Message from the President

______Volume II, Issue IV October 2010

Visit us at WWW.MDOGCT.COM

Promoting responsible dog ownership!

Message from the MDOG is a non-profit organization. We President: have received non-profit status from the I.R.S. designating us as a 501(c) (3) public charity. Please check out our website for MDOG, Inc will be holding a presentation for ways to contribute and get a tax deduction! the community in early November (date and time to be determined) where we will be discussing the future dog park including the MDOG is proud to progress made, what is still needed, and how to move forward to meet the deadline. present… Members will be notified of the date and time as soon as it has been set. I am encouraging our membership, whether you are able to attend the presentation or not, to DogtoberFest please forward questions concerning the dog park or MDOG in advance to [email protected] (SUBJECT: DOG PARK). This will allow us to address all of your questions and concerns in a timely ! manner during the meeting. If you have been meaning to get involved in MDOG, now is the time. I hope to hear from you soon! Remember, this is your dog park.

Alysia Duke President, Manchester Dog Owners Group, Inc.

Saturday October 16, 2010 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Stay Tuned for more Details! $5 per dog (MDOG members) $7 per dog (non-members)

Old Eighth Utilities Firehouse 32 Main Street Manchester, CT

of 8 account on the Meetup homepage: http://www.meetup.com/mdoghikes/ Costume Contest with Prizes, Trick 4 Treat, and much more! Did you know……. Basenjis are considered a bark-less breed. They do, however, yodel.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIP

All but the most social dogs and cats should Are you beginning to think about the be kept in a separate room away from the holidays? Well, maybe not, but you front door during peak trick-or-treat visiting should, because MDOG has a great hours. Too many strangers can be scary opportunity for you to begin: and stressful for pets. Want to see more tips  fill those stockings for Halloween safety for your pets? Please  get a gift for your child’s teacher  a thank you to a helpful neighbor... check out: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care- tips/halloween-safety-tips.html

MDOG published a recipe book aptly called Belly Rubbin' Recipes - Good Food for People and Pets as part of our fundraising activities for 2010. It is chock full of people and dog recipes collected from our wonderful members. You will be thrilled with this addition to your recipe book collection. This is a fundraiser for MDOG so please Fall Hikes with MDOG! consider buying more than one. If you are interested, please contact Shirley at 860- MDOG hikers are invited to join our 432-3733. www.meetup.com group. Please take a few moments to register and learn about And don’t forget an MDOG Membership upcoming hikes. Our Meetup group site makes a great holiday gift!!! allows members to RSVP, correspond with other members and get directions to the next hike. All information on hikes will be available only at Meetup.com so simply click the Meetup website and create a new

of 8 Did you know…….

The Greek writer Homer is considered the first person to write about dogs. Dogs are mentioned frequently in the Odyssey.

of 8 First in a series of educational articles

Just what does being a Certified (fill in the blank) mean? By Dennis Reinholt

Scenario #1: You go to a Certified Tail-wagging Consultant to discuss your dog’s tail wagging issues.

Scenario #2: You go to the veterinarian and the Vet Tech who assists the Dr. has the initials CVT behind her name (Certified Veterinary Technician).

Does the word “Certified” mean the same in both of these scenarios?

People often ask me what does the word “Certified” mean when used in titles like Certified Professional Dog Trainer, or Certified Veterinary Technician, or Certified Dog Exorcist, etc.? While doing research on this issue, I discovered that it’s actually a pretty big deal on when and how the word Certified should be used when identifying or calling out an area of expertise. The base issue is: "What is the difference between certification (i.e. being certified) and a certificate?" To assist, consider the comparison below:

Certification (i.e. Certified) Certificate Results from an assessment process that recognizes an individual's knowledge, skills and Results from an educational process competency in a particular specialty Typically requires professional experience For newcomers and experienced professionals Awarded by a third-party, standard-setting Awarded by educational programs or institutions organization, typically not for profit often for-profit Indicates mastery/competency as measured Indicates completion of a course or series of against a defensible set of standards, usually by courses with a specific focus (different than a application or exam degree granting program) Standards set through a defensible, industry-wide Course content determined by the specific provider process (job analysis/role delineation) that results or institution, not standardized in an outline of required knowledge and skills Typically results in credentials to be listed after Usually listed on a resume detailing education one's name (CPA, MD) Has on-going requirements in order to maintain; Demonstrates knowledge of course content at the holder must demonstrate he/she continues to meet end of a set period in time requirements

So “Certified” generally refers to an earned credential that demonstrates the holder's specialized knowledge, skills, and experience. On the flip side, a certificate program is usually an educational offering that confers a document at the program's conclusion.

of 8 Continued on next page. To take it one step further, The National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA; www.credentialingexcellence.org) addresses this issue to clarify an important point of confusion that has plagued various industries for years, causing considerable friction between competing industry certification programs.

What’s the Difference?

As their standard explains, it is the role of TRAINING and its relationship to credentialing that sets these two types of credentials apart.

On the one hand, assessment-based certificate programs exist to deliver education and training. Each credential is linked to a training course by necessity – the credential is proof that its holder took the course. The purpose of a certificate program is to educate participants, and the examination is used as a mirror to show students their progress toward the learning outcomes.

Professional certifications, on the other hand, are independent of training courses. With professional certification, the examination is used not as a mirror but as a screen – to separate those who meet the assessment standards from those who do not.

Does It Matter?

YES, it does matter. “Certified” should imply a high level of knowledge/experience, supported by an independent testing/review and continuing educational requirements.

The distinction between earning a certificate and being certified is important when you consider NOCA’s view of the implications: holders of assessment-based certificates may NOT use letters or acronyms behind their names, nor may they use the word “Certified” in describing their credentials. The use of letters, acronyms and the word “Certified” are reserved to holders of professional or personnel certifications as defined in their standard.

Summary

So in my mind, it boils down to 2 questions: 1. Is the “certification” awarded by a third-party, standard-setting organization? 2. Does it indicate mastery/competency as measured against a defensible set of standards, usually by application or exam?

So that would mean that the answer to the scenarios offered at the beginning of the article is: It depends...

In scenario #1, if the person took a 4 week course at Bob’s Dog Behavior Institute and then took Bob’s certification test – the answer is No, they should not use the designation Certified. The Institute both trained and tested to their own criteria.

of 8 Where as in Scenario #2, the Vet Tech’s training is immaterial since the testing was against the State’s standard, which is independent of the training source. So Yes, they should be considered Certified. Continued on next page.

So the next time someone states they are a Certified ______, ask who certified them – and how… the answer may surprise you. Sources: various web sites & reference materials, including NOCA, AALNC, CFRE.

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 reduced fees for vendor/exhibitor booths at our events  reduced entrance fees at MDOG activities for their employees  invitation to MDOG only events  opportunity to reach the community by: o stuffing our goody bags o being listed on our website o and more.

We hope you will leap at the chance to meet PLUS, the contribution our Friends make to great people, help your community and join MDOG, benefits the entire community by the fun as a VOLUNTEER FOR MDOG! helping us to spread the word about responsible dog ownership and the benefits Don’t let the name fool you; you don’t have of canine recreation. A list of our current to own a dog or live in Manchester to be a Friends of the Canine Community can be volunteer for MDOG. We need passionate found at: people who can help with all aspects of running WWW.MDOGCT.COM/FriendsofCanineCommu our organization. We are always looking for nity.htm volunteers for our many upcoming events. For more information on volunteering and positions available, please go to our website at WWW.MDOGCT.COM or you may send Did you know……. an email to: [email protected]. Male dogs don’t have to lift their leg when they urinate. They do this so they can mark their territory and leave behind something for other dogs to sniff.

Business owners, please consider becoming a Friend of the Canine Community by contacting us at WWW.MDOGCT.COM

You will receive benefits such as:

of 8 think carefully about which animal is best for your family. What is each family member looking for in a pet? Who will take care of it? Does anyone have pet allergies? What type of animal suits your lifestyle and budget?

Once you own a pet, keep it healthy. Know the signs of medical problems. Take your pet to the veterinarian if you notice:

 Loss of appetite  Drinking a lot of water  Gaining or losing a lot of weight quickly  Strange behavior  Being sluggish and tired Love Your Pets !  Trouble getting up or down  Strange lumps Pets add fun, companionship and a feeling of safety to your life, but before getting a pet,

What Do You Know About the Akita Breed?

The Akita is a working breed that originated in Japan and first arrived in the US when Helen Keller brought one over in 1937. Dignified and courageous, the Akita today is popular in the show ring and also participates in performance and therapy work. The breed’s thick double coat can be any color including white, brindle or pinto. An Akita trademark is the plush tail that curls over his back.

The Akita is known to be a quiet dog (they are known as the "Silent Hunter" in Japan); however this breed has a strong guarding instinct and will sound the alarm if an intruder breaks into their house. Akita temperament can range from calm to bouncy and aggressive, so the breed should always be supervised around small children and other animals. They like to be the "pack leader,"

of 8 so obedience training is also necessary.