804-693-2167
May 23rd - 26th : Williamsburg, VA Tidewater Kennel Club / Gloucester Kennel Club - 2 AKC Obed trial -
Closes 5/7/03. Contact Moss Bow at 336-379-9352
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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.
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.
This guy sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog for Sale." He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a black mutt just sitting there.
"You talk?" he asks.
"Yep," the mutt replies.
"So, what's your story?"
The mutt looks up and says, "Well, I discovered this gift pretty young and I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies eight years running. The jetting around really tired me out, I knew I wasn't getting any younger, and I wanted to settle down. So I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. Uncovered some incredible dealings there and was awarded a batch of medals. Had a wife, a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired."
The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.
The owner says, "Ten dollars."
The guy says, "This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him, so cheap?"
The owner replies, "He's such a liar. He didn't do any of that stuff."
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Please send any submissions for The PUP to Caryl Thompson at 757-631-0712, or e-mail pupeditor@pcotcdogs.org
At the UKC Agility Trials in New Hill, NC on Dec. 14th, Jackie Kirkman's "Flashman", earned High In Trial from the Agility 111 class in Trial 1 and his 2nd leg towards his Agility Championship Excellent.
PCOTC's Web Site www.pcotcdogs.org
Other sites of interest
Merrimac Dog Training Club www.merrimacdogs.com
Tidewater Dog Performance Club www.tdpc-hjjdogs.com
Looking for events?
American Kennel Club: www.akc.org
InfoDog: www.infodog.com
International Weight Pull Association: www.iwpa.net
Tidewater Dog Performance Club: www.tdpc-hjjdogs.com
United Kennel Club: www.ukcdogs.com
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If you enjoy obedience competitions, you may be interested in the sport of Schutzhund as well.
Schutzhund started at the beginning of the 1900's as a test for working dogs. Its initial purpose was to determine which dogs could be used for breeding and which had true working ability.
Schutzhund tests cover three specific areas: obedience, tracking, and protection. All dogs are first required to pass a temperament test known as a BH (or a Traffic Steady Companion Dog).
In addition to the BH, there are Schutzhund titles (which include tracking, obedience and protection), advanced tracking degrees, a basic protection degree, and the AD which is an 12.5 mile endurance test and includes obedience. There are also 6 separate obedience and tracking titles for those not interested in the protection end of the sport.
Those who compete in AKC or UKC obedience will find Schutzhund obedience to be very similar. The most obvious differences are in the strict and lengthy heeling pattern, and in the height of the jump (1-meter).
Caryl Thompson is working with her dog Tonka to earn a Schutzhund obedience title.
A Schutzhund demonstration day can be arranged through Dutch East Dog Training Center in Virginia Beach, if there is enough interest.
Please contact Caryl at 757-631-0712 or e-mail pupeditor@pcotcdogs.org for more information.
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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
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