Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.
--Orhan Pamuk
|
|
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Training Director
Assistant Training Director
Training Secretary
Trial Chair
Trophy Chair
AKC Delegate
Obichaff Editor
Members at Large
New Membership Information
|
|
The one good thing about the quarantine and the lack of social activities is that I have more time to spend with my dogs. We go for long romps through the woods and meadows of the Izaak Walton League conservation farm in Poolesville. There is a pond for the dogs to swim in and, let's face it, deer poop to roll in. A good time is had by all, except when I hose them down before I let them back into the car. Milo and Magic give me the stink eye and seem to ask, Why was us? just when we got our odor so right? So ripe is more like it.
Milo goes to VOSM each week for physical therapy. Because of the Covid-19 restrictions people who bring their pets must wait outside. Last week, waiting outside was a group of four or five people. I asked them what breed of dog they have. A women in the group responded that they do not own a dog. They were there to support their family members, who had a Yorkie and were sitting in a nearby car. "We are family it is what we do." Later, the little Yorkie, was carried out and both families got out of their cars and went to greet the him and shower him with love. When I die, I want to come back as a dog in that family.
|
|
Dear Friends,
Due to Covid-19 and having to conduct all our club business by way of phone calls, emails and ZOOM meetings, the Board is having to look at a revision of the Bylaws that specifically state that these methods are allowed. I don’t know anything about legal things, so I’m not going to try to explain, because I will be wrong. But I’m trying to do my homework in preparation for this eventuality, and I have been studying our Constitution and Bylaws, the last revision of which was complete in 2006. In addition, the AKC is asking for in-put into the revision process which, by all accounts, was extremely cumbersome and frustrating at that time. Let’s hope it will be completely with greater efficiency and dispatch this time. If not, it will not be because of feet-dragging at this end.
An unexpected benefit of this homework, is that I am once again made humble and proud to be a small part of Capital’s history. I remember this feeling years ago during my first time as Editor. I was Editor twice. When I looked back at the old (and I mean OLD) issues of Obichaff, it was a kind of quiet thrill to know that I was one in a chain of Editors that goes back to 1938. Calvin Pierson was the first one to put out the newsletter. It was a single, mimeographed sheet. We still have at least one copy of just about every issue from that first one until December 2019. They are in binders at the club house, if you want to do some checking.
While staying mostly at home for the past several month, and looking for something edifying to watch on TV, I discovered
Spring Watch.
It is a BBC show that is available via BritBox (Amazon Prime). This is a lovely live show, when first aired in England, that has several presenters spread out across the country. We get to observe wildlife in real time and on saved video from earlier. The presenters interpret what the cameras catch. I am learning a lot about birds, fish, beavers, otters, and earthworms and insects. I am loving it. I wish we had a similar show on this side of the Atlantic. For a beautiful spot of nature that you can enjoy in your own home, try it. It’s a peaceful respite from sad stuff on the news.
|
|
What to do if your Dog is Afraid of Fourth of July Fireworks
|
|
By the time you read this article, most likely you will have heard the first fireworks go off in your neighborhood. This is a very dangerous time for dogs. More pets run away on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year. This article will give you some practical tips to keep your dog safe and happy (or at least as happy as possible) during the Fourth of July festivities.
It is critical to ensure people can identify your dog and contact you if he runs off. Getting him microchipped well in advance of such holidays is a smart decision. However, a lost dog must be taken to a veterinarian or shelter to have the chip read.
|
|
It’s a good idea to attach identification tags to his collar. You can also have your pet’s name and telephone number embroidered on its collar. For example,
Orvis
sells embroidered collars for $15. A small price to pay for peace of mind.
Dogs have good reason to be scared. Fireworks are loud. Dogs have a more acute sense of hearing than humans, so those loud booms, crackles and whistles are alarming. For dogs fireworks are unpredictable. Your dog does not know it is the Fourth of July all he knows is that there are flashing lights and loud noises. During fireworks, your dog experiences the same kind of startled response you do when you’re surprised by a loud noise. This may mean an increase in heart rate, a rush of adrenaline, and an increase in stress hormones circulating through the body.
To a dog’s mind, fireworks pose a threat. This may trigger their fight-or-flight response. Your dog may bark at the noises or try to run away and hide. He may show other signs of anxiety, too, like restlessness, panting, pacing and whining. Fireworks are inescapable. Your dog may try to run, but there is no place to go, he can still hear those loud booms and cracks indoors.
|
|
As you can see, dogs have good reasons to fear fireworks. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help your dog feel safe and secure. Keep him inside. Even if you have a fenced yard, do not let your dog out alone. If your dog is crate-trained, make his crate available, as that’s probably already a safe space for him. If not, put him in a bathroom or other small room with music or white noise to help drown out the boom of fireworks. Bringing his bed, blankets and toys into the room can make him feel more comfortable. Calming wraps, vests and shirts apply light, constant pressure. Many dogs find this soothing and calming. Start working with your dog far enough in advance to desensitize him to fireworks and other loud noises. You can start this process by playing fireworks sounds on a low level while playing with your dog and giving him treats. Over time, slowly increase the sound of the fireworks during these play sessions. Eventually, your dog will associate the sound of fireworks with happy and fun moments.
The most important thing you can do is stay calm. Making a big fuss around the dog only reassures him that there is a good reason to panic. Dogs look at us for reassurance so showing them that we are calm and relaxed is likely to help the dog understand that there is no real danger.
|
|
How Much Exercise is Too Much for Your Puppy?
|
|
How much exercise is right for your puppy? An exercise that resulted in a simple sprain for an adult dog could leave a puppy with a misshapen or shortened limb.
The first concept to understand when it comes to puppy exercise is “growth plates.” Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to become longer. Growth plates gradually thin as hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure is normally completed by the time the puppy is approximately18 months old.
Until the growth plates close, they’re soft and vulnerable to injury.
After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends.
A dog’s bones are held together with muscles, tendons, and ligaments - soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences stress, such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and a soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain. In a puppy, however, his muscles, ligaments and tendons are stronger than his growth plates, so instead of a simple sprain, his growth plate is liable to be injured. Unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly.
|
|
In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, a puppy’s bones in general are “softer.” Spiral fractures of the tibia (lower leg bone) are common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in one direction and the top half twists in the other. Any exercise that puts torque on (twists) a bone puts the puppy at risk for a fracture.
After reading this article you may decide not to allow your puppy to move, let alone run and play. Relax! Not only is appropriate exercise not dangerous for your puppy, exercise has been shown to increase bone density. Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of his exercise should be free play, exploring, roaming around. If he shows any fatigue, flops down, refuses to walk, you should listen to him.
Probably the biggest cause of growth plate and soft tissue injury is repetitive exercise with a young puppy. So, until they are about 18 months old, long hikes and walks are out and lots of free-play sessions are in. Short walks are great. Let your puppy sniff, explore and take it at his own pace. Extensive snuggle time on the couch is highly recommended for both puppies and humans.
|
|
The Dogs at Live Oak Beach, Santa Cruz
By Alicia Ostriker
|
|
As if there could be a world
Of absolute innocence
In which we forget ourselves
The owners throw sticks
And half-bald tennis balls
Toward the surf
And the happy dogs leap after them
As if catapulted—
Black dogs, tan dogs,
Tubes of glorious muscle—
Pursuing pleasure
More than obedience
They race, skid to a halt in the wet sand,
Sometimes they'll plunge straight into
The foaming breakers
Like diving birds, letting the green turbulence
Toss them, until they snap and sink
Teeth into floating wood
Then bound back to their owners
Shining wet, with passionate speed
For nothing,
For absolutely nothing but joy.
|
|
Membership Renewals are Due!
By Mary Carson
|
|
The CDTC's membership year runs from July 1 to June 30. Membership renewals were due on Wednesday. If you haven't completed your renewal application, please do so as soon as possible. You can renew your membership by either printing out and mailing the
form
along with the rabies certificates to Mary Carson (see address on the form) or by completing the online. Either way you can pay dues via
PayPal
or a check made out to CDTC and mailed to Mary. Donations can also be made via
PayPal.
|
|
Martha Perkins writes: "
I really miss the CDTC classes. I am training on my own with the boys for tricks, obedience, scent work, agility, and conformation (for Moose). Also, Zan just finished his TKI; and Moose is halfway through his TKI title.
The photo below was taken on the shore of the Chesapeake, about 2 miles from Downs Park."
|
|
Sue Faber has taught her dog Dazzle a new trick.
|
|
Megan Hemmer writes:
On May 22, Princess Penni Freckles earned her ETD, expert trick dog, title!
|
|
Megan Hemmer writes:
On April 19, Moose earned his ETD, expert trick dog AND the same day- Beans earned his ATD, advanced trick dog!!!
Then on May 8, Kady earned her ATD, advanced trick dog!
|
|
While sheltering in place, Zander and Moose, whose staff is Martha Perkins, earned their Trick Dog Intermediate titles (after earning their TKN titles) under Evaluator Extraordinaire, Sandy Swinburne! Moose and Zander are pictured resting after agility training.
|
|
Pam Coblyn says you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! The soon-to-be 13 year old Fenway earned his Trick Dog Performer (TK-P) title on May 20, 2020. He is now CH Tartan Bay Green Monster, UD RE FDC AX MXJ MXP MJP XF CGCA TKP
"In February, Fennie earned 2 ORT legs in his first ever Nosework trial. I'm homeschooling Fen on Martha’s Vineyard because there are no clubs or teachers on this small island. It’s been exciting to take on this new training challenge. Fen is not ready to really retire and thoroughly enjoys Nosework—as much as he did agility! It keeps us both active, involved in dog sports and is the perfect activity to pursue during COVID. Living on Martha’s Vineyard offers unique and fun places to set hides: beaches, cliffs and even fish cleaning stations. Year rounders have been so supportive and fascinated by what Fen and I do around the island. The local senior center invited us to use their spacious dayroom to practice container searches and a few people have asked me to help sort out their dog’s behavioral and obedience issues. Once the shutdown is over and it’s safe, the local MV Rod & Gun Club offered their meeting room for me to hold small very basic training classes. While I won’t go near any tough cases, I learned so much from CDTC that I think I can help teach basic manners.”
|
|
Our own Sandi Atkinson
is quit the accomplished artist, below are two of her recent works.
Cavalier Dreaming - Blue
focuses on just Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
.
Wassail's Egyptian Connexion No. 2
is fanciful Basenji art
.
(It's No. 2 because I did a different piece before this one.)
|
|
Dogs of the Rich and Famous
|
|
Dogs are a lot like beards. Give a man a dog (or a beard) and watch him get exponentially more attractive. This month's selection celebrates dog dad and Game of Thrones star,
Peter Dinklage. Peter's dog, Kevin, is a rescue dog. As is so often the case with children, Kevin is not impressed with Peter's celebrity, but by all accounts he is a very good boy.
|
|
Book And Film Review:
The Art of Racing in the Rain
|
|
I am a human being that believes that one day, if I live my best life, I may come back as a dog. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is about a dog, Enzo, who believes that one day he will be human. Enzo knows he is different: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. The racing theme—as suggested by the title—is not only an important metaphor, but also drives much of the book’s plot. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through.
A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life ... as only a dog could tell it. You can read the book or watch the movie, both are worth the time.
|
|
ADDENDUM TO CONNIE CLEVELAND SEMINAR
August 29th 8:30 to 5:30 with breakfast items and lunch.
We will have the seminar on Saturday only. For members of Capital it will be $150 and for non-members $175 due on or before July 29th. The checks may be sent to: Sue Faber 20412 Remsbury Place Montgmery Village MD 20886. There will be two short breaks and a lunch break. We will practice social distancing with plenty of room for crating our dogs. Please wear a mask when in the clubhouse.
We have one working spot left and 5 audit spots. The audits will be $50 for the day. Let me know if you are interested.
|
|
New Classes
CDTC is happy to announce that we will be resuming classes in July with reduced capacity, social distancing, and mandatory masks. Please click the links above for more class and registration information.
|
|
Step OneTeaching the Broad Jump
With Top Dog's Linda
Brennan
|
|
Brave Kady Saves Mom from Rattlesnake
By Megan Hemmer
|
|
Early May, we went out for a walk in the woods. Kady started growling & came running back to me. She body-slammed me sideways, pushing into me, trying to prevent me from moving forward.
Not sure if there was anything to be concerned about, I asked her what was wrong. She stopped growling & I heard a rattle.
Two weeks later, very near that spot, another hiker was bit on the arm by a rattler!
|
|
Reopening with Polly
By Polly Welsh, with only a little help from Milly Welsh
|
|
On April 13th I had major surgery on my right rear leg as I had a torn ACL tendon requiring a repair called a TPLO. Consequently, I was confined to my x-pen. After the first two weeks, as part of my physical therapy, I had two leash walks a day, gradually increasing in time until they were 20 minutes in length. I became very proficient at some new tricks: I can back up hills, I can do figure of eights between Milly's legs, I can walk sideways in both directions, and I can do some awesome pivots with my front feet on a horse feed tub.
On June 10th I went back to see my surgeon for final x-rays. Calling it my parole hearing, I was granted release from life in the x-pen, aka solitary confinement.
Here's a picture of my leg with all the hardware.
|
|
Just as you humans are having a reopening in phases, so am I; I am not allowed to do everything I'd like to do: such as running, jumping, playing. Of course that means no fetching, my favorite way to spend time with Milly. I'm still limping at the trot, and I need to build up my muscles in my right rear leg. I'm going to physical therapy with Chris, and I'm continuing with long leash walks, and I can now start swimming. Now the fun begins! Since I'm not allowed to jump into the water, I'm doing water blinds from the edge of one shore to the edge of the other. Although I haven't done a water blind in almost two years, I haven't forgotten how to do it. Fortunately, Milly and Charlie have a farm with lots of ponds where they train dogs, so I can run blinds in different lengths on different days. Here's a picture of the pond where I was yesterday for my first, short blind; we call it the New Pond.
|
|
LEFT TURN, RIGHT TURN
For the Rally Handler
Tune – “Sidewalks of New York”; Words By Sandi Atkinson
|
|
Left turn, right turn, all around the ring,
Wherever you are on the rally course,
You’ve got to know these things:
Hold your dog’s attention;
Keep some slack in the lead;
Make sure you pause after circling your dog;
And teamwork counts over speed!
|
|
Delegate's Corner
By Joyce Dandridge
|
|
During this emergency period, the AKC Board and staff have continued to meet. Also, the Delegates have participated in committee meetings on Zoom. Both are continuing to assess the conditions that currently exist in our sport and are devising strategies to help clubs and exhibitors. In this report, I will report some of the decisions that have occurred since the emergency was put into effect.
·
The 2020 National Agility Invitational in March was cancelled and the top 5 regular dogs and the top preferred dog in each breed’s rankings were frozen and they will receive an invitation in August for the Agility Invitational. If a dog has moved up in the rankings by the end of June 30, they will also receive an invitation and a special certificate. Consequently, some breeds may have more than 5-6 dogs invited.
·
The 2020 Obedience and Rally Nationals were moved to Orlando and will be held Dec. 11-13, 2020, Rally on Friday and Obedience Saturday and Sunday.
·
The 2020 Tracking National at this time will be held on October 24-25, 2020 in Raymond, Nebraska.
·
The 2021 AKC National Agility Championship will be held on March 26-28, 2021 in Tulsa, OK. The 2020 exhibitors are automatically eligible to enter. For those who were not entered in 2020 and would like to compete at the 2021 Nationals, the qualifying requirements were reduced.
·
A proposal to allow clubs licensed for obedience and rally to hold one Special Event Obedience and/or Rally Trial per year was approved. A Special Event Trial is defined as one where the club proposes a unique mix of AKC obedience and/or rally classes or a unique eligibility criterion. The purpose is to keep the sport fresh and fun. The club doing this may not change the other regulations pertaining to class requirements, must be open to all breeds, including Canine Partners and does not count titles. A club must submit their idea for the Special Event Trial on a Special Event Trial application form, and it must be approved by AKC. A pilot for a Special Event Obedience Trial was held by Westminster KC at their February show and was successful.
·
Virtual Rally Novice was launched on June 5. To date there have been over 3000 entries.
·
Virtual Agility ACT was launched on June 5 and is to provide beginning agility exhibitors a convenient way to get started in the AKC agility program. It is off to a good start.
·
Ted Phillips was hired as AKC’s new Financial Officer.
·
In every committee meeting I was a part of, the question of what we are doing to attract Juniors in the sport came up. Everyone agreed that the survival of the sport depends on getting younger people involved and keeping them interested in staying in the sport. Comparisons with other sports and what they were doing with youth were mentioned. Sub committees were formed and surveys will be distributed to clubs for input. Does anyone have any ideas to share with me?
·
Following this report are charts on the change in number of events in the Companion Events from 2019 vs. 2020 currently. It includes the cancellations that have been reported. To see the charts, click
here and
here.
|
|
CDTC members, if you have not done so already, please join
mailto:cdtc@groups.io
. It is a great way to keep up with the day-to-day activities of our club. To sign up, go to
https://groups.io/g/cdtc
and click “Apply for Membership.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![The Art of Racing in the Rain | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX](https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/thumbnail?url=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Dp2ufFO4QGg/hqdefault.jpg)
