Dogs at Play: Note just fun and games
May 19th Board Meeting
From the Presidents Desk
If Dogs Wrote Letters to God
Dear Dogs ....
PCOTC Fall Obedience Trial
Attention UKC Agility Participants
Brags!!
Upcoming Performance Events
Upcoming Seminars and Conferences
Run Throughs at Merrimac
Location Change
About the PCOTC
"Wanna play?" The invitation seems innocuous, even frivolous. But is it?
Play is definitely not just fun and games. For intelligent, social species, like dogs
and humans, play is essential to proper development.
Play is a biological necessity. Healthy play prepares youngsters to
become adults, develops physical strength and coordination, and fosters learning. The drive to play is
strongest at the age when the brain is developing fastest. Since play is so critical, it makes sense that
the way we play with our dogs is significant to our relationship with them.
Games With People
One of the first games a puppy plays is "Keep-Away." A pup picks up any object in its
mouth and parades past a littermate with that "Na, Na, na-na-na" look and posture, and then dashes off
the moment the other puppy pursues. It's a form of tag with a specific purpose the one who keeps
the toy wins.
Now imagine the toy is your sock or best shoe. If you chase your pup, you are setting
yourself up to lose. The dog maintains control and wins. He's faster and more agile and, he's about to
prove that maybe he's smarter too. This game is a poor start to any relationship.
Teach your dog, even as a puppy, to bring everything he has to you and trade for
something more valuable -- another toy, food, praise or petting. Be fair and trade every time. This makes you
a fair pack leader in your dog's eyes and assures that the desired behavior continues.
Teaching your dog to bring things back paves the way for future retrieve games, which
provide hours of fun and exercise. Such games also put you in control and identify you as the winner,
thus making you a good pack leader.
Games should always involve him chasing you, not vice-versa. Hide-and-seek, where
someone holds the dog while you or a family member hides, and then the dog is released to find them, is
a perfect example of a fun game that keeps you in control.
You can also teach your dog to play with two toys. Throw one toy (not very far) and, as the
dog picks it up, you make a big fuss about the other toy. Chances are the dog will drop the first and
want the one you have. You oblige him by throwing the second one, immediately, and then pick up
the other one. Over time, you encourage the dog to bring back the one he retrieved, and then drop it
for you to throw the second.
As your dog gets older and learns more obedience commands, incorporate a little training
into playtime. Teach him to wait for "Ready, Set, GO" before he can chase the toy. Occasionally,
ask your dog to "Sit" or "Down" before you throw the toy. Reward his compliance by throwing the
toy as you release him. If he fails to sit or down, the penalty is no toy. Just put it away and count to
5, and then give him another chance. No need for corrections of any kind just no reward. Later,
you can teach "Leave it," so he can get his toy only when you tell him.
Teach your dog to trust you. Don't throw his toy over a fence or where he can't get it. Be a
fair pack leader and your dog will give you the respect you deserve. Be worthy of your dog.
Tug-of-war games are allowed only if the dog learns to "Out" absolutely on your command
and there is no serious growling, snapping or fighting. Such games should never be played by
younger family members, who simply are not perceived by the dog as being the boss. Likewise,
rough-and-tumble games should never be allowed, where the dog puts his mouth on a person, even when he
is inhibiting his bite. These types of games send the wrong message that it's okay to use your
mouth on people.
Games With Dogs
Playing with other dogs is a social necessity for any puppy or young dog. Selecting the
right playmates is a serious consideration. Avoid letting your pup get bullied too much by an older
or stronger dog. If your dog seems to be the bully type, he needs to meet an older dog who will
discipline him gently and show him the rules of acceptable play behavior.
The dog park may look like a fun place, but pay attention to whether your dog is enjoying
the experience. Often, when there are no hormones, territory or social status at stake, dogs can
enjoy these group interactions. But be sure to protect your dog (as a good pack leader should). Watch
that he doesn't spend most of his time being afraid, running away, groveling in appeasement, or
defending himself.
Dogs are no different than people they have their preferred playmates. They are called
friends. Playing with friends teaches a young dog how to be social and enhances his sense of self. It
teaches him to trust his own kind and, best of all, it is pure joy for a dog.
Games With Objects
As long as a puppy gets to play with other dogs occasionally, say once a week, that's all
he needs to become adept at social encounters with his own kind. Most of us can't spend enough
time just playing with our dogs. That means he'll need suitable toys to entertain him.
Remember that this urge to play is not just fun, it's absolutely vital to his development as
an intelligent, active social being. If you don't provide the right toys he'll find his own, probably
something inappropriate like the leg of your antique chair or the electrical wires. Young dogs are
usually too active and curious to be left alone with access to the entire
house until they are at least year old. Check out which toys your dog likes
best before you leave him alone in his puppy-proofed area, crate or
exercise pen.
Remember, some toys are only appropriate for supervised play.
When confined, young dogs need a variety of toys to occupy them. Provide safe
toys and check them regularly for damage and wear.
Arrange your schedule so that your dog gets adequate exercise before you
leave him alone for any length of time. After an exercise period, when you have to leave
or just don't have time to play with him, hollow bones or empty hard rubber toys can be stuffed
with peanut butter or cream cheese and kept in the freezer. Given frozen, they can occupy him for
hours and stave off both hunger and boredom.
There is an endless variety of toys on the market today, designed to keep your dog active
and entertained. Some dispense kibbles, one or two at a time, as they are rolled or pushed or
nosed around. Others light up or make noises that seem to intrigue and delight some dogs. Some
dogs prefer using their feet, while others lead with their mouths, so watch your dog to determine
which toys suit him best.
Many toys rattle, squeak, jingle or make grunting noises when pressed or moved, keeping
the dog's interest and rewarding his interaction. Pay attention to which sounds attract your dog. Be
sure all the toys are appropriate for your dog's age and size, that they can't be swallowed whole or
torn apart easily and the pieces ingested. Giving your dog his favorite toys helps him develop and
learn. It also teaches him to entertain himself.
So, to have a happy canine companion, be sure to give your dog time to be just a dog time
to play. But also choose his games carefully and his toys wisely. A good management program,
and incorporating constructive games and toys, allows you to spend time enjoying your puppy,
which will develop into a meaningful and mutually rewarding relationship.
"Life is a game that must be played." -- E.A. Robinson
By Sheila Booth
Sheila Booth is the author of the award-winning book "Purely Positive Training: Companion to
Competition" and co-author of the best-selling title "Schutzhund Obedience: Training in Drive." She has
been training dogs for more than 30 years. © 2002 HandsOnToys. Inc. This article may be reprinted and
distributed, but may not be re-written or edited without the written permission of HandsOnToys, Inc.
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· Orientation for the next basic class will be on June 18, 2003, followed by the CGC Test.
Maggie Hayes will be instructing. Lee Hussey will teach the advance class, concentrating on
Rally Obedience.
· Changes to the bylaws and guidelines
were approved by the general membership. Christy will send them to the AKC.
· Organizing the October trial is well
underway. We still need someone for trophies and prizes, as well as volunteers to help
steward. If you can help, please see a board member.
Top
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The second session classes are coming to a close and I would like to take a moment to express
my appreciation to Kendal Owens, Denise Call and Jackie Kirkman for their great jobs done in both the
basic and advanced classes this session. Their extra effort to provide the classes was greatly appreciated. The
next set of classes will begin with the basic class orientation and CGC testing on 18 June, with the first class
of both the basic and advanced on June 25th. This advanced session will be a Rally class taught by Lee Hussey.
For those of you who have noticed, this year is flying right along. Between training, trials and the fun
of everyday living, everything is going by in a blink. I hope all of you are accomplishing everything you had
set as goals.
The fall obedience trial preparations are well underway. Our October trial takes a lot of work to
prepare for but is an exciting adventure. Please consider any requests you might receive to assist with various
tasks associated with the trial. The more folks we have helping out the easier it becomes on all of us. A reminder
to all, we usually do have a evening out with the judges before the trial begins and a pot luck dinner
between the two trial dates. All members are welcome to attend these. Please note them on your calendars.
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by David Hamel
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Dear God, When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it the same old story?
Dear God, If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?
Dear God, When we get to the Pearly Gates, do we have to shake hands to get in?
Dear God, Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the
stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around?
We dogs love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the "Chrysler Eagle" the "Chrysler Beagle?"
Dear God, Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?
Dear God, More meatballs, less spaghetti please.
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When I say to move, it means go someplace else, not switch positions with each other so
there are still two dogs in the way.
The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine
and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake
a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by Nascar and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is
not the object. Tripping me doesn't help, because I fall faster than you can run.
I can not buy anything bigger than a king size bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think
I will continue to sleep on the couch to ensure your comfort. Look at videos of dogs sleeping, they
can actually curl up in a ball. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to
the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out
the other end to maximize space used is nothing but doggy sarcasm.
My compact discs are not miniature Frisbees.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat
you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, try to turn the knob, or
get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I
entered. In addition, I have been using bathrooms for years, canine attendance is not mandatory.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell other dogs' butts. I can not stress this enough.
It would be such a simple change for you guys to make.
Sincerely,
The Human
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Our club's 2003 obedience trial will be held October 25th & 26th at the Merrimac training
building in Newport News. We have a very nice judging panel lined up and are looking forward to a
wonderful event. As you know, a trial is a team effort and requires the time and energy of all club members. We
will be calling upon you for various tasks and hope you will give freely of your time and talent.
Trial Chairperson Maggie Hayes
Trial Secretary Dave Hamel
Hospitality Cathy Broyles
Advertising Marie Stuart
Chief Steward Jackie Kirkman
Booster Page Aleta Channell
Trophy Chair Anita Ramsay
Grounds Chair Leslie Wemhoff
Looking forward to working with you in making PCOTC's trials the best ever!
submitted by Maggie Hayes , Trial Chairperson
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The following announcement was made in the May 2003 issue of
Bloodlines magazine:
"July 1, 2003, will be the effective date for the new Agility Rulebook that will be
available in late spring. Please be aware of the following changes on July 1, 2003. Agility
titles must be earned successively.
· A dog may not compete for the United Agility II (UAGII) title until it has earned
the United Agility I (UAGI) title, regardless of whether the dog has earned titles in
other venues.
· A dog may not compete for the United Agility Champion (UACH) title until it has
earned the United Agility II (UAGII) title, regardless of whether the dog has earned titles in
other venues.
· A dog may not compete for the United Agility Champion Excellent (UACHX) title until
it has earned the United Agility Champion (UACH) title, regardless of whether the dog
has earned titles in other venues.
· Dogs that have legs in both Agility I and II, but have not earned the titles
successively prior to July 1, 2003, will be required to complete the Agility I degree before
completing the Agility II degree.
"Many of you wrote with valid objections to the change. We listened and have
decided that we will not adopt the proposed change after
all. Accordingly, the current Agility rules will stay in place through December 31, 2003. When the new rulebook is published
effective January 1, 2004, there will be no change in the way agility titles may be earned.
"We are grateful to the many UKC Agility exhibitors, club members and Judges who took
the time to review our proposed rule and explain to us why it should not be changed. We
appreciate your support and concern for our Agility program."
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Please send any submissions for The PUP to Caryl Thompson at 757-631-0712, or
e-mail pupeditor@pcotcdogs.org
Dave Hamel: Over the weekend of May 17th & 18th, Zoe and I went to the UKC/HRC
Hunt Tests sponsored by the Eastern Carolina Hunting Retriever Club. Through the cold and rainy
weekend Zoe qualified both days earning 10 Points toward her Started Hunting Retriever (SHR) title.
On the weekend of May 31st and June 1st, Zoe and I traveled to western Pennsylvania for the
UKC/HRC Hunt Tests sponsored by the Keystone Waterfowlers Hunting Retriever Club. Zoe qualified
on both days, finishing up her Started Hunter Retriever (SHR) title with the HRC. Aside from the
rain, it was a very nice weekend with well managed tests. The hosting club did a wonderful job.
We should be moving to seasoned/senior tests by the fall and are looking forward to the new challenge.
Maggie Hayes: Snap picked up back to back Started Hunting Retriever legs at the
Eastern Carolina's HRC's UKC trial on May 17th and 18th in Louisburg, NC. Mr. Snappy finished his
UKC Started Hunting Retriever title the weekend of May 31st with back to back Qs at the
Keystone Waterfowlers HRC in Indiana, PA. Drumroll pulleeze....he is now officially SHR Fireside Snap
N Crackle JH. Pretty cool for the little red wildman!
Jackie Kirkman: My German Shorthaired Pointer, Flash, earned his first Utility leg and was
first place at the Richmond Obedience Trial on May 11th. Quite a nice Mother's Day present!!
Caryl Thompson: Tonka earned his Schtuzhund BH ("Traffic Steady Companion Dog" an
obedience and temperament test) May 16th & 17th at the Dutch East Schutzhund Club in Virginia
Beach. On to tracking titles and more obedience titles!
Marie Stuart: On Monday, May 26th at Gloucester KC Striker earned his third leg finishing
his Utility title from the Utility B class. He placed second with a 191.5, making him U-CDX Glendale
S. Wind Lock'd N Load'd UD OA OAJ
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June
June 27th - 19th: Afton, VA Dog Obedience Training Club of Lynchburg - 3 AKC Obed trials -
Closes June 11th. Contact Judy Smotrel at 434-384-3177
July
July 3rd-6th: West Friendship, MD Catoctin, Northeast Maryland, Upper Marlboro and
National Capital Kennel Clubs - 4 AKC obedience trials - Pre-entry closes June 18th. Contact Moss
Bow at 336-379-9352
July 12th & 13th: Apex, NC Carolina Canine Pet & Performance - 2 UKC obedience trials
Pre-entry closes June 20th. Contact Laura Kramer at 919-644-0408
July 19th & 20th: Westminster, NC Tail Waggers Agility Club - NADAC agility trials -
Contact Denise Dougan at dugank9@wserv.com
July 25th & 26th: Millersville, MD PAWZAAZ Agility Club - NADAC agility trials -
Contact Terry Wright at tebi@erols.com
July 26th & 27th: Grantville, PA United States Traditional American Bulldog Club - 2
UKC weight pulls. Closes July 15th. Contact Tonia Lorensen at 860-567-0830
September
September 2nd & 3rd: Sanford, NC Bon-Clyde Learning Center- NADAC agility trials -
Contact Bonnie Buchanan at bon_clyde@wave-net.net
September 6th & 7th: Gladys, VA Dog Obedience Training Club of Lynchburg - Herding Trials
- Contact Moss Bow at 336-379-9352
September 6th & 7th: Gloucester, VA Belroi Agility Club
& Tidewater Dog Performance Center - UKC agility trials -
Contact Buck Boyd at bboyd@rivnet.net or 804-776-7001
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June 14th & 15th: Baltimore, MD The Oriole Dog Training Club is having a
Tellington Touch seminar conducted by Barbara Janelle. Lunch and snacks are included in the $150
handler/dog team fee. This is a hands-on workshop, so bring a mat or blankie for you and your dog.
Registration deadline May 19th. Contact Sarah at SRRHecht@aol.com for details.
August 16th-17th: Durham, NC The Central Carolina Poodle Club is hosting
Judie Howard at the Durham Kennel Club building. This seminar are structured to assist people in all facets of
dog training. It is a true working seminar with a limit of 50 working sports. Judie Howard and one of
her assistants will work with handlers and their dogs. Anyone who gets a working sport will have
several chances to work their dog, either in a group or individually. There will be space for
spectators. Crating space is very limited. Lunches and refreshments are provided in the seminar fee of $140
for participants and $90 for spectators. For more information, contact Jan Gray
at workingdogs@earthlink.com or 919-563-0815.
August 30th-31st: Newport News, VA Merrimac Dog Training Center is bringing
Bud Houston to conduct an advanced agility seminar focusing on distance training, handling
movements, and positive training methods. Limited to 14 working teams; unlimited number of auditors
(those with no dogs). For more information, contact Penny Garwood at Pgarw81849@aol.com or
757-826-9341.
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Merrimac Dog Training Club in Hampton is hosting a series
of obedience run-throughs. Registration will be held 8-10 am
with judging starting at 8:30 am. $5 per run.
Saturday, June 7th
Saturday, July 19th
Saturday, August 23rd.
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Entered in the June 7th & 8th UKC Agility trails hosted by the Mattaponi Kennel Club and
the Dulles Gateway Obedience Training Center? Due to the rain-soaked grounds at the
outdoor Warrenton Kennel Club show site in Rectortown, VA, these trials have been moved to an indoor
site in the Woodbridge/Dale City, VA area.
The new site is the Cedar Run Horse Center at 14600 Leilani Drive in Woodbridge. They
will have use of an indoor horse arena large enough to accommodate both show rings as well as
crating. The ring surface is loose dirt mixed with sand.
Directions to the new show site and all other pertinent information is on the Mattaponi
website (www.mattaponikennelclub.com) and the Dulles Gateway website (www.dgotc.org).
It is our understanding that the Rectortown, VA show site will not be available for any
shows until the fall!
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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