Top Dog! Signs of Stress, cont’d a great time to be around you. (You are not sounding too happy today) You raise your voice a little, and the dog starts sniffing at nothing. (“Calm down please.”) You call louder still and the dog comes slowly, pausing occasionally. (“I know it can be rude and sometimes dangerous to run straight up to someone; I’ll go slowly and proceed cautiously and test the waters.”) The dog walks indirectly towards you. (“I’m showing you respect” - social dogs do not greet each other head on.) You call again, and the dog refuses to look at you. (“Looking you in the eye is a challenge – I don’t want to mistakenly challenge you – I’m just trying to be appeasing.”) Our very mistaken interpretation is usually that our dog knows what we want and should do what we say; therefore he is “choosing” to misbehave and always does so when he “knows” that we don’t have time to deal with it! Becoming familiar with the way your dog shows signs of stress, will allow you to recognize the situations that make them uncomfortable or challenge them. By being able to recognize these and
help them at the first signs of a problem, you can make things better before your dog’s behaviours intensify or become a habit. Taking this proactive approach can prevent many common behaviour problems, such as reactivity to people or dogs, fussiness and handling issues. Lisa and Valerie are professional dog behaviourists and trainers; they have been training together for over seven years and have a combined 25 years of experience working with dogs. With a focus on creating confident, happy and well-balanced dogs using truly dog-friendly methods, they offer hipPUPS, an early socializing program for pups, babyBRATS, an impulsecontrol and skill-building program for adolescent dogs and the Partnership Program, a non-traditional obedience series for dogs of all ages. In addition to group classes, they also offer private programs and behavioural sessions to cater to the specific needs of any dog. In October 2012, they each received a new designation from the Karen Pryor Academy, as Certified Training Partner. (See their listing ‘In Partnership With Dogs’ in Pet Central)
Cariboo Challenge 2014 Jack Gawthorn Memorial Sled Dog Race Photos by Rein-Beau Images
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rofessional and amateur sled dog teams gathered at the 108 Mile Heritage Site for some serious racing on January 10-12 for the 21st Annual Cariboo Challenge Sled Dog Race. They had 4, 6 and 10 dog races as well as an Adult Skijoring speed class. These annual races are held “MALAMUTT” the new Mascot as a memorial to a local, musher and outfitter, Jack Gawthorn. On April 3, 1991, Jack and his team of Malamutes set off to close his backwoods cabin on Long Lake (northeast of 100 Mile House). Jack, his dogs, and all his equipment disappeared. It is presumed they went through the ice. No trace of Jack or his dogs has ever been found in these dark and murky waters. There is a permanent memorial to Jack at his backwoods cabin. 34 • Saddle Up • February 2014
Comments from the photographer… “I stood and waited for this dog to howl for this shot. I don’t know if you’ve ever been to one, but it’s very noisywhoof-whoof. While it was a very enjoyable day, weather was great for the audience, but warm for the dogs. Was disappointed there was no program or explanation of each event. And the announcements were really lacking for those who were just there to watch. A lot of people had questions. Apparently dogs came from Germany, Alberta and local; that was mentioned.” See full results on www.cariboochallengesleddograce.com HCBC 2010 Business of the Year