Welcome To My View

They Poop!  Then What?

A few days ago, my doorbell rang and when I answered it, there was a lovely young man standing there with his Boston Terrier.  He wanted to alert me that his dog had pooped in my front yard and he forgot to get a poop bag before his walk.  He said that he would go straight home and get a bag and come back.  You can just imagine my surprise.  What a wonderful thing to do.  This young man is probably a great dog owner.   He has a sense of obligation to clean up after his dog.  He doesn't want his dog to be a bother to someone else.
I was so impressed that I thanked him profusely and told him not to worry about it, that I would clean it up.  

That visit got me to thinking about how all of us dog people deal with pooping dogs.  I will try to deal with this topic delicately.  WHAT ARE SOME PEOPLE THINKING????  When I go to walk our girls, there is poop everywhere.  How can we forget bags that often?  I have seen people that have forgotten a bag, which can easily happen, mark the spot and go get a bag and come back.  Personally, if I ran out of regular poop bags, I have used bread wrappers, shopping bags, newspaper, the list is endless.  I've been known to rummage through a nearby public trashcan for anything that could be used.

While at the Brockville, Ontario show, it was terrible how much poop was left in the grass median between hotels.  It was very dangerous in the dark to tiptoe around the land mines.  There were free poop bags offered by the hotels.  So WHY was there a poop issue?  Will Alexander is just finding this out, but I borrowed his pooper scooper and scooped four big loads off of that median and disposed of it in his bag.  Thanks Will!  All you people that didn't scoop, you are WELCOME!   

Now when I see people watch their dog poop and then start to wonder off like it didn't happen, I yell, "Do you need a bag?".  BUSTED!!!

On a lighter side:  I learned a new trick kind of in the same topic I've been talking about.  I was at the Brantford, Ontario show and people kept asking folks for a match.  Finally I asked my friend, you don't smoke do you?  She laughed and said, no.  So, I asked what was with all the need for a match?  Newbies listen up!  This is good stuff.  A simple paper match properly inserted in the anal opening will make your dog go poop.  To be more precise, you wet the sulfur end of the match and gently insert the match but move it in and out a couple of times.  Like magic, in a few minutes, there is poop.  I can't tell you how happy I am to know this.  I have a girl that doesn't perform well unless she has had her morning constitution.  This could very easily be the one tip that is very invaluable.  

If you need a match, come find me.  I'll have one to help you out!

ASK THE EXPERTS

This is a regular feature of my blog.  I will be asking a question to a cross-section of Canadian experts involved in various areas of the dog world.  If you would like to participate or have a question you would like to have asked or have an expert you would like to answer a question, feel free to contact me.

Question:  What does a hotel expect from their guests that are exhibitors at a nearby dog show?

Answer: Shelley Arbeau, Manager, Brockville Travelodge   

Having the Dog Show people and their pets here is great. We all love having them.  The only issues we ever have are 

•  Guests not cleaning up after their pets outside
•  Guests bringing their pets into the breakfast room
•  Guests not following our "on a leash when not in your room" rule
•  Guests grooming their pets in public areas.. like the lobby

When any of our dog guest's owner fails to pick up after them, it leaves a bad impression of them with our other guests.  We want everyone to enjoy their stay with us.  So, we provide complimentary bags for you.  If our maintenance or cleaning crew must clean up after you,  it could mean higher room rates in the future and we don't want that to happen.

There are health laws that we must follow and one is not allowing animals in the breakfast room.  Please don't bring your dogs into that room.  There may be guests that are not dog lovers and won't find your Fido cute up close and personal with their cereal.

Even if your dog is highly trained and never leaves your side, it must be leashed outside of your room.  Again, we have to think about all our guests safety and it makes everyone more comfortable and to  feel safe when they are not loose.

The lobby, hallway or any other common area is not the place to groom your dog.  I'm certain that is something you can do at the show sight, so it is greatly appreciated if you would limit grooming to there.

Our hotel loves dogs.  Our staff always enjoys seeing the different breeds, and we want to be a great partner with our local kennel club.  We want to always provide a wonderful away from home stay experience.  We look forward to having you all come stay with us again in 2013.  

I like to see people do nice things for others.  If someone does something nice for you at a show or you see or hear about something nice being done, please send me an email at djenkins@shaw.ca.   Be sure to put in the subject: Nice

We will mention that person by name in the blog.

In the Spotlight: Canadian Professional Handlers Association

The CPHA Annual Top Dog Awards Banquet is now in its 22^nd year. Each year they hope to raise enough funds to not only put on Canada’s ONLY Awards banquet, but to have money left over for their chosen recipient. They have raised funds over the years for Take The Lead, Hurricane Katrina, Canada’s Guide Dog Association, BSL, Sonny Tougas Bursary Fund, Junior Handling to just mention a few.

The dinner roves through Canadian Provinces each year. For the past five years it has been held in the East including Halifax. This year they took the dinner to Surrey, BC.  This was where their first “Friends In Need” benefit was awarded. Allison Foley and Shannon Scheer run the dinners each year and they want people to know that the Canadian Professional Handlers Association is not just a one night formal affair. They fund raise all year long to put on a banquet and to have funds available for their benefit. This year they decided that the CPHA Friends In Need fund would be set aside to be used for anyone in the dog community who came upon hard times and needed a little bit of financial help to get them back on their feet. This category could be anywhere from the loss of a spouse, house or kennel fire, critical health news, car accident, or any unforeseeable and devastating event that can occur to our members of the dog fancy.

In June of this year, Alberta Professional Handler, Teri Taplin suffered a severe brain aneurysm followed by several strokes. At forty years of age, she was in her prime, and now found herself in rehabilitation to learn how to walk and speak again. Teri was expected to be In the Ponoka Brain Injury Institution for at least six months. Her strong will and perhaps her stubbornness, had her out of there within four months. We are happy to report that Teri has  made several appearances at local shows, showing Eugene Phoa’s English Cockers. Her rehabilitation is going well, but she was unable to work in her grooming shop for several months. She has now returned to grooming a couple of days a week. The CPHA was very proud to offer Teri a cheque for $2,000.00 to help ease her financial strain from the past several months. This money was fund raised out West by Kim Cowie, Pat Gignac, Kim Campbell, Lori Ann Fischer , Alana Smith, Connie Krohn, Trina Neil, Penny Lewis and Shannon Scheer. Not all of these gals are CPHA members, but they are definitely “Friends”!  The support they receive from our ticket selling for the Annual Top  Dog Awards banquet, also helps greatly.

CPHA is now working towards the 2013 CPHA Top Dog Awards Banquet which shall be held in Calgary, Alberta in conjunction with the Alberta Kennel Club Summer Spectacular shows. This Black Tie Affair will be held on the grounds of Spruce Meadows on Friday Evening - August 2^nd, 2013. They urge everyone to come and enjoy an exciting evening of awards, dinner and dancing. Your support of this event will be a large part of them being able to continue the “Friends In Need Benefit”. They also wish to thank Nestle’ Purina, Canadian Dog Fanciers Magazine and The EntryLine for their help and sponsorship.

In the Spotlight:  Jean Tremblay, Breeder of King Charles Cavaliers, Sandy Point, Ontario

On Saturday at the Cleveland, Ohio dog show, Jean came to my rescue.  We had entered our class bitch and special bitch and thought we had arranged for someone to take one of them in the ring.  That didn't work out and we were suddenly in a bind.  Jean stepped forward and took Cara in for us.  He did a great job, having never worked with her before.  

Not only he didn't know Cara, he didn't have any idea who we were either.  That kind of selflessness is really appreciated and proves again, there are great people in the dog sport and nice deeds are done all the time.  

Thanks Jean!  Your nice deed will not be forgotten.

Stay safe during your last minute shopping.  Don't drink and drive!  Add one more to your gift list........give to an elderly person that could use some help feeding or vetting their beloved pet!

Remember to watch for "Nice Deeds".  They are happening all around us.  Let's talk about the people helping others.

Be sure to go to Canuck Dogs, http://www.canuckdogs.com, to see all the upcoming events and to check stats.  You should  bookmark it.  That's where you will find my blog. 

                                                                  XXXOOO

Welcome To My View

Helpful Hints for Newbies

There is so much information to learn when you are getting into dog conformation showing.  It can be mind blowing.  When I first started, I printed off reams of paper containing information from A to Z.  This is what I finally did to get organized and to help me so I didn't have to commit every detail to memory.

Items Needed

• 3 Ring Binder  with a front and back pocket
• Notebook Dividers that you can write on the tab
• Notebook  A - Z tabs
• Labeller or Black Sharpee Pen
• Page Protectors
• Printer Paper
• Printer
• Computer
• Internet

Tab Titles and Information for that section

Registration and Championship Documents:  You will want to make a copy of these documents for your binder.  This is a good place to also have a copy of your dog's pedigree.

Medical Info:  Make a copy of your dog's vet records and rabies certificate for here. You may also want to have a page of Emergency Phone Numbers in case of accident.  Make sure to either copy your dog's chip information or write the Chip Number and Chip Company name and contact info on the Emergency Phone Numbers Page. You will  want to use this section to put information that other pros and breeders give you regarding supplements, vitamins, dietary recommendations and stress reliefs.  You will find this information handy if you have a dog that has diarrhea, thunder stress, goes off its food, etc.

Breed Standard:   Go to CKC or AKC website and print off your breed's standard and any pictures that show proper standard; body parts, etc.   Typically if you go to your National Breed Club website you can get all sorts of great information.

Points System:  Go to CKC and print off the Canadian Points List.  If you plan to show in the USA, you will want to go to the AKC and print their's off, too.  In the USA, the points are set up by Division.  For instance, I show typically only in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.  For those states I needed Division 2, 5 and 15.  Each country has different requirements for Championship points, so be sure to look for that information, too.  

Glossary:  You will hear a lot of terms you may not of heard of, so I suggest that you get a glossary.  There are several online but this one is good,  http://www.showdogs.org/NipissingKC/glossary.htm

Dog Show Necessities:  You can find a nice list at www.kaylor.com/dogshows/page28.htm

Pictures:  Use Page Protectors in this section.  This is a great place to keep your show pictures if you are not hanging them on the wall.  Two pictures back to back in a page protector makes a nice display of your show pictures.

Points Earned Sheet:   Make a sheet to record your earned points.  I have one for Canada and one for USA.  I type the championship requirement at the top of the page.     

Make a six column table that looks like the example below.  It is really up to you to keep up with your points, so a record keeping system is needed.

             "Canadian Championship requires a minimum of 10 points under at least three

              different judges and have earned at least one 2 point win, either at the breed 

              or group level."

DATE	SHOW	JUDGE	EVENT	POINTS	NOTES

Judges:  Unfortunately, there may be judges that you don't want to show to again.  Perhaps you felt like they didn't have enough breed knowledge to properly judge your dog, or you have shown to that judge a number of times and he/she can never find your dog in the ring.  Vice Versa there may be judges that you would like to make a note about.  The judge likes heads, or takes extra time watching movement.  Or the judge is a breeder judge that understands your breed and you would like to show to him/her when available. That is information you will want to remember for the next time you see that judge.  So when you are entering a show, you can look the judge up in your book to make a decision about that show.

This section will require the A - Z tabs and you will use this section like an address book.  You will make your notes under the judge's last name.

Front Pocket:  I place a copy of my show registration receipt, hotel reservation confirmation, front page of the Premium List with the Show Name and Venue Address, and driving directions to the show venue and hotel with phone numbers.  That keeps all my show information handy.

Back Pocket:  I slip any information I might pick up at a show, Breeder and Handler cards I get and my show schedule or catalog.  That is a safe place for all that information until I get home to go through it.  

Good luck getting yourself organized.  Next week, I'll give you some websites that are very helpful.  

ASK THE EXPERTS

This is a regular feature of my blog.  I will be asking a question to a cross-section of Canadian experts involved in various areas of the dog world.  If you would like to participate or have a question you would like to have asked or have an expert you would like to answer a question, feel free to contact me.

I am so excited to announce a New Monthly Feature you will see here. Dr. Joanne Fagervik, Forest Veterinary Clinic, Forest, Ontario, has agreed to be a regular contributor to this blog.  She will be lending her knowledge and expert opinons on varying dog health issues.  Feel free to send me your health questions via email to  djenkins@shaw.ca   

Dr. Fagervik graduated OVC in 1987 after first earning a B.Sc ( Honours  Zoology).  She has been in private practice in Forest, Ontario since graduating.  Dr. Fagervik bought the practice in 1991 and built a new clinic 2 years later.  Her practice includes large and small animals, primarily dairy cattle, dogs and cats with a smattering of other livestock and exotics.  She owned dogs all her life but mostly mixed breeds and rescues.  She was introduced to obedience training with them while still in university.  Dr. Fagervik purchased her first purebred dog in 2005, and she started showing dogs in the conformation ring in 2007.  Shortly after that, she started training and competing in obedience, rally, earthdog and, most recently, field trial.   Dr. Fagervik particularly enjoys the performance events, especially those that showcase the dogs’ talents in sports that they were bred for.  She says,  "It is very exciting to see how form follows function in the culmination of these beautiful animals doing what they were bred to do."

       Dr. Joanne Fagervik 

                     on Your Dog's Health

Question from: JULIA NANNI 
 

Julie & Chance

I have a Bichon Frise which is tearing quite badly. I had him on Greek Yogurt which seemed to help somewhat; then tried Systane (which someone at the handling class told me about) and that too seemed to help a little; have tried Diamond Eye - really didn't do much. A friend has suggested I put apple cider vinegar in his water, but I'm not sure how much. Also, I was told about Angel Eyes which had been banned in Canada, but which I now see on the store shelves again. Is this product all that it's cracked up to be? Just wondering how other breeders/groomers/handlers/owners are dealing with this pesky problem.   

Julie, I talked to my friend, Dr Rick Quinn, a veterinary ophthalmologist about this question.  In his opinion, one shouldn't use products such as Angel Eyes because many of them, esp. the ones that seem to work well, contain antibiotics.  As we know, there can be problems associated with antibacterial resistance when one uses such products inappropriately or intermittently.  His suggestion is that a person who owns a dog with problem tear staining have a careful evaluation of the pet’s ocular health (by a specialist, if necessary) and overall health as tear staining can be a reflection of yeast or bacterial infections in the eyes or systemic allergies among other things.  If possible, it is best to try to first eliminate the underlying cause of tear staining.

Another quick note regarding “banned” substances.  Many products of US origin become at least temporarily unavailable because of labeling issues.  Our Canadian regulations are very stringent with respect to bilingual labeling and this is often the cause for products to be withdrawn from the Canadian market.  When labels are corrected, they become available again.  In general, Canadian testing of products with respect to safety and efficacy is very strict and passing our testing procedures can take longer than it does in the US.  As a result, some manufacturers never undergo testing of their products in Canada since cost of doing so may not be justified by the size of the perceived market.

Remember, during the Holiday Season keep your dogs safe from the  many hazards they can encounter, such as tinsel, poinsettias, chocolate and alcohol.  

Happy Holidays and Safe New Year!

Please remember that Dr. Fagervik can not diagnose your animal with the limited information you provide in your question and without the benefit of having examined your dog and diagnostic tests.   Dr. Fagervik and I encourage you to use our blog information only as a point of reference and to please seek your veterinary's care and treatment for any issues your dog may be having.

I like to see people do nice things for others.  If someone does something nice for you at a show or you see or hear about something nice being done, please send me an email at djenkins@shaw.ca.   Be sure to put in the subject: Nice

We will mention that person by name in the blog.

This week's spotlight is on Ilene Danby from Vernon, BC

Ilean has always freely given her help to Newbies.  She says,  "when you see a person sitting at a show all alone with a scraggly looking dog in a crate, and looking wistful, you should go and talk to them.  Give them a bit of a pep talk, show them which end of the brush, or which brush to use and send them home with some work and some hope for their future in dog fancy.  After all, without hope they are not going to continue to come to the show.  We will lose their entry, energy and enthusiasm."

Ilene spent a mere 15 minutes giving a mini-lesson on basic grooming to a Newbie in Cairns.  The lady, who didn't give me her name said, " Oh My!  It looks like a different dog, already.  She has a coat now!"  I've been needing this help and I'm so grateful." 

Ilene is another example of "Nice Deeds" that should not be overlooked.  We can each make a difference.  Every small "Nice Deed" done adds up to make our sport BETTER.

Remember to watch for "Nice Deeds".  They are happening all around us.  Let's talk about the people helping others.

Be sure to go to Canuck Dogs, http://www.canuckdogs.com, to see all the upcoming events and to check stats.  You should  bookmark it.  That's where you will find my blog. 

                                                                  XXXOOO

   

Welcome To My View

                                    Judges and Judging Judges 

This is such a hot and controversial topic that I have had people caution me about writing about it.  Either I'm really dumb or I really think I can perhaps make some sense of it, so I have made a decision to write about it and throw caution to the wind!  I really hope that you will take the time to consider what I'm saying and find merit.  I'll go ahead and apologize to any of you that think I've overstepped my boundaries or if I  seem a little preachy.  I'm just trying to put a fresh look on an obvious problem. Here goes!

Fact:   Without Judges there would be no shows.

Fact:   Without exhibitors there would be no need for judges.

Fact:  Judges are human.

Fact:  As long as humans are involved in any endeavour  there will be controversy, discord and unhappy participants. 

Fact:  This topic has been discussed from every possible angle for decades and there has been no satisfactory resolution that serves everyone’ needs.

Fact:  People like to blame poor judging for everything from not winning, poor attendance and fewer shows.  It can be a catch-all for whatever ails the sport.

I have only been in the sport for a short while, compared to many that have been involved in dogs for many, many years.  I have spent thousands of dollars when all is considered in just this year.  I have bought dogs and have had all that expense.  I have paid entry fees, travel expenses, handlers on occasion, and we have paid for handling classes.  Frankly, from all the complaining we have heard at the shows about judges, it’s amazing we stuck with it.   We could have just as easy got the impression that we will never get a fair shot in the ring, so why bother and quit.  

At the shows, people stomp out of the ring because they did not place.  I have seen tantrums because they were awarded a group 2^nd rather than a group 1^st.  I hear grumbling about the judge putting up a class dog over the special.  There is always talk about the judge is paying back another judge for a favour or to get a juicy assignment.  It’s amazing to me how many judges are licensed that doesn’t know the breed being judged.  The comments and criticism goes on and on.  I sit outside the ring.  I overhear this talk, I see the behaviour.  Does any of this promote our sport?   Does this say to anyone new, Welcome to a Grand Old Sport of Dogs?  What if it is my class dog that got put up over your special?  What should be my feeling about such a comment?

I have read many Yahoo groups debate the subject.  It is the same song, different verse. One person makes impassioned post to the group and another person will take it personally and get their feathers ruffled and will respond with a rude post back.  It’s the same as being ringside but electronically.  I finally turn it off and take a break from reading the posts.  It’s just another example of how nothing gets resolved.  It makes me very uncomfortable.  I feel powerless.  If these lifers in the sport can’t speak to each other respectfully and find a solution, how in the world will I be able to make a difference? 

Sure, there is some truth in what people say about judging.  Like any human endeavor there will be a level of politics played.  The dog sport is like any game or business, alliances are made and people are teaming up to strengthen their position in the sport.  You want to be seen with the best to be considered one of the best.  So where do we go from here?

To me, it is simple.  Some of you may say I'm naive and over simplifying the situation.  But here are my suggestions to improve:

• Take the wins gracefully.
• Take the losses gracefully.
• Keep your negative comments private and out of earshot of others.
• Listen, after all the stomping, cussing, and teeth gnashing, what has really been accomplished.  The outcome is still the same.  The Judge will come back to judge another day.  You still need points so you will continue to show. 
• Watch your demeanour around the ring and in the set up.   It’s like a wild fire.  Your anger and negativity spread and creates an uncomfortable atmosphere for others.  It leaves people not knowing how to respond to you.   If they agree, it sets a negative tone to their day.  If they disagree with you, they run the risk of earning your disdain.  There is no win with that behaviour. 

I used to teach conversational rapport.  I taught people how to identify negative, neutral and positive attitudes.  Negative attitudes always has language that includes anger, avoidance, combativeness and it shows a level of irrational behaviour and a lack of confidence.  It’s when voices are raised, or when people talk through clinched teeth.  I know you have experienced these behaviours  The person talks rapidly and with a higher pitched voice.  They are closed off and can only hear their own words. I have been guilty of this behaviour.  We all have.   Just reading this has probably brought a situation to mind.  When you recall that time, you will remember how out of control and powerless that person really looked.  This is not what we want to convey in our sport.

Let’s make a commitment to conduct ourselves in a calm and rational way.  We want to show our confidence in our ability to breed and show dogs well.  A confident person, who really believes they are doing the best for their breed, kennel and sport, has no reason to lose their cool.  They have enough confidence to take a loss or a lesser win with poise and without being threatened.

This last weekend, my standard wirehaired dachshund bitch placed 4^th in group.  It was our first group placement.  I was thrilled to high heaven.  The folks around me, were my competitors in the ring, however, outside the ring, they were my champions.  They showed me the kindness and genuine joy of success.  They are people that have had Number 1 in their breeds and can still appreciate the joy of that first group placement. They had the confidence in themselves to not let my class bitch be upsetting to them for going up instead of their dog.  That moment, those people, will keep me involved in the sport.  I hope we can all find that confidence when we are asked to.

It’s an individual effort to make this sport great.  Help me and others by being a strong POSITIVE influence and display good sportsmanship and confidence.  If we learn to control our own behaviour  then we might actually start communicating from a positive point of view and find solutions that work.

ASK THE EXPERTS

This is a regular feature of my blog.  I will be asking a question to a cross-section of Canadian experts involved in various areas of the dog world.  If you would like to participate or have a question you would like to have asked or have an expert you would like to answer a question, feel free to contact me.

Question:  How should a owner and Professional Handler work together and how do they build a successful relationship?

Answer:  Chris Pollen, Professional Handler/Breeder/Owner of Springsport All Breed Handling, Petawawa, Ontario   

Owners spend a lot of time watching, and listening to Professional Handlers. They see them work in and outside the ring. They see how the dogs are treated, presented, and how the dog responds to the handler.  These are key factors in the choosing of a handler. The owner puts the well being of their dog into the hands of the handler and they must trust their dog(s) will receive the care and attention that is needed.

A really good working relationship between a client and a handler is a true partnership, which is the relationship between handler and dog.  Any good relationship takes time, care, and understanding. A good handler works together with the dog to create a cohesive team. They work to understand the dog’s movement and to find what the dog’s motivators are. Dogs are very different, just as people are very different. Each dog needs a specific touch that is just for them.  It can be using specific bait, a toy, and change in voice, certain lead, even a song to sing.   Handlers take the time to find out just exactly what it is that dog needs and enjoys.

Not having a kennel set up of my own, as a young, newly established professional handler, I spend a lot of time getting together with owners and dogs during the week to play, and to train. I work with my owners and give them small homework assignments that will further their dog’s training, grooming or conditioning.  For me this really requires a great partnership with my owners.

Having an open line of communication between both parties is crucial.   The owner must understand what my needs are to work with their dog and I must also understand what the owner’s expectations are for their dog and their motivation in the sport.  It is a commitment we make to each other. 

A professional handler’s experience can help enhance a dog’s positive experience in the ring, and the owner’s positive experience of the show world. There is always the opportunity to learn something new for the handler and the owner. I recently began showing a number of dogs of a breed that I had previously had little experience with. My client (a long time owner/breeder/handler of this breed) in turn taught me things to improve my own handling of this breed. I continuously pick her brain about her breed, and we work together to bring out the best in her dogs. I brought my own experience of other breeds and tricks to the table, too.  Had we not pooled our knowledge and experiences, we would not have the wonderful relationship that we have, nor would we be so pleased with the presentation and results we have received in the ring.

There are many great owner/handlers in the dog sport, however, if you don’t think you have the ability to handle your own dog or if you don’t have the time or physical capability to train and handler your dog, try a professional handler.  Talk candidly about what you expect and what your goals are.  You should feel a connection with your handler.  The pro handler should feel like part of your family and team.  Hit the rings and sit back and have fun, because I bet your dog will be having fun performing.

I like to see people do nice things for others.  If someone does something nice for you at a show or you see or hear about something nice being done, please send me an email at djenkins@shaw.ca.   Be sure to put in the subject: Nice

We will mention that person by name in the blog.

Reported by: Vicky Bennett, Owner of Visichy American Cocker Spaniels, Lethbridge, Alberta

The Lethbridge & District Kennel Club held their 50th Anniversary show on November 16-17-18 in Lethbridge, AB.   The club held a  raffle at the show which brought in the handsome sum of  $700.

The Lethbridge & District Kennel Club donated the entire raffle proceeds

to the Alberta Junior Handlers.  This was a big surprise to the Juniors who were thrilled.  A very generous good deed on behalf of the Lethbridge & District Kennel Club.

This is a great example of how clubs can help promote the Junior Handlers in their area.  

Congratulations to the Alberta Junior Handlers for being the recipients of this nice gift.

Remember to watch for "Nice Deeds".  They are happening all around us.  Let's talk about the people helping others.

Be sure to go to Canuck Dogs, http://www.canuckdogs.com, to see all the upcoming events and to check stats.  You should  bookmark it.  That's where you will find my blog. 

                                                                  XXXOOO

Welcome To My View

My Dog Empathizes With Me

How many times have we been told that our dogs don’t experience human emotion, so we shouldn’t treat them like they are human?  Even when they give us that guilty look after scattering the garbage all over the kitchen, how do we know for sure that they are actually feeling guilty? 

Interestingly, there has been a scientific study of dogs and yawning.  Yawning begins in humans while still in the womb at around 11 weeks old.  Yawning can be a sign of boredom, hunger or to relieve unwanted elements in the body.  All vertebrae yawn, even lizards.  What about Contagious Yawning?    Studies have shown that Contagious Yawning is a sign of empathy and builds social bonds. Children, typically, do not acquire Contagious Yawning until around 4 years old.  Behaviourist may use Contagious Yawning in the future to determine developmental disorders in children.  Autistic children show less ability to empathize thus less instinct to perform Contagious Yawning.

What does all this have to do with our dogs?   Yawn next to your dog, and he may do the same.  Though it seems simple, this contagious behaviour is actually quite remarkable. Only a few animals do it, and only dogs cross the species barrier.  A new study finds that dogs yawn when they only hear the sound of us yawning.  In fact, your dog is 5 times more likely to have Contagious Yawning when he hears his master yawn rather than another person.  Dog acquire this Contagious Yawning at around 6 months old.  That is strong evidence that canines may be able to empathize with us.  According to Karine Silva, Behavioural Biologist, “The result of the study is not surprising.   People first began domesticating dogs at least 15,000 years ago, and since then we've bred them to perform increasingly complex tasks, from hunting to guiding the blind.  This close relationship may have fostered cross-species empathy over the millennia.”

But let us not forget that guilty look and not being sure if Fido feels the same type or level of guilt as humans.  We may never know if our dogs are feeling the same empathy as human empathy.  It may be a canine empathy that we cannot understand.  All-in-all, I find it pretty amazing that my dogs have this level of understanding and bonding with me.  Perhaps in another 15,000 years of training, they will be able to clean up after themselves.

UPDATE  UPDATE  UPDATE

Week before last I wrote in my blog about my girl being in false pregnancy and all the trails and tribulations that go along with that.  Well, my girls are the BEST!   We showed in Columbus, Oh that weekend and both my girls were BOW and earned 4 point majors.  Just goes to show, they were fine, it's just me being neurotic.  I should take a chill pill!   Thanks to Stephanie Chuchman, Debbie Kreig, and Cindy Niles for all their advice on food, supplements and hormone management. I really appreciate your support.

ASK THE EXPERTS

This is a regular feature of my blog.  I will be asking a question to a cross-section of Canadian experts involved in various areas of the dog world.  If you would like to participate or have a question you would like to have asked or have an expert you would like to answer a question, feel free to contact me.

Question:  What should owners and handlers do to prepare their show dogs for professional photo session?

Answer:  Katherina Dueck, Professional Photographer and owner of A Pawsitive Image Photography & Design, www.apawsitiveimage.ca

Katherina Dueck
A Pawsitive Image Photography & Design

I think the first thing people can do to prepare their dog for a professional photo session is to groom it well and bring their basic grooming tools with them for on the spot touch ups. They should treat it like a Best in Show ring and not rely on the photographer to fix things later. I can't tell you how frustrating it is to have ungroomed dogs for a session with owners saying things like "oh, you can just Photoshop that right?" While I'm not against some editing work after the shoot to fix stray hairs or clean up a bit of a tear stain, it's not up to me to do a digital groom on the dog.

Same goes for stacking - owners need to know how to do it properly and well so that I don't have to hear "you can fix that front, right?" And don't be afraid to tell the photographer what angle is appropriate for your breed, or to ask if you can see what the shots are looking like.  Bring some examples if you have them (from breed magazines, etc.).

Sometimes it's better if my assistant or the owner's helper does the stacking so the owner can do the baiting. But not always - we have to try different things to see what's going to work best. If you know of something that never fails to get your dog "up" then bring it - treats, toys, one of your children... whatever it takes. I have quite a few tricks of my own, too, from toys that do more than squeak to the ability to make some pretty weird noises myself! Don't forget to bring a show collar and lead - I usually carry some spares just in case.

If you want shots of the dog by itself, which people typically do, you have to teach it to stand/stay. It can work well if you are able to do this while standing behind the dog, using the lead to keep his or her head up but staying out of the shot. If that's not possible, then at least make sure he will stay if you back away.

Above all, you have to be patient. It takes a little while for the dog to understand what we're doing and even longer to get even a few really great shots.

I like to see people do nice things for others.  If someone does something nice for you at a show or you see or hear about something nice being done, please send me an email at djenkins@shaw.ca.   Be sure to put in the subject: Nice

We will mention that person by name in the blog.

Reported by:  Giselle Carlow; ShadowFrost Saints

Location of Nice Deed:  Canadian National Saint Bernard Specialty, Manitoba

Guy St. Laurent

Spotlighted This Week are:  Yves Maurice, Quebec,  Guy St. Laurent, Quebec and Junior Handler, Hannah Keenes, and her brother Spencer Keenes of Manitoba

This past October a US friend and I entered way too many dogs at the first Canadian National Saint Specialty in Manitoba. We found ourselves without the pro handlers we had booked, so we were not at all sure how we would get all 11 dogs into the ring........yes 11 Saints!

Not to worry however. Some of our COMPETITORS from Quebec, Yves Maurice and Guy St. Laurent jumped in to fill the handler void as did good friends from Manitoba, Hannah Keenes (junior handler) and her brother Spencer Keenes.  All our dogs made it into the ring.

A real show of sportsmanship on their behalf and something not seen enough at shows. 

Yves Maurice

Spencer Keenes

Show Heroes are those that considers others' needs and takes the time to help.

Heroes each week make our sport better.

Be a Hero at a show this week!

Hannah Keenes, Junior Handler

Remember to watch for "Nice Deeds".  They are happening all around us.  Let's talk about the people helping others.

Be sure to go to Canuck Dogs, http://www.canuckdogs.com, to see all the upcoming events and to check stats.  You should  bookmark it.  That's where you will find my blog. 

                                                                  XXXOOO