March/April Issue 2010

To err is human, to forgive, canine. – Anonymous

THE MAGAZINE

OF THE CANINE

OBEDIENCE CLUB

OF TOWNSVILLE

COMPANION DOG MAGAZINE

Contents

Page 1 Cover – Mal Holland with Allambie Fergus

(Spud) – Tracking Champion

Page 2 Companion Dog Contents

Page 3 COCT Committee

Page 4 Presidents Report

Page 5- 6 Editorial

Page 7 – 9 Letters to the Editor

Page 10 - 13 April Obedience and Agility Trial Results

Page 14 April Tracking Trial results

Page 15 - 17 Balance at the Start Line (courtesy of Clean Run Magazine)

Page 18 – 20 10 things you didn’t know about GSP’s

Page 21 Publicity and Demonstration Report

OFFICE BEARERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS Postal Address. Post Office Box 991Aitkenvale Q 4814

Patrons: Peter Lindsay MP Herbert , Cllr Jenny Hill, Cllr Dale Last

President Judy Forbes-Faulkner 0427 725982 judyforf@bigpond.net.au

Vice-President Vacant

Secretary Wendy Purdie 0438 501796 reception@twinemachinery.com.au

Treasurer Renate Linder 47211444(w) rlinder@wacokwikform.com.au

Asst. Treasurer Louise Ashworth 47887005 lash@dodo.com.au

Trial Secretary Louise Ashworth 47887005 northbrave@bigpond.com

Training Coordinator Judy Forbes Faulkner 47725982 judyforf@bigpond.net.au

Training Coordinator Asst Noel McPherson 47212639 noelmcp@bigpond.com

Magazine Editor Eileen Fletcher 47887385 brindlebrock@bigpond.com

Catering Officer Vacant Trophy Officer Diane MacIntyre 47733887 dandr11@aapt.net.aU

Records Officer Judy Forbes-Faulkner 47725982 judyforf@bigpond.net.au

Tracking Coordinator Mal Holland 47251949 demal;4@bigpond.net.au

Asst Tracking Coordinator Eileen Fletcher 47887385 brindlebrock@bigpond.com

Demo Officer Diane MacIntyre 47733887 dandr11@aapt.net.au

Flyball Coordinator Rick Slack smith 0422808761 rickss@australis.net

Property Officer Anna Doostkhah 47255027 Anna_Doostkhah@snp.com.au

Asst Property Officer Sue Simmons 47780621 tuatara65@bigpond.com

Committee Members Lucy Joynson 47788890 lucyjoynson@harboursat.com.au

Eileen Fletcher 47887385 brindlebrock@bigpond.com

Janette Cussons 0417614261 jcussons2@bigpond.com

Noel McPherson 47212639 noelmcp@bigpond.com

Rick Slack Smith rickss@australis.net

COCT inc. LIFE MEMBERS Mrs. D. Dobson,

Miss A. Dobson

Mrs. A. Tunstal

Dr. R. Taylor

Mr. E. Morris

Mrs. V. Litster

Mrs. C. Woodward (active)

Mr. B. Woodward (active) Mr. P. Litster

Mrs. E.K. Greenwood

Mr. D.R. Greenwood (active) Mrs. H. Taylor

Mrs. A. Annesley (active Mrs. S.M. Fielder (active)

Mrs C O`Shea (active)

Ms D MacIntyre (active)

Mr Mal Holland (active)

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the editor or committee members of the COCT Inc.

All Office bearers, committee members and instructors of the Canine Obedience Club of Townsville Inc, are unpaid volunteers, who give freely of their time in an effort to help you to train and trial your dogs.

Monthly meetings held 1st Monday of February to December at 7.30pm Management Committee meetings held as called by secretary Club Web Site: www.coct.com.au

Presidents Report

Hi fellow handlers and competitors, trialing has commenced with a very successful Easter

agility/jumpers/games and obedience. The success of this long weekend was mainly due to the

tremendous support the club received from all the competitors and helpers. Despite the

threatening skies the whole weekend went without a hitch and the rain stayed away apart

from a few showers during tea on Saturday. The only problem encountered was the condition

of the ground under the big tree adjacent to the tennis club, because the ground was so

waterlogged all competitors had to do the tennis club detour but apart from the

inconvenience all went well. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members

who helped make the weekend such a success especially all those who helped with the

catering we certainly impressed the southern judges with our spread at tea time.

As the weather now seems to have changed for the better we will be able to concentrate on

training our new handlers. Over the past two months it has been very difficult to get training in

on Tuesdays due to the wet grounds and repeated heavy showers but hopefully all that is

behind us and we can get back to a normal routine.

Finally I would like to mention the track and search and tracking trials held last weekend.

Thanks to all the organizers competitors, baits and caterers who helped make this a successful

weekend and congratulations to Mal and Spud for attaining their tracking Champion title on

Saturday and to Sheila and Erin for their T2 pass on Sunday.

Take care and happy training, tracking and trialing.

Judy Forbes-Faulkner

Editorial

Hi Everyone

We have had a bit of a mixed start to the training year with the weather interfering with training on several

occasions which makes it very frustrating for instructors and learners alike, it is difficult to get a rhythm going

when you keep having to cancel but it means no excuses in perfecting what you do learn in class (when it goes

ahead!) as you get extra time at home in between classes to practice. That is the crux of coming on a Tuesday night

– the instructors show the handlers how to achieve the exercises, but one hour a week in class will not train your

dog – the polishing or “proofing” needs to be done at home.

It seems that I upset some people out there with my last editorial and the pages following include the

replies to the editor. I was very surprised that it generated such interest, especially from non-club members who

will not be affected by any changes we make to training methods anyway. I did not mean to belittle anyone who

has achieved success in the past when there were no other methods being taught, but times change and methods

do too. I thought it was worth while spending some time clearing up what seem to be some misconceptions on the

part of the letter writers.

Misconception 1 – People who don’t want to use choke chains don’t know how to use them. Incorrect –

lots of people who decide choke chains are not for them have used them previously but having learned alternatives

decide that the use of compulsion as a training method is not the way they want to train their dog. They are known

as “cross-over” trainers having crossed over from one method to another

Misconception 2 - Reward based training means that your dog will not perform reliably without food in

your hand. Absolutely not. Learning theory dictates that dogs (as well as people) will work better for random

rewards (think of people feeding money into pokies – when it going to pay out? Who knows but they keep

plugging away – dogs are the same) Food is used initially to teach new behaviours – to maintain those behaviours

random and “life” rewards (toys, affection, off leash play etc) are more effective. The analogy of a Kelpie herding

sheep needing to be rewarded with food every 5 minutes by the farmer (see letter below) demonstrates a lack of

understanding of the learning theory we use in reward based training. The reward for the Kelpie for doing the

right thing (as defined by the farmer) is to get to continue to herd the sheep. The reward for the police dog is to get

to chase the criminal and grab the bite sleeve. The reward for the drug sniffing dog is to get a game with a ball after

detecting the drugs. Having food in your hand doesn’t come into it.

Misconception 3 – Positive means permissive - Rewarding a dog for a job well done is positive dog

training. It does not mean that we want dog owners to allow their dogs to take charge or to call the shots. We teach

people to set boundaries and manage their dogs so that dogs do not get to practice undesirable behaviours. We

also teach owners to teach their dogs what they want and reward it and how to deal with the behaviours they don’t

like without having to be confrontational or aggressive towards their dogs.

Misconception 4 – The COCT cannot teach both pet dog owners and promote obedience trials using

reward based methods. Why not? The same reward based methods are being used all over the world to produce

sound family dogs and top notch obedience/agility/freestyle/tracking triallers – also assistance dogs, drug

detection and police dogs

Just because it hasn’t happened yet at the COCT does not mean that it can’t happen. It just means that the methods

are newer here and people need to perfect them. So, should we not try in case we don’t succeed? The fact that only

people who used choke chains are on the honour board (see letter 3) merely reflects the training techniques that

have been in use in the COCT for the last 30 years – how can a clicker trained dog appear there when clicker

training was not taught or used at the club?

Shopenhauer said that many good ideas go through three stages: First they are ridiculed, then they are argued against,

then they are taken for granted.

Rafe's "Rule of 60-40" says that in any given population on any given issue, 60 % will be neutral at the start and the

other 40% will be apportioned between those who accept or endorse the issue and those who oppose it

The fact is that no matter what the constitution says, (see letter 3) we need pet dog owners – the club would cease

to exist without the revenue that they generate. We need to teach them what they want to learn and that is not

obedience trialling. However it is absurd to suggest that teaching them reward based training methods means that

they can’t move on to obedience trialling if they so wish. In fact, newer and better methods are more likely to

enthuse them and their dogs.

All dog training techniques fit somewhere on a long continuum, from seriously harsh and abusive

punishment-based methods at one extreme, to pure positive reinforcement at the other. As is often the case with

extremes, neither of these is likely to be very practical or effective, nor will you find many trainers who

recommend them. Most trainers use a combination of techniques that place them somewhere between the two

ends of the continuum. Which side of center they are on defines them as primarily compulsion-based trainers or

primarily positive ones.

Old-fashioned, compulsion-based training works on the philosophy that we have to show the dog who is

boss. She must do what we say, and quickly. If she doesn’t, we immediately correct her or she will learn that she

can ignore our commands. The primary tool for compulsion trainers is positive punishment, often followed by a

treat, a pat, and or verbal praise to keep up the dog’s enthusiasm for the training process. 20 years ago, traditional

trainers abhorred the use of food treats as praise. This thinking has changed in the last decade, as more and more

“foodies” have demonstrated the effectiveness of food as a training motivator.

Compulsion training works, as demonstrated by decades of well-behaved dogs. A skilled trainer uses the

minimum amount of force necessary to get the job done. Proponents argue that the small amount of discomfort

this may cause is worth the end result of a reliable, promptly responsive dog. It can be problematic, however, with

very assertive or independent dogs who don’t take kindly to being pushed and pulled around and may decide to

argue back. You must be prepared to use enough force to get your message across quickly, and be willing to

escalate the level of force if necessary. Techniques like scruff shakes and alpha rolls only work if the trainer is

strong enough to persevere if the dog fights back. Many owners and trainers are either unwilling or unable to use

this kind of force with their dogs – thank goodness. Timid, submissive or sensitive dogs may also not do well with

positive punishment. Forceful corrections can cause them to melt into a puddle on the floor, and a slight

miscalculation can cause irreparable damage to the owner’s or trainer’s relationship with the dog.

In the end, our dogs tell us the truth. We can find pet dogs and obedience show ring competitors from both

training styles that are happy, reliable, willing workers. We can find dogs from both training styles that are poorly

trained and out of control. But in general, a larger percentage of dogs in a compulsion-based class will grudgingly

comply with commands or look bored or disgruntled than will dogs in a positive reinforcement class, where

enthusiasm usually abounds among all students in the class, two-legged and four-legged alike.

The Editor welcomes your comments at brindlebrock@bigpond.com or via the editors pigeonhole at the

clubhouse

(Portions of this editorial contain excerpts from “Click or Jerk – Let the Dog decide” courtesy of Pat Miller of Peaceable

Paws Dog Training)

.

To the Editor:

THE OLD STYLE OF DOG TRAINING I enjoy the COCT magazine and I think the club does a great job with it. I am also aware that editorial comments are in the majority personal opinions and as such will not receive universal endorsement. In reference to your last issue I find it particularly annoying that so many proponents of clicker training promote the technique via negative comments about traditional dog training methods. The common theme being clicker training is positive, traditional methods are negate and most insultingly by trite inference are based on the cruel application of unfair corrective methods. Knowing the long history of the Canine Obedience Club of Townsville I am positive many of your older and past members who have been high achievers in the obedience word would be quite insulted by your editorial.

I also find it disappointing that by far most proponents of clicker training methods who criticize traditional dog training methods have not been high achievers. Positive dog training methods are those that achieve results and let’s make it quite clear I regard cruelty as a human fallibility one which should never form part of any training process. To be successful in life no matter what the activity hard work is an essential. People who work hard are the achievers in life, including people who are serious about dog training. Your statement if you’re working hard at it your doing it the wrong way is simply illogical What is more relevant is if you want to be successful get off your backside and work your butt off. Motivation is a primary dog training tool, fun and excitement is something effective trainers work extremely hard at, it’s all part of the dedication. Traditional dog training methods do use corrections and unfortunately far too many dog handlers fail to develop the skills to use them positively, meaningfully, timely and fairly. Similar with clicker training far too many proponents have the smarts or dedication to work hard enough to develop the skills to apply the technique timely and consistently to achieve high success.I know clicker training works. I also know that so called traditional dog training methods work and that they have scored the runs on the board consistently over time. I suggest if you wish to promote clicker training do so by all means but don’t do it by making negative naïve comments about traditional methods for that unfortunately, dog wise, reeks of immaturity. The bottom line is training your dog is the kindest act a dog owner can do for their dog, it is not an option in today’s world. It is a necessity and the task is to teach obedience – and to teach it without question, that’s positive speaking. Bob Bruce.

To Editor Companion Dog

THE OLD STYLE OF DOG TRAINING

I'm reluctant to involve myself in a debate such as this due to it being the main reason I have dropped out of the obedience trialing scene. The trialing scene is clogged with people who have set themselves up as "the experts on dog

training techniques". Many of these people haven't been successful in the trialing scene with little to show for their years of effort other than a CDX title or two - or even lesser titles; casting a blanket of negativity over a great little sport with their ignorant but very strong views..

I have no problem with people having various views on the most effective ways of training, however, it is all too common to hear the comments from this fraternity castigating and insulting people who have spend years of their lives training a wide variety of breeds, successfully in trailing, and/or for a wide variety of practical purposes such as the various branches of service work - SUCCESSFULLY. For those of you who don't know me, my background started in 1970 when I was trained as a young Airman in the RAAF to be a Security Guard/Police Dog handler. 1972 my dog and I were awarded the top man/dog for the entire RAAF mustering. Over time I have owned dog kennels at Mt. Morgan where I have trained hundreds of dogs in obedience, tracking and protection. Ran classes for years in the Sunshine Coast Region and Brisbane. Accepted as an expert witness in the Federal Court of Australia on dog behavior. Trialed over the years and trained more successful trailers to UD and AOC titles than any other private trainer in QLD. Of recent years I have pretrained two Dogs for service in the QLD Police Dog Squad (one is serving in Townsville the other at Cairns), and last Christmas sold a pretrained Timber Shepherd to the Rockhampton Correctional Service. All three dogs are regarded as amongst their finest working dogs. I have more recently been breeding and developing a style of dog that has been successfully trialed in one of the Army Special Service units. They are proving to be superior in working ability to the working line GSD'S, Belgium Malinois and Dutch Shepherd's. I am 60 years old now with forty years of turning out successful trialing students and outstanding Police type role dogs, and you can bet that when my name comes up in conversation someone will say, "Yeah I know him, he doesn't know anything and only turns out robotic dogs". Heard all the negative comments over the years and still hear it. The point I am building up to is that over so many years of seeing fad training come and go of various types, I have a fair idea what works best when developing a dog that "works reliably both in the obedience ring and out of the obedience ring". It would help keep competitors egos in check I believe, if non-qualifying score place getters did not receive trophies. No material bragging rights should be given to a loser on the night. Incidentally clicker training started in the 1970's and food training started in the 1800's. Nothing new here whatsoever. I do prefer the old style of training and am not a fan of the so-called modern positive methods. A Farmer or a Police Dog Handler cannot go about their daily work with their dogs with a bag of treats tied around their wastes, any more than play with a clicker all day to attract a dog’s attention to perform herding, or nail a dangerous criminal hiding in a paddock of long grass. Rather than see this ongoing rabbiting of people pushing through their own philosophies in the pages of books and magazines with the continual deriding remarks towards us old timers who have stood the test of time, I would rather see a more enlightening attitude focused for the most part on the physical and mental health of the dog. The love of the canine and the adoring respect we should have of our four legged friend is missing with many trailers, who seem more interested in using their dog as a means to attract attention to themselves - even though most put in miserable performances at the trials. The main focus should always be on the emotional and physical health of the dog, so that is calm within itself knowing that it is loved by someone it can respect, well exercised, well cared for and fed well. The dog should be given a great life and the trialing should be regarded as friendly competition only. Train the dog in any manner one wishes too if that takes one's fancy, and leave and respect others to train the way they wish. For trialing competitors the results are in the ring; taking longer than six trials to achieve a title means the handler isn't training effectively for that dog, or the dog isn't a suitable for trialing competitions. Now I have come out of my hole to write a comment requested by my old mate Mal Holland, I'll go back into my hole and leave the continual stream of negative, energy draining issues to those than can tolerate them. Regards Ross Allan (rossallan.com)

DEAR EDITOR

Has Dog Training Changed for the Better?

Well that depends on who you listen to and who tells the better story, I would rather look at the facts, then after weighing up the pros & cons, decide. Some of the new approaches to mans acceptance of modern style of training in some areas actually has some merit, some is a total disaster. The real question should be what do you want & expect from your dog, what are you happy with? Keeping this in mind let’s look at some facts & then compare the results. The dogs that come on a Tuesday night are not the dogs requiring the high standard for a competition dog, so the expectation for the back yard dog is different to those that want an obedience dog for competition . In defense of the so called military training & it is not what is portrayed by some. I ask you who is qualified to speak on the subject of military dog training; very few should be your answer. Any one may make statements and say this or that is military training, most people that make these statements have very little understanding of what they are talking about. Lets look at some real facts & figures that speak for them self, the honor board in our club house for instances. On the obedience side, please show me where are the dogs trained with clickers and the modern methods, the answer there are none, that’s zilch, zero, nought, the dogs you do see are dogs that were trained in the in the old style of training using what I term the show & tell method, this is where a dog is shown what is required of him, the training is then repeated sufficient enough times until the dogs brain has accepted what is required of it and then & only then if the dog still does not carry out the exercise, e.g., sit, down or what ever a correction is introduced. Verbal praise always followed a correct response, praise is always reinforcement for a correct response to a command & was a long before the clicker was introduced. I am not against clickers; however the clicker is just another means of rewarding your dog as well as the physical and verbal praise, in the hands of those that know how to use them clickers may be very effective. On the honor board there are no food reward, clicker trained dog, “WHY NOT”? As a matter of fact since the new modern style/ technique (if I can call it that) came into use over the last few years their has not been a single UD titled dog let alone an Obedience Champion at the COCT club, so ask your self where are all the up and coming obedience dogs. One only has to look at current obedience competitions to see that dogs and handlers are struggling to get through a trial at the lowest levels without the owners being embarrassed... Recently there has been a play on words in an effort to have (the so called) older style of training portrayed as harsh & cruel. Only the “incorrect use” of the training chain is harsh & cruel. What is needed here is quality instruction in the correct use of the training chain, not the lets get rid of it because we don’t know how to use it. No point in condemning the training chain if you have never understood its correct use, never used it and don’t know or want to know how it should be applied. Really it all comes down to having qualified handlers. Some people appear to be looking for a magic formula, if there is a magic formula out their or a better technique in use I don’t see it having any impact at the COCT let alone on the Australian obedience world. Interesting editorial comments on “what most pet owners want” what they want and what people in trialing want is two different things. The COCT was established for people to train and compete in trials with their dogs, the general public was recruited later and have been the sole revenue raising force for the club, however the club is not obliged to train the public dogs, the club does it to survive and raise funds for those that want to trial their dogs, it is indeed fortunate that at the same time the club does turn out educated & responsible pet owner. COCT members are to be highly commended for their weekly efforts; few appreciate the time and effort that the club instructors put in . To quote the COCT Inc constitution under OBJECTS 4A sub pars (d). To promote the holding of exhibitions and /or to promote obedience training, to conduct obedience trials, agility trials, tracking & field trials Finally one needs to look outside the circle in relation to children & dogs behaving badly, there is little respect from children now days for their parents, teachers and the general public, this attitude is coming across very strongly into the world of dog training. A little (& I repeat) a little bit of discipline goes a long way in teaching respect be it to dog or child. Of course one could go on for ever in getting ones points across, the short answer is “THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING” and I don’t see many people or dogs eating quality pudding at the moment, Mal Holland

EASTER WEEKEND RESULTS

CANINE OBEDIENCE CLUB TOWNSVILLE

Friday 2 April

Obedience Sweepstakes/Trial Judge Dave Horsley

Utility

1st Luack Jo (Booker) Mal Holland 184 Q

Open

1st Gypsy Paul OKeefe

Novice

1st Barkenlodge Tammy Lass Donna OKeefe 196 Q 2nd Allambie Fergus (Spud) Mal Holland 195 Q 3rd Yurei Elmo Mary ONeil

CCD

1st Dykinta Guess Again Paul OKeefe 94 Q

2nd Yurei Elmo Mary ONeil 81 Q

GAMBLERS Judge Neil Lester

Masters

1st Torlene Jarra Katrina Stonestreet Q 2nd Holly Wendy Craven Q 3rd Kanecutter Tasmin Michelle Varcoe Excellent

1st Gypsy Paul OKeefe Q 2nd Moore Stamper Dallas (Ally) Lauren Moore Q 3rd Luack Dark Angel (Truble) Lucy Joynson Q 4th Goldtag Society Gal (Gemma) Janet Richmond Q

Novice

1st Luack Lord of the Ring (Chappie) Lucy Joynson Q 2nd Allambie Fergus (Spud) Mal Holland Q 3rd Dykinta Guess Again (Guess) Paul OKeefe Q

SNOOKER Judge Neil Lester

Masters

1st Holly Wendy Craven 2nd Torlene Jarra Katrina Stonestreet Excellent

1st Gypsy Paul OKeefe Q 2nd Luack Dark Angel (Truble) Lucy Joynson Q 3rd Goldtag Society Gal (Gemma) Janet Richmond Q Novice

1st Stockhaven Bobbie Paul OKeefe Q 2nd Dykinta Guess Again Paul OKeefe Q 3rd Stockhaven Choc Chip (Keely) Lynn Moore Q 4th Bremdast Nala Terri-lee Bartlett Q 5th Sasndash Sammydavis Katrina Stonestreet Q 6th` Giday Bush Dancer Sandi Patterson Q

Saturday 3 April STRATEGIC PAIRS Judge Neil Lester Masters

1st Bremdast Nala Terri-lee Bartlett Q Luack Jo (Booker) Mal Holland Q 2nd Luack Indis Image (Krazee) Lucy Joynson Q Spinifex Sailor (Codie) Wendy Craven Q 3rd Holly Wendy Craven Q Luack Dark Angel (Truble) Lucy Joynson Q Excellent

1st Pintupi Boss Keith Thomas Q Luack After Dark (Toots) Lucy Joynson Q 2nd Gypsy Paul OKeefe Q Sandygate IMA Star Judy Forbes-Faulkner Q 3rd Stockhaven Bobbie Paul OKeefe Q Torlene Vashtie Allison Annesley Q Novice

1st Giday Bush Dancer Sandi Patterson Q Kane Sherwin Barton Q 2nd Luack Lord of the Ring Lucy Joynson Q Luack Foxy Lady Wendy Craven Q 3rd Leteemo Champas Charlie Jimmy OKeefe Q Barkenlodge Tammy Lass Donna OKeefe Q AGILITY Judge Neil Lester

Masters

1st Gypsy Paul OKeefe Q 2nd Kanecutter Tasmin Michelle Varcoe Q 3rd Kirra Keith Thomas Q Excellent

1st Luack Indis Image (Krazee) Lucy Joynson Q 2nd Amberidge Miss Margarita (Meg) Louise Ashworth Q 3rd Barkenlodge Tammy Lass Donna OKeefe

Novice

1st Allambie Fergus (Spud) Mal Holland Q 2nd Meson Lorna (Marla) Wendy Craven Q 3rd Atchafalaya Jaz me Blues(Jazz) Terri-lee Bartlett

JUMPERS Judge Meg Yerbury

Masters

1st Moore Stamper Dallas (Ally) Lauren Moore Q 2nd Stockhaven Choc Chip (Keely) Lynn Moore Q 3rd Stockhaven Bobbie Paul OKeefe Excellent

1st Meson Lorna (Marla) Wendy Craven Q 2nd Dykinta Guess Again Paul OKeefe 3rd Barkenlodge Tammy Lass Donna OKeefe Novice

1st Jack Melissa Stewart Q 2nd Allambie Fergus (Spud) Mal Holland

Sunday 4 April

AGILITY 1 Judge Meg Yerbury

Masters

1st Gypsy Paul OKeefe Q 2nd Kanecutter Tasmin Michelle Varcoe 3rd Kirra Keith Thomas Open

1st Holly Wendy Craven Q 2nd Stockhaven Choc Chip Lynn Moore Excellent

1st Bremdast Nala Terri-lee Bartlett

Novice

1st Sasndash Sammydavis (Soda) Katrina Stonestreet Q 2nd Meson Lorna (Marla) Wendy Craven Q 2nd Allambie Fergus (Spud) Mal Holland Q 4th Kane Sherwin Barton Q JUMPERS 1 Judge Neil Lester

Open

1st Luack Indis Image (Krazee) Lucy Joynson Q 2nd Moore Stamper Dallas (Ally) Lauren Moore Q 3rd Holly Wendy Craven Q 4th Stockhaven Bobbie Paul OKeefe Q Masters

1st Kanecutter Tasmin Michelle Varcoe Q

2nd Gypsy Paul OKeefe Q 3rd Sasndash Sammydavis (Soda) Katrina Stonestreet Q 4th Stockhaven Bobbie Paul OKeefe Q

Excellent

1st Luack Lord of the Ring Lucy Joynson Q 2nd Dykinta Guess Again Paul OKeefe Q 3rd Leteemo Champas Charlie Jimmy OKeefe Q Novice

1st Allambie Fergus (Spud) Mal Holland Q 2nd Kane Sherwin Barton 3rd Rivamist Steel the Show Janet Richmond AGILITY 2 Judge Neil Lester

Master

1st Wispan Early Edition Janet Richmond 2nd Stockhaven Choc Chip Lynn Moore 3rd Gypsy Paul OKeefe Open

1st Stockhaven Bobbie Paul OKeefe Q 2nd Gypsy Paul OKeefe Q 3rd Luack Dark Angel (Truble) Lucy Joynson Q Excellent

1st Luack Indis Image Lucy Joynson Q 2nd Amberidge Miss Margarita (Meg) Louise Ashworth Q 3rd Barkenlodge Tammy Lass Donna OKeefe Novice

1st Luack Lord of the Ring(Chappie) Lucy Joynson Q 2nd Allambie Fergus Mal Holland Q 3rd Leteemo Champas Charlie Jimmy OKeefe Q 4th Meson Lorna (Marla) Wendy Craven Q JUMPERS 2 Judge Meg Yerbury

Open

1st Sasndash Sammydavis (Soda) Katrina Stonestreet Q 2nd Geraldmine Totalli Turbo Michelle Varcoe Q 3rd Luack Dark Angel (Truble) Lucy Joynson Q 4th Stockhaven Bobbie Paul OKeefe Q Masters

1st Stockhaven Choc Chip (Keely) Lynn Moore Q 2nd Stockhaven Bobbie Paul OKeefe 3rd Torlene Jarra Katrina Stonestreet Excellent

1st Atchafalaya Jaz me Blues Terri-lee Bartlett Q 2nd Meson Lorna (Marla) Wendy Craven 3rd Giday Bush Dancer Sandi Patterson Novice

1st Dunwurkn Etched in Time Rosie Lovatt Q 2nd Sandygate IMA Star Judy Forbes-Faulkner

Results of Track & Search Trial Friday 9th April 2010

Judge Debby Lamprecht

Michelle Varco & Turbo TSD 1 (Fail)

Michelle Varco & Tasmin TSD 3 (Fail)

Janet Richmond & Beau TSD 1 (Fail)

Tracking trial 10 April 10 April 2010

Judge Heidi Christoffel

Diane MacIntyre & Ceasar T2 (Fail)

Renate Linder & Roxy T4 (Fail)

Judy ForbesF & Star T6 (Fail)

Judge Debby Lamprecht

Shelia Fielder & Erin T2 (Failed to start)

Janet Richmond & Rupert T2 (Fail)

E Fletcher & Buddy T4 (Fail)

Mal Holland & Spud T7 (Pass, Very Good ) Tracking Champion Title

Seven straight quals to title under five different judges

11th April 2010

Judge Heidi Christoffel

Shelia Fielder & Erin T2 (Pass, Good)

Eileen Fletcher & Buddy T4 (Fail)

Janet Richmond & Rupert T2 (Fail)

Judge Debby Lamprecht Diane MacIntyre & Ceasar T2 (Fail)

Judy ForbesF & Star T6 (Fail)

Renate Linder & Roxy T4 (Fail)

10 Things you didn’t know about Caesar and Diane MacIntyre

Q1. What is your dog’s kennel and/or call names?

Dimalew Golden Hackett CDX JDX AD ET GD, otherwise known as Caesar, and

depending on what he is doing (or not doing) - Brown Dog, Boof, What Exactly Are

You Doing?? –

and various other nom de plumes.

Q 2. What breed is it?

German Shorthaired Pointer.

Q3. What was this breed originally bred for?

The intent of the Germans was to develop a breed of dog with inbred instinct for multiple tasks, thus

requiring little time to "force train". The GSP was bred to point, retrieve, trail wounded game, hunt

both large and small game, furred and feathered and to work in low or heavy cover as well as water.

The dog was also intended to be a family companion good with both adults and children. The first

GSP was registered in German kennel stud books in 1872. It was in existence a number of years prior

to that, but as with many other breeds the exact date is unknown. The exact origin of the dog is

equally uncertain, but what we do know is that he is the product of various crosses between the old

Spanish Pointer introduced to Germany in the 1600’s, the German bloodhound, and selected infusions

of English and Black pointers.

Over time the German huntsmen became dissatisfied with the scenting ability of the early German

Pointers and turned to hound crosses to improve the nose. Early photos show the Shorthair with a

distinct “houndy” appearance. Later, some breeders turned to good English Pointer stock to add

speed, a more sensitive nose and a more physically attractive appearance. The GSP began to take on

more of the trim, pointer-like figure we see today.

A little before the turn of 1900 German breeders had finally arrived near the goal that had been set

many years before – a handsome and extremely useful hunting dog that would gladly go over rough

terrain and through water. Soon after breeders had attained their goal, sportsmen from other

European nations became interested in the breed, and the Shorthair started to spread.

The first GSP was imported into the USA in 1925 where it grew in popularity as it did in Europe.

Australia saw its first GSP imported in 1962 with the first litter born in 1964, and it too has spread,

especially in the southern states. A strong hunting instinct is correct for the breed, which is not

always good for other small pets such as cats, guinea pigs or chooks. Caesar has made presentations

of a variety of birds over the years with absolutely no marks on them, a sign of a good, soft mouth

(not sure the bird appreciated that!), and he will climb the walls after geckos. His retrieving instinct

is strong, and will go for hours fetching sticks thrown into the river, balls, and various items left

lying around the house. With training, however, the GSP should be able to discern what is prey and

what is not, and they can live quite happily with other family pets. It is tenacious, tireless, hardy,

and reliable. In short, it is a superb all-around field dog that remains popular with hunters of many

nationalities, is often seen in field and retrieving trials in central and southern Queensland, and a

good family pet as long as exercised properly.

Q4. How long have you owned dogs of this breed?

Nine years, 5 months and twenty days – Caesar’s age.

Q 5: Why did you choose this breed over others?

It took 18 months to decide what breed I wanted and by the time I had

ruled out the things I didn’t want – too hairy, too small, too big, - it came

down to a choice between a GSP or Hungarian Vizsla, and it happened to be a

litter of GSP’s that came along on 5 November 2000. I love the pointer physique, their bearing,

playfulness, and energy.

Q5 : How much daily exercise does this breed require?

Plenty of vigorous activity and variety will burn off some, (but rarely all!!), of his energy. He can go

from Lounge Lizard to Action Dog Supreme in 0.2 seconds. The need for exercise (preferably off

lead at the beach or dog park) coupled with the breed's natural instinct to hunt means that training

is an absolute necessity.

If you are not an active person then this is not the dog for you. Failure to give sufficient exercise

and/or proper training can produce a dog that appears hyperactive or that has destructive

tendencies. Although they form very strong attachments with their owners, a bored GSP that

receives insufficient exercise may feel compelled to exercise himself (as will many other dogs). They

are athletic and can escape from four and sometimes six foot enclosures with little difficulty in a bid

to relieve their boredom.

Caesar’s favourite activities are running, chasing the ball, swimming after sticks, running, chasing the

ball, swimming ad infinitum. When he was three he did the 20km Endurance Test with ease, just

pacing along and looking around at what was going on as we completed each lap. The vet was in high

praise of his physical fitness, and at the end of the event he could have easily done it again – twice!

Our venture into tracking is giving him something new to learn and he is having a ball out in the bush

with all the new sights and smells. Horses and horse poo have particularly taken his interest …..!

During the week he gets an hour walk each day, but weekends are special as he gets two-three hours

of a mixture of time at the off-leash park where he can run to his hearts’ content, plus a 5km circuit

walk around the river & a swim. A bit of rain in the wet season doesn’t stop our walks. We set out

with an umbrella with Caesar trotting along beside me loving the rain. He has learnt, though, that

when we get caught in a downpour that’s a bit too heavy he can take cover under the umbrella if he

heels right up against my leg – and I usually end up with wet shorts on that side!

At 9+ years of age his energy levels haven’t decreased much at all, but the day it does will be a sad

one as I will know then that age has finally caught up with him.

Q 6: What are the grooming requirements for this breed?

Easy – GSP’s are a very clean breed. The short coat needs very little grooming, just occasional

brushing, and should be bathed only when needed. Couldn’t ask for an easier grooming regime than

that!

Like all dogs with long ears they can be prone to ear infections and their ears require regular

checking and cleaning (as we are doing 3-4 times a week in this humid weather). They have a longer

life expectancy than many breeds of this size, commonly living 12 to 14 years, with some reaching 16

to 18.

Most GSP’s are tough, healthy dogs, but the breed can be subject to a number of hereditary

disorders just as any other breed. Caesar has allergies to various grasses, pollens etc and is on

weekly allergen vaccinations. A few lumps have appeared on him but none of the “C” variety.

Q 7. What is the worst thing about this breed?

The GSP whinging! Some are more vocal than others and some don’t vocalise at all. Caesar has a good

repertoire of various sounds. You do have to be careful around small furry or feathery animals – that

hunting instinct again – and they can be a bit boisterous around younger children. Some may appear

physically mature by the time they are six months old but their brain may not be engaged until they

reach two years of age. Thus you may have an adult size dog with a "teenage" brain. I have often

said that Caesar is 9 years old going on 3!

Q 8. What is the best thing about this breed?

Their instant readiness to get up and go at the drop of a hat, nosiness at poking in to see what you

are doing, the expressions that range from completely dopey (is there really a brain in there?) to

rapt attention. They can be gentle as well as full on.

Q 9. What are your proudest achievement/s so far?

While he has a few agility titles & Endurance Test, his Open Obedience title after three years of

getting nowhere is the most treasured. He has never been one for balls or toys, and food used as

rewards was just a belly-filler. A chance encounter with a soft rubber ball in an off-leash area

turned that all around in an instant. He would do anything for me to throw that ball. It has become,

and still is, an integral part of our training. Whenever he does an exercise well he is rewarded with a

game of ball. The result speaks for itself with three qualifying scores and CDX title in as many

trials.

Q10. What do you hope to achieve in the future?

He is retired now from agility, and although we worked on getting into UD obedience have stumbled

on the articles exercise. Tracking is our new challenge, putting that nose that he was bred for to

good use, and hope to do well in it, provided it doesn’t play havoc with his allergy too much & he can

control that hunting instinct. And we might even get back into UD if we could just get past the

problem with the articles …..

PUBLICITY & DEMONSTRATION REPORT

COCT Website Our website is evolving and there have been recent additions of behaviour, brags, flyball and health pages, and the training page has been re-vamped. The photos page is the next one to be updated and there will be two sections, one for championship dogs and one for more social occasions. If you have any photos from competitions, training, or funny snaps of your dog and would like to have them displayed I would love to hear from you. A short story of no more than 100 words to accompany each photo would be great. ADVERTISING The Townsville Bulletin ran a promo of our April 17 trial in the Weekender What’s On on the inside of the front page of the Saturday edition of the same date. I hope to have all our trials publicised this way to encourage interested handlers to find out more about our club. I have also listed the club in the Local Directories phone book which is what many of the locals refer to rather than the Telstra phone book. DOGS ON RIVERWAY The first Dogs on Riverway event for the year was held on April 11 but unfortunately we could not be part of it as I was taking part in a double tracking trial that clashed. The next one is tentatively scheduled for June 5 or 6, so will definitely be there. If you would like to come along anytime during the time of 10.00am – 3.00pm it would be great to see you. We will be putting on some obedience demos and it is good for the public to see the different stages that dogs go through from beginners to advanced, so if you would like to participate don’t feel that your dog isn’t trained up enough. Look out for more info closer to the time through the COCT monthly updates that are emailed out. RSPCA Millions Paws Walk - Sunday 16 May 2010 The RSPCA is holding its 16th Annual Million Paws Walk at the Strand. The Club will be there again to put on an obedience demonstration. Our demo time is 9.30am and will run for twenty minutes. Everyone is welcome to participate, it’s a great way of promoting responsible dog ownership and it’s a lot of fun at the same time! So get involved by enjoying a healthy walk, mingle with other pet owners, enter fantastic competitions and enjoy the festival atmosphere of the day. Registration can be made online at www.qld.millionpawswalk.com.au or on the day from 8.00am. The Walk commences at 10.00am. Prices are :- Single Adult $12.00 Single Child (2-16) $ 6.00 Concession $ 8.00 Family (2 adults, 2 children) $28.00 Teams can also register for a reduced rate. Diane MacIntyre Demonstration & Publicity Officer