The Good Companion - ACT Companion Dog Club

Transcription

The Good
Companion
Official Publication of the ACT Companion Dog Club
September — November 2014 | Volume 26 | Number 4-5
The Year in Review — 2013 - 2014
Top 10 dog training tips
How to café-train your dog
Heelwork - not just on the left anymore!
The stars of Secondary Companion
Safe and secure … or crash-test doggie?
© ACT Companion Dog Club Inc 2014
The Good Companion
September — November 2014 | Volume 26 | Number 4-5
Contents
President’s Message by Renee Kyle
Dr Yin’s Top 10 Dog Training Tips by Dr Sophia Yin
3
5-6
About Our Club | Committees 2014-15
8
From The Dog Kennel by Anne Robertson
9
Thanks For Your Contribution
10
Getting To Know The New Committee — Rhonda Cameron and Jane Richardson
11-12
What’s Coming Up At Our Club I Club Activities
13-14
Puppy Primer — Before And After You Get Your Puppy
15
Is Your Membership Due ? | Fees 2014-15 | Contact Us
16
Getting To Know Our Newest Life Member — Lesley Pothan
17
Popularity Stakes — 2013
18
How To Café Train Your Dog by Georgia Morris
19-20
Safe And Secure — NRMA Tests Dog Safety Harnesses
21
The Great Beagle Scent Drag Hunt
22
Level 1 Instructors Course — Come And Join Us In 2015
23-24
Tipsy’s Famous Recipe Corner by Tipsy And Her Mum
25-26
The Year In Review — 2013-2014
27-40
Scenes From The Obedience Trial I Obedience Trial Results — 20 September 2014
41-42
Flyball Feats by Rhonda Cameron
45
Rally-O Trial Results — 20 September 2014
46-47
Comp Day — 3 August 2014 and 21 September 2014
48-54
Dances With Dogs by Jane Richardson — Heelwork - It's Not Just On The Left Any More!
55-57
Committee Notes
59-60
News From The PAWS Shoppe by Katrina Morton I Shop Shelf
61-63
Training Times I Calendar Of Events 2014-15
64-65
Off-lead Exercise At Our Club
66
Cover picture : For the first time in 15 years, five dogs gained medal-winning passes in the club’s
Secondary Companion assessment on Comp Day. From left to right: Jane Vickers’ Maggie ,
Tammy Norwood’s Mac, Wendy Shelton’s Jazz, Christiane Bleich’s Sasha and Evan Slatyer’s Nushka
(Photo: June Rowe). For more results see pages 48-54.
It’s important to know:
The opinions and claims expressed in this publication, whether in articles, correspondence or in any other form, are not
necessarily those of the ACT Companion Dog Club Inc. Neither the Editor nor the ACT Companion Dog Club Inc accepts
responsibility for the accuracy of these items nor endorses the opinions or services of third parties mentioned in this
publication. The ACT Companion Dog Club Inc gives permission for the reprinting of articles appearing in The Good
Companion, except where copyright has been stated, provided acknowledgement is given to the Club and the author.
The Good Companion | September - November 2014 | Vol 26 | No 4-5
Page | 2
President’s Message
By Renee Kyle
Firstly, I’d like to welcome all of our new members. We’re glad
you’ve taken up the opportunity to train and socialise your dog at
our wonderful club.
Secondly, I’d like to thank last year’s Committee members, our
volunteers, our office manager and shop assistants for all their hard
work. CDC is the fantastic club it is because of your dedication. I’d
also like to thank Linda Spinaze for being such a wonderful
President over the last four years—your calm and considered
approach to everything is inspiring.
For those who don’t know me—a bit of information. I started
obedience training at CDC with my Samoyed, Oscar, in 2009.
Being new to Canberra I found the club to be a great place to
meet new people, have fun with my dog, and talk about dogs
endlessly without being considered a ‘crazy dog lady’. In 2010
I rescued a Kelpie, Lucy, who had some behavioural issues. The
advice and support that I received from my instructors was
invaluable, and I loved learning about dog behaviour so much I
became an instructor in the same year. I joined the club’s
Committee in 2011 and the rest is history. My favourite level to
teach is Kindi because no matter how bad your day is, cuddling a
puppy makes it infinitely better!
One of the things I like best about the club is watching people
bond and have fun with their dogs through training, and it’s this
Above: Incoming President
‘companionship’ that is driving some change that will occur at CDC
Renee Kyle (left) with outgoing
over the next twelve months. We are implementing a revised Level
President Linda Spinaze (right).
One obedience syllabus to focus on those behaviours you have told
Photo: Lara Sedgmen
us are the most important to you. There will be a stronger focus on
recalling, walking nicely on lead, settling on a mat, teaching polite manners and handling your
dog on the left and right. By teaching you and your dog these solid foundations not only will Fido
become a well-behaved companion at home, you will also have the basic skills needed to
participate in other dog sports at the club such as agility, flyball, dances with dogs (DWD) and
rally-o as well as trialling and tracking.
Our Session Five Comp Day will be held on Sunday 30 November. There will be a BBQ, various
goodies for you and your dog, a raffle, and a visit from Santa! We’re confident that your dog will
be enticed by the smell of sausages and the kids will be excited by Santa’s antics. Bring some gold
coins so that you can enjoy the fun.
Our fabulous Annual Awards presentation and get-together will be held on Sunday 7 December
from 5.00pm. It’s a time when we celebrate our members’ achievements with their dogs and we
announce our awards such as Most Improved Dog and Junior Handler of the Year.
Continued ...
The human tendency to position ourselves as superior to the dog can present
problems when we place blame or excessive responsibility on the dog and fail to
take active responsibility for our half of the relationship.
The seven C’s – A guide to training and relationships
Susan Clothier (1996)
Page | 3
President’s report … continued
Refreshments are provided, so please come along and spend some time with us (your dogs will
thank you too as there’s always food that mysteriously finds its way onto the ground). See page 7
for more details.
Other activities for the coming months include talking to our soon-to-be neighbours, the RSPCA,
who are relocating to Symonston in 2016. We hope to build on our existing positive relationship to
ensure that both parties can reap the benefits that will come from being located so close to each
other.
As the weather gets warmer please remember to exercise your dogs responsibly. Before sunrise
and after sunset are the coolest parts of the day and also the nicest. As financial members you
can exercise your dogs at the club any time of year, and you’ll be assured of safe fencing, lots of
water and being around other people who know a thing or two about dogs.
If you see me on the grounds please don’t hesitate to say hello. I’m always interested in hearing
about how we could make our club even better. I hope Santa is good to you and that you have
a safe and happy holiday.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
2015 classes start
Wednesday 4 February, Thursday 5 February and Sunday 8 February
Summer time ... Water time !
Taking your dog for a swim is great fun. But not everyone has a
pool or can get to the coast regularly. But the good news is that
there are several dog beaches in the ACT, and information on
where you can take your dog for a swim can be found at the
TAMS website, at www.tams.act.gov.au/city-services/pets/
keeping_dogs_in_the_act/where_can_i_take_my_dog or by calling
Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.
Unfortunately summertime also means algae and bacteria time and the consequences can be
deadly. The latest bacteria level samplings in Canberra's major bodies of water can be found at
www.tams.act.gov.au/parks-recreation/water_catchments/urban_water_catchments/
water_quality_in_our_lakes_and_ponds.
Blue-green algae monitoring results are published at
www.environment.act.gov.au/water/water_quality/blue-green_algae_monitoring
For the safety of you and your dog, please check bacteria levels and blue-green algae levels
before you go for a dip.
And if you are lucky enough to go to the coast, please apply paralysis tick prevention and check
your dog for ticks every day.
Information on pet friendly beaches in the Eurobodalla Shire is available at www.esc.nsw.gov.au/
living-in/about/for-pet-owners/dogs-on-beaches/. Information about areas on the Sapphire Coast
are available at www.sapphirecoast.com.au/
Happy swimming over summer !
Page | 4
Training Tips
Top 10 Dog Training Tips
© 2011
by Dr Sophia Yin
This issue honours Dr Sophia Yin DVM MS, a US veterinarian, applied animal behaviourist, author
and lecturer who devoted her life to improving relationships between owners and their pets
through an understanding of the science of animal behaviour.
Dr Yin passed away unexpectedly in September 2014.
Her website provides a wealth of practical advice, videos and other resources to train and modify
behaviour using positive reinforcement (http://drsophiayin.com/).
1.
Every interaction you have with the
animal is a training session. So it’s important to
be aware of what you may be doing to reward
inappropriate behaviours throughout the day
especially when you are not having planned
training sessions.
2.
Animals care about your body language
and actions more than your words.
Consequently, you should focus on the
messages your body is giving, pay attention to
your pet’s response, and cut down on the
words you use.
3.
Animals perform behaviours that have
been reinforced. In order to change behaviour
it’s important to reinforce desired behaviours,
but we also have to remove reinforcers or
motivators for unwanted behaviours.
4.
Training is a skill like playing tennis,
dancing or playing the piano. Little variations in
how you move and on the timing of the
movements and rewards make a big
difference in whether you can communicate
your intentions to your pet. If you’re not getting
good results, find someone who can better
instruct you on the intricacies of making the
change.
5.
Positive reinforcement is not just about
giving treats for good behaviour, it’s about
moving and performing the exercises in a
manner and speed that make it fun. It’s also
about using everything your pet likes or wants,
to your advantage—toys, petting, attention,
access to go outside or come in, fetch … and
more.
6.
The goal of training is to make behaving
well fun for the pet. Dogs are more likely to
behave well when good behaviour is fun.
7.
The walk is not a time for your dog to
blow you off and do his own thing, rather it’s a
time for you to bond with your dog and have
fun. Practice exercises during your walk where
your dog focuses on you as if you’re playing
games. The goal is that the walk becomes like
an enjoyable conversation.
8.
Dogs, cats, horses and other pets need
exercise every day. For dogs, walks provide not
only exercise but they are crucial for continued
socialization to people, new environments, and
other pets.
9.
Throw your dog’s food bowl away.
Animals in the wild spend hours searching for
food. They are hardwired to enjoy this
behaviour and studies show that given a
choice, all species studied prefer to work for
their food once they know how to rather than
getting it for free. The best way to use food as
entertainment and enrichment for the pet is to
The path to a positive relationship requires finesse not force
Dr Sophia Yin (1966-2014)
Page | 5
Training tips … continued
use it in training and games when you’re home as this provides both food and structured
interactions with you. You can also place food in toys and puzzles made specifically for such
purposes of entertaining your pet.
10. Choose a food in which the label states that animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures
substantiate that it provides complete and balanced nutrition for your pet’s life stage.
Photo reproduced from www.facebook.com/SophiaYin.DVM/photos
Left: Life imitates car sticker … Irish Red and White Setter
’Trouble’ contemplates spending ten days as a radio receiver
after getting into a little strife.
Page | 6
Annual Awards
Presentation
Sunday 7 December 2014
5:00 pm
5.30 pm
6:30 pm
6:30 pm
Arrival and set up
Presentation of Annual Awards
Photos of all award winners
BBQ begins - sausage sizzle, salads,
nibbles, desserts and more
All club members and their families involved in
obedience, rally-o, DWD, agility, flyball and
dogs-as-therapy are warmly invited to attend
Join your friends, class mates and instructors
for a relaxing evening
Bring a picnic rug, folding chair and a secure stake
or crate for your dog
 Join the celebrations 
Page | 7
About Our Club
The ACT Companion Dog Club (CDC),
established in 1958 as the first dog training club
in the ACT, has an average membership of
around 800 each year.
It is a non-profit organisation relying mostly on
volunteers to run activities with some
occasional grant assistance. About 100
instructors volunteer their time to conduct
classes in obedience, flyball, agility, DWD and
Rally-O from February to November each year.
The club also has an active group visiting
nursing homes and special schools for the
enjoyment of the residents.
While much of the work in maintaining and
running the club is undertaken on a volunteer
basis we do have some paid help. Jo Hagan is
employed for 15 hours a week as club
administrator and the mowing of the grounds
is undertaken by contractor. The club caters
for disabled access with paved paths,
designated parking spaces and toilet facilities.
The aims and objectives of the club are to:
 train members and their dogs, of whatever
breed, in dog obedience and other related
canine skills, using motivational training
methods;
 promote participation and training in a
range of dog sports;
 promote and participate in dog training and
other activities associated with dog training;
 promote responsible dog ownership and
breeding practices and the general welfare
of dogs;
 support the rights of dog owners, provided
that such ownership is conducted in a
responsible manner;
 actively promote community interaction with
dogs;
 provide facilities necessary or convenient for
its activities;
 promote positive relationships between
owner and dog; and
 enhance the development of social skills of
dogs.
COMMITTEES 2014-15
President
Senior Vice-President
Junior Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary
Renee Kyle | Website
Anne Robertson | Magazine Editor | Rally-O Liaison
Heather Carswell | Obedience Trialling Liaison I Security
Lesley Pothan
Bern Ni Beirné | Public Officer I Agility Liaison
Main Committee
Members
Katrina Morton | Shop| Housekeeping |Clubhouse Management
Jane Richardson | Dances with Dogs Liaison
Judith Barlow | Grounds Management
Peter Hendriks | Obedience Training Liaison | Obedience Instructors Roster
Rhonda Cameron | Flyball Liaison
Claire Weekes | Social Media
Gillian Atkin | Competition Day Manager
Amanda Day I Work Health and Safety Compliance
Obedience Training
Convenor | Peter Hendriks | Members | Anne Robertson | Heather Carswell |
Hilarie Kemp | Renee Kyle I Kerry Deans
Obedience Trialling
Convenor | Julie Cutts | Members | Heather Carswell | Joanne Hagan |
Tanya Harber | Judith Barlow
Flyball Training &
Competition
Convenor | Jessica McNamara | Members | Claire Weekes | Rhonda Cameron |
Jenny Stirzaker | Maree Livermore
Agility Training &
Trialling
Convenor | Amanda Delaney |Members | Wendy Hathaway I Bern Ni Beirné I
Barbara Grundy I Lucy Williams | Linda Spinaze
Dances with Dogs
Convenor | Jane Richardson| Members | Holly Rieger | Janda Gooding
Rally-O
Convenor| Cath Perry | Members | Belinda Mitchell | Patricia Woodman I
Laraine Frawley
Dogs-as-Therapy
Convenor | Joyce Thompson | Email: [email protected]
Instructors’ Library
Karen Haines
PAWS Shop
Mike Carswell
Secom Security
1300 138 769 or 1300 360 535
Page | 8
From the Dog Kennel
Editor — Anne Robertson
Welcome to a bumper ‘combined’ issue of the club’s Good Companion
magazine. My apologies for the absence of the September issue in its own
right. Work, study and the needs of an old dog took precedence.
This issue contains all of the reports presented at the club’s Annual General
Meeting. They provide a comprehensive insight into the contribution that
the club’s volunteers make to provide its extensive range of activities. This
issue also profiles two new members of the club’s management committee
and the latest addition to the club’s honour roll.
My thanks to Georgia Morris of Canberra Dog Walks fame for providing some great tips on
making your dog ‘café friendly’ and to our regular correspondent ‘Tipsy’ for sharing more of her
test kitchen recipes. No excuse for ever bringing boring training treats to class again! Thanks also
to June Rowe and Heather Carswell for capturing Comp Day successes including the historic
presentation of five medallions to Secondary Companion dogs and handlers at our August
Comp Day. We have another new advertiser in this issue as well as our regulars advertisers.
I hope you will consider using their services in return for their support of the club. Articles,
suggestions, photos and illustrations for the magazine are always welcome. Email to
[email protected] anytime.
Did you know the magazine is available in full colour on
the club’s website? It can be downloaded in all its glory
from the club’s website at www.actcdc.org.au/new/
tgc.htm. Use Adobe Acrobat PDF viewer for best results.
Our next issue will come out in March 2015.
The club’s Honorary Life Members were well-represented at the Annual General Meeting
in August. Left to right: Joyce Thompson (1998), Anne Robertson (2013), Peter Hendriks
(2007), Linda Spinaze (2004), Katrina Morton (2012), June Rowe (1976), Lesley Pothan
(2014), Vikki Evans (1992), Judith Barlow (2012), Laraine Frawley (1999) and Jake Blight
(2000). Photo: Lara Sedgmen
Page | 9
Thanks For Your Contribution
The Committee and club members THANK the following volunteer instructors for giving their time
in Session Four (August - September) and Session Five (October - November):
Obedience:
Session Four - Di Adams, Susan Barnard, Stuart Barr, Janne Blunden, Desiree Campbell, Sharon
Carver, Rachael Eggins, Mary-Ann Fisher, Charlie Giles, Barbara Grundy, Naarilla Hirsch, Lynn
Harden, Peter Hendriks, Carolyn Henry, Hilarie Kemp, Renee Kyle, Maureen Lewis, Laura Naffa,
Bern Ni Beirne, Kaye Pemberton, Lesley Pothan, Louise Raisin, Holly Rieger, Anne Robertson, June
Rowe, Wendy Shelton, Linda Spinaze, Joyce Thompson, Jane Vickers, Lizzie Waddell, Claire
Weekes, Geoff Woodman, Patricia Woodman
Session Five - Gill Atkin, Stuart Barr, Stuart Barrow, Jake Blight, Janne Blunden, Desiree Campbell,
Heather Carswell, Sharon Carver, Bruce Chapman, Pen Cullen, Veronica Doerr, Rachael Eggins,
Charlie Giles, Lynn Harden, Linda Harper, Peter Hendriks, Carolyn Henry, Rachel High, Naarilla
Hirsch, Hilarie Kemp, Renee Kyle, Mike Lynch, Belinda Mitchell, Laura Naffa, Bern Ni Beirne, Kaye
Pemberton, Lesley Pothan, Anne Robertson, June Rowe, Marnie Rowe, Mike Slee, Joyce
Thompson, Barb Toohey, Jane Vickers, Claire Weekes, Geoff Woodman, Patricia Woodman
Obedience Reserves:
Session Four - Gillian Atkin, Amanda Delaney, Kerry Deans, Veronica Doerr, Kath Hallam
Session Five - Di Adams, Susan Barnard, Kath Hallam, Feli Hopf, Amy Kinsmore, Katrina Morton,
Linda Spinaze
Flyball: Session Four and Five - Claire Weekes (with help from Gill Atkin, Rachael Eggins, Jess
McNamara, Cathy Vaughan)
Agility: Session Four - Laraine Frawley, Maureen Lewis, Anne
Robertson, Allan Schmidt, Helen Thompson, Lucy Williams
Session Five - Di Adams, Karen Edwards, Laraine Frawley,
Naarilla Hirsch, Cath Perry
Rally-O: Session Four - Pauline Dikmans, Pamela Hunt
Session Five - Laraine Frawley, Maureen Lewis, Cath Perry
THANK YOU
DWD: Session Four and Five - Janda Gooding
— CDC Instructors —
Serving the CDC canine community for more than 50 years!
Left:
At the club’s recent
Annual General
Meeting, seventeen
instructors received
bronze long service
badges in recognition of
their instructing
contribution to the club.
Among the recipients
were (left to right) Jane
Vickers (2009), Lesley
Pothan (2009), Bern Ní
Beirné (2009), Cath Perry
(2008), Amanda Day
(2006) and Hilarie Kemp
(2008).
Photo: Linda Spinaze
Page | 10
Getting To Know … The New Committee
The club’s management committee for 2014-15 was appointed at the Annual General Meeting in
August. In this issue we profile two new members of the Committee: Rhonda Cameron and Jane
Richardson. Full details of the Committee can be found on page 8.
Rhonda Cameron
When did you join the club and why?
I joined CDC in 2012 to become a member of
the X-Factor flyball team.
What dogs have you/do you own? Tell us a bit
about them.
I own two dogs. ‘Zeke’, a nine year old
Labrador who loves the sport of flyball and
‘Boston’, a two year old Labrador X who came
to the household from Labrador Rescue NSW.
Boston arrived in Canberra as a dog with social
issues and no obedience training. He is
currently enrolled in Intermediate Obedience
class and is thriving under the guidance of the
CDC instructors. Boston’s rescue profile
described him as a dog who loves to run and
jump and an athletic dog who required
training. It is hoped that through his CDC
training, he will eventually have the skills to
compete successfully in Flyball and Agility.
What activities are you involved with at the
club?
Flyball with ‘Zeke’ and obedience with
‘Boston’. I also try to do my part to help the
Flyball Sub-Committee carry out its functions.
As a new member of the Committee, what are
your hopes for the coming year?
I hope to be able to promote the benefits of
CDC membership to the public and the
positive benefits that can be gained from
involvement in CDC activities. I also hope to
represent Flyball issues.
What do you like best about the club?
The professionalism which is displayed at all
levels within the club and the fantastic grounds.
Jane Richardson
Above: Rhonda with Zeke (left) and Boston (right)
primed and ready to go, flyball style!
THANK YOU
When did you join the club and why?
I most recently joined CDC in 2011 after
acquiring a very naughty and unrelenting
puppy, Jazz. I anticipated that I would be
joining the club when first seeing her as I knew
with her breeding (Kelpie X Poodle) she would
need lots of activity, both physical and mental.
As I had enjoyed training dogs at the club BC
(before children), and found it strengthened
my relationship with my previous dogs, I really
couldn’t wait to get back out to the CDC
grounds!
Continued ...
Each training session Best Friends Fyshwick donates
gift vouchers worth $200 to support the club’s
volunteer instructors. The following instructors’ names
were drawn from the hat in July and September:
Heather Carswell, Hilarie Kemp, Helen Mosslar,
Bern Ní Beirné, Holly Rieger, Anne Robertson,
June Rowe and Allan Schmidt
Page | 11
Getting to know … continued
What dogs have you/do you own? Tell us a bit
about them.
I currently own two relatively young dogs, the
afore-mentioned Jazz ( three and a half) and
my Husky X Labrador rescue puppy, Roscoe
(two and a half). These two partners-in-crime
are chalk and cheese. Jazz is the “its-all-aboutme”, highly food motivated diva, while Roscoe
is the easily distracted, overly exuberant, giant
goofball. Jazz has been lucky enough to be the
recipient of two of the club’s perpetual trophies
the Goldberg Trophy for Comp Day Pointscore
Winner in 2012 and the Pavilion Trophy for DWD
Freestyle in 2013. Roscoe miraculously passed
Transition and after 12 months of persistent
training has just scraped his first qualifying score
in DWD freestyle starters.
What activities are you involved with at the
club?
At the moment I am actively involved in
obedience and Dances with Dogs (DWD) trialling and competing in both. The club offers
so many interesting and challenging dog
activities it’s tempting to have a go at most of
them. I would definitely like to try some Rally-O
and find out more about tracking.
As a new member of the Committee, what are
your hopes for the coming year?
As a big DWD devotee I would really like to
raise the profile of this activity and encourage
more people to have a go. It’s such a fun and
rewarding canine sport that keeps the dogs
engaged and gets tails wagging. I’ve found it
to be particularly good for Roscoe, who
wouldn’t suit every canine activity but thinks
DWD is a blast!
–
Above: Jane and Roscoe provide a ‘selfie’ for
The Good Companion!
What do you like best about the club?
It’s wonderful to be able to spend time with
fellow dog lovers, socialising and sharing stories
and experiences. The challenges and rewards
of dog training are endless and it’s great to be
able to learn from more experienced trainers
and encourage newcomers. I also really
appreciate the fantastic facilities and grounds
at CDC – having a place to be able to safely
free run the dogs is awesome!
Does your photo appear
in the magazine?
Copies of any photos can be ordered
from the Club Office
or via email at [email protected]
Club fundraiser - $5.00 each for high
resolution digital copies
or colour prints
Page | 12
What’s Coming Up At Our Club ?
Are obedience training classes held over
December and January ?
No. Formal obedience training classes end on
30 November and start again on Wednesday 4
February, Thursday 5 February and Sunday 8
February 2015. Your membership fees cover
you for 12 months – there is no need to re-enrol
for classes next year if your membership is up-to
-date. Simply turn up in time for class (see page
64 for details). Puppy class instructors may
continue to meet informally with their classes
over the summer break to enable puppies to
socialise. Please check with your instructor
regarding arrangements.
Are any other club activities on over the
summer break ?
Yes. Senior agility triallers may continue to
practice in Rings 1-3 on Tuesday evenings over
the break. Lower level practice sessions may
also be hosted in these rings on other weekday
evenings. Rings 4-5 are generally reserved for
obedience triallers for practice in the evenings
over the summer break. Flyballers will hold their
last beginners training session for the year on 30
November and resume on Sunday 8 February.
Some competition training may be held on
Wednesdays during the holidays.
Please keep an eye on the noticeboards for
other planned activities.
dog and a bottle of water for yourself). Bring a
hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the
sun, and insect repellent if you train in the
evenings. We may cancel classes if the
weather is extreme – please check the club’s
website and Facebook page for the latest
advice.
For safety reasons, thongs, scuffs or other
unsecured footwear are not allowed in any
training classes. Please wear enclosed shoes or
sandals that can be securely fastened.
Want to keep in touch with the latest activities
at the Club ?
Information is available from:

Our website - www.actcdc.org.au

Club Notice Boards (inside and outside
the Clubhouse)

Your Instructors

The Session Manager on the grounds
Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at
Obedience Training Classes

The Calendar on page 65

Public Facebook page
(www.facebook.com/
ACTCompaniondogclub) - no need to be
a registered user.
Can I use the club grounds over the holidays ?
Yes. Financial members and their dogs may use
the grounds for training and exercise at any
time over the break. Please show courtesy to
other club members and visitors who may also
be on the grounds, ensure that your dog does
not pose a nuisance to others, observe club
etiquette for using the off-leash areas (see
page 66) and always clean up after your dog.
The club grounds will be closed for a couple of
days during the holiday break for pest spraying
and other maintenance. Notices will be
posted.
How should I prepare for classes during
summer ?
Your instructor will try to find some shade or
cover to hold your class, and may cut the class
short if the weather is very hot. Please ensure
you and your dog remain hydrated in the
warmer weather (bring a water bowl for your
Page | 13
Club Activities
BASIC OBEDIENCE TRAINING
The club offers classes for all breeds of dogs in
basic obedience training. These classes will
help you understand canine behaviour and
will teach you how to teach your dog to be a
well-behaved companion. The focus is on
teaching practical skills such as walking on
lead without pulling; to sit, drop and stand; to
sit quietly for pats; to come when called; to
wait for dinner; and to socialize appropriately
with dogs and people.
The club teaches through positive
reinforcement. That means that you show your
dog what behaviour you want it to produce
and you reward it for doing so. The dog soon
learns that if it repeats the behaviour it will be
rewarded and so the learning cycle begins.
Dogs may attend from three months of age,
provided they have been fully immunized.
You will need to ring up to book your dog in
(see office contact details on page 16). You
should do this several weeks in advance of
your desired entry date to ensure that you will
get a place. Dates for the next course can be
found in the Calendar (see page 41).
DOGS-AS-THERAPY
Members and their dogs visit nursing homes
and special schools to provide pet therapy for
the residents. Suitable dogs are those that are
people and dog friendly dog and that aren’t
fazed by much that goes on around them.
COMPETITIVE DOG SPORTS AT THE CLUB
Obedience Trialling - Obedience Trials
(competitions) aim to demonstrate a high
degree of handler-dog team work and
precision over a range of exercises at different
levels of skill. Exercises include heelwork,
retrieving, scent work, directions from a
distance and stays. Dogs must have passed
the Transition level to be admitted to the basic
trialling class.
Agility - This is a dog sport where you teach
as jumps, tunnels, see-saws, A-frames, dog
walks and weave poles. Once you have
gained some basic skills, the challenge is to
learn how to ‘steer’ your dog from one
obstacle to another on a course, and the
courses change each time so that you and
your dog are constantly being challenged to
improve your skills.
Dogs must be:
 at least 14 months old to ensure the dog’s
skeletal and musculature system is strong
enough;
 physically sound and not over weight; and
 under control off-lead around other dogs
and activities (however no minimum
obedience training level is required).
Flyball - In this sport dogs clear four hurdles,
spring a ball from a ‘box’, and return to their
handler over the hurdles. It is a fast and furious
team sport that ball mad dogs really enjoy.
Dogs must be:
 at least 12 months old to ensure the dog’s
skeletal and musculature system is strong
enough;
 physically sound and not over weight; and
 under control off-lead around other dogs
and activities.
Dances with Dogs - In this dog sport handlers
take obedience skills to a new level by
performing routines to music with their dogs. All
you need to get involved is a love of music,
the desire to have a great time with your dog
and a commitment to reward based training.
DWD is suitable for handlers of all ages and
dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages.
Rally-O - Rally-O is an obedience competition
that requires the handler and dog team to
negotiate a course at heel and perform
various maneuvers such as sits, downs, stands,
stays and various turns. Handlers are able to
praise their dog while it is working.
For more information on any of these activities
refer to the relevant contacts on page 8 or
leave your name at the club office.
your dog to negotiate different obstacles such
Have a comment or idea you’d like to share?
Drop a note in our Suggestion Box
in the Clubhouse foyer or email
[email protected]
Page | 14
Puppy Primer
All shelter dogs were once normal puppies eager to learn how
to live with people. Rather than making another shelter dog,
learn how to raise your puppy to stay in your home … forever.
Most new members join the club to socialise their puppy or rescue dog with other dogs and
people, teach good manners and undertake basic training. Almost one in five new members also
join to get help with common problem behaviours, especially typical puppy behaviour mouthing, house training, jumping up, chewing, barking, separation anxiety, digging and other
destructive behaviours.
There are two excellent books — Before you get your puppy and After you get your puppy —
available for free download from the web that provide excellent training advice on these issues
using positive motivational methods. Both books are written by Dr Ian Dunbar, DVM PhD, a
renowned veterinarian, veterinary behaviourist, author and lecturer on canine behaviour. Dr
Dunbar founded the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (USA) and is a tireless advocate for training,
socialising and handling puppies before six months of age to prevent behavioural problems in
later life.
Download now
for Holiday
reading
These books can be downloaded free of charge from
http://www.dogstardaily.com/free-downloads
REMINDER - DISABLED PARKING
Please note that the disabled spaces in the Instructors' car park are at all
times for the exclusive use of people holding disabled
parking permits.
This includes instructors, members and visitors. Please ensure that you
do not use these spaces without a permit. In the event that all
spaces are taken by permit holders, disabled members and
visitors may park in other parts of the Instructors'
car park at any time.
This restriction also applies when trials are held on the club grounds.
Page | 15
Is Your Membership Due ?
You can renew online – how easy is that !
Go to the club’s website at www.actcdc.org.au
1.
Download the Membership Renewal form at
www.actcdc.org.au/about/form.html
2.
Complete the form and send it back to the club via e-mail
3.
Then pay your fees online using direct credit facilities
Bank BSB:
032 729
Account:
235628
Reference: Your surname and phone number
Make sure your reference will easily identify your payment and don’t
forget to keep your receipt.
You don’t even have to leave your house !
EFTPOS facilities are available
Renew your membership at the club office using EFTPOS
Minimum transaction $10.00 (no cash out)
Is your dog’s Attendance Card
Is your dog’s Attendance Card
WHITE
BLUE
If so, your Membership is due
for renewal by the end of
If so, your Membership is due
for renewal by the end of
NOVEMBER
FEBRUARY
Contact Us
Fees 2014-15
Joining Fee (per household)
$ 50
Phone
02 6295 7764
Annual Subscription
(per household)
$100
Post
PO Box 4048, Kingston ACT 2604
Training Fees (per Dog/per Year)
 Obedience
 Agility
 Flyball
 Dances with Dogs
 Rally-O
$ 75
$ 75
$ 75
$ 75
$ 30
Web
www.actcdc.org.au
Office
Instructors Fee
plus voluntary Grounds Fee
$ 30
$ 50
Narrabundah Lane, Symonston ACT
 Monday-Friday 10:00am-1:00pm
 Thursday
7:00pm-9:00pm
 Sunday
9:00am-12:00pm
Joanne Hagan—Office Manager
Casual Visitors Fee (day, week,
month) - by application
$ 5/25/50
See the website for email
contact addresses.
We welcome your feedback.
Page | 16
Getting To Know … New Life Member
On behalf of the Main Committee, incoming President Renee Kyle nominated Lesley Pothan for
Honorary Life Membership at the club’s Annual General Meeting in August.
The citation supporting her nomination is reproduced below.
Lesley Pothan joined the ACT Companion Dog
Club in 2002 with her Border Collie X ‘Dharma’
and ventured into Flyball in 2004. In 2005 she
attained her Flyball Dog (FD) title with Dharma
and the following year joined the Flyball SubCommittee. She served on the sub-committee
for two years and assumed the role of
Convenor in July 2008. She joined the Main
Committee as the representative of the club’s
flyball fraternity in August 2008 and continued
in this role until July 2012 when she stepped
down as Convenor but remained on the subcommittee in a support role until July 2013.
practices has been of great benefit to the club
over the past five years. During this time she has
overseen the successful introduction of online
banking and direct credit facilities to streamline
office and shop practices; renegotiated the
club’s insurance to ensure that members’
needs are appropriately covered; provided
assurance to the Committee during contract
negations for grounds maintenance and other
services; carefully managed the club’s GST,
superannuation and grant acquittal
obligations; and assiduously monitored the
club’s term deposits to receive a good rate of
return for members. She
has carried out these
responsibilities calmly
and with good-humour,
counselling or
encouraging other
members of the
Committee as
circumstances
demand.
Lesley’s contribution to
the club’s flyball
fraternity spanned
seven years, during
which time she helped
implement mixed
training classes for
beginners and more
experienced handlers,
co-ordinated and
participated in
In addition to her
numerous community
Committee roles, Lesley
demonstrations, and
is also an active
represented the club as
instructor at the club.
a member of many XShe started instructing in
Factor flyball teams at
Flyball in 2007 and
local and interstate
qualified as a Level
flyball competitions
One Obedience
from Sydney, to the
Instructor in 2009. She
south-west slopes and
currently enjoys
south coast. CDC’s Xintroducing new
Factor flyballers were
members to the club as
named Club of the Year
a Beginners A
Above: Lesley Pothan (right) with incoming
in 2008-09 by the
President Renee Kyle (left). Photo: Linda Spinaze ‘specialist’ instructor. She
Australian Flyball
also instructed flyball
Association in recognition of their participation
classes on a regular basis from 2007 to 2012.
and success in flyball activities at a national
level. During this time Lesley also enjoyed
The role of Treasurer is rarely sought in volunteer
success at a personal level with Dharma,
organisations, and usually remains invisible to
attaining their FDX, FDCh, FM, AFCh and FMX
ordinary club members unless something goes
titles and culminating in the club’s Flyball Dog
wrong. Fortunately, Lesley’s profile among
of the Year award in 2008.
many club members derives from her role as an
instructor and member of the flyball fraternity
In August 2009 Lesley took on the volunteer role
rather than as keeper of the purse strings. While
of club Treasurer, a position that she continues
the Committee acknowledges Lesley’s
to hold today. With an annual turn-over of
sustained contributions in both these areas, we
$175,000 it is imperative that the club’s finances
nominate her for Honorary Life Membership this
are managed to meet its operational,
evening primarily for her outstanding (and
accountability and regulatory requirements.
continuing) service to the club as Treasurer.
Lesley’s extensive knowledge of public sector
financial management and governance
Congratulations Lesley!
Page | 17
Paws Beachside welcomes members of the
ACT Companion Dog Club
 Fully fenced back yard with native plants


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





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and large grassed area
Dogs allowed inside
200 m flat walk to Barlings Beach (shared
dog access) or Tomaga Beach (24/7 dog
access)
Brand new home (Winner of MBA NSW
regional excellence award)
Sleeps 6 (2 x queen, 2 x single bed)
Stainless steel appliances and fully
equipped kitchen
Reverse cycle air conditioning
Northerly sun
2 hours drive from Canberra, close to
Bateman’s Bay, Broulee and Moruya
3 tier tariff: low, mid and high season
Bookings: Stayz.com.au/106533 or
LJ Hooker Bateman’s Bay
Come ‘paws’ by the beach
with us!
Popularity stakes
 30 Red Hill Parade, Tomakin NSW
The July issue of The Good Companion
listed the 20 most popular breeds in the
UK in 1969 and 12 rare breeds that were
yet to achieve recognition on the show
circuit. This issue we feature the top 20
breeds in Australia according to the
latest registration figures (2013)available
from the Australian National Kennel
Council (ANKC).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Labrador
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
German Shepherd Dog
Golden Retriever
Border Collie
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
American Staffordshire Terrier
French Bulldog
Rottweiler
Cocker Spaniel
Pug
Boxer
Schnauzer (Miniature)
Poodle (Toy)
Australian Cattle Dog
British Bulldog
Bull Terrier
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Jack Russel Terrier
Great Dane
Those shown in bold featured in the UK
top 20 back in 1969.
The following breeds had no registrations
(ie litters or imports) in Australia in 2013
although they have contributed to
registrations in the past:

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Cesky Terrier
Sussex Spaniel
Bluetick Coonhound
Hamiltonstovare
Ibizan Hound
Otterhound
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
Dutch Shepherd
Kuvasz
Pumi
Kangal Dog
Pyrenean Mastiff
Canaan Dog
Eurasier
Registration statistics for all breeds are
available at www.ankc.org.au/NationalRegistration-Statistics.aspx
What do you think are the most popular
and most uncommon breeds at our
club?
Page | 18
Feature Article
How to café train your dog
By Georgia Morris — Canberra Dog Walks
Canberra has lots of cafés that make dogs
welcome at their outdoor tables.
Since the Australian Food Standards Code was
amended in 2012, ‘companion' dogs (not just
guide dogs) are allowed ‘in the outdoor dining
area of a food premises, provided that the
outdoor dining area can be entered by the
public without passing through an enclosed
area’.
This has led to a proliferation of Canberra café
and restaurant owners who are happy to
welcome well-behaved dogs (with their
equally well-behaved owners). Some will even
bring out water for your dog!
time so that she learned whenever it was laid
by the table, it meant quiet time. When she
was young, we also brought a chewie or toy to
help keep her occupied.
We started with short visits, gradually making
them longer over time. It also helps to walk your
dog beforehand so they settle more easily.
Our tips for producing the perfect canine
patron are:

Start your dog young so they learn to be
calm around a lot of people and
distractions.

Walk your dog beforehand to get rid of
excess energy and any toileting needs
(check out some great dog friendly walks
that all start and end at a dog friendly
café at
www.canberradogwalks.com.au).

Bring a chewie or toy to keep your dog
occupied, especially if they are young.

Make sure your dog is as comfortable as
possible - not too hot in the sun, not too
cold in the shade, not lying on a cold or
scratchy surface.

Find a spot away from foot traffic so your
dog won't get tripped over or get in the
way of chairs being pushed back.

Don't feed your dog from the table ever! Otherwise they will never really
settle. And some patrons will hate it and
complain.

Reward good behaviour by praising your
dog - remember to pay them attention
when they are quiet and well-mannered
not just when they misbehave.
But while the food regulations have changed,
it’s still up to individual café owners to decide
whether or not to allow dogs. You can help
make sure dogs are welcomed by teaching
your dog to be ‘café friendly’ and by heeding
some simple ‘café dog’ etiquette.
The main thing is to teach your dog to
understand that visiting a café means ‘quiet
time’ sitting or lying by your side. We taught our
dog by bringing a special 'café' blanket each
Continued ...
Page | 19
How to café train your dog … continued
Our advice about good ‘café etiquette’ is pretty
simple too (although it’s surprising how often we
see it ignored).

Before you sit down, check with adjacent
patrons whether they mind having your dog
close by.

Don't feed your dog from the table.

Don't let your dog approach other tables or
beg for food.

Don't let your dog approach other patrons
unless invited.

Don't let your dog approach other dogs
unless invited.

Don't let your dog bark, whine or otherwise
create a nuisance that could annoy other
patrons.

If you can't control your dog, cut your visit
short and try another time.
Photos: Courtesy of Georgia Morris
Now you’re all fired up to join the Canberra café
scene with your dog, where can you go? We’ve
researched and identified Canberra’s best dog
friendly cafés at www.canberradogwalks.com.au/
canberra-dog-friendly-cafes. Have fun!
The club’s Committee wishes to thank the following
organisations for their generous support:


Best Friends - Fyshwick for its support of the club’s
instructors through the donation of gift vouchers
each training session
William Edmund Plumbing for discounted plumbing
services and advice
THANKS
Please show your support for these local businesses and
mention CDC when you use them.
Page | 20
Feature Article
Safe and secure?
Reproduced from www.nrma.com.au/paws-and-secure-your-puppy
An NRMA Insurance test of popular pet
harnesses has revealed that a number are not
effective in restraining pets in common low
speed collisions.
NRMA Insurance Head of Research Robert
McDonald said the testing was undertaken to
urge pet owners to consider the safety of their
pets and passengers when travelling in
vehicles. “Our tests showed that an
unrestrained pet sitting on the back seat of a
car can hit the dashboard with enough force
to cause serious injury, even at a collision
speed below 20km/h,” said Mr McDonald.
the other passengers in the vehicle. Many dogs
weigh over 20kg with some over 50kg. The
Purina Roadie harness proved effective at
restraining dogs up to 35kg, while the more
expensive Sleepypod Clickit harness tested to
be more suitable for larger animals,” said Mr
McDonald.
Additionally, in a survey of 450 NSW dog
owners, over 40 per cent admitted to the
insurer that they don’t restrain their dog when
it’s travelling in the car. Dog owners are simply
placing them on the front or back seat (70 per
cent), in the back luggage area (15 per cent)
or alarmingly on
their lap (4 per
cent).*
NRMA Insurance
tested a variety of
dog safety
harnesses on the
“Just as you restrain
market using life
a child in the car,
size and correctly
we want to urge all
weighted dog
dog owners to
‘dummies’ at
consider these
speeds of up to
results and ensure
35km/h. Of the 25
their furry friend is
pet harnesses
secured safely
tested across a
when travelling in
Crash test doggie (http://sleepypod.com/)clickit)
range of
the car,” said
manufacturers, all
McDonald.
but two failed to
restrain the ‘dummy’, due to the use of weak
Pet owners should be reminded that a driver
plastic buckles similar to those used on most
must not drive a vehicle if an animal is in the
backpacks.
driver’s lap – they will incur a significant fine
and loss of points**.
The only two harnesses that didn’t fail were the
Purina Roadie harness and the Sleepypod
The testing was conducted by dropping
Clickit harness. Unlike the other harnesses, the
weighted harnesses at speeds of up to 35km/h.
adjusting buckles and webbing stood up to
The in-car testing was conducted using a
both the 35km/h drop test and in-car low
specially modified crash test car at speeds of
speed crash test of up to 20km/h. “Most
up to 20km/h. The tests were completed at the
people using the commonly available
NRMA Insurance Research Centre in Sydney.
harnesses are doing so in a genuine attempt to
keep their pets safe. However our testing has
Test results:
unfortunately shown that most harnesses, while

Purina 'Roadie' – PASS

Sleepypod 'Clickit' – PASS
effective at restraining pets, are not safety

Animates 'Car Safety Harness' – FAIL
devices and do little to prevent injury in a

Black Dog 'Car Harness'- FAIL
common low speed crash.

Masterpet '2 in 1 Car Harness' – FAIL

Rudducks 'Car Harness' - FAIL
“An effective harness is critical when travelling
with a pet as it keeps the animal safe and
restrained and avoids the driver being
* Based on Pure Profile research conducted in
October 2013
distracted while driving with the animal moving
**
Rule
297 (1A), Road Rules 2008 (NSW) around inside the vehicle. In a collision, an
www.rms.nsw.gov.au/index.html
unrestrained pet also has the potential to injure
Page | 21
The Great Beagle Scent Drag Hunt
Every year the NSW and ACT Beagle Clubs organise a special weekend for Beagles to do what
Beagles do best …. following a scent trail up hill and down dale en masse. CDC’s Secretary (and
devoted Beagle owner) Bern Ní Beirné provided a vivid account of this annual event in the
September 2013 issue of ‘The Good Companion’ (see www.actcdc.org.au/new/tgc.htm).
This year she has provided a photo essay of the event and has offered a fabulous prize for anyone
who can spot the interlopers. For more information about the ACT Beagle Club see
www.freewebs.com/actbeagleclub/
Page | 22
Obedience Training
Level 1 Instructors Course
Come and join us as an Instructor !
Did you know that all of the club’s instructors are volunteers? Each one of us
started out like you, training our first dog and learning a lot along the way.
Would you like to learn more and to help other members to train their dogs?
If so, we have the course for you!
The club’s Obedience Training Sub-Committee will be conducting a Level 1 Instructors Course in
the first half of 2015. This course covers the principles of training, learning theory, teaching
techniques, and teaching exercises from Kindi through to Advanced. If you have reached
Advanced (or a higher class) with your current or previous dogs, and feel that you would like to
give something back to the club, we encourage you to apply for the Instructors Course. If you
have not yet reached this level, but are still interested, we’d also like to hear from you.
The structure of the course is expected to include :
 lectures and demonstrations delivered on weekday evenings or weekends
(schedule will depend on availability of guest lecturers and participants);
 peer group classes with other trainee instructors;
 assisting qualified instructors with classes to gain practical experience;
 recommended reading;
 practical exercises and theory assignments to assess competencies.
It is possible that successful completion of the course may constitute ‘prior learning’ if
participants wish to undertake the Certificate III in Companion Animal Services at the
Canberra Institute of Technology in the future.
NOTE: If you qualify as a club instructor you will be expected to take at least two sessions
(4 months) of classes each year. In return you will receive ongoing discounts on club fees,
subsidised club clothing, access to the club’s library and other incentives.
If you would like to nominate to do this course, please fill in the application form (on page 24) and
return it to the club via post or email by 31 January 2015 or contact Anne Robertson for further
information ([email protected]).
Page | 23
APPLICATION FOR 2015
LEVEL 1
OBEDIENCE INSTRUCTORS
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________ State __________ Postcode __________
Phone (H) ____________________ (W) _________________ (M) ____________________
Email _________________________________________________________________________
Current dog’s name ________________________ Breed __________________________
Current level _________________________________________________________________
The following questions will help us schedule the course
Are you available to attend lectures on weekday evenings ?  Yes  No
Please TICK all evenings that you are available
 Monday  Tuesday  Wednesday  Thursday  Friday
Are you available to attend lectures on weekends ?
Please TICK all times that you are available
 Saturday mornings  Saturday afternoons  Sunday afternoons
Will you be available in February, March, April and May ?
 Yes
 No
Other comments and queries _________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________Date _______________________
TGC ADVERTISING RATES
Would you like to advertise in the Club’s magazine ? We distribute
about 350 copies of the magazine to members five times a year and
you can access all issues on our website - it’s a great way to get your
name out there. Advertising for the March 2015 issue is due by 8
February 2015. Current advertising rates are:
Page Size
Width
Length
Single
(1 issue)
Yearly
(5 issues)
Full Page
170 mm
270 mm
$50.00
$225.00 ($45/issue)
1/2 Page
170 mm
130 mm
$30.00
$125.00 ($25/issue)
1/4 Page
80 mm
130 mm
$20.00
No Yearly rate
Email [email protected] to discuss advertising
Page | 24
Tipsy’s Famous Recipe Corner
~ Surf ’n Turf Slice ~
Another recipe for discerning dogs
I like to have a bit of a lie–in on a Sunday morning. Me sister Shadow is just the opposite.
Shadow is up and at ‘em at any opportunity, in the hope that she can do a bit of training.
Shadow is an over-achiever, and has me mum wrapped around her little paw. At the mere
blink of Shadow’s eye, mum is out with the tug toy being trained, and Shadow is a happy
dog! So this time Shadow has been helping with Sunday morning classes, but the dogs are so
Advanced they have not needed many of Shadow’s demonstrations as to how to train your
human.
Boy oh boy these dogs are smart! One dog named Pippi has previously trained her human
to show in the ring. Now she is training another human in obedience skills. Pippi is real cool,
she pretends to be nervous and aloof in order to get her mum really exasperated, so’s to get
more attention and training time. Roo is real Advanced. She was concerned at how long
her mum spent in front of the TV, so she decided to EAT the remote control! How cool is
that? Her mum is now spending time training instead of sitting on the couch. Speaking of
couches, Beau, a real big dog, is super Advanced. He has eaten the leather couch AND his
mum’s bed in order to get more attention and training time. He is really clever, he now has
every single chew toy available from the pet shop in his toy basket! How cool is that?
Shadow told me that the humans were showing great progress in the use of toys as
motivators in training. However, Shadow did notice that the poor dogs were receiving the
same old food treats week after week, so she asked me to help. Of course I was more than
happy to spend an afternoon in me Test Kitchen developing a new recipe to share. I always
request lots of ingredients with which to experiment, that way me and me sisters get to have
a few extra treats whilst developing the new recipe (this is another example of Advanced
level thinking). No food is ever wasted in the Tipsy Test Kitchen!
Last Sunday I made a big effort and got up early to go along to Sunday classes and present
my latest creation to the Advanced class (below). Boy oh Boy the class went wild.
Above: The very Advanced Class after training on Sunday.
Me sister Shadow is behaving herself, but I am a bit pre-occupied with those treats!
(That’s me on the far left)
Page | 25
Tipsy’s famous Surf ’n Turf Slice … continued
When they realized what a great training motivator these treats are, the humans were even
requesting the recipe. Of course I am happy to share it here.
This time I have created a delicious Surf ‘n Turf Slice. The Surf ‘n Turf idea came to me because I
understand it is quite popular with humans, and I thought the name would interest them (more
Advanced thinking by me). The recipe can be made in true gourmet style using Beef Cheeks and
Atlantic Salmon for special celebrations (eg getting your human through the Advanced level
training). Or, if your household is on a budget, simply use kangaroo mince and tinned mackerel.
Either way, I can assure you it will be a great success with all your friends.
Photos: This and previous page courtesy of Tipsy’s Mum.
Recipe




About 400 g kangaroo or beef mince
1 large tin of mackerel (about 400g), drained and then smashed up
2 free range eggs (from me own chickens) beaten up a bit
About I cup wholemeal flour
Method







Preheat oven to 150 degrees.
Grease and flour two baking trays about 20 by 30 cm.
Mix all ingredients very well, until the mix is just right to squash into a tray.
Put ½ mixture into each baking tray and then flatten them out a bit with your paw. Lick
your paw.
Bake for about 30 minutes, until the slice is cooked.
Cool on a wire rack.
If you can wait until it is cool, get yer mum or dad to help you cut it into bite size pieces.
The pieces of Surf ‘n Turf Slice freeze well, so you can train yer humans to put them into the
freezer in little training size bags. This never happens in our house as we always seem to have
plenty of friends to share them with.
Above: Duffy, Me, Shadow and our friend Nellie training our mum. Duffy and Shadow prefer balls and
frisbees, however, Nellie and I prefer to wait it out for some of those Surf ’n Turf Treats!
CAN YOU HELP?
Did you know that all of the activities offered by the club, as well as
the management of the buildings and grounds, rely on members like
you to volunteer their time and services ?
Volunteers have kept the club going since 1958 !
We need more members to lend a hand - if you have some time to
spare and are interested in supporting the running of the club please
leave your name and contact details at the office.
Page | 26
ACT Companion Dog Club Inc
Annual General Meeting
The Year in Review
2013-14
The club held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 19 August. Forty five members attended with
eighteen apologies. Reports tabled at the meeting are provided below. The full financial
statement for the year ended 30 June 2014 is available on request from the club's office.
President’s Report
By Linda Spinaze
The ACT Companion Dog Club has enjoyed
another year of successful dog training classes,
trials and other dog-related activities.
Special events for 2014
Our end-of-year Awards Day in December had
additional excitement this year, as we formally
acknowledged June Rowe’s enormous
contribution to the club over the past forty-five
years by naming our building the ‘June Rowe
Clubhouse’. Ritchie Butler, a previous club
president, maintains that our clubhouse is the
“best dog training clubhouse in the world”, and
since he has travelled the world and seen
many clubhouses as
an obedience and
tracking judge, we
will accept his
judgement! I am
very pleased that
we have been able
to provide a worthy
acknowledgement
of June’s
contributions to the
club.
The highlight of the year was the wonderful ‘30
years and 100’s of Dogs’ event which we held
last September, primarily to celebrate the
club’s anniversary at
Narrabundah Lane,
but to also celebrate
Canberra’s
Centenary. Not only
did we light candles
on a huge cake, but
we had special
doggie cup-cakes,
and we took photos
of 100 dogs in a 100formation and dogs
jumping through
yellow festooned
A group of our
‘100’ hoops. Due to
handlers and their
the success of this
dogs participated in
Above: Derry and Brunig celebrate the centenary
event, the club won
the Animals-in-War
(Photo: Lara Sedgmen)
the ‘Centenary of
event at the Australian
Canberra Club of the
War Memorial in
Month’ award for September, and came
February and the Connect and Participate
runner-up for the Centenary of Canberra Club
Community Expo at the Bus Depot markets in
of the Year award. With our prize money we
March. We demonstrated how we train our
plan to install a large bench near the trial rings.
dogs, and explained to the public how positive
My thanks to Kaye Pemberton and her partner
reinforcement is a fun and enjoyable way to
David for their invaluable assistance with this
communicate to our dogs how we wish them
project.
to behave. My thanks to all the handlers who
Page | 27
AGM reports … continued
gave up their valuable time for these public
activities.
Training and assessment
Our club has been busy during the year,
organising our 5x8 week sessions of Obedience,
Rally-O, Agility, DWD and Flyball classes for our
members. In total, we run more than 40 classes
across all disciplines each week. I’d like to take
this opportunity to thank all the SubCommittees who take the responsibility for
these classes, and a big thank you to all our
instructors involved in teaching the weekly
classes in all our disciplines. The success of the
club depends on your commitment and
enthusiasm.
In regard to our obedience training syllabus
we’ve made a major change. In order to
reduce the inconsistencies in the assessment of
Beginners A and B classes, we’ve introduced a
competency-based assessment by class
instructors at the end of each session. This is an
informal assessment, and handlers need to
show a clear understanding of what each
exercise requires, and how to convey this to
their dog, using appropriate methods. We’ve
had lots of positive feedback on this initiative.
Trials
Successful trials (Obedience, Rally-O and
Agility) have been run on a regular basis during
the year, with some new combined
Obedience/Rally-O double trials. The Agility
Sub-Committee has continued successful
evening ribbon trials, day trials and full
weekend trials. We have also been fortunate to
provide a Tracking trial, tracking seminars and
tracking classes, coordinated by Jake Blight,
over the winter period.
Notable trial purchases this year has been the
wonderful, light agility contact equipment, and
some new jumps for obedience and Rally-O,
purchased in order to comply with new trialling
regulations.
New instructors
Our Obedience Training Sub-Committee has
run a Level One Obedience Instructors course,
which has enabled us to welcome a new
batch of Level One instructors into our ranks.
Congratulations to Barbara Grundy, Sharon
Carver, Amy Kinsmore, Susan Barnard, Rachel
Eggins, Rachel High, Janda Gooding, Hallie
Butcher and Pen Cullen for graduating in
obedience, and Cath Perry, Pamela Hunt,
Karen Edwards and Maureen Lewis in agility.
Feli Hopf has re-joined the obedience
instructors panel after a time away from
Canberra. Welcome to you all.
We also ran a Level Two Obedience Instructors
course last year, with the following instructors
upgrading their skills: Renee Kyle, Kath Hallam,
Jane Vickers, Gillian Atkin and Lynn Harden.
Congratulations, and we look forward to your
various and many contributions to CDC.
Instructor events and news
This year we organised another enjoyable
instructors dinner. For the first time, we held it in
the June Rowe clubhouse, and contracted Eat
Your Words catering to provide the meal. The
food was great, and the companionship
wonderful. A big thank you to Heather
Carswell and her band of helpers who
decorated the clubhouse and provided some
fun activities.
Sandra Hassett provided an information-rich
evening for our instructors in June when she
gave a talk on canine first aid. Many people
commented afterwards how valuable the
information had been for them, both personally
and as instructors.
This year, for the first time at an AGM, we will
formally acknowledge instructors who have
given five years service to the club. Long
service awards were agreed to years ago, and
we have previously given awards to instructors
who have achieved 10, 20 and 30 years
service. So now it is time to give recognition to
those instructors who have contributed to the
club for five years. These service awards reflect
the fact that instructors are the life-blood of the
club.
New club activities
During this year there have been two separate
occasions when the club has supported
vocational training in the ACT by allowing
students enrolled in the Canberra Institute of
Technology’s Certificate III in Companion
Animal Services to observe and assist in our
classes over a two month period. Anne
Robertson has been the co-ordinator of this
project, and we are grateful that she has been
able to find the time for this valuable
community outreach.
Another initiative which has been adopted by
Page | 28
the club this year has been the Yellow Dog
Project. This project has been running for many
years around the world, and aims to provide
‘space’ for dogs who need — for various
reasons — extra care from the intrusion of
people and/or other dogs. A dog wearing a
yellow vest, ribbon or scarf indicates that it
needs ‘space’.
We have undertaken a review of the criteria of
the club’s pre-eminent perpetual awards to
ensure consistency across the various awards.
The Obedience Training Sub-Committee have
formally assessed and drawn-up a list of canine
behavioural consultants who
we can confidently
recommend to any members
who are having special
problems with their dogs and
may need one-on-one
support.
agreed to budget for street lighting on our
section of Narrabundah Lane and we now
have two lights to help members when they
park outside the gates.
This year we have formed a mutually beneficial
relationship with Best Friends pet store in
Fyshwick. Best Friends have provided $1000
worth of vouchers for instructors who have
taken classes in sessions this year. And, in
return, we have provided some demonstrations
of dog obedience at their store. There are
further events planned, and we look forward to
being able to help them with their marketing,
as they help us with ours.
We also revised our Work
Health and Safety (WHS) Risk
Management Policy with
respect to the new WHS
obligations. The new policy
sets out the reasonably
practical steps that the club
will undertake to identify,
eliminate or minimise health
and safety risks on our
grounds. Amanda Day is our
in-house expert on these
matters.
Capital Animal Physiotherapy
(CAP) has regularly used our
clubhouse on Friday mornings
during this year, for treatment
of musculo-skeletal and
neural injuries suffered by our
canine companions. CAP
pays the club a percentage
of its takings.
Continuing activities and
projects
The grounds are looking
great, thanks to Judith Barlow
and her helpers. A large
After 30 years - street lighting
number of trees have been
comes to Narrabundah Lane
planted, and kept alive over
last summer by members as
they walked their dogs. This is
particularly important as we continue to have
Our website has had a make-over this year,
problems with the irrigation system. We had to
thanks to our webmaster Renee Kyle and the
purchase a new bore pump earlier this year,
site has been accessed by many local, and not but we think that all the underground pipes
-so-local, members of the public. It is a
and connections are coming to the end of
wonderful way to connect us to the ‘outside’
their serviceable life after thirty years, and the
world, and has become an important
whole system will need replacing in the near
mechanism for attracting and booking new
future. This will indeed be a huge expense, but
members.
we need to keep the grounds in good
condition. To alleviate the expense we intend
Another new initiative has been our Facebook
seeking a grant.
page, ably updated by one of our youngest
committee members, Claire Weekes who, by
Our Dogs-as-Therapy program continues under
virtue of her age, understands these things in a
the guidance of Joyce Thompson, visiting
way that us older members do not. Thanks
nursing homes around Canberra on a regular
Claire.
basis. This year, a new program is being
developed between CDC and Alzheimers
I am proud to report that new street lights have
Australia, to provide individual visits to specific
been installed and are now functioning.
dementia clients in the ACT. A pilot study was
According to June Rowe, the club has
conducted in May/June with three of our
appealed to the ACT government for 30 years
instructors and their dogs, and the outcomes
to provide lighting outside the club gates, but
are being analysed.
to no avail. However, last year Roads ACT
Page | 29
Our club magazine has provided us with
relevant and timely information and
photographs about the club’s activities to keep
us all in touch. In addition, each edition
includes excellent reference material regarding
dog training and canine behaviour, and there
are often yummy dog treat recipes as well.
Thanks to Anne Robertson for being editor-inchief, and instructors who contribute articles.
Our shop is making more sales since we have
started taking Eftpos payments, and the
provision of excellent coffee has been a boost
to everyone. Thanks to Katrina Morton, shop
assistant Mike Carswell and volunteer Olivia
Gilding.
Of course, we continue to rely on Joanne
Hagan, our office manager, for membership
bookings, handling phone enquiries, class
organisation, banking, photocopying and
more. Although she is only at work for a few
hours each day, she seems to manage to
perform a full day’s work, and still has time to oil
the social gears of inter-member
communication. Thanks Jo.
What comes next?
Our plans for the coming year include a major
review of our obedience syllabus. In order to
meet the needs of a large proportion of our
members, we will focus in the earlier classes on
basic handler/dog communication and petrelated exercises, leaving the more formal
precision-based obedience exercises to higher
classes after handlers have grasped some of
the basic skills. We also hope to be able to
introduce handlers to some aspects of our dog
sports at an earlier stage in their training.
Finally, I’d like to thank the fabulous committee
of twelve for their support and hard work during
the year. Although meetings have been slightly
chaotic, it has always been due to enthusiasm
rather than disagreement. Each and every
member has been invaluable in keeping the
club running smoothly. So, my thanks to Anne
Robertson, Judith Barlow, Bern Ní Beirné, Lesley
Pothan, Renee Kyle, Heather Carswell, Katrina
Morton, Gillian Atkin, Belinda Mitchell, Holly
Rieger, Amanda Day and Claire Weekes. All
committee members except Holly and I are
nominating again for the coming year, which
will ensure a seamless transition from 2014 to
2015.
I’d like to express my gratitude to anyone who I
haven’t managed to individually mention in
this report. There are many people in the club
who generously and happily donate their time
and expertise, and without whom the club
would not operate as smoothly as it does.
Thank you to all of you.
This will be my last report as I am stepping
down from the role of President and from the
Main Committee. These last four years have
been very busy, and I now look forward to
using my spare time in other ways to contribute
to the club’s success.
Obedience Training Report
By Anne Robertson (Convener)
This report outlines some of the Obedience
Training Sub-Committee’s activities and other
aspects of instructor development in 2013-14.
Changes to the instructors’ panel
Congratulations to Gillian Atkin, Kath Hallam,
Lynn Harden, Renee Kyle and Jane Vickers who
completed their study program and qualified
as Level Two instructors in November last year.
These instructors are now eligible to conduct
the club’s trialling and companion classes as
well as session managing and coaching other
instructors. Congratulations, too, to Susan
Barnard, Hallie Butcher, Sharon Carver, Pen
Cullen, Rachael Eggins, Janda Gooding,
Barbara Grundy, Rachel High and Amy
Kinsmore for completing the Level One
instructors course and joining the panel. Their
commitment to the club is much appreciated.
Congratulations also to Christina Erwin, Mike
Lynch, Helen Mosslar, Holly Rieger and Airlie
White on becoming Honorary Instructors in
recognition of their service to the club. Each
has volunteered as an instructor for 25 years or
more. During the year we also awarded
Honorary Instructor status to Jan Clemson and
Mary Dalgarno. We hope that all of our
Honorary Instructors will continue to contribute
to the club for a long time to come and to
support others to emulate their great service!
During the year we also bid farewell to the
following instructors: Lidea Lea (passed away),
Leko McCulloch (resigned) and Barry
Runnstrom.
Instructors’ audit
At the end of the 2013-14 training year
(October 2013 – September 2014) the Club had
70 qualified obedience instructors on the
‘active’ Instructors panel, a reduction of 5 since
Page | 30
last year’s report. Of these 70, two also
instruct flyball, eleven also instruct agility,
seven also instruct rally-o and two also
instruct DWD. Seven are active Honorary Life
Members and four are active Honorary
Instructors. Of these 70 instructors, nine have
only qualified to take classes since June this
year (see above).
dogged determination — perhaps the
hardest of all the tasks undertaken by
volunteers at the club. Thank you Renee and
June.
Level 1 instructors’ courses
In order to bolster instructor numbers, the
Training Sub-Committee conducted another
Level One Instructors course in March-May
2014 with thirteen participants —the third
course offered in as many years.
The core components of the course consists
of 25 hours of theory (2.5 hours for 10 weeks),
Of the 61 instructors available for the full
year:

5 (8%) did not take any sessions
(compared to 14% of instructors last
year)

56 (92%) took at least
one full session of classes
(compared to 86% of
instructors last year)

8 (13%) took one session
(compared to 18% of

15 (25%) took two
sessions (compared to
20% of instructors last
year)

9 (15%) took three session
(compared to 18% of

14 (23%) took four
Level 1 Instructors Course - the Class of 2014
sessions (compared to
14% of instructors last
year)

5 (8%) took five sessions (compared to
6 hours of peer group (1 hour for six weeks
5% of instructors last year)
where trainees practice teaching exercises

3 (5%) took six sessions (compared to
with each other) and 10 hours of assisting
4% of instructors last year)
with classes. There is a written exam (approx

1 (1%) took nine sessions
2.5 hours) following the completion of the

1 (1%) took ten sessions (the same as
theory and a practical assessment (teaching
last year)
a nominated exercise to a class) following
completion of peer group and class assist
On average the club offers 35 obedience
components.
classes across 10 training levels per session.
While all classes attract participants,
My thanks to the following senior instructors
demand is greatest at the lower levels (Kindi,
for coaching and mentoring the 2014
Beginners A&B, Intermediate and
trainees: Heather Carswell, Christina Erwin,
Advanced). As noted in previous AGM
Sandra Hassett, Peter Hendriks, Hilarie Kemp,
reports, we need to find ways to spread the
Renee Kyle and Alison McCann. Thanks also
instructing load more evenly so that all
to Kerry Deans, Kath Hallam, Wendy Shelton
instructors have the opportunity to take
and Claire Weekes for providing their
regular breaks during the year. This is
personal insights as some of the club’s newer
particularly important for those obedience
instructors.
instructors who also contribute to teaching
other disciplines (including rally-o, DWD,
Another Level One course is planned for
flyball and agility) during the year.
early 2015 and members are encouraged to
contact the Training Sub-Committee if they
My thanks to Renee Kyle and June Rowe for
would like to give something back to the
jointly co-ordinating the obedience
club — and improve their training skills — by
instructing roster for each session during the
becoming an instructor.
year. This is a task that requires resilience and
Page | 31
Communication with instructors
The Main Committee has maintained its
practice of providing a brief summary of its
monthly meetings to all instructors (obedience,
agility, flyball, DWD) to keep them informed
about the Committee's activities. The Training
Sub-Committee also produced two Instructors
Bulletins in February 2014 and June 2014 to
keep instructors (across all disciplines) informed
about general matters.
The Sub-Committee hosted one instructors’
meeting during the year with Honorary Life
Member and local veterinarian Dr Sandra
Hassett providing a presentation on first aid for
dogs.
Instructor incentives
The club continues to offer a range of
incentives to reward instructors (across all
disciplines) for volunteering to take classes.
Incentives provided during the year included:

Minimum discount of 85% on annual
membership fees

Reserved parking

Free refreshments before and after
classes

Access to training equipment for different
disciplines

Access to an extensive library of resource
materials covering all disciplines

Subsidised summer and winter instructor
clothing

Shop discounts

Free mid-winter instructors dinner

Engraved name badges in recognition of
5, 10, 20 and 30 years long service

Professional development through
instructors meetings and seminars

Access to refresher training during
instructors courses

Presentation of badges in recognition of
the 25th anniversary of National
Volunteer Week

$50.00 lucky draw vouchers from Best
Friends Fyshwick
Instructors’ library
A small number of resources were purchased or
donated to the Instructors Library during the
year. This included the US-published Clean Run,
a monthly magazine for agility enthusiasts, an
autographed copy of Karen Pryor’s essays and
research On Behaviour (2004); Emma Parsons’
Teaching the reactive dog class (2014); Ian
Billinghurst’s series on raw food diets for dogs;
Qld-based Gay Westmore’s Dances with Dogs
Training Manual (2014) and Obedience Trialling
Class Trialling Manual (2014); and a complete
set of Dr Ian Dunbar’s training DVDs. My thanks
to Karen Haines for cataloguing the new
resources and for her ongoing management of
the Club‘s Instructors’ Library.
Training resources
Occasionally the club needs to refer members
to professional behaviourists for one-on-one
advice and support when their training needs
cannot be met by the club’s group classes.
During the year the Training Sub-Committee
produced a brochure that provides details of
three local professionals who use motivational
training methods to provide such services.
The Training Sub-Committee also provided a
style make-over and editorial review of
members’ assessment information handouts,
instructors syllabus notes and members’ training
handouts; updated the club’s promotional
leaflet; revised the off-lead exercise areas
brochure; and revised the ‘Training options’
handout for members.
In February the club adopted the ‘Yellow Dog’
initiative to support handlers whose dogs need
space as part of their behaviour modification
training, rehabilitation and socialization. The
“Don’t say hello to a dog wearing yellow”
posters displayed on the club grounds aim to
raise awareness among all members of the
range of reasons why some dogs do not cope
well with other dogs encroaching their personal
space.
Posters were also displayed on the club
grounds during the year to help members
observe the body language displayed by their
dogs — particularly threatening or anxious
behaviour that may precipitate incidents in the
off-lead exercise areas.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the other members of the
Training Sub-Committee for their contribution to
the Club’s obedience training activities during
the past year — Judith Barlow, Heather
Carswell, Kerry Deans, Hilarie Kemp and Renee
Kyle.
And lastly, a big thank you to the club’s
volunteer instructors for taking obedience
classes over the past year and sharing their
knowledge with club’s members — a service
Page | 32
that the club has provided to the Canberra
community for more than 50 years.
Obedience Trialling Report
By Julie Cutts (Convenor)
Since the Club’s 2013 Annual General Meeting
(AGM), the Obedience Trialling Sub-Committee
has organised five obedience trials in
September (with the assistance of Anne
Robertson and in conjunction with the ACT
Gundog Society), November (evening), March
(evening) and July (double trial).
assist and/or steward at the trials. Many people
have responded positively and willingly to
requests for assistance and we have had a
number of new club members — including
those interested in exploring trialling in the
future — volunteer to help. It is hoped that
stewarding at our trials has been enjoyable
and informative for these new members and
that we will see them trialling at our club and
other clubs in the ACT in the coming year.
Despite strategies to contain costs including
contracting local judges where possible, the
club’s Obedience trials continue to either
break even or
run at a small
loss. This is in
part due to
members of the
Obedience
Trialling SubCommittee
being willing to
donate (or
rather not claim
reimbursement)
for catering,
providing
stewards prizes
Sharon and ‘Mick’ execute the ‘Figure 8’ while Judge
and judging.
Apart from the
September
event, all trials
were held in
conjunction
with the club's
Rally-O trials to
encourage
entries, provide
triallers with
opportunities to
trial in two
disciplines at
the one time,
simplify and
streamline
Julie Cutts
running and
management
of trials, and
reduce associated costs. In 2014, trial numbers
have remained largely consistent with the
previous twelve months. It is not clear whether
the alignment of Obedience trials with Rally-O
trials has encouraged numbers (that would
otherwise have dropped off) or numbers would
have remained about the same. While the
trials usually ran smoothly, there can be
challenges in the logistics of trial management
when running trials for two different disciplines
at the same time to make sure that triallers
experience a well-run trial and judges are
appropriately supported.
Discussions between the Obedience Trialling
Sub-Committee and the Rally-O SubCommittee will occur in the near future
regarding trial dates for 2015 and this will
include a review of the benefits and challenges
associated with running trials for the two
disciplines together in 2015.
I would like to thank all the triallers who entered
the club’s trials in the past year, the judges who
gave up their time to officiate at the club's
trials, and club members who volunteered to
looks on
The Trialling Sub
-Committee
has conducted a number of mock trials on
club Competition days, though attendances
have been small. Strategies for improving
attendance and offering triallers and those
who have an interest in trialling with
opportunities to practice under trial-like
conditions and participate in problem solving
workshops are being explored for 2015.
In mid-2014, the Trialling Sub-Committee also
made a submission to Dogs ACT’s Obedience
Sub-Committee putting forward a number of
proposals for changes to current Obedience
Trialling rules as part of the Australian National
Kennel Council’s current Obedience Rules
Review. The club’s proposals were considered,
and pleasingly, most were put forward in the
ACT’s submission to the ANKC. It is understood
that all State and Territory proposals are being
coordinated nationally and will then be sent to
State/Territory bodies for consideration to
inform national discussions in 2015. Rule
changes that are accepted by the National
Obedience conference will come into effect
from 1 January 2016.
Page | 33
As a general comment, obedience trialling is
still struggling to thrive, noting that this is a
common experience in other states in Australia
and overseas. While this is disappointing, it can
in part be attributed to a number of factors
including:

the range of other dog sports currently
being offered, some of which are better
tailored to different breeds and the
interests of owners;

increasingly it seems that people are time
-poor and seek out activities that are
more action-oriented and which can
provide quick results and outcomes (and,
dare I say, titles). In contrast, in my view,
obedience trialling requires focus,
precision, patience and a willingness to
train your dog to understand and
consistently reproduce an increasingly
complex set of behaviours that are built
up in layers over time. Especially at the
higher levels, results can be frustratingly
slow, but are sweet when achieved; and

the club's current syllabus and approach
to the introductory training levels is out-ofdate and does not readily support the
understanding, training and skills
development necessary to enable
members to undertake a ready transition
to the club's dog sport activities including
competition obedience.
In closing, I would like to thank the members of
the Obedience Trialling Sub-Committee for
their contribution to the club’s trialling activities
this year: Joanne Hagan, Tanya Harber,
Heather Carswell and more recently Judith
Barlow. I would like to encourage any club
members who are interested in obedience
trialling to consider volunteering their help to
the Obedience Trialling Sub-Committee in a
range of ways including taking Level 2 trialling
classes, helping on club Competition and trial
days, and helping with trial organisation.
Rally Obedience Report
By Cath Perry (Convener)
Rally Obedience has had a busy and
successful year. We have increased the
number of classes offered with Wednesday
mornings having a class in all sessions, and
Thursday nights and Sunday mornings having
three sessions each during the year. These
classes have been well attended with handlers
and dogs enjoying the extra skills they have
acquired and the fun they have had in the
more relaxed atmosphere that Rally-O offers.
Many of the participants from classes are now
trialling. They find this very rewarding and on
occasions frustrating as it is always the handler
and never the dog that makes mistakes! Many
thanks go to our small number of instructors for
sharing their knowledge and for their support of
our teams. These include our Sub-Committee
members plus Naarilla Hirsch, Sue Keal,
Maureen Lewis and Geoff Woodman.
Rally-O has held five successful trials in the year,
on 16 November 2013 (a single trial), 29 March
and 26 July (both double trials) with three of
these run in conjunction with obedience trials.
All events have been well attended by local
competitors and with teams from the South
Coast, the Southern Highlands, Albury and
Sydney.
This year we have acquired two solid and two
bar jumps that meet the requirements set out in
the ANKC’s Rally-O rules for use in training and
in trials.
A small, active Sub-Committee comprising
Pauline Dikmans (from January 2014), Pamela
Hunt (from August 2013 until March 2014),
Belinda Mitchell, Cath Perry and Patricia
Woodman have ensured the success of Rally-O
at the club during the year. However, it is vital
that other club members offer their support to
the Sub-Committee in 2014-15 to ensure the
continuation of Rally-O classes and trials at the
club.
Agility Report
By Amanda Delaney (Convenor)
The Agility Sub-Committee (ASC) has had
another busy year, and I’d like to thank all of
the members of the Sub-Committee for their
time, work and support throughout the year.
The Sub-Committee members are Vikki Evans,
Barb Grundy, Wendy Hathaway, Bern Ní Beirné,
Lisa Steer and Lucy Williams. Without the
members of the ASC we just wouldn’t have
been able to do as much as we have. We
have once again held many agility, jumping
and games trials on weekends and week day
evenings, which has enabled our current
members to attend trials locally, rather than
having to travel interstate. Our trials have been
well supported by club members, as well as
local and interstate triallers. I’d also like to thank
Lara Sedgmen who has continued to be our
Trial Secretary even though she is not on the
ASC. Lara’s help is greatly appreciated.
We have continued to service club members
Page | 34
by holding classes every session for all levels,
except level 1 in session 3, as it is very
demotivating for new members to start in the
cold months. Classes have been well attended
at most levels throughout the year, with the
normal decline during winter.
have been solid competitors and have placed
well in many competitions. X-Factor has also
proven to be a highly creative team winning
the Boorowa Irish Wool Festival dress-up
competition and the ‘X-Mass in July’
decoration competition.
Our instructors have continued to provide club
members with interesting and fun classes
throughout the year, which is greatly
appreciated by the ASC and members alike.
We’ve also welcomed on board two new
instructors — Maureen Lewis and Karen
Edwards — and have two more upcoming
instructors who are
finishing their training.
X-Factor hosted the Million Paws Walk
competition again this year. Many of the XFactor members had not been involved in
hosting a competition before and it was very
encouraging to see how many of our club
members were willing to put up their hand and
help.
This year we also
updated our uniform
orders with new shirts and
we are looking at
purchasing new jumpers
as well. Thanks to Jen
Stirzaker for putting in the
effort with this. We were
also able to purchase a
new Flyball box and all of
our equipment is
currently in good repair
and competition-worthy.
We have taken delivery
of all the new equipment
that was ordered last
year, and from all reports
our members are loving
it. We are, however,
continuing to use our old
equipment too, as it is
important that dogs are
exposed to the different
surface types, especially
if they intend to trial at
other clubs.
Over the next 12 months
X-Factor will continue to
The ASC has worked hard
grow. One of the goals
this year to ensure
for the year is to uphold
members’ needs are
the positive attitude that
catered for through
many of our current
training classes and
members have. This will
running trials. The help
be done by asking for
that ASC members,
suggestions by club
The club’s new ‘lightweight’ dogwalk
instructors and club
members on what can
with rubberised surface - easy to move,
members have provided
be improved and also
easy to use!
to ensure this all happens
looking more at the
is greatly appreciated.
social aspects of Flyball.
This will ensure X-Factor is
a
fun
team
to
be
part
of while also remaining
Flyball Report
strong competitors.
By Jess McNamara (Convener)
In the last 12 months the club’s X-Factor flyball
team has grown greatly. Over the last couple
of years we haven’t had that many new
members progress to competition level and so
our team numbers have dwindled. However
over the past couple of months we have had a
boost in numbers and many of those dogs are
now at the stage where they are either
competing or soon will be. Hopefully we will
have enough competing dogs for three teams
for the 2015 Nationals which are being held in
Canberra. This year we have mainly only had
one team to enter into competitions. The team
A big thank you to the outgoing committee
(especially Claire Weeks who runs nearly every
training session) and to the incoming SubCommittee of Claire Weeks, Rhonda Cameron,
Jen Stirzaker, Maree Livermore and Jess
McNamara.
Dances with Dogs Report
By Holly Rieger (Convener)
The 2013-14 year has been fairly quiet for the
DWD contingent. Due to the lateness of Easter
and the clash with the ANZAC Day long week
Page | 35
we lost the April set of competitions in Sydney.
Most of us who have been aiming for titles
have not been in a competition since last
November, and are very much looking forward
to the next competition on 23 August! A
workshop is being held on 24 August with input
from a mother and daughter team from
Western Australia.
During the past year several members have
attended workshops in Sydney to learn new
ways of putting together performances with
their canine partners. The ideas gained are
always shared with our Wednesday evening
class members who cannot always travel to
Sydney.
At the moment we have three handlers with
young dogs who are working on routines and
aiming to compete in Sydney later in the year.
Because we have our classes in an outside
facility (the Pavilion at the Queanbeyan
Showground) we collect a small amount each
week from the continuing DWD members to
help to cover the (very reasonable) rental cost.
In the past year we have contributed over $600
to defray the cost to the club. With the small
numbers presently in our classes we may need
to reconsider the ongoing use of this venue.
Congratulations to our devoted instructor,
Janda Gooding who successfully completed
the club’s Level One Instructors’ Course during
the year. Janda’s first love in dog training is
teaching DWD Beginners how to get into the
role of a DWD handler and how to switch on
the four-footed partner to work equally on the
left and right, quickly moving to off-lead work,
all with positive methods.
Once again this year DWD has lost participants
due to the ill-health of handlers, family
members, or four-footed companions. On a
happier note, though, we are awaiting the
return of Mara Herba and her string of Siberian
Huskies. She and her husband Richard will
shortly return from a fantastic six months
travelling in Europe sightseeing and exploring
their family backgrounds. I know they will be
attending any canine dancing competitions in
the areas they are visiting overseas. We look
forward to hearing about what is happening in
the sport overseas as a useful learning tool.
Many thanks to Linda Harper and Bruce
Chapman who have supported DWD from the
beginning. Linda has shared much of the
instructing and attended workshops in Sydney
— always returning to us with exciting new
ideas — and always backed up by Bruce.
Linda and Bruce have retired from DWD for the
moment due to the ill-health of their sweettempered, charming Labrador, ‘Mitch’. We
wish them well at this difficult time.
I will not be nominating for the position of DWD
Convenor next year. I initially said that I would
hold the position for one year which somehow
became two. I wish my successor well and will
assist in the handover in every way that I can to
make the job easier. I fully intend to keep on
dancing with my Saluki ‘Freesia’ because DWD
is the most fun you can have with a canine
partner!
Tracking Report
By Jake Blight (Co-ordinator)
This year has seen a continuing resurgence in
interest in tracking at the club. An introduction
to tracking theory session run in May was
attended by around 40 members and visitors.
There was so much interest that the follow up
practical workshop had to be run over two
days to accommodate all of the interested
handlers and their dogs. Two further practical
sessions were run during the year, including one
by Graham Elven from Sydney who was here to
judge our tracking trial. Regular Wednesday
tracking classes were also run through the
tracking season (winter).
A tracking trial was run in July. Tracking trials
are labour intensive: at least two helpers are
needed for each dog entered, and preparing
each track for a trial takes many hours.
Pleasingly this year we actually had more offers
of help than we needed. This bodes very well
for the future of tracking in the ACT. Several
dedicated volunteers were out in the sleet
setting tracks the day before the trial
(fortunately we were done by the time the
snow started to fall in earnest) and were all
there again early the next day when the trial
started and it was -4˚C. Everyone learnt a lot
from helping or competing in the trial, but sadly
there were no passes. A track and search trial
was offered in June but unfortunately did not
receive enough entries to run (this is an
advanced level competition involving tracking
in an urban environment).
The plan for next year is to again offer a theory
and practical session at the start of the tracking
season and hopefully to have one or two follow
up sessions as well as a regular Wednesday
tracking group through the colder months.
Page | 36
One or two trials are likely to be offered if
enough judges and helpers can be found.
laugh! Dogs-as-Therapy is quite a small group
— we have welcomed new members during
the year, but unfortunately we have also lost
some. Please contact me at the club if you
feel you would enjoy meeting new people and
you would like introducing your special friend to
an admiring audience.
On behalf of the club I extend heartfelt thanks
to all members of the Dogs-as-Therapy group.
Your continuing commitment has brought
enormous pleasure to many people over a lot
of years.
Getting on track during a practice session
Security Report
By Heather Carswell
(Security Liaison Officer)
Dogs-As-Therapy Report
By Joyce Thompson (Convener)
The club’s Dogs-as-Therapy group continues its
work visiting several nursing homes and the
appreciation of the residents is very apparent
from the welcoming smiles when we are
greeted on arrival. Over the years, the nursing
staff and the carers have come to realise the
benefits of dog therapy, and they are aware of
the lifted spirits of the residents and the
pleasure obtained from a visit by a grinning
furry face and a wagging tail — the person on
the other end of the lead is very welcome too!
In the past, the group has occasionally
received requests from Alzheimers Australia
ACT to provide individual visits to dementia
clients who they believed would obtain benefit
from dog visits. These visits have resulted in
some positive results — so much so that a
program is being developed between the
club, Alzheimers Australia, the Occupational
Therapy Department of the University of
Canberra and Uniting Care Ageing (Mirinjani
Nursing Home) to provide frequent one-to-one
visits to selected dementia clients (initially at
Mirinjani Nursing Home). The program is still in its
very early stages and a pilot study was
conducted recently involving three
experienced senior club instructors and their
very special dogs. The results are at present
being carefully analysed and hopefully the
program will be expanded in the not-toodistant future.
All dog breeds are welcome to be assessed for
suitability for therapy work. A steady, friendly
temperament for both dogs and people is the
main requirement — not too exuberant or
overly noisy and not too shy or timid. Handlers
may come in all shapes and sizes, male or
female, as long as they enjoy a chat and a
The investment the club has made in recent
years to upgrade the internal and external
security systems continues to prove its
effectiveness and value. As a result the annual
costs for security, monitoring and guard
response have been minimal and there have
been no security incidences to report over the
past year.
The ACT Government have now completed
the installation of street lighting outside the club
on the parking verge of Narrabundah Lane.
The new lighting will provide members with
added security and safety when accessing the
grounds after dark. The club acknowledges
and thanks the ACT Government for the
investment in this infrastructure.
Secom Australia Pty
Ltd are contracted to
provide security
monitoring and
guard attendance
for the club until 2016.
This arrangement is
working well and we
are pleased with the
ongoing security
monitoring services
provided by Secom.
Grounds
Maintenance Report
By Judith Barlow (Grounds Manager)
Our 3.39 hectares (8.38 acres) have held up
reasonably well over the past twelve months.
My grateful thanks to the many club members
who give their time and expertise to the
grounds, especially Barry Gray and Michael
Page | 37
Morton for transporting green and not-so-green
prunings to the green waste depot; Wendy
Hathaway for her repairs and advice on various
structures and Katrina Morton for catering for
the working bees! The grounds could not look
as good as they do without everyone’s help. It
is always great to meet new members at
working bees — various dog training tips are
exchanged over the prunings and many a dog
tale told.
The grounds have not been sprayed for
broadleaf weeds this year but will require it
soon. Due to a spell of sudden, hot
temperatures in January, mallow is advancing
across the grounds. Capeweed is also returning
so regular weed spraying is a necessity. The
grounds will be closed for at least a day
whenever spraying is underway so dogs and
humans are not put at risk.
Over the past year snakes have not been seen
or reported on the grounds and I want this
record to continue! Thus I continue to spray
glysophate along fence lines and around
structures in all the paddocks. This spraying is to
kill the grass and weeds, so reducing ground
cover where snakes can hide.
Unfortunately rabbits still invade the grounds
and their scrapings are everywhere. Please
watch your footing on the grounds.
The floodlights have continued to shine over
the past year. However one has just expired
over trialling rings 2 and 3. Our floodlights are
on 10 metre poles and we need a cherry picker
to access them — so we usually wait until two
or three floodlights have expired before
replacing them.
Mike has again been an asset to the shop and
the club. He continues to give sterling service
to everyone. On behalf of the club — ‘thank
you Mike’. I would also like to thank Olivia
Gilding, a Radford College student who has
been doing voluntary work at the shop as part
of her Duke of Edinburgh Award as well as
some paid work.
The shop continues to sell freshly made
espresso cappuccinos and hot chocolates.
When possible we offer homemade ‘cakes of
the week’ including gluten and dairy free
options. If you haven’t had the opportunity to
have brekkie before you come to classes on
Sunday mornings, we offer an ‘all day
breakfast’ from bacon and egg sandwiches to
raisin toast. The shop also continues to sell
collars, leads, training and car harnesses, treat
pouches, tasty dog treats, toys, Kongs,
dumbbells and many other items to help
members train their dogs.
As per ACT Health Regulations, Mike and I
completed a ‘Food Safety Supervisor
Certificate’ course this year.
If the shop does not carry an item that you
would like, or if you feel that there is anything
that needs to be addressed shop-wise, please
let me know as soon as possible so that I can
take the necessary action. I am at the club on
Wednesday mornings if you would like to speak
to me personally or you can leave a message
at the office.
Clubhouse and Housekeeping
Report
By Katrina Morton (Manager)
More trees were planted in the Back Paddock
during autumn and more plantings are
planned. The young trees are already given the
dogs something to sniff around and in a few
years’ time they will provide lots of shade as
well.
We continue to have Rentokil come along and
spray the club house, workshop, agility shed,
shipping container and seating for spiders
during the Christmas-New Year break. They
also make sure that any rodent problems are
rectified by putting mouse baits in the buildings.
I am planning various projects across the
grounds and would love to have help! I am
researching the fencing, floodlighting and
irrigation.
Honorary Life Member Greg Preston continues
to quietly undertake any running repairs and/or
maintenance that is needed — ‘Thank you
Greg’. Wendy Hathaway has also been
undertaking some repairs as well this year —
‘Thank you Wendy’.
Shop Report
By Katrina Morton (Manager)
On behalf of Mike Carswell and I, a big ‘thank
you’ to all who have supported the shop in the
past year.
Our cleaners continue to provide a service to
the club. The team include a supervisor and
three or four people with a disability. The team
sweep and mop the clubhouse, clean the
Page | 38
toilets and empty the litter and poo bins — an
unpleasant job at the best of times. Please
make their job a bit easier by always putting
your waste in the black liner bag in the bin and
replace the lid on the bin. The team always
have a smile and friendly word for anyone they
come across while on the premises so if you are
at the club on a Thursday between 9.00am
and 1.00pm please take the time to say ‘Hi’
and ‘Thanks’.








‘Getting to know‘ series and other
feature articles
June Rowe – Competition Day photos
and historical articles
Vikki Evans – Agility Action
Sandra Hassett – The Vet Is In
Joyce Thompson – Dogs-As-Therapy
Jess McNamara – ‘Oh Behave’ series
Lara Sedgmen – Photographs
Cath Perry and Pamela Hunt – Rally-O
Tipsy and her mum (Kaye Pemberton) –
Recipes
Jake Blight – Tracking
Julie Cutts – Obedience Trialling
My continued thanks to the club’s Office
Manger, Joanne Hagan, for keeping me
informed of any issues that affect the
cleanliness of the clubhouse and grounds.


If you have any concerns about the
maintenance of the clubhouse or if you see
anything out of place, please see me on
Wednesday mornings or leave
a message at the office.
I am very appreciative of the contribution of
these members. Contributions from other
members on a solicited or unsolicited basis are
always welcome as they provide club
members with a range of
perspectives and personal
experiences on dog training.
Magazine Report
Advertising
By Anne Robertson
(Editor)
The Club’s Good Companion
magazine was published five
times during the year:

July 2013

September 2013

November 2013

March 2014

May 2014
Production
The magazine is produced
using MS Publisher and is
available on the Club’s website as a PDF
document. It is best viewed online using Adobe
Acrobat’s PDF viewer.
The magazine has averaged 52 pages per
issue this year. Eight of these pages are
identical each issue (ie About our Club,
Committees, Club activities, Shop shelf, Training
times etc). Approximately 250-300 copies of the
magazine are printed per issue for distribution
to obedience, trialling, agility, flyball and DWD
members. Copies are also distributed to
veterinary practices in the local region.
Contributors
Apart from the Club’s Main Committee
members, we are fortunate to have a number
of regular contributors to the magazine:

Jane Vickers – roving reporter for the

We have continued to attract
a small amount of advertising
over the past year:

PAWS Beachside $125.00 for full year (from
November 2013 – September
2014)

Desiderata Therapy $125.00 for full year (from
November 2013– September
2014)

Malua Bay Beach House
- $125.00 for full year (from May
2013 – March 2014)
The Fluffy Puppy - $20.00 for a single issue
(September 2013)
Please support these businesses and mention
that you have seen their ads in the magazine.
Current advertising rates are published in the
magazine and all enquiries are welcome.
The magazine also includes a regular section
acknowledging any businesses or nonmembers who have generously provided
financial or in-kind support to the club.
Archive
During the past year a local Duke of Edinburgh
Award candidate, Olivia Gilding, volunteered
at the club and digitised all of the past issues of
The Good Companion dating back to 1970. As
a result, the club now has an electronic copy
Page | 39
and a hard copy of the magazine as part of its
archiving strategy for the club's documents.
The magazine remains a great historical
resource for the Committee and club members
wishing to research past activities and people
and it is reassuring that it is now preserved in
digital format as well. Thank you Olivia!
our pages to complement the information
provided on our website. Through our website
members are able to get information on all of
our activities; our Committee membership;
trialling and other events and competitions;
and several years of issues of our magazine,
The Good Companion.
Facebook Report
Google Analytics statistics show that from 1
September 2013 to 31 July 2014:

There were 10,735 visits to the site

Of all visits to the site, almost 54% were
from new visitors

Of all visits to the site, approximately 33%
was mobile (phone and tablet) traffic

On average, visitors viewed three pages
per session

The average time spent on the site was 2
minutes 20 seconds

Almost 98% of website visits originated in
Australia, with approximately 67% of
these visits coming from Canberra,
followed by Sydney (approximately 22%)
and Melbourne (approximately 3%)
By Claire Weekes (Social Media)
The club’s Facebook page (established in early
2013) began the financial year with 62 likes and
ended with 237. This is approximately 1 new
person liking our page every two days. We had
a great bump in the engagement of our
followers (ie clicks on posts and page) after we
won the Centenary Club of the Month and
Runner-Up Club of the Year awards. During the
year we also had a lot of engagement with our
various training articles, photos and club
member achievements. The post that reached
the most Facebook users (810 people) was an
article posted about indoor games to play with
your dog. The post users most engaged with
(119 people) was a post on things to remember
when using the club’s off-lead exercise areas.
This was also the second most seen post by
Facebook users (655 people). Posts
congratulating club members on their various
achievements were also well liked by followers
— especially if they were accompanied by
photos.
Over the next twelve months our plan is to
incorporate an online payment system for
members and to develop a more mobilefriendly site.
We welcome suggestions from members on
ways to improve the site and to keep everyone
apprised of the club’s activities.
Extracts from Financial Report
By Lesley Pothan (Treasurer)
No need to register
www.facebook.com/ACTCompaniondogclub
Website Report
By Renee Kyle (Webmaster)
Our website continues to provide an important
opportunity for the community to learn about
all the exciting training activities that CDC has
to offer.
In early 2014 the look of the site was refreshed
to present a more modern look. A direct link to
our Facebook page was incorporated on all of
This financial year the club made a profit of
$19,660 before depreciation and a net loss of
$10,827 after depreciation and income tax. Our
main source of funding is new members
enrolling in obedience classes and continuing
to attract and increase new memberships
remains the priority for the club to remain
financially viable. This year the top expenses
included depreciation, wages, grounds
mowing and insurance. The club’s assets are
nearly fully depreciated. At the current rate of
depreciation these assets will be fully
depreciated within three years. After this the
club is more likely to return a profit year on year
subject to income and expenses remaining
relatively similar to current activities.
Copies of the Treasurer’s report and audited
financial statements can be requested from the
club office.
Page | 40
Scenes from the Obedience Trial
Clockwise from top left:
Judge Tracey Knox with CD
placegetters Magda Smith
(1st) and Michael Smyth
(2nd); Judge Roz Buckley
with Open placegetter
Karen Hobson (2nd); Judge
Tracey Knox with CCD
placegetters Geoff
Woodman (1st) and Nicola
Hardaker (2nd); Judge
Charlie Giles with UDX
placegetter Sam Field (1st);
competitors and dogs enjoy
the spring sunshine.
Page | 42
Obedience Trialling
Results – Obedience Trial – 20 September 2014
Community Companion Dog - Judge: Mrs Tracey Knox (NSW)
1st
G & Dr P Woodman
Neuter Ch. Caerhays Glen Hamish
RA JD GD
Golden Retriever
91/100
2nd
Mrs N Hardaker
Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)
90/100
3rd
Pam McDougall
Ch Llandwyn Crescent Moon (AI)
RA HTM.S
Crackle
Associate
87/100
Companion Dog - Judge: Mrs Tracey Knox (NSW)
1st
Magda Smyth
Bokezu Te Poro Timeteo CCD
Hungarian Vizsla
195/200
2nd
Michael Smith
Hunterbase Arco
German Shepherd Dog
187/200
3rd
Karen Gould
Kalikai Bonza Fudge CCD RE
Border Collie
187/200
German Shorthaired
Pointer
Border Collie
196/200
Companion Dog Excellent - Judge: Ms Roz Buckley (VIC)
1st
Ian Foster
2nd
Karen Hobson
Grd O Ch Abtei Dual Diva UDX
RAE
Lifesong All About Jazz CD
Utility Dog - Judge: Mr Charlie Giles (ACT)
192/200
No qualifiers
Utility Dog Excellent - Judge: Mr Charlie Giles (ACT)
1st
Mrs S & GD Field
O GR CH Sugargum Art Of Illusion
UDX RA
Australian Shepherd
183/200
2014 DUNBAR AWARD RECIPIENTS
awards are in the club’s trophy cabinet in the
clubhouse.
Dunbar awards have been presented annually
to Dogs ACT members to acknowledge the
dual achievement of dogs that have
succeeded in both conformation (show) and
obedience competition.
Two club members received SILVER awards at
the Dogs ACT Annual General Meeting in
August.
The three levels of the awards are Bronze for
dogs that have gained their Championship
and Companion Dog (CD) title; Silver for dogs
that have gained their Championship and
Open (CDX) title; and Gold for dogs that have
gained their Championship and Utility Dog (UD)
title.
The Awards were established by the ACT
Companion Dog Club in 1973 and are
administered by Dogs ACT. Samples of the
Congratulations:
Joanne Hagan’s German Shorthaired
Pointer Ch Fourjays Enter The Dragon CDX
RA TD NRA ET (‘Caleb’)
Cath Perry’s Golden Retriever NCh
Perrecca Ashwood CDX NRA RAE ADX ADO
JDX SDX GD SPDX (‘Leah’)
Application forms are available at
www.dogsact.org.au/Forms.htm .
Page | 43
Page | 44
Above:
Michaela Uren’s Flyball Dog of the Year (2012) ‘Lukah’
Who will receive the
club’s annual awards
for excellence and
effort in 2014?
Come along to the
presentation on
Sunday 7 December.
See page 7 for more
details.
Congratulations to Sharon Carver, Janda
Gooding, Rachel High, Rachael Eggins, Hallie
Butcher and Pen Cullen for completing the club’s
course requirements to become fully-fledged
Level One Obedience Instructors - more
graduates from the Class of 2014.
Page | 41
Flyball Feats
By Rhonda Cameron — Flyball Liaison
The Southerly Muster
The Ex-tremes Flyball team represented CDC’s
X-factor Flyballers at the Southerly Muster Flyball
competition hosted by the Sydney Southern
Cross Flyball club on 19 July 2014. The Ex-tremes
were entered in fourth division within a six
division competition, the largest at the event.
The Ex-tremes placed third in a tight
competition with handlers and dogs thoroughly
enjoying the day and competition.
The competition theme was ‘Xmas in July’ and
all teams were encouraged to participate.
While the Ex-tremes placed a respectable third
in the racing, their Xmas spirit came through by
taking out the award for the best decorative
tent! Candy canes, tinsel, figurines and other
Xmas holiday paraphernalia adorned the tent
that housed both dogs and their owners.
The following dogs attended – Peanut,
Humphrey, Logan, Pixie, Jasper and Zeke.
(no need to book ahead). Beginner training
starts at 3.00pm. If you wish to continue to
attend classes the annual training fee is $75.00.
Training will recommence on Sunday 8
February 2015.
Flyball Fact
Above: Tango has a go!
Flyball is active in a number of countries around
the world. The most active flyball countries
where competitions are frequently held include
the USA, Canada, Britain, Belgium, Australia,
Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland
and Austria. Countries where flyball is still a
growing sport include Japan, Korea, Poland
and South Africa.
Obie FD and Melly FD celebrate their new
’Flyball Dog’ titles gained at Milton
Humphrey in action
Muddy’s Madness
The X-factor Flyballers also attended the
Muddy’s Madness competition at the Milton
Showground on 20 September 2014 with the
experienced Ex-tremes and the newbie Experts (represented by Ruby, Oberon (aka
Obie), Mello (aka Melly), Tango and Tilly).
Come ‘n Try
If you would like to give Flyball a go, come
along and have a go on a Sunday afternoon
Photos courtesy of Rhonda Cameron and
Claire Weekes
Page | 45
Rally-O Trial Results – 20 September 2014
Rally Advanced A - Judge: Mrs J Van Der-Vegt (AM)
1st
Mrs Corrina Wiggins
Lombrum Poker Face RN
Border Collie
93
2nd
Jill Medveczky
Rustufarion Merlins Star RN
Hungarian Puli
91
3rd
W & K Laigne-Stuart
Ch Feldjaeger Unforgettable RN
Weimeraner (Longhair)
87
Pass
Terri Keough
Hartly Brandy Alexander RN
Shetland Sheepdog
82
Cocker Spaniel
91
Rally Advanced B - Judge: Mrs J Van Der-Vegt (AM)
1st
Anne Lewis
Watersmeet I’m Harry CDX RE ADX ADO JDX
JDO SD SPD GD RA
2nd
Laraine Frawley
Twigworth Jasper (Imp NZ) CD RRD RE ORA SD Golden Retriever
GD
85
3rd
Vikki Evans
Ch Rustufarion Kryptomaniac CD RE JDM ADM Puli
ADO JDO SPDX GDX SDX
84
Pass
Mrs H L Carswell
Kallarakin Brave Lad CDX ADX JDX SPDX GD
RE
Labrador Retriever
83
Pass
Pamela Hunt
Sam ADX ADO JDX GD SDX SPD RE
Associate
83
Pass
Vikki Evans
Ameroo Quiz CCD RE
Kelpie
80
Pass
L Watcham
Beckview Miss Fern CDX RE
Shetland Sheepdog
80
Pass
G & Dr P Woodman
Ch Perrecca Xanthe RE CD JDX GD SPD SD
Golden Retriever
70
Rally Excellent B - Judge: Ms Sue Turner (AM)
1st
Laraine Frawley
Twigworth Jasper (Imp NZ) CD RRD RE ORA SD Golden Retriever
GD
91
2nd
Mrs H L Carswell
Kallarakin Brave Lad CDX ADX JDX SPDX GD
RE
84
3rd
Vikki Evans
Ch Rustufarion Kryptomaniac CD RE JDM ADM Puli
ADO JDO SPDX GDX SDX
82
Pass
Pamela Hunt
Sam ADX ADO JDX GD SDX SPD RE
Associate
80
Pass
Vikki Evans
Ameroo Quiz CCD RE
Kelpie
75
Pass
G & Dr P Woodman
Ch Perrecca Xanthe RE CD JDX GD SPD SD
Golden Retriever
74
Pass
Anne Lewis
Watersmeet I’m Harry CDX RE ADX ADO JDX
JDO SD SPD GD RA
Cocker Spaniel
74
Labrador Retriever
Rally Novice - Judge: Mrs Judy Van Der-Vegt (AM)
1st
R. Koerber
Airscent JP Million Dollar Baby (Imp JPN)
Border Collie
94
2nd
Beryl Sipes
Bailey
Associate
93
3rd
Rebecca Woiwade
Yarrowfell Keep on Looking ET
Dalmatian
89
Pass
R Stockdale
Saffioraire Busta Rhymes
White Swiss Shepherd
Dog
85
Pass
R. Koerber
Airsent First Fleet
Border Collie
77
Page | 46
Rally — O
Results – Rally-O Trial – 20 September 2014
Rally Advanced A - Judge: Ms S Turner (PM)
1st
Jill Medveczky
Rustufarion Merlins Star RN
Hungarian Puli
93
Rally Advanced B - Judge: Ms S Turner (PM)
1st
Laraine Frawley
Twigworth Jasper (Imp NZ) CD RRD RE ORA
SD GD
Golden Retriever
94
2nd
L Watcham
Shetland Sheepdog
87
Rally Excellent A - Judge: Mrs J Van Der-Vegt (PM)
1st
G & Dr P Woodman
Neut Ch Caerhays Glen Hamish RA JD GD
Golden Retriever
80
2nd
Joyce Rose
Wilken Fire Flight CCD RA
Poodle (Toy)
78
Rally Excellent B - Judge: Ms J Van Der-Vegt (PM)
1st
Laraine Frawley
Twigworth Jasper (Imp NZ) CD RRD RE ORA
SD GD
Golden Retriever
95
2nd
L Watcham
Shetland Sheepdog
80
3rd
Vikki Evans
Ch Rustufarion Kryptomaniac CD RE JDM
ADM ADO JDO SPDX GDX SDX
Puli
79
White Swiss Shepherd
Dog
71
Rally Novice - Judge: Ms Sue Turner (PM)
1st
R Stockdale
Saffioraire Busta Rhymes
Below: (left) Joyce Rose and Toy Poodle ‘Daniel’ practice their moves during a Wednesday morning Rally-O
class; (right) An example of a Rally-O sign on a course - for the benefit of the handler not the dog!
Given the dog’s intense scrutiny of clues we give with or without our awareness,
it is not enough to simply “act” confident unless you can also match the breathing and muscular tension patterns of a confident person. While you may think
you’re projecting confidence in a happy, upbeat voice, your dog may be
carefully considering why your jaw is so tight and your breathing so shallow!
The seven C’s – A guide to training and relationships
Susan Clothier (1996)
Page | 47
Comp Day — 3 August 2014
Intermediate
(Left) Tracey
Bessell&
Weston
(Right) Bronwyn
Graham &
Alice
(Far right)
Lorraine
Newman &
Pete
Advanced
(Far left) Cindy
Jackson &Lily
Transition
(Left) Al Klovdahl
& Joey
Primary
Companion
(Right)
Jodie Reuter &
Brindi
Secondary
Companion
(Left) Jane
Vickers & Maggie
(Below right) Five
medal winners
(see cover
caption on page
2 for details)
Lynn Harden’s Kindi class (Sunday)
Desiree Campbell’s Kindi class (Sunday)
Page | 48
Comp Day Results
Session Three — 3 August 2014
Note: Please notify the office if you have been promoted and your name does not appear below so
that we can acknowledge your success in the next issue.
By Comp Day Manager Gillian Atkin
A very cold frosty start to the day and I was extremely glad to see Kerry Deans and Amanda Day
who helped with setting up the rings. We trialled using push-in uprights and light plastic tape
instead of the usual star pickets, heavy reel and rope – and improvement from a work health and
safety perspective. The weather turned out to be clear and fine.
A big thank you to Kerry Deans and Lesley Pothan for ‘check-in’ duty, to all the instructors who
helped with judging and to June Rowe for capturing the first placegetters for posterity.
BEGINNERS (assessed in class on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday)
Chris Lathbury & Daisy
Kay Malone & Jamie
Anna Boxwell & Quincey
Matt Buchtmann & Lucy
Ken Duff & Maggie
Nara O’Neil & Percy
Megan Smith & Zeus
Helen-May Timiney & Zorro
Vickie Wallis & Bernhardt
Maureen Dawes & Banjo
Jane Mommsen & Patch
Julie Phelan & Tyson
Sandra Robinson & Sachi
Marnie Rowe & Sprout
Virginia Walsh & Roxy
Sally Dunbar & Pedey
Cameron Hampel & Annie
Kim McIlveen & Davo
Louise Rooney & Chloe
Michael Tarn & Diesel
Elise Berry & Ralph
Jamie McIlveen & Peppi
Celia McKew & Lily
Bill Noble & Oscar
Janet Ramsey & Donny
Mary Sietsma & Otso
Adam Speers & Max
Anna Wilford & Dash
Sarah Wilford & Max
Paula Batten & Eden
Abbie Gorman & Lucy
Priscilla Hickie & Kruger
Thea Lau & Hawkeye
Jane Roberts & Murff
Muriel Ryan & Skye
Samuel Bartholomeusz & Bella
Lisa Conroy & Buddy
Sharon Dean & Gemma
Kathleen Myer & Blizzard
Dot Nicholson & Harry
Amy Osborne & Gindi
Melanie Pittard & Jake
Ben Trevanion & Rhubarb
Gemma Dashwood & Charlie
Will Hickman & Butter Bean
Kirsty Hilson & Archer
Jacques Kaoulekian & Toby
Sonia Karouzos & Indy
Annette Neuendorf & Sadie
Andrew Purdon & Domino
Anne Shaw & Skipper
Paul Tarjan & Jed
Caleb Walschots & Firefly
INTERMEDIATE
Judge: Alison McCann
1st Mike Siers & Chester
2nd Bradley Sturzaker & Numasa
3rd Fiona McPherson & Ace
Judge: Claire Weekes
1st Lorraine Newman & Pete
2nd Rebecca Van Der Hor & Loki
3rd Jeanette Johnson & Lexie
Judge: Lesley Pothan
1st Tracey Bessell & Weston
2nd David McCreath & Dutch
3rd -
Judge: Rachael Eggins
1st Bronwyn Graham & Alice
2nd Andreana Kennedy & Fudge
3rd Rowan McKeever & Maggie
Other passes:
Mark Ezzy & Paris
Melissa Ezzy & Ruger
Natasha Hovanessian & Poppy
Jenny Fitzsimmons & Zara
Ansku Harjuniemi & Taika
Page | 49
Comp Day — 3 August 2014 … continued
Other passes:
Kyle Maher & Zeus
Sarah Purdon & Monty
Nicola Swan & Benson
Patricia Thompson & Kona
Naomi Wood & Lulu
Iain Anderson & Aggie
Sonya McColl & Lucy
Emma Boynes & Peanut
Joyce Lopez & Ellie
Emma Benedetti & Daxter
Kaye Butler & Beau
Jessica Gray & Buster
Sophie Salmon & Ajax
Megan Tomlins & Ferdi
Ellen Tudor & Dougal
Other passes:
Bruce Field & Ziva
Sally Grant & Dusty
Cindy Jackson & Lily
Anna Nagalingam & Meribel
Patrica Prykiel & Riley
Ben Rayner & Ntombi
Geoff Van Der Hor & Freyja
Rebecca Brown & Mondo
Gary Fan & Snowy
Rupert Winkler & Indy
Laura Rose & Aero
ADVANCED
TRANSITION
Judge: Linda Spinaze
1st Al Klovdahl & Joey
2nd Chelsea Porter & Eddy
3rd Jennifer Porteous & Kifki
Other passes:
Carole Condon & Buddy
Rachel Heatley & Janda
Rowena Sobey & Henry
Maree Livermore & Mello
Juliet Ward & Freda
PRIMARY COMPANION
Judge: Peter Hendriks
1st Jodie Reuter & Brindi
SECONDARY COMPANION
Judge: Joyce Thompson
1st Jane Vickers & Maggie
(SILVER)
2nd Tammy Norwood & Mac
(SILVER)
4th Christiane Bleich & Sasha
(BRONZE)
5th Evan Slatyer & Nushka
(BRONZE)
3rd Wendy Shelton & Jazz (SILVER)
Left: Alina Menkarska and her English Springer Spaniel ‘Sara’
have a break during their Primary Companion class.
Below: Maree Livermore and Kelpie X ‘Mello’ show great focus
heeling amid distractions while instructor Joyce Thompson
follows close behind. All this and more in Primary Companion!
Page | 50
Comp Day — 3 August 2014 … continued
Chris Woodgate’s Kindi class (Sunday)
Lizzie Waddell’s Beginners B class (Wednesday)
Janne Blunden’s Beginners A class (Wednesday)
Hilarie Kemp’s Beginners A class (Sunday)
Page | 51
Comp Day — 21 September 2014
Intermediate
(Left) Ian
Cotton & Griffin
(Right) Kay
Malone &
Jamie
(Far right)
Lisa Kay &
Annie
Advanced
(Far left) Kim
Dawson & Roo
(Left) Bronwyn
Graham &
Alice
Transition
(Right)
Bruce Field &
Ziva
Primary Companion
(Left) Pen Cullen
& Syra
Kindi
(Right)
Maureen Lewis’
class
(Wednesday)
Secondary
Companion
(Right)
Terri Keough &
Jasper
Beginners A
(Left)
Janne Blunden’s
class
(Wednesday)
Page | 52
Comp Day Results
Session Four — 21 September 2014
Note: Please notify the office if you have been promoted and your name does not appear below so
that we can acknowledge your success in the next issue.
BEGINNERS (assessed in class on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday)
Christine Wright & Gemma
Anne Davey & Lucy
Barbara Bersinic & Basil
Greg Bowden & Buzz
Gillian Coady & Jimmy
Marylyn Deschanel Vixen
Dianne Truebridge & River
Kim Werner & Nessie
Melissa Winmill & Bella
Stuart Wiscombe & Letty
Peter Barling & Sophie
Amelinda Byrne & Edie
Michael Forman & Frankie
Richard Glinka & Winston
Sam Harkiss & Lucy
Annika Johansson & Aglet
(Aggie)
Jenny Owens & Ruby
Roland Trease & Jasper
David Brennan & Peppa
Michelle Charlton & Dusty
Meg Hargreaves & Jeda
Angelique Lagos & Daisy
Emma Weekley & Winnefred
Timothy Weekley & Walter
Christine Wright & Lily
Rowena Gaffney & Tully
Barbara Gough & Jack
Aleks Larsen & Wooki
Fallon Linkson & Liquorice
Jamie Morris & Olly
Sophie Salmon & Storm
Angela Sherrard & Charli
Sarah Cameron & Otto
Angela Cusack & Chloe
Leo Cusack & George
Janet Fraser & Oscar
David Johnson & Rufus
Adrian White & George
Shevaun Doughton & Charlie
Carrissa Ibbott & Puddy
Emma Reid & Billie
Gillian Turner & Oreo
Maya Vasic & Strudel
Owen Carr & Widget
Andrew Elix & Desmo
Nadine Elix & Chuck Norris
Carrissa Ibbott & Jet
Brenton Joyce & Bentley
Nick Kamaral & Koda
Caroline Miller & Bella
Lynda O’Reilly & Sam
Judge: Lesley Pothan
1st Liesl Perryman & Toby
2nd Leanne Lowery & Shadow
3rd Cathy Millett & Ellie
Judge: Heather Carswell
1st Kay Malone & Jamie
2nd Ginette Snow & Barney
3rd David Savage & Thomas
Judge: Lynn Harden
1st Ian Cotton & Griffin
2nd Chris Lathbury & Daisy
3rd Ian Ramshaw & Rupert
Judge: Stuart Barrow
1st Lisa Kay & Annie
2nd Andrew Purtell & Banjo
3rd Jennifer Lloyd & Toby
Other passes:
Elise Berry & Ralph
Hayley Forster & Zeus
Louise Medlin & Bruno
Christina Erwin & Zali
Deborah Carmody & Cooper
Judge: Desiree Campbell
1st Bronywn Graham & Alice
2nd Lorraine Newman & Pete
3rd Sharon Storen & Brax
Judge: Mike Slee
1st Kim Dawson & Roo
2nd Tracey Bessell & Weston
3rd Jeanette Johnson & Lexie
Other passes:
Sophie Salmon & Ajax
Jordan King & Scooter
Natasha Hovanessian & Poppy
Sherice Kazzi & Caleb
Joyce Lopez & Ellie
Mai-Linh Parker & Ruby
INTERMEDIATE
ADVANCED
Mike Siers & Chester
Page | 53
Comp Day — 21 September 2014 … continued
TRANSITION
Judge: Naarilla Hirsch
1st Bruce Field & Ziva
Chris Woodgate & Keats
Other passes:
Timothy Suarez & Taz
PRIMARY COMPANION
Judge: Linda Spinaze
1st Pen Cullen & Syra
2nd Kiara Chen & Penelope
SECONDARY COMPANION
Judge: Joyce Thompson
Terri Keough & Jasper (SILVER)
Beryl Sipes & Bailey (BRONZE)
Alison McMorrow & Rye
3rd Al Klovdahl & Joey
Renee Kyle’s Kindi class (Thursday)
Barb Grundy’s Beginners B class (Thursday)
Susan Barnard’s Beginners A class (Thursday)
Rachael Eggins’ Kindi class (Sunday)
Anne Robertson’s Beginners A class (Sunday)
Hilarie Kemp’s Beginners A class (Sunday)
Bern Ní Beirné’s Beginners B class (Sunday)
Laura Naffa’s Beginners B class (Sunday)
Page | 54
Dances with Dogs
By Jane Richardson — Convenor
Heelwork - It's not just on the left
any more!
Dances with Dogs (DWD) is a fun and
challenging dog sport that all dogs and
handlers can do - and you don't have to be
able to dance! DWD is a series of moves and
tricks put together into a routine to a
piece of music. There are two
streams in DWD – Heelwork to Music
(HTM) and Freestyle. This article is an
introduction to HTM (more in later
issues on other aspects of DWD).
pivoting to the left, and handler pivoting to the
right.
This means in DWD there are a total of 48
heelwork moves! When you think about this
combined with 3 changes in pace – slow,
normal and fast – that gives a lot of scope for
creating an interesting “heelwork” pattern.
In reality very few dog/handler teams
ever master the full complement of
possible DWD heelwork moves – and
if they do this usually takes quite a
few years (and a lot of training
hours). However, with practice and
persistence you will be surprised how
quickly you can build up your DWD
heelwork repertoire and soon you’ll
be moving around the local oval or
school car park in ways you never
imagined!
The heelwork positions and “moves”
In DWD there are 8 basic heelwork
positions (see diagram at right):

left heel (like the traditional
obedience heel position with
the dog on the handler’s left
and with both dog & handler
facing forward);

right heel (dog on the handler’s
right, both facing forward);

left, dog reversed (dog on
handler’s left but facing in the
reverse direction so that when
the handler walks backwards
the dog is walking forwards
and visa versa);

right, dog reversed (dog on
handler’s right but facing in the
reverse direction to the
handler);

left front flat (dog flat across the
front of the handler with the
handler facing forward and the
dog facing left)

right front flat (dog flat across
the front of the handler with the
handler facing forward and the
dog facing right)

left back flat (dog flat across
the back of the handler with
the handler facing forward and
the dog facing left); and

right back flat (dog flat across
the back of the handler with the handler
facing forward and the dog facing right).
In each of these positions there are 6 possible
moves – hander moving forward, handler
moving backwards, handler moving sideways
left, handler moving sideways right, handler
Introducing new heelwork positions
Like in traditional obedience
heelwork, the focus in HTM is on
precision of position. Ideally the dog’s
front shoulder closest to you should
line up with the hip of your leading
leg. For example, in ‘right’ position
the dog’s left front shoulder should
line up with your right hip, in ‘left front
cross’ the dog’s left front shoulder
should line up with your left hip.
As when teaching traditional
heelwork it is advisable to introduce
any new heelwork position gradually.
Start by reinforcing the static position
and introduce the cue in this position
i.e. get the dog into the position, say
the cue, mark and reward. Repeat
the cue, mark, reward sequence
several times before releasing the
dog from the position (perhaps by
throwing a treat or toy). Do this for a
number of training sessions to
consolidate the association of the
position with the cue.
When you do start to move in a new position
start with a few short steps (some trainers even
begin by shuffling) – avoid the temptation to
rush (easier said than done) as ‘slow and
steady’ will result in the dog maintaining a
Page | 55
Dances with Dogs …
continued
much better position as you progress.
So, how do you actually get your dog into a
new heelwork position? There are different
ways to do this (none involve manhandling the
dog). Here are a few methods:

Luring - Get the dog to follow a tasty treat
in your hand and maneuver them into
the desired position.

Touch – If your dog is familiar with the
“touch” cue (ie touching their nose to the
palm of your hand on cue, this can be
extremely useful). Simply place your hand
where their nose should be when in
position and give the “touch” cue, when
their nose makes contact with your palm
give the new heelwork position cue, mark
then quickly follow with a treat. Eventually
you can fade the “touch” cue and just
couple the positioning of your hand with
the new heel position cue.

Platforms and perches – Again this
involves a bit of pre-learning. Platforms
are raised rectangular mats which, you
can train your dog to stand on through
‘shaping’, – all four feet must be on the
platform. Perches are similar but smaller
(a Yellow Pages with a non-slip top is
great for a medium/large dog) and
requires the dog to ‘perch’ with just the
two front feet on top of the perch.
Platforms and perches are excellent for
getting a dog into the correct position. To
start you can give the cue to “perch”
then place yourself in the correct position
in relation to the dog for the relevant
heelwork position, give the heelwork cue,
then mark and reward. Later you can
orient yourself to the platform/perch for
the desired heelwork position, then give
the cue which (if the dog is familiar with
platforms) will prompt the dog to move
into the correct position.
When teaching heelwork positions barriers and
walls can also be very useful in helping to
achieve the correct position (keeping the dog
nice and straight by preventing sideways,
sticking-out rear ends).
The great cue debate
One of the common questions asked when
starting DWD is “How many different verbal
cues should you use?” Should you use a
different cue for each of the 48 moves, or be
more minimalist by perhaps using only eight
cues (one for each position), or go somewhere
in between (perhaps the same cue for forward
and backward movements and a different one
for sideways movements).
I have come across different views on this topic
from different experts. As a result I offer no
advice except do what works best for you and
your dog. I suggest the most important thing to
remember in deciding how many cues to use is
that you want to clearly communicate what
Page | 56
Dances with Dogs …
continued
you want your dog to do and make it as easy
as possible for them to understand. For some
dogs a lot of verbal cues may become
confusing so that using minimal verbal cues
supplemented by visual body cues may work
best. For example, in each position I use the
same cue whether the dog is moving forwards
or backwards but when going forwards my
hand is outstretched and when going
backwards I have my hand in a fist. The
number and type of cues (verbal and physical)
to use may be something you have to
experiment with to see what works best for you
– more than one trainer has had to abandon a
set of cues and start again to try a different
strategy for greater clarity and success in the
long run.
A final word on cues. An important difference
between HTM and obedience heelwork is that
the default position in HTM is a stand (ie there is
no automatic sit). If you are participating in
both obedience and DWD activities with your
dog it may be useful to use a different cue for a
HTM left and obedience heel position. I use
“left” for DWD and “heel” for obedience with
both my dogs, supplemented with a different
hand position to make discrimination between
what I expect in the two activities easier for
them.
How can I learn more?
If this article has whetted your appetite to learn
more about DWD – you’re in luck! The next issue
of The Good Companion will provide an
introduction to Freestyle – the other stream of
DWD. This will prove handy if you decide to try
your hand at some different heelwork positions
as some Freestyle moves can be used to
smoothly move (or transition) your dog from
one heelwork position to another.
rather than reading, CDC runs weekly DWD
classes and newcomers are always welcome
to join our happy, tail-wagging group. We train
at the Pavilion at the Queanbeyan
Showgrounds on Wednesday evenings and
hope to start an introductory class at CDC in
February next year.
Previous page: Linda and Labrador Mitch
demonstrating ‘Right heel’ position; Jane and Husky
X Labrador ‘Roscoe’ demonstrating ‘Right dog
reversed’ position.
This page: Jane and Kelpie X Poodle ‘Jazz’
demonstrating ‘Left front flat’ position.
Photos © Fur Family Photos. All rights reserved.
If you’re a person who learns better by seeing
TRICKS AND TREATS
Old dogs, young dogs, any dogs can learn new tricks.
It’s all just behaviour to them. Reinforce (reward) the
behaviour and it will be repeated. Simple … but it will
take frequent and consistent practice.
Photo courtesy of Amanda Day
The club’s DWD Sub-Committee will be offering a tricks
class in the New Year to introduce members to DWD.
Interested? Leave your name at the club office.
Page | 57
grounds for several days, it is NOT the normal
practice of rangers to remove snakes from their
local habitat.
BE AWARE
SNAKES IN THE GRASS
We share the club grounds with local wildlife including the occasional snake in the warmer
weather. Snakes are protected by law in all
States and Territories of Australia and may not
be killed unless they threaten life. Snakes are
naturally shy and their first form of defence is to
move away from danger. However, if provoked
or cornered - by a person or dog - a snake
may attempt to protect itself by striking.
While we will contact ACT Rangers for advice if
snakes hang round the same area of the
To minimise the risk of an encounter always
walk noisily around the paddocks and check
taps and drinking bowls before letting your dog
off-lead.
If you do see a snake, please use common
sense. Vacate the area and let the snake go
on its way. Tell other members about your
sighting it they are on the grounds and likely to
go into the same area.
If you need urgent
veterinary care after hours,
on weekends or public
holidays contact the
Animal Emergency Centre,
Unit 15, 2 Yallourn Street,
Fyshwick. Always phone
beforehand on 6280 6344.
SMILE — YOU’RE ON CCTV
The club’s buildings and grounds are under
constant video camera surveillance
to provide better security and safety for members.
BAG IT … BIN IT
JUST DO IT !
Page | 58
Committee Notes
The club’s Main Committee meets on the last Tuesday of every month (except December).
Copies of committee minutes are available on request from the club’s Secretary.
Some of the matters discussed at recent meetings are noted below.
29 July 2014






We considered applications from 73
households to join the club.
We agreed to provide regular
demonstration at Best Friends pet stores
at Tuggeranong and Fyshwick to promote
the club as part of our relationship with
these businesses.
With respect to WHS obligations, we
noted an incident involving young
children entering a busy off-lead area
after class against the advice of a club
official. Club rules state that “club
members are responsible at all times for
the behaviour of their children whilst on
the club grounds”. Children and dogs
may be placed at risk if they are not
appropriately
supervised and
managed in the
club’s off-lead areas.
Communication
channels (Instructors
Bulletin, Session
Manager, The Good
Companion, gate
notices) will continue
to be used to raise
awareness of
protocols and
responsibilities.
We received written reports from
committee members and subcommittees on Comp Day, obedience
training, obedience trialling, rally-o,
agility, DWD and flyball as well as matters
associated with housekeeping, the
clubhouse, shop, security and grounds
maintenance.
We agreed to establish a new UDX
pointscore award and endorsed revised
criteria for the Obedience Dog of the
Year Award.
We agreed that the criteria for the Agility
Dog of the Year award should be
reviewed to include a requirement for the
recipient to have made a contribution to
the running of the club in line with other

DOTY awards.
We approved expenditure of almost
$1200 on new library resources for
instructors.
26 August 2014



We welcomed new members of the Main
Committee and changes to portfolio
responsibilities following the Annual
General Meeting.
We endorsed membership of the Agility,
Flyball, Obedience Trialling and
Obedience Training Sub-Committees.
We discussed helpful advice received
from the club’s auditors including
treatment of depreciable items,
revaluation of assets, amendments to the
Constitution, liability for
income tax and processes
for changing the club’s
fees.

We received written
reports from committee
members and subcommittees on Comp Day,
and flyball as well as
matters associated with
housekeeping, the
clubhouse, shop, security
and social media.

We agreed to obtain
quotes for broad-leaf spraying of the
grounds.
23 September 2014




We received a copy of the club’s
Financial Policy for comment.
We agreed to compile a ready reference
list of the contractors and providers used
by the club and to make it available in
the office.
With respect to WHS obligations we noted
that a club member had suffered an
injury following a collision with a dog in an
off-lead area. First aid treatment was
provided.
committee members and sub-
Please have a chat with any member of the committee if you have questions
arising from the meetings or would like to help manage the club in any way.
You can also email us at [email protected]
Page | 59
Committee notes … continued




committees on instructor contributions for
2013-14, DWD, rally-o, obedience trialling
and flyball as well as matters associated
with housekeeping, the clubhouse, shop,
security and social media.
We agreed to continue to hire the
Pavilion at the Queanbeyan
Showgrounds to support DWD training
and encouraged the Sub-Committee to
consider holding introductory classes at
the club in 2015 to increase the sport’s
visibility.
We agreed to advertise the club’s
obedience trials in the January/February
issue of the Dogs NSW journal to
encourage regional entries.
We supported the preparation of a grant
application to the ACT Government for
an upgrade to the club’s irrigation
system .
We noted delivery of the bench seat
purchased with the voucher we received
as the Centenary of Canberra Runner-up
Club of the Year. Our thanks to club
member Barry Gray for putting the seat
together during the ACT Agility titles.
28 October 2014








We considered applications from 92
households to join the club.
We noted a healthy operating profit of
$16,091 for the year to date (compared
to $14,182 for the same time last year).
We supported a proposal by the Treasurer
to seek a tax ruling on the club’s income
tax requirements.
With respect to WHS obligations we noted
that a club member had been
accidently knocked over by their dog in
class. The matter had been addressed by
the Session Manager on duty.
committee members and subcommittees on DWD, obedience trialling
and flyball as well as matters associated
with grounds maintenance, social media
and grant funding.
We considered a list of maintenance
activities for the grounds and clubhouse
and discussed short, medium and longterm priorities. These activities will be
further discussed at the November
meeting.
We agreed to participate in the 2015
Connect and Participate (CAP) Expo
following successful involvement in the
2014 event.
We endorsed the club’s training calendar
for 2015.
Good or Bad ? … You Choose ...
Turning up to class on time ?
Marking and rewarding anytime your dog looks at you during class ?
Picking up a ‘poo-in-lieu’ if you can’t find the one you’re looking for ?
(there are plenty out there!)
Checking if it’s ok to go into an off-lead area that’s already occupied ?
Practising tricks & playing with your dog while waiting your turn in class ?
Keeping a close eye on your dog while using an off-lead area?
(its ‘running free’ NOT ‘free for all’)
Asking if it is ok before letting your dog meet another dog on lead ?
Training - not complaining - if your dog isn’t all you’d like it to be ?
Keeping up your training over the holidays ?
Page | 60
News from the Paws Shoppe
By Katrina Morton — Manager and Mike Carswell — Assistant
Welcome to new club members and, of
course, to members who have supported the
club and the CDC Paws Shoppe all year. We
hope that ‘Paws’ has something for everyone.
For you and your four-legged friend
We have a range of Black Dog training collars,
halters, flyball harnesses and leads in stock.
You are welcome to come along and have a
look at any of the training equipment while the
shop is open, and to have it custom-fitted for
your dog. It is particularly important to ensure
that any training harness is fitted by one of our
instructors to ensure that the size and style is
right for your dog. We recommend a
Connector Strap which provides backup
security for Training Halters and Car Harnesses.
Connected from a D Ring on the harness or
halter back to the dog's collar it helps prevent
those "houdini dogs" from effecting their
escape.
A new item available for those who have
‘reactive dogs’ is the ‘Give me Space’ yellow
vest. Vests are available in three sizes – small
$17.50 and Medium and Large $21.00. Please
see your instructor, session manager and
posters for further information.
We now have available Black Dog Lead
Pouches. Designed as a neat and stylish pouch
to connect onto your lead, primarily for holding
Poo Bags, but could just as easily hold other
small items (just check they don't fall through
the hole in the bottom). It will hold and
dispense any generic plastic bags, or can
easily take a Bags on Board roll.
We continue to have in stock front-fitting nopull SENSE-ible and SENSE-ation Harnesses.
These are something which needs to be fitted
so please have a chat with one of our
instructors or a Session Manager.
We stock the Black Dog Treat Tote which is very
useful and they don’t need a liner. They make it
easier to have your treats on hand while still
working with your dog, The Tote also has space
for your clicker, mobile phone and keys. Also
available are Large Treat Pouches and liners
which help keep food from sticking to the
pouch. They can also keep food fresh in the
fridge and are easy to wash. Other stock we
have obtained from Black Dog are Messenger
Bags. These have proven very popular with
OPENING TIMES
Wednesdays10:00 - 11:30am
Thursdays 7:15 - 8:45pm
Sundays
9:15 - 11:45am
many handlers as they can be used to help
carry all your training aids and personal items.
For the handler interested in formally training
their dog in the art of ‘fetch’, why not invest in
a dumbbell? Again, your instructor or session
manager can provide advice on the right size
for your dog. For those who enjoy trialling we
have Show Arm Bands and Pockets at a cost of
$4.00 and $8.00 respectively. We also stock
Scent Items for advanced training in ‘nose
work’.
The Pooch Pouch is a simple and innovative
solution to promote responsible pet ownership
by simply attaching it to your dog’s lead. Also
to go with it is a packet of degradable dog
waste bags that can be easily inserted into the
pouch. Also each time a Pooch Pouch and
packet of waste bags is purchased you can
get a second packet of bags for $1.00 for an
overall outlay of $5.00. Remember – as
responsible handlers we must always clean up
after our dogs. The shop sells the same black
bags that are used in the dispensers at the club
at a very reasonable cost of $18.00 per roll. Buy
a roll and leave it in the car and then you will
have some with you at all times.
Treats for your four legged friend
We continue to stock Liver Treats, and also sell
Sweet Potato Slices and Beef or Chicken filled
Marrow Bones $4.00 each or 3 for $10. Pigs Ears
continue be very popular and are occasionally
on special so check the shop’s whiteboard for
discounted prices. Bags of fresh/frozen meat/
cheese treats are available at a cost of $3.00
per bag.
Toys for your four legged friend
Kongs are available at various prices
depending on the size. The Kong can be used
as a training aid, to throw as a reward for your
dog or as a way of keeping him amused on his
own, by simply stuffing some treats, peanut
butter or vegemite inside. There are several
other toys available including tennis ball
throwers both large and small, squeak toys and
tug toys, Pet Water Bottles, Cookie Cutters and
array of items that you might find useful.
For the humans
Our Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine is continuing
Page | 61
News from the shop shelf ... continued
to be very popular with all our members. The
coffees come in different strengths so it is just a
matter of checking with Mike or I and we can
make the coffee as you request either using
fresh or soy milk. We also sell Arcosteel Double
Wall reusable mugs – purchase one for $6.00
and the first coffee or hot chocolate is ‘free’.
Now that the weather is warmer we are also
offering Milk Shakes (Chocolate and
Strawberry) made using fresh milk or soy milk.
and Milo for $1.50 and ask about our range of
cold drinks, potato crisps, chocolates. pies,
pasties and sausage rolls. We also offer to
Toasted Sandwiches, Bacon and Egg
Sandwiches and Raisin Toast.
If we don’t have in stock something you would
like or if you have any questions about the
shop, come and have a chat with shop
assistant Mike, ‘assistant’ shop assistant Olivia or
I during training sessions.
NOW AVAILABLE - LOYALTY CARDS
BUY 4 GET 1 FREE !
For every four Expressi Coffee or
Hot Chocolates that you buy you will get the
fifth free.
Don’t forget to look out for our Coffee and
Cake special! We frequently offer Cakes of the
Week at $3.00 per slice which you can enjoy
with either our made-to-order coffee or self
serve coffee or tea. Serve yourself tea, coffee,
BE ALERT – BE SAFE
We strive to ensure that the club’s facilities
are always clean, tidy and safe. Please
ensure that you take care while walking and
training your dog especially with the cooler
weather and fallen leaves. If you notice any
conditions that are dangerous, please advise
a member of the Committee (in the office) or
shop staff, so that we can take appropriate
action.
Left: What’s in your training bag?

A squeaky duck?

A hairy tug toy?

An ‘alley-oop’ target stick?
Be creative. Use toys, treats,
physical activity and verbal praise
to motivate and reward your dog.
You’ll both have more fun!
Sourced from www.gocomics.com/nonsequitur/2014/09/19
Page | 62
Page | 63
Training Times
OBEDIENCE
Wednesday
Thursday
Sunday
Competition Day
Kindi
10:00am
7:30pm
9:30am
Fun ’n Games
Beginners A
10:00am
7:30pm
9:30am
Assessed in class
Beginners B
10:00am
7:30pm
9.30am
Assessed in class
Intermediate
10:00am
7:30pm
10:30am
Sunday 10:00am
Advanced
10:00am
7:30pm
10:30am
Sunday 10:00am
Transition
10:00am
7:30pm
10:30am
Sunday 10:00am
Wednesday
Thursday
Sunday
Competition Day
TRIALLING STREAM
CCD & Novice (CD)
11:00am
Check with Office
Open (CDX)
11:00am
Check with Office
Utility (UD) & UDX
By arrangement - check with Office
Sunday 10:00am or
as part of ‘mock’
trial. Check noticeboard in clubhouse.
COMPANION STREAM
Wednesday
Thursday
Sunday
Competition Day
Primary & Secondary
10:00am
Check with Office
10:30am
Sunday 10:00am
Wednesday
Thursday
Sunday
Competition Day
10.00am
7.30pm
Peer support
N/A
RALLY-O STREAM
All levels
Please confirm times for Rally-O with the Club Office
NOTE: Instructors are only provided for the Open and Companion classes if handler numbers warrant.
Off-lead exercise is only available in the Back Paddock and Bore Paddock during Obedience
and Rally-O class times.
AGILITY
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Level 1
_
_
_
Level 2
6:45pm - 8:15pm
_
_
Level 3
_
_
6:45pm - 8:15pm
Level 4
_
_
6:45pm - 8:15pm
Novice
6:45pm - 8:15pm
_
_
_
6:45pm - 8:15pm
_
Sunday
Wednesday
Excellent / Masters
FLYBALL
Beginners &
Technique Training
Competition Training
3:00pm - 5:00pm
_
_
Evenings prior to Competitions
NOTE: FLYBALL classes are held in the Flyball and Narrabundah Paddocks.
AGILITY classes are held in the Trial Rings (1-5)
DANCES WITH DOGS
Wednesday
All levels
6.30-8.00pm
NOTE: DWD classes are held in the Main Pavilion at Queanbeyan Showground, not at CDC grounds.
Page | 64
Calendar of Events 2014-15
See <http://www.actcdc.org.au/new/calendar.htm> for the full calendar for
2014-15 including scheduled trial dates
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
Mon 10*
Sat 15
Tues 25
Sun 30
Tues 2
Sun 7
Belconnen Dog Obedience Club Ribbon Agility Trial
CDC Obedience and Rally-O Trial (evening)
Committee meeting – clubhouse
COMPETITION DAY (Week 8 of session 5)
CDC Ribbon Agility Trial (evening) - Gamblers
ANNUAL AWARDS PRESENTATION (5.00pm for 5.30pm)
Thurs 18
ACT School holidays start
Fri 16
Sat 17
Mon 26
Tues 27
Mon 2
Wed 4
Thu 5
Sat 7
Sun 8
Mon 23*
Tues 24
Fri 27*
Clubhouse and grounds closed - spraying
Clubhouse and grounds closed - spraying
Australia Day Public Holiday
January Committee meeting – Clubhouse
ACT School Term 1 starts
Session 1 Obedience Training classes start
CDC Agility and Jumping trial (evening)
Belconnen Dog Obedience Club Ribbon Agility Trial (evening)
February Committee meeting – Clubhouse
Royal Canberra Show / Belconnen Dog Obedience Club Rally-O Trial
(evening)
Royal Canberra Show
Royal Canberra Show
Canberra Day Holiday
Belconnen Dog Obedience Club Agility & Jumping Trial (evening)
CDC Ribbon Agility Trial (evening) - Jumping
CDC Obedience Trial and Rally-O Trial (evening)
Belconnen Dog Obedience Club Obedience Trial / Connect and
Participate (CAP) Expo at Old Bus Depot Markets, Kingston (11am-4pm)
Sat 28*
Sun 1*
Mon 9
Sat 14*
Tues 17
Fri 27
Sat 28*
Sun 29
Tues 31
Wed 1
Thu 2
Fri 3
Sat 4
Sun 5
Mon 6
Wed 8
Thurs 9
Sun 12
Sat 11*
Session 1 Competition Day (Week 8 of session 1)
March Committee meeting – Clubhouse
Easter break - No Obedience Training classes
Easter break - No Obedience Training classes
Good Friday
Easter Saturday / CDC Agility Jumping and Games Trial
Easter Sunday - No Obedience Training classes / Daylight saving ends /
CDC Agility Jumping and Games Trial
Easter Monday
ACT School Holidays start / Tuggeranong Dog Training Club Obedience
Trial (AM) and Rally-O Trial (PM)
Mon 13*
Belconnen Dog Obedience Club Ribbon Agility Trial (evening)
Sat 18*
Sat 25
Tuggeranong Dog Training Club Double Rally-O Trial
Anzac Day
* Not held on club grounds
Page | 65
Off-lead exercise at our Club
Please make sure you read and follow the advice posted at the entrances to the club’s
off-lead areas whenever you are on the club grounds .
 Play safe - please use
common sense in the offlead areas.
 Always ask permission to
go in if the area is already
occupied.
 Enter on lead and remove
the lead while your dog is
sitting.
 Move well away from the
gate to avoid crowding.
 Keep moving to minimise
tension and scuffles
between dogs.
 Stay alert and keep an
eye on your dog.
 Always reward your dog
for coming to you.
 Avoid using balls and
other toys if the area is
crowded or dogs become
excited.
 Leave immediately if your
dog becomes anxious, or is
annoying or aggressive
towards other dogs.
 Limit your time to 15
minutes if other members are
waiting to use the area.
 Always clean up after
your dog.
 Follow the instructions of
the Session Manager or other
club officials when asked.
Please note that the
obedience and agility rings
are not to be used for offleash exercise at any time,
nor are you permitted to
walk your dogs through
these areas because you
don’t want to put your dog
on a lead to walk down the
path.
Bitches in season are not permitted on the club grounds at any time.
The smell left behind by the urine and discharge of a bitch in season is an overwhelming
distraction to male dogs and to many other bitches.
Page | 66

The Good Companion - ACT Companion Dog Club

Transcription

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