Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Southern California

Newsletter of the
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Club of Southern California
Volume XII
Number 1
Winter 2011
SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER CLUB
OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS
PRESIDENT
Connie Koehler
[email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT
Karla Baer Cohen
[email protected]
SECRETARY
Jackie Whitham
[email protected]
TREASURER
Barbara Zapf
[email protected]
BOARD MEMBER
Rose Clime
[email protected]
RESCUE
Beverly Streicher
[email protected]
BOARD MEMBER
Jeanine Flavell
[email protected]
For More Information:
and rescue application go to
www.wheaten.org
BOARD MEMBER
Miriam Kahan
[email protected]
WEBMASTER
Jon Apogee
[email protected]
MEMBERSHIP
Jackie Whitham
[email protected]
WEBSITE
www.wheaten.org
WOOF EDITOR
Merrillee Ford
PO Box 5336
Santa Barbara CA 93150-5336
[email protected]
WOOF is a publication of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of
Southern California. Opinions expressed in the articles are not
necessarily those of the Editor or the Officers and Board Members of
the Club. Published Quarterly. Annual Subscriptions $12.00 Single
Issue Price $3.00
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Save the Date
The Great Western shows are just around the corner. Are you making
plans to attend? Even if your interests don’t include showing, this is a
great way to see more Wheatens than you can magine in action in the
Conformation, Obedience and Rally rings. This is a good way to meet
new Wheaten friends, shop at the many vendor stalls, buy Wheaten
items at our amazing Wheaten Boutique ringside, and to buy raffle
tickets and perhaps win one or more of our fantastic items. Mark your
calendar. We hope to see you at the shows.
Friday, June 24th is our SCWTCSC Independent Specialty Show
Saturday, June 25th and Sunday June 26th we have Specialities and
the Great Western Terrier Association Shows.
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IN THIS ISSUE
President’s Message…………………………………………….
A Wheaten Winter Pictures……………………………………..
Mother Knows Best………………………………………………
In the Kitchen with Karla…………………………………………
The Terrier Group………………………………………………..
Canine Good Citizen Test Tips…………………………………
How Many of These Apply to You? …………………………...
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President’s Message
Connie Koehler
New Year, New Board
The year 2011 has gotten off to a rousing start. Our new board took a
fresh approach in its initial gathering: an all-day retreat to transition the
2010 and 2011 boards, and to plan important objectives for the months
ahead. Our first general meeting followed two days later, conducted in
a “town hall” format to elicit membership input on the club’s direction for
2011. Three show weekends in January also afforded us the chance to
catch up with old and new friends after the holidays.
First, I wish to extend my deep appreciation to my immediate
predecessor, Dr. Miriam Kahan, for her four years of dedicated
leadership to the club and invaluable help in my transition into this
office. Secondly, it is my pleasure to share with you our major goals for
the year ahead, and to report on progress that has already transpired
toward achieving those ends:
Revamp Rescue: Bonney Snyder’s retirement as rescue chair at
the end of 2010 left a huge void, following her years of
devoted and selfless service in that role. The rescue task
grew exponentially during Bonney’s tenure, fueled by the
economic meltdown in southern California.
A new rescue
committee convened both to select her successor, and to
spread the task across a regional network of area
coordinators. Beverly Streicher stepped forward to lead the
team, and has already climbed a steep learning curve in just
two months. She has successfully placed several dogs in their
forever homes, and coordinated multiple missions to area
shelters. Volunteers have completely filled the area slots in
our network—in some cases, three-deep. We continue to
work with our three foster kennels to provide a safe and caring
environment until our dogs are placed. My heartfelt thanks go
to both Bonney and our new rescue team. Bravo!
Restore Financial Health: Again, as the result of the economic
downturn in our hard-hit area, the club’s finances declined
significantly in 2008 and 2009. Early last year, the board met
to undertake new approaches to cut costs and raise funds. I
am very pleased to report that those measures are working
well. In 2010 we recovered half our prior losses, led by rescue
and our events, especially GWTA.
The new board will
continue its rigorous oversight of club monies and pursue new
avenues of fundraising.
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Reinvigorate Membership Involvement: This is your club—not
mine, not the board’s, but all of ours. We all have the
opportunity to engage in club events and activities. Attend our
meetings and speak up; even if you cannot vote as an
associate, your voice counts. Volunteer for or chair an activity
or event, again open to all members. Rejuvenate informal
celebrations after dog shows and performance events, a
longtime club tradition that Miriam graciously rekindled in
January. Come up with new ideas for club functions, and email them to me or other board members—be ingenious!
Regular or associate, you can contribute enormously to the
club’s success and most importantly, “to protect and advance
the interests of the breed,” which brought us all together in the
first place.
It’s all about our wonderful Wheatens, after all!
Preview of Coming Attractions
Please be sure to watch the Westminster KC dog show on Feb. 14-15.
Check local listings and your cable or satellite provider for times, as
they will vary over the two days. Wheatens are scheduled for judging at
10 a.m. ET on Feb. 15, with results available at Westminster’s website,
http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/.
The Terrier Group will be
judged immediately before Best in Show on Feb. 15 as well.
Our March 15 general meeting, again at the Spitfire Grill in Santa
Monica, features W. Jean Dodds, DVM. A pre-eminent veterinarian
and canine-health academician, Dr. Dodds will speak on the latest
research into vaccination protocols and titers, as well as her work with
the Rabies Challenge Fund. Dr. Dodds is also the founder of
HEMOPET, the internationally renowned animal blood bank. Don’t
miss this important event!
Dues Reminder
Don’t forget to send your dues renewal to our new secretary and
membership chair, Jackie Whitham. Your renewal is payable as of Jan.
1, 2011, and your membership will lapse after March 31. Please
contact Jackie at (818) 957-4263, or at [email protected], if you
have any questions or issues. Thank you!
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A Wheaten Winter
Tucker and Bonnie at play in Idyllwild’s winter wonderland.
Tucker is one of our many wonderful and successful
Wheaten rescue dogs. He is obviously happy in his new home!
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MOTHER KNOWS BEST
Here are some tips from Mom
that have been learned, some
the hard way, over the past
few years.
Our dogs need regular exercise. Walk around your block, join some
friends and do some obedience exercises together with your dogs. A fat
dog is not a happy dog. Dogs love a routine and are dependent upon us
to give them the things they need. You don’t need to run a marathon
each day, just some simple exercise will make them happy and
healthier. And it won’t hurt you either!
Brush your dog’s teeth. If you haven’t gotten in the habit, make it your
new year’s resolution and get started. February is National Veterinary
Dental Health Month, too. There are many brushes, gauze, swabs and
gel veterinary dental products you can buy that can help get you and
your dog on the right path to good dental hygiene. Ask your vet if you
are confused by which method is best for your dog.
Keep your Wheaten bathed, well groomed and brushed and nails
trimmed. The club has a grooming seminar each year. If you have
questions about how to get started this is a good time to ask. You have
a Wheaten because you love the breed and want yours to look like a
Wheaten.
Be a good advocate for our breed. Carry poop bags with you when you
walk. Be a good neighbor and pick up after your dog when you are out
walking. Use a leash; it’s the law in California and many other states.
Wheatens are terriers and can be easily distracted. Even the best
trained dog can have selective hearing when out and about. It can also
save your dog’s life.
Mom loves crate trained dogs. When you have a puppy they can have a
rest period in their crates, it helps with housetraining and provides the
dog with a spot that is its own. This does not mean the dog spends the
day in the crate. It means they enjoy their crates and are happy being
there when it’s in their best interest. It can keep them safe when
workmen are in your home and It is the safest spot for them to ride
when they’re riding in the car.
Happy New Year and remember Mom loves ya and the dogs!
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IN THE KITCHEN WITH KARLA
A Stew to Warm Your Wheaten’s Heart
(A Recipe for your DOG)
1 pound of stewing beef, cubed
2 potatoes, cubed
5 carrots, chunked
1 cup of warm water
1 1/2 cups of low salt beef broth
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper
Added later:
1 tablespoon yellow corn flour mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
Mix the first 6 ingredients. Bake in a Dutch oven for 2 hours. Add
The corn flour mixture and stir well. Return to the oven for another
30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.
Serve over your Wheaten’s kibble for that extra special celebration
day...remember St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner.
Once cooled it can be frozen in single serving portions.
Books to Checkout
By Ernie Ward, DVM, “Why Our Dogs are Getting Fatter.” It’s a good
read on how to keep your dog fit. Tips on how to tell if your dog is
overweight and how to help him get trim.
By Heather Lende, “Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs.”
Lende writes, “I think I’ve glimpsed a preview of heaven, and it’s in an
old dog’s eyes.”
Web Sites
Summer is around the corner; check out DogJaunt.com for ideas and
good tips on how to keep your dog happy on the road or in the air.
May you have warm words on a cold evening,
A full moon on a dark night
And a smooth road all the way to your door.
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THE TERRIER GROUP
Can you name all the breeds in the Terrier Group? Did you know the
Terrier breeds can be roughly divided between the vermin hunters and
the bull-and-terrier types? Several breeds also herd livestock. The
vermin hunters include the breeds that kill small animals that are often
considered to be pests. Most of this developed in farming communities
where the dogs were a working component of keeping the barns and
fields clean from vermin. Because they were trained to hunt on their
own, terrier breeds tend to be independent and feisty. The bull-andterrier breeds were most often used for bull baiting or pit fighting. They
tend to be biddable but tough.
Currently the Terrier Group consists of the following breeds;
Airedale Terrier
Manchester Terrier (Standard)
American Staffordshire Terrier
Miniature Bull Terrier
Australian Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Bedlington Terrier
Norfolk Terrier
Border Terrier
Norwich Terrier
Bull Terrier
Parson Russell Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Scottish Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Fox Terrier (Smooth)
Skye Terrier
Fox Terrier (Rough)
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Glen of Imal Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Irish Terrier
Welsh Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Lakeland Terrier
This makes a grand total of 27 different breeds. They range in size from
small to big. The tallest, the Airedale is known as the “king of terriers.”
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated as al all-around farm dog,
perhaps serving in this function for hundreds of years. In addition to it’s
job of vermin extinction, it helped round up stock and guarded the
homestead. Both the Kerry Blue and Wheaten Terriers are approved for
AKC herding competitions. The plucky Skye Terrier may be one of the
shorter breeds, but a male’s average weight is 35-40 pounds due to its
long length. The short legged Norwich, Norfolk, etc are the smallest of
the breeds
If God sends you down a stony path,
may he give you strong shoes.
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Canine Good Citizen Test Tips
If you want your dog to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test here
are some of the things your dog needs to know:
1. Accepting a friendly stranger. The evaluator and handler meet and
greet. The dog should be passive when his owner meets a
stranger.
2. Sitting politely for petting. This demonstrates the dog can sit quietly
while the owner is out in public. The evaluator will pet the dog’s
head and body during this portion of the test.
3. Appearance and grooming. This shows the dog will allow a
stranger, his vet or a groomer to evaluate him. He should exhibit
signs of being well groomed and will tolerate being softly combed or
brushed.
4. Walking on a loose lead. This test demonstrates the dog under the
control of his handler. He may walk on either side of the handler.
He does not have to be perfectly aligned as in the obedience ring,
but must demonstrate he is under control. The handler may speak
to him throughout the test.
5. Walking through a crowd. Can you maneuver your dog through a
crowd and still maintain control?
6. Sit and down on command and staying in place. Does your dog
respond to your commands? You must have control and be able to
do all three commands to pass this part of the test.
7. Coming when called. The handler will walk ten feet from the dog,
turn to face the dog and call the dog. You can use encouragement
to get the dog to come.
8. Reaction to another dog. This demonstrates the dog can act politely
around other dogs. Two handlers with dogs approach from about
20 feet away, stop, shake hands and chat a bit, then continue on
their way anther 20 feet. Can your dog do this?
9. Reaction to distraction. The evaluator will select and present two
distractions. This can include dropping a crutch or cane, having a
jogger run in front of the dog, dropping a chair, etc. The dog may
express interest, but must remain calm and not bark, attempt to run
away, show aggressiveness, etc.
10. Supervised separation. This test shows that the dog can be left with
a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good
manners. The dog does not have to sit or lie throughout this
exercise, but must show anything more than mild agitation or
nervousness.
The dogs are on leash throughout the testing. The evaluator provides a
20 foot lead for the long line exercises and the owner/handler should
bring the dog’s own comb and brush.
With a little practice you and your dog can soon have a CGC title.
Testing is offered at our Wheaten Fun Day in October and by many
obedience clubs.
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How Many of These Apply to You
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You believe every dog is a lap dog.
If you are cold, you put a sweater on the dog.
You have a picture of your dog in your wallet, but none of your kids.
You often claim it was love at first sight with you and your dog.
You have your dog talk to your friends on the phone.
You can’t fully enjoy yourself without your dog.
No matter how large your bed is, it’s not large enough for you and
your dog(s).
You spend more on clothes and food for your dog than you do for
yourself.
You have no reservations about kissing your dog on the lips, even
when you know where his lips have been.
You believe it is your duty to talk to, pat, and even feed every dog in
the neighborhood. You know all their names.
You let the neighbor dog sleep over.
You believe there is no such thing as a naughty dog.
Your vet and grooming bills exceed your rent.
When you need someone to talk to, your dog is your first choice.
You sit on the floor if the dog got in the chair first.
You talk to your dog when you are driving. He answers.
Your dog taught you to fetch and roll over.
A toast to your coffin.
May it be made of 100 year old oak.
And may we plant the tree together, tomorrow
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SCWTCSC WOOF
PO BOX 5336
Santa Barbara, CA 93150-5336
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