SPRING 2015



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GEPPS CROSS DOG TRAINING CENTRE Inc.

Somerset Reserve, Sarnia Ave., Clearview.

Postal Address: P.O. Box 425 Ingle Farm, S.A. 5098.

Website: .au

“The Heeler”: noni.annette@

LIFE MEMBERS

Founding Member: Jim Turner

Vivian Brown Annette Railz Murray Kiely

Deb Skelding Denise Smith Kyleigh Victory

Jan Bonner Sharon Brown Rosemary Kemp

Jeff Skelding Jacqui Eames Nadia Barnes

Lyn Nitis Cathy Bryant Kevin Haynes Sharon Baker

Mick Nitis Glenda McCarthy Tony Zammit Dave Philpott

Committee Members: Ian Osbourne

President: Dave Philpott Vice President: Annette Railz

Secretary: Barry Treffers Treasurer Di Wilson

Annette Nation Veronica Reeh :

Julie Manser Jane Sommerville

Linda Kluske

INSTRUCTORS

Head Instructor: Annette Railz

Deputy Head: Nadia Barnes

David Philpott

Robert Parkinson

Linda Kluske

Dion Hicks

Annette Nation

Kay Kirk

Trainees: Linda Moore

TRAINING TIMES

(Training on Sunday starts from 9.30. Please arrive early)

Learners & Class 1 and Ring Work: 9.30 – 10.00 a.m.

Classes 2, 3, Social Class & New Members Information Talk, Ring Work:

10.15 – 10.45 a.m.

Classes 4, 5

(Trial Class):9.30 – 11.30am

EDITORIAL

Winter is over and it’s Spring. I don’t know about others, but I am over Winter and looking forward to warm days and the emergence of my Spring bulbs, the Harlequins and their cheery orange, yellow and black faces being my favourites. When the roses bloom with their first flush, the garden is at it’s peak.

For any one who thinks they don’t always have time to do homework with their dog, a Member of Gepps Cross drives some 350 kms to train with us fortnightly. That is dedication. It also speaks loads for the quality of training and friendship our Club offers.

After classes some of us get together and walk our dogs as a group with neighbours who bring their dogs to the park. It’s a nice way to socialize. Importantly, the majority of the owners are very good at reading dog behaviour.

I am currently working with a 12 year old girl who is terrified of dogs, having been chased by one when she was younger. Her family wishes to buy a German Shepherd puppy from me next year, and whilst mum, dad and brother are good with dogs, she is a work in progress. Firstly to trust me and my ability is important. She needs confidence in me making good decisions regarding her safety. Initially the lass would not come near my front gate and stood 10 metres away. After two lessons, she can stand quite still while I heel and sit my G.S.D. Flicka near her. She will reach out a few fingers and touch Flicka on the rump – the “blunt” end is safer than the “pointy” end. If the dog turns it’s head and looks at her, she runs, unable to read what the dog is communicating. With tiny steps I envisage getting her to a stage where she will walk and train Flicka on her own. However, a baby puppy will be quite another challenge. Interesting enough the 8 year old brother is absorbing all he can about dogs. He’s like a little sponge. He loves training Flicka. Dad and mum are quite confident too.

Cheers,

(A2) The Other Annette.

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THINGS WE NEED YOU TO BE MINDFUL OF

BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9.15 a.m. and 11.45 a.m. ALL DOGS ARE TO BE ON LEAD UNLESS UNDER INSTRUCTION.

Each Week we try to set up a ring for people who are trialing or considering trialing, to practice. Please do not run your dogs through the ring area or use the equipment unless directed.

REGISTRATIONS – the Aged Pension card and not a Seniors Card is sited if applicable.

CANINE BEHAVIOUR DEVELOPMENT

Super dogs are made, not born.

(author unknown)

The critical or important periods are divided into several major time frames from the neo-natal through most of the first year of life.

Important Periods:

Birth to 3 weeks (0 – 20 days)

4th week

5 to 7 weeks (1 – 1 ½ months)

8 – 12 weeks (2 – 3 months)

13 – 16 weeks (3 – 4 months)

Juvenile (5 – 7 months)

1 – 3 weeks. Needs food, sleep, warmth, massage. Responds by reflex, benefits from careful handling. Eyes open about 10 days.

4th week – critical week. Pup becomes aware of his environment and occurrences. Rapid development – can hear, see, smell, taste and feel. Indicates transition to 2nd period when ‘startle’ response is evident. Socializing with adults and children should begin. Starts to learn and benefit from being taught simple exercises. Needs: food, sleep, warmth, litter, mother, limited human exposure (gently). Unaltered environment. Do not wean suddenly; transition must be easy. Do not permit negative events to occur.

5 – 7 weeks. Needs: Personal attention away from the litter, slowly and consistently. Three short periods daily is ideal. Teaching and socialization should be intensified. House-training and weaning can begin. Leave with litter, they are learning greeting, dominance, submissiveness and play gestures. Do not completely remove from mother or you become the surrogate mother for care and discipline. Optimum learning time of 21 to 49 days of age. Things to do during this time: lead train, examine teeth, testicles, ears, feet (trim nails), pose, pill dosing, fingers in the mouth, brush, retrieve, COME (call puppy’s name and COME for meal times or treats).

8 – 12 weeks. Brain is fully developed. Needs: socializing with outside world, remove mother, remove from litter or rotate with littermates. Dominance is reinforced during this time. Avoid: fright or pain during 8 – 10 weeks. First fear period is the 8th week. Pup will remember who hurt it and avoid that person. Training should continue. Socialize with other dogs. Optimum time for learning; great responsiveness.

13 – 16 weeks. Needs: training. Formal obedience, less exposure to dogs. Dominance and fight instinct are more deeply prominent. Flight period can come anytime between 4 – 8 months of age depending on size of breed. Emotions are fixed by the 16th week. If training is not started by the 16th week, the dog will never reach its full potential. NOTE: Permissively raised puppies, upon reaching sexual maturity, will treat owners with complete indifference and if physically retrained or disciplined, may react with aggressive violent behaviour.

Juvenile: 4 – 7 months: Fear of new (and old) situations. Attains sexual maturity. Dominant traits are established.

Important consideration: These periods represent average time frames for an average puppy. Not all puppies are the same and one must provide for individual differences as puppies to through each period.

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WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG GOES MISSING

1. Ring the R.S.P.C.A. and Animal Welfare League (ring each day).

2. Contact your local council and other councils surrounding your area.

3. Check with your local vet and other vets in your area.

4. Report to your local police station.

5. Advertise.

6. Check with your neighbours in case he’s wandered into their yard.

7. Report to your local breed club.

8. Place signs in local shops and on electricity posts.

9. Contact your radio station.

TO PREVENT IT HAPPENING –

Microchip your dog.

Have two gates, one to the side of the house and another at the front fence, neither to be left open.

Check fencing to ensure the dog can’t dig under or jump over.

A padlock on the gate helps prevent theft of your dog.

If tradesmen are on the property, be vigilant to gates being left open.

AND LASTLY – make sure whoever you contact knows the breed of dog. Carry a photo. Not all rescue services or councils can accurately identify a breed of dog, e.g. one pure-bred Siberian Husky was logged as a German Shepherd X Samoyed. It was only when the owners visited the rescue service that they realized it was their dog.

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THOUGHT:

The scientific name for an animal that doesn’t either run from or fight it’s enemies is lunch!

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FOR SAFETY – DOG BITE FACTS

There are over a million dogs in Australia and far too many dog bites … the chance that a bite will require medical attention is 1 in 5, it can scare a child for life … when a dog bites, everybody gets hurt and preventing dog bites is the responsibility of every pet owner.

BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER

Don’t assume your dog won’t bite. This is a dangerous attitude many pet owners have of their animals. All dogs, no matter how gentle, have the potential to bite.

Spay or neuter your dog. Un-neutered dogs are three times more likely to bite. They are more territorial, dominant, prone to growl, snap, or bite and are more easily distracted than neutered dogs.

Obedience train your dog. It confirms your place in the hierarchy, and gives you the basis to control your dog in any situation. Dog obedience classes also help you to understand your dog better. It often eliminates or minimizes dangerous behaviour.

Teach your dog appropriate behaviour. Don’t play aggressive games with your dog, such as wrestling, or “siccing” your dog on another person or thing. You give the wrong message to your dog that it is OK to be aggressive back.

Keep your dog healthy with proper vaccinations and preventive care, such as Heartworm, Parvo, etc. A sick dog or one in pain, will not be as tolerant as a healthy dog.

Know your dog. What overexcites him or puts him on his guard? Know his personal language. Learn to read his tail, eyes, ears and posture; this is how your dog signals you that he is trying to be dominant, aggressive or just play.

Do not tolerate any nipping or biting by your dog. Any bite is an assertion of power and must be dealt with. Call a reputable trainer immediately for assistance.

Keep your dog leashed in public unless otherwise stated.

Do not breed dogs of poor temperament, as temperament is hereditary. Breeders must carefully screen potential buyers of puppies to make sure a proper match is being made and that the new owners will be responsible in training and caring for the young dog.

Conduct educational sessions with your children on how to behave around the family dog. Dogs do not consider children on an equal par with you until they are about 12 years old. Children do not have the mental and physical maturity to understand the importance of leash laws and the dog’s body language.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN: Children should follow these rules:

Never approach or pat a dog without asking the owner’s permission. Even if you see a dog you know loose in the neighbourhood, do not try to catch him. Go and tell a grown-up.

Once you’ve been given permission to approach the dog, talk quietly, walk up slowly, and present your hand rolled up like a fist for the dog to sniff. Remember that most dogs like to be patted on the neck or under the chin better than on their head.

DO NOT HUG THE DOG. The dog may think you are trying to hurt him.

DO NOT TRY TO KISS THE DOG. He might think you are trying to bite him.

DON’T SCREAM AND RUN AROUND THE DOG. This can excite him, or make him feel threatened.

DON’T STARE AT THE DOG. To a dog, that is a challenge to fight.

LEAVE THE DOG ALONE WHILE HE IS EATING OR SLEEPING. If a dog gets a treat that was not meant for him, tell the owner or another grown-up.

IF THE DOG IS IN A CRATE/PEN OR CAR, never put your fingers inside.

IF A DOG GROWLS AT YOU, don’t run away or scream, it will only make it worse. Back slowly away, keeping your hands at your sides, or fold them across your chest.

IF YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO GIVE A DOG A TREAT, put the treat in the palm of your hand and offer it to the dog. Don’t hold it in the tip of your fingers, because that can lead to nipping!

GRADUATIONS - August

Congratulations to all of the following handlers and dogs who have graduated.

Learners Class 1

Sarah and Albi, Kelpie X Bob and Buffy, Schnauzer

Michelle and Bear, Labrador Scott and Coco, German

Gail and Cooper, Schnauzer Shorthaired Pointer

Cathy and Ike, German Shepherd Andrew and Max, Jack Russell

Debra and Phoenix, German Shepherd Ian and Billie, Bordoodle

Ravi and Scooby, Great Dane Chris and Archie, German Shepherd

Mauricio and Vico, Boxer

Roger and Lulu, Maltese X

Class 2 Class 3

Johannes and Ceaser, German Shepherd Jack and Leo, Labradoodle

Nikki and Ollee, Neu Mastiff Cathy and Anzac, White Swiss Shepherd

Paul and Arlie, Labrador

Betty and Ziggy, Jack Russell

Lynn and Missy, Groodle

Class 4

Julie and Kenzi, Cavoodle

New Members

Shane l and Scout, roger D and Lulu, Christine W and Molly, Mauricio A and Vico, Charlie P and Zoe, greg c and lexi, kate b and alfi, kelly c and pippa, helen N and rocky, jake M and Boris, dilky and tiny.

TRIAL RESULTS – All those who entered passed.

30th August, 2020 – Gawler Dog Training Club. 2 Gepps-X entrants.

Robert Parkinson with “Misty” 93/100 and 3rd place.

Annette Nation with “Tag” 91/100 and 5th place.

12th September, 2020 – Gawler Dog Training Club. 5 Gepps-X entrants.

Annette Railz with “Gabby” 95/100 and 1st place.

Annette Railz with “PJ” 83/100.

Robert Parkinson with “Misty” on 90/100.

Karl Barber with “Kobe” on 89/100 – their first venture into trial competitions – well done!

Annette Nation with “Tag” on 94/100 and 2nd place.

OBEDIENCE and RALLY TRIAL DATES FOR 2020

(Other trials run include Agility, Jumping, Games, Tracking, Endurance, Dances With Dogs, Trick trials, Herding, Lure Coursing, Retrieving & Field Trials, Weight-Pull, but these have not been included in this listing. A full listing of these disciplines and Dog Shows can be found on the DogsSA website or by enquiring from one of your Committee Members who receives the “DogsSA” magazine. Members of “DogsSA” only are able to compete in trials for titles.)

OCTOBER

4 (Sun.) S.A. Obedience Dog Club- Double Rally Trial – 10.00 a.m. & 1.00 p.m.

31 (Sat.) S.A. Obedience Dog Club – obedience trial 6.00 p.m.

(These are the last of the trials for 2020.)

GRADUATIONS – September

Learners

Jake M with Boris the Neu Mastiff

Michael Z with Hugo the German Shepherd

Greg C with Lexi the Groodle

Andrew M with Sasha

Shane L with Scout the Labrador

Class 1

Sarah D with Albie the Kelpie X

Juliette K with Daniel the Tibetan Spaniel

Kate D with Jagger

Demetre Bougessis with Oliver the Airdale

Helen N with Rocky the Blue Heeler

Jun L with Todou the Maltese X

Class 2

Chris W with Archie the German Shepherd

Rob W with Ella the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Emily D with Zac the Blue Heeler

Andrew D with Max the Jack Russell

Class 3

Nikki T with Ollee the Neu Mastiff

Class 4 and Basic Obedience Certificate

Lynn Neagle with Missy the Groodle

Kylie N with Stevie the Maltese Cavalier X

MEANDERINGS

12 GOLDEN RULES OF DOG OWNERSHIP

1. Train your dog to obey basic commands such as sit, stay, and come so that it is under control at all times.

2. Feed your dog a nutritionally balanced diet at regular times and ensure that your dog has a constant supply of fresh water.

3. Provide regular exercise and involve your dog in family activities.

4. Obey local laws regarding dogs on leads and for your dog’s own safety keep in on a lead near roadways.

5. Do not allow your dog to foul pavements and public open spaces. Be prepared to clean up if an accident occurs. Take a plastic bag in your coat pocket.

6. Do not allow your dog to bark unnecessarily and disturb your neighbours. Training in obedience at an early age helps prevent such problems.

7. Provide your dog with its own warm an draught-free bed.

8. Register your dog with your local Council and ensure it wears its identification tag.

9. Keep your dog clean and regularly groomed and discuss flea control with your local vet.

10. If you do not wish to breed from your dog you should obtain advice from your vet.

11. Vaccinate your dog annually and worm for intestinal worms every three months.

12. Make advance arrangements for the care of your dog whenyou are going on holidays – do not leave him alone at home with someone coming in once a day to put food down. Your breeder will usually board your dog quite happily.

LESSER KNOWN DOG BREEDS

Pointer x Setter – Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet.

Kerry Blue Terrier x Sky Terrier – Blue Skye, a dog for visionaries.

Great Pyrenees x Dachshund – Pyradachs, a puzzling breed.

Pekinese x Lhasa Apso – Peekasso, an abstract dog.

Irish Water Spaniel x English Springer Spaniel – Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle.

Labrador Retriever x Curly Coated Retriever – Lab Coat Retriever, the choice of research scientists.

Newfoundland x Basset Hound – Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisers.

Terrier x Bulldog – Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes.

Bloodhound x Labrador – Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly.

Malamute x Pointer – Moot Point, owned by … oh, well, it doesn’t matter anyway.

Collie x Malamute – Commute, a dog that travels to work.

Deerhound x Terrier – Derriere, a dog that’s true to the end.

YOU’VE HEARD IT BEFORE?

LOST DOG said the newspaper notice. Has three legs, blind in the left eye, large scar on throat, right ear missing, tail broken in two places, no teeth, answers to ‘Lucky’.

DOES EATING RAW MEAT MAKE DOGS SAVAGE?

Believe it or not, many people still believe this. There is no evidence to suggest that raw meat makes dogs savage. What is more likely to make dogs savage is stress conditions. Don’t feed two dogs close together. They should have their own space so that one won’t interfere with the other.

IF MY DOG EATS GRASS IS IT A SIGN OF ILLNESS?

Usually not, as many dogs may eat small amounts of grass, though if a dog eats a lot of grass he may vomit (usually grass and yellow bile). Research in America, however, has shown that the eating of grass originates from the wild dog, who will gorge its prey and then vomit in order to feed the pups. Grass is eaten to encourage the vomiting.

MY DOG KEEPS BEGGING AND I CAN’T RESIST HIM!!!

If you must treat, feed pieces of raw vegetables, clean bones or rawhide chews. Never chocolates or biscuits. Let’s face it, you’re obviously a pushover for treats and your dog sees you as a softie. This means that you are an easy target and he can use you to get his way. He probably has been associating with cats and learned how to manage having a servant.

PET DOGS VERSUS OTHERS!

Pet Dogs Shed. Show Dogs blow coat.

Pet Dogs are in heat. Show Dogs come into season.

Pet Dogs trot. Show Dogs gait or move.

Pet Dogs stand. Show Dogs stack.

Pet Dogs get a bath. Show Dogs are groomed.

Pet Dogs beg for treats. Show Dogs bait.

Pet Dogs raid the garbage. Obedience dogs scent articles.

Pet Dogs jump the fence. Obedience dogs show natural jumping ability.

Pet Dogs poop. Show Dogs relieve themselves.

Pet Dogs bark at other dogs. Show Dogs show excitement before showing.

Pet Dogs are nervous. Show dogs are worried.

SEVEN KEYS TO GOOD TRAINING

(I’ve left this article in for new Members)

1. Always praise the dog when he merits it. A gentle pat on the head when deserved means more to the dog than lots of talk.

2. Be consistent with your commands and watch your tone of voice – dogs don’t know the actual words but can tell your mood by your tone. Use the words NO, GOOD BOY/GIRL, SIT, STAND, HEEL, and INSIDE or whatever you decide. If you call him by saying COME, don’t confuse him by using COME HERE or COME THIS WAY. Be firm with your NO, if you smile when you say it –he only sees the smile.

3. Always show your dog what to do, if you want him to sit, gently put in him the sit position and say SIT each time – he’ll get the message.

4. Don’t try to teach your dog anything when his attention is elsewhere. There may be a cat nearby, an ambulance siren may be waiting, these will distract the dog.

5. In scolding a dog, you must catch him in the act or doing something wrong. Interesting enough if you say “did you do that” he will feel guilty anyway as he responds to the tone of your voice and a pointing finger. Ed. note – I did this with a group of children and all looked guilty even though there was nothing wrong.

6. Do training should be fun – don’t train if you are tired or upset, the dog knows!

7. You must never hit your dog. You can damage him. If strong measures are needed your angry voice and angry body language should be enough. There are times we lash out at the dog. If you are in that position, a tap on the hindquarters is enough as this area has good muscle covering and less damage will be done. Never let other people smack him as this can make him frightened and suspicious of people and can lead to a dangerous situation.

(Use the word “wait” when you want the dog to “come” on command. Use “stay” when you wish him to stay where he’s been put and you will return to him.”

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September 2020

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015

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