Golden Views Official Newsletter of the Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club – Published Quarterly

March 2006 February Obedience Trials Well Received OVGRC Board of by Darwin Boles, Director of Obedience and Trial Chair Directors

Officers

Darwin Boles, President [email protected] 613-274-3562 Pat Enright, Past President

[email protected]

613-256-2905 Sharlene Manderson, Secretary [email protected] 613-839-3328 Deb Brunner-Walker, Treasurer [email protected] 613-832-4193

Directors Photo by Tom Questel Photo by Tom Darwin Boles, Obedience [email protected] Saturday Trial 55 – Open B class winners: Kim Cooper and MOTCH Bartect’s Piper AgI, TDX (second place), Bruce Gibbons and GMOTCH Ambertrail Pride of the Rideau (first 613-274-3562 place), Pierrette Roy with CH Debessiere Midnight Bouncer CDX (third place) and Pat Enright, Conformation David Skinner and Ambertrail Put On The Redlight CDX (fourth place). [email protected] 613-256-2905 For the third year in a row, we What’s Inside Ann Lambert, Agility have been blessed by great President's Message...... 2 [email protected] weather as we again held our 613-832-3042 Upcoming Events ...... 2 highly successful Obedience Frances Holmes, Membership and Field Director’s Reports ...... 3 [email protected] Trial Weekend on February 11- Club Events - Feb. Trials...... 4 613-795-4839 12, 2006. Planning for this event Volunteer Dinner ...... 6 Ginny Chafe, Director at Large began a year ago with the Member Forum / Brags ...... 7 [email protected] booking of the Hall and securing Dog People are Different ...... 8 613-737-6967 judges. Our judging panel, i.e. David Skinner, Webmaster Good Dogs Don’t Bite ...... 9 [email protected] Susan Des Cotes and Marie Childproofing Your Golden .. 10 613-727-8329 Joanne Cloutier, proved to be Early Spay/Neuter ...... 12 Judi Questel, eNews Editor excellent and very balanced in Winter Grooming Tips...... 13 [email protected] terms of scores coming out of South of the Border ...... 14 315-393-5379 either ring. Views From The Doghouse .. 17 Continued on Pg. 4 B What’s New ...... 17

Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club 1 Official Matters

From the President… Upcoming Events…

This is my last official message as OVGRC President. By The Annual General Meeting will be held April 19th the time you receive your next Club E-letter, a new Board at the Cheshire Cat Pub in Carp. At this meeting any will have been elected at the April 19, 2006 Annual new business arising since the last AGM will be General Meeting. addressed, as well as elections for a new slate of Club Officers and Board of Directors. Awards presentations It has been an exciting two years for me as President will also be held. and it has been a task that I have particularly enjoyed doing. Working with a Club made up totally of If your dog has earned a title since the last AGM, volunteers has been a great experience. The considerable please send your name, the dog’s name and accomplishments of the Club have been achieved totally accomplishments to Frances Holmes at by people who give freely of their time and energy, [email protected] before Wednesday, without expectation of salary. In early January, the Club March 15th. Titles can include such events as field, held our annual “Volunteer Appreciation Dinner” at the conformation, Agility, Obedience, Rally-O, Canadian Rideau Carlton Raceway. Fifty-four invitations were sent Good Citizen, etc. out to Club members and non-club members who volunteered to assist in the operation of club events over If you are willing to stand for a position on the OVGRC the past year. While that number is impressive enough, many of the people in attendance had volunteered at Board, please send your name to either Ann Lambert multiple functions and events over the year. at [email protected] or Sharlene Manderson at [email protected] by Monday, April 17th. I would also like to give a special thanks to the members of the OVGRC Board who really made my tenure as President so enjoyable. The Board kept the Club on a solid financial ground while at the same time instituting some forward-thinking policies and procedures and kept the Club in the forefront of dog-related activities and events. It is important to note that two of the founding members of the OVGRC Club, created 26 years ago, are

Indiana and Zack plan to attend the BARK Dog Rescue on the current Board of Directors. walkathon in May 2006. It will be the first Sunday in May at the Arboretum in the Central Experimental Farm.

The boys thought it would be fun to get a bunch of Retrievers and their owners to do the walk together and support the dog I will remain on the Board as Past President as well as in rescue. They’re calling the group/team Retriever Fever. my position of Director of Obedience. I encourage A few weeks before the walkathon, we’d like to meet up for a walk at the dog park. Lots of breed everyone to attend the Annual General Meeting which specific groups meet to walk together at Bruce Pit. We’d love to have a field full of Retrievers !

th All dogs are welcome. If they aren’t Retrievers, they can be in the “friends of Retrievers” category ! is slated for April 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cheshire Cat at Two weeks before the walkathon, we’ll meet at a restaurant or pub for some munchies. We can hang out, talk about our charming dogs and turn in our pledge money for the walkathon. the corner of Carp Road and Richardson Sideroad. (we’ll invite members of BARK Rescue to join us to collect the pledges).

Note: Retrievers often have social owners who will find any excuse to stop at the pub…… (must be over 19 !) You don’t have to go to the dog park or the pub. If you’d prefer, you can just join us at the I would also like to thank Judi and Tom Questel for the walkathon ! As soon as the pledge forms are ready, I will send them out by email. Our pledge forms will have a Retriever on them to keep track of how much the team raises. fantastic job on our first E-letter under Judi’s role as E- I am buying a nice “Retriever” prize for our team’s top pledge collector and some door prizes just for our team. letter Editor. BARK Rescue also has excellent prizes at the walkathon. This year there will be two $500 Esso gas cards for top pledge collectors, and much more….

Each dog owner will be responsible for collecting their own pledges for the walkathon. If you don’t want to collect pledges you can pay the $20 registration fee at the walkathon. Thanks to you, the membership, for making sure that If you are interested in joining us, send an email to [email protected] , and I’ll start building the member list. the Club continues to grow and for the feedback you If you are interested in starting your own team (ex. Greyhounds Galore, Rottweilers to the Rescue, The Pug Patrol…..) contact BARK Rescue for information on their walkathon. BARK website: have given to the Board and me on ways to improve the www.bark-ottawa.com. BARK’s email: [email protected] running of the Club and how to make the Club more relevant for you. Zack and Indiana have been “foster brothers” to some Darwin Boles rescued Retrievers for BARK Dog Rescue.

2 Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club Director’s Reports

Membership… Conformation… Frances Holmes, Director Pat Enright, Director If you have been asked to submit your 2006 dues and The OVGRC will be having a booster along with the you have not sent them yet, please forward them to Ottawa Kennel Club shows in May. Sandy Gunn will Frances Holmes, 112 Grey Stone Drive, Carp, ON, be judging Golden Retrievers on Saturday. There are KOA 1L0 as soon as possible. If your dues are not special prizes for Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex received by the end of April, we will assume you no and Best Puppy. Come out and support our breed, if longer want to belong to the Club. We sincerely hope not with an entry then just to watch and cheer! that is not the case. I look forward to hearing from you. Specialty Show – In the last newsletter a call went out for volunteers to be part of a committee to study Obedience… the feasibility of having a regional specialty in the near Darwin Boles, Director future. Thanks to Sue Roberts, who was the only brave A special “thank you” goes out to the following Rosette soul thus far to step forward. Sponsors for our Obedience Trials: To some (and you know who you are!), this might Ellie Beals mean a final nail in the proverbial coffin concerning Utility / Trials 55 and 57 holding another specialty. Not so! I am bolstered by Ann Lambert the enthusiasm of our one and only volunteer. Utility / Trial 56 Ginny Chafe I know there are more conformation cronies out there Novice A / Trial 58 with time on their hands! If you could just send an e- Frances Holmes mail with some ideas, we would appreciate your input. High in Trial / Trial 57 Please e-mail me at [email protected] if you Carol Ethridge Open A / Trials 57 and 58 would like to help our club hold a regional specialty. Deb Brunner Walker and Doug Walker Open A / Trial 55 Agility… Jim and Judy Stewart Ann Lambert, Director High in Trial / Trial 58 Our Agility trials will be held on Saturday, July 29th. Dave McKellar The date and judges have been approved. If you would Novice C / Trial 55 like to help on that day please contact me at Darwin Boles and Lisa Day [email protected]. No experience necessary! High in Trial / Trial 56 It is a good way to learn what agility is about.

Annual General Meeting – April 19th You are cordially invited to attend the OVGRC Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, April 19th at the Cheshire Cat Pub in Carp at 6:30 p.m. The OVGRC will provide finger foods – zucchini, chicken fingers, chicken wings. Members are asked to pay for their own beverages. Excellent meals can be purchased if members so desire. Please RSVP to Frances Holmes at [email protected] by Wednesday, April 12th.

Directions: Take Queensway westbound and exit at Carp Road (#144), turning northbound. The Cheshire Cat Pub is on your right at the first set of lights which is the intersection of Carp Road and Richardson Side Road.

Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club 3 Club Events

B Obedience (Cont from Pg. 1) Four trials were held over the two days and each trial averaged 44 entries, with the biggest percentage of entries in each trial being in the Open B and Utility classes. We were treated to some excellent routines and scores coming out of those Open B and Utility classes throughout the weekend. In fact, three of the High in Trial awards came from the two senior classes in the events. In Susan Des Cotes’ ring on Saturday we saw Bruce Gibbons earn the HIT in a run-off with Kim Cooper, as a result of Kim having scored a 199 in Utility Saturday Trial 56 – Open B class winners: Bruce Gibbons and GMOTCH and Bruce having the same 199 score in Open B. Ambertrail Pride of the Rideau (first place), Kim Cooper and MOTCH To see that run-off was exciting for judge, Bartect’s Piper AgI, TDX (second place), judge Susan Des Cotes, Louise competitor and spectator alike. Bastien and OTCH Trowsnest Bouton D’Or (third place) and David Skinner and Ambertrail Put On The Redlight CDX (fourth place). Kim Cooper earned two of the four High in Trial awards during the weekend. Stephanie Perrier and Simba, her Australian Cattle Dog, earned the fourth High in Trial award. Stephanie’s High in Trial award was especially exciting as she competed in the Novice B class and this was her first trials with Simba. Their performance was certainly a wonderful example of what time and dedication can produce.

The volunteers came through in fine fashion again at the Trial as we had 20 people working over the weekend to ensure that the event ran smoothly. Saturday Trial 56 – Utility class winners: Katherine Darbyshire and OTCH Clearhounds Jim Key CR (third place), Louise Bastien and OTCH Thanks to all of you once again. It was particularly Trowsnest Bouton D’Or (second place, judge Susan Des Cotes, Michael Continued on Pg. 5 B Beaulieu and OTCHX Shanamag’s Milou Max (fourth place) and Kim Cooper and MOTCH Bartect’s Piper AgI, TDX (first place).

An impressive array of rosettes await their recipients. Two whimsical hand-painted jars awarded to High In Trial winners. Photos by Tom Questel

4 Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club Club Events

B Obedience (Cont from Pg. 4) positive to see so many new volunteers coming out to lend a hand and to spend the day with dogs.

And Donna Lahaise, wearing three hats as usual, did a great job as Trial Secretary, prize coordinator, caterer Louise Bastien and Doree and chef for the food for judges and volunteers and I confer in the ring. am sure that I have forgotten at least one task.

Plans are already in place for the next three Obedience trial weekends, to be held over the next 18 months. We are already booking judges and thinking of exciting ways to enhance the events. We will keep you posted in upcoming E-letters. We are always on the lookout for fundraising events so if you have any ideas send them along.

Radar (OTCH Brackenridge’s Speed Trap WCI, JH, AG, MX) shows off his retrieving style with owner Frances Holmes.

Bruce and Rideau set up for a dumbbell retrieve.

Bruce Gibbons’ boy, Rideau I wuvs yoo!!

Photos by Tom Questel

Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club 5 OVGRC Volunteers Dinner by Ginny Chafe

A dinner to honor members and non-members who volunteered at OVGRC events during 2005 was held on January 16 at the Rideau Carleton Raceway. Fifty-two volunteers were invited, of whom eleven were non-members. Thirty-four volunteers actually attended the dinner. We were especially pleased that our new newsletter editor, Judi Questel and her husband Tom were able to attend as they had to drive from Ogdensburg, New York.

We had four tables near the entrance and more importantly near the buffet. Although the size of From left, around table: Darwin Boles, Lisa Day, Ann Lambert, Fanny Pearce, Odette Van Vlaardingen, Frances Holmes and Donna Holton.

few minutes. Frances took me in hand to teach me the ropes. I ventured a $5.00 bill into the machine for tokens , won a few times but ended up losing all. I hope the others who stayed had better luck!

I think the dinner was an excellent way of showing our appreciation to our volunteers. Without them we would not be able to run any events.

Thanks to everyone who helped the OVGRC have another successful year. Left side: Caroline Bannister, Kate Couture, Betty Noiles and Claudia Mai. Right side: Denis Couture, Pat Enright, Barb Bekooy, Diana Davison. the room and number of other patrons did not allow for any welcoming speeches, our tables were close enough to allow us visit before and during dinner. Everyone was in good spirits and appeared to enjoy the evening.

For those of you who have not been to the Raceway for dinner, there is an excellent buffet dinner at a reasonable price on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. There is no racing on these nights. However, for those so inclined the slots are just a few steps away. From back, right side: Dave Skinner, Ellie Beals, Kathryn Kaiser, Frances Holmes, Donna Holton, Ginny Chafe. Hiding at back table: Judi Questel, Sylvia A few of us did try our luck in the casino. There and Jerry Dirk. was a rumour that Roger’s wife won $$$ in a very

6 Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club Member Forum

BRAGS Doodles and More by Carole Brechbill With all of the talk about the GRCA’s latest effort to Ginny Chafe’s “Dawson” (Skilfor’s Quite A Gold educate the public with regard to Goldendoodles etc., Mine) obtained a third Masters Gamblers agility leg at here, in my opionion, is the ultimate link to send to the age of 10 years on October 1, 2005 at Dreamfields, anyone who approaches you concerning the purchase earning his VATChC (Veteran Agility Trial Champion of one of these dogs. Read the information at the top of Canada) title. of the page first, and then proceed to the little quiz. This is a tremendous teaching tool for the public and I Ursula Walsh and “Tye” (Tanbark’s Star of would recommend that any Golden club seek Rideauview) achieved their CDX title at the OVGRC permission to use this link on their site so that the trials on February 12th in Carp. public can really see what is going on here.

http://www.grumpybumpers.com/dogs/ Deb Brunner-Walker is happy to report Goldencol’s Come Fly With Me (Flyer) “flew” through his first year Ed. Note: I checked this out and tried making some of competing and earned his Canadian WC, JH, AGN “educated guesses” using backgrounds and grooming and American WC titles in 2005. CH Hollymere’s As as a guide – I still had two wrong. This really is a great You Like It Can CDX, WC, AGX; Am CD, AX, OAJ (Devon) can now add VCX to his moniker, earning site.

his WC at the Canadian National in 2005. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Carole Brechbill reports that “Topper” (Shaynedoro A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, Life At The Top) had a wonderful first outing in and to turn around three times before lying Blainville, Quebec when she went Winner’s Bitch, Best down. – Robert Benchley of Winners, Best of Breed and finished with second place in the Sporting Group. “Now we have to do the same thing two more times,” Carole states, “and I There is no psychiatrist in the world like a proved that I can run well enough to do this after my ankle replacement!” puppy licking your face. – Ben Williams

Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club 7 Dog People Are...Different

Human Witnesses the “Great Mouse Hunt” DOG WALK by Ginny McConnell by Kate Dwyer

My golden retrievers have occasionally caught mice, some of The dog is old, muzzle frosted, which I have been able to rescue. (I can’t help it – they’re so Hips narrow and unruly. cute.) But last week I noticed that they were coming up with several each day. How is that possible? Should big, lumbering, Outings now are more meditation 85-pounds dogs be able to catch up with tiny, fleet mice? So I than distance traveled, watched them. more amble than cavort.

Benny and Beau have discovered the mice’s winter secret: There was a time for bounding. They hibernate by making nests in the underbrush, which then get buried beneath the snow. The dogs’ mouse-hunting Leashes in impossible tangles. methods involve sniffing the snow as they walk, then He’d gallop past, ears laid back, periodically pushing their snouts into a section of it to see if neck outstretched. they can smell their prey. When one dog thinks he has So much energy, we’d squander it something, he digs frantically, at which point the other one on capers measured in miles. will come over to see what he’s found.

When a mouse nest is located (Benny is the best at finding It’s all about the stopping now. these), the finder removes a mouse, places it on the ground, He picks his way down the block, and tries to engage it in play. He bounces up and down, tail back toes dragging just a little. wagging, to get the poor, traumatized rodent to run. When His nose reading each shrub, that doesn’t work, he picks it up (sometimes gently, sometimes not so), moves it to another location, and tries again. Eventually each thicket of grass, leisurely, he settles down and proceed to lick it to death if it has not like whole sections of the Sunday Times. already succumbed from fright. He sometimes pauses, mid-walk, head lifted. He just stands there, I can’t help laughing at this whole routine. They are both so hips slightly swaying, until I turn to meet his gaze. serious out there, consulting each other constantly. “Find anything yet?” “No, did you?” They are in concert in their The very best part of him is still working fine. search, yet when one finds a mouse, he guards it jealously from his brother, sometimes even teasing him with it: “See what I found? No, you can’t have it. I’, better at this than you.”

They were absolutely obsessed with this mouse hunt over the weekend, spending every minute with their noses in the snow. They have created a perfect foxhole on the hillside, a spot that must have smelled quite promising, although they got nothing out of it.

They have gone on to other pursuits now, their interest in mouse hunting having died out for the moment. The culmination came when, after an entire fruitless day spent in this occupation, they sat side by side in their foxhole, serenely looking out at the sun setting over the snow-covered wheat fields. They were like two buddies out hunting or ice-fishing, not caring so much whether they caught anything, but just happy to be together in the beautiful outdoors, participating in a ritual that is an end in itself.

Ginny McConnell lives in Troy, Washington and teaches English at Walla Walla Community College in Clarkston. This article Praying Together….While this isn’t a originally appeared in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News and is Golden, it was too cute to pass up sharing. reprinted here with permission of the author. Unknown subjects, shared via the Internet.

8 Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club Behaviour & Training

Every year, thousands of children are bitten by the family dog. Here’s some expert advice. How To Make Sure That… Good Dogs Don’t Bite by Sarah Wilson and Brian Kilcommons

Summertime is prime injury time, and Farris learned this lesson when a young focusing on and rewarding good dog bites are no exception. Around girl visited her Florida home. “I stepped behavior. 154,000 children under the age of 14 go out of the room for a second, came back, to emergency rooms and the girl was sticking Educate annually in the U.S. her fingers in Seven’s because of dog-related Train your eyes,” Farris recalls. Dogs know about being dogs; to injuries. This number is Seven, a mixed breed, understand our world, we need to teach less than accidents due to pooch the tolerated this treatment, them. Want your dog to be comfortable toys, playgrounds or S.A.F.E. way – but should we expect our with kids near its food bowl? Walk up sports, but any bite is one supervise, pets to put up with such and drop a delicious treat in its bowl too many. Most bites things? while the dog is eating, then walk away. happen at home with dogs anticipate, (Do this when no child is around to known to the child. The follow “You are an advocate for imitate you.) If it wags its tail, great! If it most frequent biters? your child – be one for freezes, growls or starts to aggressively Unneutered male dogs. through, your dog,” counsels Becky gobble the food, don’t push it. Instead, (Always neuter!) The most and Bishop, owner of Puppy contact a local trainer or behaviorist for frequently bitten? Boys 5 to Manners in Woodinville, advice. 9 years old. educate. WA. Here’s a rule to live by: Never allow a child to Going to have a toddler in your life? Many of these bites are the do to a dog what you Prepare your dog now. Again, when no result of human error and can be would not allow done to a toddler – no children are around to watch, take some prevented. “Children need to be taught ear pulling, jumping on, chasing after, treats and practice handling your dog. how to behave around dogs, and parents screaming at, hitting, etc. Hold your dog’s tail for a moment (be need to learn the warning signs that the gentle). Give the dog a treat; praise as dog has had enough,” says Dr. James Anticipate you release. Hold a paw or an ear the Zgoda of Otterkill Animal Hospital in same way. Reward the dog each time. Campbell Hall, NY. Avoid risky situations. If your dog is shy, You are teaching it that such actions, put it in a quiet part of the house before though surprising, lead to good things. We agree. We tell our clients to keep your 8-year-old’s birthday party starts. things S.A.F.E. – Supervise, Anticipate, If your child is excited about a noisy new Keeping our children and animals safe Follow through and Educate. toy, you might want to crate your dog. If is our job, and we can do it by following you have any feelings of concern/ a few simple S.A.F.E. steps. Supervise doubt/worry about a situation, act first so you don’t have to react later. The authors, two of Don’t leave young kids and dogs out of America’s premier dog sight together. Years back, a distraught Follow Through trainers with over 45 client called to say his dog had snapped years of dog training at his 4-year-old grandchild. He wanted Often we hear, “I can’t stop my child experience between them, to know if the dog should be put to sleep. from bothering the dog.” To which we teach obedience classes It turns out the boy had been chasing say, “Nonsense!” If your child was and give workshops on the dog with a Wiffle ball bat. The dog harassing an infant, you would stop it their farm near New Paltz, New York. They didn’t need to be euthanized – it needed immediately. have authored six books on dog training and protection! behavior as well as recently releasing a Following through – with both species – puppy training video. If you can’t supervise, then separate is critical. “Stop it” means “stop it.” This article first appeared in Parade Magazine and is reprinted with permission them by using a baby gate, crating your Children and dogs both respond well to dog or keeping your dog on a leash. Julie of the authors.

Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club 9 Behaviour & Training Childproofing Your Golden by Shereen D. Farber, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Introduction: Many people buy children, they must be obedience h. Don’t reach through a fence Golden Retrievers because trained, socialized on lead, and to pet a strange dog. Goldens are reported to be then carefully introduced off lead i. Avoid eye contact with an excellent family companion to children who have experience aggressive dog and do not touch animals. Indeed they should be with dogs. Once the dogs have any dog’s eyes. bred for excellent temperament, proven safe with experienced trainability and, of course, good children and demonstrate bite structure. Does that mean that a inhibition, I allow one Golden is automatically child inexperienced child to interact proofed? NO! In fact, Vicki DeGruy with one dog, first on lead and reports that most children are then off lead, always with bitten by medium to large size dogs. supervision. 1 Not all Goldens are bred with 2. Sheila Blythe-Saucier, a child temperament in mind. safety consultant, stresses the Inexperienced breeders may not need to teach children proper even know what temperament is interaction skills with animals considered acceptable for our and encourages parents to start breed. This column is designed to teaching young children safety review the common-sense methods guidelines.2 These guidelines and guidelines designed to should be continually enforced. successfully integrate Golden Her recommendations are to

Retrievers with children. teach children the following: Farber Shereen of courtesy Photo Figure 1: Eighteen-month-old toddler playing with dog under Guidelines: a. Do not run up to a dog and direct adult supervision. avoid making sudden loud 1. Most experts agree that no noises. Move slowly and speak j. Do not try to hurt any dog by child under the age of five should softly. A child’s high-pitched pulling on ears, tails or skin. be allowed unsupervised sounds may stimulate a dog’s prey interaction with a dog of any drive. 3. The Doggonesafe website was breed. Close management is b. If a dog is running up to a designed to promote dog bite essential to prevent accidents to child, do not run from the dog. prevention.3 Teresa Lewin and either the child or the dog. Remain still to avoid stimulating Joan Orr, creators of Doggone Adolescent Goldens have often the dog’s prey drive. Safe, a nonprofit organization, reached full height and are full of c. Offer your open and relaxed provide a video presentation for energy, but certainly lack hand slowly, allowing the dog to parents to watch with their complete training and sniff you. children. They maintain that experience. These exuberant d. Ask the owner’s permission to children are more likely to be teen dogs can inadvertently touch a leashed dog. bitten by their own dog or by dogs propel a small child into a hard e. Avoid approaching a dog that they know by the time the object causing serious injury. is actively playing with a bone, a children are 12 years old. I believe Untrained dogs often jump on toy, or one that is eating. Also, do this is due in part to lack of proper children causing scratches or not bother a sleeping dog. canine interaction education for even unintentional contact with f. Never try to grab a dog. the child, a lack of vigilance on the dog’s teeth. Figure 1 shows my g. Avoid any dogs that are the part of the parents, and/or a granddaughter quietly playing guarding their property, showing lack of training for the dog. When with one of my dogs while being their teeth, growling or visiting a friend with a dog, supervised. Before any of my dogs hysterically barking. parents need to meet the dog first are allowed to play off lead with and determine if the dog has Continued on Pg. 11 B 10 Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club B Childproofing (Cont from Pg. 10) appropriate skills to interact with their child. If the dog does not meet the parents’ standards, they should ask that the dog be crated. This website stresses that children be shown pictures of dogs that are approachable and those that should not be bothered. Lewin and Orr suggest creating kid zones and dog zones using barriers and crates. Now that my Figure 2: One-year-old child Figure 3: A couch is a safe grandchildren are both walking, riding his scooter with the haven for the dogs to escape I do make sure that the old, potential to frighten older dogs from the child in Figure 2! inside the house. unsure dogs are behind the barriers out of harm’s way. When theory is that normal human Summary: There are many my 13-month-old grandson is beings have larger frontal lobes excellent sources for learning riding his small bike (figure 2), I that receive input from about children and dog allow the dogs in his space to get everywhere in the nervous interactions. I went to Google and out of the way (figure 3). system. The frontal lobes allow us searched the topic and found to pay attention to “the large numerous websites. I sincerely 4. I also teach children not to picture” while inhibiting hope that all Golden owners stop corner a dog. In fact, I prefer to unnecessary details. Autistic and think about these concepts teach a child to let the dog come individuals and animals see the before encouraging a strange to him rather than encourage the world in pictures and attend to child to play with their dog. Dogs child to go visit the dog. Dogs almost every detail, often being will often tolerate certain must have escape routes or places distracted by each new stimulus. behaviors from their “family’s” to hide when active children are Sudden movements, intermittent children, but will send warnings around, especially if they have not or high-pitched sounds are out when a strange child tries to been socialized properly. magnified and contribute to an interact in the same manner. animal’s sensory rich 5. Dog bites occur most often environment. With this References: when provoked; however, dogs understanding of animal 4 V. DeGruy, Dog Owner’s Guide: may become over stimulated or perception, we can learn why a Kids and Dogs: A Common Sense threatened by a child’s behavior, dog might interpret something as Approach, (www.canismajor.com/ e.g. darting movements, high provocational when all we see is dog/kidsdog2.html). pitched sounds, etc. The sensory a child attempting to play with a 2 S. Blythe-Saucier, “Kids and stimulation provided by an dog. Dogs Safety Tip Sheet”, unsupervised child may produce 6. Understanding canine (www.theglassceiling.com/ a sensory overload in the dog and instinct is crucial when supermoms2/su2_40.htm). 3 be perceived as a provocation.3 To addressing integration of dogs www.doggonesafe.com 4 better understand a dog’s with children. Dogs act based on T. Grandin, C. Johnson, Animals perceptual frame of reference, I their instinct unless that instinct in Translation, (New York: strongly recommend all dog is suppressed by training and Scribner, 2005). owners read Temple Grandin’s socialization.3 If a dog is book entitled Animals in approached by a child showing Translation.4 Grandin reviews the behavior the dog considers This article first appeared in the brains of animals and compares threatening, the dog may warn May/June 2005 issue of Golden their function to that of autistic the child in a variety of methods: Retriever News and is reprinted individuals. Grandin is a woman growling, showing teeth or by here with permission of the author. who has autism, yet has managed leaving the area. Children who do to achieve a PhD and is an expert not recognize the warnings force in animal restraint systems. Her a dog to instinctively protect itself.

Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club 11 Health and Safety Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete © 2005 Chris Zink DVM, PhD www.caninesports.com

There are a number of studies that spayed or neutered after 5 1/2 months Nov;11(11):1434-40), a cancer that is suggest that those of us with canine of age. If I were a breeder, I would be very much more life-threatening than athletes should be carefully considering concerned about this, because it would mammary cancer, and which affects both our current recommendations to spay or mean that I might be making incorrect genders. neuter all dogs at 6 months of age or breeding decisions if I were considering earlier. A study by Salmeri et al in 1991 the hip status of pups I sold that were Finally, in another study, unneutered (Salmeri et al JAVMA 1991;198:1193- spayed or neutered early. Interestingly, males were significantly less likely than 1203) found that bitches spayed at 7 this same author also identified an neutered males to suffer cognitive weeks were significantly taller than increased incidence of sexual behaviors impairment when they were older (Hart those spayed at 7 months, and that those in males and females that were neutered BL. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2001 Jul spayed at at 7 months had significantly early. 1;219(1):51-6). Females were delayed closure of the growth plates Dogs that were not evaluated in that study. than those not spayed (or presumably A number of studies, spayed after the growth plates had including the one by Spain neutered before For these reasons, I have closed). The sex hormones close the referenced above, have a year of age had significant concerns with growth plates, so the bones of dogs or shown that there is an a significantly spaying or neutering dogs bitches neutered or spayed before increase in the incidence of increased before puberty, particularly puberty continue to grow. This growth female urinary incontinence for the canine athlete. And frequently results in a dog that does not in dogs spayed early. This chance of frankly, if something is more have the same body proportions as he/ problem is an developing healthy for the canine she was genetically meant to. For inconvenience, and not bone cancer. athlete, would we not also example, if the femur is normal length at usually life-threatening, but want that for pet dogs as 8 months when a dog gets spayed or nonetheless one that well? I think it is important, neutered, but the tibia, which normally requires the dog to be medicated for life. therefore, that we assess each situation stops growing at 12 to 14 months of age individually. If a pet dog is going to live continues to grow, then an abnormal Yes, there is the concern that there is an with an intelligent, well-informed family angle may develop at the stifle. In increased risk of mammary cancer if a that understands the problem of pet addition, with the extra growth, the dog has a heat cycle. But it is my overpopulation and can be trusted to lower leg below the stifle becomes observation that fewer canine athletes keep their dogs under their control at all heavier (because it is longer), causing develop mammary cancer as compared times and to not breed them, I do not increased stresses on the cranial cruciate to the number that damage their cranial recommend spaying or neutering before ligament. This is confirmed by a recent cruciate ligaments. In addition, only 14 months of age. study showing that spayed and about 50 % of mammary cancers are neutered dogs have a higher incidence malignant, and those that are malignant Chris Zink, DVM, of CCL rupture (Slauterbeck JR, Pankratz don’t metastasize very often, PhD, foremost K, Xu KT, Bozeman SC, Hardy DM. particularly in these days when there is authority on the Canine ovariohysterectomy and early identification and removal of dog as an orchiectomy increases the prevalence of lumps found on our dogs. athlete and ACL injury. award-winning Clin Orthop In addition, when author of Peak Performance: Relat Res. 2004 considering cancer, Coaching the Canine Athlete and Dog Dec;(429):301- there is another study of Health and Nutrition for Dummies and co- 5). 3218 dogs that showed author of Jumping from A to Z: Teach Your that dogs that were Dog to Soar has put over 60 obedience, In addition, a neutered before a year of agility, retrieving, tracking and conformation study in 2004 in age had a significantly titles on dogs from three different groups. JAVMA (Spain increased chance of She is a consultant on canine sports et al. JAVMA 2004;224:380-387) showed developing bone cancer (Cooley DM, medicine and gives seminars worldwide that dogs spayed or neutered before 5 Beranek BC, Schlittler DL, Glickman to rave reviews. She has many upcoming seminars planned for 2005 through 2006. 1/2 months had a significantly higher NW, Glickman LT, Waters D, Cancer Article printed with permission of the author. incidence of hip dysplasia than dogs Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002

12 Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club Health & Safety Winter Grooming Tips by Pat Enright Now that winter is upon us, we will be spending gathering all the loose hairs (I’ll bet there’s lots more time in the house. The same holds true of it!). Stand back and admire your beautiful for our dogs, and you might be noticing a few dog and your great job! The whole exercise more hairs and a slightly stronger canine odour shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. No “fancy than you did a few months ago. Your semi- schmancy” gadgets, no tricks, no muss, no fuss, hibernation will afford you more opportunities no excuses! to practice your grooming skills! Tip #2: Does your dog get ice balls in his paws Here are some timely tips to help you cope with when you take a walk in the snow? First thing the snowy weather, and keep your Golden to do is trim away the excess hair on the bottom looking good and smelling like spring! of each paw. Lift the paw back so the pads are facing up. Brush up the hairs so they are Tip #1: Contrary to popular belief, most dogs do standing up straight. With the scissors, trim not need a bath every few months. What they evenly with the top of the pad. Trim away excess need is a proper and hairs in front of nails and thorough brushing. on sides of paw. Just before you venture out, get your oil Gather your brush or comb based hand lotion/ and a spray bottle. Pour one moisturizer from the cup of warm water in the bathroom and squeeze out a bottle, then add two liberal (1/2 teaspoon) size tablespoons of the crème drop. Rub into the pads and rinse you use on your own hair on bottom of paw, and hair. Gently agitate the then into the hairs between bottle to mix ingredients – the toes. Use more, rather about two to three minutes. than less, making sure the (Do not shake the bottle! It will foam up and out paw is well moistened. Repeat for other three all over!) With your dog on the grooming table paws. or floor, facing away from you (his tail in your face!), push his hair backward and lightly spray This does two things: First, it will help keep ice his hind legs and tail, his back and sides, and balls from forming. Secondly, it keeps the pads then the front legs and chest – all the while from getting dry and cracking. rubbing the spray deep into his coat. For the head and ears, spray your hand and rub in If you are going to be out in the snow for more where needed. than 30 minutes, or it is going to be a very cold (-20C) day, you might want to use a more While he is still facing away from you, get your intense lotion such as the Vaseline cream grooming tool and start at the bottom of his hind formula. Or, you can buy a travel size tube to legs. Lift the hair up and brush/comb as close keep in your pocket and reapply when to the skin as possible. After both hind legs do necessary. Try to avoid using a lotion with cocoa the tail, and continue down his back and sides. butter or a fruity smell! Your dog will spend On his front chest, pull up the hair at the bottom more time trying to lick it off than he will and work your way upward. Don’t forget the walking! ears, neck and featherings on the back of the front legs. Clip these tips out and keep them handy for the next few months (and next winter, too!). Now, brush him down flat all over starting at Your dog will thank you! the head, smoothing down the hair and

Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club 13 South of the Border

Mark Your Calendars for the GRCA Eastern Regional Specialty!

Golden Retriever Club of Western New York will be A banquet program is scheduled for Friday night at hosting the GRCA Eastern Specialty this year, so mark the Holiday Inn. Rhonda Hovan, GRCA Research your calendars now and plan to attend! Date for the Facilitator, will be presenting “The “C” Word: Specialty will be Friday, September 1, 2006 in Albion, Harnessing the Fear of Canine Cancer.” A question New York. and answer period will follow the presentation. Proceeds from the GRCWNY will also be holding an presentation are to benefit the Golden independent Specialty at the same Retriever Foundation, a reservation location on Thursday, August 31st. form may be found at the GRCWNY website. Both days will encompass conformation, obedience and rally Judges for the Independent Specialty events. The GRCA Specialty on Friday include Michael Faulkner and Beth will also include Sweepstakes, and Speich for conformation, Linda there will be WC/WCX tests on MacDonald for obedience, and David Sunday, September 3rd. CCA Maurer for obedience and rally. evaluations will be offered on Thursday after the completion of GRCA Specialty judges will be Cherie regular judging, there will be a limit Berger and Nancy Talbott for of 15 dogs. Additional shows will be conformation, Romaine Halupa and hosted by Tonawanda Valley Kennel Club on Teri Poetker for Sweeps, David Maurer for obedience, September 2nd and 3rd. and Linda MacDonald for obedience and rally.

The host hotel for the event will be the Holiday Inn in Show superintendent for both specialties is Rau Dog Batavia, New York, which is approximately 20 Shows, Ltd. Entry deadline is August 16, 2006. Visit minutes from the show site. Special room rates are the GRCWNY website at www.grcwny.org for more available when mentioning GRCWNY. There will also information on any aspect of the shows. be plenty of RV parking for those so inclined.

GRCA Adds Goldendoodle Statement to Website

The Golden Retriever Club of America has recently bread – touting them as the perfect pet for allergy updated the public education section of their website sufferers, that they have “hybrid vigor” and are to include taking a stance on Goldendoodles. healthier than either parent breed, yada yada yada. Following the lead of the Labrador Retriever Club, All this for major bucks. whose breed has also been victimized by those intentionally crossbreeding “doodles,” GRCA has GRCA is attempting to set the record straight through added a statement against these dogs and those who public education. Goldendoodles are nothing more purposely breed them. than expensive mongrels who do shed, prone to genetic diseases of both breeds and offering none of Many websites abound on the Internet, as well as the advantages of owning a purebred dog. The entire newspaper classified ads, selling Goldendoodle statement may be viewed by visiting www.grca.org puppies. People selling Goldendoodles would have us and clicking the “Puppy Buyers Beware” link on the believe these dogs are the next best thing to sliced home page.

14 Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club South of the Border Upcoming Events

Agility Syracuse Obedience Training Club, Brewerton, NY. Obedience, Rally. June 10 - 11 (closing May 24). FMI - Mary Western Lakes Training Club of Buffalo, East Amherst, NY. Yates, Event Secretary (315)637-0911. April 21 - 23 (closing date April 4). FMI - Denise Thomas, Event Secretary (814)756-3545 [email protected] Nango Circuit, Bainbridge, NY. Conformation, Obedience, Rally. June 29 - July 2 (closing June 14). FMI - McNulty Dog Syracuse Obedience Training Club, Marcellus, NY. April 29- Shows, www.mcnultydogshows.com 30 (closing date April 12). FMI - Diane Eggleston, Event Secretary (315)345-5146 [email protected] Hamlin, NY Cluster, Hamlin, NY. Conformation, Obedience, Rally. July 6 - 8 (closing June 21). FMI - McNulty Dog Shows, Hamburg All Breed Obedience Club, Hamburg, NY. May 5- www.mcnultydogshows.com 7 (closing April 21). FMI - Denise Thomas, Event Secretary (814)756-3545 [email protected] Tracking Dog Obedience Training Club of Rochester, Hamlin, NY. May 12 - 14 (closing date April 26). FMI - Denise Thomas, Tracking Club of Vermont, Danby, VT. TX test (TDX). April 30 Event Secretary (814)756-3545 [email protected] (closing April 20). FMI - Kat Colvin, Event Secretary (802)375- 6149. Ruff Riders Agility Club, Cato, NY. June 22 - 25 (closing date June 5). FMI - Dee Bramble, Event Secretary (315)626-6203 Burlington Obedience Training Club, South Hero, VT. TR test [email protected] (TD). May 14 (closing May 4). FMI - Deborah Brown, Event Secretary (802)372-4234. Albany Obedience Club, Glenmont, NY. July 1 - 2 (closing date June 17). FMI - Noreen Bennett, Event Secretary (413)283-4490 [email protected] Hunt Tests

Syracuse Obedience Training Club, Marcellus, NY. July 7 - Hudson Highlands Hunting Retriever Association, Newburgh, 9 (closing date June 23). FMI - Lisa Hanley, Event Secretary NY. May 20 - 21. FMI - Carolyn Southey, Event Secretary (315)673-3876 [email protected] (917)492-1906 [email protected]

Long Island Golden Retriever Club, Manorville, NY. May 27 - Conformation/Obedience/Rally 28. FMI - Emily Biegel, Event Secretary (631) 363-7150 [email protected] Hamburg All Breed Obedience Club, Hamburg, NY. Obedience, Rally. May 6 - 7 (closing date April 19). FMI - Long Island Retriever Field Trial Club, Manorville, NY. June 9 McNulty Dog Shows, www.mcnultydogshows.com - 11. FMI - Sue Carpenter, Event Secretary (631)298-1677.

St. Lawrence Valley Dog Club, Ogdensburg, NY. AKC Iroquois Labrador Retriever Club, Baldwinsville, NY. June 17. Sanctioned Match. Conformation, Obedience, Rally. May 13. FMI - Mary Kobis, Event Secretary (315)678-9511 FMI - Judi Questel, Chair (315)393-5379. [email protected]

Albany Obedience Club, Glenmont, NY. Obedience, Rally. Black Creek Retriever Club, East Berne, NY. June 24 - 25. May 20 - 21 (closing date May 3). FMI - Barbara Hackel, FMI - Marjorie Olden, Event Secretary (518)882-6927. Event Secretary (518)784-0191.

Olean KC/Wyoming Valley KC, Alexander, NY. Field Trials Conformation, Obedience. May 20 - 21 (closing May 3). FMI - McNulty Dog Shows, www.mcnultydogshows.com Central New York Retriever Club, Baldwinsville, NY. May 26. FMI - Beverly Kishpaugh, Event Secretary (607)722-5568 1,000 Islands Cluster, Clayton, NY. Conformation, Obedience, [email protected] Rally. June 2-4 (closing May 17). FMI - McNulty Dog Shows, www.mcnultydogshows.com

Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club 15 South of the Border

1000 Islands Cluster AKC Judges Seminar in Rochester, New York St. Lawrence Valley Dog Club – North Country Kennel Club June 2 – 4, 2006 Hosted by DOTCORNY Put this on your calendar!!

Conformation judging indoors July 22 & 23, 2006 Obedience and Rally outdoors Henrietta, New York Clayton Recreational Park Arena 600 East Line Road Clayton, New York Saturday will focus on obedience and Sunday will Located in the scenic 1000 Islands area of northern New York focus on Rally. These seminars will meet AKC

For more information see the St. Lawrence Valley Dog Club Obedience and Rally Judges educational requirements. web site at www.slvdc.com or contact McNulty Dog Shows McNulty Dog Shows, Superintendent Exhibitors are welcome!!! This is a great opportunity 1745 Route 78, PO Box 175, Java Center, NY 14082-0175 (585)457-3371 - www.mcnultydogshows.com to learn more about the Regulations and how/why judges score various mistakes the way they do!!!

Cost: $40 for both days, or $25 per day. Lunch is included.

th June 2nd and 3rd June 4 hosted by SLVDC hosted by NCKC Questions? For more information contact This will be our third year at this location – we have been Terri Clingerman (315-597-3731 or receiving excellent reviews from exhibitors. Come join the fun! [email protected]) On-site food service will be available.

Obedience/Rally Seminar

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Registration Form

Name: E-mail: Address: Phone:

Days you want to attend (circle one):

Saturday, Sunday, Both days July 22 July 23

Mail completed form and check made out to DOTCORNY to:

Terri Clingerman 1855 Route 21N Palmyra, NY 14522

Confirmation and directions will me mailed (or e-mailed) to participants.

16 Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club Views from the Doghouse by Judi Questel, Editor Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of “management.” This column is the price y’all have to pay for giving me this job.

will repeat the mugging process, as if to say “There! That’s The Daily Mugging what you get for making me wait!” What does the above scenario boil down to? Routine – and Nearly every day at approximately 3:30 p.m., my husband how our dogs thrive on it. They like having an ordered world. experiences something we have come to call “the daily They know when mealtime is, when their people are due home mugging.” This only happens on days where Tom has gone from work, what time the daily walk is. We are told with a to work, but rarely is one of these days missed. new puppy that they need a routine, feeding and pottying on schedule results in more reliable housetraining. To the dog, It goes something like this: Tom sits on the edge of the bed to adherence to their schedule also equates love and attention take his work boots off. Daisy and Diva are the perpetrators, from the owner, a sure sign they are part of the family. They jumping on the bed and flanking him. There may be another feel they have direction and purpose in their lives. Well, stop dog roaming around on the bed, often sporting a stuffed toy and think about it – don’t you feel the same way when you and singing while butt-tuck tail wagging. This is the have a routine? Wake up at a certain time, work regularly distraction dog. A look passes between Daisy and Diva – “OK, scheduled hours, eat at defined mealtimes – these define the ready?” “I’m ready, how ‘bout you?” Daisy will then leverage skeleton of our lives. How we use the extra time left over defines her right shoulder under Tom’s left collarbone and knock him how well padded that skeleton is – and how much more backwards onto the bed. She then proceeds to literally pin rewarding that “padding” is when engaging in activities that him down while she and Diva deliver a thorough face washing include our dogs as well. Think of it as more bang for your – the “mugging” ritual. All the while Tom is mock protesting, “time buck” when you and your dog both enjoy spending which only serves to encourage more fast and furious tongue time together. action accompanied by equally fast and furious tail wagging. Some days, especially when Tom is a bit late getting home Now, if you will excuse me, I have a few faces telling me it is from work, there is an Act Two – as soon as Tom sits up Daisy 6:02 p.m. and dinner is now two minutes late…

What’s New My Smart Puppy Training DVD by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson Puppies, puppies, puppies! Definitely cute – and this training video is loaded with them.

Whether your first puppy or you just haven’t had the patter of little paws in your house for some time, My Smart Puppy is a wonderful training primer. Geared toward the average pet owner, Brian and Sarah pack this video with lots of positive-reinforcement training tips and puppy- raising advice. While those who work with puppies frequently and teach puppy classes will find this video reiterating what we already know, for the general pet-owning public it is a wealth of information. Even for trainers it may offer a different, fresh approach to the same material being taught in class.

Starring Brian and Sarah, in addition to a cast of 20 puppies, this 60 minute video covers a lot of ground. Sponsored by Iams as well as Heartgard and Frontline, and therefore heavy on branded products from food to leashes, it nonetheless has plenty for anyone bringing home a new pup. Crate training, basic obedience commands, housebreaking, and avoiding problem behaviors such as jumping and mouthing are all covered in the video. All training sessions are kept short and demonstrated by Brian and Sarah, with explanations of the reasoning behind each exercise. All puppies in the video were in the actual learning process, loaned by local breeders and animal shelters without having prior training.

My Smart Puppy is available on-line at www.mysmartpuppy.com for $19.99. Signed copies of several books authored by Brian and Sarah are also available.

Golden Views - December 2005 - ©Ottawa Valley Golden Retriever Club 17