Well, it’s already September. It seems like if you sneezed the year flew by. I’d like to thank the instructors from the last session for giving of their time to host those classes. Maggie Hayes taught the basic class and Lee Hussey the advanced (Rally). Thanks to both for their efforts. For all those that are interested, we’re getting ready to start our final training session of this year. I will be hosting the basic class (with Caryl Thompson) and Anita Ramsey will be hosting the advanced class. This session the advanced class will be teaching with games and should be very interesting. This session begins September 24th through November 26th and then we will break until the new year.
Fall Trial: Everyone, please remember that the fall trial is fast coming up on us. The dates are set for October 25th and 26th at the Merrimac Dog Training Facility in Hampton. Please be generous of your time and volunteer in one of the many areas that we normally need help to put on our show. Entries are already arriving and it should be a good year for us. The more people that volunteer to help out the less burden it is on everyone. There are a number of folks that have already volunteered their time to take on the roles need to manage the trial. Those include Maggie Hayes (chairwoman), Anita Ramsey (trophies), Cathy Broyles (hospitality), Jackie Kirkman (chief steward), Leslie Wehmoff (grounds), Marie Stuart (advertising) and Aleta Channell (booster). If you hear from one and have time to help out, please don't hesitate. Ribbons to everyone entering!!
This may not get out before hand, but there will be a club board meeting on Sep 15th at the home of Marie Stuart. Any member is welcome to attend. The next board meeting is November 17th.
Dave Hamel
As you PCOTC people know, we have our annual Obedience Trial coming up on October 25 and 26. My mom asked me to write this steward recruitment letter for the PUP since she's been kinda busy with the g-kids this summer.
OK this job isn't brain surgery. No experience necessary, OJT! It's only for 2 days, there's plenty of food and drink, and, not only that, you get to rub elbows with Judges and look important while you answer questions for nervous exhibitors. Hey, and you're a member of this dog club right? What a learning opportunity this is! You'll learn how an obedience ring is conducted and see first hand how to (and in some cases NOT handle) a dog on 3 different class levels. What's more you could be lucky enough to be stewarding a ring where I'm competing. Hey, how's about putting a cooking on my go-out! (kidding!) Anyway, give mom a call or an e-mail. You won't want to miss out on this opportunity.
Later ... The Flashman with help frim Jackie Kirkman (423-4203; Kirkk9s@aol.com)
Our club's 2003 obedience trial will be held October 25th & 26th at the Merrimac training building in Newport News. Please contact these individuals if you are willing to 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
The annual PCOTC Obedience Trials are just around the corner in October. The club needs everyone's participation in offering trophies for the competitors. Please be generous and offer a prize or cash or donate to the general fund. For example, one might offer a basket of dog treats for the Saturday trial for the Highest Scoring Dog in Novice A. Or, a dog specific item (like a mug with a Golden on it) for the Highest Scoring Golden Retriever in the trial. Be creative! Donate for both days if you can. If you would like to donate cash, just put the amount and mark it for the General Fund. Do not send the trophies or cash immediately, Anita will contact you about when and where she needs to collect them. Right now the important thing is your commitment. Please note that if you donate for a class that has already been donated for, we would like to use your trophy in the General Fund for another appropriate class. If this happens, and you would prefer that Anita contact you first to discuss, please mark here _______.
Name:_______________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________
City:__________________________________State:________Zip:______
Phone:________________________E-Mail:_________________________
Item:__________________________________________Saturday/Sunday
Class:________________________________________________________
Item:__________________________________________Saturday/Sunday Class:________________________________________________________
Item:__________________________________________Saturday/Sunday Class:________________________________________________________
Item:__________________________________________Saturday/Sunday
Class:________________________________________________________
Please give or send this form to: Anita Ramsey, 113 Lynn Drive, Portsmouth, VA 23707
Ad Rates Are As Follows: (Catalog page size is 5 1/2 x 8)
All ads must be received no later than October 1, 2003
Please check the size advertisement you desire in the space provided. If you desire a special placement of your ad in the catalog, please indicate here:
Half Centerfold $50
Cover $40 Covers are on a first come basis!
Full Page $32
Half Page $18
Quarter Page $10
Booster Page $1 Per Line
Please attach your camera ready ad to this contract and return to:
Marie Stuart
233 Cypress Rd.
Portsmouth, VA 23701-1435
swind@infionline.net/465-5099
Please make check payable to: PORTSMOUTH CHESAPEAKE OBEDIENCE TRAINING CLUB, INC. There is a 10% discount on all quarter, half, or full page ad paid in advanced.
We hereby authorize the insertion of our advertisement in your official catalog, for which we have enclosed our check or will pay like amount upon proof of publication.
Date Signature of advertiser
Portsmouth Chesapeake Obedience Training Club reserves the right to decline any advertisement that isn't in accordance with the procedures and policies of the American Kennel Club.
Name of Advertiser:
Address:
Phone: (___________)
Signature of PCOTC Member Receiving Ad
On September 14, at the Golden Retriever National in Ohio, Fireside Miss Ada Liberty picked up her first Junior Hunter leg much to the surprise and delight of her handler, Chris Dobzyniak. Way to go, team Dobzyniak! Only three more to go!
September 20th & 21th: Gloucester, VA Richmond Dog Obedience Club AKC agility trail. The premium is online at http://www.rdoc.org.
September 21st: Bedford, VA James River Kennel Club- AKC lure coursing trial - Closes September 21st. Contact Carrie Smith at (434) 846-6164 or caninehaven@msm.com for details.
October 4th & 5th: Charles City, VA Dogwood Retriever Club- AKC hunting test - Closes September 19th. Contact Patty Wimoth at (804) 328-3561 for details.
October 4th & 5th: Gloucester, VA Tidelands Poodle Club of Virginia- AKC agility trials - Closes September 18th. $20/$10 Contact Jean Watkins-Conroy at (757) 847-7419 or agilitycorgis@aol.com
October 11th & 12th: Gloucester, VA Gloucester Kennel Club of Virginia- AKC agility trials - Closes September 24th. $20/$10 Contact Nelson Fletcher at (804) 693-2167.
October 18th & 19th: Newport News, VA Merrimac Dog Training Club- AKC obedience trials - Closes September 24th. Contact Susan Coffman at (757) 868-6384 for details.
October 18th & 19th: New Hill, NC Autumn Winds Agility Center- UKC agility trials - Closes October 8th. No day of trial entries. Contact sydney@tribeagles.org or visit www.autumnwindsagility.com
October 25th & 26th: Newport News, VA Portsmouth Chesapeake Obedience Training Club's AKC Obedience Trials! $20/$11. Closes October 8th.
October 31st - Nov. 2nd: Virginia Beach, VA Gloucester Kennel Club / Tidewater Kennel Club- AKC obedience trials - Closes October 15th. Contact Moss Bow at 336-379-9352
October 31st - Nov. 2nd: Henrico County, VA Tidewater Retriever Club- AKC field trials - Closes October 28th. Contact Gretchen Francis at (804) 777-8195 or gfrancis29@comcast.net
Upcoming Seminars & Conferences
October 5: Chesapeake City Park
Bark in the Park Chesapeake Humane Society's Bark in the Park will be 12:00- 5:00 pm, October 5th at Chesapeake City Park. A fun day in the park for dogs and their owners. They will have the Purina Incredible Dog Team there. For more information, call 382-8469
October 11: Washington, D.C.
The American College of Veterinary Surgeons is putting on a Pet Owners Seminar on Saturday, October 11, 2003 at the Marriot in Washington, D.C. from 8:30 - 5:30. Lecture topics include
1. Lameness in the Young Dog - What you should know to prevent a lifetime of pain
2. Pet Dogs Take the Lead in the Fight Against Cancer
3. The Skinny on How to Keep Your Pet in Shape
4. Emergency Surgery - When it becomes necessary and what you should know
5. Rehabilitation - One key to a better life for your pet
6. Arthroscopy - A tool for understanding and treating arthritis in pets
7. The Canine Athlete - Keeping elite and backyard canine athletes healthy; understanding the common injuries
The registration fee is $35 and includes - All lectures, seminar notes, lunch, tote bag and exhibits. You can register online at www.ACVS.org
November 3-9: Chattanooga, TN
Peaceable Paws Level 1 Intern Academy; Hands-on training with local rescue dogs, lecture and discussion on the scientific principles of behavior and learning, and discussion sessions on business practices and ethics. There is a required reading list, and Interns must take daily written tests, and a final practical and written exam. Program Objectives: To lay a solid theoretical and practical foundation in the scientific principles of behavior and learning and their application to the real world of dog training; to explore the dog training profession from the perspective of business practices and ethics; to provide an opportunity for dog trainers to share, compare, analyze and hone their positive training and behavior tools and methods. Graduates of the program should be well equipped to return home and apply their knowledge effectively in an existing training business, or for budding trainers, during their apprenticeships and other ongoing learning experiences. (This program is not intended to provide the complete range of education and experience necessary to create a professional dog trainer from a complete novice.) This course will help you to prepare for your Certified Pet Dog Trainer exam. Currently applying for CPDT CEU credits. Cost: $950. Contact: Pat Miller, 423-326-0444; www.peaceablepaws.com.
November 10-16: South Kortright, NY
Animal Haven University and Raising Canine will be holding their Clicker Trainer's Short Course in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. This is an intensive, 7-day course which gives trainers with basic learning theory and minimal clicker training experience a good grounding in the principles of clicker training. Room and board are included in the cost of the course and it is limited to two students. For more information contact Susan Smith at P.O. Box 187, South Kortright, NY 13842 or e-mail your physical address to sue@raising-canine.com. Approved for 30 CCPDT CEUs
To those showing in Conformation Classes, George Alston, a very well known handler, who is now retired from showing, will be conducting seminars for beginners & advanced handlers.
October 18-19, 2003 at Top Dog Obedience, 124 Netcong-Flanders Road, Flanders, NJ.
Limited pre-registration only participants and dogs: $155; Observers: $85; Audio cassette taping is permitted. For more information: Schooley Mountain Kennel Club Ms. Klinger (908) 637-8124, ricklinger@worldnet.att.net or Ms. Leone (908) 832-7407
November 1-2, 2003 in Newark, Delaware. For more information: Wilmington Kennel Club, Ms.
Zielinski (610) 459-1696, caztczl@aol.com
Dogs Welcome in Starwood Hotels
Pooches that stay at the Westin will be pampered with a custom-designed, freshly cleaned "Heavenly Dog Bed.'' Plus Fido gets food and water bowls, temporary identification tags, and turn-down service that includes dog biscuits.(Humans get sugar cookies.)
Guests with dogs also are told where Rover can walk, frolic and sniff. And they get a supply of plastic bags and latex gloves to handle the expected results. Some Westin hotels even offer dog robes. Looks like Spot's days sleeping in the car are history. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. said its Westin, Sheraton and W hotels nationwide will welcome dogs. At a time when hoteliers have been trying to withstand slumping business and leisure travel, Starwood figures it can build loyalty among the 62 million U.S. dog owners.
Many hotels, including Boston's Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Nine Zero, also welcome dogs. But Art Canter, head of the Massachusetts Lodging Association, says this is the first time a major operator has jumped on the dog-friendly idea as a marketing initiative. At trendy W hotels in New York, the pooch can even get in-room massages by a licensed dog massage therapist before turning in for the night on their ``stylish and colorful checkerboard pattern'' beds. Starwood says it has plans to deal with late-night barking, flea infestation and other sanitary issues. When not in their rooms, dogs will have to be leashed.And for the less dog-friendly, Starwood will run air purifier machines in dog-used rooms before another guest arrives. The lodging news isn't so good for cats, though. They're only allowed at Starwood's W hotels. Arf!
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business/hote08192003.htm
Travel Tips for Fabulous Travel
For a dog lover, there is no more wrenching experience than having to look into your dog's eyes as you head off on a trip. The easiest way to avoid "The Look," says Christine Hunsicker, editor of Travelers' Tales: A Dog's World, is to take your dog with you. Here are her Top 10 Tips for taking a trip that is enjoyable both to you and your dog.
1. Start your trip with a healthy pet. Check in with your veterinarian at least one week before you begin your trip to be sure your pet is healthy and all vaccinations are current. Your vet can also alert you to any special problems that may exist in the area you are planning to visit.
2. Be sure to pack all the paperwork. Be sure to have a current health certificate, license and proof of all vaccinations. I also bring along my vet's phone number I've found it's a lot easier (and cheaper) to call my vet with a non-emergency concern than to try to find a local vet who doesn't know my dogs.
3. Have your pet wear identification at all times. Your pet's I.D. tags should include your name, address, and phone number, and if you are staying somewhere for a while, add a local phone number where you can be reached in case you are separated from your pooch. Pack a recent photo of your dog too, just in case.
4. Make sure your dog is travel-worthy. Not all dogs are natural-born travelers. It's best to get your dog accustomed to riding in a car at a very young age, but even older dogs can adapt. Take them on short trips (10-15 minutes) to the store or to a park for a game of fetch. Make it fun and part of your usual routine. Gradually lengthen the drives so your dog is in the car for a few hours. Try very hard to avoid having your dog's first car adventure be a trip to the vet!
5. Keep your dog cool and comfortable. If you are traveling by car, always keep a car window open so your pet has fresh air and when you park, try to find a nice patch of shade and don't leave your dog in the car unattended for long periods of time.
6. Plan ahead for all travel accommodations. This is especially important during peak travel times when motels, hotels, and campgrounds fill up quickly. Many accommodations do not accept pets and some that do have only a limited number of rooms available to pet owners. If you are planning to fly with your pet, you should make reservations at least 3 months prior to your journey since many airlines limit the number of pets flying on each plane (both in the cabin and in the hold).
7. Make sure your dog is well-trained before taking her/him on the road. Please be sure your dog has learned the basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and quiet before you embark on a trip of any length. This is necessary for your dog's safety and for your own sanity.
8. Keep your dog leashed whenever possible. Many places require this anyway, but keeping your pet on a leash is the best way to prevent runaway dogs. In fact, even before you get your dog out of the car, it's best put him on a leash so he doesn't leap out of the vehicle ahead of you and dash off to investigate some tantalizing aroma.
9. Clean up after your dog, please! No one actually likes this task but it is necessary. The more people pick up after their dogs, the more welcome all dogs will in public places. Tip: I always travel with a 4-1 mix of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle to remove traces of any indoor accidents or lingering doggy smell.
10. Try to create a traveling environment that is as close to "home" as possible. This means trying to feed your dog the same food at the same time you feed her at home. Also if your pet sleeps in a crate at home, bring it along. If he doesn't have a crate, bring an old blanket or large towel to create a designated pet area in your sleeping quarters.
"Taking your dog with you provides you with a great conversational ice-breaker," says Hunsicker. "When you travel with your dog, the journey often becomes more important than the destination." Her book, Travelers' Tales: A Dog's World, is available at local bookstores or by ordering online through Vapor Trails' affiliation with Amazon.com.
By Christine Hunsicker
Editor of Travelers' Tales: A Dog's World
"How long have you been with dogs?"
I asked this old chap at the show.
"Forty-odd years and more," he replied.
"Then there's not much that you wouldn't know."
"I'm still learning," he said, "I'm still learning."
And it made me ponder a while
On those who know it all in three months,
And I gave him a ghost of a smile.
You could tell he'd have none of the new-fangled,
He was old-fashioned right down to the core.
But I'll bet when judges gathered together
His name would rank up in the fore.
He would have hunted and shot over dogs
Before most of us had been born.
He'd sat with his dogs in the woods
And with them had scented the dawn.
He's bred, shown, paraded and judged,
He knew it all outside from in
"But I'm still learning," he said, "I'm still learning."
With his quiet, unobtrusive small grin.
So all we ringside,
Johnny-come-latelies,
All we experts who own just one pup,
Remember that old guy's forty years of "still learning,"
And for goodness' sake learn to shut up!
Author unknown
We all have seen those wondrous dogs,
They win at all the trials.
They take the titles and high scores,
From judges, they get smiles.
But what about those other dogs,
The individual stinkers.
At home they are the perfect pet,
But in the ring, what stinkers!
They heel like veterans when in class,
Perfect recalls in the park,
The high jump, merely childs play, like
Retrieving in the dark.
Your friends are all so much impressed,
Your neighbors are amazed,
You smile, but in your heart you know,
That "perfect" dog is crazed!
You tell that dog, "now listen boy"
As you pull up at the show
"Be good, this one's important"
But down inside you know.
This dog was born to be a clown,
An actor, or a bard
And when you think he's finally learned,
Top
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