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Photography at Dog Shows

We have been experiencing some issues in Ontario regarding photography at dog shows.  I hope the problem is isolated to just Ontario, but if not, perhaps I am addressing something that will help everyone.  If your area hasn't had any of these issues, I hope by discussing our situation, you will learn how to avoid it in the future.

The problem is that there have been occasions that the show photographer has left their booth and gone ringside to tell spectators, exhibitors or photo hobbyist that they are not allowed to take candid photos ringside.  The professional photographers have insisted that they pack up their equipment.  

Personally, I enjoy both type photos.  Who among us doesn't get a winning picture of their dog with the judge and our latest rosette?  I will admit, that we don't always get a picture if money is very tight or if we don't really love the photographer's work, but as a general rule, we get a show photo.  We have a favorite photographer that we look forward to seeing at the shows.  We are disappointed when he isn't the official photographer.  

At our Ontario shows, the official show photographer normally has a booth set up with the necessary equipment and backdrop.  We have our photos taken and then the photographer will display the shots on a computer monitor for you to select your picture.  They print it out while you wait or you can get a CD.  If there is a minor correction needed, like removing your knee from your dog's fore-chest, they will make that correction while you wait for an additional fee. Seldom if ever, have I ever seen the show photographer outside taking candid shots for exhibitors to purchase.  Let's face it, the photographer can't be both places at once.

I have also received many beautiful movement shots and stacked shots of Lyle yand my dogs in the show ring.  I love these shots.  I get to see a still shot that allows me to evaluate what I may not have seen otherwise.  Let's face it.  We all love to see our dog's beautiful and correct movement shots.  Those pictures prove we are right about our dog and they are what we thought they would be.  To Lyle's dismay, I also use these photos to show him if I think something should be improved.  

When the professional photographer comes out and reprimands a lay person for taking pictures ringside, it makes me believe that the photographer may be lacking confidence in his ability to bring business to his booth.  The ringside picture taker isn't taking pictures over the official photographer's shoulder, stealing setup or composition.  Neither is the ringside picture taker selling the pictures.  The pictures are taken and emailed to the recipient for free or posted on Facebook for anyone interested to download for free.  The hobbyist that take the ringside pictures are better than the folks with their Iphones or tablets trying to quickly snap a shot of their dogs.  They have better equipment with the knowledge on how to use it.  But, they do it because they love the dogs and they believe they are combining two loves at once.  They also satisfy the need of the other exhibitors to have the candid shots.

I went to my friend Warren Cook who is a very successful professional show photographer in Washington State, USA.  I asked him what his opinion on this situation.  

Here is what he told me:  "The more photos taken: The more people want photos. As long as we all understand that the composition of the photo is something that I create, lasts a moment, is the result of my knowledge and experience, and belongs to only me, and that no one else may shoot that photo, I am happy. If you shoot from the side, you are at the wrong angle. If you shoot with a cell phone, you are using a crappy camera (relatively) and shooting from the wrong height, and all that will result is that you get a poor photo with my name in it so it ascribes your poor work to my Copyright. Also, cell phones put out radio waves that interfere with digital cameras and I don't want the best photo to have banding going through it.

Other than that, I think it is perfectly acceptable to have people shoot photos of dogs from 

ringside. When they want a good photo, they can come to me.

1. A camera is a tool. I am certain Ansel Adams could have done well with Yosemite and a Kodak box camera.

2. There should be no dispute between the Pro Photographer and the people taking ringside pictures,  because they are complementary to one and other in giving people what they want.

If there is a dispute, then the principles do not understand the concept of collegial workforce competition, which means to know how to work with your colleagues,  In General, the two are not competing for the dollar that is earmarked for a win photo."

So the final word on this subject is, Professional Photographers should appreciate the pictures being taken because they are not competing with your expertise nor will they harm your ability to make the money that you would have made if they were not at the show.  To complain to the Ringside picture takers is showing your lack of understanding of what your paying customers want and if you get the reputation of bullying the picture takers you are shooting yourself in the foot as coming off as a bully.  Also, please remember that the dog shows are a public event and unless they are charging an entry fee and it states on the ticket "no cameras allowed", you can not regulate what anyone does ringside.  There is no way to police hundreds of people that own cell-phones, cameras, tablets and sketch pads.

To the Ringside photographers, I just would like to remind you that the professional photographer makes his living taking winning photos.  Show respect.  Never try to shoot over his head or use his set up after the show has closed.  That is just plain rude.  

Here are photos we have had taken both professionally and by hobbyist and friends:

Picture taken ringside by Wendy Reyn

Picture taken by John Robson

Picture Professionally taken by Lynne Oslach Photography

Picture Professionally taken by Lynne Oslach Photography

Picture taken by Josephine Lambert

I have been reading everyone's opinions about what is wrong with our sport and why it is dying and it seems to me everyone pretty much agrees on some basic problems.  What is crippling our sport and not allowing us to bring it back to full bloom is the lack of cooperation, closed minds, petty feelings and everyone sitting on their hands waiting for someone else to fix it.

I watch the posts and I am amazed at how people take offence at the some of the statements. Do we want to fix our problems for the betterment of the whole or do we just want to be self-indulged?  Stop looking for ways to be offended.  Start looking for value in what is being said.

We want to blame the CKC for not doing enough.  What the heck do you want them to do? They are a regulatory agency.  They are working with registrations, rules enforcement, conformation, herding, field, tracking, agility, obedience, earth dog, and on and on and on.   Rather than pointing a finger at the CKC, why don't you look around your own house and decide to fix what ails you.  

We want to blame Puppy Mills and Backyard breeders for selling more puppies at higher prices and poor quality.  OK, what are you doing to publicize your breeding programs and the quality and health of your dogs.  What are you doing to educate the public?  

We want to blame the lack of new blood coming into the sport.  What are you doing at your level to make our sport inviting.  What are you doing to get people interested.  When was the last time you sponsored a junior?  Are you inviting your puppy buyers to a show?  Perhaps your puppy buyers have kids that would be interested in learning your breed and showing.

We want to blame poor judging.  What have you done to let the kennel club know what you liked or didn't like about their judging panel?  Please remember to be respectful no matter if you like or disliked a particular judge.  

We want to blame the economy.  Well since there is little we can do to make an big impact on that, then you need to find new and creative ways to spend your money to support the sport and the clubs need to find new and creative ways to draw exhibitors.

We want to blame the kennel clubs.  You need to be a member of a kennel club in your area. The clubs need to be realistic about the economics of hosting a show.  Perhaps rather than always demanding the same date of your show year after year which competes with another show in the province, you should think of alternative dates.  The clubs need to be thinking bigger and do more to publicize their events and bring out more of the general public.  The clubs need to be realistic and take pride off the table and if it makes better economic sense to join another club for a cluster, do it.  Share expenses and get more exhibitors to your show.

We want to blame everyone and everything but ourselves for allowing our sport to die a slow

and agonizing death.  Be a thinker.  Be open minded to solutions.  Stop with the "not in my backyard" mentality.  Stop making this personal.  Treat it like a business.

We need to work at the grassroots level out. Talk to each other about what is working and what isn't.  Each individual makes a difference, but it will take the whole group to save it.  Don't be the tail wagging the dog!

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 Heather Brennan is a successful free-lance writer, a GSP breeder and CKC judge.  I respect her immensely. I asked her to give us her thoughts on what is wrong with our sport and what needs to be done to save it. Here is her perspective.

The issues facing our sport and how to keep it alive have been a topic for discussion for several years now. We've seen many shows have declining entries for a few years now and it becomes really apparent even to those with their heads in the sand that we have a problem when an all-breed, summer show in southern Ontario has an entry of less than 100. Not surprisingly, this has sparked numerous debates across the country about the state of the sport and its future.

As a community, we have a terrible habit of simply pointing our blame fingers at the first convenient target, most often the Canadian Kennel Club(CKC).   As an exhibitor, breeder, judge, and all breed show chair it is an issue I spend a lot of time thinking about, I tend to find myself coming back to three basic issues that, in my opinion, contribute to the problem.

The economy.

The lack of new blood coming into the sport - when you look around at a show or at a club meeting, how many new people do you see?

Exhibitors’ perceptions about show politics and judges.

Because I am a firm believer that you don’t get to complain unless you are honestly working to change the situation, I’d like to suggest some ideas and ways to help address these problems. I firmly believe that we cannot lay all the blame at the feet of the CKC. I also believe that there are things that all of us can do to improve the situation.

The economy is really not something we can change. Most of us have had to tighten our belts. This means less money to spend on shows and it makes competition for exhibitor dollars much tighter. With exhibitors picking and choosing which shows to enter rather than being out every weekend, they are going to go with shows that offer value for their money. Different exhibitors will have different priorities but for most the judging panel, venue, and amenities offered by the show will likely play a role in the decision. What we can do, as clubs, is put on a show that meets our exhibitors needs and makes them feel it was money well spent.

I think that it is worth noting that not all clubs are experiencing a decline in entries. Some are showing an increase year over year. Obviously continuing to do what has always been done will not suddenly yield an improvement in entries. For clubs that are not willing to change with the times, the end may well be in sight. In southern Ontario, this might not be a terrible thing as we have far too many shows here already. What are the clubs that are succeeding doing?

Look at their panels, their non-regular events – like Best Bred By Exhibitor competitions and judges’ commentary during group and best in show judging, and the general feel of their shows. They don’t see the end; they see an opportunity to do better and are reaping the rewards.

For smaller shows and shows that occur on a weekend where there is another show, the cluster option is well worth considering. The biggest expenses for most shows, excluding CKC fees which are based on their total entry, are the venue and judge expenses. A cluster allows multiple clubs to each take one day – they can split the venue fees and judge expenses. I imagine CKC permission would be required but with valid reasons for doing it, they would likely be amenable. For some clubs, reducing their expenses would allow them to diversify their panels a bit more and use funds for other events. Wouldn't it be better to work together than to continue to die apart?

The lack of new blood is an area where the CKC may be able to help with a campaign that promotes purebred dogs and all the wonderful benefits that come with them. But, there is a lot that we can do as breeders and exhibitors, also.  Consider inviting your puppy owners to spend a day at a dog show with you so they can see firsthand what shows are like. Encourage and support your puppy owners – they are not point fodder. When you see someone struggling at a show – whether it’s with grooming the dog, showing, or any other aspect of the experience – stop and offer some help. Rather than snickering, let’s reach out and make a new friend.

Shows can offer assistance to new exhibitors and make sure that they know it’s available. They can offer classes for newcomers. Most importantly, they can reach out to people who are not involved in dogs, particularly children. Consider contacting local groups like the girl guides, boy scouts, Big Brothers and Sisters, etc. Have a fun session with the children, giving them a taste of what purebred dogs and dog shows are all about. Many children love animals. Get them involved from a young age.

The final problem – the ongoing perception that judges are crooked and pro handlers win everything – is perhaps the hardest one to overcome. It means overcoming a bias that is deeply ingrained in many exhibitors. Do I think judges are crooked? No. Do I think that pro handlers always win? No. We have many successful owner handlers with top ranked dogs that frequently do well in group and at the best in show level. They have some characteristics in common with one another. They all handle their dogs extremely well – so well, in fact, that others often approach them to handle their dogs. They believe in their dogs and always present a clean, well groomed animal. Many of them have been handling for a long time and they have a lot of practice. Yes, some are just naturally gifted too.

Is it easier for a judge to find a well presented dog? Absolutely. Poor presentation can make a stunning dog look ordinary or worse. As owner handlers we need to do a good handling job. Are some judges less skilled than others at finding a good dog despite the handling errors? Of course. Just like handling, some people will be better at it than others.

The area where the CKC might make a difference here is in allowing judges to make comments or even critique the dogs in their ring at the best of breed level and higher. Transparency could make a huge difference in how exhibitors perceive a judge’s decision.

I don’t know about other show chairs, but I watch how well judges draw an entry. Judges that do not draw well, do not go on my list of potential judges to hire. Exercise your entry and avoid the judges that you truly feel pay more attention to the handler than the dog. Successful shows take note of who does and who doesn't draw a good entry. A judge that overdraws is worth every penny because of the entry they bring in.

Hopefully I have given you something to think about. I really believe that we can all play a part in keeping our sport alive. We all love dogs and, conceivably we all love showing our dogs or we wouldn't be doing it, so we should all be willing to work towards its future. 

It's time to stop complaining and pointing fingers and to GO TO WORK.  Start with yourself and find ways to make your local situation better.  Then work with your club correcting one problem at a time.  Share what works and what doesn't with the rest of us.  Be sure to check your personality and ego at the door.  It isn't about you.  It's about all of us.  Then let's keep communication open on a national level to put all our ideas and solutions to work.  We can either be the PROBLEM OR THE SOLUTION.

For all the cards that the fabulous dog community has sent to Zachary.  You have lifted him up in such a wonderful way.  He looks forward to getting the mail every day.  Words will never be enough to show our gratitude for each of you.

If you haven't sent a card, yet.  Please do.  Zachary is our nephew that lives with us and has a very aggressive form of Hodgkin's Lymphoma and is battling for his life.  You can send the card to:

Zachary Noble

108 Greeningdon Drive

Hamilton, Ontario L9A 4W7

Please no get well cards.  Send funny or handwritten or even a little naughty cards.  Your cards take him away from being sick for a few minutes every day.

For the most up-to-date Dog Fancy stats and event information in Canada, go to www.canuckdogs.com. That website is maintained with your advertising dollars and is strictly a volunteer labor of love. Advertising is very reasonable and you get a lot of national exposure.  Be sure to check it out.


Also, be sure to sign up to receive the weekly CDF Summary for up-to-date stats and beautiful ads.  There is never a deadline to adding your next ad to the CDF Summary. Same great design and audience as the Canadian Dog Fancier Magazine.  So to keep your ads fresh, check out their rates for a fabulous deal. Go to their website for more information.
http://www.canadiandogfancier.com/

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Owner/Handler Class

I have been watching a discussion on Facebook about  this class.  So many of these classes are being offered for the simple purpose of increasing entries.  I have no real issue in finding ways to increase entries but I think it needs to be a worthwhile class.  If it were up to me, we would not have Top Dog, either but that is a discussion for another day.   I can hear the readers clicking off my blog as I typed that. 

How can owner/handler class be defined?  Is it for all owner/handlers?  That would include Professional Handlers that also own their dog and show it.  I can think of many Professional Handlers that have breeding programs and show their own dogs.  Is it for newbies, amateurs, or  those that  picked up a puppy and a lead and showed up?   Is it a source of pride for those that have never had a professional on their dogs and it's a way to make a statement?  Was it designed to stop all the whining about Professional Handlers always winning against Owner/Handlers? 

 

Well what's the point of this class?  To me there is NO POINT!  We have well established classes that serve the same purpose.   I will list them here:

·         Baby Puppy

·         Junior Puppy

·         Senior Puppy

·         Open Class

·         Bred By

·         Specials

·         Veterans

·         and for fun and in my opinion a good test of temperament and movement:  Brace

Conformation doesn't need a class that makes Owner/Handlers look like second class citizens.  Owner/Handlers are 95% of the entries.  Owner/Handlers need to do their work, stop whining and have pride.

Owner/Handlers need to be sure they are doing the following things:

·         Bring your best at their best to show (bathed, groomed, trained)

·         Make sure you have made yourself an expert on your breed's standard, structure,  and movement (read, ask questions, spend time talking with successful breeders)

·         Take handling classes and perfect your techniques

·         Watch the pros.  Learn their handling style.  What are they doing that you can learn from.   When do they arrive to the ring.  What are they doing in the ring.  Are they keeping their dogs relaxed and enjoying the experience.  Are they relaxed.

·         Many  Owner/Handlers work full-time jobs that helps to support their dog showing, but you can't be a slacker when it comes to training your dog for the ring or yourself for handling.  That can't be an excuse on why you aren't winning.  No one is holding a gun to your head making you show your dog, so it's your choice on how prepared and polished you and your dog are.  If you want to compete, you must be competitive!

·         Dress for success in the ring.  If you show up with a  short tight skirt, low cut top, frayed jacket or clothes you would do yard work in, don't expect to be taken seriously.  You should be dressed comfortably, but in neat, pressed, and well fitted clothes.  Your shoes should be appropriate for walking briskly or running around the ring.  Why do I constantly see sandals in the ring?  How are sandals sturdy enough for ring work?  Make sure your hair and nails are neat and clean.  Don't wear excessive jewelry that will jingle and jangle all around the ring and be a distraction. 

·         Remember that the judge has the responsibility to manage the ring time. A cheerful hello is appropriate.  But unless you are asked a question, keep conversation to a minimum.  And remember to give short, clear concise answers to questions and listen for your ring instructions and follow them.

·         Remember, it's not good enough to only have  an understanding of your breed, you should have some all around knowledge of what meets the standard in the other breeds in your group.  I have Standard Wirehair Dachshunds, but I should know if the Irish Wolfhound in the group ring with me is meeting that standard.  I should appreciate that if all things are equal, the judge's decision if they don't place me, I can be proud I competed against some of the best.

·         Good sportsmanship.  I see so little good sportsmanship, it is shocking.  The behaviour I have witnessed and the things I've overhead being said is ridiculous.  All the stomping off, jerking your dog's neck out of joint and cursing and swearing does nothing but make you look childish and undeserving.  You should take a loss with as much dignity that you would a win.  If you are so affected by a loss, you may never be a real winner.

·         Find a mentor if you are new.  Don't be afraid to ask for help and suggestions on how to improve.  Get help with grooming. 

·         Be a mentor.  We all know what a newbie looks like.  We have all been a newbie at some endeavor.   Extend a helping hand.  Offer a smile and an encouraging word.  Let them know they have found a friend among the crowd.

·         If you do most of these things, if you make a handling mistake in the ring occasionally, it will be forgiven.

I want to talk about Professional Handlers, now. 

Yes most have spent their entire lives in dogs, learning their trade, honing their skills.  Yes, due to the fact this is how they make their living, they are going to be seen more by judges at more shows and over many more years.  Some Professional Handlers started in Juniors when they were very young and they have come up through the ranks with many of the judges.  They have slept in their vans, made sure the dogs in their charge ate before them and many times better than them, and they have bathed in many a show venue bathroom, before they made it as a professional handler.  They could not walk into your place of work and perform your job without study, practice and instruction from more experienced persons. 

Lyle and I have taken other people's dogs with us to shows in the USA and shown them as a favour.   No offence to anyone we have done this for, but it's a pain to keep up with all those dogs, worried something may happen to them while in our care and worried we won't show them well and we will disappoint  their owner.  There is absolutely nothing glamorous about being a Professional Handler.  To me it seems like their day is never done.

My experience has been, if you walk up to a Professional and ask intelligent, sincere questions, they are more than willing to help you.  Professionals are more than willing to give you handling  advise, grooming advice and they will even watch ringside to see if they can detect ways you can improve.

 

I don't think Professional Handlers are the enemy.  I think it is narrow minded thinking that is the enemy.

Now to talk about judges!

Do judges sometimes reward a professional handler when their dog is perhaps not the best?  YES.  Is this the Professional Handler's doing? NO.  The judge is assigned to make a decision that day. Judges on the whole try to get it right.  I don't always agree with the judge's decision, but I paid my money and willingly showed up ready to show to the judge to get their opinion.  Sometimes, I think I see something glaringly incorrect on a dog and the judge still rewards it.  Ok, am I fault judging and not allowing myself to see other attributes that may outweigh what I think is a fault.  Many judges will tell you that handlers many times don't do their dog justice in the ring by the way we are handling.  We move our dogs too fast or too slow.  We are stringing them up or we are allowing them to move on a too loose lead and don't have enough control over their movement.  They think we show our own frustration and take it out in rough handling the dog.  Judges complain about baiting a dog on the table when they are trying to examine its mouth.  Who wants to look into a mouth full of bait?

I am a believer that many times, Judges are presented with such average exhibits that they question themselves when they see a really nice correct exhibit.  I also believe that just as the Professional Handler had to earn their stripes and pay their dues,  we Owner/Handlers must do the same.  Unless you walk in the ring with what would be considered a world renown, breathtaking specimen of the likes the world has never seen, you will have to present your dog well and earn your stripes.  Also, there are other well groomed, prepared Owner/Handlers you are competing that are showing dogs that are older, more experienced and are deserving of the win. 

If you don't appreciate a judge's decisions or you think the judge is a complete moron, put them on your "Don't show" list.  It's your money and money talks and if that judge consistently does not get the entries they will get the idea.  If you decide to discuss with your friends or other exhibitors why the judge was wrong in their decision, you better be prepared to know what you are talking about and to be challenged.  You should be capable of stating clearly and correctly what was wrong with the winning dog(s).   You may be talking to a group that is nodding  and saying to your face that you are right, but unless you can demonstrate why you are right, they will not have much respect for you or your opinion.  Contrary to what you want to accomplish, you will just be considered a whiner.

 If a group of people stop you on your way out of the ring, saying you were robbed the win by bad judging.  You should be able to recognize those that really are ringside whiners and those that can really explain to you and be correct why they are right in their assessment.   There is a lot of fanny kissing and alliance building in this sport that if the same energy were to be spent becoming a real expert,  I bet everyone would find more enjoyment.

What I think helps you be a better exhibitor:

Patience, education, determination, thick skin and a charitable spirit will take you further in this sport than whining, gossiping  and bullying.

Now an Announcement

I have been working on a Canadian Owner/Handler Association for about a year.  We are in the process of getting ready to take our association to the CKC for their endorsement.

 I want to make this crystal clear......this association is not designed to be a bitch group, bashing Professional Handlers.  It is designed to offer educational seminars to Owner/Handlers in all things dogs.  It is meant to give a voice to Owner/Handlers with CKC since we are the majority.  This association is not meant to be a clearing house to mediate everyone's personal grudges, arguments or showing issues.  I am certain since there is a Canadian Professional Handlers Association, that the CKC will find value in our group. 

We need to offer some guidelines and code of ethics for the majority of exhibitors, which are the Owner/Handlers.  This is a national association and we plan to offer the latest in technology to make attending meetings, voting and having a voice as easy and convenient as possible. 

 If you are interested in being a member of this group, please email me your name, phone number, address and email address.  Remember as in all things to be successful, it will require you to offer your talents and time to the group by serving as a officer, board member, committee member or member in good standing.  I hope to hear from each of you requesting a membership application.  Email be at:  djenkins@shaw.ca

Reproductive Veterinary Service in Hamilton, Ontario Area

I am using a great young vet in Hamilton that I like a lot.  I have really put him through his paces and Lyle and I attended Cara's C-section and assisted with newborns.  He is very knowledgeable in canine reproduction and currently can do everything except freeze and store semen.  He has an interest in adding this to his practice, but it's very expensive to get started.  He would like to know if there is an interest in that type of service in the Hamilton, Ontario area. 

If you would like to have this type service available, please email me and let me know your thoughts.

djenkins@shaw.ca

The Canadian Dog Fancier Magazine is now offering  Dog Fanciers another excellent product.  It's weekly summary of dog shows is a budget friendly way to get your advertising out there without sacrificing quality of artwork or audience.  The ad prices are unbelievable.  It's a great way to supplement  your magazine advertising.  You get the same great service as you get from the magazine.  Plus it's a great way to keep up with who's who in the winning world of Canadian Dog Shows.

I'm sure Angel Wagner would be happy if you contacted her about finding you a great spot in the upcoming summary!  Contact Angel Wagner at  angel@canadiandogfancier.com

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

Your Level of Arrogance Does Not Match Your Lack of Skills

I have talked to many "Longtimers" in the dog fancy and they all pretty much say the same thing, they all had great mentors and learned from the bottom up.  They spent hours and hours working with those that could offer them instruction and experience.  They were for the lack of  a better term, "the bucket bitches" for others in order to learn. 

I have a mentor that I also consider my best friend.  I know many such relationships in the dog fancy.  I have learned from her, worked beside her, and I am so grateful to her that I would stoop and kiss the hem of

her garment.  She has my undying loyalty and admiration.  I know many of you feel the same way about the person that took you under  their wing and gave you the benefit of their experience and knowledge.  So much of their knowledge you cannot find written down anywhere.  You can call them in the middle of the night with an emergency and they are always there for you.  They are standing ringside to offer you constructive criticism and praise when you are finished.  Your mentor is the person that promoted you in the breed and dog fancy and introduced you to those other "Longtimers" that could also offer words of wisdom and little snippets of advice that money could never buy.

Unfortunately, there are those that believe that they can achieve a high level of success with little to no learning and without gaining any real hands-on experience.  These people have not learned that success and respect are earned not bestowed.  I am two and maybe three generations beyond this new "entitled" generation.  But, my best advice is if you believe that the dog fancy is all about you and your personal success and not about learning as much as you can about your breed, apprenticing and learning from the bottom up, doing your fair share of poop scooping, dog bathing, watching more mature and experienced handlers in the ring and showing respect to those that have come before you, then you are in the wrong sport.  This sport is about promoting your breed, learning pedigrees, understanding structure and movement.  What it isn't..... is about how great your look for five minutes in the ring.  It is not about how many Rosettes you can win.  It's about nutrition, grooming, training, breeding.  It's about understanding the whole package.  If you want to make a name for yourself, do it by being the best overall dog person you can be.  Be known for breeding the best.  Be known for always being a student of dogs. Be known for always wanting to expand your knowledge.

Being a member of the dog fancy isn't about just showing up on show day with a dog and prancing them around the ring.  It's about the books you are reading, the questions that you ask about how your breed has evolved and wanting to learn how you can make a difference maintaining the breed standard and promoting the breed. It's about understanding what your dog's needs are nutritionally as they grow and mature.  It's about understanding what is the proper exercise for them at each stage of life.  It's about understanding the health issues that your breed suffers and what's being done to eliminate those issues.  If you don't have this interest, you are not a serious dog fancier.  

Respect for those that offer to teach, mentor or spend an hour giving you instruction on proper movement.  Respect is certainly in short supply these days.  Respect above all else should be given in a meaningful way in order for you to earn respect in the dog fancy.

I hope everyone has had a chance to go to CanuckDogs.com to see the new layout design.  It is fabulous.  All the same great information, but in a nicer, more up-to-date format.  CanuckDogs is a free service that is provided strictly by volunteers.  All advertising dollars go straight into keeping the website running and free.  

I am sorry that I haven't been writing weekly, but our family is taking care of Zachary who has just started an arduous stem cell transplant.  I am spending a lot of time taking care of Zachary and going back and forth to Juravinski  Hospital.  Please keep our family and especially Zachary in your prayers that the stem cell transplant is the much needed cure for his cancer.

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Education Education Education .....There Can’t Be Too Much Education

I attended the Judges’ Hound Seminar organized by the Oakville & District Kennel Club.  It was two full days of presentations by breeders of Irish Wolfhounds, Whippets, Scottish Deerhounds, Black & Tan

Coonhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Bassett Hounds, Afghan Hounds and Blood Hounds.  I had never been to a judges’ breed seminar before.  Now that I have experienced it, I will want to attend as many as I can.

First, I was very impressed with the Oakville and District Kennel Club that organized this event.  They did a great job with the venue, had beautiful handouts in a binder about each breed and also provided all the presenters’ programs on a CD to review again at home.

Second, it was interesting to see who showed up to the seminar.  I have a lot of respect for the judges that attended.  It proved to me that they truly are interested in understanding

the breeds and to make judging fair across the group.  The judges asked pertinent questions and genuinely seemed interested in understanding each breed presented.  There were a few owner handlers there, but not near enough.  These seminars are for anyone interested in learning about the other breeds.

Third, we compete in the Hound Group and I want to know about the breeds I regularly compete with.  How can I complain if I don’t know a good wolfhound or whippet?  I hate hearing people leaving the ring putting down another breed that won, when they can’t explain accurately why that dog wasn't worthy of the placement.  I encourage owner handlers to take advantage of this kind of educational opportunities.  It’s not enough to just know your

breed’s standard, you need to at least understand your group.  I really don’t think anyone can complain about a loss or tout a judge’s decision to award you the win if you don’t understand why it is happening.

Fourth but not the least, thanks to Pierry McLean for providing Royal Canin’s facility for the seminar, to Barbara Heal for taking great pictures, to all the presenters for sharing information about their breeds and again to the Oakville and District Kennel Club for providing a wonderful experience and a delicious lunch on each day and making the atmosphere very welcoming.

 Mixed Breeds Allowed at Westminster Agility Competition

Roo, "All American" Mix Breed competing at Westminster Agility 2014

I have been mulling this over for several weeks since I returned from Westminster.  I have seriously tried to weigh all information to make a final decision on my opinion about mixed breeds participating at the grandest Dog Show in the USA.

I don’t like it!  I don’t agree with it!  I hope it never happens again!

In my opinion the inclusion of mixed breeds at Westminster is a fissure that will get bigger and bigger unless the dog fancy steps up to make it clear that it is unacceptable.  When the dog fancy allows mixed breeds to compete in agility, the conformation of the dogs may not be well suited for the various obstacles and could cause pain and injury to the dogs.  How educated or informed are the mixed breed owners to conformation, structure and movement?  With so little information given at adoption, only a real dog fancier would see poor shoulder placement and lack of reach, etc, etc, etc.

True dog fanciers spend an outrageous amount of money, time and personal sacrifice to perpetuate the breed standards, healthy dogs and to research and find methods to eliminate genetic faults or disease.  How is this wrong? Why should we allow ourselves to be considered some kind of second class dog citizen? 

I say that the Prestigious Westminster Kennel Club allowing mix breeds to participate in the same forum as pure breeds, we have given the public and all our dog fancy opponents the message that we are willing to admit that we have been wrong, elitist snobs and we are now willing to recognize the error of our ways and welcome mix breeds as our equals. 

With comments like the one below, we will be hard pressed to combat puppy mills and pet store dog sales.

Here is an excerpt from CBS NY newscast:

Nicole Bozich of Southern Pines, N.C., recalls being petrified by dogs before her husband persuaded her to get Audie, a probably-pug-terrier mix that a pet store was selling for $20. Obedience classes evolved into agility training and, eventually, into a spot in Saturday’s contest.

“If you told me five years ago that I’d be at Westminster showing a dog,” Bozich said, “I wouldn’t believe you.” 

Congratulations to Colton O’Shea on winning the World Junior Handling Champion at the Crufts 2014 International Junior Handling Competition in Birmingham, England on March 8, 2014.  

Colton is a Nova Scotia native and qualified to compete at Crufts by becoming the Canadian National Junior Handling Conformation Champion 2013. 

Congratulations also to Colton's family, his mentors and the CKC Junior Handler's Program that helped to nurture him.

Colton has made Canada very proud and we wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.

Remember to go to www.canuckdogs.com for all the latest Canadian Dog Event Schedules, updates and results.  Canuck Dogs is a 100% volunteer service headed by Sue Coghlan.  Remember to contact Sue early about your 2014 advertising campaign.