Established 1954

Affiliated with the

Victorian Canine

Association

Northern Obedience Dog Club Patron: The Mayor of Moonee Valley

NOTE: The Committee of NODC Inc. and the editor of the Howler reserve the right to edit all copy including advertising. The opinions expressed in articles published in the Howler are not necessarily those of the Committee or the editor. The Club assumes no responsibility for false or misleading claims made in copy submitted to this newsletter.

Proudly sponsored by

Strathmore Community Bank®

Branch

NOTICES

Summer Classes

Sunday 9 - 9:50am

Puppies, Classes 2, 4, 6

Sunday 10:10 - 11am

Classes 1, 3, 5, 7

Wednesday 7 - 8pm

All classes; no Puppies

February 28 2016

Moonee Valley Festival

March 13

Labour Day Weekend

No Training

March 23

Pre Easter Wednesday

night – No Training

March 27

Easter – No Training

April 3

Standard Training Times

resume 10:00 to 12:00

Page 2 | NODC HOWLER©

From the Editor Barbara Van Meurs

Committee 2015

President Leo Carroll

Vice President Marcia Hall

Secretary Glenys Barnes

Treasurer Erna Miller

General Committee Barbara Van Meurs Helen Chapman Janelle Dang Jennifer Godber Joanne Carroll Judith Hillyear Kirti Bhatt Nancy Evans

Training Sub-committee

Frances Hammer Peter Dapiran Roger White

Volunteers Ray O’Shannessy

Howler Editorial

Barbara Van Meurs Marcia Hall Glenys Barnes Denise Gardner

Write or contribute an article, story, photo,

comic, joke, idea, etc. to the Howler!

All we need is your Name & your Source!

President’s Podium Leo Carroll

Welcome everybody to 201 Welcome everybody to 2016. It is only three weeks We are only up to week th into the New Year and so much has already been much has already been ach achieved. Thank you to all the instruc Thanks to all the instructors and committee members that gave their time on the who gave their time on 31 January in setting up the club rooms and making sur club rooms and making sure we were ready for the 7 February start. February start to the club year. Week 1 saw us sign up over 50 new members. We thank the members for their patience and the committee members for their efforts as the first week back after the Christmas break has always been our peak period for signing up new members. We can expect that the new signups will result in large class numbers in Puppies & Class 1 in the coming weeks. As President it is comforting to know that we have such a supportive group of instructors and patient members to get us through this peak period. I thank you for your assistance so far and look forward to you continued support. The training subcommittee of Roger White, Frances Hammer and Peter Dapiran are piloting a new training program in an attempt to accelerate the advancement of members from class 1 to class 4 while the puppy training program has undergone a facelift focussed on handlers engaging with and enjoying time with their new puppies. It is all about making the addition of a new member of the family an enjoyable experience. Can I ask one favour and that is for members and instructors to bear with us while the Council works on the drainage of our regular training venue. The Council advised that the we will not have access to our regular venue for six weeks commencing 1 February. The plan is for us to be back on our regular ground by mid March. It is expected that the drainage work will be in progress until 29 April, however we should only be impacted for the first six weeks. Once again thank you to everyone for their assistance so far and we look forward to an enjoyable 2016.

Welcome to all new and returning

members. We hope you and your

dogs will have a very enjoyable year.

Please note that the club is closed for

the Labour Day weekend and for

Easter and that Training times revert

to the standard 10 to 12 on April 3.

The first community involvement

event for the club is on 28 February

where we have a stand at the Moonee

Valley Festival. All welcome!

Page 3 | NODC HOWLER©

REMINDERS Please keep a lead on your dog at all

times, even between classes, unless

asked to remove it by your class

instructor.

Remember to adhere to Club Rules and

listen to the instructors.

While you are at the Club you are

responsible for you and your dog’s

actions. Ensure there is sufficient space

between each dog so that they are

unable to play with another dog or

make another dog feel uncomfortable.

2016 ClassES Classes for the start of 2016 start at 9am for Puppy & “Even numbered

classes”, and 10am for “Odd

numbered classes”.

Page 4 | NODC HOWLER©

THE DOG’S BATH

9331 7174

42 Wingara Avenue Keilor East VIC 3033

MUSCAT’S DOG MINDING

Come and stay with me when your owners travel. Have fun safely. We’ll go walking daily.

And you can sleep inside or outside. But I only want large dogs, about my size, to play with.

Call Maggie: 03 9379 0140

Or email her: magg_robb1@optusnet.com.au

info@strathmoreveterinaryclinic.com.au www.strathmoreveterinaryclinic.com.au/

314 Napier St, Strathmore VIC

Page 5 | NODC HOWLER©

Written by

Two for One

Over the Christmas break the subject of one dog verses

two cropped up; so I asked a few people who have

successfully integrated two dogs and why they took this

on. The answers were as varied as the situations.

“Dog one was coming to the end of its trialling days and I

wanted one ready to slot into this part of my life.”

“I take in rescue dogs and sometimes you just can't say

no.”

“If you have an older dog and get a pup when nature

takes its course, the loss somehow is eased by the

second dog.”

And of course the old chestnut was raised: “I wanted

them to have company when I'm out.”

With all these situations, it is imperative to be aware that

just because you think it's a good idea, your dog might

not. Not all dogs are happy when a complete stranger

shows up in their patch, playing with their toys and

owner and even sleeping in their bed.

Just because dogs are siblings, doesn't mean they will

get on either, after all in the litter, Dog A may have

bullied Dog B mercilessly and will continue to do so.

Think about family gatherings....... does everybody want

to curl up with everybody else? Before you include a

second dog in your household, talk to people who have

done it, do your research and bear in mind you might

create a problem which is difficult to solve.

Welcome back to all you old hands

and a Big Welcome to our new members!

I think I'll start this first 'Paws' with three stories, three

housekeeping thoughts, really.

Have a question for our

instructors? Submit your questions to

“Paws for Thought” at Clubhouse Reception.

HOUSEKEEPING THOUGHTS

Written by Glyn Burnup

Source: http://www.barksandbunnies.co.uk/blogs

Source: http://www.warrenphotographic.co.uk/23192-yellow-labrador-

puppies-8-weeks-old-play-fighting

Summer Days

It is Summer so be very mindful of just how quickly our

companions are affected by the heat and keep your

training times short with regular water stops. On our first

Sunday back - Sweltering Hot Day! - I was astonished

(and somewhat upset) to see a person on a bike riding round and round the oval with a dog running full pelt

behind the cyclist. Did you know that the dog will want to

please you and will continue to run until it drops from

exhaustion? It simply doesn't know how to refuse!!!!!!

If it was such a good idea to run, then why wasn't the

owner running? Let’s take this even further, why wasn’t

the owner running barefoot together with the dog? Of

course when we see humans behaving poorly, whether

out of ignorance or arrogance, it is very difficult to step

forward and say 'That's not a great idea'. If anyone has

found a way to do this with tact, please drop me a line or

put a message in the box on the front desk in the club

house.

Look at the nice puppy I was watching a dog program over the holidays...I

know, I know – “get a life, Glyn!”... which showed

how young children misconstrue the signals that dogs

give in close situations. Most children completely

misunderstood that a dog showing its teeth is in fact

saying, “Back off!” not, “Look, Daddy, the puppy dog

is smiling at me”. Interesting? What have you taught

your children about proper ways to approach a dog?

Even one that is wagging his tail…

Page 6 | NODC HOWLER©

Christmas party 2015! On the last Sunday of the club year the end of training was celebrated with a party with

fun competitions, a free barbeque and Santa!

A great time was had by all as you can see from this photo collection, all filmed by Lynn

Phillips. We would like to thank Prime Dog Foods for donating prizes.

Page 7 | NODC HOWLER©

THE PARTY CONTINUES!

Page 8 | NODC HOWLER©

I will stop trying to find the few remaining clean pieces of carpet in

the house when I am about to throw up.

I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc.

I will not eat other animals' poop.

I will not lick my human's face after eating animal poop.

I will not eat my own vomit.

I will not eat any more socks and then re-deposit them in the

backyard after processing.

The garbage bin is not a cookie jar.

I will not chew my human's toothbrush and not tell them.

I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones.

When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled

down when it's raining outside.

I will not bark each time I hear a door bell on TV.

I will not walk under the big dog when he is peeing.

I will not steal Mom's underwear and dance all over the back yard

with it.

I will not play tug-o'-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the

toilet.

My head does not belong in the refrigerator.

I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Mom's

driver's license.

I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under

the coffee table.

I will not roll my toys behind the fridge.

The garbage collector is NOT stealing our stuff.

I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the

house.

Page 9 | NODC HOWLER©

CLUB ACTIVITIES 2016 All Committee Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of the month, starting at 7.00 pm.

All Instructors’ Meetings are held on the 1st Sunday of the month, after classes are completed.

7 February Classes recommence. Summer training times 9:00 am – 11:00 am.

28 February Moonee Valley Festival – NODC stall at Queen’s Park.

13 March Labour Day Weekend – NO TRAINING

19 March Obedience & Rally Trial x2 – Southern Obedience Club.

23 March Pre-Easter Wednesday night – NO TRAINING

27 March Easter Sunday – NO TRAINING

3 April Changing to Standard Training Times – 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

3 April Members Individual Testing Day & BBQ.

26 April Anzac Day Weekend – NO TRAINING

15 May Million Paws Walk RSPCA.

12 June Queens Birthday Weekend – NO TRAINING

26 June Obedience & Rally Trial – Broadmeadows Obedience Club*.

9 & 10 July Obedience & Rally Trial x2 – Geelong Obedience Club*.

6 & 7 August State Obedience Trial & Obedience Dog of the Year – Dogs Victoria.

28 August Entries close for Northern Obedience Trial.

3 September Obedience Trial – Sunbury Obedience Club*.

11 September Obedience & Rally Trials x2 – Northern Obedience Club*.

17 September Melbourne Royal Obedience.

25 September Obedience & Rally Trial – Melton Obedience Club*.

1 October 2017 membership renewals due.

2 October Members Individual Testing Day & BBQ.

22 October Obedience & Rally Trial x2 – Werribee Obedience Club*.

23 October Obedience & Rally Trial – Macedon Ranges Obedience Club*.

30 October Melbourne Cup Weekend – NO TRAINING

6 November Applications close for end of year trophies.

13 November Obedience & Rally Trial – Northcote Obedience Club*.

19 November Obedience & Rally Trial x2 – Southern Obedience Club*.

27 November Annual General Meeting and Trophy Presentation. (All Classes at 10:00am)

4 December Last day of training.

11 December Xmas Break Up – Games Day for dogs and humans.

5 Feb 2017 Classes recommence. Summer training times 9:00 am – 11:00 am.

*Club sash donated

Page 10 | NODC HOWLER©

The team says hello Marcia!

Page 11 | NODC HOWLER©

Date HANDLER DOG NAME CLASS INSTRUCT

OR

8/11/15 Brian Nguyen Ozil P-1 JW

8/11/15 Julie Carroll Xena P-1 JW

8/11/15 Nicholas Gontscharow/Tahnee Hales Nero P-1 JW

8/11/15 Bradley Sinnott/ Emma Commadeur Taco P-1 JW

8/11/15 Hayley Lewellin Ebony P-1 Helena

8/11/15 Liz Berns and Kirsten Clarke Jett P-1 Helena

8/11/15 Emma & Alex Rivette Alfie P-1 Judi

8/11/15 Lori Casson Leo 2-3 Erna

8/11/15 Kerrie Ahrens Banjo 2-3 EM

2/12/15 Sam Sacchetta BILLY 2-3 MAGGIE

6/12/15 Sue Hudson Tyke P-1 Leo

6/12/15 Nick Sabatino Delilah P-1 Leo

6/12/15 Saverina Fey Hunter P-1 Leo

6/12/15 Jesica Fey Hunter P-1 Leo

6/12/15 Kristy Tognon Charlie P-1 Leo

6/12/15 Kevin McClenand Jake P-1 Leo

6/12/15 Kirby Dower Boston P-1 Leo

6/12/15 Craig Steele Boston P-1 Leo

6/12/15 Ian Jolliff Phoebe P-1 Helena

6/12/15 Andrea Godden Bobby P-1 Helena

6/12/15 Trajce Dafovski Mitchell P-1 Helena

6/12/15 Oscar Marquette Smudge P-1 Helena

6/12/15 Leticia Oliveira Pelotita P-1 Helena

6/12/15 Susan Hull and Michael Hanley Ziggy P-1 Helena

6/12/15 Alison Lynn and Robert Lynn Snoop P-1 Helena

6/12/15 Jenny Attard Honey P-1 Helena

6/12/15 John Paradowski David Mitchel P-1 Helena

6/12/15 Lynn Phillips Mia P-1 Helena

Class Promotions – CONGRATULATIONS!!

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Congratulations to all the handlers and dogs who have passed into the next class.

Keep up your regular training and you will be amazed at how quickly you will progress through the classes.

If you experience difficulty with a particular exercise speak to your Instructor. They will be only too happy to assist you in overcoming the problem or they will direct you to someone who will be able to give you advice.

Page 12 | NODC HOWLER©

Class Exercises

Class Six

Full Open Program

Class Seven

Full UD Program

Puppies (8 weeks to 24 weeks) No exercises are tested for promotion to next class:

Socialisation with all puppies on lead;

Retrieve on the flat on lead;

Recall on lead;

Puppy push up

Heeling on a short lead;

Examination of Puppy;

Stays;

Games, Q&A Session. Class 2 Exercises tested for promotion to next class:

All Class One exercises plus:

Heel slow pace;

Right turn;

Recall on lead dog to sit in front of the handler;

Stand Stay;

Stand for Examination (handler in front) (Food may be used as a lure.);

Drop from Sit (beside and in front of handler).

Other exercises to be taught but not tested:

Retrieve on the flat (on lead);

Dog Introduction.

Class 4 (Community Companion Dog) Exercises tested for promotion to next class:

All Class 3 exercises plus,

Heel on lead with lead in the left hand;

Small amount of heeling off lead;

All stays off lead (when dog is reliable, long lead if not) (Sit 1 minute Down 3 minutes);

Recall and return to dog.

Other exercises to be taught but not tested:

Retrieve on the flat off lead;

Drop from the Stand position (handler in front of dog);

Finish to the recall;

Ring Craft.

Class 1 Exercises tested for promotion to next class:

Heel normal pace;

Sit;

Stand (alongside handler);

Right-about Turn;

Sit Stay (complete exercise);

Recall on lead (Dog does not have to sit)

Other exercises to be taught but not tested:

Retrieve on the flat (on lead);

Drop.

Class 3 Exercises tested for promotion to next class:

All Class Two exercises plus:

Heel fast pace;

Heel in figure 8 including sits;

Automatic sit;

Drop while heeling;

Left turn and Left about turn. (both methods);

Stand for examination (handler in front.) (Food may be used only as a reward.);

All stays progressing to lead on ground (Sit 30 sec Down 1 minute)

Finish to recall on lead;

Recall off lead dog; dog to sit in front.

Other exercises to be taught but not tested:

Retrieve on the flat on lead.

Class 5 (Novice) Exercises tested for promotion to next class:

All Class Four exercises plus,

Heel free;

Recall off lead (complete exercise 12 metres);

All stays off lead if reliable. (Sit 1 minute down 3 minutes);

Stand for examination off lead;

Retrieve on the flat.

Other exercises to be taught but not tested:

Commence high & broad jumps;

Ring Craft.

Page 13 | NODC HOWLER©

Page 14 | NODC HOWLER©

Spot the differences (at least 7)!

Page 15 | NODC HOWLER©

Kepala Pet Resort, situated in tranquil countryside, provides five star luxury

accommodations, including large grassed areas where your dog can play safely.

Kepala Pet Resort is operated by Kevin and Pauline Lacy, family and staff.

Visit our website for more information: http://www.kepala.com.au/

We invite you to visit and view our complex prior to making a booking.

Address: 55 Edwards Rd, Diggers Rest, Victoria 3427 | Phone: (03) 9740 1272

Present this voucher in-store to receive

$20.00 OFF

PRODUCTS and/or GROOMING!

1. Professional Dog Grooming 2. All Natural Dog Meats 3. Premium Dry Foods 4. Premium Dog Treats 5. Designer Doggie Wear 6. Specialty Dog Products 7. Natural Animal

Nutrition Advice 8. & much, much, MORE!

9am-4pm Mon; 9am-5.30pm Tue-Fri; 9am-5pm Sat Public Hols/Sun

Closed - except for Special events.

Shop: 493 Mt Alexander Road Moonee Ponds Phone: (03) 9370 9019 Web: http://www.countdogulas.com.au/mooneeponds/

Page 16 | NODC HOWLER©

Northern Obedience

Dog Club is a

non-profit organisation

staffed by volunteers

dedicated to promoting the

training and understanding of the dog,

so that it can be accepted as a true

companion in our urban society.

The Club trains people to train their dogs

to be obedient, companionable and

useful. The club provides you with the

opportunity to train your dog, and the

fact that our club and others like us exist,

show how much interest in dog training

as a hobby has increased. Training for

most people can be a hobby that is

enjoyed by both dog and owner.

See our website for more details.

Helping YOU train your dog!

Northern Obedience Dog Club

Looking for photos and updates?

LIKE us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Northern

ObedienceDogClub