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

Welcome To My View

What The Heck Is Going On?                  

Seems every time we go to a show, I see things that make me go Hmmmmmmmmm!  Many times, I just have to shake my head wondering what that person is thinking.  Other times, I am cheering for that person to succeed because they show grace, kindness and skill.  There are too many times that I wonder why people are in the sport because they don't look like they enjoy it.  I laugh when I see things happen that are hysterical. 

I watched a person grooming their dogs and they had no clue on how to hold the knives or
how to use them.  I tried to show this person and the whole time I was showing them, they were talking instead of focusing on the training.  She never asked me any questions.  She was as clueless when I walked away as when I offered to help her.  HINT  If someone offers advice or to show you a better or more efficient way to do something.  Be polite enough to listen.  You may choose to not ever put it into practice, but at least be polite and thank them for their interest in your success.  

I watched a teenage girl working her dog and the dog's nose never left the floor.  She was working on a loose lead.  No lead at all would have served the same purpose.  When I approached her, she said that every time she pulled on the lead her dog would yelp in pain. After examining the dog to be sure he didn't have anything wrong with his neck,  I explained to her that she had allowed her dog to be boss and he wasn't in pain, he was having a tantrum in order to get his way.  I took the lead and moved him and he yelped because I was requiring him to keep his head up and walk.  I gave her a Martingale lead, which gave her more control and showed her how to keep moving and how to snap the lead straight up when he wanted to drop his nose.  I found a successful junior handler to come work with her for a few minutes to show her it has nothing to do with age, but everything to do with training.  We suggested to her parents that she take handling classes.  I saw her working with her dog the rest of the day, trying to keep his head up.  HINT Even if you been handling for years, sometimes others can see a slight correction could make a huge difference.  Don't get caught up thinking you are so good, you never need any suggestions.  This is another example of how important Handling Classes are.  My class, taught by Monica Park, is attended by newbies and those with many years of experience and champions under their control.  No shame in keeping your skills fresh and your dog trained.

I have witnessed a dog peeing on his handlers leg in the ring.  Dogs poop in the ring all  the time.  I have seen a handler trip over air and fall down.  I have seen dogs slip the lead and want to run and play around the ring rather than allow themselves to be caught.  HINT  Do as all of these handlers did; stay calm, have a sense of humour about it, take the ribbing with a good nature.  There is nothing more professional, than being non-pulsed when the unexpected and even weird things happen in the ring.

Things Happen!

I have seen owner/handlers and professional handlers give the cold shoulder to others and even look down on others.  Happily, I would like to report that I have found this to be the exception rather than the rule.  I have had it happen to me.  When a professional handler looked at me like I had stepped in something, I must admit, it hurt my feelings.  But more than that, I was reminded of something that happened when I was a teenager.  The wealthiest man in town walked into the Chevrolet dealership and didn't get waited on.  He waited for many minutes for someone to approach him. He watched while sales people stood around talking.  He knew they saw him come in to the show room, because he was the only customer there.   About a month later, there was an employee meeting called in the lunch room.   The new owner was being introduced.  It was my friend from home.  He spoke briefly but eloquently.  He said, " When I came into the show room a few weeks back, I was completely ignored.  I know why.  I was wearing my denim overalls and work boots.  I had not shaved that morning.  I know I looked like I probably couldn't afford to buy a car.  Today, I bought this dealership.  No one working for me will ever make that mistake, again.  We treat everyone with respect no matter what price car they can afford.  They are all our customers.  You never know when you might be meeting your next owner."

Hint That pro handler will never have my business.  They could have just lost one of their best clients.   It pays to be respectful to everyone that approaches you.  If you are too busy at the time, please gently say you are about to go into the ring or you need to get back to your set up and can't talk.  Give them your contact information or ask them to catch up with you at a time you give them when you aren't busy.

Keep criticisms away from Ringside

I have heard people talking about other people's dogs at ringside that was less than flattering.  HINT  If you must critique other dogs, please do it in private and at the very least keep it below a whisper.  What you are saying may be perfectly correct, but it can hurt the dog's owner.  Many times, you aren't aware of who is sitting within hearing distance.  

I have been treated with kindness since I've had to start using a cane.  Thanks to everyone for allowing me to sit down if I needed a chair, or helped me carry my drink while I got my lunch plate to the vendor's table.  Thanks for being respectful and allowing me some room to move through the crowd.  I appreciate you all!

ASK THE EXPERTS

This will be 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 is the one handling mistake, you see most often, made in the ring?

Answer:  Diane Bell, Professional Handler,Groomer and Breeder  

Diane Bell

In my opinion, owner/handlers' number one handling mistake is not being on time for your ring, or being too early for the ring and standing around talking while your dog is getting a)bored or b) stressed out. Way too often I see newcomers racing into the ring stressed out and nervous. This causes them not being able to get their dog together, and losing because of it! Owner/Handlers send a signal down the lead to their dog and it influences the dog's performance.  As handlers, we are often running from ring to ring with multiple dogs, but we can pull a dog together quickly and (for the most part) easily, but when you are just starting you need to be calm and focused. Besides, if you are not there on time, you don't get to play, and if you don't get to play, you don't get to win!!!

Owner/Handlers can also get to the ring too early and their dog gets bored or overly excited with all the traffic and other dogs in the area.  Some seasoned dogs can handle the stimulation, but many can't.  You will see them pant with anxiety, or sweat through their paws or shake.  Remember to check your judging schedule.  Count the number of dogs ahead of you, multiply that number by two and you have approximately that much time before you will be going into the ring.  Give yourself five to 10 minutes to watch the judge to see what he/she is asking the dogs to do in the ring.  Try to stay out of the heavy traffic area, so your dog won't accidentally get stepped on.  Remember to reassure your dog that everything is good. 

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.

Susan Petry and Tucker

Reported by Lee & Mary Ann McColl, Saltair English Springer Spaniels

Location of Nice Deed:  Anchorage, Alaska

Spotlighted This Week is  Susan Petry, Alaskan Springer Breeder,  Cherriky ESS   

This story starts way back in March 2007 when MaryAnn and I picked up a 2 month old black and white male English Springer Spaniel from the Airport in Victoria, B.C.  He had been sent to us by Rhoda MacFadgen a long time breeder from Cape Breton Island.  Ch Macfadgens Islander, "CAPER",  as he was going to be called grew quickly and became a very loving quiet "boy"

Caper started his show career under the capable hands of Heidi Gervais, professional Handler from Cobble Hill, on Vancouver Island, B.C. He pointed quickly at three Lower Mainland Shows, then it was off to the wonderful AKC Show in Calgary(the largest outdoor show in Canada) then on to our trip back east to the 2008 Springer National SD&G show in August at Long Sault, Ontario.  Caper showed well under a new handler, but competition was exceptional, so it was not meant to happen.  It was back home to Salt Spring Island for a rest and then the end of October it was off to the Lower mainland Dog Fanciers Show at Abbotsford (the largest Indoor Show in Canada) .  Caper pointed quickly with one extra for insurance.

Unfortunateley,  it turned out Caper wasn't going to fit into our breeding program, so what do we do now, we have 6 Springers and only one couch!!  At about that time April 2009 Susan Petry(a breeder) of Cherriky ESS from Anchorage,  Alaska posted a note on the ESS list, looking for a male Springer.  A Vet Tech at the University of Alaska was looking for a "boy" to take part in a Hospice program she was running.  The dog would be required to go into Hospice situations and sit quietly with patients.  Caper had done some therapy work so he might qualify for the placement.  As it was, he would sit quietly at my feet and mumble every now and then.  He would be perfect for the situation. OH! and I would mumble back.

We contacted Susan and she was just thrilled as it sounded like Caper would be perfect.  We contacted the young Vet Tech, she had two good references and after several phone calls and emails it was decided that we would fly Caper from Bellingham Washington to Alaska.  He arrived safely and he and Deidra (vet tech) hit it off immediately.

Everything went extremely well for three years and then in May this year we received a frantic call from Susan Petry the Alaskan Springer breeder,  that Caper was in the pound in Anchorage, Alaska.  He had been found "running at large".  Their was money owing for his release.  Unfortunately Susan was not in Anchorage, but in the mid west and not able to rescue Caper.  As it turned out Caper was up for adoption.  Emails and phone calls were just flying back and forth.  We contacted Animal control in Achorage,  Alaska and tried to pay the pound fees over the phone with a credit card, but no way, they claimed I could be using  "fraudulent Credit Card", no I didn't go into my usual "rage" I remained calm, but very concerned.  I gave them Capers tattoo combination and his microchip # and offered to send them a copy of Caper' CKC registration, still no.  Basically the first person who walked through the door with the money owing would get Caper as long as they qualified to own a pet.

Now "we were frantic", apparently someone had looked at him the day before and they were interested, so he had been sent out for grooming.  We contacted Susan immediately (bearing in mind she was at a family gathering in the mid-west) explaining the situation to her.  Now we are not sure if she called the groomer at this point and had her slow down the grooming, but then she contacted her good friend Carol in Anchorage and asked if she would go down to Animal Control and pay the fees.  As it turned out she was refused also, as she already had the maximum number of dogs licensed through Animal Control.  Now what do we do?  Call Susan again and explain the situation.  We were in a real panic.

When  """""WOOOOW HOO HOO""""" we receive an email from Carol in Alaska "We have Caper" " We have Caper"  Relief Joy, just a flood of emotions. it's difficult to explain how good and thankful we felt to Susan and the gals in Alaska, but wait the story doesn't end here.

Susan has many friends in Alaska, yes you guessed it she has a friend "Jim". recently retired from Alaska Airlines who is willing to help ship Caper to Vancouver.  "Wow" this lady is incredible and still in the midwest on a cell phone.

Arrangements are quickly made and we hop 2 ferries to Vancouver to over night there to pick Caper up.  Well he arrived at Air Cargo,  came bounding out of his crate and it was just as if he had never left.  When we woke up in the morning it seemed a little crowded in the bed and sure enough Caper was in the middle(all 65 lbs of him)  Looks he didn't miss "any meals in Alaska."

Caper now lives with our eldest son and his partner(in his forever home) in a cottage on our property and still has his play time with our three girls.  They stick together like glue.  David is in the Horticultural Business so they spend all of their day together outside travelling from job to job, Caper is much loved by everyone he meets.

We can't say enough about Susan Petry.  It is very refreshing to know there are such good people in the "Springer Family".


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 Girl is Driving Us All Crazy

Cara went off her food about four months ago.  We tried everything. Satin balls, raw beef medallions, home cooked chicken and rice, and a wide variety of canned, moist and dry foods.  We laid in the floor with spoons trying to coax her into eating.  It was suggested that we try Rollover for several days and start introducing dry kibble back into her diet.  Sure enough that worked.  She started eating like a starving dog.  It was as if we couldn't fill her up.  In the past few weeks she had gained to a nice healthy 23 pounds.  Just right for a Standard Wirehaired Dachshund.  We were so excited about her weight gain, that we entered her in a Dachshund Specialty in the USA.  

False Preggers is a pain in the $%&@#

Don't you know as nature would have it, five days before the USA show, Cara goes into false pregnancy and has again gone off her food.  She has humped her sister until Abby is afraid to move into any open space, and  she is keeping to the room perimeter so she can avoid being mounted.  It's been like dog prono around our house for over a week, now.  Cara is whining, crying, pacing and snapping at Abby.  She has declared the big wire kennel her private space and won't let her sister in anymore.  She has fluffed the blankets and circled like a maniac.  Poor thing is miserable.

I have again tried food, any food that she will eat.  She has lost about 1/2 pound and we certainly don't want to lose any ground in that area. When she goes off her food she goes anorexic and it's hard to get her to eat again.  I have stocked an ample supply of Rollover,  and finally today she ate a little .  I am so thankful to Rollover, if they ever need a testimonial or want me to do a commercial, just contact me.   

I have applied Campho-Phenique on her swelling boobs.  I am from Georgia and Campho-Phenique to used on all animals including humans to dry up milk.  I couldn't believe no one up here had ever heard to it.  I had to buy a supply in the USA to bring back.   Just put some on a cotton ball and dab it on.  I do that once a day for about 4 days to completely dry up milk.  You can buy it at any drug store or Wal-Mart.  

I was told about a supplement called Symplex F, which contains bovine ovary, bovine pituitary, bovine thyroid minus the thyroxine and bovine adrenal.  It is used to get the hormones regulated.  Once again, I couldn't find this product or anything like it at any of the health food stores or Naturalpaths.    I will look for it in the States this weekend.

It remains to be seen if Cara will be in any state of mind to show this weekend.  Thankfully, I had entered her sister, Abby, just in case.  I just really wanted this weekend to be Cara's.  Oh well, we will manage this and hopefully Cara will feel better in a couple of weeks.  

I'd love to hear from any of you that have had success with supplements or other treatments that help to relieve the symptoms of false pregnancy.  It might be what saves my sanity and gives Cara some relief.

ASK THE EXPERTS

This will be 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 was it like to do your first breeding?

Sandy Alexander and Pippa

Answer: Sandy Alexander, Shelburne, NS 
http://www.livewiredachs.com

I have always been an owner-handler and enjoyed the thrill of the wins that come with that title. Knowing that my dog has won on his own merits (with a bit of assistance from me) is a very fulfilling win. I am not new to the world of dog shows, but after a respite of about 15 years, I found myself whole-heartedly back into that world...this time with Standard Wirehaired Dachshunds. Since 2006, I have purchased 5 lovely show potential dogs from other breeders and have put American and Canadian Championships on all of them along with many Speciality wins.

It was time for my next show puppy and, this past summer, I decided to take the plunge and breed my own! I had the perfect candidates... a lovely girl and a handsome dog who had passed their health clearances, had lovely temperaments, and who complimented each other in many ways. This was to be my first dachshund litter and I had some trepidation, but I was excited.

Things were different from the days when I bred English Springer Spaniels back in the 80's and 90's. The modern breeding program includes words like progesterone testing, artificial insemination, and even frozen implants (from dogs who passed away years ago!) Those terms were unspoken back “in my day”!

Part of my trepidation stemmed from the fact that I live in a small town two hours away from the vet who is the fertility expert in Nova Scotia. It was going to be costly to do daily drives for progesterone testing. My dog had been used previously in a natural breeding, so I chose to let him decide when the mating should take place. Well, he was right on the money as far as timing, but after several futile attempts, the maiden bitch would not stand for him, even with assistance. I knew that it was imperative to “hit the target” so I loaded them both in the van and headed for the expert. The office visit was short... a quick AI and a progesterone test that indicated that the timing was right and, voilà, we had a breeding!

The next two months were full of anticipation. At 30 days she definitely looked pregnant and an ultrasound showed evidence of 5 puppies. Everything was progressing smoothly until the last trimester when the expectant mother stopped eating! This 21 pound bitch was so full of puppies she didn't want anything else in her stomach! I fretted, lost sleep, and tried to cajole her with every food that was suggested to me by other breeders and other more experienced folks on Yahoo breeders' forums. (How did I ever function without social networking?)  Suddenly my expectant mother was being presented with an entire cornucopia of foods that doesn't usually reside in our dog pantry including baby food, liverwurst, scrambled eggs, cooked steak, and all sorts of potions and stews! I didn't know how the puppies were staying alive as she refused one after another of my offerings! I still don't know how we made it through those last 3 weeks. It was full of anxiety for me! This was not part of my breeding experience. All of my Springers had been voracious eaters. That was how I knew that whelping was imminent as the dams would suddenly refuse their food. I only had a date as a target for this delivery so I hoped to have other signs....restlessness, nesting, resting quietly, something!!!

The first sign came in the dark of morning when I heard her sit up in her whelping box and I turned on the light to witness a definite contraction. Within 3 minutes a puppy appeared and all of my previous delivery instincts flew into action, cutting the cord, tying it off, clearing the lungs, getting the puppy to nurse. This scenario repeated itself.... seven more times! No wonder she didn't want to eat!

I certainly learned that all deliveries are not necessarily “text-book” and in spite of the uncertainty, my anxieties were allayed as I watched this new mother settle into the role that nature intended. She was an exemplary mother once they arrived and I remain very proud of her and her offspring.

I still have three of these puppies and they are now four months old. Thank goodness I have the luxury of watching them grow up for a while (my husband leaves for the winter!!) They say you shouldn't have a litter of puppies just to witness the “miracle of birth”, and of course I had a more important objective, but as I gaze over these lovely, playful bundles of canine joy, I have to admit... it was a “miracle” to me!!

One may ask, “was it worth all the angst and worry” to go through this process to create your own show dog? Right now those anxious memories are fading, but, ask me once again when I am proudly holding the end of the lead of my very own BREEDER-Owner-Handled Champion!! Fingers crossed!!!

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.  

We didn't get any reports this week of a "Nice Deed".  Please help me to recognize those that go out of their way for others at dog events.

I want to personally thank all those that have fought to keep us free and safe.  I want to especially remember my son, Thomas K Bonner,  who did 4 tours of duty in Iraq and who was killed 5 years ago.  He made the sacrifice for his family and country.  I salute all the Veterans.

If you are entered in a show this weekend, good luck.  Remember, you represent our sport and your actions influence others.  Make sure you make a positive contribution.

Thanks for reading my blog.  We had 2038 views last week.  It humbles me to think you are coming back to visit each week.

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

The Purina National Cancelled for 2013 

The CKC announced last week that there will not be a Purina National show this coming March.  I'm crushed.  This show means a lot to Lyle and me and we were really looking forward to doing it again next year.

We had taken the handling classes and we decided we were ready to enter our first show.  Nope, we didn't start with a sanction match or a small local show, which would have been normal.   We decided Baptism by Fire and decided to show at the Purina National.  We didn't have a clue what to expect.

Just to make sure we at least looked somewhat the part of knowledgeable dog people, I rushed out and bought a floor mat, tool box, some fancy tools, grooming table and hair dryer.  That should convince everyone that at least we can look the part.  We went on Wednesday night to set up.  We entered the building and walked around like kids on their first day of school.  We are asking each other,  "Where do you think the rings are?"  "I don't know, more importantly,  where is the grooming area!"  "Can we just set up in any open spot?"  "Is a corner spot better than an interior spot?"  ”How about this corner, it has a trash can?"  "Sure looks good."  "Better claim it, seems to be filling up fast."

So, we are set-up and we arrive for our first day of the show.  We get Abby in her crate and we walk around looking for the show secretary.  After walking in circles, we asked someone that points us to a table.  We get Lyle's armband and our catalogue.  We found our ring, so we would know the quickest route to get there from our set-up.  

We smiled at everyone that weekend.  We had our smiles plastered on our faces because we wanted to be included in the fraternity of dog show people. We thought if we made a faux pas, our smile would help excuse it.  The relief of seeing someone we knew was unbelievable.  We saw people from our handling class.  We all did the hugs and good luck and you will be great.  I don't think any of us believed it.  Some were set-up with their breeders and so they had some support.  We were alone and on our own.

That was a miserable feeling.  We would smile and make eye contact with other exhibitors, but most would overt their eyes in as much as to believe, that if they didn't make eye contact, they really were not visible. Many exhibitors acted like they were so occupied with their dogs that there wasn't enough time to speak.  We figured that wasn't true, because they would have time to speak to other people that they knew.  We were so green, we didn't know which people were professional handlers, breeders or like us, newbies.    

There were only two Standard Wirehaired Dachshunds entered,  our 6 - 9 month old bitch and a Special Dog.  The first day, Lyle entered the ring; I could hear my heart beating.  I was so proud of him.  He didn't even look nervous.  Abby was groomed and gorgeous.  We were no match for the Special Dog, but his owner/handler was very gracious to us, and we have built a friendship over this year.  That was Marcello Tulipano showing Kurt.  For the record, we still have not beaten them.  I grilled Lyle about every word spoken by the judge and every thought he had while in the ring.  He admitted that he was nervous, but I would have never guessed it.

As we left the ring, the second day, a very nice man and woman walked up to us and congratulated us on a very nice bitch.  We explained that this was our first show weekend and they thought we were doing a great job grooming our girl and handling her. They were the only people that actually approached us the entire weekend.  They did not tell us their names, but they were just very warm and encouraging.  We had seen the man in the ring, so I went to my catalogue and looked him up.  He was Thomas Curley and she is Diane Bell.  Both are professional handlers.  I know that my first impression of them was they have a distinguished look.  He looks like a taller and thinner Monopoly Man with the handlebar moustache and shaved head.  Diane is strikingly pretty and has a very warm smile.  

They could not have possibly known how much it meant to Lyle and me for them to speak to us.  We were nobody.  We had no clout.  We were stumbling through that weekend.  They gave us hope that we could show our dog.  I went to their set-up the next day and thanked them for being kind.  Diane gave me a hug.  From that day, I looked forward to seeing them at the shows.

I have seen many professional handlers over the past year do very nice things for newbies.  I know when Abby won Best Puppy in Show, the professionals were very happy for us.  So much so, I had one pro with tears in her eyes from happiness, and 4 professionals around us making sure Abby got her picture done and that Lyle and Abby looked their best.  

Let’s remember to be kind to the newbies at the shows.  You can recognize them.  They are nervous, shy and unsure of themselves. It takes a few minutes out of your day to ask them if you can be of any help or to answer a question. Everyone is concerned about declining entries at the shows.  Let's make shows a safe place to be for new people.  Be encouraging and offer your name and a contact phone number or email in case they have any questions after the show.  Be available and be interested.  

I will always be thankful for Thomas Curley and Diane Bell.  I count them among my close friends.  They are a great example of how to treat new people. I can testify to that!

Oh and by-the-way, having a trash can at your set-up isn’t great.  Every dog passing will hike and pretty soon you can find your set-up by the smell. 

ASK THE EXPERTS

This will be 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 a dog owner do to prepare their dog for seeing a groomer? 

Jenn Fournier-Stooke and Audrey

Answer:   Jenn Fournier-Stooke, Professional Groomer and owner of Roxy Dog Grooming and is the Owner/Handler of a Leonburger, Audrey.

There are many things a dog owner can do to prepare their dog for a trip to the groomer's.  First of all, it is very important to start the grooming process when the dog is young.  The earlier you get your puppy used to being brushed and getting their nails trimmed the better. 

Secondly, if the dog has a longer coat and the owner likes to keep some length, it is very important to keep the coat free of tangles and mats in between grooms.  A visit to the groomer's with a tangle free coat is a much nicer experience for your dog than being uncomfortable because the groomer has to brush, clip or cut out mats. 

Finally, it’s very important for owners to socialize their dog with other dogs and people when possible.  I always try my best to make the experience a pleasant one for my dog clients but sometimes it’s quite difficult when they have never been away from their owner.

What is the number one problem experienced by most groomers?

I think one of my biggest frustrations as a groomer is being faced with a matted dog.  Many owners will ask me if I can keep the coat long because they don’t want it “shaved”.  Unfortunately, many owners don’t understand is that it’s either impossible or very painful to brush out the mats once they have reached a certain point.  My number one priority is the well being of the dog and sometimes that means clipping the mats out (aka “shaving “).   When I'm forced to shave a dog due to mats, the owners don’t love the cut, and I have a dog leave my shop without looking its best. However my hope is that I have educated the client, so the dog is either brought back for grooming sooner or at least in better condition on future visits.

Groomers are another professional in your team for the best health and condition of your dog.  Feel free to ask questions about how to manage your dog's coat between grooming visits.  A good groomer will welcome your questions and will take the time to show you how to take care of your dog.

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.  

Location of Nice Deed:  Dog Shows Almost Any Weekend

Spotlighted This Week is Thomas Curley and Diane Bell, Carleton Place, Ontario

Thomas and Diane not only were wonderful to Lyle and me at our very first show, they do nice things regularly. These are the "Nice Deeds" I've witnessed personally.  I'm certain there are many more that I don't know about.

Diane Bell, Professional Hander,
Groomer and Good Citizen

I have seen Diane encourage junior handlers and when she is speaking to them, they have her complete attention.  

I have seen Diane offer grooming advice and give the newbie hands on experience.

Thomas Curley, Professional Hander
and Example of Professionalism

I have seen Thomas step in to instantly take control of two dogs about to get into a fight, which saved any harm coming to humans and dogs.

I have seen Thomas rush to  a choking dog's aid to help save a life.

Both have offered handling advice and hints to too numerous to count.  

They have given very generously of their time, knowledge and experience and they never ask for anything in return.  

If there were an award based on nominations for  people doing nice deeds throughout the year, Thomas and Diane would certainly win!

If you are showing this weekend, Good Luck!  If you know someone that has shown the qualities that make them a positive influence in the Fancy, please email me about them.  Remember to look for "Nice Deeds" and email them to me at djenkins@shaw.ca

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. 

 XXOO