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Findon Downs Dog Training Club

Newsletter September 2017 Welcome to Findon Downs’ newsletter, and a special welcome to all newcomers, we hope you have lots of fun learning with your dog. Newsletter September 2017 ........................................................................................................................................ 1

Chairman’s Chattering… ........................................................................................................................................... 2

Club Website ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Thought… .............................................................................................................................................................. 3

Crossword ................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Across.................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Down ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4

KC Good Citizens Dog Scheme and Advanced Assessments .................................................................................... 6

Bronze KC GCDS 1 ................................................................................................................................................. 6

Bronze KC GCDS 2 ................................................................................................................................................. 6

Silver KC GCDS ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

Gold KC GCDS ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

Pre-beginner AA.................................................................................................................................................... 8

Beginner AA .......................................................................................................................................................... 8

Novice AA .............................................................................................................................................................. 9

Spare Lead! ............................................................................................................................................................... 9

Some useful tips for new owners… ........................................................................................................................ 10

Your Emergency Contact Details ............................................................................................................................ 11

Piper’s Bit ................................................................................................................................................................ 12

Forthcoming FDDTC Events, Shows and Term Dates ............................................................................................. 14

50th Anniversary Event ...................................................................................................................................... 14

Heelwork To Music Show ................................................................................................................................... 14

Lesley Brocklehurst Dances & Dressage Training Day ........................................................................................ 14

Term Dates ......................................................................................................................................................... 14

Cartoon Time – Guess the Breed! .......................................................................................................................... 15

Advertisement – Club Clothing ............................................................................................................................... 16

Finally… Let us know… ............................................................................................................................................ 16

Crossword Answers ................................................................................................................................................ 16

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Chairman’s Chattering… Welcome to a new term at dog club, and a special welcome to new members! For me, one of the most fascinating aspects of owning a dog is experiencing the strong bond which can develop between us. And a vital part of building that bond involves communicating effectively with an animal which not only does not speak English but is also an animal which relies heavily on body language for communication with its own species. I’m sure we are all aware that to avoid confusion we have to be very clear, concise and consistent in what we say when we ask our dogs to do something, but there are other signals, apart from speech which a dog picks up on, and these can hinder our ability to communicate effectively with our best friend if we are not careful. For example if I lure my dog into a sit with a titbit and say ‘sit’ at the same time, my dog will sit. But if I then just say ‘sit’ without the lure, he will probably not respond. This is because the dog identifies my prompting movement and the lure as major parts of the command and those major parts are now missing from the overall picture. Body language is more relevant to the dog than human speech and so my spoken command has been overshadowed by my body language to the extent that the dog has not associated the sound ‘sit’ with being lured into position. However generally speaking we initially achieve a desired behaviour by luring, and then - and only then - we introduce a spoken cue. But to avoid problems we must now separate that luring signal from the spoken cue which we want to install. To ensure that the dog pays attention to the verbal signal, it must be given first and then followed by the visual signal. We now have the sequence of CUE > LURE > MARK > REWARD. Once we have established the spoken cue we can quickly get rid of the lure (i.e. the titbit held in our hand) and also quickly fade out the physical prompting action too. Even the surroundings in which we train can be significant to the dog – You may have noticed that having trained something in the back garden, your dog may not understand you when you go into the park. This is because the back garden has also become part of that overall picture which the dog associates with the command. Dogs are unlike humans in that they find it difficult to generalise. This means that when we learn how to do something we can usually perform that skill anywhere and under different conditions. Dogs however find it difficult to transfer something they have learned to a new situation or context. Just because you have a cracking recall in the garden doesn’t mean that it will work in the park too!

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For the dog to understand that signals or cues or commands apply anywhere, anytime, we need to isolate the spoken cue from the environment. To achieve this we must train in many different places, and also introduce various distractions, so that the only constant signal which remains for the dog to recognise and respond to is our spoken cue. So next time you think your dog is being disobedient, just stop for a while and consider that your dog may simply not have “heard” your command – establish a system of clear communication with your dog and develop your relationship to a new level.

Bert

Club Website For further details of the club, our events, shows and news items please speak to our Chairman, Bert Maynard, or see our club website; http://fddtc.weebly.com/

Thought…

THOUGHT FOR THE TERM

Training me is not an option, it is an obligation. It is not something to be done once I start causing problems,

It is how to prevent problems from starting. Teach me how to be the dog you want me to be.

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Crossword

Across 1 Golden, Flatcoat, CurlyCoat and Chesapeake Bay are all types of 2 What all dogs love to do 3 What we do to get them to come back 4 GO 5 TO 6 A Homemade treat for our dogs to use sparingly! 7 Some dogs favourite toy - especially Alex dogs! 8 What all dogs should be happy to do 9 What we should all be able to do to our dogs 10 See 26 Down 11 What all dogs should be on when near traffic 12 Traditional treat for dogs 13 What we aim to do to you! 15 What all our dogs should be happy to do. 16 The best thing any dog can have is good ...? 17 Dogs should all have some of these but be happy to let us play with them. 19 One of the three stay positions 20 What our dogs need to be able to do when retrieving. 21 We read using our eyes, dogs use their .........

Down 1 What we have to remember to do when our dogs are good! 2 What you come to us for 3 What comes before the answer to No 1 Down 4 What we have to do when teaching our dogs something new! 5 Most dogs love these but they should not be too small! 6 Same as 8 Down 7 And 22 down 5 and 2 - It will help if we can get our dogs to do this on command! 8 Another favourite treat for most dogs 9 A Gold test exercise - 4-2-3 10 The more of these we have with our dogs the better our relationship will be 11 5 Down are always ...... 12 See 26 Down 13 Same as 12 Down 14 What dogs use 21 Across for…. 15 6 Across and 8 Down are forms of.... 16 Usually the most stable stay position 17 Usually the last stay position to be taught 18 What puppies do to newspaper (apart from peeing on it!) 19 A common command when walking on lead 20 Usually the first thing we teach a pupy to do 22 See 7 Down 24 6 Across and 8 Down are forms of.... 25 A word all dogs have to learn! 26 Every day we should 2 – 3 – 3 - a - 4 with our dog

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

2

3

6

7 11 12

10 26

9 8 10

9 24

21

19 25 11 16 17

17 14 15

15 18

12 S 13 19 20

16 22

20

Answers on back page

Pat O’Shea

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KC Good Citizens Dog Scheme and Advanced Assessments Congratulations to all taking their tests last term.

Bronze KC GCDS 1

Bronze KC GCDS 2

Ellie Milward & Bilbo

Brenda Cripps & Harley, Hari Doman & Kim, Chris Jones & Annie, Cathy Servante & Dolly

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Silver KC GCDS

Gold KC GCDS

Mary Mckenna & B.B.

Sara Cranford & Murphy, Annette Gillard & Kaias, Mandy Austen & Dexter

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Pre-beginner AA

Beginner AA

1st Janet Brown & Baxter, 2nd Katherine Bowlan & Bee 3rd Mary McKenna & B.B., 4th Elaine Judges & Skye

1st Janet Brown & Baxter, 2nd Alan Tubb & Morgan, 3rd Julia Morgan-Williams & Hettie,

4th Corrine Ball & Barney

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Novice AA

Spare Lead! Don’t forget…… It is so easy to pop your dog in the car when going for a walk and then forget their lead, it has happened to most of us at some time. So why not keep an emergency lead and collar in your car. They should both be of good quality, in good condition and suitable for your size of dog. This is the perfect excuse for buying new lead for your dog! It is also very useful if you ever come across a lost dog, if you can hold the dog then you will at least have a safe means of restraining it until you can contact their owner. However if your dog is a Chihuahua and the lost dog is a Great Dane you might have a small problem!

Seriously please think about keeping spare lead in car, as well as extra pooh bags! (P.S. This is a good way to get a new lead - Rags x)

Sue & Rags

1st Barbara Simpson & McKenzie

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Some useful tips for new owners… …..or revision for those who forgot details!! Owning a new puppy is a daunting task and even though you love your pooch it may feel, at times, that you are swimming upstream and are frustrated. No worries! We have all been there. Make sure your dog knows its own name. Say the name all the time and as your dog responds by coming to you or even looking at you then reward it. A small treat, a cuddle, even verbal praise is reward for your pooch. Remember, your puppy / dog doesn't come to you speaking English. Your puppy speaks 'dog' therefore it is good if everyone involved with the dog and it's training, playing and walking all use the same words. Decide between yourselves which words you are going to use. You will need words for 'go play', 'come', 'sit', 'let's go', 'down' and many more. Be consistent, all using the same word for the same action. Some very important words are 'good dog', 'well done' and 'thank you'. Stay calm. Your dog will respond to your mood. If you get frustrated your dog will too. If your training session is going pear shaped, go back to some work your dog enjoys and knows and end the session with that. Always finish on a high. Don't get angry with your dog, the chances are that it is not being disobedient but that it doesn't understand what you want. Try to move in small steps for your dog. You want your dog to enjoy and look forward to training. If several people care for your dog, invest in a small chalk board, white board, a magnetic board or even a sheet of paper and place it somewhere convenient for all. Write things on there that everyone needs to know e.g. if you find your dog is scared of buses, sirens, white poodles, men in hats etc. or won't return when 'Joey' is in the park, make a note so that everyone can be prepared. Enjoy your dog, smile, laugh together and training will be fun.

Chris Jones

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Your Emergency Contact Details Just a reminder that you can give details to us of someone you would like to be contacted on your behalf in an emergency. Just ask for a form and complete as much information as you wish, then return it in a sealed envelope with your name and first contact number on the outside. All information will remain confidential. The forms are kept at the hall in a secure container to which only Committee Members will access in an Emergency.

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Piper’s Bit Hello everyone.

I’m writing my story starting from the age of five weeks, I am a Golden Retriever christened Joybringer Bobby James and I am living with my two brothers and five sisters and two lovely ladies that care for our every need. Then along comes a strange couple who pick me out and say they would like to take me to their home when I’m 8 weeks old, to be a brother to another Goldie called Connor Well Barbara and Phil, my new mum and dad brought me back to Sompting and I immediately explored everything and anything I could.

But training started the very next day being told what I was called, food was given and I was really praised. The first week of training I was taught how to sit, a treat above my nose so that my bottom hit the floor with record speed, then came a click so every time I was told to sit, a click and treat came. Now I can sit on command, pretty impressive eh! Next came the recall, when I wasn’t in sight, my name was called and I came running again a click and a treat. I have to be in a sit position before I can do a down, with a treat held between my paws and then my tummy hits the floor, again a click and treat. So my first weeks training went very well according to Mum, except for me pruning her flower border! So aged 9 weeks we progressed to touching her hands in all different positions and walking to her heel, with me looking up at her and again a click and treat, good game everything is. Food manners I have to sit and wait until Connor has had his dinner before I can make sure he hasn’t left any.

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My third week now aged 11 weeks, still loving training to sit, do downs, short stays, walk to heel and settle on a furry mat, because when I start classes I have got to be a good boy and settle on this. It’s great fun this training lark, I do love the sound of the click with a treat to follow and lots of praise. Tomorrow is going to be a big day, when I get to see what the big wide world is like, so I’ll let my mum tell you herself how I behave.

Piper x Well Piper is now 12 weeks old, he loves training and really tries to please me, it’s been fun time and patience, but he’s being well behaved and walking nicely outdoors with polite manners to people and other dogs. The importance of using the clicker is he knows that what you asked or wanted of him is correct, provided it is sounded within a two second slot.

Barbara (Piper’s mum!) If you would like to find out more about clicker training please talk to your instructor.

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Forthcoming FDDTC Events, Shows and Term Dates

50th Anniversary Event Saturday 23 September 2017 – This year will be our 50th Anniversary so to mark this auspicious event we plan to hold a fun day for our members, their dogs and their families at Washington village Hall. We shall have a variety of fun things for you to have a go at. For full information please see the flyer from your trainer.

Heelwork To Music Show Saturday 11th November 2017 Venue: West Chiltington Village Hall Mill Road West Chiltington Near Pulborough West Sussex, RH20 2PZ If anyone could give us some help on the day, it would be greatly accepted. Chris Jones will be organising helpers so if you can help, and would like to see what happens, please speak to her.

Lesley Brocklehurst Dances & Dressage Training Day Saturday 25 November 2017 – There are still some Spectator places available for this training day at £15 for the day (includes lunch). Unfortunately all of the handler places have been taken.

Term Dates Tuesday 28 November – Advanced Assessments Saturday 2 December – Bronze, Silver and Gold KC Good Citizens Dog Scheme end of term tests. Tuesday 5 December – Club Christmas party for dogs and handlers. Tuesday 9 January 2018 – New term starts Tuesday 20 February 2018 – Club A.G.M.

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Cartoon Time – Guess the Breed! New cartoon below and the answer to the last newsletter’s cartoon

Thanks to Chris Jones

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Advertisement – Club Clothing The following items of clothing are available complete with the Club logo: Body warmer - with fleece lining. This is reversible with separate pockets accessible from each side. It is embroidered on the outside only so you can wear it ‘incognito’ £22. Hoody - with or without a zip £20. Polo shirt - £12 (These can also be obtained in any colour without the logo at the same prices). Sweatshirt - £16. See Bert to place your order and for further options. (All items can be ordered in a range of colours, with or without club logo). Every item is sold at a small profit to benefit Cub funds.

Finally… Let us know… Please let us know if there is anything you would like to do with your dog, maybe a sponsored walk? Cream Tea and walk? Heelwork to Music or Rally Taster sessions or maybe even a fun day with your dog trying out some different things or maybe you need help with recalls or something else??? Please remember it is your club and we are here to help.

Crossword Answers

RETRIEVER BCWC

E RUN N A OAH

W A C CALL MTE

A I E O LIVERCAKE

R N N U HS

D I TRAGGERGE

NIA OUTFORW

S GIVE GGUA

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NOSE MDRK

DDOWNELEADS

TOYSOSTAYAOT

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BONES TEACHS NN

EN AEID

DTEMPERAMENT

ELHOLD