Posts by Laura Reeves
64 – Bloodhound Mantrailing and Canine Health Foundation Tick Program with Susan Hamil
Bloodhound Mantrailing, Canine Health Foundation Tick Program and more with Susan Hamil
Bloodhound Mantrailing vs. AKC Tracking
Bloodhound Mantrailing is a Bloodhound Club breed specific performance trial that differs from AKC Tracking. AKC Tracking is an all-breed event where the dog has to track every turn.
Bloodhound Mantrailing does not have to indicate each turn. Scents can be 18 hours to 36 hours old. Trails are variable surfaces – grass, parking lots, buildings, and the bloodhound has to give positive identification of the person that laid the trail.
Bloodhounds as Evidence Tools
Did you know that bloodhounds do more than find lost people or track criminals? They also are used as an evidence tool in court and investigation. An item is presented to the bloodhound, and the dog then “picks from a line-up” the person whose scent matches the item.
Susan Hamil – Quiet Creek Bloodhounds
#1 Bloodhound status belongs to Susan Hamil’s Quiet Creek Bloodhound line. However, Susan’s dedication to the Canine Health Foundation and its Tick and Disease prevention program demonstrates how excelled breeders and dog people give back to their sport. Listen as Susan Hamil discusses many of the challenges and accomplishments of the Canine Health Foundation and her role as an AKC Delegate.
San Miniato , Tuscany, Italy
63 – Conformation Basics Expanded #1 by Laura Reeves
Conformation Back to Basics for Summer Shows
Ready for Summer? Let’s start with a quick review:
Teach a dog to stand without stuffing food in it’s mouth…
Your show dog lunging at bait does not create a simple, clean and impressive picture. Train without handfuls of bait. Handfuls of food equals bribery, not training.
Watch the video below to see how this is accomplished.
Be Fair and Consistent – Don’t Expect what you don’t Train
If you don’t train a behavior such as a stack, don’t expect it in the ring. It’s just not fair. Put in the time if you want the reward. Remember, Olympic athletes win because of the discipline and training first, then their talents.
Conformation Common Battles
Rocking Horse or Racking Back
If the judge approaches and the dog racks back, you have an outside the ring practice issue. Laura explains a little of this in her personal story at the end of this episode but also:
Conga Line – At a show or kennel meeting with experienced dog people:
- Stack your dog
- Have first person approach with a smile and just touch your dog on the back and keep going, reward and release.
- Repeat with a slightly longer touch – don’t push it. Reward and release.
- Repeat with pat on head, touch on back, walk around rear and back to standing in the front away from the dog, reward and release.
- Get the picture… Don’t go to fast. If the dog reacts, go back a step.
Balance
Moving a foot or dancing in the ring could be as simple as poor stacking or stacking your dog in an uncomfortable position.
- Be sure to stack your dog appropriate to your breed.
- Practice stacking while looking in a mirror.
- Print photos of winning dogs and paste them to the mirror to compare.
Over Exuberant, Happy Happy
Yes, we want our dogs to have a good time. Yes, this is an issue if the judge cannot examine. Yes, this is lack of training the basics.
A happy, happy release from a stand stay is a reward. Watch the agility and obedience rings if this is a new concept to you.
Sit, Stay, and Stand are all trainable expectations. Practicing or “proofing” these expectations in dog show or public situations are part of your job to prepare your dog for the show ring. It doesn’t just “happen”.
Breeders Voice: Dog Jewelry by Cindi Gredys, Passion Captured in Art
Jewelry by Cindi Gredys Passion Captured in Art Cindi Gredys entertained us in PureDogTalk #62 with the fun of lure coursing. Her other talent is the creation of custom dog…
Read Full Post62 – Lure Coursing with Cindi Gredys: Ready to Have Fun?
Lure Coursing with Cindi Gredys
Ready to Have Some Fun?
My first borzoi was acquired in 1994. I strive to produce beautiful and functional hounds so Jubilee dogs are tested in open field competition, as well as lure coursing, racing, obedience, and rally which has produced many dual champions. The first litter, in 2001, produced a SBIS, national WD and WB in the same year from BBE, multiple BIF winners, BCOA national LGRA BOB, bench champions in US, Canada, and Japan including #1 dog in Japan. Over the years Jubilee Hounds, with only a handful of litters, has accomplished #1 borzoi all-breed (owner/breeder/handled), Eukanuba/AKC BOB, Westminster AOM, multiple BCOA national specialty awards, & AKC NLCC Best of the Best (coursing) who also holds the BCOA record for most bitch specialty wins. In 2003 we welcomed our first whippet from Bohem.. Since then they have been in the Top 20 whippets 3 times and produced several dual champions. A dog lover of all varieties, I’ve also have owned a miniature wire-hair Dachshund, Rhodesian Ridgeback, English Cocker Spaniel, and a Gordon Setter. I am now also pursuing conformation judging and currently have Borzoi, Whippets, and juniors. Being a wife, mom, grandma and jewelry designer are the other great joys of my life.
Lure Coursing Puts a Smile on Your Dog’s Face
Just look at the photos… these dogs were bred to run and Lure Coursing and Racing is a sport to showcase their natural traits and energy.
Consider Different Sports
So many sports, so many mental and physical challenges for us and our dogs. So much opportunity to bond and experience our dog’s full abilities and untested talents!
Lure Coursing – Cindi Gredy
Lure Coursing – Cindi Gredy
Lure Coursing “Inspired” Jewelry by Cindy Gredys
See and Read about Cindy’s art and jewelry talents tomorrow!
61 – How to Disappear as a Dog Show Handler: Janice Hayes
Janice Hayes – The Disappearing Handler
Janice Hayes started as a junior handler, then assistant handler, and quickly rose through the Professional Handler ranks. With an English Setter as her first “heart dog”, Janice fell in love with the soft, but hard-headed sporting breeds.
Perfection not Required
Serious in training, fun in the ring is the motto that Janice follows. While home life involves character building, confidence work, and ring preparation…
happy, happy, play, play is essential.
Balance Flexibility and Consistency
Dogs do best with routine, but keep flexibility in a dog’s life so they are ever-adapting.
The Taffe McFadden FAN CLUB
Oohhh, do we have so many members of the Taffe McFadden fan club! Per Janice, watching Taffe McFadden is the ultimate training guide for a handler. Taffe’s soft hands, quiet whispers to the dog, and consistent touch bring confidence to the soft dog.
You Need to Disappear
Practice quiet hands and don’t stare down the judge… it’s about the dog.
Tips from Janice Hayes
Practice with stacking blocks for just a few minutes a day in a positive way. Don’t groom on them.
Train in obedience. Heeling, pattern changes, and having the dog pay attention are great for the ring.
Thoughts and Suggestions
We need less shows. Allows more time for training and conditioning, and gives the competitive dogs a break.
There are some really talented young handlers. Take the time to learn as an assistant.
Dogs are #1.
60 – National Purebred Dog Day: Susi Szeremy
National PureBred Dog Day with Susi Szeremy
May 1
Don’t miss the fun and support your dogs by posting a photo with an I Love Purebred Dog Day sign!
Listen to Susi Szeremy Tell the Story of How it all Started
Susi and Laura laugh and entertain on this special day.
Find Me A Sign
Signs can be found here. I Love Purebred Dog Day Sign
59 – Stud Dog Management #4: Foreign Affairs – Critical Tips Before You Import or Export Semen
Foreign Affairs – Critical Tips to Know Before Import or Export of Semen
Every country has different requirements for import and export of semen and are constantly changing the rules!
Blood Tests
Some require blood testing prior to collection, some after collection, some after a waiting period. If that wasn’t enough, the tests vary and even the dilutions of the “standard” tests vary.
Ship the Stuff with an Expert
Sirius is one of the most recommended import/export all-in-one services for shipping semen safely.
Critical Tips to Consider 3-6 Months Prior to Shipping
- Group Shipments – Planning ahead allows for group shipping with considerable savings. Solo shipments can range around $2,500.
- Plan up to 6 months ahead – there are quarantine requirements, USDA requirements, and lots of paperwork
- Cryrodrum – NEVER USE! Use a dry vapor shipper with aluminum tank, shipped in outer fiberglass and with a shipper rated for 21 days. Yes, you have to pay round trip shipping on the tank, but better than dead swimmers.
- Fees on both ends – Someone familiar with procedure has to receive the shipment and work with authorities on acceptance
- Microchips are essential for most countries as permanent identification
- Collection vet (in U.S.) has to be currently accredited with USDA
- Get copies of foreign collections reports for review PRIOR to contracting the semen
- Ask Sirius for recommendations for collection in another country – get an experienced referral
Why Sirius Fertility?… Service!
Not just a great interview but Sirius handles all the paperwork and timing of tests and shipping. The Stud Dog owner just needs to follow the directions of when to make appointments.
Sirius handles the AKC registration and DNA so the litter can be registered.
New Gene Pool Horizons – Russia
Russian just opened up for import and export of semen. Most other countries are also on track to approve or consider import and export.
Just think of the gene pool opportunities in countries that breeders have not had access to.
As Bill McFadden would say:
AMAZING!
THANKS FOR A GREAT AND INFORMATIVE SERIES!
58 -Be the Expert That John Q. Public Needs: Michelle Santana and Foxfire Dobermans
Be the Expert That John Q. Public Needs
Michelle Santana – Foxfire Dobermans
35 years in Dobermans, inherited the love of the breed from her mother, Michelle Santana is dedicated to the future of her favorite breed.
While Michelle tried a brief stint in Collies, she returned committed to her mother’s breeding program, and describes Doberman as:
Labor Intensive, Destructive, Strong… and intent on following you into the bathroom
Michelle and her Foxfire Dobermans have been honored with the AKC Working Group Breeder of the Year Award and a Dogs in Review “Winkie” for Breeder of the Year.
Mentor – Bill Shelton
Bill Shelton is considered by Michelle to be a strong influence and mentor for her as an owner-handler, breeder, and exhibitor. She mirrored his handling style and listened as he spoke of purposefully bred dogs or breeding for the preservation of consistent and reliable traits, types, and temperaments.
Doberman’s Historical Tradition
Dobermans are a silhouette with cropped ears, docked tail, strength, and angles that cause pause to an intruder. Historically a personal protection dog, the upright ear and short tail made it difficult for a perpetrator to grab or defend against the Doberman.
Mentor a Junior, Mentor your Buyers, Mentor a Breeder
Juniors
Juniors are the key to the sport and Michelle encourages experience Breeders to support them. Give them a GREAT DOG to compete with, teach them how to BREED, pay for a junior to compete in the bigger competitions.
Buyers
Be a Mentor to your puppy buyers. Let them know that you are available and the FIRST resource. Encourage them to compete in dog sports, have fun in barn hunt or even consider showing.
Breeders of the Future
Mentor a future breeder. Take it upon yourself to teach one or two people so the knowledge is passed down. Breeding is hard work. We need others willing to carry our breeds forward.
John Q. Public Needs YOU!
OMG! Yes. Mentors in the breeds need to be the educated voice in the public Facebook groups, so answers to questions don’t come from the people who don’t.
Teach the public. Be the VOICE that they hear.
Shout Out to John Engstrom – You Asked!
Listener John Engstrom wrote and asked for a Michelle Santana interview – and Pure Dog Talk listened!
57 – Best in Show: How an Owner-Handler Competes with the Pros – Tricia Stanczyk
Ready to Win Best in Show as an Owner Handler?
Tricia Stanczyk says “You Can Do It Too!”
From English Setters to Parson Russell Terriers, Tricia Stanczyk is an Owner Handler with multiple Best in Shows and a National Specialty win.
Learn by Watching – Practice by Doing
Learning by watching and asking questions is critical. But practice by doing is the essential. Four weeks can’t go by between shows and then you try to remember what you saw.
Practice at home – grooming techniques, handling tips, and training suggestions. That way if you don’t nail it, you can always call or email the professional that helped you and ask for clarification.
Giving advice always feels better when it is listened to and used. Questions are good.
See and Be Seen
Why stay for the groups and Best in Show? Not only do you benefit from watching and learning from the professionals, studying the grooming and handling techniques, but you are also seen. Huh?
Yes. Human nature has the tendency to connect with the familiar. If you are asking the pros for help, they naturally with be more willing if you are familiar.
Ask the Professionals
Approach them when not busy. Be respectful. Offer to help.
Managing Your Nerves
Tricia has three tips for managing her nerve.
- Talking with friends
- Breathing
- Straight Talk – Getting “slapped up alongside the head” and back into reality by not talking herself out of the game.
Be a Worker Bee
Join your local All-Breed Club and Specialty clubs. Be the worker bee that suggests and takes on the responsibility for doing.
Ignore the nay-sayers and negative people.
It’s Just A Dog Show
Remember, it’s just a dog show. Have fun, laugh, love your dog, and enjoy life.
56 – Stud Dog Series: Fresh, Fresh Chilled and Frozen – Do’s Don’t and Why-Nots
What’s Best for Your Stud Dog?
Fresh, Fresh Chilled or Frozen?
Semen Quality
Fresh is Best… but not always an option. Fresh semen, of lower quality, might need a little reproductive vet help to improve the chance of getting your bitch pregnant.
Fresh Chilled Semen
Fresh Chilled requires Timing, timing, timing. For the DIY collectors, prostatic fluid kills the swimmers when shipped. Most of the commercial media’s are good, but some dogs do better in some than in others.
Prepare ahead of time – 7 Day Test
If your are offering your dog out to stud, have him tested in different medias for 7 days to see which is best. Some have egg, some have caffeine, some have antibiotics. Be able to responsibly tell the bitches owner that that your have tested and know that he is viable for X number of days.
Better in the Bitch than in the Box
There is only so much life and energy in the sperm cell. While there are extenders, each day the cells lose integrity… and the sperm still needs to do it’s job inside the bitch.
Fresh Chilled lasts 7-10 days, including the time needed to do the job.
Frozen Semen
When in question, go frozen. Plan ahead with your vet and know Fed Ex delivery times and dates.
Straws vs Pellets
Either is fine. There are extremely important thawing difference between the two. Be sure you know if you vet is familiar with the method used, or is able to ask the source of the semen’s vet.
Always use the thaw media that comes with the semen. Frozen, when thawed, lasts only 6 – 18 hours, including the time inside the bitch.
Viability Testing
New technology for viability testing is available – ask if your vet has it. Motility is not everything. The protein head of the sperm has to be healthy and viability testing is the only way to know for sure.
Timing, Timing, and Tips
- THE most important factor is timing and it differs with each method. Progesterone timing is the key.
- Collect a young and promising dog at 2 as soon as health clearances are done. You can always dispose of later.
- LABEL THE SAMPLE!!! Name, breed, dog’s name on every tube. Don’t rely on shipping label.
- Caution on supplements – be sure to tell reproductive vet everything at least a month prior to using the dog.
- Stress is a large infertility factor. Collect a dog before campaigning.
- Peas, flax and soy – Phytoestrogens convert to estrogen. Some dogs have sensitivities or may be low in estrogen.
SEMINAR COMING SOON!
Sirius Canine Fertility held a reproductive seminar. The lectures will be available soon.
