Pure Dog Talk

Gretchen Schultz aka the "Queen of Slobber"

Gretchen Schultz

For a woman of such tremendously strong opinion and personality, it is remarkably difficult to find much public information about Gretchen Schultz.

I hope you guys enjoy hearing from one of my great idols and, at least distantly, mentors.

I always was slightly terrified of Gretchen even from across the Expo Center in Portland, but she was my original “stalking” victim! I watched *everything* she did. Short of growing a “rat tail,” as they were called in the day, I wanted to be JUST like Gretchen when I “grew up.”

2nd Generation - Daughter of Professional Handlers

The daughter of very famous professional handler parents, Gretchen’s father, Walt Shellenbarger, went on to judge.  He scared the bejeezus out of me the few times I was in his ring!  Her mother, Jo, handled the famous Traveler, Ch. Gretchenhof Columbia River to Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club in 1974.

Jo also showed Clumber Spaniels for the one and only Bets Young of Cypress Woods kennels.  My parents were very involved in the early 1980s with convincing the powers that be in the Clumber Spaniel Club of America (primarily Bets) that field work should be included in the national events. I have very vivid memories of Jo, toward the end of her career, convincing my 15 year old brother to dance with her at a social event in Bets’ home.

Gretchen and German Shorthaired Pointers

Gretchen grew up with 50 German Shorthaired Pointers, but started her junior showmanship career with an English Cocker Spaniel, because the German Shorthairs were too big for her.  She credits her mother with teaching her about breeding dogs and her dedication to her parents’ memories is obvious.

Despite an attempt to break away from the allure of the dog show world, traveling the world and some wild adventures, Gretchen couldn’t stay gone for long. Her passion for the sport runs deep and wide.

How did Gretchen get the nickname Queen of Slobber?

Married for many years to Bruce Schultz, they were a powerful handling team. Gretchen became known as the “queen of slobber” for her most consistent clientele… Bloodhounds and Mastiffs. Gretchen handled the Bloodhound bitch, Ch. Ridge Runner Unforgettable, to the record as the top-winning Bloodhound of all time. Just before Westminster 2001, Gretchen had knee surgery, so Bruce showed ‘Fanny’ to her big Group First win.

Fundraiser for American Cancer Society's Relay for Life

As a multiple cancer survivor, literally given months to live more than once, Gretchen has become a major fundraiser in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. She remarried in 2013. She and husband Phil Lawrence are avid golfers.

Gretchen is, if nothing else, forthright in her opinion… She expresses frustration with the judges’ approval process at the AKC and describes the “old days” and a system by which judges “sank or swam” based on their ability to draw an entry and their popularity with clubs and exhibitors. She currently judges 13 breeds along with junior showmanship.

Gretchen Schultz Relay for Life

Gretchen Schultz PHA Hall of Fame Inductee

The PHA is pleased to announce establishment of the Hall of Fame intending to recognize current and past members whose individual effort over the years have made immeasurable contributions to the Association, the dog handling profession, and the sport of showing purebred dogs.

Their unselfish work,

Cherrie Spring - From English Springer Spaniels to Talking with the Animals

Handing her English Springer Spaniel to professional handler Gary Zayac at the National, vaulted Cherrie Spring into the world of dog shows.  Balance in dogs, and balance with and through her skills as an animal communicator was not always easy.  But just as show dogs learn to use themselves well, Cherrie has honed her communication skills to answer questions between owners and animals.

In addition to her work as an animal communicator, Cherrie Spring has a long, diverse history involved with purebred dogs. She agreed to share some of her most powerful lessons with our PureDogTalk listeners.

Enjoy this wonderful tribute to her mentors! Laura Reeves

Words of Wisdom from my Mentors

...as remembered by Cherrie Spring

Wisdom comes in as many forms as there are teachers. I will share some of the more memorable from the great teachers in my life, recognizing that in saying this I am leaving out many people.

From Debbie Ritter  - Pedigrees

I learned that, in reading pedigrees, you must consider the grandparent’s influence as if you are not breeding the two you are considering, but the four behind them. If any of those four, in your estimation, should not be bred, for any reason, the breeding should not be done.

When breeding from a dominant bitch line to an outcross you should never expect to go forward in that generation alone. Only keep out of the litter what your vision is going forward. When breeding to a line-bred dog, you must always consider his stamina, drive and temperament as the foremost component of what you are trying to achieve.

You absolutely, without exception, must know the faults in make and shape and genetic abnormalities that all animals in the first three generations have to make an educated and responsible decision in a considered breeding.

She taught me how to read a pedigree like no one before her or since. She understood our breed (English Springer Spaniel) and the individuals in it that well.

From Karen Prickett Miller - English Springer Spaniels

I learned, you cannot shorten the muzzle of an English Springer Spaniel without compromising everything in head structure which makes the Springer head unique. A shoved in foreface creates a round eye and lack of correct chiseling around the eye and to include the muzzle that is specifically stated in the standard. This shortening also causes the upper lid to lose its shape and become round, another fault addressed in the standard. The loss of length of foreface also creates a lack of room for pre molars. A Springer head with these proportions and faults has no strength or stamina to carry game in its mouth correctly.

You cannot have a short headed dog and have a dog that is proportioned to the standard, as measurements starts with the length of the head. Bone on a Springer is flat. It is not round. Round bones are heavier than flat bones. Make your bones flat and wide, not round and dense. This really applies to legs and rib cage.

Teach them to go (move) on their own. They must go as they stand in profile.

Four Qualities in Breeding Animals

There are four qualities that every breeding animal should have. Strong character appropriate to their breed. Deep underjaws in breeds that are to have a scissor or level bite. Straight front legs. Breed appropriate feet. The down fall of these mark the downfall of the breed.

I have had Anne Clarke tell Gary and I the same things.

From Denis Springer I learned:

You have to be tough as nails on the outside, with hands that are trusted and gentle guided by your love of the dog and the fancy.

He would tell me, “Toughen up Red, regroup and show them what is really inside.”

You must let your hands tell you what your eye lies to you about.

Jacqueline Zwirn: Dog Show Forum and The Dog Show Judges Report Card

Jacqueline Zwirn is 3rd generation dog shows... literally "whelped" into dogs.  A successful junior handler of her mom's Great Danes, Jacqueline continues today to show Miniature Pinschers under the Sidel Miniature Pinschers prefix.  Junior Showmanship taught... SPORTSMANSHIP  Sportsmanship is ethics, etiquette, manners, losing and winning with dignity and the strive and drive to improve.

Sportsmanship as Administrator of Dog Show Facebook Groups

Sportsmanship skills are a question on Facebook and social media.  Why, hidden behind a keyboard, is permission granted to lose the core ethics of showmanship?

Jacqueline Zwirn winning with her Miniature Pinscher brace under Patricia V. Trotter

Listen to Episode #109 of Pure Dog Talk as Laura Reeves and Jacqueline Zwirn discuss how Facebook and social media groups could mentor exhibitors and breeders in understanding the judge's opinions, and learn to breed better dogs.

Social Media Thoughts From Jacqueline Zwirn

Rules of Sportsmanship:

* No Slander or Attack

* Give facts of your experience, not your opinions

* Describe what or why you felt something happened

* Listen and learn

* Don't vent because you lost

Ringside and Judges Perspectives:

* Ringside has more time to evaluate a dog than the judge

* The Judges view is not the same as the ringside view

* Judges may be looking at or for something different than you

Owners:

* Owners that have only one dog may have emotional attachment blinders on, and not be able to see what the judge sees

* Handlers are a great resource for an evaluation.

* Handlers are not emotionally attached to your dog's critique

* Judges read, hear or talk about what is said online.  Don't kiss up or promote your dog

Dog Show Judges:

* Dog Show Judges are people too!!!

* Judges love dogs

* Judges are human and constantly learning

* Judges spend a ton of money to become judges and make VERY LITTLE!!!

Correctly Assessing a Judge's Intentions

Even professional handler's sometimes mistake a judge's intention, preferences, or pet peeves.  Breeder Judges may look for or be harder on something that affected their line or is a problem in the breed.  Judges not as familiar with your breed may be more generic in selection.

Evaluation of what a judge might like or dislike in a dog is really hard.  There is no hard and fast rule.   Try not to categorize them as a head hunter, or a movement judge without systematically analyzing if that is true.  Oftentimes the "current opinion" is just gossip and not grounded in fact.

* As a judge learns, their opinions may change

* Different dogs are in the ring, every show is different

* Your "belief" that your dog is perfect, colors your opinion

Boring News... Go Back To Your Breed Standard

Sorry... but maybe if it is said enough times?  Go back to your breed standard.  Understand your breed standard.  Question what it means?  Does your dog excel in every part of the standard?  If so, get a second opinion!

SIDELS MINIATURE PINCSCHERS

Bill Ellis,  once a former junior showmanship competitor, is currently Communications Coordinator for the American Kennel Club.

Bill talks with Laura Reeves of fond memories and how what he learned through Junior Showmanship prepared him for life outside the ring.

Laura Reeves

I have always believed that Junior Showmanship and a childhood spent raised in and around the sport of purebred dogs is invaluable in many diverse ways.

After all, Mom enrolled me in dog care 4-H in fourth grade because I was “shy and retiring and lacked people skills”… Forty years later, who I am is due, in large part, to what I learned there and by continuing on into the sport of purebred dogs. Literally, my best friend in third grade was the school librarian. I was the only eight year old kid who knew the entire Dewey Decimal system by heart since I spent most every recess and lunchtime shelving books with Mrs. Young.

While I’m still the head bookworm at heart, I learned how to cope, how to get along, how to lead as well as follow, how to manage time, take responsibility, have a thick skin for criticism (a *definite* requirement in journalism and the dog show world), how to make friends, etc ad nauseam. I have an expensive college degree that broadened my exposure to the outside world, but I would never have survived it without the years spent with dogs learning how to be “human.”

Bill Ellis and other former Junior Handler's skills

When I interviewed Bill Ellis on this topic, it struck me that all of these “transportable skills” as the human resources people like to call them, are not unique to me. So I reached out to the fancy for their thoughts on the topic. Turns out, as usual, I didn’t even know the half of it!

From special education teachers to emergency managers, from researchers to factory workers, from lawyers to stay at home moms, the uniting theme is the work ethic, compassion, confidence, grace under pressure, skillful multitasking and so much more that young people acquire in this sport.

Thanks to former juniors and assistants

Tremendous thanks to the dozens of former juniors and assistants who responded to my inquiry. I’m including a great many of their stories, comments and observations here. Mostly because so many of them were so intense, specific and concrete.

Meanwhile, for all of you out there who think Junior Showmanship is nothing more than a training ground for future professional handlers, think again. This part of the dog fancy is busy training up an entire miniature work force of individuals with determination, punctuality and perseverance that are sadly lacking in too many youngsters outside our world.

 

Former Junior Handlers and/or Assistants: Where Are They Now?

Heather Hale:

My introduction to the sport came via none other than Cie Harris and her giant Irish Wolfhounds in the mid 90's. I wish I could say what drew me into the sport beyond being a preteen girl who didn't have the first clue as to how to dress to impress boys and virtually no real social life, so naturally going to dog shows and engrossing myself could do nothing to further ruin my already stellar reputation right?

Somewhere along the way, I convinced my parents to let me tag along and "help" Cie at a dog show. From the first instant I was hooked. I loved this exciting and crazy world, the smell, the odd way people dressed and ran, but most of all I loved the dogs. I loved the sizes and shapes and their natural ability to love and want to please their masters. I didn't  have the first clue that I would be entering what has become a mild obsession for me my entire life.

Then I met you, Laura Reeves, a professional handler and quite possibly the scariest and nicest woman I had ever...

Proper Bathing and Drying of Dogs with Laura Reeves

Our bathing dogs topic today is a thank you for Facebook Fan #2000 Joann Frisch! Joann says she owns a grooming salon, so she’s always up for grooming topics.

We covered pretty basic steps in Episode 73 and working with wire coats in Episode 88.

Importance of Bathing and Drying

But I worked pet grooming for a number of years and the one thing it teaches you is how VERY important bathing and drying are to the success of grooming any dog. Everybody starts out as a bather in pet grooming or as a professional handler’s assistant. And there is a reason for that.

A half clean, half dry dog is going to get sent back to the tub. Every time. The reasons would seem sort of self explanatory but considering the number of them I have sent back over the years and the number of client dogs who arrive clearly suffering the effects of the same malady, I’m going to hedge my bets on this.

There is no place for half way clean and dry, even for a pet dog, never mind a show dog. While your Italian Greyhound isn’t going to take as long as your Newfoundland, they all need the same level of care.

So let’s start at the top.

Nail Trim

Do it first. Get it out of the way before you have to trim feet around too long toenails. We’ve discussed nails before and I’ll just say it again briefly. Dogs feed off YOUR nerves. If you’re scared you’ll make the dog bleed, he’s going to figure there is a reason to be scared and panic and make the entire process a nightmare. Patience fearless leader, patience. Firm, fair and consistent. And always win the battle of wills. Just because your dog doesn’t *want* his toenails trimmed is NO reason not to do it.

Anal Glands

ONLY if needed. And if you don’t know how, learn the proper method! We’ve included a video link on the website to a veterinarian demonstrating the proper procedure. Most large breed active dogs will not need this procedure. Smaller breeds and less active animals or those that are overweight can experience more difficulty. For obvious reasons, do this *before* the bath!

Ears

Clean, pluck if needed. If you need to pull hair from the ear canal, be sure to clean it thoroughly afterward to prevent bacterial or fungal infection. Chlorhexadine ear cleaner is absolutely fabulous for preventing and clearing up ear problems.

Teeth

Do they need scaling?? Now is a good time to do it. Don’t have a tooth scaler? I was taught years ago how to use the thin edge of dime to achieve the same goal in a safe manner for dogs and humans. Use your tool to *gently* get to the gum line and pull down (or up) and away from the gums. I generally focus on the canines and any nasty buildup on the molars. Chlorhex makes a *fabulous* pre-soaked gauze pad for more regular cleaning of teeth.

BRUSH

As noted in previous shows, don’t wash a matted dog. Get the dog fully brushed to the skin, all over his body. Testicle mats, toe mats, belly mats, armpit mats…. Get them out BEFORE you bathe. Use a comb, use brushing spray, use Cowboy Magic, use a mat splitter if you have to, but make sure every part of the dog’s body is thoroughly brushed *to the skin*! You should be able to pull the dog’s hair back and see skin, not clumpy hair, on even the most densely coated dogs.

After nails, ears, anal glands, teeth and brushout, THEN you can get the bath started.

Bathing

Alrighty, on to the actual bathing part. Make sure ALL of the dog is wet (assuming you’re doing a full bath). And wet to the skin. For some coat types, this takes some effort, using a good spray attachment on the hose and really working the water in the coat. Use lukewarm water as a general rule.

Shiela Goffe, Vice President AKC Government Relations

Sheila Goffe, Vice President AKC Government Relations, provides us with specific, actionable projects to impact the world around us.

Ensure your all breed and parent clubs have Legislative Liaisons  – and that your LL’s information is up-to-date with AKC GR.

A Legislative Liaison is one of your club’s most essential links to AKC GR.  AKC GR provides important legislative alerts and communications to our liaisons via e-mail, and asks them to in turn share it with their club members.  Timely alerts provide notifications of proposals up for consideration, and information on how we can work together to protect your rights. Getting the word out quickly to local dog owners is essential to fighting bad legislation.  Learn more about our Legislative Liaison program.

Get involved and be a positive resource for canine expertise in your community.

Join community groups, a political party or similar organizations. Don’t forget that all-breed clubs are also intended to be a resource for the community! Introduce yourself in person, in social media and in writing to local leaders and offer to serve as an expert resource.  Whenever you speak with someone on this topic, always follow up. Follow up takes only a minute: a phone call, email, or social media contact. Wherever possible, provide more information of interest that will remind your contacts of the expertise you have to offer. (A link to AKC’s resources on the Economic Benefits of Dog Shows  or the impact of dog shows by state and similar expertise can go a long way toward demonstrating your expertise).

Be proud of the great work you do as a breeder/exhibitor/club member and share the love of dogs and your breed with others.

A positive approach can be contagious. Attend town hall meetings with political leaders and bring a positive face to exhibitors and breeders.  Know, understand and obey the laws governing dogs that apply to you. Do they need changing? We can help you with that.

Share information about the good things you, your club and AKC does for the community.

Do you teach classes? Provide therapy dogs? Donate to the local shelter? Participate in microchip or health clinics? Compile a list of the good things your club and club members do in the community and be proud to share that information (for examples, see AKC  Above and Beyond.)  Developing positive relationships with leaders in your community shows them that people who show, breed dogs or own multiple dogs are an asset to the community.

 

When you become an approachable expert resource, you will likely learn about and have opportunities to weigh in on canine proposals before they become a problem.  AKC GR is always available to help you with this. Tips for getting involved and informational resources are available on the GR Toolbox at www.akcgr.org.

Take advantage of AKC resources to provide educational opportunities in your community.

September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month. Is your club holding an event for the public?  Even if they aren’t, AKC resources make it easy for you to take important and meaningful actions, such as: inviting local leaders to your dog shows and events, inviting a local official or your local animal control professional to speak at a club meeting, and awarding a legislator of the year or dog friendly community...

Where Have All the Kennel Clubs Gone...

As Eugene Kennel Club disbands after their final 2017 show, we ask... how many more kennel clubs will go away...

Have we lost the purpose of kennel clubs?

Are kennel clubs just for "putting on shows"?

Should kennel clubs be or regain their position as a local service and educational organization?

Listener Sheri Graner Ray recently made the following observation.

Where are our clubs today? They are the front line for talking to the public! Yet how many puppy matches have you seen outside of a show site in the past five years? We used to hold matches twice a year (sometimes more, if we had a bunch of puppies coming up) and held them in public parks and such where the general public could come and watch. (and maybe try entering their family pet.) This made a great opportunity to talk to people and educate them about purebreds.

When Kennel Clubs Were Public Education

We used to hold public education events (the "Bark in the Park") and usually paired with a fun run of some sort. Heck, one year we even held it in a big shopping mall, essentially a "meet the breed" for a different breed every two hours. Great opportunity to talk to the public about dogs.

Today our club membership is dwindling and the members there are aging. They get together to put their shows together and that's about it. And yet today with the continuing threat of the animal rights making owning a purebred "unethical".. we need our clubs more than ever! Let's get back to being kennel clubs for the public!!!!!!

AKC is You!

It bugs me when people cry "Oh the AKC isn't doing anything"... I got news for you.. the AKC is a club made up of clubs.. not people.. WE have to do it!”

Many all breed kennel clubs do, in fact, offer outreach programs to the community. “Reading with Rover” programs, CGC and Puppy STAR testing opportunities, obedience classes, Responsible Dog Ownership days and Meet the Breeds are amongst the various services offered even in the small local club to which I belong.

But the struggle to do more with fewer, older bodies is real. So, here are some action items for you and/or your club to help make a difference in your community.

How To Keep a Kennel Club Going

Actively recruit new and young members.

* Develop a relationship with the local 4-H dog club if one exists. Create one if it doesn’t. 4-H is a tremendous incubator for purebred dogs and the AKC. Children learn from AKC provided materials, participate in local country fairs and have the chance to interact with purebred dogs through dog breed ID if nothing else.

* Offer free membership to junior members and give them age-appropriate responsibility within the club. They could be tasked with creating a fund-raiser for the scholarship program. Low-cost nail trims or dog baths at a locally owned pet supplies store is just one possibility.

* If your club doesn’t have a scholarship program, start one. The most excitement you see from the junior showmanship crowd is when there is scholarship money on offer as a prize for the weekend. Advertise heavily that junior club members are eligible for special education scholarships available only to them.

* Create a relationship with area schools whether it is a Reading to Rover type program, the AKC’s Canine Ambassador program that sends club members and dogs to schools to teach children about animal welfare and animal safety or major school assembly for RDO day. Kids love dogs. The only thing they like better is an excuse to get out of class for an hour! Purebred dogs and the history they represent are tailor-made for this sort of project. My college internship was exactly the description of the Canine Ambassador program.

NAIA President Patti Strand Wants to Know... What’s YOUR Elevator Speech for Purebred Dogs?

NAIA President Patti Strand shares elevator speech strategies for talking with the public and gives PureDogTalk listeners the inside track on breaking news about upcoming legislation.

An elevator speech is a very short statement, less than 30 seconds long, that allows us to talk in a positive way with folks who oppose purebred dogs, dog breeders, crop and dock, or pets in general.

"Dog breeders are the public relations face of the sport of dogs,” Patti Strand reminds us. “You want to have something ready to say. Every chance you get, is one you should be prepared to take advantage of.”

“Someone saying something negative can be the opening,” Patti adds, “but the key is to get the conversation started.”

“And remember,” she notes, “body language is important. Often it IS the message.”

How much do you love your dogs?

“I think the most important thing for people to understand is how much you love dogs. Everyone in our community is devoted to their dogs. It’s easy to prove — whether it is time devoted to your dogs, the  financial outlay, volunteer time dedicated to a local shelter, we can all easily demonstrate our devotion to our dogs,” Patti said.

What are your real concerns?

“Once you establish that level of dedication, then convey your concerns. Concerns about ongoing breed specific legislation, importation of street dogs from Asia and the Middle East that bring dangerous diseases to our pets. You need to personalize the message in a positive way and establish that as owners, breeders and exhibitors of purebred dogs, we are trusted subject matter experts.”

Urge other owners to learn more

Patti says the final step is to encourage the person to learn more.

“What’s truly unique about our community is that most everyone is a volunteer in our sport. Our price tag is our commitment to our dogs. No matter what topics you list in your little speech, it’s all going to come back to love for the dogs.”

 

Here’s your "elevator speech" call to action listeners!

Try setting up a role playing game at your next kennel club meeting in which all of the members practice their elevator speeches.

AKC Government Relations has bullet points available on how to answer animal rights questions and current legislation opinions.

 

Breaking News: NAIA Animal Nation, Washington D.C.

October 2-4, 2017 

Introduction of legislation sponsored by NAIA to more carefully monitor importation of rescue dogs. “There is currently no one agency that can take charge of this area. CDC, USDA, Veterinary Services. The laws on the books are outdated and were created for people traveling with their own dogs.”

AKC will be introducing legislation regarding breeding and development of dogs for work with Homeland Security. The topic will be addressed at the NAIA conference in Washington DC in October.

 

For more information on today’s podcast topics, follow these links.

 

http://www.naiaonline.org/uploads/Main_Upload_Directory/NAIA2017ConfReg.pdf

More from NAIA

Homes for Animal Heroes

http://animalheroes.naiaonline.org

“Homes for Animal Heroes (HAH) is a national program dedicated to rehoming retired research animals, mainly dogs, and sharing the facts about the critical role animals in research play...

Ed Thomason Tips for the Owner Handler - from an Owner Handler Turned Professional Dog Handler

Ed Thomason was a Breeder and Owner Handler before he became a Professional Dog Handler.  A passionate advocate for the "bully breeds", Ed and his wife, Karen, breed American Staffordshire Terriers under the Alpine Falls kennel name.

He shares his best tips and encouragement for owner handlers.

The definition of rising through the ranks, Ed started in dogs at UKC shows and counts Laurie Jordan-Fenner as his primary mentor, whom he met while attending a handling class she taught near him.

Ed Thomason's Advice for Owner Handler Competitors

— Put you and Michael Andretti in a Ferrari, the experienced race car driver will run the lap the fastest. That’s a product of experience. You have to do the work.

— Quit worrying about everybody else in the ring and focus on your dog.

— Don’t make excuses. It starts with you.

— The most successful owner handlers are masters at what they do. They’re there to win.

— The best dogs in the world can make themselves look horrible.

— Judges see your dogs outside the ring. Make them always look their best, even when NOT in the ring.

— Breeders are the backbone of the sport. Professional handlers need to remember that.

— Handlers need to accept responsibility. Need to maintain communication. We all need to unite to ensure the future of the sport.

— Raise our game by helping others raise theirs.

— Offer more handler clinics for adults.

— Additional activities are what drive exhibitors to the dog show.

— Success drives happiness.

— Don’t get discouraged quickly. Ask a lot of questions.

— There is nothing that compares to the joy of succeeding in your goal of finishing your own dog.

ALPINE FALLS AM STAFFS

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Dog Obedience with a What?  Obedience and Agility with a Non-Traditional Dog: Gail Budde

Dog Obedience and Agility rings are filled with Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Corgis, Parson Russell Terriers, Labs and Golden Retrievers.  But what about Clumber Spaniels, Pugs, Bulldogs, Norwegian Elkhounds and Great Danes?

Dog Obedience with a Non-Traditional Dog - Gail Budde

Gail Budde trained the first Clumber Spaniel to get a Utility Dog leg, "Breaker".  Breakaway N or M, CDX, RE, MJP, MXP, TDI, CGCA, TT, NFP continued to compete in agility until the age of 10, and obedience until 11 years.

Breaker

Body Structures and Abilities

Clumber Spaniels are long and low, heavy-bodied, intelligent hunting dogs.  Great Danes and giant breeds don't turn on a dime.  Pugs and Bulldogs are not know for nimble leaps in the air.

Just because a breed has a different body structure doesn't mean that they can't succeed in obedience or agility.  They may not prance at your side with head cranked up or dance through the weave poles, but each breed can do the job with their own style.

Consider Structure, Don't Compare

First, don't compare and try to do what other breeds do.  Your dog is unique in it's structure.

Long and Low

Long and low breeds have straight sit challenges.  Consider the geometry involved.

Fast is Relative

Clumber Spaniels are not fast out of the gate, and teaching a fast recall can be a challenge.  Think change of speed vs greyhound speed and reward quick or energetic starts.

Rewards in Dog Obedience

Not every dog will chase a ball for hours or drill repetitive exercises.

Consider what makes your dog happy:

* Chase a ball 2 times?

* Tug?

* Hide and Seek?

* Food?

* Squeakers?

* Chasing you?

Be creative and be ready to constantly vary the rewards.

Training the Non-Traditional Temperament

Have confidence in yourself and your dog.  Be prepared for the two of you, as a team, to create your own unique style.

Remember...linebackers, gymnasts and sprinters do not move the same.  They condition and perfect the body structure given to them.

Breeds have temperament traits as well.  Golden Retrievers are "want-to-do" dogs, and Clumber Spaniels are intelligent thinkers that require a meaningful reward for them.

Tailor your training to your breed, your dog.  Again, don't compare.

Are short, single exercise sessions best?  One, done then fun?  Or a series of 5 different exercises in a row?

About Gail Budde

Gail Budde trains Clumber Spaniels and Golden Retrievers.  All of her Clumber Spaniels are Therapy Dogs or in the process of becoming one.  Gail competes and enjoys most dog venues, including barn hunt.

"Breaker" - Breakaway N or M, CDX, RE, MJP,MXP, TDI, CGCA, TT, NFP

"Gin" - Kel Pye's Half Pint of Gin, UD, CGC

"Woody" - Cross Creek's Mr. Chips v Klpy CDX, NJP, TDI, CGC