Pooch scoop APRIL 2022
HAPPY EASTER
Office Bearers and Committee President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor Obedience Chief Instructor Agility Table Manager Shop Manager Agility Secretary Newsletter/Website Sports Council Representative General Committee
Lynn Olson MaryjkaKelly Vicki Cooper Julie Annetts Leanne Brown Leanne Brown Vicki Cooper Francoise Matter Lynn Olson Paul Kelly Trevor Mawer, Cath Moran, Francoise Matter
Life Members: Dot Luker, Ann Moy, Sue Fell, Ron Amann, Wally Campbell, Pam Waters, Lesley Piggott, Lynn Olson, Leanne Brown General Meetings: are held 3rd Tuesday of each month from February to November at Red Cross Hall, Macquarie Road, Springwood commencing 7.30. All members welcome. COVID Permitting. Web site: Email Facebook:
www.sddtc.org info@sddtc.org Springwood District Dog Training Club
Training – As per Club rules if any member wishes to attend a training session, you must book on our Facebook page or advise by telephoning 47394325 or emailing sofalegs4321@bigpond.com
Monday – Agility 7.00 –Please arrive 6.45 p.m. so you may assist in putting out equipment, after which you exercise your dog.
Thursday – Obedience – 7.30 – 8.45 p.m. Please arrive 7.00 p.m. giving you time to pay at the table and move to the oval. This way you can exercise your dog before class commences.
Tuesday – Obedience 9.30 – 10.30 a.m. (Daylight Saving Time) – Please arrive 9.15 a.m. to pay and move to the oval, to exercise your dog before class commences
“It’s OK! My dog is friendly……….
I cringe every time I hear someone say it……….There are so many possibilities to the outcome of this……. Have a read of this scenario. You are walking your dog happily down the street, on lead, (of course), when…… Another handler is being pulled by their dog frantically towards your dog, calling out “It’s OK! They’re friendly!” Your response is to hold onto your lead tight and try to look after your dog, well aware of the snorting, snuffling jumpy dog that is approaching, but not sure what to expect. A tight leash makes your dog react to the change of energy and the new space restriction you have applied. Flight for your dog is no longer an option. Your dog is now alert and anticipating something….your dog may feel startled, frightened…definitely unsure, after all, they are a stranger . The Scenario unfolds (By no means are all the options available written here) Depending on previous experience your dog may: -Stand stiffly. Accept the dog approaching; allow some sniffing, all the time hesitant of what might happen. -Growl, show their teeth, stand upright. Dogs have a personal space and clearly the space is being infringed and this is the only way they have to communicate this fact. -Try to run away from the other dog, pulling handler over. Get away at all costs. How frightful for the dog. -Engage with the other dog in a negative way – Loud barking noises, pushing the other dog-go away this is serious. The dog feels it has to take action.
Both dogs tussling each other, argy bargy. This could end up anywhere. A bad experience all round. Handler loses hold of leash – one dog runs away, handler frantic to get Hold of the leash. Think of all the potential dangers here. One dog runs away the other dog chases – even worse potential for dogs to get hurt and both handlers frantic. Both dogs start to fight – minor injury, major injury, vet bills, implications?????????? Both dogs accept each other. More by chance and good luck than careful planning of both handlers. Both dogs have had a negative experience. Neither dog has learned how to greet a dog respectfully and the fearful negative experience may have ongoing issues for the dogs. With both dogs their relationship with their handlers have been affected and trust must be regained. All around at any level, this hasn’t been a great experience for the dogs. So…..what is the alternative……? When out walking, if you must greet another dog (it’s OK to be just out walking your dog, enjoying their company). Be sure you have taught your dog to have manners when on lead. -Don’t allow your dog to pull you over to another dog. Stand your ground. Ask the handler for permission to greet their dog and then give your dog permission to greet the other dog. This allows the other handler the option to do what is right for their dog too. -Never walk your dog straight up to the nose of another dog. In dog world this is rude and unnatural. Dogs find this behaviour threatening and aggressive. Allow the dogs to greet each other side by side on a loose leash with the handlers relaxed. -If it is the dogs first meeting let them sniff each other and move on. They don’t need to stay a long time in each other’s space. Move on before any dog gets defensive or starts playing by jumping up. You want to create a short positive
experience leaving the dog feeling positive about greeting other dogs. Staying too long and either dog’s behaviours change and a negative experience occurs; neither dog will enjoy greeting other dogs. If you want the dogs to have more time together, go somewhere safe where they can do so off lead. Be mindful of other handlers and their dogs. Many handlers are working with their dog, enjoying their walk together and may not want to be disturbed. Don’t assume all dogs are friendly and never assume your dog will always be friendly with everything they meet. Dogs are all different. Just like humans. They have likes and dislikes, insecurities and prior expereinces. We don’t need to force them into meeting with other dogs that they don’t know…… “It’s OK! My dog is friendly.” NO! It’s not OK! EVER……. Information submitted by Leanne Brown Chief Instructor SDDTC. Inc.
The above sign is now on the Clubhouse at Lomatia Park. If at training with Springwood District Dog Training Club under the supervision of an Instructor, then the dog may be permitted to be off lead. If not at a designated training session, then the dog must be kept on lead.
What Breed Am I? – Without referring to Mr. Google, try to work out what type of dog is listed below: This breed can be directly traced back to the 15th century in Germany. However, these type dogs have appeared in ancient Egyptian and Mexican art. Remains of this type dog were found with shipwreck remnants in Italy, dating back to the 1st century AD. The German breed standard was set in 1879 and the breed club established in 1888. They were exported to Great Britain with Prince Albert and became popular in Britain and America throughout the 19th century. During World War I, the breed lost popularity in these countries, due to its Germanic origins, however, prejudices have been set aside and the dog is again a favourite family pet and hunting companion. Standard types were used to hunt badgers primarily but have been used with other game. This is a long backed, short legged dog of diminutive height. While small, the breed is still muscular and powerfully built with a deep, broad chest and welldeveloped forelegs. The forehead blends into the muzzle creating an elongated look to the skull. The eyes are dark, almond shaped and intelligent looking. The ears are high set and long. Most dogs are black with tan markings or a solid reddish-brown colour. However, they can appear as reds, dappled, with tiger markings, or brindle. Some may have a limited amount of white on the chest. The breed is measured by chest girth, which in the standard size should be up to 35cms. Both dogs and bitches should weigh between 9-12kgs. This breed is intelligent but not particularly easy to train since it has a curious nature and a mind of its own. It can be very difficult to overcome the hunting instinct and train the dog to come when called. Early socialisation is required in order for it to learn to get along with cats and other dogs. Socialisation will also help it overcome its natural wariness with strangers. WHO AM I? The first correct answer placed on the Facebook page will get a little prize at training.
CLUB MEMBER’S SHOP Black Dog Halties – all sizes
$22.00
Black Dog Training Collars (all sizes) $15.50 Black Dog Collars (various sizes)
$12.00 - $17.00
Black Dog 1.2 metre Lead (Black or Red) $18.50 Black Dog Treat Tote (various colours) Grey Treat Bag
$25.00
$10.00
SPECIAL Moina’s liver/heart treats 100 gm (Australian made) - Club Fundraiser
$2.00
Club Shirts, Vests and Jackets are available for purchase from the Club. Francoise Matter (owner of Molly, Golden Retriever) is our Shop Manager. For all your needs, please see Francoise on Tuesday mornings or Thursday evenings. ARTICLES FOR THE NEWSLETTER –If you have any interesting articles for inclusion in the newsletter, please forward to Lynn Olson sofalegs4321@bigpond.com