Splash Dogs is pleased to announce the location of it’s 2010 Splash Dogs National Championships - Las Vegas, NV.  That’s right Splash Doggers – Viva Las Vegas!

Mark your calendars!  The 2010 Splash Dogs National Championship will be hosted by the Bass Pro Shops of Las Vegas, NV November 4 – 7, 2010. This annual event, which was once known as the Splash Dogs Cynosport World Dock Jumping Championships, will be a four day action packed event which will include several last chance qualifying competitions, a Championship for all Splash Dogs Super Air Divisions ( Splash, Junior, Senior, Pro and Extreme) and Classes of competition (Super Vertical, Lap Dog and Junior Handler) as well as our Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday evening. More details still to come.

2010 National Championships Qualifying - As in previous years, your dog must qualify to attend the Splash Dogs National Championship. There will be several last minute qualifiers running from Thursday through mid day Saturday. The requirements for qualifying are below. Please note that Ultimate Air Dogs and SRS jumps will also count towards qualifying for the Splash Dogs National Championship.

To Read The Full Article please click here: https://splashdogs.wordpress.com/2010/08/21/viva-las-vegas-2010-national-championship-announced/

New Super Vertical Record Set 7′10″!

On Saturday, August 7th, the crowds at the Sonoma County Fair gathered for the final Super Vertical competition of the “Fly in Memory of Primo” Dock Jumping Event. Little did they know that this was going to be a night to go down in the record books. With competitors such as Qiana and Amy Peterson, Aries and Ally Kinley and of course Cricket and Ray Crane, it was sure to be an event to remember. Pyro, an 11 1/2 month old Dutch Shepard and his handler Ashley Reitfors took to the dock for the first time of the night at 6 feet, from there the sky was the limit. As they reached the 7 foot height, Pyro and Ashley left everyone behind and continued to climb on their own.

To Read The Full Article please click here: http://splashdogs.wordpress.com/2010/08/20/new-super-vertical-record-set/

She never complained about the weather, the hours or the pay. She never took a sick day. And unless her partner went on vacation, she never took a day off either. She worked like a dog because she was one. She was Parks Canada’s sweetheart and her name was Attila.

Attila was one of three female search and rescue dogs in Parks Canada’s history. Despite her extensive training and ability to live up to her name when called for, many who spent time with her occasionally forgot that she wasn’t a pet. She was a working dog and a good one at that.

Born on March 28, 1999 at Schooner Kennels in Nanoose, BC, Attila proved to be one of the most aggressive of her litter and showed early signs of what was to come. Reared by RCMP corporal Andrew Shepherd, Attila was paired with national park warden Mike Henderson. After a gruelling 85-day course at the RCMP Police Dog Training Centre in Innisfail, Alberta, Henderson and Attila were ready. Much to Henderson’s relief, the partnership was a natural fit, not only for the two of them, but for the entire public safety team. From January 2001 until May 2006, the duo was inseparable.

“Attila was Mike’s first (working) dog,” explains Marc Ledwidge, Parks Canada Visitor Safety Specialist. “And within the first winter of working together, Mike was working like an experienced handler. It was easy to trust the two of them. They really complimented one another.”

While trained as an RCMP search dog, the 34-kilogram German shepherd was also a certified avalanche dog. Between the two profiles, Attila was on 24/7. And so was Henderson.

“No other civil servant works hours like that,” Ledwidge says. “The dog needs constant training. The only time Mike and the dog get a break is when he goes on holidays and the dog goes to a kennel.”

When asked about the benefits of having a dog in Parks Canada’s mountain safety program, Ledwidge is quick to respond. “It’s huge,” replies Ledwidge. “Dogs reduce the risk to responders, limit the number of people on site and give us a confidence level whether or not we can stop searching.”

Attila responded to more than 400 calls during her career, including 72 avalanche operations. High- profile assignments included her first recovery at Fortress Mountain (Alberta) in 2002, 2003 Rogers Pass (Glacier National Park) avalanche that killed seven teens from Strathcona-Tweedsmuir school near Calgary, 2003 Lake Agnes (Banff National Park) Avalanche and what Henderson coins, “the 2004 commercial morel mushroom-picking sting,” in Kootenay National Park. One of the more “entertaining” calls included tracking a running naked man west of the Banff townsite, who Henderson describes as “having a moment.”

Attila loved the chase. Rarely did she bark up the wrong tree.

“Usually if I didn’t like the way a track was coming together or if something wasn’t working, it was because I’d done something wrong,” Henderson offers.

While known as one of the best rescue dogs in the country with superior travel skills, she didn’t come without faults. Henderson described Attila as, “a notorious escape artist from kennels,” eventually leading her to settle down in Canmore with Henderson’s family in a “super-plush,” outdoor kennel. Sometimes “gawky” on the job, she loved chasing snowballs and barked “a lot.” She punctured countless anoraks and was once run over by a jet boat.

Later in her career, lower back problems made travelling in snow painful and increasingly difficult. The decision was made to retire her in the hope she’d bounce back and enjoy the remainder of her life in comfort. But she wasn’t willing to let sleeping dogs lie—not until she went out with a bang. Attila ended her career on a high note with a made-for-television style story that was anything but ordinary. Attila, Henderson and a new RCMP member hopped into a helicopter to search for an individual suspected of breaking into backcountry warden cabins in Banff National Park. Attila helped capture the suspect who was later deported back to his country of origin.

After fierce competition and calls from people across the country hoping to give Attila a forever home, Harold Fukuda, a retired RCMP member with a ranch and a soft-spot for animals, got the news he’d been hoping for. Attila had a good place to go to. And best of all, no introductions were needed. Fukuda and Attila had crossed paths professionally on several occasions while working in the Banff area. Everyone knew the right decision was made and that Attila was in good hands.

Henderson thought of Attila often but never saw her after she moved to the Fukuda ranch. “I knew the Fukuda family was doing a great job with Attila,” Henderson shares.  “It seemed best to avoid throwing any wrenches into the new bond.”

Attila adjusted to life on the ranch well and was instrumental in finding an all sorts of things her new family didn’t even know were missing. On Aug 18, 2010, Attila went for a big run, had a nap and never woke up. Fukuda called Henderson with the news.

“Ironically, Atar (Henderson’s current dog) and I had just got back from an early morning search on Mt. Kidd,” Henderson recalls. “My family and I all had a cry, but we had to reload the truck and get ready for the next call. It sounds a bit emotionless, which isn’t the case. It’s just the expectations of any professional dog handler.” She may have been a working dog, but Parks Canada staff loved her like family.

Thanks Attila.

Photo Caption: Attlia’s Handler Mike Henderson, Parks Canada.

Michelle Macullo
Communications Officer/Agente des communications
Banff National Park/Parc national Banff
(Tel/Tél.)  403-762-1526
(Fax/Télec.) 403-762-1583

(Article Excerpt)

Whether you are getting ready for your first canine competition or you’re an experienced exhibitor, you may wonder exactly what the judge is looking for at each event you enter. You might be surprised that often, it isn’t technical precision or perfection. Read on to find out what tips judges of many different dog sports have to offer for the ideal competition performance… (PURCHASE A COPY OF THE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE) Available on September 16, 2010.

By Brenna Fender

Raven OKeefe cares about the environment. We’re not talking about just “recycle paper and aluminum” cares, or even “bring reusable bags to the grocery store” cares. We’re talking about “having and entirely green sheepdog trial” cares.

That’s a lot of caring.

The concept seems nearly impossible, but OKeefe and her Wolston Farm Sheep Thrillz Sheepdog Trial partner, Ian Caldicott, made it work, and work well, over the July 4^th weekend. The group took many extra steps to reduce waste and promote recycling during the event.

One major source of ecological problems at large outdoor public events is the use of disposable water bottles, which create excess waste that must be recycled. OKeefe reduced this problem significantly by selling aluminum water bottles at cost ($2) and providing free ice water to those who purchased a bottle or brought a reusable bottle from home. No disposable bottles of water were sold or provided at the event, which was held in Scio, Oregon.

Other products used at the trial were as eco-friendly as possible. OKeefe provided recycled napkins that were compostable, supplied poop scoopers (to avoid using poop bags), and offered snacks only in biodegradable containers. OKeefe also provided information on recycling, composting, and resource availability for competitors and spectators who wanted to learn more.

Competitors at the Wolston Farm Sheep Thrillz Sheepdog Trial knew ahead of time that the event would be “different.” OKeefe sent out letters to competitors explaining the goal of having a green trial and what rules and procedures would be implemented in order to achieve it. In fact, to start the competition off as eco-friendly as possible, she offered an entry fee discount to all competitors who carpooled with others to the trial.

Thanks to the advance preparation and supportive competitors, the event went very smoothly. OKeefe told competitors after the trial, “I was expecting some hassles and negative feedback, maybe complaints over the lack of bottled water, the non-traditional kinds of snack foods, and the lack of any garbage cans. So it was amazing and wonderful to hear nothing but positive comments, to see everyone willingly taking part. Usually during a trial I have to make the rounds a couple of times a day picking up trash, discarded water bottles, and all sorts of other junk. This year, I didn’t have to do it a single time.”

Competitor Pearse Ward adds, “I think that Ian and Raven are to be commended for taking such an innovative approach. The lack of plastic water bottles was a welcome change. For the price of a couple of plastic bottles of water, we got a souvenir permanent water bottle and ice water on demand. Raven’s use of compostable wrapping for all of the snacks was a definite step forward. The idea that after a weekend of activity, there was no garbage going to a landfill was something that all of the competitors appreciated.”

Far from being an inconvenience or deterrent, the eco-friendly measures both inspired people and encouraged attendance. Ward says, “From the point of view of a handler, I could see no downside to the effort and applaud Ian and Raven for taking a step in the right direction. It’s something I hope to introduce at other trials at which I’m on the organizing committee.” OKeefe adds, “Several spectators made a point of telling me that they came just because they’d heard about it being a green event. Isn’t that wonderful? I’ve also heard from two other people who are hosting sheepdog trials who want to do at least some of what we did, so the ripples really are spreading. That makes me so happy; it’s just what I was hoping for.”

Despite the extra effort that competitors and spectators had to expend in order to follow the green trial rules, there were really no problems at the event. “Everyone, including participants and spectators, was very positive about putting everything in the recycle and compostable/biodegradable bins we provided,” says OKeefe.

The trial went so well that OKeefe plans to repeat the eco-friendly efforts in the future. She says, “I absolutely intend to do every trial or other event we hold here on the farm in this same way. The only changes I’ll be making will be trying to find less expensive compostable packaging for snacks and drinks, so I’m not actually losing money in providing those things.”

For more information on how to make your next dog competition more eco-friendly, please see the September/October issue of DogSport Magazine, on sale September 16, 2010.

Brenna Fender is a freelance writer and mother of two young children, a Whippet, and a young Papillon. The Whippet and her canine predecessors were collectively titled in conformation, obedience, agility, rally, hunting, and lure coursing. Brenna lives with her husband and family in Florida, and can be reached at brennafender@gmail.com

Photography Credit -
Field and Farm Photography
Bonnie Block
http://www.fieldandfarmphoto.com
http://www.pbase.com/herderdog

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]]> http://www.dogsportmagazine.com/?feed=rss2&p=1788 0 http://www.dogsportmagazine.com/?p=1784 http://www.dogsportmagazine.com/?p=1784#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:42:25 +0000 admin http://www.dogsportmagazine.com/?p=1784 NTI Global End of Summer Agility Blow Out Sale
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Keep enjoying your Dog Days of Summer!

AKC RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP DAYS UNLEASHED

– Hundreds of Nationwide Events Listed on www.akc.org/rdod –

New York, NY – Interested in learning training and grooming tips from the pros? Looking for a new canine family member? Or want to start competing in AKC events? Then be sure to mark “AKC® Responsible Dog Ownership Days” on your calendar. This month-long celebration includes hundreds of organizations around the country holding free events filled with fun and engaging activities for every current or future dog owner. AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day events are held throughout September and are listed on www.akc.org/rdod

This year, you can weigh in about your own responsible ownership habits. In the spirit of this month-long celebration, the AKC has created a fun, light-hearted AKC RDO Days survey to learn more about America’s doggie “dos” and “don’ts.” Take the survey and the AKC will announce the survey results at the beginning of September to kick-off AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days.

“Dogs are considered to be members of the family and the best way to return the love of your dog is to be a responsible owner,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “We encourage everyone to attend an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days event near them to both have fun and learn about all the different ways to have fun and do more with your dog.”

Each AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event is unique but many include AKC Rally^®, Obedience and Agility demonstrations, meet the breeds, microchip clinics, breed rescue information, legislation seminars, therapy dog/service dog demonstrations, health clinics, safety around dogs for kids, giveaways and other entertaining and educational activities. If you want to show your friends and family how well-mannered your dog can be, take the AKC Canine Good Citizen^® (CGC) Test. This 10-step test rewards well-mannered, obedient dogs – and is offered at many events.

Listings of all events can be found and searched by state at www.akc.org/rdod. The site will be updated weekly to reflect new additions.  Over 200 local events have been entered to date, including:

9/4 – Trap Falls Kennel Club, Easton, Connecticut – AKC Canine Good Citizen^® Testing; AKC CAR microchip clinic; AKC Rally and Obedience matches; vendors and demonstrations

9/11 – Northeastern Indiana Kennel Club, Fort Wayne, Indiana – Agility, Obedience and Police K-9 demos; Meet breeders and learn about the pros and cons of their breed; free dog photos, caricatures, doggy massages and face-painting; discounted microchipping; and fifteen different breed rescue groups and therapy dog groups on-site.

9/18 – Seneca Siberian Husky Club, Brockport, New York – Demonstrations of dog sports including sledding, agility, rally, and flyball; meet therapy and police K9 dogs and some of AKC’s 167 breeds; attend classes on first aid and traveling with your dog; speak to a professional behaviorist, vet, trainer and pet communicator; and enjoy kids’ activities like crafts, coloring, and a safety class.

9/20 – Hartford Obedience Training Club, West Springfield, Massachusetts – Demonstrations of AKC Canine Good Citizen^® test exercises; information about disaster planning in case of emergency; and a mini-Meet the Breeds before and after all demonstrations.

AKC will celebrate its own AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day in Raleigh, N.C. on Saturday, September 25. The event will feature many AKC-recognized breeds, agility and obedience demonstrations, AKC CGC^® testing, low-cost AKC CAR microchipping, goodie bags and much more. Organizations interested in hosting an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days event should contact the AKC at communications@akc.org or visit http://www.akc.org/rdod

AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days are sponsored by Invisible Fence® Brand, Hill’s^® Science Diet^® Small & Toy Breed Dog Food and ADT Security Services.  These organizations will be highlighting their commitment to responsible dog ownership this September by working with event-hosting organizations across the country to provide resources and information for pet owners.

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The American Kennel Club (AKC), proudly celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2009. Since 1884 the not-for-profit organization has maintained the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, and today its rules govern more than 20,000 canine competitions each year. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org. AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards were established by the American Kennel Club in 1998 to honor and celebrate those whose years of hard work and dedication have significantly impacted the world of purebred dog sports on a national level.

This year’s nominees are:

Conformation - Jean Fournier of Calhoun, Georgia won the Siberian Husky Club of America’s coveted Working/Showing Trophy in 1973.  She has judged over 75 national and local specialty shows, and currently serves on the board of the American Dog Show Judges Association.

Walter F. Goodman of Miami, Florida is a breeder-owner-handler of Skye Terriers.  He has finished 35 champions, acquiring 99 Best in Shows, among other achievements.  He has served on the AKC Board of Directors since 1988, and is a director of the AKC Museum of the Dog.

Keke Kahn of Sarasota, Florida is a breeder-owner-handler of Lhasa Apsos.  She has bred 58 AKC champions, including six all-breed Best in Show dogs and many group winners.  She achieved her goal of becoming an all-breed judge in 1997.

Companion Events

James Ham of Harrison Township, Michigan has trained and exhibited Dalmatians, Smooth Fox Terriers, and now has Border Terriers.  His very first Dalmatian became the first Am/Can CH, Am/Can UDT.  In addition to Obedience and Tracking, he also exhibits in breed, agility, and rally.  He began judging 26 years ago, and has judged in 49 out of the 50 states.

Shirley Indelicato of Acton, California is a breeder, conformation and obedience exhibitor, and AKC-approved judge for all Obedience and Rally classes.  She has shown dogs in obedience to the highest degree, as well as championships in the breed ring.  In addition, she has conducted training classes and has taught more than 12,000 owners to train their dogs in obedience.

Jill K. Jones of Brownsville, Oregon has been involved in obedience and tracking since the early 1970s.  Her first dog, a Norwegian Elkhound, became the first of the breed to achieve a UDT in 1975.  She has judged obedience and tracking for years, and is currently competing with a Labrador Retriever and Pembroke Welsh Corgi in agility and obedience.

Performance

Jo Ann Frier-Murza of Crosswicks, New Jersey has been a major part of den trials and earthdog for years.  She worked with the AKC advisory panel on developing the earthdog program in 1993.  She has earned multiple Master Earthdog titles with her own dogs, as well as field championships on four Dachshunds.

Leida Jones of Lady Lake, Florida is passionate about animals and has been involved in herding since the program was developed by the AKC.  She has served on two Herding Advisory Committees and gives herding lessons to others.

Linda Stilwell of Duncan, Oklahoma is a fancier and breeder of Basenjis.  Ever since Basenjis have been accepted into lure coursing, she has participated with her dogs in both the AKC and American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA).  She has produced multiple Field Champions and Top Ten dogs in lure coursing.

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The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization, which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.  Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 20,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog.  For more information, visit www.akc.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: AKC Communications
E-mail: communications@akc.org