October Newsletter from Southtowns Dog Training Club

Happy Halloween from Southtowns Dog Training Club

Canine News & Views October 2012

Dear Members, Students & Friends.

Wow - thanks to everyone for sending in their newsletter content. I received so many pictures, but could only include five in this electronic newsletter. Keep an eye out on Facebook, I will post them over the next few days. If you don't currently "like" our page, what are you waiting for? Click here to be directed to our Facebook page.

We've got a lot of information for you - enjoy!

Lori Coventry

President's Message Ragu

Hello Southtown's Members and Friends!

BUSY! It's been busy lately for our Club! Southtown's members had a strong presence at the Working Pitbull Terrier Club of America's Championship, we've already had 2 Sho-n-Go's in October (and another for Rally scheduled on the 28th!), we hosted Denise Testa for a fantastic seminar, we represented our services at the Maddies Pet Expo, we've got classes rockin' and rollin' each night of the week, and many of us are preparing our dogs for upcoming trials...PHEW!

A huge thank you to the dedicated, generous, hard working members of Southtown's! We're a strong, reliable, versatile resource for the Dog Training Community in Western New York. Our classes are more well attended than ever, many folks return with second and third dogs as the years go by. Our students have great things to say about our programs and the word of mouth "advertisement" continues to add enrollment! WE'RE PROVIDING THE SERVICES THE COMMUNITY IS LOOKING FOR!! Keep up the great work!! Be PROUD of your Club, I know I am!!

Did you know Upstate Kennel Club will be hosting a 3 day U.K.C. Rally and Obedience Trail on November 2, 3, and 4th? There is no "close of entry" as "day of" is accepted!! The trial will take place at the Western Lakes Training Club facility in Tonawanda. If you have an interest, or questions, please contact Kathy Quinn at kmquinn@roadrunner.com or 822-0350. If you are unfamiliar with Obedience Trialing, and would like to learn more, coming out to help with ring stewarding is a great way to gain an education. If you would like to help, please contact me, Noelle Nasca at 649-2473 or Luvapit2835671@aol.com .

Do you have a picture or short video of your dog which you would like to include in our Newsletter? We'd LOVE TO SEE IT! Please send your favorite photo to Loricoventry@gmail.com and she'll include it in a future edition. Maybe you've got a brag you'd like to share, PLEASE DO! We love to highlight and showcase the work we do with our dogs! Titles are NOT the only brags!! Sometimes our dog goes for a swim for the first time, or maybe your dog begins training in a new class, or takes a hike at a new park....all points of interest we all wish to share and take pride in!! I have a neat little brag!! My puppy Darcy got to accompany my friend Kim Russell and her husband to Flyball practice on Sunday morning! Kim and Peter worked on recalls to a tug, and introduced her to the mechanics of the TURN on the box. I'm beyond excited about this...#1, my puppy is in great hands to learn some new skills! #2, my puppy gets exposure which, otherwise would not happen, and #3 she gets a work out!! What a GIFT! Thank you Kim and Peter!!

Intro to Ramp

Enjoy this gorgeous change of season. Enjoy your dogs, your families and please continue to utilize and enjoy your Club!!

Just a special note of thanks for a special core group of workers we've got! Pennie Smith, Lori Coventry, Sylvia Wisher, Betty Krist, Brenda Judkiewicz, Jackie Walters...you've all ALWAYS been there to offer your hands and your hearts to make events run smoothly, to keep the Club organized and progressive, to support and encourage others in personal endeavors!~ YOU'RE THE GREATEST.

Best to you!

Noelle Nasca

Upcoming Events Fall Foliage
Rally practice & Show n Go - October 28th and November 11th

1pm - 3pm

General Membership meeting - Thursday, November 15th

7pm

Obedience Show n Go - November 25th

Registration begins at 8:30am

My Experience With Bloat

By Laura Lautner

As a mastiff owner, I was aware of Bloat, I feared Bloat. I wasn't sure
I would know bloat if I saw it, but I was deadly afraid of it happening.
Last Saturday, that fear materialized and I experienced my female mastiff
bloating. According to http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm:
Bloat is a very serious health risk for many dogs, yet many dog owners know
very little about it. According to the links below, it is the second leading
killer of dogs, after cancer. It is frequently reported that deep-chested dogs,
such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dobermans are particularly at
risk.

The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV"). Bloating
of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can
also be present). It usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation
of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach ("gastric dilatation"). Stress can be a
significant contributing factor also. Bloat can occur with or without "volvulus"
(twisting). As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90� to 360�, twisting between its
fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper
intestine). The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach. The
bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure,
shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined effect can quickly kill a
dog.

I had recently watched a video that was circulating on facebook and I urge
everyone to watch this. It clearly shows a dog in bloat.

Bloat

As soon as I saw Gwen in distress (roached over, head down, ropy foam,
attempt to vomit, moaning and VERY enlarged stomach) I knew exactly
what I was happening. I didn't hesitate, I yelled (hysterically) for John to
help me, Gwen was bloating. We rushed her to OP (at 11pm on a Saturday
night). They saved her life. They inserted a needle into her side and put
tubes down her esophagus to relieve the air. Her stomach had begun to rotate
but it turned back without surgical intervention. She was in the hospital for
24 hours. It was recommended that I have a surgery to tack her stomach to
prevent torsion if she bloated again in the future:
Gastropexy is a surgical operation in which the stomach is sutured to the abdominal
wall.

Unfortunately, there is no place in WNY that does this procedure
laparoscopically. I did not want to put Gwen through a major surgery and
long recovery after her harrowing experience. I also didn't want to live with
the fear of her bloating again or keep her from living the life she deserved
to live (happy and playful). I learned about the wonderful vet at Animal
Clinic Northview in Ohio. Dr Randy Hutchinson! The very Friday after her
bloat, I drove Gwen the 3 hours to Ohio for a Laparoscopic surgery. She has two
very tiny incisions (one with 4 stitches and the other with only 1 stitch). We arrived at
8:30am and I was on the road back home by 2pm. Relatively speaking, this was not an
expensive surgery (about � the cost of the conventional method). I am considering doing
preventative procedures on my other mastiffs as well.

There are bloat kits available and I do own one (http://www.naturesfarmacy.com/store/results.php?category=9), but living so close to an emergency vet, we felt time was of the essence.

Please educate yourself. Keep a bloat kit on hand, know the symptoms. Bloat can happen
in any breed (although it's more common in some breeds than others).

I would be happy to discuss my experience with anyone.

Class Updates

All class descriptions and intructor contact information can be found on our Boaz

website, southtownsdtc.com. As always, if you have any general questions about what class might be right for you, contact Lori Coventry, our obedience director, at loricoventry@gmail.com or 947-9052.

Sarah Connaughton: A new session of Saturday classes will begin on Saturday, November 10th. There is availability in Monday evening classes, contact Sarah if you would like to participate.

Lori Coventry: Possible new session of Nervous Nellies, Impulse Control and Nose Games to begin mid-November. Contact Lori for an application.

Peggy Doster: Offering day and evening drop-in handling classes on Tuesdays. Contact Peggy directly.

Pat Nagel: All classes being held indoors at the club at this time.

Noelle Nasca: All classes in session at this time. There may be an opening in CGC Prep class, which will be starting soon. Contact Noelle for information.

Susan Ryan: New 4 week session -- Nov 18, 25, Dec 2, 9. 5-6 Intro to Agility and 6-7 Agility Handling.

Evie Van Uden: Evie will be offering a new session of Ring-Ready Open and Utility classes beginning Wednesday, October 31st. Please contact Lori Coventry if you are interested in signing up. Get ready for the January shows! Evie won't be here once the snow starts to fly, sign up today:-)

What we've been up to Zoey and Ziggy

It's been a busy month at the club!

We had a wonderful presentation by Denise Testa on Canine Message. Denise was great and I think all of our dogs enjoyed their relaxing massages. Thank you to everyone who attended the presentation and a special thank you to Brenda Judkiewicz for talking to Denise and bringing her on board and to Cynthia Rathbun for helping Denise set up for the presentation. Of course, a special thank you to Sully for being a super demo dog!

Southtowns was represented at the Maddie's Fund Pet Expo held at the Hamburg Fairgrounds. This was a HUGE event and it was so nice to see so many students and friends of the club. It felt like a big family reunion. Thanks to everyone that stopped by our table. Check out Melanie Neureuther and her dogs Zoey and Ziggy - they made the Buffalo News!

We also had our first Show n Gos of the season. Thank you so much to everyone who stopped out!

Why Rally?

Rally obedience (also known as Rally or Rally-O) is a dog sport based on obedience. It was originally devised by Charles L. "Bud" Kramer from the obedience practice of "doodling" - doing a variety of interesting warmup and freestyle exercises.

Unlike regular obedience, instead of waiting for the judge's orders, the competitors proceed around a course of designated stations with the dog in heel position. The course consists of 10 to 20 signs that instruct the team what to do. Unlike traditional obedience, handlers are allowed to encourage their dogs during the course.

So, why should YOU be interested in Rally?? Well,if you have big aspirations to compete with your dog, Rally is the perfect place to start to get your dog ready for competition and get some ring experience.

If you have no thoughts of ever competing, think of Rally as another way for you to spend some time with your dog while learning something at the same time. Dogs need physical AND mental exercise. Put ten signs out in your back yard, practice those for fifteen to twenty minutes and see how tired your dog gets! You both have to use your brains to get through the course without messing up. It takes teamwork. What better way to bond with your dog?

Where to start? Come to our next Rally practice and Show n Go, this Sunday at 1pm. Pennie and helpers will be happy to help you with signs. Everyone has to start somewhere, why not start at Southtowns:-)

Brags! Digger Doing Weaves

Sarah Connaughton's Cowlickin Digger Do, BN CGC, JHD, got his first Agility runs in at the summer Nadac Trail. It was a very hot day! He got 3 out of 6 q's and qualified in Tunnelers, Regular and Weaves classes! Digger also got second in started area dog sheep at the spirtwinds AHBA herding trail in September, that 2 for 2 at the trail level for my 2 year old!

Tally finished her HTD Duck title with a second place at the same trail! U-CD Riverforth Cibolo Blue AKC, CD OA OAJ CGC HSAs. Nadac NCC, OJC, OAC, WV-N, TN-O. AHBA, HTDsd , HTADs

Sarah Connaughton ACD Digger first time weave poles at a agility trial!

Mary Ellen Pratt, Erie Region Coordinator for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, sent this article about Kyra, a guiding eye dog in Texas that was raised here by member Dianne Ende. Nice job, Dianne! Click here to read article.

Lori Coventry has met the requirements to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). I would like to thank everyone at Southtowns Dog Training Club for welcoming me with open arms and for allowing me to teach the classes I enjoy teaching so much. Noelle Nasca, there are no words. I would never be here without you!!! I have to take a minute to thank a few others in our "dog community." Barb Teplesky, you changed my life when I walked into Agility Fun class with my out of control dog and you gave me Culture Clash and a bunch of other books and said something like, I think you're smart enough to understand these - lol. Marcia Ritchie, Kim Sauer and everyone at The Family Companion, thank you for all of your help and guidance. Vanessa Lee, I owe you so much!! There are so many other instructors out there that helped me along the way, if I named them all this newsletter would be a novel. And of course, my Xander. I learned it all for you buddy and you teach me more every day.

Member Business Spotlight

Gail's Heads and Tails Dog & Cat Grooming

Gail has been a member of Southtowns...forever!

Gail Gombos-Smith, owner and operator of Gail's Heads and Tails, has been involved in grooming and training dogs for over thirty years. She had the #2 Kerry Blue Terrier in the U.S. and Canada in 1993. Gail worked with the top terrier groomers/handlers on the East Coast and learned to groom terriers to perfection. She also trained and groomed Poodles, Irish Water Spaniels, Setters, Cocker Spaniels, Bichons and Goldens to name a few. Gail has handled her own dogs to their breed championships and has titled in obedience, agility, tracking and herding, some of which were among the top ten dogs in the country.

Gail has been grooming cats for over sixteen years. Long-haired, short-haired, dematting, brush-outs, bathing, nails and ears.

Gail has moved! She is now grooming at 1147 Abbott Road, Buffalo, New York 14220. Her phone number is 648-7232.

Perks!

This was posted on our Facebook page from Golden Paws Pet Care Services. They were at our September General Membership meeting and wanted us to share this offer:

Looking for something new and better for your dog? Come check us out and see for yourself how we're different than the rest! In October, we are offering 1 free Saturday Playgroup visit for new customers!

We're a PRIVATE dog boarding & day care facility in Derby, NY. 20 minutes from Buffalo! We only accept up to 5 dogs in boarding at one time, and up to 10 dogs in daycare/playgroup making for a safe, quieter and attention-filled experience for your dog!

Victoria Stillwell's

Top Ten Halloween Safety Tips:

Keep the candy bowl away from your pets. Candy is never a good idea for any pet, and chocolate in particular can be very dangerous for dogs and cats thanks to a toxic chemical called theobromide. Put the candy bowl where your pets can't reach it and be sure to lock the cupboard door so they can't do some scary scavenging.
Careful with the costumes. We may love dressing ourselves up, but I'm pretty sure that if we asked our dogs and cats, they'd agree that they'd just as soon not wear that canine superman outfit you think is so cute. If you absolutely must dress your pet up, consider a simple themed bandanna, or at least make sure the outfit is not constricting, uncomfortable or harmful to the animal. Dog costumes often cover so much of the body that their ability to express important canine body language signals to us or other dogs is compromised, which can lead to unnecessary, avoidable instances of aggression or bites.
Don't take your dogs trick or treating with you, even if you're confident that your dog will be able to handle it. There are too many unknown factors on a night like Halloween, and even if your dog is well-adjusted, some others you encounter may not be. Plus, seeing a bunch of four-foot tall Yodas and goblins can unnerve even the most placid dogs.
Keep your dogs away from the door during trick or treating hours. Again, even if your dog is a good, well-mannered greeter, your smaller guests are not always prepared to see dogs bounding down the hallway or sniffing their candy bags. Just play it safe and keep your dogs and cats locked away in another part of the house for those couple of hours.
Make sure any electric cords for holiday decorations are out of reach of your pets, especially if they're chewers. Nibbling on a hot wire won't turn out well for anyone.
Be sure your jack-o-lanterns with live flame inside them are also kept out of reach. They can get easily bumped or knocked over, leading to fire hazards.
Halloween is a great excuse to make sure your dog or cat is microchipped. Given all the crazy sights and sounds of the evening, many pets end up running away each year.
Keep your pets indoors on Halloween and in the days surrounding it. There are just too many jerks around sometimes, so play it safe and don't tempt fate.
Head out for your afternoon or evening walk with your dogs well before trick or treaters start hitting the neighborhood. No reason to risk a frightful encounter with Buzz Lightyear and his noisy, flashing guns and jetpacks.
Desensitize ahead of time. Be aware of how stressful the repeated ringing of the doorbell can be for dogs. If you haven't already, take some time to desensitize your dogs to the sound of the doorbell or knocking in the weeks leading up to the big night so that they're prepared.