VERSATILE HUNTING DOG

VERSATILE

HUNTING DOG

A Publication of The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association ? Volume XLIX ? No. 5 ? May 2018

It's A Brave New World!

SPECIAL PUPPY ISSUE

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VERSATILE

HUNTING DOG

NAVHDA International Officers & Directors

David A. Trahan President Bob Hauser Vice President

Steve J. Greger Secretary Richard Holt Treasurer Chip Bonde Director of Judge Development Andy Doak Director of Promotions Tim Clark Director of Testing Tim Otto Director of Publications

Steve Brodeur Registrar Tracey Nelson Invitational Director Marilyn Vetter Past President

Versatile Hunting Dog Publication Staff

Mary K. Burpee Editor/Publisher Erin Kossan Copy Editor

Sandra Downey Copy Editor Rachael McAden Copy Editor

Patti Carter Contributing Editor Dr. Lisa Boyer Contributing Editor Nancy Anisfield Contributing Editor/Photographer Philippe Roca Contributing Editor/Photographer Wight Greger Women's Editor Dennis Normile Food Editor

Maria Bondi Advertising Coordinator

Marion Hoyer Webmaster

Advertising Information Copy deadline: 45 days prior to the month of publication. Commercial rates available upon request. All inquiries or requests for advertising should be addressed to:

NAVHDA PO Box 520 Arlington Heights, IL 60006 Voice 847/253/6488 ? Fax 847/255/5987 Email navoffice@ Web

See our web site or call for current rates.

Please submit all articles for and questions pertaining to the VHD (other than advertising) to vhd@, with ATTN VHD Editor in the subject line or by mail via the postal service to NAVHDA, PO Box 520, Arlington Heights, IL 60006.

? 2018 The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, Inc.? All Rights Reserved.

Printed in the USA

The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation or age in its programs, activities, or in its hiring and employment practices.

The Versatile Hunting Dog is published monthly and is the official publication of The North Amercian Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA), a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to fostering, improving, promoting and protecting the versatile hunting dog in North America and to the conservation of all game. The basic annual membership dues are $60 (US Funds.) Membership benefits include a monthly subscription to the Versatile Hunting Dog magazine, decal, participation in all NAVHDA events (at membership discount rates) and full voting privileges. All contributions are tax-deductible. A copy of NAVHDA's most recent financial report can be obtained by contacting: NAVHDA, 120 W. Eastman St, Arlington Heights, IL 600065950. The Versatile Hunting Dog reserves the right to reasonably edit or refuse all material (including advertising) submitted for publication. Articles or opinions herein expressed are not necessarily those of the publication staff or of The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, Inc., its officers or Directors. The material contained in this publication is intended to provide accurate and authoritative information on the subject covered. By their nature, the articles and columns contained herein cannot provide the complete and detailed guidance required by every individual in every situation. The material is thereby offered with the proviso that it is not the intent of the publisher, the editors, or the authors to render professional counsel on the matter covered and said person(s) cannot be held liable for any use thereof. If specific assistance is required, the services of an expert authority should be sought.

The Versatile Hunting Dog magazine (USPS number 016-491, ISSN: 1099-0577) is published monthly for $60.00 per year by the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, 120 W. Eastman #302, Arlington Hts, IL 60004-5950. Periodical postage paid at Arlington Hts, IL and addi-

PtMioOnaaBlyoexn25tr02y01o,8fAficrleinsg.tPonOSHTtsM, IALS6T0E0R06: -S0e5n2d0.address changes to NAVHDA,

Volume XLIX ? No. 5 ? May 2018

FEATURES

4 It's A Brave New World! ? by Judy Zeigler 8 Sporting Breeds In Demand For Explosives Detection Work ? by Penny Leigh 14 The Healing ? by Kim McDonald 18 Anything & Everything ? by Patti Carter 22 We Made It Through ? by Penny Wolff Masar 29 It's Not Always Easy ? by Patti Carter 30 Test Prep Workshop ? by Nancy Anisfield

DEPARTMENTS

President's Message ? 2 On The Right Track ? 4 Spotlight Dog ? 25 Ask Dr. Boyer ? 26 Women's Wisdom ? 29 Tips From Purina ? 31 The Forum ? 32 Kennel Registrations ? 32 Classifieds ? 33 Test Results ? 34 Calendar Of Events ? 36

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NANCY ANISFIELD ? 2018

8

TM

The Versatile Dog denotes that this feature or story is an original article by a NAVHDA member.

Visit the Versatile Hunting Dog magazine online at

Versatile Hunting Dog ? navhdwaw.owrg.

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President's Message

By Dave Trahan Deerfield, New Hampshire

Announcing New Director of Promotions

The number one thing in my life is being together with my family. Watching them grow, I am often reminded that the young ones only stay young for so long! Carol and I want to be at every event in which they participate. We (like other grandparents and parents) watch them perform, knowing that these years are time that you never get back--so we cherish every moment.

People often ask me, "How much time you spend doing `NAVHDA things' each week as president?" To the surprise of many, I tell then at least several hours a week, and more during certain times of the year. This is my time to step out and serve. There are also times in life when we need to step back a little and do what matters most.

Jason Wade, our Director of Promotions, will be stepping down. To say the least, we will miss his wonderful personality and great insight on the NAVHDA Board. Jason has two children at the age where they are involved in many things, and Jason wants to support them. So, he has chosen to do what is right by "passing the gauntlet" to someone else. He and I have talked a lot about this. Jason feels that he must do what is best for his family and NAVHDA. With such large responsibilities, he feels that he can't provide the time that is needed, and we all know that family comes first. All of us on the board wish the best for Jason and his family, and we want him to enjoy this precious time with them. We fully support him in this decision.

I told Jason that he will be back when he can commit to the time needed to the Board. In the meantime, he and the family will still be working dogs and going to training days. Also, Jason will continue to judge. So, we haven't lost him--or his strengthening influence. It will just be felt in a different part of the organization.

We have filled his board position with a candidate that I know will do a great job. Andy Doak--who was in charge of the youth program--will be filling in until the next election.

Welcome aboard Andy!

As the new Director of Promotions for NAVHDA I am looking forward to continuing the effort to grow and strengthen NAVHDA as an organization. I have been fortunate to experience and support NAVHDA in a variety of ways so far. Through serving as chair of the NAVHDA youth committee, becoming a NAVHDA judge, president of my local NAVHDA chapter, as well as hunting and training with NAVHDA friends, I have been able to interact with NAVHDA members and chapters across the US and Canada. In these interactions, I have experienced one commonality that rings true throughout: NAVHDA members are passionate about the hunt, versatile hunting dog breeds, and the organization itself. NAVHDA has been on an upward trend with respect to membership for several years, and I hope to be part of continuing that upward trend--a trend which can certainly be credited to these individuals and sponsors who are dedicated to supporting the organization in past and present times. I look forward to this new role and hope to expand upon the growing enthusiasm, foster current sponsor and conservation partner relationships, as well as seek out potential new sponsorships and avenues for growth. And if we have a chance to meet at a NAVHDA event in the future, I would encourage you to say hello and share a story or two about why you became involved with the organization. Enjoy the training season, and best of luck in hunting season next fall.

~Andy Doak

MARK FLEMMING ? 2018

WHEN YOU SEE BETTER, YOU HUNT BETTER.

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About The Cover

Cover Photo By Philippe Roca

ON THE By Judy Zeigler Montour Falls, New York

RIGHT TRACK

It's A Brave New World!

Your new puppy will arrive soon, and you are anxiously waiting with a desire to start training as soon as possible. There are many resources available to help and, hopefully, this article will as well.

Let's start with the critical periods in your puppy's development.

Neonatal Period (birth-12 days)

Puppy cannot regulate body functions and relies on the mother and/or the breeder for elimination and temperature regulation.

Transition Period (13-20 days)

Ears and eyes open. Hearing and eyesight are very poor. Puppy moves about more and begins to control bodily functions.

Awareness Period (21-28 days)

Puppy is moving around in their environment well. Eyesight and hearing function well.

Canine Socialization Period (21-49 days)

Puppy learns to interact with littermates and his mother. Puppy interacts more with outside stimuli.

Human Socialization period (7-12 weeks)

Puppy learns by association. Permanent human bonding begins. Puppy goes to new home and begins housebreaking. Puppy now has the ability to learn simple behaviors such as recall, sit, down.

Fear Impact Period (8-11 weeks)

What puppy learns in this period is permanent. Avoid frightening experiences as they can have a negative effect. Experiences must be positive to minimize adverse conditioning.

Seniority Classification Period (13-16 weeks)

At this age puppy begins testing independence. Puppy is teething and may show biting behavior. Praise for correct behavior is very important.

Flight Instinct Period (4 to 8 months)

Teething continues at this time. Puppy shows strong independence. During this period it is critical to shape positive behavior while minimizing negative behavior.

Second Fear Period (6-14 months)

Fear of different situations manifest in this period. New situations should be handled with patience while avoiding reinforcing negative behavior. Focus should be on building confidence.

Let's now explore how we can positively handle these periods and start puppy on a road to success.

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`Socialization'

The idea behind socialization is helping puppy to become acclimated to all types of situations, sounds and smells in a positive

manner. The key word is positive. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, improper socialization can impact behavior for that dog's entire life.

The world is brand new to your puppy and can be strange and unusual. Our job is to help them explore and create positive associations.

Avoid doing too much too fast. Start by introducing puppy to

a few people at a time versus taking them to a huge party. Start

with positive training puppy classes. These help accustom puppy

to other dogs and people. Introduce puppy to many different people, places and other

dogs. Introduce them to many different surfaces such as pavement, plastic, slippery floors, even a ladder or wire crate laid flat. Much research shows that in the first four months of life, exposing the puppy to any and all they may encounter in life will pay off greatly in a well-adjusted adult dog. Again, these must be positive experiences. Inadvertently, if a negative experience occurs such as the puppy being frightened by another dog or person, turn

the situation around by tossing some high value treats away from

the adverse event and try to distract the pup. Do your best to turn

this into a somewhat positive situation. Do not coddle the pup nor force the situation. Act normally and walk away while redirecting the pup into a more normal/positive behavior i.e. "sit and watch."

Independence Training

Responsible breeders of sporting dogs will counsel their puppy buyers on the importance of independence training. Sporting dogs may have a tendency towards separation anxiety, and this can be avoided right from the time you bring puppy home. Set aside time during the day when puppy is required to be alone for an hour or so. A crate should be set up in a room where no human shall reside during the time frame set aside for the independence training. A radio may be played softly along with a Kong toy filled with peanut butter or easy cheese. Puppy should be steered towards the crate with a soft command of "kennel'' while tossing a high value treat inside the crate. Close the door to the crate and leave for a period of 15 to 30 minutes. Puppy learns to cope on their own and realizes you will return. Upon return do not praise puppy, open door very quietly and take puppy outside to eliminate. It is important to note that if puppy is barking, waiting until they are quiet reinforces the behavior

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that quiet=door opens. Time spent alone in the crate, kennel or vehicle can gradually be increased.

Operant Conditioning

Dog training happens through operant conditioning. This is the way a dog learns or is conditioned from the way the dog behaves or operates in its environment. The change in the behavior will occur more or less depending on positive and negative results. When you take puppy out into the field and feed him treats for sitting you are using operant conditioning. Reward based training has been shown to be an effective way to change behavior and emotion in dogs.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement occurs when a motivating item such as a treat or verbal praise is presented after your pup exhibits a desired behavior. Using positive reinforcement will mean the desired behavior will most likely happen again.

Negative Reinforcement

Taking something unpleasant away from the dog the instant they perform the desired behavior. Negative reinforcers can be used to shape behavior. The ear pinch is an example of negative reinforcement. The trainer stops pinching the ear when the dog grabs a hold of an object. I am not advocating for the use of pain. We do not need to use pain and discomfort to achieve a high level of training. Another example of negative reinforcement can be pushing on a dog's body to get it to move over, when the dog moves the forceful push is stopped.

Extinction Options

This method is used when you want your puppy to stop doing something i.e. jumping on people or begging at the table. The only way to stop these undesirable behaviors is to totally ignore (extinction) the puppy until he understands the behavior will get no reward. You must be consistent.

Shaping Behaviors

Shaping behavior is a training technique that builds on `capturing.' Capturing is a training technique in which you wait for pup to show a behavior (sit and look up) and immediately reward when it happens. The use of rewards makes the behavior (sit and look up) happen more often, which enables you to add a word or command i.e. "watch" or "pay attention." I like to use a clicker to mark the behavior I am capturing. The clicker has a sound the puppy doesn't usually hear in everyday life, it is quick and consistent.

Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement

Science has proven that to effectively change behavior there has to be some type of motivation. Punishment will inhibit the developing bond between you and your puppy and can cause avoidance, depression and behavior problems. In using positive methods along with rewards you are strengthening the bond and developing a confident, happy, well-adjusted dog. Reward based training is not only scientifically sound, it will create a deeper bond between you and your puppy.

A group of knowledgeable judges and trainers has been assembled and are available to answer your questions about training and testing. The topic will vary each month based on the questions we receive from our VHD readers. Please send your questions to vhd@ with "On the Right Track" in the subject line.

Judy Zeigler is a licensed veterinary technician with a long time interest in canine behavior. She is an active member of The Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians and is a Fear Free Certified Professional. Judy has been a gun dog and obedience trainer since 1985. She also teaches with the NYS Arson Dog Program and is an AKC hunt test judge. Judy and her husband Andy are avid waterfowlers and upland bird hunters. Judy has been a NAVHDA member since 1995. Judy has bred German shorthaired pointers under the kennel name Crystal Kennels since 1998. The kennel has bred dogs tested through all levels of NAVHDA including three VC dogs, 23 AKC Master Hunters, 22 Breed Champions, two Master Agility Champions along with a Narcotic Detection dog, three Tracking Certified dogs, an Arson Detection dog and a young dog currently working in Search and Rescue.

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Sporting Breeds In Demand For Explosives Detection Work As Need Increases ByPennyLeigh

Project Manager AKC Detection Dog Task Force

The ports of San Francisco are safer thanks to the hard work of US Coast Guard Officer Feco. Feco patrols ferries and shore-side buildings. He fre-

quently is deployed with the Maritime Security and Safety

Team to ships at sea and even to perform security for presi-

dential visits and national football games.

Finding bombs is the valuable skill that Feco possesses,

and the only payment he ever requires is a squeaky tennis

ball on a rope. Feco is a 5-year-old Vizsla who joined the US Coast Guard

in December 2014 at a little over a year old. "As with most Vizslas, Feco has a high-energy level and

drive to work. He truly enjoys finding an odor source and the reward that comes along with it," said Petty Officer Cory Sumner, Feco's handler.

The skills of highly trained explosives dogs like Feco are in great demand today, with the rise of homegrown terrorism and mass shootings in America. In addition to the US Government, bomb dogs are sought by malls, schools, universities, theaters,

sports stadiums and concert arenas with one major problem: there are not enough to fill the need.

The United States imports about 80 to 90 percent of their

working dogs from Europe, which has a rich heritage for

breeding and training dogs for police/military style competitions and certifications.

German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois remain the most popular choice for patrol dogs by law enforcement, and many

are dual-purpose canines that also perform detection work.

But the breeds in greater demand for public detection work are sporting dogs, including Vizslas, German Shorthaired Pointers, German Wirehaired Pointers and Labrador Retrievers. These breeds are less intimidating to the public, and their

incredible hunting instinct is easily transferred to searching for explosives.

Pointing breeds have great endurance ? a trait valued

when there is a bomb scare or public security threat, said

Sgt. Matthew Henry of the Floyd County Police Department in Rome, Georgia.

Henry's partner is Blaze, a female German Shorthaired Pointer who never stops running ? until she catches a whiff of explosives. She and Henry serve an eight-county area in northwest Georgia but are on call for the entire state.

"The German Shorthair is just an excellent breed in my opinion; they are so loyal and hard working. They aim to please

and are really just built for their odor capabilities," Henry said.

"They don't tire out and don't have aggression issues. I can't say enough good about the GSP."

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Although sporting dogs are popular in America, the US Government still imports many from Europe, including Feco.

Feco was born in Germany and was trained by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

There is mounting concern about America's dependence on imported dogs to provide this national security service. Due to growing terrorism threats and consequent demand for working dogs within Europe and around the world, there is now a shortage of foreign dogs available to protect the United States.

"The irony is that as a nation we do not typically out-source the production of resources needed for national security. It is even more difficult to accept the fact, that

as a nation, we cannot meet our own needs for working dogs when we have so many breeders and dogs within our borders," said Scott Thomas, former breeding program manager of the TSA Canine Breeding and Development Center.

The TSA's detection dog breeding program was eliminated in 2012 as part of budget cuts. This spurred Thomas to write the American Kennel Club and ask for support in encouraging a domestic breeding program that would reduce the need to rely on foreign sources for national protection.

AKC Board Member Dr. Carmen Battaglia, a long-time German Shepherd fancier, has been fascinated since he was a child with the amazing contributions that his breed has made to the military. When he became president of the German Shepherd

Dog Club of America in the early 1990s, he organized a trip by the club's board to the Department of Defense canine center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

This began a long-time relationship between Battaglia and the military dog team, resulting in many trips to Lackland and Battaglia being named as an advisor to the TSA's canine program. When Battaglia received the letter from Thomas regarding help with a US breeding program, he took the matter to the AKC Board of Directors, which formed the AKC Detection Dog Feasibility Study Committee to document the current state of detection dog use in the United States and explore how to increase the domestic supply of this crucial national resource.

"AKC has always been a leader in purpose-bred pure-bred dogs. And these purpose-bred pure-bred dogs that have the skills, ability and breeding to produce the traits needed for detection dogs to successfully do their important jobs," Battaglia said. "It is a natural role for AKC to assist in meeting this national need to protect our country."

The AKC committee, headed by AKC Senior Vice President Mark Dunn, interviewed key stakeholders involved in bomb detection including people from academia, government, military, policing, training and breeding. Subsequently, the AKC has launched initiatives focused on Government Relations, Networking/Education and Breeder Outreach.

Government Relations ? There are

many obstacles that stand in the way of U.S. breeders being able to easily sell dogs to the government for detection

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