November/December 2009 – Editorials

DogSport Magazine November – December 2009 Issue.
Take a Peak at this month’s Editorials from the Editor’s of DogSport Magazine.

Everyday Learning (Editorial Thought) – By Joyce Raeburn
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We’ve all heard the old saying; “You learn something new everyday.” The experience of publishing DogSport Magazine has led me to truly believe it. To go back and review: NTI Global purchased DogSport Magazine for the November/December 2008 issue. This was first opportunity that I had to write to you. In this editorial I spoke of our core values: To Share, Learn, Grow and Collaborate. Our mission in 2009 has been that each DogSport Magazine Issue would include these values while still serving as a valuable resource for all readers. Over the past 25 years NTI Global, a manufacturing corporation, has specialized in the production of nine divisions and serves customers all over the world. Of all the products that NTI has had their hands in, it was a first for NTI to enter the publishing world.

With a background in Communications, Marketing and Graphic Design we figured, hey, no problem. Well, that was easier said than done, believe me. All of a sudden DogSport began to consume 110% of all my time: late work hours, early mornings, long days, late nights, weekends, etc. But it was well worth it. After all was said and done finally…a hard copy of the magazine arrived in our hands and it was bigger, perfect bound, so colorful, and well just awesome! Yeah, success! And as great as it was to hold the very first issue of the magazine we published, I immediately thought…5 more to go! And so our journey with DogSport Magazine began.  Putting together the magazine occupied 110% of my time and caused me to keep the following list of the TOP 20 tips I picked up and learned along the way. While these tips have been applied to publishing, organizing and designing the magazine we challenge you to try applying these tips to your every day care of your pups, and even when training and trialing!

1. How to begin?  Well, make a To-Do list, set some goals, recruit some people, then start!

2. Stay organized.

3. Always have a back up plan.

4. Take great record keeping notes; it has the potential to have the biggest impact for change or success.

5. Keep an open mind to new challenges and obstacles that are presented to you.   Remember another great axiom “You learn from your mistakes.”

6. Don’t push too hard, take a break, re-cap and go back and try again at another time.

7. Make sure you are properly stretched, and warmed up and ready to go before taking on a new activity.

8. Have fun! Stay Relaxed! Be open to taking advice, tips, and opinions from others (beginners and experienced alike).

9. Be Informed. Stay connected. Learn online from your peers with up to date information by using the internet online, yahoo groups, blogging, and social networking sites like twitter and Facebook.

10.  Be in the moment! Breathe deeply, focus intently and enjoy each every instance.

11. Timing is everything. How long does it take to get through each obstacle? Time it, you need to know.

12. Focus attention, it’s great for teamwork.

13. It’s not about winning…It’s about participating!

14. Strategy takes some planning.

15. Be a good listener and try to become a great listener.

16. Put a positive spin on it and look for the good in any situation. Keep it fun, for as long as possible.

17. Shake it up. Change up your usual environment, write things down, evaluate and adopt changes that work.

18. Consult the best resources (Research, Writers, Articles, DVDs, Books, Trainers and More!) as that will widen your opportunities to learn.

19. The primary focus of articles, features, and training should always be what is best for the dog.

20. Lead the Way!

One year later, as the November/December 2009 issue beings to hit newsstands and mailboxes, we believe we have come full circle. We hope that from the variety of topics the magazine has contained in each issue that each of you has found something thought provoking or learned something new and useful in your own sporting world.  A Special Thank You for all the support, encouragement, and feedback that our Readers, Writers, Photographers, and Advertisers have provided us.  Thank you for a great 2009!  Throughout 2010 we will continue to share the best information available in dog sports, and each issue of DogSport will include a Special “Theme” Focus.  So…stay tuned for what’s to come because you don’t want to miss anything…and you just may learn something new!

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Rachal’s Food for Thought piece poses questions to YOU our readers!  Please take the time to review and email her your answers to her questions.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Editor’s Questions / Readers’ Answers – By Rachal Raeburn
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When I sat down to write my editorial for this month I found I had more questions for the readers, than advice to give them.Why are some readers thrilled with the expansion of the magazine into new sports and canine care, and others determined to think of us as nothing more than “…another American Magazine…?”

I’d like to take this time to pose to you, the reader, several questions and to clear the air. When Andrew and Anne Douglas approached NTI Global with the prospect of selling DogSport Magazine, we were excited at the opportunity of becoming an integral part of your training. We were thrilled to be able to reach out to the community in a new way. Joyce and I immediately started going over new sports, events, and topics we could engage the readers with.  We wanted to make DogSport a magazine that EVERY competitor could enjoy.  Somehow though I feel this excitement has been snuffed out. We have received “unfriendly” comments on not only the articles, but also our writers (a group we are very fond of), and even our photos! I must say, the old adage of ‘If you can’t saying anything nice, don’t say anything at all’ certainly doesn’t hold true anymore.

We welcome constructive feedback on articles, writers, new topics, and past topics. We certainly do not want to disappoint you. We work to find new and exciting articles for each issue. Our writers provide feedback and ideas for new stories. They pour hours into their work for us, and neither they nor we know everything about every sport.  So, by all means tell us how you feel or what you think.  You can email me directly at Letters@DogSportMagazine.com.

Our goal is to promote a healthy and long relationship between you and your dog(s). Joyce and I have agreed to give 2010 one strong push onwards! In 2010 we hope to continue to print 112 pages filled with color, excitement, and encouragement for our readers. Having expressed my feelings, I now hope you will do the same. To contribute to DogSport Magazine please write, email, or call us with your answers to the questions below.

What articles do YOU want to see in 2010? Why?

What articles should we remove?

For our dedicated readers – what changes do you LIKE? What changes do you wish you could reverse?

For our new readers – why did you subscribe?

We greatly appreciate your continued support and look forward to growing our community of enthusiasts, trainers, and dog companions! Send us your feedback today: Letters@DogSportMagazine.com