belconnen dog obedience club volume e5 issue e2 june...
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Belconnen Dog Obedience Club Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012
president’s note | agility matters | flyball updatedances with dogs entertains | retiring flyballers
rally-o | clicker training tips | session 2 photosobedience trial news | companion results
clyde the beagle checks in!
bdoc detailsBDOC COmmittee 20011–12
President
Barbara Brown
Vice President
Jenny Thistleton
Treasurer
Maki Koyama
Secretary
Kate Slater
Committee members
Dean Gardiner
Michelle Gilbey
Caroline Pappas
Ray Leckie
Jule Manolas
Pam McDougall
Pauline Murphy
OffiCe hOurs
Thursdays 7.00–8.30 and
Sundays 9.00–10.30 am
ADDressCorner Flemington Road and
Sandford Street Mitchell ACT
COntACt DetAilsPhone
02 6241 7999
Website
www.bdoc.asn.au
Newsletter
GrOunD use etiquette Use of the grounds is reserved
for financial Club members and their financial dogs who are attending regular classes (at least 75% of the classes). BDOC does not offer ground use only memberships.
No use of grounds during scheduled class times, when a trial is in progress, or when the grounds are otherwise booked. See the notice board for scheduled class times in obedience, agility and flyball.
Training takes precedence at all times – do not allow your dog to distract others.
Do not enter a yard already in use without first checking with the current occupant.
Limit your use to 10 minutes if others are waiting.
Handlers must always have their dogs under control and be able to recall the dog at any time.
Do not permit your dog to run along the fences.
Do not leave your dog unattended.
Always remove your dog’s faeces immediately from the grounds and dispose of them in the bins provided. This includes the car parking areas.
Newsletter contributions CONTRIBUTIONS (photos, stories, advice) ALL VERY WELCOME! If you have information and/or photos you would like included in the next newsletter, email your material to the editor [email protected]
FRONT COVER PHOTO IS CLYDE THE BEAGLEPeter’s article starts
on page 8.
Patricia and Kinya demonstrate their 270 right turn
Alice and Kilian prior to the BDOC trial conducted on 23.6.12
Elaine and Hope heel between stations on the Advanced course
OBEDIENCE AND RALLY O TRIALS – Reports on pages 6 and 7
president ’s notesby Barbara Brown
Welcome fellow dog lovers and trainers and a special warm welcome to our new members who recently started their training sessions in Session 3. I’m writing this on the Winter solstice and now we have had the longest night and shortest day we can expect some classic Winter weather. Not at all conducive to getting up early to train your dog or taking them for a walk when you get home.
But training is so easy inside. All the behaviours you learn in class can be quickly taught inside with a few minutes training morning and night. Loose lead walking – just go around your house using the same techniques you use outside. Dogs often pay more attention as they don’t have the same distractions and you can quickly reward for that loose lead.
During our last assessment days, ‘getting the dog to stay’ was often given as one of the most difficult behaviours for members to teach to their dogs.
But Stays are also easy to teach inside where the concentration of your dog is often at its maximum (and they are usually anticipating their breakfast or dinner). Just remember, move in small increments to get the behaviour you want. Don’t be
a ‘lumper’, but be a ‘splitter’, that is split the behaviour you are after into very small increments. Don’t be in too much of a hurry. In teaching your dog a stay, most new dog owners move too fast – they either move further away from their dog before it has gained confidence, or else they increase the time they leave their dog too quickly. A lot of people do both and then wonder why their dog doesn’t stay.
A dog doesn’t stay because he doesn’t know what is expected of him and thus lacks confidence.
So be a patient dog trainer. Take it easy and make sure your dog understands what is expected of him before you increase either the number of paces you move away from him OR increase the time you are away from his side. And, make sure your rewards come fast and are of a high quality for the behaviour you want. So… lots of stay practices inside over Winter and come spring, you will have perfect Stays from a confident dog.
A special thank you to members and non-members who have taken up volunteering at BDOC in the shop, office and clubhouse. We are very grateful for your enthusiasm and help.
Our new shed to house flyball and obedience trialling equipment is well on the way. We received a grant from the ACT Department of Sports and Recreation for fifty percent of the cost of the shed and give thanks to the department for this assistance.
The sports of Rally Obedience and Dances with Dogs are now holding formal classes during the weekends. If you are interested, please place your name on the lists in the office.
I am sure you will have noticed some weeds on our new turf and this will be sprayed some time in the next few weeks. The paddock will be signposted as this turf can’t be used until the evening after spraying.
We will be having a working bee for both the clubhouse and the grounds in late August or early September. Please help if you can. We will let you know by email.
Finally, the AGM is on the 22 August and this is advance notice! Please put it in your diary. How about coming onto the Committee? We welcome some fresh blood and new ideas to inject into our club.
Happy dog training
Barbara
JILL WITH LEVVY @ BDOC TRIAL 23.6.12
agi l i ty mattersby PAM MCDOUALL & J ILL CAMPAIN
4 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012
The biggest event on the Agility calendar took place over five days in Sydney between 13–17 June. The National Agility titles were held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park.
This is a fabulous Centre that was built for the Olympic Games in 2000. There is a huge indoor facility as well as lovely outdoor arenas, camping, cabins, riding trails and big parking areas.
If you would like to see more of the Centre look at www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/equestriancentre/index.asp
Four BDOC club members attended the Nationals; Barbara Brown, Anne Lewis, Lucy Williams and Jill Campain. Lucy was also given the honour of judging one of the classes.
The National Titles had 6600 runs which makes it the largest dog
event in Australia for some time. There were five rings operating for four days, two inside and three outside with the finals on Sunday 17 June in the indoor rings. Events started each morning at 8am and the nights that had the Open events were still going at 10pm.
Some other Nationals statistics:472 Competitors. 6600 runs. 32 judges. 216 stewards. Lucy Williams judged the 500mm height category on Thursday 15 June. She had 79 entries in Novice Jumping, 65 in Excellent jumping and 162 dogs in Masters Jumping!
Apart from the Open Jumping and Agility events, the classes were divided into height categories and finals were run in these separate groups. The State Teams event, which also included a team from New Zealand, was conducted
after the class finals on Sunday afternoon. The finals were won by the NSW team closely followed by WA and with New Zealand third.
All the results are shown on the Agility National website www.agilitynationals2012.com.au/
The Agility Nationals are run every two years and the next event will be held in Brisbane in 2014.
Congratulations to:Barbara Brown and kelpie Dazzle on gaining their master agility and master jumping titles as well as a gamblers dog excellent title; and Anne Lewis and cocker spaniel Alvin on adding to their list of achievements with three titles, Agility Dog Excellent, Agility Dog Open and Jumping Dog Open.
Jill Campain
Classes are continuing with the beginner/ foundation agility class in its second session, an intermediate class and an advanced/triallers training session each week. The weather is cold but agility is pretty physical so we all keep warm. Everyone appreciates the wonderful new turf which is much more runner friendly than the paddock we had before.
The instructors are meeting soon and will discuss, together with other items, some changes to our intake procedure which have been under consideration this year. Our pool of instructors is small and we need to increase the number of people available to assist with the classes.
A date for the next intake has not yet been set, but just to remind people about the changes in place this year – dogs can be put on the waiting list at 10 months and if accepted as suitable for agility, can commence training from 12 months old. Juniors from 12 years old can now train a dog in agility class, provided the dog is accepted for agility and a parent or guardian is always present during class.
Several triallers have recently competed in the Agility Nationals which is now a very large event. Jill Campain has written a report for this newsletter. The next BDOC trial is a ribbon jumping trial with Novice, Excellent, Master and Open
classes, on Monday 6th August. Normal classes are cancelled for that evening. On Saturday August 18, there is an agility and jumping trial with the same classes offered. This trial is run by BDOC, so any offers for stewarding and assisting with the kitchen will be gratefully received by Charlie Giles, our trial manager.
A Yahoo group for BDOC agility information and messages has been started. Club members involved with agility are welcome to request access to the site.
Pam McDougallCo-ordinator.
NATIONAL AGIL ITY TITLES
B D O C O B E D I E N C E A N D R A L L Y O T R I A L S J U N E 2 0 1 2
Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB 5
ALL PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY MAkI kOYAMA
ELAINE WITH HAYLEN,BDOC RALLY O TRIAL 23.6.12
by PATRIC IA LOOKERra l ly o news
Rally O is the latest dog sport to be introduced by the Australian National kennel Council (ANkC). The ‘O’ stands for obedience. In this sport handler and dog teams work their way around a pre-determined course demonstrating different obedience skills such as sit, down, stay and come. (An article explaining Rally O was published in the December 2011 newsletter which is on BDOC’s website.)
The Club’s rally group continue to do well in trials. Several more BDOC members have gained titles and will start on more challenging skills for the next level.
The club is running a beginners Rally O class on Sundays at 10.30am where the novice skills are being taught. Several of these class members turned out to steward at BDOC’s June Rally O trial – thanks, folks, we appreciate your help and hoped you learned something from watching the rings.
Congratulations to:
Gabrielle Meyer and her Poodle X,
Charlie CD RN DWDS HTMS
TDTC April Trial – Novice 98 points (2nd) Title! BDOC June Trial – Advanced 92 points
Poppy Maclean and her Bouvier des Flanders, Eepie
(Ch Ieper-Rilla vd Arkiv CDX)
TDTC April Trial – Novice 94 points
BDOC June Trial – Novice 98 points (2nd) Title!
Anne Lewis and her Cocker Spaniel, Alvin
(Watersmeet I’m Harry CDX ADX JDX SD SPD GD JDO)
TDTC April Trial - Novice 95 points
BDOC June Trial – Novice 96 points
Jill Campain and her Skye Terrier, Levvy
(Ch Skyeclan Destinys Secret AD JD SPD SD GD)
TDTC April Trial – Novice 92 points
BDOC June Trial – Novice 92 points
Elaine Temby and her Cocker Spaniels,
Hope (Acijay Never Lose Hope RN CD)
TDTC April Trial – Advanced 77 points
Haylen (Ch Watervaal Winfrey konexshun RN CD ET)
TDTC April Trial – Advanced 88 points
BDOC June Trial – Advanced 92 points
Niccola Hardaker and her Welsh Corgi, Shandy (Ch Milnholm Carnival Queen RN DWDFS HTMS CD)
TDTC April Trial – Advanced 85 points
BDOC June Trial – Advanced 71 points Title!
Charlie Giles and his Tibetan Terrier, Ruffy
(Ch Tybeterr Break the Ice RN CD)
TDTC April Trial – Advanced 91 points
Emma Osborn and her Australian Shepherd, Ava
(Brandyark Mists of Avalon RN CD JD)
TDTC April Trial – Advanced 87 points
BDOC June Trial – Advanced 85 points Title!
Patricia Looker and her Cocker Spaniels
Raglan (Ch Robmond Pantheon Blue RN CDX)
TDTC April Trial – Advanced 87 points
BDOC June Trial – Advanced 87 points
Kinya (OC kingsway Double Jeopardy RN AD JDX)
TDTC April Trial – Advanced 97 points (2nd)
BDOC June Trial – Advanced 94 points
keep up the good work! Good luck in your next trials.
Patricia Looker
6 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012
CHARLIE AND RUFFY READY TO START THE ADVANCED COURSE
ELAINE AND HOPE HEEL BETWEEN STATIONS ON THE ADVANCED COURSE
PHO
TOS:
PAT
RIC
IA L
OO
kER
by PATRIC IA LOOKER
TRIAL PARTICIPANT @ BDOC 23-6-2012
obedience tr ia l news
Have you seen the obedience trial board in the clubhouse? It provides member news and information on ACT region trials. If you remove a schedule to photocopy it, please make sure you replace it. Any comments for improvements are welcome.Over the weekend 4 and 5 May both the RNCAS trial and the ACT Titles trials were held at EPIC with the dog in each class who gained the highest qualifying places in both trials being declared the ACT title holder for that class. Several BDOC members were in action with mixed results.
Commiserations to Elaine Temby’s Cocker Spaniel, Haylen who came close on both days but didn’t quite get there but the quality of his work won for him the Jill Schmidt Open encouragement award; to Emma Osborn and Ava who did some nice work both days but found it hard to string everything together; to Anne Lewis’s Cocker Spaniel, Alvin who found the venue a little challenging for him to remember what he must do in the UD ring both days; to Werner Roth’s NSDTR, Maxi, who decided today was not his day.
In the Club’s June obedience trial, Haylen got his act together and won the Open ring. Alice’s kilian also had a good morning bringing up his second UD pass – well done ladies!
Congratulations to:
Elaine Temby and her Cocker Spaniel, Haylen
(Ch Watervaal Winfrey konexshun RN CD ET)
TDTC April Trial – Open 189 points (2nd)
BDOC June Trial – Open 184 (1st)
Patricia Looker and her Cocker Spaniel, Raglan (Ch Robmond Pantheon Blue CD RN) on attaining
their CDX title
ACTEWAGL Royal OT – Open 174 points (1st)
Poppy Maclean and her Bouvier des Flanders, Eepie
(Ch Ieper-Rilla vd Arkiv CDX)
BDOC April Trial – Open 194 points (1st)
TDTC April Trial – Open 196 points (1st)
ACT Titles Trial – Utility 178 points (2nd)
Alice Petersen and her Mini Schnauzer, Kilian
(Ch Saginor kilian CDX)
ACT Titles Trial – Utility 181 points (1st)
BDOC June Trial – Utiltiy 175 points (3rd)
Good luck at CDC trials!
Patricia Looker
If I have left you out of the Trialing News, my apologies.
ontact me and I will include your achievements in the
next issue of the Newsletter.
Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB 7
PATRICIA WITH RAGLAN WARMING UP PRIOR TO COMPETING CHARLIE WITH RUFFY, LIZ AND POPPY AT BDOC TRIAL 23.6.12
PHOTOS: CLYDE WHITE & FAMILY
Thoughts on obedience tra in ing a Scenthournd by Peter White
the nose knows
Instructors in Beginners and Bronze classes are often asked by scenthound handlers “How do I get the dog to focus on me rather than on all those smells?”, and “How do I get my dog’s attention back once it is stuck on a sniff?” Based on my own experience of training my Beagle Clyde, this article offers some suggestions and techniques.
It’s true that at times a scenthound
owner can be forgiven for thinking
that the blasted dog is no more
than a life support system for
a nose! Further, a quick scan of
the internet leaves one with
the impression that Beagles in
particular are so obstinate as to be
near impossible to train. Take heart
– it’s not so! Remember the old
conjugation joke: I am determined,
you are obstinate, he is a pig-
headed fool.
First up, accept that you will never
be able to offset the instinct to
sniff and track. Humans have done
a wonderful job of producing
over the generations a hound
capable of amazing feats of scent
detection, allied with a strong
determination to stick to the scent
through all obstacles.
Although Clyde rarely fails to return
to me in the Club grounds these
days, I will probably never be able
to walk him safely off lead outside
an enclosed area: even if he
doesn’t sniff his way across a busy
road, he is more than likely going
to find something undesirable to
eat, or stinky to roll in.
On the other hand, if you have
a Beagle, chances are you have no
problem with motivation via treats!
Unlike the marvellous working
dogs, bred to work closely and
cooperatively with humans, Beagles
are rather more independent
problem solvers, and no less
marvellous for that. In training,
you can turn that problem solving
ability into: “What’s the quickest
way of getting that treat from
TwoLegs’ bag into my mouth?”
I’ve found that Clyde picks up new
exercises and routines very quickly
– if I can get the training sequence,
particularly the timing of the mark/
reward, right.
So food motivation, problem
solving ability, and the breed’s
built-in sense of fun are powerful
weapons in your life-long battle
with the nose for the dog’s heart
and mind.
By the way, if you’re reading this,
and bringing your hound to
training, you’re off to the best start
– as with all dogs, a structured,
consistent training program based
on positive motivation principles
is vital, as is the perspective that
training is a lifetime pursuit. You
don’t have to do anything different
from the techniques taught at
the Club, but, based on my own
experience, there are a few areas
and techniques where some added
emphasis can help.
Focus and Attention (F&A)
It’s hard to put an upper limit
on the number of these little
exercises that you should do.
Invest lots of time, in brief sessions,
into them. They are critical in
locking into the Beagle brain
an automatic, eventually un-
cued, acceptance of you as an
interesting and important factor
in its environment. You really do
want to get to the stage where
the dog, regardless of its activity,
‘checks in’ with you from time to
time – just a glance from the dog
Peter and Clyde
8 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012
the nose knows cont inued
will do. Remember that many of
the vital F&A exercises can be done
from the comfort of your lounge
chair. In my own case, the “hands
on attention”, “watch me”, and
“right turn in place” F&A exercises
(ask your instructor) seemed to
work well. Clyde nowadays comes
looking for a bit of “hands on
attention” interfacing quite often.
Recall
Treat every time the dog returns
to you as a recall (even if the dog
is coming back of its own accord).
The recall is the only exercise
where I breach the training
principle of randomising the mark/
reward – Clyde gets praise and
a treat every time he comes back
on call. I want him to be certain of
a reward. Work hard on calling the
dog’s name only once, and giving
only one “Come” cue. As with the
F&A exercises, mini-recalls can be
done from the comfort of your
lounge chair, or just wandering
around the house or garden.
Rainy day? Play “hide and seek”
indoors. Wonderful fun! Have a
better-quality treat that you use
just for recalls. As your instructor
tells you, never call your dog when
you’re angry with it, nor when
you want to do something it finds
unpleasant. Recalls should always
be happy reunions.
Why are these two exercises so important?
I noted before that you can’t really
beat the nose, but you can take
advantage of its momentary lapses.
You’re building up the front and
back ends of your strategy to get
the dog off a sniff, ie you are
an automatic, important part of
its environment, and it loves to
rejoin you.
The Recall technique
If the dog is away with the smells,
wait for it to “check in” with the
wider world – this might only be
a momentary lifting of the head
off the ground, or a quick glance
in your general direction. As soon as the nose comes up call the
dog! Enthusiasm! Run away! Dog
doesn’t come? Shut up and await
the next opportunity. Dog comes?
Joyous reunion, and release the
dog to sniff again. Why? So the dog
doesn’t associate a return to you
with an automatic end of sniffing
heaven. Try to release a few times
for every “let’s move on” step. Two
caveats: expect slow progress,
and even setbacks – I found this
technique took lots (as in months)
of work on the F&A and mini-recall
building blocks; and getting the
timing of your call right with the
head lift/glance is quite difficult
(at least I found it so, and still find
it so at times).
Release
To acknowledge (both to your
hound and yourself ) your dog’s
instincts to track and sniff, have
a release word/phrase that allows
the dog to do just that. I use the
incredibly original and imaginative
“Have a sniff”. Hearing that, Clyde
has learned that as we walk he has
licence to roam the full extent of
a loose lead in search of scented
treasure. (And, after two years, he
knows what will happen if he pulls
hard on the lead.)
Walkies
On every walk build in “sniff” time
(with Clyde it’s about 10%, eg on
an hour’s walk he gets 5–6 minutes
of vomeronasal – look it up! – bliss,
nose buried in interesting stink),
and also allow for lots of sniffing
on the move. That’s only fair, as on
every walk you’ll also be practising
your loose lead walking moves and
mini-recalls, and heeling across
every road, won’t you? It’s all part
of the package – remember that
for training to be effective there
has to be something in it for both
trainer and trainee.
1, 2, 3...
“But my dog would spend
20 minutes in one spot just sniffing
if I let it!” I hear you cry. ”I feel your
pain!” I respond. More usefully,
herewith a Clyde-tested and
endorsed technique to try. When
you feel that it’s really time to get
on with the walk, say slowly out
loud “one, two, three…” raising
your voice slightly on each word,
gradually tightening the lead so
Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB 9
PHOTOS: CLYDE WHITE & FAMILY
by PETER & CLYDE WHITEthe nose knows
that on “three” it is tense enough
to make the dog move, and break
the nose’s spell, as you step away.
Do not jerk the lead – ease the
dog away. Clyde learned that
pretty quickly, and started moving
between “two” and “three”… unless
it was a PhD-worthy smell.
Difficult training session?
So what happens on the training
occasion where your hound
conjugates as stubborn or pig-
headed rather than merely
determined? Terminate training
temporarily, go inside, switch off
the treats, and ignore the dog.
Resume training fun after a short
break. I didn’t have to do this many
times – my little problem solver
quickly learned to associate any
stubborn disinclination to train
with no treats, no fun, no après-
train play.
Some random thoughts
In the dictionary, against the entry
for having fun, there’s a photo of
a Beagle! Make training interesting,
so the dog wants to get out with
you. Start with a bit of play. Fetch
a ball? Play tug? Chuck a treat or
two away from the dog, while
it’s looking for the treat run away
and attract it back with another
thrown treat. Get that tail up and
forelegs prancing! After a training
session that went well, have
a game that the dog enjoys. I put
Clyde in a sit, down or stand stay,
while I spend a couple of minutes
hiding a few treats, in and out of
his sight. Clyde loves the game,
gets to use the nose, and by the
way has a pretty good stay (I was
going to say “rock solid”, but if
Clyde reads this he’ll make a point
of showing me up next time we’re
in public). I found that Clyde gets
bored very quickly with repetitious
training: aim for only 2–3 good
reps of an exercise then go on to
something else.
Need reassurance? Not convinced?
YouTube is your friend! Check out
http://www.youtube.com/user/becandmicha for some great
Beagle training and go from there.
By the way, you don’t need me to
tell you there’s a lot of dross on
the Web: my best advice is check
out the dog’s tail, and your own
knowledge of positive motivation,
for guidance on what works and
what doesn’t.
Clyde and I hope some of these
techniques help in the War of the
Noses. Try them in association with
your regular, patient, consistent
training. Good luck, stay with it,
and anticipate the wonderful
companion and training partner
you’ll have before you know it.
About the authors: Peter is a BDOC instructor
who with his Beagle Clyde
has completed the Canine
Companion syllabus and passed
Gold. They received the Club’s
“Best Gentleman Handler” award
in 2010. They can be seen most
Monday nights at Agility training,
with the handler struggling, and
usually failing, to keep up with
the dog. Clyde’s main job is to
be a brilliant family pet, a role in
which he consistently exceeds
gold standard.
cont inued from prev ious page
Clyde – checking in
10 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012
dogs' sense of smel l
Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB 11
So why is a dogs nose wet?
Scientists have speculated for years that the reason behind the wet nose was to help with scenting (as scent molecules tend to hold better in wet rather than dry). In 2008 a study was done on 54 dogs that determined the wet nose is, in fact, there to help with scenting. However, rather than to simply trap molecules, the mucus on the nose actually helps to sort scent molecules. Doctor Brent Craven, from Pennsylvania State University, stated in Daily Mail: “We’ve shown that this sorting out of the different odorants before they even get to the receptors is also important”.
How does the Canine Olfactory System work?
Scent molecules are inhaled through the nose, and first sorted in the mucus covering the nose. When a dog flares his nostrils to sniff, the shape of the nostril openings change, and thus redirecting air into the upper part of the snout. This is where most of the olfactory sensory cells are located. These olfactory neurons have mucus-covered cilia (which are like little hairs) that reach into the nasal cavity. When scent molecules hit these cilia, the cell is stimulated, sending a signal along tiny nerves (or axons) which form olfactory nerves, and these congregate in the olfactory bulb. Next, the signals are carried from the olfactory bulb to the brain, which interprets them as smells.
This all sounds rather complicated, but to a dog it is no different than how we use our eye sight to determine things about our surroundings. Just like how we can look at a cluttered desk full of different objects and point out which one is a pencil, using our eyes, dogs use their nose to determine different scents amongst a clutter of other scents.
What else contributes to a dogs sense of smell?
Although it is still not fully understood, pigment seems to play a role in olfactory. The olfactory epithelium is pigmented, and its depth of colour seems to correlate with its sensitivity. It is light yellow in humans, and dark yellow or brown in dogs.
Pigmentations seems to also play a role in a dogs olfactory system. The olfactory epithelium is pigmented, and its depth of colour seems to correlate with its sensitivity. For example, in humans it is a light yellow while in dogs it is a dark yellow or brown. It has also been observed that light-coloured dogs have a less acute sense of smell than darker ones, and that albino animals have no sense of smell at all.
The anatomy of a dogs muzzle and nose play a big part in why they seem to have this “super sense”. It’s bony framework greatly influences the dogs smelling ability. Dogs with longer muzzles are better at scenting than shorter muzzled, or flat-faced dogs, most likely because they have more space for more olfactory receptors. Regardless of whether or not the dog has a short muzzle or long, the dogs nose is still a powerful tool.
Nostrils on dogs are highly mobile which gives them the advantage of determining the directions which scents are coming from. When a dog sniffs, incoming odor-laden
air is directed onto the olfactory membrane over a structure called the “subethmoidal shelf” (this structure is not seen in humans). This shelf serves to accumulate and hold odor molecules in the nose as air is exhaled. The nasal mucous traps these molecules. This mucous is also produced in much higher quantities in dogs than in humans.
How much greater is dogs nose compared to humans?
How much greater a dogs nose is compared to humans is still quite unknown, especially since no two dogs have the same scenting capabilities. These capabilities vary between short and long nosed, different breeds, and individuals among different breeds. However, it is estimated that canines can smell somewhere between 10% and 100% better than humans.
Different breeds have different variations of receptor cells. For example, a Dachshund has approximately 125 million receptor cells, a Fox Terrier has approximately 147 million receptor cells, and a German Shepherd Dog has approximately 225 million receptor cells. The more the receptor cells, the greater the dogs ability is to detect and differentiate between different scents. Dogs with more receptor cells can also track for longer period of time (they can hold the scent for longer).
This information taken from http://doggonegood.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=health&action=display&thread=150
photo: LEVVY and aLVin
12 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012
by CATHERINE GRIFFINf lybal l update
Over the June long weekend (9–10 June) the Belconnen Bullets hosted the 2012 State Flyball Titles at the BDOC grounds. This was the first time that ACT has held a State Titles. Flyball teams entered were from ACT and surrounding clubs and from NSW.
BDOC entered three teams:
Speeding Bullets (Division 3) Scott Glendhill with Willow Caroline Pappas with Tully Max Darvill with Maddie Rhonda Cameron with Zeke Penny Campbell with Tango Louise Sharp with Nala
Random Bullets (Division 4)Shannon McConachie with ChilliCatherine Griffin with FelixAnge Gintings with CocoMichelle Gilbey with WoolyVicki McConachie with Bonniekaren & Leigh Cameron with Max
Rusty Bullets (Division 5)Carolyn Shrives with Erniekim Shrives with PiaSarah Harding with BridgetIan kinsella with Champkeiko & Luke Foster with ShogaRoss Miller with Digby
Day 1 began with a blanket of frost over the BDOC grounds, however progressed into a beautiful sunny day, perfect for Flyball racing. Racing over the 5 divisions was tight and at the end of the first day all three teams were in second place in their respective divisions.
The second day began the same as the first, covered in a spectacular blanket of frost with Canberra yet again putting on another spectacular sunny day. Racing was much tighter than day one, with Speeding and Random Bullets winning the much closer races by tenths, hundredths and thousandths of a second. At the end of the day, the Random Bullets took out division 4 by one race heat over the Tuggeranong
Howling Torpedoes. Speeding Bullets took out division 3 by one race over the Tuggeranong Screaming Torpedoes. In Division 5, Rusty Bullets took out second place.
As division winners, both Speeding and Random Bullets had the opportunity to run off for the ACT State Championship Perpetual Trophy. This is an elimination round handicapped race. Random Bullets were first up running against the Tuggeranong Torpedoes. Random took heat one, with the Torpedoes taking heat two. In the deciding third heat, the bullets won by the smallest margin. Speeding Bullets then raced the k9 krusaders. This too went down to the third and final heat with the Speeding Bullets coming out on top. The next race saw Random Bullets racing Division 1 winners Muddy’s 1. Once again it came down to the last heat but with the experience and composure of the Muddy’s , they won the decider. This left the Speeding Bullets to fly the flag for the Bullets in the final against Muddy’s 1. Tight racing once again led to both teams winning one heat each. However Muddy’s 1 took out the final heat by a small margin.
Final results were:1st: Muddy’s 1 – Milton/Ulladulla Dog Club2nd: Speeding Bullets, BDOC3rd: Random Bullets, BDOC
PHOTO: BAS GINTINGS
Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB 13
ACT 2012 State Flybal l T it les : W inter C lassicCONGRATULATIONS TO THE DIV IS ION WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP
Divison1 Winners: Muddy’s 1 and ACT State Championship Perpetual Trophy Winners
Division 2 Winners: k 9 krusaders Division 2 Runner’s Up: Scallywag Pirates
Division 3 Winners: Belconnen Speeding Bullets Division 3 Runners up: Tuggeranong Screaming Torpedoes
Division 4 Winners: Belconnen Random Bullets Division 4 Runners up: Tuggeranong Howling Torpedoes
Divison1 Runners up: Southern Cross Pulsars
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14 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012
ACT 2012 State Flybal l T it les : W inter C lassicCONGRATULATIONS TO THE DIV IS ION WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP
Division 5 Winners: Tuggeranong Torpedoes Division 5 Runners up: Belconnen Rusty Bullets
Champ and Digby in action running for the Rusty Bullets
Scallywag Pirates travelled from Sydney to compete
Speeding Bullets members enjoying the sunshine before racing on Saturday
Canberra put on the beautiful weather for the Muddy’s 1 and Southern Cross Pulsars who travelled from NSW to compete
Action around the grounds
Big thanks from the organising committee
The organising committee; Penny Campbell, Michelle Gilbey, Lyn Clyde, Caroline Pappas and Catherine Griffin, would like to thank everyone who assisted in the overwhelming success of this event. This extends to those who help setup the grounds, worked in the canteen and sold raffle tickets. With your support we were able to raise around $900.
We would also like to thank our sponsors:
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FLYBALL UPDATEcont inued
Other Competition Results:Supercoat Good Friday Flyball Flurry: 6 AprilDivision 4: Rusty Bullets, 2nd.
Supercoat Easter Flyball Variety: 14 AprilDivision 3: Speeding Bullets, 2nd.
Million Paws Walk Flyball Competition: 18 MayDivision 3: Speeding Bullets, 2nd.Division 4: Chocolate Bullets, 2nd.Division 4: Random Bullets, 4th.
Congratulations to handlers and their dogs who have reached milestone Flyball tiles:Penny Campbell and Tango, Flyball Master (FM)
Catherine Griffin and Felix, Flyball Dog Champion (FDCh)
Olllie at his debut competition- MPW 2012 Frank celebrated 12 months of racing at the MPW 2012
Leo- racing in the Speeding Bullets at MPW Ernie & Pia in action racing for the Random Bullets at MPW
Shoga had a 0.001 start at MPW Max & Maddie start for the Speeding Bullets with Tully barking in support at MPW
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by CATHERINE GRIFFINret i r ing f lybal l dogs
Name: Maddie
Breed: Border Collie
Birth date: 13 August 2004
Handler: Max Darvill
Title: Flyball Master Excellent (FMX)
First Competition: November 2006 at CDC Flyball
Frolic.
Last Competition: June 2012 at the BDOC Winter
Classic (State Championships).
Career highlight: Her team running a club record of
21.3 seconds at the Canberra Royal in 2010.
Fondest memories: Maddie proved to be a very good
and reliable start dog and revelled in the rivalry of
competition. On race days she could not wait for the
competition to start.
Shared BDOC Flyball Dog of the Year with Shoga in
2007.
Other memories: Maddie’s first competition run was at
the CDC Flyball Frolic in November 2006.
After several failed runs she finally completed her first
successful competition run. Unfortunately the handler
had let her start too early! She scored just one point for
the whole day.
Her very last competition run was at the BDOC
Winter Classic in June 2012 while performing as
start dog and carrying an injured paw. Her team of
Zeke, Tango, Nala, Willow, Tully and Maddie won the
Third Division Championship over two days of racing
and followed this up with finishing runner-up in the
overall championship just 0.1 seconds behind the First
Division Champions “Milton Muddies”
Name: Deska
Breed: Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
Birth date: March 2007
Handler: Caroline Pappas
Title: Australian Flyball Champion (AFCh)
First Competition: October Boorowa 2010.
Last Competition: May 2012 Million Paws Walk.
Career highlights: After a 2 year wait finally getting
a spot on the flyball team (2008–2010).
0.000 Start in 2012 at Twilight Competition at Dapto.
100% clean run rate over two days Flyball National
Championships in 2012.
Fondest memory: Barking in the ring cheering on
everyone (including the opposition team).
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16 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012
GENERAL NEWS
REMINDER: MEMBERSHIP
RENEWALSMembers whose membership ends on
30 June 2012 are now due for renewal.
If you didn’t receive a renewal form by email
you can get one from the office. If you are unsure
of when your membership ends, please check
at the office.
Niccola Hardaker and her Welsh Cardigan Corgi, Shandy, show off their ‘foot taps’ in the DWD demo area, RSPCA MPW, May 2012
Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB 17
On Thursday, 17 May 2012, the Belconnen Bullets lost a member of their extended family with the death of Bear Clyde. Bear’s Flyball career wasn’t record breaking (it has been alleged that he did not personally earn all of his 47 title points) but he did love to travel with his mum and siblings to hang out with them at competitions and run amok (and look for treats) after training. His happy bouncing nature will be missed and all at BDOC extend their deepest condolences to Lyn, Damsel and Panda.
– kim Shrives
dr harry to the rescue!At the Royal Easter Show earlier this year flyball sheltie, Deska Pappas had a sudden and serious health issue which required immediate treatment from Dr Harry, 4 vets and 7 student vets!
Deska was in a serious state with bloody diarrhea which suddenly turned into a continuously oozing bleeding bottom. Needing to get assistance quickly, Caroline spoke with one of Dr Harry’s assistants, (Dr Harry was a guest star at the Royal Easter Show). Dr Harry then came to Deska’s aid. He diagnosed the condition as Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE)*. As Dr Harry
had an entourage of four vets and seven veterinary students he used this real-life emergency as an educative process and made all the vet students smell Deska’s bottom, as HGE has a distinctive smell apparently. Poor Deska – not only very unwell but getting his butt sniffed by an array of unknown humans!
Because of the prompt treatment which enabled Deska’s condition to be stabilised with fluids to prevent dehydration, he and Caroline were able to return to Canberra for follow-up treatment.
If untreated HGE can be fatal, but because of the on-site medical treatment received and two weeks of local vet and owner care, Deska has
made a full recovery from this dangerous life-threatening episode.
*Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is a disease of dogs characterised by sudden vomiting and bloody diarrhea. The symptoms are usually severe, and HGE can be fatal if not treated. HGE is most common in young adult dogs of any breed, but especially small dogs such as the Toy Poodle and Miniature Schnauzer. It is not contagious. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemorrhagic_gastroenteritis
by PAM MCDOUGALLcanine companion
sessiOn 2 pAssesBeginners passeskirsty Whybrow and NELSON
John Couch and MASH
Wendy Couch and SPUD
Lisa Lindell and LILY
Alicia Meuronen and TAkER
Andrew Bryan and RONIN
Grant Chambers and COBBER
Melinda Chambers and MATILDA
Lorna Doohan and ELIZA
Samantha Beattie and ROSIE
Michael Djula and DIGBEE
Renne & Luke Toy and WOODY
Michelle & Darrin Filtness and
JACkIE
Mike Todoroski and FRANkIE
Elizabeth Bloomfield and INDY
Lauren Fobister and DANNY
Colby Bourn and kODA
Josie West and ZALI
David Wesley-Wall and MILLY
Naomi Boccola and PARkER
Jennifer Harland and BEAR
Anna Corcoran and SPENCER
Ivana Leonard and HUGO
Melinda Ford and OBI
Jacquie Welsh and CHIEF
Cate Mabey and TILLY
Jake & Amanda Naylor and kEVIN
Graeme Brown and CHARLIE
Lizzie Reed and SALLY
Anthony kovac and OBIE
Anna Sullivan and FRANkIE
Colleen Mckillip and DENI
Jane Robinson and SAILOR
Christopher Oliver-Conroy and
WINSTON
David Prefrement and PIPPA
Zy kumano and kUMA
April Suen and ASHER
kim Pickering and BUSTER
Rebecca Delaney and LOLA
Monique Mendez and RUBY
Michael Ashton & Sally Provins and
BAILEY
Chris & Francis Bates and JACk
Anna Boyden and ROY
Christopher Millar and SASHA
Stephen & Jenny Woodham and
CARLY
The Witheford-Flynn Family and
COCO
Scott & Hannah Dickson and
GEORGE
Esther Colmer and ZIGGY
Neil Millar and MESHkI
The Hudina Family and TYSON
Lisa Stephenson and STELLA
Alex Gregg and LOkI
Bronze passesBrian Hewett and TILLY
John Doyle and MOLLY
Jennifer Mitchell and POPPET
Alex Gosling and TIGGA
Monisha Samuel and JERSEY
Lachlan McLennan and WALLACE
Vanessa Ericson and ARCHIE
Deb & Andrew Braddock and
OSCAR
Louise Parkin and HOLLY
Linda Arnold and GILBY
Duncan Berents and kEELY
Ben Tonkin and GUS
Graeme Larkin and LOCkIE LARkIN
Danica Ellicott and SPOOk
Vicky Laurence and FLOYD
Bruce Bull and WINSTON
Pam McDougal and Crackle
Elly Cotsell and kIPPER
Silver passesTegan Farrelley and ARCHIE
Peter Wiggins and MILO
Mimi Newton and COCO
David Merrell and MONTY
kate Whackett and POPPY
Richard Oliver and BAILEY
Matt Hadfield and BERkELEY
Naomi Waters and GARY
Maelyn koo and CHLOE
Carolyn Shrives and ARCHIE
Julie Grehan and CASSIE
Susan kiillion and RUSTY
Gold passCorrina Wiggins and PATCH
18 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012
special thanks to our volunteers:
Louise, Heather and elkewe really appreciate your help
PHOTO: VOLUNTEER ELkE @ BDOC TRIALS 23-6-12
SESSION TWO PASSES - SPECIAL MENTIONS
Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB 19
Just how cold was session 2 assessment night!
Pictured above is Bruce Bull and Winston looking resplendent in his “Bully Beanie”.
Congratulations on passing Bronze.
Getting a ‘Pass’ at any level is an achievement, but each of the dogs featured on this page have owners who deserve special mention.Vanessa and her sheltie, Archie have stuck with Bronze for quite a few sessions. With good humour and lots of patience Vanessa and Archie mastered the stay exam in session 2. Well done!
April returned with Asher in session 2. It was great to see a happy and healthy Asher mixing in with all the other young beginner dogs. Good luck in Bronze to Asher and family.
Peter and Milo passed Silver this session after a few attempts. Milo is an attentive dog who sometimes worries about other dogs. He is a lucky dog to be in such good hands.
While it initially took a while for Winston the Bull Terrier to cotton on to what was required at dog training, Bruce kept his cool and stuck at it. As a result of patience and persistence Winston passed Bronze on only his second attempt. Congratulations team Bull – you should be proud of this effort.
Vanessa with Archie
April with Asher
Peter with Milo
by PAM MCDOUGALL
PHOTO: PAM MCDOUGALL
20 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012
dances with dogs
On Sunday 29th April, Angela Hagedorn, Niccola Hardaker, Gabrielle Meyer, Jenny Thistleton, Cheryl Neal and Lesley Hayes all attended Crace Pets Party in the Park. We were representing the Belconnen Dog Obedience Club, and performed some of our dancing with dog routines, as well as setting up and demonstrating a Rally O course. We were lucky to meet and speak with Bondi vet Dr Lisa Chimes, who was very charming, and completely taken with how clever all our dogs were.
On Sunday 27th May, Angela, Niccola, Gabrielle, Jenny and Cheryl represented the Belconnen Dog Obedience Club by again performing our dancing with dog routines at the opening of the Springbank Rise dog park. Pam McDougall and Caroline Pappas manned the BDOC tent, and informed people about all the wonderful things we do at the Belconnen Dog Obedience Club. Pam, Jenny and Caroline were even lucky enough to meet Dr Harry Cooper, who was the guest speaker at the event.
At both of these events, the feedback from the public was really great. People were genuinely interested in training their dogs, and what types of dog sports were on offer at our club. People also commented on how much fun we all seemed to be having with our dogs, and what great things we could achieve with them. We were all very quick to point out that all our results were achieved through positive training methods only.
Gabrielle and Charlie waiting for their turn to perform at Crace Pets Party in the Park.
Angela talking to vet Lisa about the activities at BDOC
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BDOC DANCES WITH DOGS EVENTS cont inued
Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB 21
All the team with Bondi vet Dr Lisa Chimes
Gabe and Niccola performing part of a group dancing routine
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22 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012
PHOTO: LAURA GEELHOED
by ANGELA HAGEDORNdances with dogs
In term 2 BDOC offered its first Dances with Dogs class to members. We have started with a small but dedicated group of trainers and their dogs as well as a few BDOC Instructors who have been learning the sport for the past year. The lovely resurfaced paddock provides a flat and soft surface which is excellent for training. It is winter so we’ve had to contend with a few bad weather days where we have trained under the eaves of the clubhouse or sat inside to discuss routines and other aspects of DWD and training. Otherwise cool but sunny Saturday afternoons have been the norm, and let’s face it, the dog’s don’t care much and they really enjoy the outing.
We are working to a manual developed by the Canine Behavioural School in SA “Dances with Dogs Train at Home Guide” which clearly sets out all the moves we work on (although of course there’s always more than one way to get a behaviour). The manual provides a training curriculum, sets out the different levels of DWD as well as how to train behaviours and what to look for. We are also using a Yahoo Group (BDOC_DWD) to communicate and to provide links and resources to the class. Our training calendar is on here as well. We have just taken clips of the beginners with their dogs and are about to choose some music for each dog which should be fun!
Over the past few weeks we have been working on proprioception – which in a nutshell is helping our dogs to be better aware of their bodies and how they move. Did you know that your dog has little awareness of what its backend is doing! That’s why it’s often difficult for the dog to bring its hind end in at heel position or get up onto, or through obstacles as it literally isn’t aware that it has to think about its back half. Try carrying a load of boxes up stairs and you will see how difficult it is to gauge what your feet are doing! However, a lot of practice in a lot of different ways – getting on platforms, turns, foot work, backing up and working on the swing of the hind end into heel positions – all help to get a fully aware dog.
We are also making progress in right hand heel position – not an easy ask for dogs that have always walked on the left (and no, it doesn’t confuse them – just like they work out that a down is not a sit). That is only two of eight heel positions with a whole range of ways to get the dog from one to the next as well. And then there are the ‘wow’ moves like spins which can look amazing when they are on cue and part of a moving demonstration.
We also had fun developing a group routine which we have now performed at two of our demonstrations. This has been beneficial as having to work our dogs in close proximity (head on
weaving between handlers, etc) has helped us teach our dogs to maintain focus under difficult criteria – the more practice, the better they are getting. Our beginners have joined in during classes and the whole routine can be done on lead or off so caters for all levels.
There have been three BDOC DWD demonstrations over the past two months as it’s such an easy activity to set up and doesn’t require a lot of space – we have met quite a few celebrities and were even featured in the Canberra Times. While promoting the great behaviours and relationship which can be achieved with reward-based dog training it also helps us to work with our dogs out of their (and our) comfort zones, making sure we have fun and reward heaps.
If you are interested in joining Dances With Dogs, please see Niccola Hardaker (Thursday night) or me (Sunday mornings), send a joining request to the Yahoo Group, leave your details in the Clubhouse or come along and watch between 2.30 and 4pm on Saturday afternoons.
Happy training and tail wagging,
Angela HagedornInstructor
Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB 23
SPRING BANK RISE DEMONSTRATIONS
Angela with Pepper
Cheryl wtih Jet leaping into action while Jenny has Sass coming round to take up position
During the demonstration at Springbank Rise, Labradoodle Sass appears to be checking out the details on her iPad?
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Cheryl with Jet
Gabe with Charlie
24 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012
SESSION TWO 2012around the grounds
< LEFT THREE PHOTOS: Wendy and the aptly named, ‘Spud’ are competing in a spoon and potato race. This demonstrates loose lead walking. In photo 2 Wendy signals to Spud to ‘sit’ as in the background Asher the Samoyed looks on with interest. In photo 3 Wendy is praising Spud who holds position as friendly Asher pays a visit. Well done Wendy and Spud – exercise completed with HUGE distraction.
John and Mash demonstrating the ‘Look’ or ‘Watch’ exercise with loads of distractions in close proximity.
Wendy and Spud – loose lead walking... with a potato
Eyes glued to Wendy, Spud sits and stays on cue
While Asher the Samoyed joins the party, Spud still sits. Niccola and Shandy taking a break between routines at Dances with Dogs
Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB 25
SESSION TWO 2012
Zy with Kuma chilling in class during session 2 Kuma the Great Dane participating in the great potato race
Lovely attention work by these beginners in session 2
After class puppy romp
Rufus was under instruction to ‘stay’ Rufus is thinking about that ‘stay’ command Rufus asks, ‘How much longer mum?’
basic c l icker t ra in ing
26 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB Volume E5 Issue E1 APRIl 2012
Keypoints
• Chooseacue
• ‘Load’thecue–reward,reward,
reward!
• LureorShapeBehaviour
• Timing!
How does it work?
The idea is simple. We firstly need
to create an association between
a “click” (or marker word) and a
treat. We click and immediately
treat; then again, we click and
treat. We repeat this dozens of
times and the dog realizes “Ok,
when I hear this sound, I get a
good thing”. Now, when this link
is made, we can use this click to
deliver information to the dog
about his behaviour. We will click
(or mark) the instant a behaviour
we want occurs. The dog sits, we
click immediately when the dog’s
behind hits the ground and an
follow with a reward – the dog
realizes “ok – putting my behind
on the ground is good”. The clicker
eliminates the need to deliver
the treat immediately. It allows
for a gap or bridge between the
behaviour and the reward.
Also note that the reward does
not have to be food. Many dogs
will happily work for a game of
tug, or a Frisbee throw, or simply
praise and pats. The reinforcer
that comes after the click can be
anything the dog wants at the
moment and it is important to
know your dog and what he loves.
Luring
Luring involves using a treat or
reward to encourage the dog into
the behaviour we want. This works
best with simple positioning
requirements, i.e. using a treat
moved slowly back over a dogs
head to encourage him or her
into a sitting position. Click and
reward as soon the dog reaches
the required position.
Shaping
Shaping is a training method in
which the trainer is an observer
rather than an active participant
in the learning. By observing
behaviours, clicking, and
rewarding approximations of the
wanted final behaviour, we can
gradually get the dog to learn a
new behaviour completely on his/
her own.
In the long term, this method
creates a curious dog that will
learn cues quicker than ever.
Once the dog realizes that his/
her behaviour gets the clicker
to click, he/she will try different
behaviours and the trainer
observing the process will mark
the wanted ones. At the same
time, the unwanted behaviours
are simply being ignored.
For example, if we want to teach
a dog to stand on a box, we
will start by clicking any sort
of interaction or interest in the
box. Most dogs will investigate
and sniff at a new object, and
by marking and rewarding that
behaviour, a dog will quickly
realise that the box is the focus of
the exercise. You can then start to
escalate your requirements, and
look for physical interaction with
the box; most dogs will start to
paw, or nose at the box. Then they
might start to step up on the box
with just their front paws, before
finally stepping up onto the box
fully. Think of advancing in tiny
baby steps to your final goal. This
way may seem slow but it gets
you to the final behaviour rather
quickly.
Throughout this process, there is
no need for talking. We don’t say
the cue just yet and the clicker is
doing the talking for us.
References
www.dragonflyllama.com/%20DOGS/%20Dog1/levels.html
www.clickertrainusa.com/index.htm
Clicker Game: https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/johnchay/www/PL06/OC/OC.html
by N ICCOLA HARDAKER
clickers available in our shop
see page 29 for details
PHOTO: ANDREW FINCH, EDGELIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
Grand Champion Burrawan Balentine Beau CD. This is BDOC member and instructor, Cliff Brock’s dog, Duncan who
was awarded the title of Grand Champion earlier this year. PHOTO SUPPLIED BY: Border Pix N Art.
PRIZESCash and Sash for
1st, 2nd and 3rd places – qualifying scores only
Sash for other qualifiers
Highest Scoring Club Member – Trophy and sash
Entry Fees $ 10.00 per class
Entries close with Mr M Ziebell
9 Aspen Rise JERABOMBERRA NSW 2619
Ph: 6255 9147 [email protected]
Entries close: 15 June 2012
Catalogues $ 1.00 prepaid with entry
Extreme Weather Status Phone: 0422 728 162
CLASSES TO BE JuDGEDCCD, CD, CDX, UD, UDXJudging Commences: 10 am
Trial Manager: Mr Michael Zeibell
Dogs NSW Representative: Dr P Woodman
Vetting Time: 9:15 am to 9:45 am
Vetting Officer: Mrs kathy Griffiths
Trial invitationQuEANBEYAN & DISTRICT DOG TRAINING CLuB INC
Saturday 14 July 2012, Club Grounds, Hoover Rd, Queanbeyan
28 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012
Financial members this is your space. You are entitled to place advertisements for free. Just email your requests directly to the editor: [email protected]
websitesListed below are a few sites of interest. It would be great if readers could send in links to sites they like so we can share them. Email your contributions to [email protected]
EQUIPMENTwww.blackdog.net.au/
CALENDAR OF EvENTShttp://www.actca.asn.au/Calendar1.htm
http://www.rncas.org.au/showwebsite/site/competitors_dog_conformation.php
POSITIvE TRAININGhttp://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/dominance%20statement.pdf
http://www.clickertraining.com/node/2225?source=mnl_03_1204
FACEBOOKhttp://www.facebook.com/
clickertraining
ANKC RULE CHANGEShttp://www.ankc.org.au/Rules.aspx
DOG OFF LEASH AREAS CANBERRAhttp://www.domesticanimals.act.gov.au/Home.htm
FLYBALL NEWSLETTERhttp://www.flyball.org.au
BLUE-GREEN ALGAE ALERTShttp://www.environment.act.gov.au/water/water_quality/blue-green_algae_monitoring
MEMBER FEATuRE PHOTO
Another big session for little Oscar - another pass!
thAnk yOu BDOC instruCtOrs – we CAn’t DO it withOut yOu!A huge THANk YOU to all our instructors for giving up your time in Session 2, 2012 to take classes and assess teams. We can’t do it without you.
Thank you to:Suzanne van Strien, Angela Hagedorn, Meryl Causebrook, Peter White, Susan killion, Niccola Hardaker, Ross Miller, Jodie Boyd, Cliff Brock, Jenny Thistleton, Patricia Looker, Niccola Hardaker, Dai Thomas, Elan Chesher, Pauline Murphy, Gabrielle Meyer, kate Whackett, Lesley Hayes, Anne Lewis, Cheryl Neal
Thanks to other VolunteersWe also give grateful thanks to many other members who are not on the committee, for taking on tasks that assist the committee to keep BDOC running, including keeping our clubhouse clean and tidy, emptying the dog poo bins, gardening, managing, judging and assisting at trials, organising the instructors rosters, maintaining agility equipment. Thanks to Anne Robertson (from CDC), Alice Petersen, Liz Allan, Shirley Stewart, Anne Lewis, Liz Giles, Elaine Temby, Shirley Stewart, Charlie Giles. We appreciate your hard work.vOLUNTEERS: Thanks to Ellen Clarke, Louise Parkin, Laura Geelhoed and Heather Swinbourne who helped out during Session 2. and 3. Welcome to new volunteer Elke who is our new office assistant.
Volume E5 Issue E2 JUNE 2012 BElCONNEN DOg OBEDIENCE ClUB 29
New Shop Items
Give Me Space!
Bandana and lead sleeve set
Small - $17, large $18
Great for timid or fearful dogs to prevent people, kids or other dogs
(and their owners) coming up.
Also available for ordering
I’m Deaf! and I’m Blind!
Made from washable neoprene.
Italian Greyhound Collar $18.00
Gentle collar for little dogs with delicate necks - similar design to the
Sighthound Collars. Neck measures 21-33cm.
Tug Toys – made by Michelle
Any ideas how much we want to sell them for?
S H O P P R O D U C T S • S H O P P R O D U C T S • S H O P P R O D U C T S
Give me space! BANDANA AND LEAD SLEEVE SETGreat for timid or fearful dogs to prevent people, kids or other dogs approaching them. Small – $17, large – $18
Also available for ordering: I’M DEAF! AND I’M BLIND! Made from washable neoprene.
For the delicate necks:ITALIAN GREYHOuND COLLAR – $18.00
This is a gentle collar for little dogs with delicate necks – similar design to the Sighthound Collars. Neck measures 21–33cm.
Just for fun:TuG TOYS – Great way to reward your dog for effort. These tug toys are made by BDOC member, Michelle.
OUR STOCk INCLUDESCollarskumalong Martingales . . . . . . . . . . . . $8-9Black Dog Martingales . . . . . . . . . . .$16–$19Black Dog Heavy Duty Martingale. . . . . . . $18Italian Greyhound Collar . . . . . . . . . . . . $18Sighthound Collar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25Whippet Collar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20Black Dog Standard Collars . . . . . . . . $13-$16
Head collars – we can provide a fitting service for all collars and harnessesGentle Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18–$21Halti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14–$20kumalong Head Halter . . . . . . . . . .$20–$24Black Dog Training Halter . . . . . . . . .$22–$23Black Dog Infin8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$24–$25
Training HarnessesHalti Harness (XL only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22Easy Walk Harness . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15–$22
LeadsDouble leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$23–$24Standard leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16Smart leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15–$17Strong leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17
Lead AccessoriesSnub lead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8Lead connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8
OtherBlack Dog Treat Pouch – Regular . . . . . . . $25Treat Pouch insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9Mini Treat Pouch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15Clickers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4–$7Wrist coil for clickers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2
Treats – from free range, hormone free animals, no additivesTraining treat bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2Pigs ears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.50Lambs ears . . . . . . . . . 50c each or $5 a bagBeef tendons (paddywacks) – By weightLong Leads
5 & 11 metres now
available - useful for
recall training.
BDOC Session training dates 2012
Session 3 – 2012 Canine Companion and Obedience Trialling classes.
Session 2, 2012 commences on Thursday 14 June and Sunday 17 June 2012.
Assessment day for Session 3, 2012 is Thursday 2 August and Sunday 5 August.
The first Beginners class is an intake talk without dogs but for all other classes, you will be training with your dog on these dates
Dates for Agility, Flyball, Rally-O and Dances With Dogs classes are circulated separately to those undertaking these sports.
Session 1(8 weeks)
Session 2(8 weeks)
Session 3(8 weeks)
Session 4(8 weeks)
Session 5(8 weeks)
Thursday Sunday Thursday Sunday Thursday Sunday Thursday Sunday Thursday Sundayweek 1 2 Feb 5 Feb 12 April 15 April 14 June 17 June 9 Aug 12 Aug 18 Oct 21 Oct week 2 9 Feb 12 Feb 19 April 22 April 21 June 24 June 16 Aug 19 Aug 25 Oct 28 Oct week 3 16 Feb 19 Feb 26 April 29 April 28 June 1 July 23 Aug 26 Aug 1 Nov 4 Nov week 4 23 Feb 26 Feb 3 May 6 May 5 July 8 July 30 Aug 2 Sept 8 Nov 11 Novweek 5 1 Mar 4 Mar 10 May 13 May 12 July 15 July 6 Sept 9 Sept 15 Nov 18 Novweek 6 15 Mar 18 Mar 17 May 20 May 19 July 22 July 13 Sept 16 Sept 12 Nov 25 Nov
week 7 22 Mar 25 Mar 24 May 27 May 26 July 29 July 20 Sept 23 Sept 29 Nov 2 Dec
week 8AssessmentDay
29 Mar 1 April 31 May 3 June 2 Aug 5 AugThursday 27 SeptemberAssessment night for both Thursday and Sunday classes
Thursday 6 DecenberAssessment day for all, with Club BBQ and Awards
No trainingThur 8 and Sun 11 March Thurs 5 and Sun 8 April
Thursday 5 AprilSunday 28 April
Thursday 7 June Sunday 10 June
Sunday 30 SeptemberThursday 4 and Sunday 7 October
Thursday 4 and Sunday 7 October
Public Holidays
Mon 12 Mar (Canberra Day)Fri 6 and Mon 9 April (Easter)
Friday 6 and Monday 9 April (Easter)Wednesday 25 April (Anzac Day)
Monday 11 June (Queens Birthday)
Monday 1 October (Labour Day)Monday 8 October (Family and Community Day)