Airforce Museum, Dayton, OH area & The Boy Scouts

During our Dayton, OH judging weekend, we had some time after the show on Saturday to visit the US Airforce Museum which was a mere 7 minutes from the show site.

Dan was THRILLED to go since he has a special love for the Airforce & airplanes. Me, I'm happy for him and went along to play with our new camera.

The museum is HUGE and since we only had a couple of hours, we weren't able to see it all. However, it is free and what we did see was incredible, even to a common flight enthusiast such as myself.

The first picture is just a small portion of just one of the buildings of the museum and as you can see, it is packed from floor to ceiling with all types of airplanes.

The first section of the museum is the early years. Since the first flight by the Wright Brothers was in this area, there was quite a bit of historic planes.

Next came the Modern Age of Flight building which included beautiful planes like the Stealth pictured here.

The third building housed space items such as the rockets shown in the picture attached.

Other buildings included Presidential Planes and Research & Development. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to see those, but we did have some time to visit the outdoor planes as well. 

On our walk over to the outdoor planes, we ran into a Boy Scout Troop who asked us to take a picture of them. First there was the serious one and then the not-so-serious picture.

Afterward, their Troop Master took pictures of us and we readily invited the group in for our not-so-serious shot! I laughed so hard when I saw these pictures and I know I'll always remember this fun group of guys.

Courses, Gem City, Dayton, OH Sun, May 31, 2009

Attached is the Excellent & Open Standard course and Dan's Excellent JWW course.

We're sitting in a restaurant waiting for our first flight back home, so I'll try to get a few words of wisdom from Dan on his Exc JWW course.

As for my Exc Standard, I really liked the flow of this course.  There were a few unexpected surprises that caught handlers by surprise.  Specifically, handlers didn't support jump #11 and jump #17 which incurred refusals for several dogs.

As for Open Standard, I felt like this was one of the nicest courses I've designed for this level.

In Open, courses will either more closely resemble Excellent or Novice in terms of the degree of handling & challenges. I liked this one because it more closely resembled Novice and while it had the appropriate amount of side-switches and challenges, it was a straight forward course, just like Novice generally is.

Okay, I asked Dan for words of wisdom about his Excellent JWW course and he stared at me with a blank look. He's tired/jet lagged from the weekend so I'm going to go with thoughts aren't going to happen right now. That often happens with judging...you give so much at the trial that afterward you're just beat.

Wait, Dan just mentioned that on jump #5, dogs were by-passing due to handlers not working that specific jump or just taking it for granted. He mentioned that Yvonne Mancino with Flare, the Dobe, was the only person who handled this sequence on the inside and that it worked really nice for her. Dan also mentioned this is how he thought most folks would have handled this section.

I did see Yvonne's run and it was BEAUTIFUL!

River's Urban Tracking progress in Alberta

This picture was taken three years ago when Susan Highton came to Thunder Bay to spend a weekend with us talking about urban tracking. She worked with a group to plot a track for River, and my friend Karen (I believe) took this photo. I remember it like it was yesterday - the feeling of following River down a forest path, along a roadside curb, through this parking lot, over another road and into the last parking lot.

My handling and understanding has improved dramatically since then. I remember in this photo above "pushing" River along past the hard surface turn. I think people saw her give a subtle indication but I missed it!

Urban handling is a delicate dance. I now track with a loose line as River is so motivated to do the work. She loves non-veg better than tracking on veg. During our learning curve (MY learning curve) I made some mistakes with River - one of the biggest being letting her search too far beyond the track. I know that scent works in mysterious ways and was initially willing to let River surf around, following her as she sorted it out.

Most of the time, the limits we place on our dogs are based on our puny understanding of scent! I now believe that dogs are quite capable of staying on or very close to the primary track on hard surfaces. So my newest notion of this is to ensure that when I train a new dog (e.g., Caden) I know where I walked and ask for him to stay ON track. Sure I was developing this notion after bringing Steve Ripley in to Thunder Bay, as he says the same thing. And he showed it with his Champion Tracker Zoe (VST Golden, doing a demo track for us, below).

However, I also found that I have trained my dogs that it is OK to parallel the track and I am busy undoing that. Also - I knew I wanted them to stay on the track, but how to achieve it has been the next step in my understanding.

It is typical when we learn anything new, to have a poor understanding and set the bar low - Steve said we needed to raise our expectations! I asked him to critique my handling of Jet my Border Collie and very clearly I would take a step and 'give' to her when I felt she was going the right way, even if she was not RIGHT ON THE TRACK. Steve felt I could let her search to some extent, but NOT FOLLOW unless she was put back on track. When I tried this, Jet became a bit stressed as I was changing the rules. But we know dogs are forgiving and they will adapt if we are clear and fair. Jet is ON track in this photo taken by Randy Frietag at the seminar.
My other new technique is to use soft corrections when either of them go off track, and praise for being on track. This sounds like common sense but for many years a lot of us believed that we should never correct. However, holding your ground or slight line tension is also a correction. My friend Dan who is a SCH trainer has suggested to me that I use my voice and not my line as it is clearer to the dog what you want or don't want. He also reaches over and calmly strokes Caden when Caden is doing a solid job. I have never done that before! I love tracking as we always learn new ideas and each dog is different. It certainly is a journey.

Back to River. When I moved to Alberta last fall I continued my tracking on nice days throughout the winter and River did great! But when the snow melted and the dry, warm days began to suck moisture out of the air, I began to see confusion and regression on her part. I don't mind saying it caused a few tears to see her lose her confidence. I even wondered if she was simply aging. Well, thank heavens for good friends and new friends who alternately smacked me upside the head, or told me about new ways they are training.

After thinking this all through (those long days at work are good for 'thinking' about tracking when you aren't actually tracking...) I have a plan. I have been continuing to lay baby urban tracks for River in mornings and evenings. I even run out if I think it looks like it will rain! I have been saying gentle "No" commands to River if she gets 'hectic' (in SCH they say 'stormy') and she is responding very well to this. Being overly busy drains energy too, and she needs to focus her energy on the track and not on charging about (my mistake from our early training to let her cast too widely).

I know that River is acclimatizing to the different conditions in Alberta...land of dry grass (crunch, crunch...). The altitude is also higher here - 3,700 ft above sea level, compared with 400 ft where we used to live. This means at her age, River needs more endurance and supplements - and she is getting both - walks and omega oils and liver.

Next on my list of new / old tools is to use a water spray on her hard surfaces. We did this - and I have even taught it in my urban clinics for starting dogs - but somehow between moving and other things cramming my brain with trivia, I forgot about it.

DUH!!

A very enthusiastic group of trackers attended a Steve White clinic in Edmonton two weeks ago. I was not able to attend for a variety of reasons, much to my chagrin. However I am very happy to hear some of the ideas he uses for Hydration Intensified Tracking Training (HITT) on hard surfaces. River, Caden and Jet are already doing hard surfaces, but I think that getting out my pump and spray will be a great way to reintroduce the confidence to River. Like anything it is faded out in time but I have been casting about for ideas and this is a fantastic one.

River is (was) UTDX - ready and this was just the boost I needed for my confidence in training too. It is a helpless feeling to want to encourage a dog that seems lost. Being a tracker, possibly one of the worst. And when a handler starts to feel down or negative, it is not a good time to train. I feel excited and motivated! No doubt thanks too, to the recent great news of my friend Julie's exciting new urban title.

Hey this is another "trinity" - verbal correction/praise; HITT; and King Austen! (see my post on the trinity of tracking http://spiritdancedogs.blogspot.com/2009/02/trinity-of-tracking.html )

Stay tuned for River's progress. I will add some links about Steve White and HITT to the Handy Links section in the sidebar menu. He has a great reputation and this method is well worth looking into for starting and for problem solving.

This was taken at the end of that very first urban track on the weekend with Susan Highton - who by the way has Canada's FIRST Tracking Champion, her Golden Murphy. Susan set a lot of us on this journey when she came to Thunder Bay...and now a lot of us have our urban titles! Thanks, Susan!

THE GLOVE - our UTD moment in May 2008...

Courses Day 2, Gem City, Dayton, OH Sat

Today was a beautiful, sunny day in Dayton, OH.

Attached are the Excellent courses for the day. I would have added Open & Novice, but I'm a bit sleepy after several nights of very little sleep (jet lag).

First is Excellent JWW and I'd say the toughest part was #7-#9. Handlers failed to alert, either verbally or with body language, in a timely manner that the weave poles were the next obstacle in the sequence. Dogs were repeatedly pushed to the #3 off course jump as handlers turned in to face their dog in this area.

Next was Excellent FAST. I LOVED this Bonus as it gave handlers various options, allowed them to be creative and still worked their 'Send' skills. Several handlers commented how much fun this sequence was. 

Last, but certainly not least is Dan's Excellent Standard course for the day. All I heard was that it was a nice course and several dogs took the off-course #3 tunnel.

Have fun with these courses!

Smelling the Roses

The last several weeks have been a whirl-wind of fantastic activities. 

In my personal life, things are moving along great. Dan & I are judging together over the next 5 weeks so June is a month that we're going to find ourselves overly busy, but at least we're together.

Today we judged in Dayton, OH and one of the exhibitors has several rabbits they're raising in the absence of their Mom. I was able to pet & hand-feed this VERY CUTE and precious youngster pictured. 

Dan and I have also been enjoying our yard and the nice weather with some rather large bond fires. We've been taking out some old stumps and trimming a few trees, not to mention burning extra wood we've acquired during our renovation work on the house.

Bond fires are GREAT!

Next, we have a picture of the flowering cherry trees in the front of our house as well as all of the flowering bushes in the front.

Someday we plan to put a circular drive in where the river rock currently is. In preparation for that day, I've been adjusting and pruning our mature landscaping each year so the drive won't look like a terrible addition.

I've become an expert at moving ferns and next Spring I plan to tackle moving a few Rhodes & Azaleas - wish me luck!

Oh, Dan has already decided on our July project...a front porch on our home! We have the perfect covered area and this will immediately add warmth & character to our home. I'm also very excited since I have always dreamed of a home with a front porch, so this is going to be a great project that we'll enjoy.

Last, but not least, one of my clients has a wonderful Border Collie who I just love! Omi is amazing and a light of sunshine for her owner and it has been so delightful to see Omi grow and to be a part of her positive experiences.

I really do have one of the best jobs!

Clean Run Editorial - June 2009 - AKC Invites Mixed Breeds to Play by Lisa Selthofer

Actual Article published in Clean Run, June 2009

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Clean Run Editorial - June 2009 - AKC Invites Mixed Breeds to Play by Lisa Selthofer

In April, the American Kennel Club (AKC) took a bold step and created a class where mixed breeds could participate in AKC performance events, including obedience, rally, and agility. In listening to the feedback in the agility world, not everyone was as impressed with this step as I was. I was initially very surprised by the lack of enthusiasm from some mixed-breed handlers, but after thinking about it I can understand why.

During the last 125 years of AKC’s existence, the elitism that some people in the conformation world have fostered has turned off many mixed-breed owners. It’s true that some breeders look down their collective nose at mixed breeds, but it’s also true that other breeders have looked at all dogs as...well, dogs!

It’s not fair to label mixed breeds as inferior mongrels and it’s also not fair to label all breeders and participants in AKC events as snobs, especially those who focus mainly on performance events. I say this because performance events weren’t introduced 125 years ago, but are current creations.
For example, agility has been included in AKC dog sports for about 15 years and rally for a mere 3-4 years. For the most part, performance handlers have joined the ranks of AKC exhibitors with a much more modern, inclusive belief system.

Yet even those of us who participate mainly in the performance events have often joked that we are thought of as the stepchild in the AKC family. While times are changing and we’ve made a ton of progress, there are still those from AKC’s traditional days who just don’t understand or care about performance events. After 15 years, we realize that we’re not going to change any attitudes by acting disgruntled. Instead, we move on, continue to grow, act in a sportsman-like fashion, and have quietly moved our chair closer to the adult table each time the AKC family comes together. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but change does happen.

Some mixed-breed handlers are resentful they have to join the AKC family at the kid’s table. I can understand that. Still, we’ve all been inducted the same way. We all started with paper plates and plastic utensils; and as we “grow up,” we’re handed the china and silverware at the big table.

Is it right? Everyone has their own opinion, but from the AKC’s point of view, it might seem to be the prudent way to move forward while still keeping the peace within the base of the organization. Think of it this way: it’s the AKC family culture and just like my personal family, we don’t always make sense to those looking in from the outside.

If you handle a mixed-breed dog, I hope you will consider the the valuable lessons learned from previous performance event participants before you decide not to join in the new program:

• Even long lost family members need time to get to know one another. The AKC has extended an invitation to dinner and now mixed-breed handlers have an opportunity to either act to graciously accept or decline the offer. It’s as simple as that.

• Every relationship has to start somewhere. We’ve all heard stories of happily married couples who met under not-so-perfect circumstances, and years later they laugh together about that initial awkward moment. This could be one of those times.

• It is the performance event participants who are welcoming the mixed breeds. We’re the ones who have opened the door, greeted mixed breeds with a smile, and invited mixed breeds to come and play. We’re part of the modern, hip, new way of thinking, so don’t shun us because our AKC parents have some older beliefs that you don’t agree with.

• Just like an older brother or sister, performance event participants have helped pave the way for this new and exciting change. Come out and get to know us. In the meantime, all agility participants, regardless of which branch of the family tree their dogs come from, can come out and play together with the dogs we love. Heck, I’ll even arrange for this family event to serve finger food. No paper or china plates allowed!

Lisa owns the Premier K9 Club in the Seattle, Washington, area. Competing with and training dogs for over 13 years, she has judged AKC agility for over a decade with her husband Dan. Lisa is loved and owned by Dalmatians ADCH MACH2 Pinky, and newcomer Rouge; Border Collies MACH Spot, and Coal, AK, OAJ, OF, CGC; and Labrador Retrievers MACH Sadie and newcomer Burton. For more information, go to www.MyK9Club.com.

All in the Little Meadow Family - the Giggle Ball, and more pics with my Dad!

Klienen Wiese means Little Meadow in German. Caden is my first GSD from a different kennel as I wanted to add a GSD from working lines to my family and broaden my experience. Getting a GSD from a new kennel means learning the new idiosyncracies of that bloodline. Yesterday, Sandy his breeder sent me this picture of his brother Aiko. That is Aiko and Caden's mom Hera on the left. I want you to notice what is in Aiko's mouth...then scroll down...
I took this picture of Caden - YESTERDAY - the day I got the picture above from Pennsylvania. They both have GIGGLE BALLS! These balls are great. You can get them out of their mouths using the little feet. Caden runs around squeaking his and he sounds like an alien speaking some space language - WEEP, beepup, beebubupup weep weep beep baddabadda beep!

There are many things you can do with a Giggle Ball...like drop it in your water tub and pull it out again before the evil Border Collie gets it... It is an exercise in speed...hence my blurred photo
Then you can "out" the ball to your owner...
And sit back like a good boy...
And SIT until she throws it back for you...
Or Platz, which is what the Schutzhund trainers use for "lie down." It is a stronger phrase to say than lie down, and I am finding that Jet and Ted are downing very quickly for it - maybe I will use it on the field! Try saying PLATZ and then LIE DOWN! They do come out differently...
And another speed exercise - is to catch the ball before the evil Border Collie (Jet, again, sigh - I guess she is the self-appointed assistant trainer)... I suppose you have noticed my grass - it is so dry in Alberta this spring everything is suffering...
And if you want to get away from the evil Border Collie you can take your Giggle Ball to the other side of the 30 inch gate - turned on its side supposedly to keep dogs from the side of the house...I've been noticing that Caden uses this area as his private retreat in the backyard...(yes the hose is there from filling up the tub, I need to put it away)...
And when you are ready for more, you can jump back - to the waiting, evil, Border Collie...(Jet, again! I am starting to call her my little Wolverine)...And by the way, that hole is one of Jet's prize holes, too. Ted, by comparison, is just such an angel... while my dad is here, this is how Ted is spending most of his time...
Earlier in my dad's visit it snowed (on May 18). There he is on the deck with Caden. River spends a lot of time trying to persuade Jet to mend her evil ways. As you can see, River is 'talking' to Jet (dog language) here...River is my top dog and everyone respects her. I call her "the Princess..." but she calls herself The Punither (OK, I mean the Punisher but River has a little lisping thing)...I love all my dogs (geez is that obvious) and am really enjoying discovering the new things Caden brings to our little family. First of all, he is a German Shepherd so of course he has all of those wonderful qualities that make us love this breed. But, he is very high drive and more busy and active like the Border Collies. He just WANTS to be given a job and do anything for me. But he is also very balanced with a nice even temperament. He loves people and is so good with other dogs. When he comes into the house, he takes over his favourite chair and sleeps on the bed beside me at night.

All that play can tire you out!

Courses - Gem City, Dayton, OH

It's been awhile since I've posted and I have so much to share! It's been a very busy time and lots of fun & positive things have been happening.

First, let me share today's courses from our judging assignment in Dayton, OH. I say 'our' because my husband Dan is along and co-judging, which is a TON of fun! The club has been spectacular and has been feeding us very well. Last night we had fall-off-the-bone BBQ pork ribs and tonight we had German Food - one of my personal favorites.

Ah, but back to the courses. 

First is Open Standard. I liked this course because it kept the challenge and flow from Excellent Standard, but was 'dummied' down to fit this level without being a 'gimme' course.

Next is Excellent Standard. After #3, the off course tunnel sucked a couple of dogs. Also, the #18 off-course tire was alluring as well.

My favorite part of this course was #8-#11. The flow was very nice and the dogs made this sequence look like fun.

Below are Dan's Excellent & Open JWW courses as well as his Excellent FAST courses. Since I was judging I wasn't able to see how the dogs did, but I'll see if I can get some feed back from him. 

Dog Worm Infestation - Natural Treatment for Internal Parasites in Dogs

Dog Worm Infestation and Natural Treatment for Internal Parasites in Dogs

Dogs are always at high risk to the infestation of worms of all types. As a responsible dog owner, I tend to take immense car of my dog's health and I am sure you do that too! Most people I have seen are not aware of the fact that heavy infestation of internal parasite can do harm to any extent... even Congestive heart failure in worst case, leading to death. It is doubtlessly important for all dog owners to identify the symptoms of the worm infestation and take every preventive measures. There are actually five kind of worms that can attack dogs. They are roundworms (Toxocara canis,Toxascaris leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninium), whipworms (Trichuris vulpis), tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) and heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis). Except the heart worm, all the other four kind of parasites (hook worn, round worm, tape worm and whip worm) are found in the intestine. As the name suggests, the heart worm lives within the heart and the blood vessels. Remember some worms are of the type zoonotic, which means they are easily transmitted to human beings and do the same kind of harm. How will you know that your dog has been infested with worms? All you need is to be a bit more responsible and should have a good eye. Dogs show different signs when they are infested with internal parasites.

Symptoms of Worm infestation in dogs

There are certain common symptoms that are shown by dogs when they are infested with worms. If your dog shows one or more of these signs, it is highly advisable to visit your vet.

• Pot-bellied look
• Dull or scruffy coat (rough condition)
• Weight loss
• Loss of Appetite
• Dry Coughing with or without Vomiting
• Restlessness
• Anemia
• Diarrhea
• Sluggishness with lack of activeness
• Abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• High blood pressure

I repeat... if you notice one or more of these symptoms see your vet at once. There are many ways you can prevent your dog being afflicted to internal parasite. The treatment of dog worms depends mainly on the type of parasite the dog has been attacked with. As soon as you can suspect that your dog has infested with worms get his stool tested and give a call to your vet. There are some proved natural treatments too for the dog worms, which many experienced dog owners have been using instead of administering chemical medicines like albandazole. Continual administer of artificial drug brings in severe harm to your dog by making it resistant to the specific drug and affecting the the liver adversely, thereby wekening the immune system of your dog. Natural methods of treating the dog worm are helpful because they are really effective with very little or almost no side effects. Make your dogs life a complete package of healthy diet, proper natural remedies, fresh water and effective play. Check out some tips for natural remedies.

Garlic: With its great lot of medicinal properties, garlic has immense capability to keep your dog protected from many diseases. Moderate use of garlic can reduces the level of cholesterol and CANINE BLOOD PRESSURE, there by reduces the chance of cardiac ailments. Feeding your dog garlic with food helps expulsion of internal parasite in dogs. In tropical countries, dogs should be give garlic only during winter and comparative cool time of the year.

Fennel: Fresh fennel seeds has immense benefit! It helps in worm expulsion. It is extremely beneficial for baby dogs or a dogs with colic. You can give your dog a cup of fennel tea every day after meal to ensure proper digestion. For pregnant bitches fennel tea has immense benefit, as it enhances milk production.

Wormwood: I am sure most dog owner are not aware of this fact! Wormwood is very much beneficial to dogs - especially the dogs with poor digestive system. With its calmative properties, wormwood can be given to stimulate your dog's gastric juice and bile. By feeding wormwood to your dog, you can treat dog worm effectively.

Pumpkin Seeds: Giving pumpkin seed is a natural remedy for tapeworm infestation. Grind some fresh seeds of pumpkin and make a paste. Feed it to your dog every morning in empty stomach. This will be of good effect if your dog is infested with tape worms.

Raw Turmeric and Salt: This is again a good and effective natural remedy for intestinal parasites in dogs. Grind 5 to 6 medium pieces of raw turmeric and quarter TSP of salt to make a paste. Feed it every morning in empty stomach.

Clove: Clove is highly anti-parasite. Give your dog a clove each day after meal. This will definitely act as a good de-wormer. Do not give clove continuously for a long time. Every alternative week for a couple of months will be enough for a large dog.

Remember that the dose of the above naturally treatment will depend on a few factors. While treating dog worm naturally you must take into consideration the breed of your dog (toy, small, medium, large or giant), age your dog, body weight and most importantly the degree of infestation. Remember, if your dog is heavily infested with internal parasite the naturally treatment can hardly do magic! Prevention is better than cure. Continue treating giving your dog the above items periodically, so that he remains safe and lead a happy and healthy life. I won't ask you you to stop giving him the deworming tablets, but you can increase the gap between the shots, so that you dog doesn't become resistant to medicines easily.

Don't forget to read out ECONOMIC DOG CARE TIPS.

All in the Lindau family - new TD for Sigrid and Shea

Ch Lindau's Schiehallion HIC, "SHEA" with judge Dawn Sanderson
New TD after the tracking test last weekend in Thunder Bay

See the post below (May 25) for the complete test report. Congratulations to Sigrid and Shea! Sigrid's website link can be found in the lefthand menu on this blog. If you visit, you can click on tracking to see the titles she and her "puppy owners" have accumulated.

I started to track shortly after Sigrid and was at the test in Winnipeg in 1990 when Heide passed to earn her TD. A year later my Hawk, Heide's son, also earned his TD! That was the beginning of a great journey for me and I owe Sigrid a thank you for her encouragement and for all the times we shared on the fields, like two crazy people in the rain, sun, wind and snow.

I have had four GSDs from Sigrid - Hawk TDX, BIS Robin TDX (in the days before urban), Thorn TD and River TDX UTD and still tracking! All wonderful trackers and unbeatable companions. Through them I learned to love GSDs and could never be without one. I know, some people just don't get shepherd people - you have to have one!

Thanks Sigrid! You have passed your love for tracking and the working GSD on to many people like me. Thanks to Karen Boyes (test secretary) for passing this photo on to me for the blog.

Let the blogging continue

I had a 4 day weekend all to myself for Memorial Day and it was fabulous. I managed to not over book myself and spent lots of time with my own dogs for a change. The weather was even pretty good for most of it which meant some nice walks. I did a couple of training tracks in long grass with Jenny and she did great. Much better than I expected. I need to start adding more distance and turns. I found a video of another pug doing tracking on YouTube. I was very pleased to see we aren't the only pug trackers out there. Score another for pugdom. VBG I love this photo of Jenny because she is showing her pushy bratty self. Jack is a very tolerant boy.

Missy got her sutures out yesterday. No more frankendog. Everything looks good. Now we just need to wait for her hair to grow back.

Nephew Minos is getting bigger every day. I have posted some videos of him and my crew on YouTube. Just type in Minos the bulldog to find them.

On Monday I got to watch a couple of friends run their dogs in an agility trial. (Belgian Tervueren: http://www.codanclassicbelgians.com/ ) It was very entertaining. I really don't know much about agility "rules" but I really liked the fact that there were mixed breeds there earning titles too. I am a big fan if watching dogs do stuff that they enjoy regardless of which sport it is. And if all dogs are included, well that's even better.

I do have some observations (reservations?) about flyball that I plan on sharing in my next post. I am to tired for a serious post tonight however. (and I also have a story about a client puppy and inept trainers to share)

P.S. Check out two new blogs I have added to the blogroll: Leadership Without Force (a new favorite) and The Spiritdance Dog Tracking and Sheep Herding Blog.

Tues Night Puppy Class at Windan Sea!

For more info click on this flier to enlarge:

Caden, my dad, and finding my man voice

News Flash: Caden's breeder has updated her blog with some great shots of her past three litters, and the countdown is on to the "D" litter...check out http://www.kleinenwiese.com/Blog/


My father has been visiting from Thunder Bay for the past few weeks, working on my new house for me (I finally have a walk-in closet - yay dad!). Caden loves my Dad. Or, maybe he is becoming addicted to cigarette smoke. I took this shot of them on my back deck last night.

My father came to Schutzhund Club with us last week and has been giving Caden some great lessons on sit and stay, out, and here! I think men are more natural at giving these commands with the kind of intent and tone dogs respect.

I was told by the SchH judge at the recent trial (Doug Deacon) that I have to find my MAN VOICE! Caden loves me, but with a dog like him, it is important to also be his master.

NEW UTD Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - King Austen UTD! Thunder Bay Tracking Test Day Two Urban Results

New UTD Austen with proud owner / handler Julie and judge JoAnne McLeod. Austen is the first UTD Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in Canada to my knowledge. Note his crown and robe - Julie says you never know when you may need formal wear! Good boy Austen! Yay for Julie!

This is part two of a test report from Karen Boyes, Test Secretary for the Thunder Bay Kennel & Training Club. Karen is the proud mom of two TCh Aussies, Jasper and Penny. Jasper and Penny are the first two TCh Aussies in Canada and Karen is the first person to have two TCh passes in a row - both on her first try... (that is my editorial content because I am so proud of them)...

Here is Karen's report (complete with a few comments of my own in green)...

Many thanks to our TWO excellent judges: Dawn Sanderson (of Thunder Bay) for judging 6 TDs and 4 TDXs on Saturday; and JoAnne McLeod of Courtenay, BC, who judged 5 UTDs and 3 UTDX tracks on Sunday. Both spent many hours plotting ahead of time and gave us an excellent set of test tracks.

DAY TWO - URBAN

JoAnne will submit a more detailed write-up of the Urban tracks to the list when she gets home in a couple of days. Thanks, JoAnne! (I know she will do a better job that I can!)

For UTD entries we had three GSDs, a Cairn Terrier, and a Cavalier. For the UTDXs we had a GSD, a Belgian Tervuren, and a Golden Retriever. Despite some excellent work by many teams, we only had one pass for the day.

That was UTD Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Winrob's SleepyHollow TDX UTD RN PCD CGN "AUSTEN", owned and handled by Julie Hutka.

Austen is such a happy little tracker and it was great to watch him diligently sort out his track - he was very focused. And his accomplishment is all the greater as the poor gaffer was (is) recovering from surgery on some parts we won't mention.. suffice to say we were calling him Baboon-Butt (make that Baboon Butt, UTD ….!!), but he ignored his troubles and did a great job!
To make up for the name-calling we have pics of him at the end of the day wearing a royal robe and a crown, as a King should. He also had to cope with Julie crying over the first article while he impatiently tried to continuewith the track !! We are so proud of Julie and Austen !! Donna, he did it !!!

Editorial note: I have known Julie and Austen since they first came out to a beginner's class, and watched them go through TD and TDX. I have always felt Austen has the makings of a TCh! For his size and weight, he is a determined dog who pulls Julie along when he is sure he is correct, and very motivated too. I am so thrilled!

I also had a fantastic group of Tracklayers all show up promptly as assigned. Good help sure makes the test run nicely!! Thanks so much to Diana Crago, Carolyn Homonko, Sandy Wright, Michele Martin, RandyFrietag, Susan Takahashi and Bob McGonigal (Field T-L's and X-T's); and to Alda Flett, Katie Jaremey, Kathryn Loftus, Leeann MacIntosh, and Linda Hogan (Urban T-L's)... Many of these folks volunteer trial after trial and we could not have the test without them.

Finally thanks to Donna Brinkworth who (when she was in Thunder Bay) coached and encouraged many of us in tracking and tracklaying, and who also showed me how to run a trial !!

My note - thank you for the nice compliment - but as I say to all my students - I can show you something or tell you something, but YOU are the one who does the work! Congratulations to everyone. I know Karen has taken test organization to a new level, it is her forte!

Karen Boyes, Thunder Bay (Test Secretary)

Thunder Bay Tracking Test Day One Field Results

This is the Thunder Bay Kennel & Training Club report sent to the CKC chat group by Test Secretary Karen Boyes (who has two TCh Aussies Jasper and Penny)...

Hi All, We have just completed the Thunder Bay Kennel and Training Club spring tests, with one new TD title, and one new UTD title. We had lovely weather: a welcome break after an extended winter and very cold,wet spring.

Many thanks to our TWO excellent judges: Dawn Sanderson (of Thunder Bay) for judging 6 TDs and 4 TDXs on Saturday; and JoAnne McLeod of Courtenay, BC, who judged 5 UTDs and 3 UTDX tracks on Sunday. Both spent many hours plotting ahead of time and gave us an excellent set of test tracks.

Saturday started out fairly calm (cool and sunny) as the first tracks were being laid, but as we got started, the wind picked up quite a bit,and dark clouds lurked in the distance… sending variable gusts across the fields.

TD#1 was a boxer who got off to a wobbly start and quit working almost immediately: her handler decided to call it a day and try another time.

TD#2 (an adorable Maltese) also had a hesitant start and spent much ofthe first leg energetically checking options on both sides of the track. She made some progress but was whistled off after a turn off the firstleg took her too far off to recover….

TD #3 was a young Golden Retriever boy and by now the wind gusts were picking up. He worked his way up the first two legs and turns, but then got disoriented and back tracked to corner two. He could not get past that area, eventually not working any more and even offering up lovely obedience fronts to his handler, so she decided to call it a day. With a little more problem-solving experience, he'll do great another time!

TD #4 was another Golden Retriever (female) and despite a nice start,this dog also began to quit after working up the first leg in the wind gusts. The handler called the run.

TD #5 was a young Cairn Terrier in a slightly more sheltered field and this cheery fellow galloped down his first leg, made his first turn and then second (open angle) turn nicelybut then got off track and headed the wrong way just before the next turn … he went towards an opening in the trees and the wind may have been pushing the track scent through it, pulling him off the track. He will do great another time!

TD #6 is our NEW TD titled dog: Ch Lindau's Schiehallion HIC, "SHEA"owned and handled by Sigrid Appelt.
(picture coming)

Shea did a beautiful track right from the start, showing excellent focus and pulling Sigrid strongly along, nose deep into her track. Approaching turn #3 she pulled Sigrid off track first right and then left, and then cut that corner headed off at a slight angle diverging from leg#3. She disappeared down a slight gully (the wind may have been pushing the scent down into it) but then soon enough we saw them reappear and re-connect with leg 3 to make another lovely corner and pull directly to the final glove. Yay, A PASS !!!! And a show of excellent handling by Sigrid !!

We then moved onto the TDXs. The winds were now variable, with calm spells alternating with strong breezes and gusts.

TDX #1 was a male Golden Retriever. His start and first leg involved a fair amount of casting back and forth to find the track and he seemed a bit distracted, but once he made the first turn he seemed to be settling quite nicely into the track. Unfortunately he then took the cross track in a convincing manner and his handler followed, to hear the whistle. When put back on he did a very nice job.

TDX #2 was a very energetic Cocker Spaniel male and he was another dog not quite "on" his first leg, somewhat paralleling it in the strong breezes and searching around a lot as he made progress forward. He cut the first corner, finding leg #2, and paralleling it, then the same for leg #3, searching enthusiastically but criss-crossing the track. Unfortunately he passed by turn #3 and proceeded straight ahead, taking him off track and away from the first article, and away from legs 4 and 5 of the track. A very motivated tracker and handler - they'll beback!!

TDX #3 was a German Shepherd female and again we had shaky first leg that did not seem to quite lock onto the actual track. She worked the area until she made turn #1, and then looked like she was settling in well on the second leg, but this dog also took a cross track quite convincingly!! When put back on she completed the track nicely.

TDX #4 was a male Beagle who was quite unfocused at the start, and along the first two legs wanting to be 'a Beagle' and check out all kinds of interesting stuff. His handler knew things were 'not going well' when he let out a few "beagle bays" at some other strong scents he discovered and he eventually pulled her off the track. He did have a good time ! They are a fairly new team and with some more experience should do well!

Too bad such a low pass rate ... with the late spring the ground is only now letting loose with all that 'spring' scent and new growth. I think that (and the wind) was a overwhelming for some of the dogs to handle, with such little time to train in this spring.

Karen Boyes, Test Secretary

Edmonton Tracking Test results

Pictures added! See below...

I had the pleasure of attending a test today in Edmonton put on by the Competitive Service Dog Club of Alberta, with Erich Kunzel as judge. What a great group of hard working trackers! Unbelievable food laid out the whole time on top of putting on a big test.

It was hot and dry with no wind and this had an impact on many dogs today. Even at the first track at 7:45 AM the grass was crunching underfoot. There has been a fire ban here and numerous dangerous grass fires causing evacuations, so that gives you apicture of the conditions.

This link shows you what a grassfire can look like. This was a few weeks ago, but today we saw smoke on the horizon shortly before we heard the sirens in the afternoon - http://mynews.ctv.ca/mediadetail/1108813?collection=588&q=+&offset=2&siteT=edmonton

Despite this, the dogs and handlers did great andmany got further than you would expect. Today TDXs ran first, tomorrow's test will see TDs run first (yes, that means the tracklayers were out at 4:30 in the morning).

There were some passes too! Two new TDs and one new TDX...

New TD - and on his 8th birthday - male GREYHOUND 'Windwood Distant Orion FCH' handled by very proud owner Vicki Averill of Maple Ridge BC. He had track 2 at about 10:50 AM. This dark grey boy was dead on track from start to finish. She had a loose line and he was entirely self-motivated. What a joy to watch him - the heat didn't seem to bother him while on track (it was a good day to be a Greyhound). Erich Kunzel commented on the great job this team did.

I have never seen a Greyhound track - I understand there is one other Greyhound with a TD - "Rosie" of Sudbury - and a couple others working on it! Awesome job.

New TD - 3 year old Golden Retriever male Goldcker 1drdogs Next Pushover RNAGN JH WC handled by owner Kathy Miner of Calgary AB. This boy had the last track of the day at 12:45 and he literally tore up the track to the glove. Nice job! By the way the dog's kennel name 1drdogs is also on her licenceplate - I asked and it means "wonder dogs" - neat!

New TDX - 5 year old Golden Retriever female 'MOTCH Wynwood's Come Dancewith Me WC, JH, TD, SHDX, RE, CGN' handled by owner Linda Zacowski of Sherwood Park AB. This was another Golden who tore up the track and was deadon at a steady pace from start to finish. Her article indication is to roll on the articles and kick her paws in the air. I think I may have captured a photo of this. Dancer loves tracking!

Her field was a beautiful location with Lac Ste. Anne in the background, as the test is held near Alberta Beachand Wabumin Provincial Park west of Edmonton (on the way to Jasper). Lovelyrolling hills and woods.

All of the other dogs entered had little glitches like crosstracks, turnsthe wrong way, and few just quit working in the heat. The heartbreak of theday was a 14 year old Weimerainer male who did a fantastic job on a TDX butwho ran out of steam on the last leg, literally 30 meters from the lastglove. We wanted him to pass so badly but after giving him time to get backto work, his own handler/breeder decided he had worked hard enough and theheat was not worth the effort.

Everyone CHEERED for this team and I figure at 14, he is an honourary TDX dog today. Boy, old dogs and tracking - chokeme up every time. This boy was also dead on with tiny loops at the corners. He is also incredibly titled and in great shape! And, he loved the attentionafter his track and he deserved it.

This was my first apprentice judging assignment. I was very grateful for the hospitality and to Erich for being such a nice man, as always. I have to say- judging is HARD work! And there were times Erich was outpacing me! And he has been judging for 30 years. It is a great perspective to be out on thefield - love the view.

Here is my River TDX UTD posed in front of the tracking camp and headquarters for the test. River thought she was going to be IN a test, but she enjoyed the big party after, complete with treats!

Can't wait to hear about the test in Thunder Bay...two days of field and urban...