Pure Dog Talk

Top Dog Dreaming?

On the Road to #1 All-Breed with Laura King

Dreaming of owning or showing the top dog, the #1 All-Breed dog in the America?  Laura King tells the fun and frustration, and the magic

Laura King

Laura King grew up in a show dog family with Belgian Sheepdogs and Schipperke.  Today, she co-breeds English Cockers, Foxhounds and Springer Spaniels.

With Robin Novak, Laura King has been in contention for #1 All-Breed several times and tells you from her experiences just what magic it takes to be #1.

Manage Frustration and Timing

The more you win, the more rumblings are spoken that might set questions in the minds of the judges.  Perhaps you win with lovely compliments under a judge, but the same judge awards another the next time out.  There is no sure thing and just when you think you "figured it out", the certainty of a win changes.  Timing is everything.  It takes planning and practice and pure luck to get it right every time.  Scoring a "perfect 10" is not accidental, but the discipline of training the perfect 10 day in and day out.

Hours and Hours on the Road

Top Dog show schedule is grueling.  You must have the right dog,  with the right temperament,  who can give 1000% week after week.  As handler and caretaker, you must know what the dog needs and how it's affected.

Financial Support

To campaign a top dog is a costly endeavor.  Most important is to have clients that are cheerleaders, so on those difficult days, they are supportive of you and the dog.

Support System at Home

Most handlers have a string of dogs, or their own dogs and business to take care of at home.  Support system of home care, training, and showing of young dogs, breeding and whelping, and someone just to pay the bills and handle emergencies is critical.

Sport Appreciation

The "sport" or "fancy" has to appreciate and respect the dog and the handler.  No dog rises to the top without others believing and recognizing the breed quality and being a cheerleader.

After all, there are many great dogs just sitting in backyards at #20 in breed rankings.  There is more to #1 than just a great dog.

Laura and her Talent for Special Needs Dogs

One key to Laura King's success is her innate ability to feel and read a dog, and her intuitive comprehension of how to serve the special needs of a particular dog.  Knowing whether a dog is difficult or just needs to decompress can look very similar in behavior, but how the handler should react are very different.  The muscle tone, ears, eyes, and tail tell much of the dog's needs.

Dogs Come First

Dogs come first.  No matter what our dreams or agenda is... dogs come first.

DAYBREAK KENNEL

Movement Improvement with Laura Reeves

Most important is to move properly for your breed.  Don't follow the crowd.

Basic Movement of the Dog - Episode 3

To refresh on the basics of moving your dog in the ring, listen to Episode 3 on PureDogTalk.

Movement Improvement - Down and Back

In episode 3, we covered 1, 2, 3, go..... and how to line up your dog with the judge.  The judge wants to see your dog's rear, not yours.

To improve movement, you need to see what you can't from the end of your leash.

* Have someone else move your dog so you can watch.

* Have someone videotape you moving your dog to evaluate how you are both together.

How your dog is moving is one factor.  How the two of you move together, is another story.

If your dog is crabbing or sidewinding, try slowing down or re-positioning the collar higher on the neck.

If the front is flailing and flopping, you may have too tight of a leash or holding the dog's head to high - lower your hand and let the dogs head down.

Movement Improvement - Going Around

Reach and Drive is not correct in every breed standard.  While an Afghan floating around the ring is gorgeous to watch, it's difficult to achieve with a Bulldog.

Again, video tape is your friend.

Movement Improvement - Equipment

Laura covers different collars and leashes in this episode.  Sometimes a metal chain bothers a dog with sensitive hearing, and a simple switch to a soft choke solves the problem.

Experiment with options to see how your dog performs.

Dog Savvy Lawyer: Jen Amundsen

Dog Savvy Lawyer on Puppy Contracts

Puppy Contracts - you should have one!

Puppy contracts are are starting point for a conversation with puppy buyers about expectations.  This is where you memorialize how you are going to work together, what you expect from the buyer, and confirm that your expectations are going to be met.

Send the contract in advance for them to read.  Best to know if they didn't hear anything that you said about limited registration or spay/neuter before they show up to pick up their puppy.

Legal Considerations

Let's say you have a spay neuter in the contract but they breed.  this is a very hard scenario.  The mechanism for enforcement is a lawsuit, and even then establishing damages is difficult.

When you write the contract, put your home jurisdiction in it, and consider specifying the liquidated damages.  It may not always work, but in writing is best.

From the buyer perspective ...do not take it personally.  Breeders should explain that it is to show responsibility and to ensure safety of the puppy.  Consider adding a visitation clause with notice for checking on the puppy.

Estate Planning

Many have a will that includes the care of their dogs.  However, a will only deals with after your death.  If you are incapacitated, legal provisions should be taken for that situation.

A power of attorney that specifies who and how is to take care of your dogs and how they will be provided for is a good start.

Be sure to update a list of who the dogs are, and who they go to.

Pets are Personal Property

Pets are personal property and state specific law usually states that personal property passes to next of kin,  whether that is who you really wanted or not.  Be sure pets are clearly spelled out in your estate planning with contingent beneficiaries.

Pet Trusts

Most states now accept Pet Trusts that define the person to receive pets, a sum of money to care for the pets, and trustee that makes sure money goes to care of pets.

Call the Dog Savvy Lawyer for any advice or recommendations.  We hope you enjoy the episode.

In Case of Emergency - from PureDogTalk

Considering the miles that we drive to and from shows, trials and field events...often late at night, remember these tips:

* Home Safe Buddy - Someone that knows when you should be home, what route you are driving, and your license number. TEXT or CALL your buddy when you arrive home safely.

* Authorization to care for your dogs, vet number, and emergency numbers in your glove compartment in case you are unable to answer questions.

* Identification on crates and dogs.  Leashes attached to crates.

 

Jen Amundsen on Facebook

Amundsen Law

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African Basenji Project Stories with Damara Bolte

Damara Bolte: PHA Handler, Basenji Breeder and Animal Sculptor

Enjoy the stories of a woman professional handler in the 1950's, early days of Basenji's in America, 33 years of working at National Institutes of Health's "Mouse House" and more...

Damara Bolte's sculptures can be found in the AKC Dog Museum, as commissioned works and awards.

The artist, Damara Bolte, has a strong background in Animal Husbandry and Livestock Judging.  Graduating from Purdue University in Animal Husbandry, she studied sculpture in Paris under Messr. C. Delhommeau and retired from thirty-three years as a supervisory Animal Scientist at the National Institutes of Health.  She has bred generations of Best in Show Basenjis under the Reveille prefix and also Mastiffs and Border Terriers.

ARTICLE ON AFRICAN BASENJI PROJECT BY DAMARA BOLTE

BASENJI CLUB OF AMERICA AFRICAN STOCK PROJECT

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Free Stack Perfection - Nail it Every Time!

Impress with the Best with tips from Laura Reeves.

In episode #2 we talked about the basic practice for training the free stack.

Free Stack - Tip #1 - Opposites Attract

When training the basic free stack, if you step towards the dog, the dog backs up.  If you step backwards, the dog moves up.  Step sideways or turn and the dog adjusts to your front.

Now we are going to put the leash on, use a little bait and set a perfect stack.

* Stand squarely in front of your dog.  Shoulders back and good posture.  Make eye contact affirming your watch command.

* Move forward to back you dog up.  Back the dog until he sets his rear properly.

* Back up slightly until dog moves front feet forward.  Use the leash gently if necessary.  Reward immediately the perfect stack.

Free Stack - Tip #2 - Dancing with your Dog

Think Dancing with the Stars!  Each dance partner has their own space.  Shoulders back, posture erect, tummy in and balanced.

Slight movement in your body and your dancing dog adjusts.  Both are bonded through eye contact.  Your right hand is an extension and expression that mirrors the headset of your dog.

Free Stack - Tip #3 - Focus and Zen Mode Watch

In the basics we stressed the importance of a good watch command.  Being able to maintain focus and eye contact is paramount.  A good watch will keep your dog focused when there are distractions outside the ring.

Spend time doing the "Zen Mode Watch".  Practice it in relaxed situations with lots of positive reinforcement.  Practice it until "Watch" is a reward in itself.

The Zen Mode Watch is an understated, elegant, confident, quiet focus.  If you aren't sure what this looks like, study Andy Linton and his amazing free stacks.

Extra Tip - Throwing Bait

If you must toss bait - don't throw your bait in front of another dog.   Don't distract another dog. Be a good sport and be sure to pick it up.

Purina Farms Event Center - Canine Competition Destination

Kaite Flamm - Senior Manager of Programming

Sixteen years in the making, the Purina Farms Event Center evolved from typical outdoor shows to the premiere canine competition destination.  Agility, Conformation, Dock Diving, Tracking, Barn Hunt... you name it and your club can do it at the Farm.  This multi-million dollar best in class center was built by dog people for dog people.  Over 30 Nationals including Poodle Club of American were hosted this year.

Built for the Dogs from the Ground Up

Distinguished in design, the Purina Events Center was built from the ground up with dog competitors in mind.

Flooring

* Rubber padded floors help ease the full day's of standing and walking.

* Light color selected to highlight dog coloring and visibility.

Electrical Heaven

Power reigns at Purina!  Special outlets and system to handler the "blower" demand... even for Poodle Club of America.

Lighting

Close to natural lighting in the show arena and the same lighting for grooming hall... so what you see on the grooming table is what you see in the ring.

RV Parking and Rent-a-Trailer

Full hookups for RV's that want to stay and enjoy the quiet nights on 346 acres of Purina Farms.  Don't have a trailer? No problem.

Trailers are delivered to the RV parking ready for you and your dogs.  Your temporary home awaits.

Future Recommendations?

What's in store for the future?  Possibilities range from more box truck parking to additional Event Centers on the West or East Coast.

Have a suggestion?  Let Kaite Flamm know your great idea?

Thanks to Purina Farms for building us an Amazing Facility.

PURINA FARMS EVENT CENTER

Bloodhound Mantrailing, Canine Health Foundation Tick Program and more with Susan Hamil

Bloodhound Mantrailing vs. AKC Tracking

Bloodhound Mantrailing is a Bloodhound Club breed specific performance trial that differs from AKC Tracking.  AKC Tracking is an all-breed event where the dog has to track every turn.

Bloodhound Mantrailing does not have to indicate each turn.  Scents can be 18 hours to 36 hours old.  Trails are variable surfaces - grass, parking lots, buildings, and the bloodhound has to give positive identification of the person that laid the trail.

Bloodhounds as Evidence Tools

Did you know that bloodhounds do more than find lost people or track criminals?  They also are used as an evidence tool in court and investigation.  An item is presented to the bloodhound, and the dog then "picks from a line-up" the person whose scent matches the item.

Susan Hamil - Quiet Creek Bloodhounds

#1 Bloodhound status belongs to Susan Hamil's Quiet Creek Bloodhound line.  However, Susan's dedication to the Canine Health Foundation and it's Tick and Disease prevention program demonstrates how excelled breeders and dog people give back to their sport.

Listen as Susan Hamil discusses many of the challenges and accomplisments of the Canine Health Foundation and her role as an AKC Delegate.

GCGG Quiet Creek's Limited Edition - Courtesy of Susan Hamil, Photo by Diana Han

Chien d' Saint Hubert / Bloodhound Club d'Italia. April 2017

San Miniato , Tuscany, Italy

Conformation Back to Basics for Summer Shows

Ready for Summer?  Let's start with a quick review:

Stack Your Dog

Moving Your Dog

Quiet Hands with Janice Hayes

Teach a dog to stand without stuffing food in it’s mouth…

Your show dog lunging at bait does not create a simple, clean and impressive picture.  Train without handfuls of bait.  Handfuls of food equals bribery, not training.

Watch the video below to see how this is accomplished.

Be Fair and Consistent - Don't Expect what you don't Train

If you don't train a behavior such as a stack, don't expect it in the ring.  It's just not fair.  Put in the time if you want the reward.  Remember, Olympic athletes win because of the discipline and training first, then their talents.

Conformation Common Battles

Rocking Horse or Racking Back

If the judge approaches and the dog racks back, you have an outside the ring practice issue.  Laura explains a little of this in her personal story at the end of this episode but also:

Conga Line - At a show or kennel meeting with experienced dog people:

* Stack your dog

* Have first person approach with a smile and just touch your dog on the back and keep going, reward and release.

* Repeat with a slightly longer touch - don't push it. Reward and release.

* Repeat with pat on head, touch on back, walk around rear and back to standing in the front away from the dog, reward and release.

* Get the picture... Don't go to fast.  If the dog reacts, go back a step.

Balance

Moving a foot or dancing in the ring could be as simple as poor stacking or stacking your dog in an uncomfortable position.

Be sure to stack your dog appropriate to your breed.

Practice stacking while looking in a mirror.

Print photos of winning dogs and paste them to the mirror to compare.

Over Exuberant, Happy Happy

Yes, we want our dogs to have a good time. Yes, this is an issue if the judge cannot examine.  Yes, this is lack of training the basics.

A happy, happy release from a stand stay is a reward.  Watch the agility and obedience rings if this is a new concept to you.

Sit, Stay, and Stand are all trainable expectations.  Practicing or "proofing" these expectations in dog show or public situations are part of your job to prepare your dog for the show ring.  It doesn't just "happen".

 

 

Lure Coursing with Cindi Gredys

Ready to Have Some Fun?

Cindi Gredy

My first borzoi was acquired in 1994. I strive to produce beautiful and functional hounds so Jubilee dogs are tested in open field competition, as well as lure coursing, racing, obedience, and rally which has produced many dual champions. The first litter, in 2001, produced a SBIS, national WD and WB in the same year from BBE, multiple BIF winners, BCOA national LGRA BOB, bench champions in US, Canada, and Japan including #1 dog in Japan. Over the years Jubilee Hounds, with only a handful of litters, has accomplished #1 borzoi all-breed (owner/breeder/handled), Eukanuba/AKC BOB, Westminster AOM, multiple BCOA national specialty awards, & AKC NLCC Best of the Best (coursing) who also holds the BCOA record for most bitch specialty wins. In 2003 we welcomed our first whippet from Bohem.. Since then they have been in the Top 20 whippets 3 times and produced several dual champions. A dog lover of all varieties, I’ve also have owned a miniature wire-hair Dachshund, Rhodesian Ridgeback, English Cocker Spaniel, and a Gordon Setter. I am now also pursuing conformation judging and currently have Borzoi, Whippets, and juniors. Being a wife, mom, grandma and jewelry designer are the other great joys of my life.

Lure Coursing Puts a Smile on Your Dog's Face

Just look at the photos... these dogs were bred to run and Lure Coursing and Racing is a sport to showcase their natural traits and energy.

Consider Different Sports

So many sports, so many mental and physical challenges for us and our dogs.  So much opportunity to bond and experience our dog's full abilities and untested talents!

 

Lure Coursing - Cindi Gredy

Lure Coursing - Cindi Gredy

JUBILEE HOUNDS

Lure Coursing "Inspired" Jewelry by Cindy Gredys

See and Read about Cindy's art and jewelry talents tomorrow!

Lure Coursing - Courtesy of Cindi Gredys and KC's Snaps

Janice Hayes - The Disappearing Handler

Janice Hayes started as a junior handler, then assistant handler, and quickly rose through the Professional Handler ranks.  With an English Setter as her first "heart dog", Janice fell in love with the soft, but hard-headed sporting breeds.

Perfection not Required

Serious in training, fun in the ring is the motto that Janice follows.   While home life involves character building, confidence work, and ring preparation...

happy, happy, play, play is essential.

Balance Flexibility and Consistency

Dogs do best with routine, but keep flexibility in a dog's life so they are ever-adapting.

The Taffe McFadden FAN CLUB

Oohhh, do we have so many members of the Taffe McFadden fan club!  Per Janice, watching Taffe McFadden is the ultimate training guide for a handler.  Taffe's soft hands, quiet whispers to the dog, and consistent touch bring confidence to the soft dog.

You Need to Disappear

Practice quiet hands and don't stare down the judge... it's about the dog.

Tips from Janice Hayes

Practice with stacking blocks for just a few minutes a day in a positive way.  Don't groom on them.

Train in obedience.  Heeling, pattern changes, and having the dog pay attention are great for the ring.

Thoughts and Suggestions

We need less shows.  Allows more time for training and conditioning, and gives the competitive dogs a break.

There are some really talented young handlers.  Take the time to learn as an assistant.

Dogs are #1.