High Country Newfoundland Club`s Newf News Fourth Quarter 2012

Transcription

High Country
Newfoundland Club’s
Newf News
Fourth Quarter 2012
October 2012
HCNC Officers and Board
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Greg Szynskie
303-807-3768
Claudia Walters
719-332-7988
Megan Morrison
201-805-1419
Melissa Lundgren
303-255-1492
Please send all treasurer-related mail to:
PO BOX 874, Eastlake, CO 80614
Board Members:
Bill Espander
Ron Horn
John LeVett III
Cathy Sands
505-286-8728
303-787-8642
303-756-4477
970-223-0237
Club Contact and Membership Chair:
Raymond Gunn
801-598-5106
1595 South 1300 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor:
Claudia Walters
1039 S. Honeysuckle Drive
Pueblo West, CO 81007
[email protected]
719-332-7988
Webmaster:
Melissa Sharp
[email protected]
Jeff Ashworth
[email protected]
Articles published are the opinions of the authors and
not necessarily those of the board of HCNC or those of the
board of NCA. Articles published, which are of a medical
nature, are the opinions of the authors only. Consult your
veterinarian before attempting to diagnose, medicate, or
severely change the dietary habits of your dogs.
Upcoming Events
HCNC Draft Clinic
Howl-o-Ween Potluck
HCNC General Meeting
HCNC Board Meeting
October 20, 2012
Golden, CO
NCA Working Event
HCNC Draft Test Weekend
November 3 & 4, 2012
Cherry Creek State Park
Aurora, CO
HCNC Holiday Party
December 15, 2012
Greenwood Village, CO
HCNC Christmas Carting
December 1,8,15 and 22, 2012
Golden, CO
Mark Your Calendar
NCA Regional Specialty
February 14, 2013
Denver, CO
Next Newf News deadline:
December 15, 2012
Message from the
HCNC Board
Dear HCNC Members,
The summer heat has broken (hopefully) and the gold in the leaves tell us the seasons are changing. It is a good time to reflect on the summer’s activities and look ahead to the rest of the year.
This was the longest water training season I can remember. Potter and I started working in the
middle of May and just put the water equipment away about a week ago. With the unusually hot
spring and summer I never used my wet suit once. The club put on two very delightful water tests
with several well deserved new titles including two new VN’s at the September test.
August saw a very successful fun match at the Jefferson County Fair grounds. If you haven’t entered or helped at this event in the past consider doing so next year. It is a great way to spend a
half of a day.
We had our independent regional specialty in conjunction with the Evergreen Kennel Club shows in
early September. Obedience, rally and conformation were included. An independent specialty is a
great place to start a dog in Obedience especially if the dog and/or handler are new to the activity. The stewards are club members and the atmosphere is more relaxed and supportive than at a
larger all breed show.
A huge thank you to all the chairmen of these events and well as their committee members and
volunteers. Without your dedication and willingness to come out and help, the club would not be
able to offer such a wide variety of events.
The other big accomplishment of the summer is the club’s new web site. If you haven’t been on it
yet have a look - it looks great. The new website should make communication easier and timelier.
Thanks to all who put their time and effort into making this a reality.
Looking forward in October there will be a draft clinic and potluck lunch. November has the NCA
draft test while December has our annual holiday carting and Holiday Party. Read on through the
newsletter for more details.
One last thing before I stop my rambling, a huge shout out to Raymond and Mary Delle Gunn.
Their boy Jasper took Best of Winners at the Newfoundland Dog Club of Canada National Specialty
this summer. Jasper was bred by Juanita and Bill Bartlett and Ron and Scarlett Horn. Way to go!
John LeVett
HCNC Board Member

COMING SOON!
High Country Newfoundland Club
Draft Clinic and Howl-O-Ween Potluck
When: October 20, 2012
Where: Lion’s Park Golden, CO
Time: Draft Clinic 8 AM
Potluck 11 AM
HCNC General Membership Meeting
HCNC Board Meeting
Draft Clinic
HCNC’s own Kathy Sylvia will be coming up from New Mexico to run this informative clinic
ALL SKILL LEVELS WELCOME!
We will have a few carts and harnesses for you to see.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn the in’s and out’s (and rights and lefts and fronts and backs)
of draft work.
There is a small fee of $10 per dog and owner. $5 for an additional dog.
Hall-O-Ween Potluck & Games (Follows Draft Clinic)
Do you have a great cool weather recipe? Please bring your favorite dish to share!
The club will provide drinks, paper plates and utensils.
Weenie dunk, drool contest, and best Halloween costume contest. Prizes!!!
The Halloween costume contest is for the dogs but please feel free to dress up too.
Prize for the best handler/dog costume!
This is a fun events for members and their families.
Remember this is October and the weather can change anytime, so dress accordingly.
Please RSVP for the Draft Clinic:
Pat Drew at [email protected] or
Melissa Lundgren at [email protected]
Please put “Draft Clinic” in the subject line.
Meeting Information
HCNC General Meeting follows Pot Luck.
HCNC Board Meeting follows General Meeting.
Draft Test Weekend
NCA Working Event - Draft Test
All Breed Draft Test
Dixon Grove Picnic Area
Aurora, CO
JUDGES: Ron Horn - Greenwood Village, CO
Gary Walker - Napoleon, MO
Entries close Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 6:00 PM
Test Secretary
Johanna Matsuda
[email protected]
303-917-5484
Would you like to be a volunteer steward for the Draft Test?
Complimentary lunch for volunteers!
Coming to watch our amazing dogs do their thing?
Guest lunches are available each day for $8.00.
Please contact the Test Secretary, Johanna Matsuda
HCNC Holiday Party Time
Mark Your Calendars
December 15, 2012
5:30 P.M.
Ron and Scarlett Horn’s Home
5880 South Gilpin Ct.
Greenwood Village, Colorado
BYOB and bring a side dish to share
Main Meat Dish Will Be Provided
Bring a Wrapped Dog Related Gift For The Exchange
Our one human only event of the year
HCNC Christmas
Carting
December 1, 8, 15, 22
Golden, CO
While we still have fall leaves on the trees and no frost on the pumpkin,
it's already time to start thinking like the big guy in the red suit and his
many helpers.....it's time for Holiday Carting!
Our longest standing tradition, HCNC Newfoundlands have provided holiday joy
and rides for youngsters for 30 years! This year will be better than ever
with 4 Saturdays of parades and carting fun in Golden. Please click on the
link below to find out more information about how you can participate! All
members and their dogs welcome, there's lots of fun for everyone! And it's
a great way to spread a little holiday cheer.
Use the fun and festive link below to get all the details and sign-up for
Christmas Carting!
https://docs.google.com/a/jeffcoschools.us/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHhuazN6
aUg5Sm8xZDRGZHZFWXptVWc6MQ
Sometimes a Blast from the Past is Just What We Need
Enjoy this well-written article on preparing for Holiday Carting
in Golden. Thanks to Cathy Sands for saving and sharing!
GETTING YOUR DOG READY FOR CHRISTMAS CARTING
by Beth Hutchinson-Baker
Christmas Carting in Golden is coming soon! Is your Newf is now emotionally and physically prepared to handle
all of the sights, sounds, work and FUN?
Take a look at your Newfie. Would you be proud to claim him as yours, and as member of the Newfoundland
breed? Or does he need a serious combing out and a major "mat-ectomy"? Please remember that Christmas
carting is a major public relations boost for the Newfoundland breed, and for all of us as Newfoundland owners.
So, be sure your dog is thoroughly combed out, brushed up, trimmed properly, and CLEAN! No one will want to
hug your dirty, smelly dog, and that would be truly sad for our "I--need-hugs-to -survive" Newfoundlands!
Be sure the nails are cut, as this will make him more comfortable while carting on the street. Short toenails are
also less likely to scratch people should your darling Pogo decide to leap on someone (Shame on Him!) or if
your Prince Charming should politely try to shake hands!
Speaking of behavior, let's check that collar. Your Newf should be wearing a well-fitting choke-type training collar of nylon or chain. A buckle collar doesn't offer much control for most Newfoundlands. You'll want to be
sure his tags aren't jingling in his ear, driving him to madness amidst all the other sounds! Leave the prong (or
pinch) collar at home. Yes, yes I know, it doesn't hurt them, that it gives you more control. You and I know that
there can be a place for these collars in training, but they still look like a Renaissance-era implement of torture.
This does not portray our Newfs as being gentle giants, nor does it portray us as responsible owners who train
our dogs to be good canine citizens. If you really feel you need a pinch collar to control him, it is probably better
to leave him at home this year, and work harder for next year.
What should you bring with you for carting? Cart and harness if you have one, and consider decorating
your cart seasonally. Be sure the decorations don't interfere with the cart's or dog's movement, or with the passengers climbing in and out.
You will need WARM GEAR! Even on clear, warmish, days it gets COLD after the sun falls behind the
buildings. A crate will provide a restful haven from all of the emotional and physical activity, so line yours with a
big fluffy rug for maximum comfort and water/snow absorption. If you don't own a crate, try to borrow one. You
can also use an exercise pen but remember that someone needs to be with the dog at all times if you do so exercise pens have been known to fall over when a big dog jumps up on the side to visit with humans.
Bring water from home to lessen digestive upsets, and a bowl/bucket. Bring a brush, and put a ribbon on
his collar or harness to make him huggable! Other helpful items: Drool towels, dog treats, cleanup supplies, and
a large towel to dry wet legs and bellies.
Now are we ready? If your Newf is under control, well socialized, in good physical condition, well
groomed and well prepared, the answer is YES!!! You're all set to enjoy this special time with your special friend!
NCA Regional
Specialty Report
Newfoundland Club of America Regional Specialty hosted by
September 7, 2012
After being indoors for many years, we hosted an outdoor regional specialty. The weather
behaved and we had a great day in partly cloudy/partly sunny Greeley. Because so many
members were willing to donate their time and talents, this regional had it all. Obedience
and Rally were in the morning with John LeVett, Pat Drew and Jewel Cody keeping everything organized. Puppy and veterans sweeps followed in the outdoor ring with Kelly Gerrits judging. After a short break, class judging began. Katy Eckstrom and Greg Szynskie
were our stewards and they did a nice job of keeping dogs and handlers on schedule. Our
judge, Janet Cohen needed a high altitude break before the Best of Breed dogs entered
the ring. See photos of the winning dogs on the next page. The marked catalog is on our
website for a complete listing of placements.
The remainder of the day was relaxed and the sea of tent canopies provided everyone
with lots of shade for the BBQ and silent auction. We set up tables and chairs in the
shade and had plenty of time to celebrate and bid on the silent auction items collected by
Megan Morrison and Melissa Sharp. Soon it was time to enjoy Lynn Kitch’s barbecue featuring Famous Dave’s BBQ buffet.
Karen Benenati worked behind the scenes for months selecting awesome trophies and
finding generous sponsors. We received many compliments when the trophy table was
filled with artistic and personalized items. Another member, Melissa Lundgren worked
behind the scenes keeping the finances straight. This was no small job and Melissa was
busy all day getting sweeps envelopes filled and collecting checks and cash. The auction
was a huge success and raised a few hundred dollars to support the costs of the regional.
This was truly a group effort and I would like to thank all of the committee chairs and volunteers for planning, advising, running errands, marketing, making muffins, donating ring
favors, finding a way to have an outdoor ring, managing to set things up and show their
own dogs and for the tremendous effort that made our regional specialty special for the
competitors and spectators.
Mark your calendars, our designated specialty is February 14th in Denver!
Submitted by Claudia Walters
Your 2012 NCA Regional Specialty Winners
BEST OF BREED
CH Haytee’s No Passport Required
HIGH IN TRIAL
Mtn High Bone Appetit
BEST OF OPPOSITE SEX
Beringstrait’s Northshore Dragonfly
BEST OF WINNERS
Nautica’s Victorious Secret
AWARD OF MERIT and AKC SELECT
Not Pictured
CH Darbydale’s All That And More
GCH Mtn High Oceano Altitute with Attitude
WINNERS DOG
Capriccio’s I’d Rather Be A Cowboy But
I’m Aquaman
SWEEPSTAKES
BEST PUPPY IN SWEEPSTAKES
Brabens Belle of the Ball Nakiska
BEST VETERAN IN SWEEPS
CH Callisto’s Oiseau De Tonnerre
2012 Water
Tests Report
HCNC July Water Tests July 28-29, 2012
As the 2012 Summer Olympics got underway, High Country Newf Club was working hard on the HCNC Water Tests.
A feat of Olympic proportions, organizing a water test with two days of WRDX, WD and WRD trials takes a crowd
worthy of the London stadiums. Our panel of highly qualified mentor judges, Debby Rothwell from California and
our own Maria Rizzuto made all the entrants and stewards feel welcome, and kept the test moving along to avoid
the afternoon storms. They were a delightful pair, and HCNC thanks them for spending the weekend with us!
Our stewards always make the event possible – from setting up the beach to drowning, to pushing off the boat and
cleaning up the beach after the weekend. Without you all, this would not be possible!
Thanks so much to: Patti Pigeon, Sue Raney, Cathy Sands, Sam Sands, Matt Raney, Marsha Petry, Veronica
Pigeon, Nicolette Reynolds, Kevin Reynolds, Joe Rizzuto, Michiko Nakajima, Anita Geinitz, Terri Desnica, Gene
Kohlmeier, Kathy Sylvia, Lori Moreland, Linda Roser, John LeVett, Melissa Lundgren, Mike Lundgren, Corey Johnson, Mark O'Connor, Lance Wisner, Megan Morrison, Bill Espander, Claudia Walters, Sean Moreland, Josh Nance,
Lynsie Wheat, DJ Winger, Kelsey Griffith, Carol Jefferson, Jeff Jefferson, Bob Kennard. What an awesome bunch!!
HCNC had a very nice entry for our early tests, and appreciate so much all the entrants who come from near and
far to share a fun weekend at the beach with all of us. Entrants from California, New Mexico, Illinois and Colorado
came together to test their water skills. All the dogs entered showed their Newfoundland heritage and competed
well. Those that didn’t earn titles over the weekend are VERY close—maybe in September!
It was so much fun to see the dogs do what comes naturally to a Newfoundland (and some Leos!). Six Tadpoles –
Mirage and Lori Moreland, Nakota and Gene Kohlmeier, Tulo and Linda Roser, Marley and Dennis Jones, Karma
and Marsha Petry, and Joy and Claudia Walters showed their instinctive water abilities and are well on the way to
earning their water titles some day soon. One veteran, Grace and Claudia Walters, showed us how it’s done, and at
the end of the weekend three dogs earned the title “Water Dog”.
Congratulations to:
Dalken’s Blue Storm, WD (Koda) handled by Melissa Sharp
Sweetbay’s Caspian, DD, WD (Ian) handled by Terri
Desnica
Sweetbay’s Sullivan, RN, WD (1), DD (Sully) handled by Patti Pigeon
Submitted by Sue Raney
HCNC September Water Tests September 14-15 and 16, 2012
“Beach Blanket Bingo” was the theme of this year’s September HCNC Water Tests, and it
was a great summer party! Special thanks to our judges, Sue Marino and Kevin Gallagher, who brought the wisdom of both coasts to the Colorado lake shore. They were a great
pair and everyone enjoyed their relaxed, calm style.
Once again, our stewards are the greatest! We have SUCH a great group of hardworking folks that come together to help with our working events. As the weather gets colder,
our stewards just don their wet-suits and keep on splashin….thanks for all your hard work,
gang!!
We had a well prepared group of WD and WRD entrants! We also enjoyed watching four
Veteran dogs strut their stuff in the HCNC Veteran Test—congrats Maria Rizzuto and
Jimmy, Jacque Upwood and Odin, Mark O’Connor and Panda, and Claudia Walters and
Grace! Two Tadpoles experience the joys of water work—nice job Nicolette Reynolds and
Lola, and Mark O’Connor and Lucy! Each of the entrants who competed demonstrated
great water skills, and congratulations to all the dogs who earned titles this weekend!
TWO teams finished the weekend earning their last titles to qualify for Versatile Newfoundland status, which made the weekend even more special.
A beach party compete with music, games, laughter and the most incredible game of
Jeopardog thanks to our “host” Ed Maass (aka Edlec Trebec) kept us guessing newf trivia
on the beach, and kept us laughing well into the afternoon. It was a great way to end the
summer!
Look for more Water Test photos in the November Mini Newf News.
Congratulations to:
VN (pending) BIS BVIS BISS GCH CH Bruin’s Onyxbay
Premonition CGC, CD, RA, WRD, DD, CS, CI (Rico)
handled by Bill Espander (WRD on Saturday for his VN
and requal on Sunday!)
BeeCreek’s Allan’s Angel CGC, RN, WD(1), WRD, BN,
DD, TDI (Bojie) handled by Megan (Goldin) Morrison
(WRD on Saturday)
VN(Pending) GCH/CH Misty Mtn’s Lord of the Seas
CGC, TDI, BN, CD, RE, DD, WRD (Nelson) handled by
Ron Horn (WRD on Sunday for his VN!)
Submitted by Sue Raney
J
U
L
Y
T
A
D
P
O
L
E
S
To see more photos from the
July Water Tests go to:
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/
s295/pigs9/HCNC%20water%20
test%20July%202012/
NCA Agility
Trial Report
On Saturday September 22nd HCNC hosted its second NCA one day outdoor Agility Trial in Golden. Our trial
was on Saturday with the Timberline Basset Hound club hosting the trial on Sunday. The weather was perfect
and the people and dogs were all excited to be there. We filled all 330 runs plus we had a wait list of people waiting to take the spot of someone who might pull their entries before the trial. There were all shapes and sizes of
dogs including our first local Newfie entrant! Even though Caspian didn't qualify either run, he was the hit of the
trial with everyone cheering him on not to mention laughing at his silly antics. No one could believe such a big
dog loved running through tunnels. Hopefully in the near future we will have other Newfie’s strutting their stuff out
on the course.
The agility community had a lot of great things to say about our trial. They thought it was well organized and they
loved the setting in the park. Our judge Kitty even commented on what a great group of people we had and how
fun it was having a Newfie run in her ring. Several competitors told me they couldn't wait to come back and enter
again next year. This annual agility trial provides funding to help support our working events we sponsor throughout the year. This years one day agility trial brought in over $4000. After all expenses were paid we netted almost
$2000 for the club. It is hard to believe that this one day event can help bring in so much money and support for
our club. I especially want to thank everyone who helped out stewarding and setting up the event. It was also
great seeing some club members who just wanted to come out and spend some time with other members on a
nice early fall day watching the fun. We hope to have another trial again next year so mark your calendars for
next September to come out and see what it's all about!
Submitted by Terri Desnica
HCNC Members Enjoying the
NCA Agility Trial on
September 22, 2012
Fun Match
Report
On August 4th HCNC sponsored an All-Breed Fun Match at Jeffco Fairgrounds. The match included
Conformation, Obedience and Rally. This was our third annual match and proved to be even more
popular. Each year more and more people are marking their calendars for our match. People are
commenting on how great it is to have a fun match during the summer before the Greeley shows.
They really appreciate being able to work their dogs since there seems to be fewer matches during
the year. We even had several people commenting on how this is one of their favorite matches of the
year!
We had 161 entries which brought in $388 profit after expense for the club. This event has proved
to be a great fund raiser for our HCNC. It is also a great opportunity for our club members to work
their own dogs and get them ready for the shows. It was fun seeing several of our club members
who have never shown their dogs try Conformation and Rally for the first time. I want to thank again
the club members who came and helped at the match. We also had some non-club members from
the dog community who came to support our club by helping stewarding. It's great seeing so many
people in the dog community support our club and the events we continue to put on.
Submitted by Terri Desnica
Membership
News
New Member Applications:
Welcome New Members:
General
V
LANGE, Amy
5163 South Jamaica Way
Englewood, CO 80111
H:303-771-9590
C:303-902-1495
[email protected]
Sponsors: Maria Rizzuto and Terri Desnica
General
W
NOVELLI, Janet & Ed
6960 South Lee Way
Littleton, CO 80127
H: 303-979-8887
C: 303-324-6911
[email protected]
Sponsors: Marsha Petry and Cathy Sands
Welcome New Members:
General and NCA
C, D, E, G, H, I, M O, R
ASHWORTH, Jeff
92 Camino Arco Iris
Corrales, NM 87048
H: 505-831-5613
O: 505-264-7979
[email protected]
General
H
RITCHIE, Valerie & Bill
223 Masters Drive
Castle Rock, CO 80104
H: 720-733-2033
C: 803-437-2478
[email protected]
General
A, D, E, H, O, R,V, W
ANGCOS, Terese
1156 Village Circle
Erie, CO 80516
C: 303-521-7810
[email protected]
Sponsors: Patti Pigeon and Maria Rizzuto
General
U
WISNER, Lance & Kyle DUNKLE
9976 Holland Court
Broomfield, CO 80021
H: 303-431-1981
C: 303-588-7528
[email protected]
Sponsors: Patti Pigeon and Terri Desnica
Address Change:
NCA MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
http://www.ncanewfs.org/members.shtml
Claudia Walters
1039 S. Honeysuckle Drive
Pueblo West, CO 81007
Submitted by Raymond Gunn
Membership Chair
BRAGS
New Champion at
18 months!
CH Midnite Bay’s
Hot Little Asset @
Nani (BREE)
Owners: Greg
Szynskie & Johanna Matsuda
Reserve Winners Bitch
at our Regional Specialty
Seabrook Pouch Cove a
Window Opens at Kirenska
Owners: Karen Benenati
and Kathy Griffin
First Place Rally Pairs at Our Regional Specialty
Watchbear’s My Girla Gorilla RE
Wllys Homers Oddysey Part D’Oh! RAE
Owner: Ed Maass
I am so proud of my big boy
for earning his WRD title at the
HCNC NCA water test September 15, 2012. A VERY special
thank you to all of our Newf and
Leo friends who come out every
Tuesday morning and our New
Mexico Newfs who have guided
and supported us, drowned,
rowed, and sometimes even
helped give Bojie a little boost
to jump and put up with all of my
unconventional training methods
(including bobbing in the water
holding up a jar of peanut butter
below the boat) on the journey to
our WRD. You are ALL the very
best and such special people!
We could not have earned this
title without you. BeeCreek’s
Allan’s Angel “Bojie” CGC, TDI,
RN, WD1, BN, DD, WRD. I love
him so much my heart hurts!
Submitted by Megan Morrison
Photo courtesy of Katherine Payne.
NEW CANADIAN CHAMPION MISTY MOUNTAIN’S NEVER BETTER
On September 1st and 2nd Jasper took Winners
Dog at two Saskatoon Kennel & Obedience Club
shows, and on Sunday morning went Best of
Winners at the Newfoundland Dog Club of Canada National Specialty. AND THEN he took a long
nap and came home a Canadian Champion.
Submitted by Raymond Gunn
The third of our Nelson’s sons completed his Championship
on September 8, at the DesMoines Kennel Club Shows. He
earned his third Major at the Greeley Shows in August. His
name is CH Minnemato’s Brunswick and he is owned by Dr.
Fred and Karen Bock and Ted Mittelstad.
Submitted by Ron Horn
On Saturday May 12, 2012, Bee Creek’s Allan’s Angel “Bojie”, CGC, TDI, RN, WD1, BN, DD earned his draft
title at the HCNC draft test in Golden, CO. This boy makes me work my tush off for these titles but WOW what a
ride it is to be owned by him, I wouldn’t have it any other way. As my first dog, he has spoiled me rotten. Special
thanks to the draft committee and our judges Sue Raney and Gerri Willis for a wonderful test.
Submitted by Megan Morrison
Pet Food Safety
Part of your responsibility as a pet parent is to help protect your pet from potentially
harmful products. While it is nearly impossible to ensure that your pet will never come
in contact with recalled pet food or treats, you can help to reduce your pet’s risk. Also
remember to practice good hygiene with your pets’ food and bowls.
Follow the link below for tips from the Humane Society of the United States:
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/facts/pet_food_safety.html#.UHsFVvIeexQ.email
Focus on...
Animal Cognition
Can dogs really show empathy towards humans?
Dogs quickly become part of the family. Tales abound of dogs celebrating joy in a household or commiserating
when tragedy strikes. This may not seem surprising after 15,000 years of co-evolution. But what hard evidence
is there of dogs' empathy with humans? A new experiment suggests that behind all the waggy tails there really
is something deeper going on.
Past experiments have hinted that animals can feel sympathy. Rats and monkeys have been found to forgo food
to avoid delivering electric shocks to relatives. Similarly, apes have recently been documented consoling one
another after conflicts. However, all these experiments and observations were demonstrating an animal's sensitivity to distress in other members of the same species. Deborah Custance and Jennifer Mayer of Goldsmiths
College, London, set out to see if dogs could detect the emotional state of humans.
To do this, Dr. Custance and Ms Mayer conducted an experiment to study the response of dogs when a nearby
human suddenly began to cry. The researchers knew that interpreting responses would be difficult, since dogs
tend to whine, nuzzle, lick, lay their heads in laps and fetch toys for people in distress. Although such actions
hint at a dog wishing to offer comfort, they could also be signs of curiosity, or suggest that a dog is simply distressed by seeing its master upset.
To work around this, the researchers presented 18 dogs of various breeds with four separate 20-second conditions. They included their owner crying, a stranger crying and both taking it in turns to hum "Mary had a little
lamb". All four of these conditions were preceded by two minutes of mundane conversation between Ms. Mayer,
who filled the role of the stranger, and the dog's owner.
Dr. Custance and Ms Mayer suspected that if exposed to crying led dogs to feel distress, then regardless of who
was crying, the dog would go to their master to seek comfort. They also theorized that if curiosity, rather than
empathy, was the driving force, then the humming would cause dogs to engage with people.
As they report in Animal Cognition, "person-oriented behavior" did sometimes take place when either the stranger or the owner hummed, but it was more than twice as likely to occur if someone was crying. This indicated that
dogs were differentiating between odd behavior and crying. And of the 15 dogs in the experiment that showed
person-oriented responses when the stranger cried, all of them directed their attention towards the stranger
rather than their owner.
These discoveries suggest that dogs do have the ability to express empathetic concern. But although the results
are clear enough, Dr. Custance argues that more work needs to be done to be sure that such behavior is true
empathy. It is possible, she points out, that the dogs were drawing on previous experiences in which they were
rewarded for approaching distressed human companions. Dog-owners, however, are unlikely to need any more
convincing.
The Economist, June 30th 2012
Submitted by Kady Eckstrom via the Flatirons Press
Volunteer
Opportunities
HCNC November Draft Tests
Please contact the Test Secretary
Johanna Matsuda, [email protected] 303-917-5484
December 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2012
To volunteer sign-up at the link below:
https://docs.google.com/a/jeffcoschools.us/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHhuazN6a
Ug5Sm8xZDRGZHZFWXptVWc6MQ
It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life,
that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping
himself.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Happiness is a warm
puppy. This one belongs to Johanna Matsuda and Greg Szynskie.
Growing
with
Grace
I’ve been a Springs dog X3, a New England dog, a Denver dog, a desert dog and now I’m a country dog
living near Pueblo Lake. Mom says we’re on a five year plan here which sounds wonderful to me. I know
what packing boxes and moving trucks mean but the surprise is always where they are delivering my stuff.
Since my stuff now includes the living room sofa I am not supposed to be laying on, I was very curious to
see where it was going to end up. Turns out we have a spacious living room with plenty of room to move
about. For all its charm, our last house didn’t have much room for laying on the floor rolling over and kicking your feet up in the air. Now I have room for a good game of tug-a-war with Joy. Just so you know, it’s
the one game I can still beat Joy at. She faster at fetch and she can out swim me any day but I have jaws
that can lock onto any pull toy. Plus I’m bigger than her so if I get tired I just lay down and dare her to try
and move me across the carpet. We also have a nice, big, grassy yard so Joy and I like to hang out and
watch the people and dogs pass by on the bike trail. Our favorite is the Golden that pulls his owner in a
wheelchair along the trail. We run over to the fence and cheer that working dog on everyday. Sometimes
Mom even comes out to wave and say hi. Our next door neighbor is an old lady with a mini pinscher. She
is very nice and we visit across the fence when she comes outside to smoke. Blazer, the mini pinscher, likes
to bark but I think it is all a smoke screen because I’m pretty sure she is intimidated by our size. Anyway,
we’re really not interested in being too friendly with a dog that wears sweaters.
I wouldn’t call our summer a real water working summer but we did get up to the lake a few times. In July,
I nailed the Veteran’s Water Test exercises and had a good time visiting friends. The following day Joy had
her three peat of the Tadpole Test and was glad to see other mature dogs participating in what used to be
a just for puppies event. I’m hoping Mom will let Joy pull a boat next summer so she can compete in the
Junior Exercises. The September water test was a whole different story for me. I was I one of my “I’ll do
what I what when I want to moods” resulting is some childish antics on my part and testing Mom’s patience
with me. There were extended barking play bows preceding just about every exercise but in the end I did
all the exercises and provided the crowd with plenty of laughter. I’m very lucky to have a Mom with a sense
of humor because when she fell off the boat after reaching really far out to grab the paddle she still swam
over and gave me a hug. I can’t explain my behavior but I do still enjoy participating in these veteran activities. We hope this is a tradition the club continues to offer the veteran dogs.
On October 11th I celebrated my eighth birthday! I am happy to be very healthy and active. Since moving
to Pueblo West, we have taken to morning walks at sunrise. What a great way to start the day! There are
no sidewalks or street lights out here so in the evening we play fetch in the backyard or just watch the stars
together. Come winter, Mom is going to have to find her reflector vest and head lamp because it is going to
be dark in the morning as well. We love our bike trail (except for the weeds with thorns) and on the weekends we walk a bit further. Yesterday we enjoyed the sunset on our walk. Have a great autumn and soon
we will all be playing in the snow. Around this house winter is the King of all Seasons!
On the right is Mom and me at the July Water Test. We are working together like a model team.
On the left is Mom and me at the September Water Test. We are a very wet team.
September photo by Katherine Payne, July photo by Megan Morrison.
Thanks for capturing both of my moods.
HCNC
Calendar
October 20, 2012
November 3-4, 2012
November 10-11, 2012
December 1,8,15 & 22
December 15, 2012
February 14, 2013
HCNC Draft Clinic & Meetings
HCNC Fall Draft Test
Southern Colorado KC
HCNC Holiday Party
NCA Regional Specialty
Golden, CO
Cherry Creek SP
Pueblo, CO
Golden, CO
Greenwood Village, CO
Denver, CO
Please send information on upcoming events to the
Newsletter Editor
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Newf News Editor
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Interested In A Newfoundland Puppy?
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call 1-866-NCA-NEWF (1-866-622-6393) between 9AM and 9PM Eastern
[email protected]
A Last Look
Our photo theme for this quarter is Water Dogs. Thanks to Ed Maass, Megan Morrison and Claudia
Walters for these photos. The photo theme for next quarter is Winter Dogs. Send your photos to
the editor at: [email protected]
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